The Dad Edge Podcast

Do you ever feel like there's a relentless critic living inside your head?   The one that questions your worth, second-guesses your decisions, and tells you that you're not enough — as a husband, father, or leader?   In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I sit down with Ashleigh Di Lello, founder of Bio Emotional Healing, to unpack the neuroscience behind the inner critic, self-sabotage, chronic stress, and identity. Ashleigh shares her extraordinary story — from being told at 13 she wouldn't survive a rare viral illness, to rebuilding her body and career as an elite dancer, to losing everything again after a failed surgery left her in chronic pain. What she discovered about the brain, the nervous system, and self-compassion doesn't just apply to injury — it applies to every man stuck in anxiety, pressure, and silent self-judgment.   This isn't about positive thinking. It's about understanding how your nervous system works, how identity is formed, and how to rewire the patterns that keep you reactive, disconnected, and exhausted. If you're tired of white-knuckling life and ready for real tools grounded in neuroscience, this episode is for you.     Timeline Summary [0:00] The inner critic most men silently battle [2:05] Ashleigh's diagnosis at 13 and being told she wouldn't survive [18:45] Using mental rehearsal to rebuild neural pathways [26:43] Losing her career after a failed surgery [30:45] Studying neuroscience to "flip the pain switch" [35:12] What harsh self-criticism does to the brain [44:16] The five-minute "container" exercise [59:06] Rewriting identity through intentional self-talk     Five Key Takeaways Harsh self-criticism activates fight-or-flight and blocks growth. Self-compassion is neurological safety — not weakness. Your brain validates whatever identity you reinforce. You can't lie to your brain, but you can guide it. What you suppress gains power — structured processing creates freedom.   Links & Resources: Ashleigh Di Lello Website: https://www.ashleighdilello.com Follow Ashleigh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighdilello/ Collagen (1st Phorm – what I personally use): https://1stphorm.com/products/collagen-with-dermaval/?a_aid=dadedge Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/preview Dad Edge Business Boardroom (Mastermind): https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1443     Closing Remark If this episode hit home — if you recognized that voice in your head — I challenge you to try the five-minute container exercise this week. Lead yourself with steadiness. Lead your family with clarity.   If you found value in today's conversation, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Every share helps us impact more fathers, families, and future generations.   From my heart to yours — go out and live legendary.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Ross Greene, clinical psychologist and creator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, to unpack why traditional rewards and punishments often make behavior worse — not better. We dive deep into why "because I said so" stops working, what your child's frustration is actually communicating, and how to shift from authoritarian control to collaborative leadership that builds trust, accountability, and critical thinking.   If you've ever thought, "Why is this not working anymore?" this episode will give you a radically different lens — and practical tools you can use immediately.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Why power struggles are so common in parenting [2:00] Introducing Dr. Ross Greene and the CPS model  [6:17] Why rewards and punishments don't solve the real problem  [8:33] Concerning behavior as a frustration response  [12:04] The 3-step collaborative problem-solving process explained  [16:19] Real-life example: solving teeth brushing battles with a 3-year-old  [30:56] Curfew conflict and how to navigate teenage resistance  [37:16] How collaborative parenting builds critical thinking  [41:56] Why authoritarian parenting may cause long-term harm  [47:06] Developmental variability — why every child is different  [49:23] Why noncompliance is informative, not defiance  [56:31] Accountability through collaboration — not punishment      Five Key Takeaways Concerning behavior is a signal, not a character flaw. It communicates an unsolved problem.  Rewards and punishments modify behavior — they don't solve the underlying issue.  The 3-step CPS process (Empathy, Define Adult Concern, Invitation) reduces conflict and builds trust.  Noncompliance is information. It tells you an expectation may exceed your child's current skill set.  Collaborative leadership builds accountability, emotional regulation, and critical thinking.      Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: http://thedadedge.com/preview Dad Edge Business Boardroom (Mastermind): https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Dr. Ross Greene — Lives in the Balance (Free Resources): https://livesinthebalance.org Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1442   Closing Remark   If this episode challenged how you think about discipline, accountability, and leadership at home, don't just sit on it — put it into practice. Try the empathy step tonight. Lead with curiosity. Solve one unsolved problem.   If this conversation impacted you, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. The way we parent today shapes the leaders of tomorrow.   From my heart to yours — go out and live legendary.

