Terry Iverson has spent more than 40 years in manufacturing, carrying on a family legacy built on precision, craftsmanship, and mentoring. In this conversation, Terry talks about the future of skilled work, why trades matter, and how young people can build meaningful careers without drowning in debt.

terry2

We cover the shift away from hands-on skills, the importance of soft skills and critical thinking, and how mentorship shapes confidence and opportunity. Terry also shares why manufacturing is still a strong path, how AI is changing work, and how parents can help their kids explore real-world skills early.

This episode is about purpose, opportunity, and the power of showing someone what they're capable of.

What We Cover

• Terry's path into a 100-year family manufacturing legacy

• The truth about work ethic, balance, and younger generations

• Why trades and manufacturing still create strong careers

• How AI and automation are shaping the future of work

• The value of soft skills and critical thinking

• How mentorship changes lives

• Why college isn't the only path to a great career

• Terry's "Camp Champ" program and how it inspires students

• How parents can guide kids toward purpose, skills, and confidence

Connect with Terry

ChampionNow.org YouTube: Champion Now Books: Finding America's Greatest Champions and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing

Connect with Joe

nosittingonthesideline.com

Some people feel the world in a deeper way.

You might walk into a room and notice tension right away.

You might catch a shift in someone's voice before they even admit something is wrong.

You might replay moments for days because your mind doesn't let them go.

If this sounds familiar, this episode will help you make sense of it.

I sat down with Todd Smith, host of the podcast Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People. Todd has spent years helping people understand why sensitivity isn't weakness. It's a real trait that shows up in about 15 to 20 percent of the population.

What We Talked About

What it really means to be a compassionate person.

Todd explains the DOES model, which breaks sensitivity into four parts: depth of processing, overwhelm, emotion, and sensitivity to subtle cues.

Why stress hits deeper for some people.

We explore how stress can turn small problems into significant reactions and how sensitivity increases when life gets loud.

How Byron Katie's Work Can Calm Your Mind.

Todd walks through a simple method that helps you question stressful thoughts and see situations with more clarity.

Parenting and sensitivity.

We talk about what it's like raising a child when you already feel a lot, and how to stay steady when your kid isn't giving you much to work with.

Caregiving and family stress.

Todd shares his experience caring for a family member with dementia and how sensitivity plays a role in the pressure, the frustration, and the emotional weight.

Why boundaries matter.

We discuss why it's so hard for sensitive people to say no, and how to protect your energy without guilt.

Who Does This Episode Help

This episode is for you if you:

• Feel drained by crowds or noise

• Pick up on other people's moods fast

• Replay conversations for days

• Struggle with conflict

• Need more quiet than the people around you

• Want tools to lower stress and shift your reactions

About Todd Smith

Todd Smith is a coach who helps highly sensitive people manage stress and understand their wiring.

He is the creator of True Inner Freedom and the host of the podcast Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People.

Learn more about Todd Smith:

Website: trueinnerfreedom.com

Podcast: Search "Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People" on your favorite podcast app

Show Notes and Links

You can find everything mentioned in this episode at: nosittingonthesideline.com/170

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice? You're not alone. Only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy, and the wellness industry is designed to keep you confused.

In this episode, health coach and author Jen Trepeck breaks down why the "eat less, move more" approach fails, what your body is actually trying to tell you, and how to cut through the noise to reclaim your health.

You'll discover why willpower isn't the problem, what GLP-1 medications really do, and the six fundamentals that matter more than any supplement or biohack.

If you're tired of feeling like you're failing at health, this conversation will change how you think about wellness.

What You'll Learn:

• Why willpower is a finite resource (and not the problem you think it is)
• The truth about GLP-1 medications.
• How genetics and epigenetics really work (your genes aren't your destiny)
• The Bio Stack: 6 fundamentals that matter more than any supplement
• Why sleep is the ultimate biohack for weight loss and stress management
• What your body's signals (cravings, fatigue, hunger) are really telling you
• The connection between stress, cortisol, and metabolic health
• How the food system is designed to keep you confused
• Why "four hugs a day" might save your life

Key Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro: Welcome to the show [02:00] Defining wellness: WTF is wellness anyway? [03:00] The business of health and wellness [05:00] Jen's personal health journey and weight struggles [06:00] Becoming a health coach [07:00] The role of genetics and epigenetics [11:00] Is the wellness system broken? [13:00] The food system: Why healthy food costs more [17:00] The truth about supplements [20:00] GLP-1 medications: What you need to know [27:00] The willpower myth explained [30:00] Sleep and blue light exposure [34:00] Biohacking vs. Bio Stacking [37:00] Why sleep is the ultimate biohack [42:00] The importance of connection and community [47:00] Supplements, sex, and poop: What your body is telling you [52:00] Stress and cortisol: Living in fight-or-flight mode [55:00] Final thoughts and where to find Jen

Guest Bio:

Jen Trepeck is a health coach, speaker, and the author of Uncomplicating Wellness: Ditch the Rules, Quiet the Noise, Reclaim Your Life. She's also the host of the podcast Salad with a Side of Fries, where she helps people make sense of health and nutrition without the overwhelm.

