Episode 15 – Faith, Forging, and Purpose with John Wigger

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson reconnects with longtime friend and fellow blacksmith John Wigger. The two catch up on family life, parenting, and the challenges of balancing work with raising kids before diving into John’s inspiring journey. John shares how his path in blacksmithing led to competing on Forged in Fire—and ultimately winning the title of champion. He opens up about the impact of Christian fellowship within the bladesmithing community, his mission work in Africa, and the development of Bamba Forge and Toro Forge in Uganda—initiatives that are empowering local craftsmen with skills, income, and purpose. Michael and John also explore faith and calling, discussing the importance of living out biblical principles in marriage, business, and service. From John’s Hawthorne Forge Foundation to Michael’s vision of teaching knife-making classes for veterans and youth, both men highlight how blacksmithing can forge more than steel—it can forge lives. The conversation also touches on: John’s experiences on Forged in Fire and how editing misrepresented his testimony. The power of mentorship, faith, and mission work in shaping communities. Michael’s plans for his American Bladesmith YouTube series and future projects. Finding balance between God, family, and work while pursuing meaningful ventures. This episode is a heartfelt mix of blacksmithing, faith, family, and purpose—reminding us that the strongest blades, and the strongest lives, are forged in fire.