188: From Burnout to Alpha: Rebuilding the Modern Man with Ali Gilbert

📝 Shownotes:

Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of the Fire Forged Leader, host Steve Baumgartner is joined by elite men’s health coach Ali Gilbert, often dubbed "The Queen of Men's Health." Together, they unpack the silent struggles high-achieving men face: burnout, low energy, strained relationships, and hormone imbalances. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders ready to optimize their life beyond the boardroom—starting with their health.

From testosterone truths to how modern training should evolve for men over 40, Ali brings brutal honesty, science-backed insight, and a compassionate wake-up call to men living at 50% when they could be at 100%. 💪🔥

What You’ll Learn:

• Why optimizing your health is the missing key for high-level performers
• The real reason behind low energy, irritability, and disconnection at home
• The truth about testosterone therapy (TRT), myths vs. facts
• Why you should train less, not more — and how it leads to better results
• How to approach bloodwork (and why your PCP may not cut it)
• The ROI of investing in your health as a man, leader, and father
• Why outsourcing your health isn’t weakness—it’s elite

⏱️ Chapter Markers:

00:00 | 🔥 The Silent Burnout of High-Level Men
00:45 | 🎧 Welcome to the Fire Forge
01:18 | ❓ "Would You Hire the Man in the Mirror?"
02:50 | 🥊 Steve’s Wake-Up Call on Health & Testosterone
03:45 | 👑 Becoming the "Queen of Men’s Health"
05:20 | 🏌️ From Golf Bros to Hormone Pros
07:30 | 💔 Healing Men by Healing the Father Wound
09:15 | 🧠 Men’s Mental Load and Opening Up to Coaching
10:30 | 🔄 Breaking Burnout Cycles through Structured Coaching
12:15 | 🧬 From Training to Hormone Optimization
14:50 | 🍚 How Nutrition + Physiology Connect
17:15 | 🧪 Reading the Signs: Bloodwork & Testosterone
20:00 | 🔋 What Happens When Your T Levels Are Right
22:00 | 🚫 Busting TRT Myths from the 90s
24:25 | 🧠 First Steps: Labs, Stress Audit & Structure
26:43 | 💸 Why Cash-Based Labs > Insurance Loops
29:00 | 🩺 GPs vs. Hormone Experts
31:26 | 🎯 How Hormones Must Be Managed, Not Just Prescribed
33:44 | 🏋️‍♂️ Training Smarter, Not Harder After 40
36:05 | 🧠 Vision & Identity Beyond Muscle
40:48 | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How It Transforms Relationships at Home
43:06 | 💡 It's Not Just About Diets & Workouts
45:28 | 💰 "I Can’t Spend That On Me" - The Resistance
47:50 | 🔚 Final Message: Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource Your Health
49:52 | 🧨 Final Forge Wisdom – Action Over Words

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• 🔥 Ali Gilbert’s Website & Coaching: https://www.aligilbert.com
• 🧬 Silverback Summit 2025 (Men’s Health Event): https://silverbacksummit.com

“You’ve optimized your company… but not your body. Would you hire the man in your mirror?”
 “You’re not weak for needing help. You’re elite for building your team.”
 “TRT isn’t about sex and muscles—it’s