Jen specializes in metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and helping overwhelmed people understand what their bodies are actually trying to tell them. She's been coaching clients since 2007 and has worked with thousands of people to improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Connect with Jen:

• Website: saladwithasideoffries.com
• Podcast: Salad with a Side of Fries (available on all platforms)
• Book: Uncomplicating Wellness (available on Amazon and wherever books are sold)

Resources Mentioned:

📚 Book: Uncomplicating Wellness by Jen Trepeck 💻 Tool Mentioned: Flux (blue light filter for computers)

Key Takeaways:

The Bio Stack (6 Fundamentals for Health):

1. Nutrition
2. Movement
3. Hydration
4. Sleep
5. Stress Management
6. Connection

Master these before worrying about supplements or biohacks.

The Willpower Truth: Willpower is a finite resource that depletes throughout the day. Every decision you make—from what to wear to work stress—drains it. Low blood sugar, especially in the tank, will sap willpower, which is why "eat less, move more" backfires.

Sleep Strategy: Start with a consistent wake-up time (same alarm every day). Your bedtime will naturally fall into place. Aim to sleep during the 11 pm-3 am window for optimal deep sleep and restoration.

Connection Matters: Four hugs a day for survival. Eight for maintenance. Twelve for growth. Connection and purpose are as important as diet for longevity.

Action Steps:

1. Pick ONE thing from the Bio Stack to focus on for 30 days
2. Set your alarm for the same time every morning
3. Give (or get) four intentional hugs today
4. Check your supplement labels and dosages
5. Pay attention to what your body is telling you (energy, cravings, sleep quality)

About No Sitting on the Sideline Dad:

No Sitting on the Sideline Dad is a podcast for people who refuse to sit on the sidelines of their own lives. Hosted by Joe Foley, the show explores self-improvement, purpose, fatherhood, and everyday growth through authentic conversations with experts and real people doing real work.

New episodes drop every week.

Connect with Joe:

• Website: www.nosittingonthesideline.com
• Instagram: @nisittingonthesideline.com_dad_pod
• Email: [email protected]

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please: ✓ Subscribe so you never miss an episode ✓ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts ✓ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it

Your reviews help more people discover the show!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Joe Foley is not a medical professional. Guest expert opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of this podcast or its host.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, medications, or health regimen, especially if you have chronic conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or nursing.

What can we learn about presence, gratitude, and courage from our dogs? In this heartfelt episode, Joe sits down with Barbara Stone, a leadership coach, author, and TEDx speaker, to discuss her book, So Much to Drool About: Dog-Inspired Wisdom for Living Large.

Barbara shares how her Great Danes taught her to slow down, live with curiosity, and embrace life with full presence. Together, they explore topics like:

• How dogs model authenticity and emotional awareness

• The importance of play and curiosity as adults

• Why gratitude changes how we experience the world

• Leadership lessons from both corporate life and canine companionship

• The power of time, relationships, and learning to "live large"

Barbara also opens up about her journey from corporate executive to coach, the courage it took to deliver her TEDx Talk Perfection Is Overrated, and how she helps others rediscover joy and purpose through self-compassion and curiosity.

If you've ever looked at your dog and thought, "They seem to have it all figured out," this conversation will hit home.

Guest Links:

• Website: barbstone.me

• Book: So Much to Drool About: Dog-Inspired Wisdom for Living Large

• TEDx Talk: Perfection Is Overrated

Episode Highlights:

• (00:03:00) The wisdom behind So Much to Drool About

• (00:06:00) Lessons from Great Danes: presence and confidence

• (00:10:00) The gift of time and slowing down

• (00:17:00) Barbara's journey from corporate to coaching

• (00:20:00) What Great Danes teach about simplicity and choice

• (00:24:00) Curiosity as a superpower in leadership and life

• (00:26:00) Relationships and the metaphor of the "bus of life"

• (00:30:00) How courage led to her TEDx Talk

• (00:39:00) Leadership lessons at home and in the workplace

• (00:40:00) One mindset shift to reconnect and find peace

Connect with Joe:

• Website: nosittingonthesideline.com

• YouTube: @nosittingonthesideline

Tags: fatherhood, leadership, parenting, gratitude, presence, coaching, Great Danes, resilience, emotional intelligence, personal growth, curiosity, TEDx, life lessons, dogs, mindfulness, slowing down, corporate burnout, positive psychology, relationships, time, purpose, awareness, No Sitting on the Sideline

