In this episode, I sit down with Dan Cocran, a young leader who is on a mission to help men in one of the most overlooked seasons of life—the years between 18 and 30. While many resources exist for married men, fathers, and established professionals, very few focus on young men who are still trying to find their footing in the world.

Dan shares the inspiration behind the Forging Your Future Young Men's Summit, an event designed to help young men build confidence, discover purpose, and develop the leadership skills they need to thrive in their careers, relationships, and communities.

We dive into the challenges young men face today—lack of mentorship, isolation, confusion around purpose, and the pressure to figure life out without guidance. Dan explains why community, mentorship, and intentional development are essential during this critical season of life.

We also talk about the responsibility fathers have to mentor the next generation—not just their own sons, but the young men around them. Because when men step up and invest in younger men, it doesn't just change one life—it changes families, communities, and future generations.

If you're raising sons, mentoring younger men, or simply want to understand the challenges facing the next generation of men, this conversation will open your eyes to why leadership and mentorship matter now more than ever.

[0:00] Introduction to the Dad Edge mission and the movement to create leaders of families and communities

[1:02] Reflecting on the uncertainty many men experience in their early twenties

[1:46] Why the years between 18 and 30 are often overlooked in male development

[2:24] The importance of mentorship, guidance, and community for young men

[2:45] Introducing Dan Cocran and the vision behind the Forging Your Future Young Men's Summit

[3:21] Why there are few resources designed specifically for men ages 18–30

[3:56] The modern challenges young men face when trying to find direction and purpose

[4:12] Why fathers should care deeply about the development of the next generation of men

[4:27] Reflecting on how many men feel lost during their early adult years

[4:43] Why mentorship and leadership development can dramatically change a young man's trajectory

1. The years between 18 and 30 are one of the most critical stages of development for men.
2. Many young men struggle today because they lack mentorship, direction, and supportive communities.
3. Fathers and older men play a vital role in guiding and investing in the next generation.
4. Community and accountability help young men build confidence and purpose.
5. When men intentionally mentor younger men, they strengthen families and communities for generations.

• Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• The Men's Forge: https://themensforge.com
• Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1449): https://thedadedge.com/1449

If there's one message from this episode that stands out, it's this: young men need guidance now more than ever.

The years between 18 and 30 can shape the trajectory of a man's entire life. When young men have mentors, community, and strong examples to follow, they don't just survive those years—they build the foundation for leadership, purpose, and impact.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a father, mentor, or young man who could benefit from this conversation.

Because when men step up to guide the next generation, the ripple effects are felt for decades.

Go out and live legendary.

In this Wednesday Q&A episode, Uncle Joe and I respond to a powerful question from a dad who's struggling with impulsive reactions, shutting down during conflict, and feeling like he can't get out of the same argument patterns with his wife. If you've ever caught yourself reacting instead of listening, or walking away from conversations feeling frustrated and disconnected, this episode will hit close to home.

We unpack the truth that two things can be true at the same time—both partners can be overwhelmed, both can be carrying heavy loads, and both can feel unseen. The key isn't competing over who has it harder; it's learning how to step out of the competition and into collaboration. We talk about how to create psychological safety during hard conversations, how to interrupt unhealthy patterns, and why curiosity is far more powerful than defensiveness.

Uncle Joe also shares a powerful perspective about what he calls the "rucksack principle"—taking an honest inventory of what you're carrying and being willing to sacrifice things that may be important to you but aren't serving the health of your marriage or family. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in recurring conflict, this episode offers practical tools and a new perspective on leadership at home.

[1:01] Wednesday Q&A kickoff with Uncle Joe and the Dad Edge community

[2:00] Listener question about impulsive reactions, yelling, and shutting down in marriage

[4:45] The powerful truth that two things can be true at the same time

[5:56] The "100-pound rucksack" analogy for overwhelm in marriage

[7:50] How to interrupt the conflict cycle with a new conversation approach

[10:00] Creating psychological safety by changing physical positioning in conversations

[13:20] Uncle Joe's perspective on inspecting your own "rucksack" first

[16:00] What real love looks like: patience, sacrifice, and humility

[21:30] The power of daily journaling and reflection to improve emotional awareness

[24:00] Why most men struggle with relationships because of a skill gap—not bad intentions

1. Two things can be true at the same time—both partners can feel overwhelmed and still need support.
2. Competing over who has it harder only deepens conflict in marriage.
3. Psychological safety is created through curiosity, listening, and calm tone—not defensiveness.
4. Great leadership in marriage starts by examining your own "rucksack" first.
5. Most relationship struggles come from a skill gap—not a lack of love or commitment.

• Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1450

If you've been feeling reactive, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same conflict patterns at home, remember this: leadership in marriage starts with self-awareness.

Start by checking your own rucksack. Get curious instead of defensive. Create space for real conversations instead of competition.

If this episode resonated with you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it.

Go out and live legendary.

What does it really look like to be a present father when life pulls you in a thousand different directions?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with actor Jon Bernthal—known for roles in The Punisher, The Walking Dead, Ford v Ferrari, and The Wolf of Wall Street—but what you'll hear today isn't about Hollywood. It's about fatherhood, humility, responsibility, and the deep influence a father can have on a son's life.