In this powerful behind-the-scenes conversation, I sit down with Marc Hildebrand — former LAPD sergeant turned high-performance coach — to unpack what men are actually thinking before they decide to step into brotherhood. We break down the hidden anxiety, ego, embarrassment, and "mind talk" that keeps men isolated, stuck, and spinning in quiet defeat.   You'll hear raw audio from one of our members, Tim Cox, as he shares what life looked like before he joined — the mental spiral, the weight gain, the doctor's warning, the loneliness, and the breakthrough that changed everything. This episode isn't just about business or health. It's about identity. It's about the stories we tell ourselves. And it's about the moment a man decides he's no longer doing life alone.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Why men feel defeated before they ever ask for help [3:37] Marc Hildebrand's transformation from overweight LAPD sergeant to coach [9:20] Tim's confession: anxiety, mind talk, and feeling like a fraud [11:01] The danger of "should" statements and internal pressure [17:22] Ego, embarrassment, and the fear of being seen [24:58] The doctor's ultimatum: insulin or change [27:01] Dopamine, food, and emotional coping [30:52] Rock bottom isn't a place — it's a decision [34:22] Why you shouldn't wait until crisis hits [37:54] "You're not alone" — the most powerful realization [41:03] The myth of the lone wolf [44:21] Inside Base Camp: the first 6 weeks of transformation [46:19] The BRAVE Man Code framework explained [49:57] Thinking differently and leveling up identity [53:39] Why Larry left a lucrative corporate career to build The Dad Edge     Five Key Takeaways Rock bottom is not a location — it's a decision to stop going lower. Ego often disguises itself as embarrassment and self-protection. Isolation amplifies anxiety — brotherhood dissolves it. Health transformation starts with identity, not tactics. You don't have to wait for crisis to change direction.     Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: http://thedadedge.com/preview Dad Edge Business Boardroom (Mastermind): https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com     Closing Remark If you've been telling yourself you'll change when it "gets bad enough," this is your sign not to wait. You're not alone — and you don't have to figure this out by yourself.   If this episode hit home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Let's change the trajectory of fathers, families, and future generations.   From my heart to yours — go out and live legendary.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Mat Lewczenko — entrepreneur, coach, and author of The Entrepreneur's Regret — to unpack what it feels like to be winning on paper while quietly losing at home. Mat shares his story of growing up as a Polish political refugee, building success through grit and discipline, and eventually finding himself at the top of his professional game… but emotionally empty, disconnected, and on the verge of self-sabotage.   We talk about the silent epidemic facing high-performing entrepreneurs — entrepreneurial drift — and what it takes to reclaim your nights, weekends, relationships, and sanity. This episode is a wake-up call for any man chasing more while feeling less.     Timeline Summary [0:00] The concept of "Rock Top" — succeeding outwardly while unraveling inwardly [1:41] Mat's family escaping Poland as political refugees before martial law [3:02] Growing up in an immigrant household built on pride, discipline, and ownership [10:10] Early lessons on earning what you want and respecting what you own [17:47] The tension between giving kids a better life without raising them soft [24:58] Mat's pivot from theater professor to real estate entrepreneur [30:29] The breaking point — winning at work while losing at home [31:31] The porch conversation where his wife said, "You don't get to do this" [35:29] Realizing he couldn't even name his core values [36:33] The North Star Values process and regaining alignment [40:52] The three pillars — Leadership, Love, and Life [41:30] Why being "all in" where you are eliminates guilt and fragmentation [45:28] The danger of climbing the wrong mountain [47:06] Why you must go back through the clouds to choose a new summit [54:28] Small hinges swing big doors — 15 intentional minutes a day [58:32] Presence over presents — how to win back connection at home     Five Key Takeaways Rock Top is real — you can be crushing it professionally while quietly collapsing personally. Clarity of core values simplifies decision-making and eliminates internal friction. Entrepreneurial drift happens gradually, then suddenly — awareness must come before crisis. Being fully present where you are removes guilt and fragmentation. Small, consistent intentional actions create massive relational change.     Links & Resources The Dad Edge Business Boardroom: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Mat Lewczenko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mat-lewczenko/ Mat Lewczenko on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mat.lewczenko/?hl=en Mat's Podcast (Buzzsprout): https://www.buzzsprout.com/1956169/episodes Mat Lewczenko — Additional Resource: https://ifgrxppecbxjqjkoyvl7.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/82985e7c-be3c-41c2-b004-8e703e688431?fbclid=IwRlRTSAP-xitleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe9kqpb3eiIFwdvocjWzIhjjxamujPzRooAIcu6RVT7W6_R-3B3c7XJyb5y5Q_aem_pxafoSiJqIhIG7u_vMzVeQ Mat's Book – https://a.co/d/02QOVPcr Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1440     Closing Remark   If you're climbing fast but feeling empty at the top, this episode is your invitation to reassess the mountain you're on. You don't have to lose your family to win in business. If this conversation hit home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Let's build success that we don't regret.   From my heart to yours — go out and live legendary.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I sit down with Thomas "TJ" Baird — a 32-year Army veteran with 20 deployments — to talk about the real battle that followed the battlefield. TJ shares what it was like growing up with a father who was frequently deployed, only to find himself repeating that same pattern with his own daughter.   But this isn't just a military story — it's a fatherhood story. It's about PTSD, pride, brotherhood, humility, and the moment a man decides he's done living in the dark. TJ opens up about the night he realized he needed help, the ultimatum that changed everything, and the internal war between staying stuck and choosing the path toward peace. If you've ever struggled in silence or felt the weight of your past shaping your present, this episode will hit home.     Timeline Summary [0:00] The image that defines the episode — destruction on one side, sunrise on the other [2:10] 32 years of service and 20 deployments across the globe [9:20] Realizing he was becoming the father he once resented [24:17] His daughter telling him at age six, "Dad, you're too scary" [26:28] Writing Warrior Dad as a tribute to his daughter [35:07] The battlefield moment — seeing war to the west and sunlight to the east [42:12] Why most men stay stuck instead of choosing growth [47:38] The turning point — giving himself permission to get help [50:40] Walking into behavioral health as a senior enlisted leader [52:06] Leading by example so younger soldiers wouldn't suffer in silence     Five Key Takeaways You can unknowingly repeat the very patterns you once resented. There is always a path toward peace — but you have to choose it. Growth requires surrendering ego and asking for help. Brotherhood and accountability accelerate healing. Your family is waiting at the finish line — not your career.     Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call (RSVP): http://thedadedge.com/preview Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1439     Closing Remark If this conversation resonated with you — if you've been carrying something heavy in silence — let this be your sign to step toward the light. You don't have to do it alone. Please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast if this episode impacted you. From my heart to yours, go out and live legendary.

In this Q&A episode, Uncle Joe and I dive into one of the most common—and misunderstood—struggles in marriage: emotional connection. We respond to a powerful question from Alex, a husband who genuinely wants to show up better for his wife but feels stuck, unsure how to respond to her emotions, and frustrated that his efforts don't seem to land.   This conversation breaks down why men default to "fix-it mode," why that instinct actually creates disconnection, and how emotional safety—not solutions—is what most women are truly seeking. We unpack practical, real-world skills for listening, validating, and reconnecting with your wife, especially after years of habit and complacency. If your wife has ever said, "I don't feel connected to you," this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a better way forward.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Introduction [1:02] Opening conversation about Valentine's Day and intentional connection [2:55] Alex's question about building emotional connection with his wife [4:10] Hearing hard feedback: "I don't feel connected or loved" [5:14] How long-term habits quietly shape marriage dynamics [6:03] Why men feel uncomfortable with big emotions [7:12] The difference between fixing problems and creating connection [8:10] Why women share emotions—to feel seen, not saved [9:00] Transactional conversations vs. emotional safety [10:14] Joe explains why feedback is actually a gift [10:59] Pebbles vs. boulders and minimizing your wife's feelings [11:56] Why "it's not a big deal" damages trust [12:17] Understanding how your wife feels loved [13:19] Acts of service and practical ways to reduce her stress [14:11] Real-life example of how small actions rebuild connection [15:19] Curiosity as the foundation of emotional intimacy [16:46] Leading with humility and listening through awkward silence [17:31] Treating your wife like you did when you first dated [19:02] Complacency as the silent killer of attraction [20:13] Why long-term relationships require intentional effort [21:09] Being challenged as an act of love [22:11] Brotherhood, faith, and the mission of the Dad Edge Alliance [23:08] Invitation to the Dad Edge Alliance preview call [23:47] Closing encouragement and next steps     Five Key Takeaways Emotional connection is built through presence, not problem-solving. Fixing minimizes feelings—listening creates safety. What feels small to you may feel huge to your wife. Curiosity and humility rebuild intimacy faster than tactics. Treating your wife like you did in the beginning keeps the relationship alive.     Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call (RSVP): http://thedadedge.com/preview Dad Edge Alliance (Marriage, Parenting, Health, Leadership): https://thedadedge.com/alliance Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1438     Closing Remark If this episode gave you language or perspective you didn't have before, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Emotional connection isn't about being perfect—it's about being present, curious, and consistent. From my heart to yours, go out and live legendary.

