Forged in the Fire: Dr. Justin Abbott on Mental Health, Faith, and the Healing Power of the Fire 🔥

Behind The Anvil Podcast with guest Dr. Justin Abbott In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Dr. Justin Abbott to explore the powerful connection between knife-making, mental health, and faith. Dr. Abbott shares how his love for blades began with a simple Swiss Army knife from his grandmother in the 1980s—and how forging later became a source of peace and reflection during the long, stressful years of medical school. The conversation dives into the therapeutic side of forging, the importance of creating safe spaces for men, and how community gatherings—like the “fires” movement spreading across the country—are helping men open up, heal, and find purpose through honest conversation and brotherhood. Michael and Justin discuss the weight of societal pressure on men, the struggles of grief, loss, and vulnerability, and the need to bring faith and authenticity back into the conversation about mental health. Together, they explore topics like ketamine-assisted therapy, modern mental health treatments, and the spiritual parallels between forging steel and refining the soul. From the shop to the firepit, this episode reminds us that true strength isn’t found in silence—it’s forged in the heat of struggle, shaped by faith, and strengthened through the support of other men walking the same path.