Jon opens up about his childhood, the mistakes he made growing up, and the unwavering presence of a father who never gave up on him—even during the hardest seasons. We talk about the lessons Jon learned from those experiences and how they shaped the man, husband, and father he is today.

We also dive into what intentional fatherhood looks like in real life: owning your mistakes, being present with your kids, and leading by example. Jon shares how he balances the demands of acting with showing up for his family—sometimes flying across the country overnight just to coach his kid's game.

If you've ever struggled with being present, balancing work and family, or wondering what kind of legacy you're leaving as a dad—this episode will hit home.

[0:01] Why this powerful Jon Bernthal episode is being re-released and why the message still matters

[2:06] Jon Bernthal the actor vs. Jon Bernthal the husband and father

[5:18] The powerful lessons Jon learned from his father growing up

[18:35] Growing up reckless and how his father never gave up on him

[22:02] How mistakes and failures shaped the man he became

[33:12] Balancing a demanding career with being present for family

[36:45] Why intentional presence with your kids matters more than perfection

[37:08] The simple principle Jon lives by: "Be where you are while you're there."

[44:47] Why failure and mistakes are part of being a good father

[54:26] The power of a father who never gives up on his child

1. Presence is one of the greatest gifts a father can give his kids.
2. Failure is part of fatherhood—and it's often where the biggest growth happens.
3. Kids learn responsibility when parents model humility and ownership.
4. A father's belief in his child can change the trajectory of that child's life.
5. The simple discipline of "being where you are while you're there" transforms relationships.

• Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1451): https://thedadedge.com/1451

If there's one message from this episode that stands out, it's this: your presence matters more than your perfection.

Your kids don't need a flawless father. They need a father who shows up, owns his mistakes, and never stops believing in them.

If this episode resonated with you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it.

Go out and live legendary.

What does it actually mean to pursue excellence without losing your peace, your family, or yourself in the process?

In this episode, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Brad Stulberg to unpack the tension so many driven men feel: the desire to achieve at a high level while still living a meaningful and grounded life. Brad shares insights from his book The Way of Excellence and explains why humans are wired to strive — but not necessarily wired to feel content once we achieve.

We dive into the trap many high-performing men fall into: constantly chasing the next milestone, promotion, or accomplishment while never feeling satisfied. Brad also shares powerful insights for fathers on how to help their kids develop a healthy relationship with effort, competition, and self-worth. If you're a driven man who struggles to slow down and enjoy the journey — or you want to raise kids who value effort and character over outcomes — this conversation will challenge how you think about success.

[0:00] Introducing Brad Stulberg and the idea behind The Way of Excellence

[2:29] Why humans are wired to strive but not wired for contentment

[8:57] The trap of "heroic individualism" and chasing achievement

[11:04] Why success alone often leaves people feeling empty

[20:08] The mountain metaphor for achievement and fulfillment

[26:04] The importance of pausing to appreciate the journey

[29:00] Helping kids avoid tying self-worth to results

[34:46] Why youth sports should focus on development over winning

[41:01] Separating identity from performance

[48:55] The real goal of youth sports: helping kids want to play again next year

1. Humans are wired to strive, which means the next achievement rarely brings lasting satisfaction.
2. True excellence is about pursuing something worthwhile that aligns with your values.
3. Focusing only on outcomes causes us to miss the meaning of the journey.
4. Kids need to learn that effort and growth matter more than results.
5. Fulfillment comes from aligning ambition with presence, purpose, and values.

• The Way of Excellence (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Way-Excellence-Greatness-Satisfaction-Chaotic/dp/0063385945
• Roommates to Soulmates Preview: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1448): https://thedadedge.com/1448

If you're a driven man constantly chasing the next milestone, this episode is a reminder to pause and ask yourself an important question: What does excellence actually mean for my life?

Success without alignment will always feel empty. But when your ambition is grounded in values, presence, and purpose — that's where real fulfillment lives.

If this episode resonated with you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it.

Go out and live legendary.

In this powerful Q&A episode, Uncle Joe and I tackle one of the most common — and emotionally charged — challenges men face: feeling disrespected by their wives and not knowing how to respond without escalating the situation. We unpack why reacting in anger never works, why most men were never taught conflict resolution skills, and how to move from emotional reactivity to grounded leadership.

Uncle Joe also shares his raw personal story — three failed marriages, a radical transformation in faith, and what it really means to earn respect instead of demanding it. If you've ever struggled with triggers, short fuses, or feeling misunderstood at home, this episode will give you both tactical tools and deeper perspective.

[1:02] Reintroducing Uncle Joe and the story behind his name

[4:11] Three failed marriages and the transformation that followed

[10:59] The marriage question: What do you do when you feel disrespected?