Some men are shaped by comfort. Others are forged in chaos. In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Siegel, founder of the Harder Than Life movement, to unpack what it actually takes to break generational cycles, rebuild trust with yourself, and lead your family with discipline and integrity—no matter where you came from.   Kelly shares his raw story of growing up in extreme abuse, addiction, and instability, and how sobriety, radical self-discipline, and daily non-negotiable routines completely transformed his life. We talk about nervous system healing, trusting yourself again, enforcing boundaries instead of talking about them, and what it looks like to be the father you never had. This conversation is intense, honest, and deeply hopeful for any man who refuses to let his past dictate his future.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Why excuses keep men stuck and how discipline breaks the cycle [1:39] Introducing Kelly Siegel and the Harder Than Life movement [2:22] Growing up in extreme chaos, abuse, and addiction [2:50] Turning trauma into fuel instead of identity [5:21] Seven years of sobriety and the decision that changed everything [7:31] Handling judgment, criticism, and online hate without losing integrity [8:55] Keeping your word to yourself when no one is watching [10:10] Childhood abuse and how it dysregulates the nervous system [12:03] Why sobriety unlocked clarity, discipline, and purpose [14:48] Cutting off toxic family relationships to protect healing [18:52] Forgiveness as freedom—not reconciliation [19:48] EMDR, hypnotherapy, and deep therapeutic work [22:03] Kelly's exact daily routine and why structure creates safety [24:26] Learning to love yourself when you never experienced it growing up [26:04] Cooking breakfast daily and building connection with his daughter [27:53] Asking better questions to deepen parent-child connection [29:38] Trusting yourself as the foundation of confidence [33:04] Boundaries vs. standards—and the power of enforcement [35:36] Why hard challenges build unshakeable self-trust [40:33] Breaking generational cycles and raising a confident daughter [45:44] Finding the gifts inside even the most painful childhoods [50:31] Why you don't owe access to people who hurt you [54:03] Strong fathers as the solution to cultural chaos [57:29] Healing yourself to heal the world     Five Key Takeaways Discipline creates freedom, especially for men who grew up in chaos.  Trust is built by keeping promises to yourself, not by motivation or hype.  Boundaries only work when they're enforced, not just talked about.  Healing your nervous system changes how you lead, parent, and love.  You can break generational cycles, even if no one modeled it for you.      Links & Resources Kelly Siegel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/ Kelly Siegel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialkellysiegel Kelly Siegel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/ Harder Than Life Podcast: https://www.harderthanlife.com/podcasts/ Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1437     Closing Remark   If this episode challenged you to stop making excuses and start keeping promises to yourself, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your past does not define you—but your daily discipline will. From my heart to yours, go out and live legendary.

Most men and women enter marriage wildly untrained—and then wonder why connection, intimacy, and trust slowly erode over time. In this powerful and deeply thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with January Donovan, founder of the Woman School and Wholeness Coaching School, to explore why information alone will never change a marriage—and why training is the missing ingredient for lasting connection.   January shares her personal story of trauma, mentorship, and formation, and explains how emotional command, discipline, tonality, and boundaries shape the way men and women show up in relationships. We talk about why modern culture resists discipline, how "freedom" without formation leads to loneliness, and why both men and women must train intentionally if they want marriages that actually get better over time. This episode will challenge the way you think about growth, leadership, and what it really means to live fully alive.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Why most people feel unprepared for marriage and parenting [2:06] Introducing January Donovan and her work training women globally [3:02] Why information alone never leads to real change [4:10] January's origin story and the wounds that led her to this work [6:12] The power of mentorship and intentional formation [8:33] Growing up with deep insecurity and identity wounds [10:17] Unprocessed trauma, abortion, and living in quiet desperation [11:52] How disciplined training reshaped January's life [13:18] Why women resist the word "discipline" [14:50] Formation vs. freedom and the danger of untrained choice [16:07] Emotional command and generational anxiety [17:37] Why marriage requires the same training as any profession [19:35] Decision-making, tonality, and communication gaps [21:12] Why motherhood feels overwhelming without training [22:02] Studying your spouse as a form of love [23:12] Larry reflects on minimal marriage prep vs. decades of marriage [25:10] Why people resist investing in growth [27:06] Distraction, shallow desires, and information overload [28:35] Re-educating sexuality and restoring healthy masculinity and femininity [32:30] Dad Edge Alliance preview call invitation [36:14] Why training together is the future for men and women [40:18] Micro-skills that shape daily life and marriage [43:07] Tonality and how women can build or break men emotionally [47:02] Proactivity, masculinity, and relational safety [49:25] Gossip, integrity, and protecting your spouse's reputation [53:20] Excellence, interior freedom, and choosing your highest good [59:02] Casting a long-term vision for marriage and legacy     Five Key Takeaways Marriage doesn't fail because people don't care—it fails because they were never trained. Information without formation leads to frustration, not transformation. Discipline and emotional command create freedom, not restriction. Tonality, presence, and self-regulation shape attraction and safety in marriage. Men and women must train together if they want relationships that thrive long-term.     Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/preview January Donovan Website: https://januarydonovan.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/january.donovan_/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanuaryDonovan Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1436     Closing Remark If this episode challenged how you think about marriage, growth, or leadership, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Beautiful lives don't happen by accident—they're trained for. From my heart to yours, go out and live legendary.

In this live Q&A episode, Uncle Joe and I tackle some of the heaviest—and most common—situations men face inside marriage: supporting a wife through serious mental health challenges, staying grounded when divorce is still on the table, and learning how to lead with consistency instead of panic.   We respond to real questions from men inside the Dad Edge Alliance who are walking through postpartum depression, PMDD, emotional volatility, and marital uncertainty. This conversation is about becoming an advocate instead of a victim, choosing consistency over crisis-mode behavior, and learning how to lead yourself well—regardless of whether your marriage outcome is guaranteed. If you're in a season where hope feels thin and the work feels exhausting, this episode will remind you what leadership actually looks like when things are hard.     Timeline Summary [000] Opening reflections on fatherhood, sleepless nights, and perspective [3:18] Setting expectations for live Q&A and imperfect conversations [4:41] Corey's question: supporting a wife with postpartum depression and PMDD [6:19] Understanding PMDD as a hormonal sensitivity disorder [8:33] Why mood shifts are not character flaws or choices [9:58] Becoming an advocate instead of minimizing mental health struggles [11:05] Practical leadership: nutrition, structure, and reducing stress [12:25] Why a man's emotional and spiritual health matters most in crisis [13:10] Research on spiritual disciplines and emotional regulation [14:11] Becoming a "merchant of hope" in your household [15:00] Why men must take care of their inner world first [16:02] Corey shares his early experience inside the Dad Edge Alliance [17:02] Playing the long game and resisting discouragement [18:07] Using brotherhood instead of isolation [18:48] Announcement: Dad Edge Alliance preview call [20:15] Where to find episode resources and symptom notes [21:05] Second question: staying consistent while divorce is still mentioned [24:56] Identifying behaviors that contributed to marital breakdown [26:04] Why wives wait to see if change is real [27:16] Consistency as a non-negotiable value [28:46] Doing the work regardless of outcome [31:01] Why self-led change benefits you no matter what [32:24] Showing up as a grounded, playful, present father [33:37] Why it often gets worse before it gets better     Five Key Takeaways Mental health struggles are not character flaws, and leadership starts with education and empathy. Consistency builds trust, especially when a spouse is waiting for the "other shoe to drop." Men must do the work for themselves first, not as a strategy to save a marriage. Hope is contagious, but only if the man leading the home is grounded and regulated. Brotherhood prevents isolation, especially when marriage feels uncertain.   Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call (RSVP): https://thedadedge.com/preview Dad Edge Alliance (Marriage, Parenting, Health, Leadership): https://thedadedge.com/alliance All Episode Notes & Symptom Resources (Google Doc): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_4GeLtmhvbZg-ZzKvBWQyz5aneCcHCYOYfD-r0uzNnE/edit?usp=sharing Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1435     Closing Remark If you're walking through a season where leadership feels heavy and outcomes feel uncertain, remember this: your consistency, integrity, and growth still matter. Thank you for being men who show up, ask hard questions, and refuse to drift. From my heart to yours—keep going, and live legendary.

