Jeremy Neskey on Life Lessons from a Combat Medic and Mountaineer

Welcome to Trail Blazers, where we challenge boundaries and reframe what it means to truly live big. They say if you feel like the biggest fish in the pond, it’s time to move. Likewise, if you’re the smartest person in the room, it’s time to find a new room. If you’re overly concerned about the process, the outcome might slip away. 

In today's episode Johnny is joined by Jeremy Neskey, a retired U.S. Army combat medic and mountaineering instructor, to explore a life shaped by adaptability, resilience, and finding purpose in the face of change. Jeremy’s journey began with a passion for climbing that led him into the military, all thanks to a recruiter’s unexpected offer. From there, he spent 26 years forging an unconventional career path, moving from infantry to medic and mountaineering, carving out a unique role within the Army. This path wasn’t a straight line but a series of choices made with a drive to explore new experiences and embrace every twist.

Along the way, Jeremy found himself at pivotal turning points, like working as a mechanic only to realise the work wasn’t for him after a memorable day under a salt-crusted car. Another shift came while working as a rock-climbing guide, which he left after hilariously convincing kids that puffins were carnivorous. It was this realisation that led him back to the Army, just before 9/11 changed everything.

Through deployments and high-stakes assignments, Jeremy discovered a deep sense of purpose, especially within the Army's Mountain Warfare School. He trained soldiers and civilians across the globe, helping establish response protocols for nations with limited infrastructure. With guidance from his mentors and a constant desire to grow, Jeremy eventually specialised in rescue and wilderness medicine, channeling his love for the outdoors into a lifelong commitment to service.

Today, Jeremy reflects on these pivotal moments and what they’ve taught him about resilience, adaptability, and finding his calling, even if it meant living in his truck or trekking across foreign lands. So grab a seat, and join us for a conversation about courage, growth, and embracing life’s unpredictability.