Ep. 25 | Hotshots: Wildland Firefighting Special Ops | Justin Demoss
Jordan Ryan talks with Justin Demoss about the world of wildland firefighting, focusing on smokejumpers and hotshots. Justin shares his firefighting journey, highlighting the importance of physical and mental fitness. They discuss deployment, training, and fitness advancements, as well as balancing performance and wellness in the off-season. The episode introduces Hot Shot Wellness and the Wildland Adventure Resilience Program, emphasizing family dynamics and resilience. They also explore the ties between veterans, the military community, and the coffee business, along with using surf therapy as a therapeutic activity.
Key Points
- Hotshot crews are highly specialized wildland firefighting units that require rigorous fitness and experience standards, distinguishing them from Type 2 and Type 2 IA crews.
- The mental and physical toll on wildland firefighters is immense, with high rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, highlighting the need for better wellness support and resources.
- Hotshot Wellness is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the well-being of wildland firefighters by providing resources for mental health, physical fitness, and overall personal development, including partnerships with universities and other organizations.
Ep. 25 | Hotshots: Wildland Firefighting Special Ops | Justin DeMoss 🔥 Mind Body Mushroom Podcast
Welcome back to Mind Body Mushroom, the show where we dive deep into holistic health, personal growth, and the mindset shifts that fuel high performance.
In Episode 25, host Jordan Ryan interviews Justin DeMoss, director of Hotshot Wellness and former Golden Eagles Hotshot. Justin’s mission is to transform the wildland firefighter experience through evidence-based wellness, performance optimization, and personal growth.
We talk about what it's really like on the fire line, the difference between hotshots and smokejumpers (think Army Rangers vs. Green Berets), and how ancient tools like meditation, breathwork, and purpose are now being used to rebuild resilience in some of the toughest humans on earth.
If you’re a veteran, first responder, athlete, or just someone seeking deeper meaning and performance through discomfort — this one’s for you.
🔥 What You'll Learn: The structure of wildland firefighting crews (Type 2, Type 2IA, Hotshots, Smokejumpers)
Mental health challenges in fire season and the dangerous off-season slump
Holistic wellness tools that actually work in high-stress careers
Fitness, recovery, and nutrition myths in tactical populations
What it’s like running a nonprofit for the most underserved first responders
Why meditation, solitude, and nature are critical for mental strength
🧭 Connect with Justin DeMoss & Hotshot Wellness: 🌐 Website: www.hotshotwellness.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/hotshotwellness
🎥 Watch the Hotshot Wellness Summit talks (free): https://www.hotshotwellness.com/resources
🎙 Brought to You By: ☕ Windansea Coffee Adaptogen-infused coffee made for peak performance, nervous system recovery, and real wellness. Explore our mushroom lattes, functional powders, and infused whole bean blends at: 🌐 www.windanseacoffee.com
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Listen to all episodes of Mind Body Mushroom: 🎧 https://podcast.windanseacoffee.com
🏄 Mentioned in This Episode: The Swell Mission – Surf therapy for first responders & their families
AWOW and Jimmy Miller Foundation – Veteran & responder surf therapy orgs
Brent Ruby, PhD – Pioneer in wildland firefighter research
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Transcript
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