If you feel inflamed, exhausted, stuck in recovery mode, or like your body just doesn't bounce back the way it used to, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Adam Boender, chiropractor-turned-peptide educator, to unpack how men can reclaim their health, energy, and recovery—without shortcuts or hype.   Dr. Adam shares how peptides actually work at the cellular level, why most men don't have a deficiency problem but a communication problem inside their bodies, and how strategic tools like peptides, nutrition, and movement work best when paired with discipline and intention. We go deep on recovery peptides, fat loss versus weight loss, GLP-1 medications, food quality, inflammation, and why no supplement or peptide replaces doing the hard work. This episode is a masterclass in health, responsibility, and long-term performance for men who want their bodies—and lives—back.   Timeline Summary [0:00] Why this episode is for men who feel inflamed, tired, and stuck [1:41] How Larry and Dr. Adam connected after a serious knee injury [2:38] Recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon and the urgency to heal [3:03] Dr. Adam's background as a chiropractor turned peptide educator [3:27] Teaching clinicians how to use peptides safely and effectively [4:08] Why peptides are still misunderstood by most men [6:20] From one-on-one practice to helping clinicians impact thousands [8:38] Family illness and the catalyst for Dr. Adam's career shift [10:16] Why "one-to-many" impact matters in healthcare [11:15] How peptides supported Larry's accelerated recovery [12:23] Getting off crutches and braces weeks ahead of schedule [13:33] Why peptides work best when paired with discipline and rehab [16:12] What peptides actually are and how cellular communication works [18:20] Epitalon: the "reset peptide" for sleep, recovery, and longevity [20:37] BPC-157 as the "multivitamin" of peptides [22:10] Gut health, inflammation, and joint recovery explained [24:17] How BPC-157 increases blood flow and healing in joints [26:13] Recovery break and nutrition fundamentals [28:04] Why BPC-157 and TB-500 are often paired together [29:16] TB-500 and stem cell signaling for tissue repair [31:09] Copper peptide for collagen, joints, and longevity [35:09] Injectable vs. oral peptide absorption [36:21] GLP-1 medications explained simply [38:12] Fat loss vs. weight loss and why protein intake matters [41:03] Why muscle preservation is critical during fat loss [43:03] Genetics, obesity, and the myth of "bad genes" [48:36] Peptides as tools—not magic bullets [50:54] Defining true health as the ability to heal [53:05] Why processed food is breaking our bodies [55:07] Eating real food as the foundation of health [57:32] Fueling your body like a high-performance machine     Five Key Takeaways: Peptides improve cellular communication, but they don't replace discipline, movement, or nutrition.  Inflammation and poor recovery are often communication problems, not deficiencies.  Fat loss is not the same as weight loss, and preserving muscle must be the priority.  Genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger, especially with health outcomes.  True health is the body's ability to heal, not just the absence of disease.      Links & Resources MicroFactor Pack: https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge Opti-Greens 50: https://1stphorm.com/products/opti-greens-50/?a_aid=dadedge Post-Workout Stack: https://1stphorm.com/products/postworkout-stack?a_aid=dadedge Collagen with Dermaval: https://1stphorm.com/products/collagen-with-dermaval/?a_aid=dadedge Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1434     Closing Remark If this episode challenged how you think about health, recovery, or responsibility, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. There are no shortcuts—only tools, discipline, and intentional action. Take care of your body, and it will take care of the life you're building.

Divorce doesn't just end a marriage—it can shatter a man's identity, confidence, and sense of direction. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with my close friend Ryan Michler, founder of Order of Man, to talk openly about what it really looks like to navigate divorce as a man—and come out stronger on the other side.   Ryan shares his personal experience of being divorced for nearly three years, including the identity loss men feel when they're no longer husbands or full-time dads, the mistakes many men make by orienting their lives around their ex, and why healing starts when you make yourself the project. We also dive into rebuilding relationships with kids, handling co-parenting with integrity, resisting isolation, and why brotherhood is non-negotiable in seasons of separation. If you're divorced, separated, or supporting a man who is—this episode is required listening.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Why this episode is for divorced and separated dads [2:35] Introducing Ryan Michler and his journey through divorce [3:37] Losing identity as a husband and father after divorce [4:59] Feeling like "less of a man" after separation [6:02] Why orienting your life around your ex is a mistake [7:21] Making yourself the project after divorce [9:01] Isolation, vices, and the danger of being alone too much [10:45] Why brotherhood accelerates healing [12:15] Journaling, self-regulation, and daily discipline [14:06] Rebuilding physical health and confidence [15:32] Redefining masculinity and self-worth [17:15] Being honest—but appropriate—with kids about divorce [19:02] Staying present in your kids' lives beyond "your time" [21:11] Customizing connection with each child [23:23] Never giving up on estranged relationships [25:08] Civility, boundaries, and co-parenting with integrity [29:02] Why consistency matters more than outcomes [31:22] Divorce Not Death program overview [34:40] The Men's Forge experience and why it's different [38:15] Bringing sons to Men's Forge and legacy building [41:41] What boys learn by watching their fathers lead [45:54] Final encouragement for men navigating divorce     Five Key Takeaways Divorce shakes a man's identity, but it doesn't have to define his future.  Healing begins when men stop orienting around their ex and start orienting around growth.  Isolation amplifies pain, while brotherhood shortens the recovery curve.  Consistency and integrity rebuild trust with kids, even when relationships feel strained.  Men who make themselves the project come out stronger, healthier, and more grounded.      Links & Resources Men's Forge Event: https://themensforge.com Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/preview 1st Phorm Dad Edge Challenge: https://1stphorm.com/dadedge Divorce Not Death Program: https://divorcenotdeath.com Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1433     Closing Remark If this episode spoke to where you're at—or where you've been—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Divorce is not the end of your story. With discipline, brotherhood, and intention, it can be the beginning of a stronger chapter. Go out and live legendary.