At 94 years old, Dr. Kenneth Cooper is still proving that health isn't about adding years—it's about adding good years. Known worldwide as the "Father of Aerobics," Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper changed how people think about exercise, prevention, and longevity. In this episode, he shares how decades of research show that regular movement can add a full decade of quality life—and why no drug can match the power of an active lifestyle.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The groundbreaking story behind Dr. Cooper's 1968 book Aerobics and how it launched a global fitness revolution

• How his research with NASA astronauts and world-class athletes revealed that exercise is true preventive medicine

• Practical steps for growing healthier as you grow older, including his eight key lifestyle habits

• The surprising link between fitness and preventing dementia, heart disease, and even certain cancers

• Why your health is ultimately your responsibility—and how small daily choices can transform your future

Dr. Cooper's life is living proof that it's never too late to build strength, protect your brain, and enjoy more vibrant years. His advice is simple, science-backed, and immediately actionable.

Listen now and discover how to take charge of your health and rewrite the way you age.

📚 Resources & Links

• Full show notes and resources: nosittingonthesideline.com/167

• Dr. Kenneth Cooper's latest book, Grow Healthier as You Grow Older, is available on Amazon

Take a walk, press play, and get inspired to move toward a longer, healthier life.

What if the key to second chances was as simple—and as powerful—as learning how to communicate better? In this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Kim Nugent, leadership coach, author of From Prison to Possibility, and mentor to incarcerated men and women. Together, they explore how the words we use can build bridges, rebuild trust, and even change the course of someone's life.

From prison mentorship programs to everyday parenting conversations, Dr. Nugent shares practical strategies for listening deeply, asking better questions, and choosing words that invite connection instead of conflict. You'll learn how small shifts—like replacing "why" with "what" or "how"—can completely transform a conversation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why communication is the foundation for healthy relationships.
• How mentorship inside prisons reduces recidivism and builds respect.
• The surprising power of emotional intelligence and listening.
• Words to avoid (and what to use instead) when speaking to kids or coworkers.
• Real-life stories of reconciliation, forgiveness, and second chances.

Guest Links:

• Dr. Kim Nugent's book From Prison to Possibility: Find on Amazon
• Learn more at Dr. Nugent's website: drnugentspeaks.com

Connect with Joe:

• Website: No Sitting on the Sideline
• YouTube: @nosittingonthesidelline

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review. It helps other listeners discover the show and join the conversation.

In this raw and revealing conversation, Dana S. Diaz—author of Gasping for Air: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse—opens up about surviving a lifetime of narcissistic relationships, from a painful childhood to a dangerous marriage.

Dana shares how a hidden journal became her lifeline and later, her book. We dive into what narcissistic abuse really looks like (it's not just vanity), the toll it takes on health and self-esteem, and how healing is possible—even when it seems like the darkness won't lift.

Whether you've experienced emotional manipulation, co-parenting challenges, or the lingering effects of childhood trauma, this conversation offers both clarity and hope. Dana reminds us that the past doesn't define us—and that true healing starts with one powerful step: choosing ourselves.

Topics Covered:

• What is a malignant narcissist?

• The difference between toxic charm and emotional abuse

• Why isolation is a tool of control

• How childhood trauma primes us for later abuse

• The health crisis that became Dana's wake-up call

• Healing methods that actually work (and why talk therapy alone isn't enough)

• Co-parenting with a narcissist and protecting your kids

• Self-talk, Stuart Smalley, and the power of re-parenting yourself

Guest Bio:

Dana S. Diaz is a journalist, speaker, and survivor-advocate whose books shine a light on narcissistic abuse. Her honest storytelling and deep insight help others recognize red flags, understand trauma bonds, and start their own healing journey. Learn more at danasdiaz.com.

Episode Page & Show Notes:

Visit nosittingonthesideline.com/165 for full show notes, resources, and links mentioned in the episode.

Rewiring the Brain: Parenting, Tech, and the Fight for Focus Guest: Dr. Carl Marci

Are smartphones making it harder to be present with your family—or even with yourself?

In this episode, I sit down with Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author Dr. Carl Marci to talk about how technology is reshaping our brains, our attention spans, and our relationships—especially when it comes to parenting in a digital world.

We dig into:

• The impact of screens on kids' brain development

• Why multitasking is a myth (and what it's really doing to your brain)

• The connection between screen time and rising mental health issues

• Tech-life balance strategies for parents

• What age is actually right for social media

• How to build healthier digital habits—without ditching technology entirely

Dr. Marci isn't anti-tech—far from it. But he's got a clear warning: we need to stop reacting to tech and start using it intentionally.