Connecting with teenage daughters can feel like trying to break through a locked door—especially when rejection, distance, and silence start to replace the closeness you once had. In this Q&A episode, I'm joined by Uncle Joe as we tackle two deeply relatable questions from dads who are doing their best but feel stuck, unsure, and disconnected.   We dive into what it really takes to win a teenage daughter's heart without forcing connection, why consistency matters more than instant results, and how dads can stop taking rejection personally while still staying emotionally available. We also address marriage and money decisions, showing how curiosity, values, and asking better questions can transform conflict into teamwork. This episode is packed with wisdom, reassurance, and practical strategies for dads who refuse to give up on their kids or their marriage.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Welcoming listeners to the final Q&A episode of January 2026 [2:37] A dad's question about connecting with his 14-year-old daughter [4:10] Why teenage girls often pull away during adolescence [4:33] Recommended reading: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters [5:12] Learning what matters to your daughter to win her heart [6:35] Why genuine interest builds emotional safety [7:16] Consistency over comfort when facing rejection [8:08] Not internalizing rejection from teenage daughters [8:57] How facial expressions communicate disappointment [9:15] "Aim for the heart" and understanding a child's unique wiring [10:19] Engaging with your daughter's interests without trying to be "cool" [11:21] Alliance member perspective on grit and perseverance [12:37] Why daughters notice effort even when they don't respond [13:03] Dr. Lisa Damour's insights on never giving up [14:08] Why your daughter will remember whether you stayed or quit [15:11] Second question: marriage, money, and trust [16:34] How "telling" shuts down conversations with your wife [17:08] Leading with curiosity instead of control [18:10] Asking questions that invite reflection and teamwork [19:36] Validating your wife's values before problem-solving [21:11] Enabling vs. empowering family members [23:23] Using shared family values as a decision-making framework [26:18] Why aligned values reduce conflict in marriage [29:18] Faith, provision, and living out core values [30:57] Resources for dads raising teenagers [31:16] Where to find all episode links and next steps     Five Key Takeaways Winning a teenage daughter's heart requires consistency, not instant validation.  Rejection isn't personal—it's developmental, and dads must stay steady through it.  Genuine curiosity builds connection far more than control or correction.  Asking better questions reduces marriage conflict, especially around money and family decisions.  Shared values create clarity, alignment, and peace in family decision-making.      Links & Resources Guiding Teenage Girls Into Adulthood (Dad Edge Episode): https://thedadedge.com/guiding-teenage-girls-into-adulthood-with-dr-lisa-damour/ Dr. Lisa Damour Website: https://drlisadamour.com/ Dr. Lisa Damour on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/ Dr. Lisa Damour on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSt8mu1taNYAHTufbYwqglFHoevbZgNQl Dr. Lisa Damour on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Ldamour Dr. Lisa Damour on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisadamourphd Dr. Lisa Damour Podcast: https://drlisadamour.com/resources/podcast/ How to Manage a Meltdown (PDF): https://drlisadamour.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/LD_Bookmarks_How_to_Manage_a_Meltdown.pdf Meg Meeker on The Dad Edge Podcast: https://thedadedge.com/meg-meeker/ Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1432   Closing Remark If this episode encouraged you to stay the course with your kids or approach your marriage with more curiosity and patience, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your consistency today becomes your children's security tomorrow. Go out and live legendary.

In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on everything happening inside the Dad Edge ecosystem as we close out January and head into February. If your marriage feels disconnected, your health slipped during the holidays, or you've been looking for real skills—not motivation—this episode lays out exactly what's available and how to plug in.   I share my own story of marriage struggle, why only a small percentage of couples truly feel connected, and how becoming a student of marriage completely changed the trajectory of my relationship. From February's marriage-focused tactical agenda inside the Dad Edge Alliance, to the 1st Phorm 8-week challenge, to major announcements around preview calls and the Men's Forge event, this episode is about clarity, opportunity, and intentional action for men who want their marriage and leadership to look different in 2026.     Timeline Summary: [0:00] Keeping the blooper and why imperfection matters in fatherhood [1:35] Larry reflects on the first 10–12 years of marriage struggles [2:27] When marriage turns into co-parenting and roommate syndrome [3:07] Becoming a student of marriage and why things finally changed [3:27] Only 12% of marriages report deep connection [3:52] Introducing the Dad Edge ecosystem [4:11] Overview of the Dad Edge Alliance [4:50] February tactical agenda inside the Alliance [5:09] Why February always focuses on marriage skills [5:28] Week 1: Attraction, identity, and masculine presence [6:11] Week 2: Leading without chasing or needy energy [6:35] Week 3: Boundaries that create desire [6:55] Week 4: Emotional safety and attraction [7:39] Why February is the best month to join the Alliance [8:01] Roommates to Soulmates cohort selling out quickly [8:41] Holiday weight gain and the need for a physical reset [9:01] 1st Phorm Dad Edge 8-week challenge overview [9:42] Challenge dates and community support [10:19] January Dad Edge 1st Phorm Dad of the Month recognition [11:01] Alliance preview call announcement [11:24] What men will learn on the preview call [12:17] Moving away from social media noise [14:06] Men's Forge 2026 announcement [14:51] Why this event is different [15:41] Where to find all links and next steps [16:04] Gratitude and closing encouragement     Five Key Takeaways Most men were never taught how to lead a marriage, which is why skill-building—not willpower—creates change. Attraction in marriage evolves, and men must adapt leadership, presence, and identity. Boundaries and emotional safety create desire, not chasing or people-pleasing. Physical health fuels confidence and leadership, especially inside marriage. Community accelerates growth, when men commit to accountability and action.     Links & Resources: Dad Edge Alliance (Marriage, Parenting, Health, Leadership): https://thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/preview 1st Phorm Dad Edge 8-Week Challenge: https://1stphorm.com/dadedge Men's Forge 2026 Event: https://themensforge.com All Episode Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1431     Closing Remark Gentlemen, if you want your marriage, health, and leadership to look different in 2026, this is your moment to engage. Thank you for your continued support, your reviews, and your commitment to doing the work. From my heart to yours—let's continue to live legendary.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nicole McNichols, psychologist, professor at the University of Washington, and author of You Could Be Having Better Sex, for one of the most honest, research-backed conversations we've ever had about sex, intimacy, and connection in long-term marriage.   This isn't about sex positions, tricks, or "trying harder." It's about why good marriages lose momentum over time, how pressure and expectations quietly kill desire, and why emotional connection is often the real foreplay. Dr. Nicole breaks down why scheduling sex can backfire, how shame and guilt around sex are learned early, and how curiosity—not performance—creates the kind of intimacy couples actually crave. I also share personal stories from my own marriage about connection, timing, and why mediocre sex just to "check the box" no longer works. If you want a healthier, more connected sex life, this episode gives you a roadmap grounded in science and real-life experience.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Why this episode isn't about sex positions or tricks [1:26] Introducing Dr. Nicole McNichols and her background [2:09] Why scheduling sex can quietly backfire [2:36] How pressure and expectation kill intimacy [2:58] Emotional connection as the real foreplay [3:36] Why intimacy dates matter more than sex calendars [5:18] How Dr. Nicole became a "sex professor" by accident [6:10] Loneliness, disconnection, and the role of sexual health [7:08] Shame, stigma, and misinformation around sex—especially for women [9:14] Why healthy sex improves forgiveness, health, and longevity [10:25] The failure of shame-based sex education [12:10] Countries with sex-positive education and better outcomes [13:18] Identifying the sources of shame we carry into marriage [15:09] Why sex shouldn't be the first thing sacrificed in busy seasons [16:07] Why conversations about sex should happen with clothes on [17:00] Using curiosity instead of pressure to improve intimacy [18:11] Announcement: Dad Edge Alliance February focus on intimacy and attraction [20:03] Curiosity vs. agenda in hard conversations [21:17] Why scheduling sex alone doesn't work [22:09] Creating the right context and mood for intimacy [23:24] Sexual effort that creates pressure instead of desire [24:55] Emotional lead-up and responsive desire [26:01] Initiation–rejection cycles and resentment [27:23] "Intimacy dates" and reconnecting outside the bedroom [29:11] Larry shares a personal story about connection over convenience [31:26] Choosing quality connection over mediocre sex [33:17] Maintenance sex vs. meaningful sexual connection [35:04] Balancing connection and realistic expectations [37:22] Long-term rejection cycles and rebuilding intimacy [39:00] Hormones, menopause, and why libido changes aren't personal [41:29] Division of labor, resentment, and loss of identity [43:48] Gottman research and why distance doesn't heal intimacy [45:43] Making your partner feel seen and heard [47:23] Listening vs. fixing in emotional conversations [49:13] Resources for better conversations with your wife and kids [49:31] Dr. Nicole's book and New York Times features [50:44] Where to find Dr. Nicole and her work [53:08] Why improving your sex life is a powerful way to start 2026     Five Key Takeaways Pressure and expectation kill desire, while curiosity and emotional safety create attraction.  Emotional connection is often the real foreplay, especially in long-term marriages.  Scheduling sex without context can backfire if couples don't create space to reconnect first.  Sexual shame is learned, and identifying its sources is the first step toward healthier intimacy.  Better sex isn't about frequency—it's about quality, safety, and connection.        Links & Resources 25 Intimate Conversation Starters: https://thedadedge.com/25questions Conversation Cards for Kids (Ages 5–Teen): https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions Dr. Nicole McNichols – Faculty Spotlight (University of Washington): https://psych.uw.edu/newsletter/summer-2020/faculty/faculty-spotlight-on-nicole-mcnichols New York Times – Modern Love Podcast Feature: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/podcasts/modern-love-better-sex-tips.html Book — You Could Be Having Better Sex Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1430     Closing Remark If this episode gave you language, clarity, or hope around intimacy in your marriage, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Strong marriages don't drift into great sex—they build it intentionally, with curiosity, connection, and courage.

In this Q&A episode, I'm joined once again by Uncle Joe for a deep, honest conversation around one of the most painful places a man can find himself—feeling unwanted, disconnected, and hopeless in his marriage. We respond to a question from a husband who hasn't felt physical or emotional connection from his wife in over two years, and we unpack what really breaks down in marriages long before intimacy disappears.   This conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice. We talk about why most men were never trained for marriage, how resentment quietly builds, why treating marriage like a contract destroys connection, and how changing your internal narrative can shift everything. We also bring in perspectives from men inside the Dad Edge Alliance to show how humility, coachability, and intentional skill-building can restore trust, safety, and leadership at home. If your marriage feels distant or stuck, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a path forward.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Welcoming listeners to the third Q&A episode of January 2026 [1:19] Uncle Joe returns and the power of community-driven wisdom [2:13] Introducing a listener's marriage question about rejection and hopelessness [2:55] Why only 12% of married couples report feeling deeply connected [3:33] Asking the most important question: what have you actually learned about marriage? [4:26] Joe reflects on personal failure, divorce, and hard-earned lessons [5:14] Why hope exists if attraction once existed [5:35] How complacency and busyness quietly push marriage to the back burner [6:02] Marriage compared to learning an instrument—you can't wing it [7:21] Resentment, skill gaps, and whether marriages can truly be restored [8:05] Marriage as a covenant, not a contract [8:55] How destructive inner narratives shape behavior and connection [9:43] Transactional expectations and why they kill intimacy [10:41] Why "nice guy" energy erodes respect and attraction [11:30] Listening to understand instead of listening to defend [12:12] Mutual submission, humility, and shared leadership in marriage [13:15] Alliance member insight on asking for feedback from your wife [14:16] Faith, unity, and intentionally doing life together [15:49] Receiving feedback without ego or defensiveness [17:14] Emotional bank accounts and the power of daily deposits [18:50] Gottman's 5:1 and 10:1 ratios for healthy marriages [19:40] Giving your wife permission to coach you [20:45] Why conflict isn't the enemy—avoidance is [22:00] Reframing the role of a wife as a strengthener, not a subordinate [23:17] "It's not me vs. you, it's us vs. the problem" [23:43] Larry shares a personal season of anger and choosing humility [25:16] How couples can build something better than what they had before [25:51] Episode wrap-up and where to find resources     Five Key Takeaways Most men were never taught how to lead a marriage, and guessing your way through it creates disconnection.  Marriage breaks down through narratives and resentment long before intimacy disappears.  Treating marriage like a covenant—not a contract—changes everything.  Emotional deposits made consistently rebuild trust and safety over time.  When couples unite against the problem instead of each other, restoration becomes possible.      Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/alliance The Legendary Marriage Book: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1429     Closing Remark If this episode resonated with where you're at in your marriage, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You don't have to figure this out alone—skill-building, humility, and brotherhood can change the direction of your marriage and your family. From my heart to yours, go out and live legendary.