If you've ever handed your kid a tablet just to make it through the grocery store (guilty here too), this conversation is for you.

🎧 Full show notes and resources: https://www.nosittingonthesideline.com/164

https://www.rewiredthebook.com

📘 Grab Dr. Marci's book:

Enjoying the show? Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review. It really helps the podcast grow.

Until next time—take a breath, be kind to yourself, and keep showing up. You're doing better than you think.

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most emotional experiences a family can go through—especially when you're trying to support your kids while grieving yourself.

In this heartfelt episode, I'm joined by Jean Alfieri, certified grief coach for pet loss and author of 21 Ways to Weather the Loss of Your Pet. Jean shares practical ideas, tender stories, and thoughtful advice on how families can process grief and honor the pets that meant so much.

We explore:

• The emotional weight of pet loss (and why it's often underestimated)

• How to talk to kids about death in an age-appropriate, compassionate way

• Ideas from Jean's book—like memory jars, tribute rituals, and story sharing

• Guilt and grief around euthanasia—and how to find peace in tough decisions

• The importance of simply saying: "I'm sorry for your loss"

Whether you've lost a furry family member or want to help a child cope, this episode offers comfort, connection, and healing insight.

🎧 Listen in and feel less alone.

Connect with Jean Alfieri: 🌐 https://dogauthor.com

📕 21 Ways to Weather the Loss of Your Pet – Available now on her website

💬 Leave a comment or share your own story at: https://www.nosittingonthesideline.com/163

📬 Join the newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.nosittingonthesideline.com/email

What if one wish could change the course of a child's recovery?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Jen Pratt, a pediatrician, childhood cancer survivor, and Make-A-Wish recipient turned advocate. At just 11 years old, Jen was diagnosed with bone cancer—a life-changing moment that launched her into a world of hospitals, chemo, and uncertainty. But her journey also included something magical: a wish.

Jen shares her deeply personal story of receiving a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and how that experience not only helped her cope during treatment but also inspired her path into medicine. Now, working at the very hospital where she was once treated, Jen sees firsthand how a single wish can uplift not just a child, but an entire family.

We dive into:

• Jen's cancer diagnosis and the emotional toll it took on her and her family

• Her unforgettable wish to meet Disney animators—and why it mattered so much

• The Wish Impact Study and the real data showing how hope affects healing

• The misconception that wishes are just for terminally ill kids (they're not!)

• How Make-A-Wish brings light to dark moments—and why it's more than just a "nice thing"

• Heartwarming stories from the hospital frontlines

• The powerful role of mental health in medical recovery

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply someone who believes in the magic of kindness, this episode is a reminder that hope truly heals.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation: https://wish.org

• Discover the Wish Impact Study: https://wish.org/wishimpact

• Interested in referring a child or volunteering? Visit https://wish.org/refer

👤 Guest Bio:

Dr. Jen Pratt is a pediatric hospitalist at Children's Minnesota and a medical advisor for Make-A-Wish Minnesota. A former wish kid herself, Dr. Pratt brings a unique and heartfelt perspective to her work—bridging her personal experience with professional compassion.

🔊 Listen & Subscribe:

Don't miss future conversations that explore parenting, personal growth, and how we show up for one another. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Ever stare down a task you know you need to do… and still walk away from it? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I'm joined by psychotherapist Steven Melman to unpack what's really going on when we procrastinate—and how we can start breaking the cycle.

We talk about the emotional side of procrastination, including fear of failure, perfectionism, and even the stories we carry from childhood. Steven shares practical tools and honest insight to help you move from stuck to steady—whether you're trying to finish a project, show up better for your family, or just get out of your own head.

If you've ever told yourself "I'll do it later," this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• The hidden emotional reasons behind procrastination

• Why it's not about laziness—and how perfectionism plays a role

• What "reward and punishment" can teach us about motivation

• How parenting styles impact the habits we carry into adulthood

• Steven's personal story of proving people wrong (and how it shaped him)

• What to do when fear of success or failure holds you back

• The simple practice that can build real self-discipline

Resources & Links:

🎓 Steven Melman's Website: stevenmelmanpsychotherapist.com

📘 His Book: Guidance for New Clinicians in a Chaotic World Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers

📝 Full Show Notes & Comments: nosittingonthesideline.com/161

📬 Join the Newsletter: Get updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and more from Joe at nosittingonthesideline.com

Connect with Joe:

🔗 Website: nosittingonthesideline.com 📸 Instagram: @nosittingonthesideline_dad_pod 🐦 Twitter/X: @nsosdadpodcast

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more listeners find the show and be part of the conversation.