What does real leadership actually look like at home—not just at work? In this episode, I sit down with Mick Hunt, leadership and culture coach, to break down what emotional intelligence, boundaries, and masculine presence really mean for husbands and fathers.   Mick shares powerful insights on why being the "nice guy" often kills polarity and attraction in marriage, how emotional intelligence is a strength (not a soft skill), and why men need intentional transition rituals to show up fully present for their families. We talk about journaling as a daily leadership practice, setting boundaries without control, and how a father's emotional presence shapes the safety and confidence of his kids. This conversation is practical, grounded, and deeply relevant for men who want to lead with backbone and heart.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Introducing Mick Hunt and why leadership matters most at home [2:06] Morgan Freeman narrating Mick's videos and the unexpected connection [2:27] Why emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill [3:01] How the "nice guy" approach kills polarity and attraction [3:29] Daily practices Mick uses to stay emotionally present with his kids [4:09] The importance of transition rituals between work and home [6:04] Mick's marriage story and reconnecting after decades of friendship [9:07] Emotional intelligence as awareness, regulation, and response [11:01] Why empathy doesn't mean losing authority as a husband or father [14:05] Self-awareness as the foundation of emotional leadership [15:18] Growing up with an emotionally unavailable father [17:13] Mick's simple daily journaling practice [19:17] Why writing trains the brain to separate fact from emotion [21:07] Boundaries as love—not control—in marriage and family [23:54] Defining boundaries through core values [24:16] Protecting "me time" to show up better for others [27:33] Why skipping transition time hurts marriages and families [28:38] A real story of ignoring boundaries and paying the emotional cost [31:27] Masculine presence and modeling healthy marriage for kids [33:11] Being the emotional anchor of the household [35:30] Teaching daughters confidence and sons how to care [38:44] Where to find Mick and his leadership resources     Five Key Takeaways: Emotional intelligence is a leadership advantage, not a weakness, for men at home and at work.  Being agreeable isn't the same as being emotionally present, and "nice guy" energy often kills attraction.  Transition rituals protect your family from your stress, allowing you to show up grounded and present.  Boundaries rooted in core values create safety, not distance, in marriage and parenting.  A father's emotional presence shapes confidence, safety, and leadership in his children.      Links & Resources Mick Hunt Official Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com Instagram: @mickunplugged LinkedIn: @mickhunt Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1428     Closing Remark If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, boundaries, or emotional presence at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. The most important leadership role you'll ever have is the one your family experiences every day.

Why do kids raised in the same home react so differently to the exact same situation? In this episode, I'm joined by Alyssa Campbell, author, educator, and founder of Seed & Sew, to unpack what's really happening beneath our kids' behaviors—and why understanding their nervous systems changes everything about how we parent.   Alyssa returns to the show to talk about her new book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, and we go deep into the overlooked developmental stage of kids ages 5–12. We discuss why "shouldn't they know better?" is the wrong question, how regulation and access to skills are two different things, and why each child's unique sensory profile determines how they experience stress, connection, discipline, and learning. This conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and practical tools to parent each child for who they actually are—not who you expect them to be.     Timeline Summary  [0:00] Why kids raised by the same parents can behave so differently [2:33] Introducing Alyssa Campbell and her work in emotional intelligence [3:27] Alyssa's first book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and its success [3:49] Celebrating Alyssa hitting the New York Times bestseller list [4:11] Introducing the new book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings [5:00] Why ages 5–12 are a massively overlooked developmental stage [6:03] Central nervous systems and why kids respond differently to the same stimulus [7:36] "Knowing better" vs. having access to skills in the moment [9:15] Dysregulation in adults—and why kids struggle even more [14:24] Why kids under 25 don't have fully developed prefrontal cortexes [16:03] How screens and overstimulation dysregulate kids [18:12] Why nervous system awareness builds empathy instead of frustration [22:45] The nine sensory systems every parent should understand [24:01] Vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses explained [26:17] Sensory sensitivity vs. sensory seeking [28:12] Introducing the Seed Quiz as "GPS for your kid's brain" [29:05] How the Seed Quiz works for kids, parents, and families [31:10] Real-life school example of regulation transforming behavior [33:09] Why behavior improves when regulation improves [35:25] Trauma, environment, and how nervous systems evolve [41:03] Why understanding nervous systems transforms marriages too [42:06] Parenting two kids with opposite sensory needs [44:48] Why the same parenting response can calm one child and escalate another [45:30] Tapping out to your partner when regulation styles differ [47:01] Where to find Alyssa, her books, and Seed & Sew resources     Five Key Takeaways: Every child has a unique nervous system, which determines how they experience stress, connection, and learning.  Knowing what to do and being able to do it in the moment are not the same thing, especially when kids are dysregulated.  Behavior improves when regulation improves, not when punishment increases.  One-size-fits-all parenting often backfires because kids need different inputs to calm and connect.  Understanding nervous systems builds empathy, patience, and more effective parenting strategies.      Links & Resources Seed Quiz (Free Tool): https://seedquiz.com Seed & Sew Website: https://www.seedandsew.org Seed & Sew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/ Seed & Sew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seedandsew.org Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1427     Closing Remark If this episode helped you understand your kids—and yourself—on a deeper level, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Parenting isn't about getting it right every time; it's about learning how to show up for the unique humans we're raising.

In this second Q&A episode of 2026, I'm joined once again by Joe Bailey for a raw, honest, and deeply practical conversation with men inside our Dad Edge Alliance. We tackle two of the most common—and emotionally charged—challenges dads face: navigating marriage when divorce feels like it's on the table, and learning when to step in (or step back) as parents with our kids.   Joe brings wisdom forged through failure, humility, and redemption as he shares lessons learned from three divorces and what it actually takes to rebuild trust, emotional safety, and leadership in marriage. We also dig into parenting—specifically how often we default to "no," how helicopter parenting robs kids of growth, and how learning to pause can transform our connection with our children. If you're a dad who wants to lead with ownership instead of ego, and presence instead of control, this episode is for you.     Timeline Summary  [0:00] Welcoming listeners to the second Q&A of 2026 with Joe Bailey [1:37] Live Q&A format with Alliance members on the call [2:03] Anonymous question: marriage arguments escalating and divorce being discussed [2:52] Joe shares his experience with three divorces and hard-earned lessons [3:49] Taking full ownership as the leader of the relationship [4:18] Winning the argument vs. winning your wife's heart [5:02] Separating identity from failure in marriage [5:21] Why agreement gives things power over your life [5:40] Emotional safety, being seen, and being heard [6:04] How your inner world creates your outer world [6:55] Why asking "What are you willing to do?" matters more than "Can we fix this?" [8:03] Leading with humility, apology, and commitment to growth [8:26] The importance of being coachable as a man and husband [9:35] Larry explains why the Dad Edge Alliance exists [10:37] More context: resentment and imbalance with kids and responsibilities [11:16] Why we're trained for careers—but not for marriage [12:15] Marriage compared to training and skill development [13:29] The mental load and resentment that silently builds in relationships [14:35] Larry shares his own wake-up moment with his wife [16:19] How to approach conversations with curiosity instead of defense [17:19] Expecting resistance and understanding trust rebuilds slowly [18:46] A real coaching story where separation was reversed after consistency [21:03] "Waiting for the other shoe to drop" and consistency over time [22:12] Second question: saying "no" too often to kids [23:12] Helicopter parenting and letting kids solve problems [24:27] Letting kids work it out unless safety is at risk [26:02] Stepping in when conflict becomes dangerous [28:16] Boys, aggression, and healthy outlets [29:45] Is saying "no" about safety—or convenience? [30:51] Searching for the "yes" and using delayed yeses [31:38] The day kids stop asking—and why it matters [32:16] How selfishness often drives our "no" [33:22] Episode wrap-up and directing listeners to the show notes     Five Key Takeaways   Marriage leadership starts with ownership, not blame or defensiveness.  Your inner world shapes your marriage, and emotional chaos creates relational chaos.  Trust is rebuilt through consistency over time, not quick fixes or intensity.  Kids grow through problem-solving, and dads don't need to jump in unless safety is at risk.  Saying "yes" whenever possible builds connection, while reflexive "no's" often come from selfishness or convenience.      Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance (Apply & Book a Call): https://thedadedge.com/alliance Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1426     Closing Remark If today's episode gave you clarity, hope, or a new way to lead at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You don't have to white-knuckle marriage or fatherhood alone—brotherhood, humility, and consistency change everything.

Most couples don't drift apart because they stop loving each other—they drift apart because no one ever taught them how to stay connected. In this episode, I sit down with Mark and Brianna Carey, a powerhouse husband-and-wife team who work with couples on intimacy, communication, and emotional safety, to unpack what really happens to marriage after kids enter the picture.   We talk openly about why intimacy breaks down in the early years of parenting, why sex is rarely the real problem, and how resentment quietly builds when couples stop having honest conversations. Mark and Brianna share powerful insights around postpartum realities for both men and women, desire discrepancy, emotional safety, tonality, and the small misfires that slowly turn partners into roommates. If you want real tools to rebuild connection—not surface-level advice—this conversation will meet you right where you are.     Timeline Summary  [0:00] Why couples drift apart without ever stopping loving each other [2:08] Introducing Mark and Brianna Carey and their work with couples [3:15] Why sex is often the symptom—not the problem—in marriage [4:00] How kids, stress, exhaustion, and resentment fuel disconnection [6:03] Brianna's background in sexual health education and intimacy coaching [8:02] Why women often don't feel empowered to talk about sex [10:34] Desire discrepancy and why it's normal in long-term relationships [11:17] Invitation to the Dad Edge Alliance and Boardroom [14:00] Emotional intimacy and the depth of real connection [15:12] Assumptions, misfires, and missed bids for connection [17:15] Why individuality actually fuels attraction in marriage [18:25] Communicating directly about intimacy without pressure [21:31] The first domino of disconnection after having kids [22:54] Children as magnifiers of unhealed wounds and identity shifts [24:58] Postpartum realities for women—and why it's rarely discussed [25:17] Postpartum identity struggles for fathers [26:03] What "roommate syndrome" feels like for both partners [27:22] Feeling "touched out" and navigating physical boundaries [30:11] The pressure of the six-week postpartum clearance myth [33:02] How resentment forms and why it's so dangerous [34:00] Why talking about divorce can actually strengthen commitment [36:33] "Name it to tame it" and removing fear from hard conversations [43:14] Why most conflict is unresolvable—and how to manage it [45:07] Trauma, tonality, and recurring relationship patterns [47:49] How tone changes meaning more than words [50:19] Intent vs. impact and closing the communication gap [54:07] How Mark and Brianna work with couples together [55:24] Why intensity of support must match intensity of problems [58:27] Webinar announcement and upcoming relationship resources     Five Key Takeaways Intimacy fades when couples stop communicating—not when attraction disappears.  Desire discrepancy is normal, but silence around it breeds resentment.  Postpartum challenges affect both partners, including identity loss and emotional disconnect.  Tone and emotional safety matter as much as words when navigating conflict and intimacy.  Connection—not performance—is the fastest path back to intimacy.      Links & Resources: Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/alliance Intimacy Evolution Website: https://www.intimacyevolution.com Webinar Registration: https://intimacyevolution.kit.com/9a33bf4eaa Intimacy Evolution on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimacy_evolution Brianna Carey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna_carey Mark Carey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark__carey Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1425     Closing Remark If this episode helped you see your marriage differently—or gave you language for conversations you've been avoiding—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Strong marriages aren't built by guessing; they're built through connection, courage, and intentional leadership.

Leadership isn't about position, title, or authority—it's about who you are on the inside and how you show up every day for the people who depend on you. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Pohlman, bestselling author of Leaders Look Within and the upcoming book Leading with Zest, for a powerful conversation about values-based leadership, faith, health, and having the courage to lead from the heart.   Brent shares lessons from 31 years of marriage, raising a faith-centered family, and building a thriving workplace culture rooted in people-first leadership. We dive into why leaders must define a strong "why," how physical health fuels emotional and relational leadership, and how to have hard, triggering conversations without destroying morale—at work or at home. If you're a husband, father, or man who wants to lead with clarity, conviction, and integrity, this episode will challenge you in the best way.     Timeline Summary [0:00] Why leadership applies to every man—especially husbands and fathers. [2:07] Introducing Brent Pohlman and his leadership philosophy. [2:29] 31 years of marriage and building a faith-centered family. [2:53] Brent's son serving communion to Pope Francis and the power of faith legacy. [3:20] Leading from the inside out instead of ego. [3:45] Why leaders must define a strong, unshakable "why." [4:43] Marriage, faith, and learning each other after decades together. [6:16] Converting to Catholicism and claiming faith as your own. [7:26] Reactive leadership versus values-based leadership. [9:07] Faith moments that shape identity and conviction. [11:01] Why leaders must look inward to understand values and motivation. [12:16] Second-generation leadership and stepping into your own identity. [14:28] Defining a personal leadership "why" that doesn't change weekly. [15:26] The importance of physical health for leadership readiness. [16:03] Daily workouts, awareness, and being prepared for pressure. [18:08] Being fully present with your wife and kids. [19:30] Leading at home the same way you lead at work. [20:17] Developing people instead of managing them. [21:03] Coaching versus training in leadership development. [22:49] How direct conversations prevent cultural breakdown. [23:59] Calling people forward without damaging morale. [26:02] Fighting to be effective instead of fighting to be right. [27:11] The power of using someone's name in hard conversations. [30:03] Why people just want to be heard. [33:06] Avoiding reactive cultures and emotional time bombs. [35:08] Asking "What do you really want?" in conflict resolution. [37:15] Introducing Brent's upcoming book Leading with Zest. [38:41] People, process, and technology—in that order. [39:10] Protecting imagination and creativity in a tech-driven world. [42:16] Putting faith into action through workplace culture. [45:09] Where to find Brent, his books, and daily reflections.     Five Key Takeaways Leadership starts on the inside. You must know your values, faith, and motivations before you can lead others well. A strong "why" stabilizes leadership. Without it, leaders become reactive and inconsistent. Physical health fuels leadership presence. Energy, discipline, and consistency matter in how you show up. Coaching builds leaders; training builds skills. Growth happens through direct, caring conversations. People-first leadership creates thriving cultures—at work, at home, and in communities.     Links & Resources MicroFactor (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge Level-1 Protein (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge Brent Pohlman — Leaders Look Within: https://a.co/d/aIPZqXo Brent Pohlman — Leading with Zest: https://a.co/d/78BUngL Brent Pohlman Website: https://ceoofyourheart.com Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1424   Closing Remark If this episode challenged you to lead with more intention, health, and heart, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Leadership isn't about perfection—it's about showing up aligned, grounded, and willing to grow.