[15:52] Why most men were never taught conflict resolution

[18:23] Fighting for what you don't want vs. clearly stating what you do want

[19:58] Creating rules of engagement for healthy conflict

[22:13] Knowing your triggers and lengthening your fuse

[28:27] Respect is earned through leadership, not demanded

[31:57] Real peace isn't the absence of chaos — it's stability in the storm

1. Most men were never taught healthy conflict resolution — it's a skill you must intentionally learn.
2. When you argue for what you don't want, you create more confusion — clarity changes everything.
3. Emotional triggers are rarely just about your spouse — they're often tied to your own story.
4. Respect in marriage grows when you lead consistently and earn trust daily.
5. Real peace is developed internally — not dependent on external calm.

• Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Link & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1447

If you're struggling with triggers, short fuses, or feeling disrespected at home — don't ignore it and don't explode over it.

Learn the skill. Do the work. Lead first.

If this episode helped you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs it.

Go out and live legendary.

If you want to understand what real brotherhood looks like — not surface-level friendships, not lone wolfing it, not "I've got this" energy — but true fellowship forged through shared hardship, this episode is for you.

Today I sit down with Frank Schwartz, aka Dark Helmet, President of F3 Nation. We dive deep into faith, fellowship, fitness, and what actually changes a man. Frank shares how going from 40 pounds overweight and spiritually empty to leading a global movement of men completely transformed his identity. We talk about sad clown syndrome, why success on paper doesn't equal fulfillment, why most men isolate when they're struggling, and how shared suffering builds trust faster than anything else.

If you've ever asked yourself, "Is this it?" — you're going to want to hear this one.

[0:00] Introducing Frank Schwartz (Dark Helmet) and the mission of F3 Nation

[12:06] The three Fs: Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith — and why they must build in that order

[18:05] The Lone Wolf Lie and why men isolate when they're struggling

[24:02] Growing up with impossible standards and how that shaped identity

[28:56] Sad Clown Syndrome — winning on paper but empty inside

[39:00] The pull-up moment that redefined what brotherhood really means

[48:49] Do you have what it takes? The answer every man needs to hear

1. Discipline starts physically — but real transformation is internal.
2. Surface-level friendships will never sustain a man in crisis.
3. Shared suffering accelerates trust faster than conversation alone.
4. Success without brotherhood often leads to quiet emptiness.
5. Every man asks "Do I have what it takes?" — and the answer is yes.

• F3 Nation: https://f3nation.com
• Frank Schwartz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadwithvirtue
• The Men's Forge Live Event: https://themensforge.com
• Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1446

If you're tired of lone wolfing it… if you're successful on paper but feel disconnected… if you know there's more inside you but you haven't unlocked it yet — this episode is your invitation.

Get around strong men. Put yourself in the arena. Do hard things shoulder to shoulder.

If this episode resonated, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it.

Let's go live legendary.

In this solo episode, I share what's coming in March inside the Dad Edge Alliance, including a full breakdown of how we're helping dads move from authoritarian parenting to grounded leadership and collaboration. I also announce The Men's Forge live event, the next Roommates to Soulmates cohort, and highlight an incredible 1st Phorm transformation story from inside our community.

If you've been feeling the drift — in your parenting, your marriage, your energy, or your leadership — this episode is your reset.

[0:00] Who this episode is for — dads stuck in power struggles or marriage drift

[4:19] Why holding kids accountable feels harder than asking them to do something

[5:51] Moving from authoritarian parenting to grounded leadership

[7:06] Mastering regulation before correction

[8:16] Building accountability without authoritarian energy

[9:59] The Men's Forge live event announcement

[13:22] Guest speaker lineup including G.S. Youngblood

[15:03] F3 Nation President Frank "Dark Helmet" Schwarze joining the event

[17:01] Dad Edge 1st Phorm Dad of the Month transformation

[18:53] Roommates to Soulmates course update and preview call details

1. Authoritarian parenting creates compliance — but often erodes trust.
2. Regulation before correction is a leadership skill every dad needs.
3. Collaboration builds accountability far better than control.
4. Intimacy fades when emotional leadership is missing at home.
5. Transformation accelerates in community, not isolation.

• Roommates to Soulmates: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• The Men's Forge Live Event: https://themensforge.com
• Micro Factor Pack: https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge
• Phormula-1 + Ignition (Post Workout Stack): https://1stphorm.com/products/post-workout-stack/?a_aid=dadedge
• Collagen with Dermaval: https://1stphorm.com/products/collagen-with-dermaval/?a_aid=dadedge
• Protein Beef Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein-sticks?a_aid=dadedge&a_bid=970de3cd
• Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1445

If you're tired of the battles at home, the roommate vibe in your marriage, or feeling worn down physically and emotionally — don't wait for crisis.

Take action.

Join us. Step in. Lead differently.

From my heart to yours — go out and live legendary.

In this powerful behind-the-scenes conversation, Marc and I sit down to unpack Eric's story — a successful entrepreneur, father of five, and longtime member of the Dad Edge Business Boardroom. Eric opens up about the strained season in his marriage, the subtle warning signs he ignored, and the moment his wife Katie made it clear that change needed to happen.

This episode is about more than marriage repair. It's about ownership. It's about learning skills most men were never taught — emotional validation, empathy, leadership at home — and realizing that waiting for crisis only makes the climb steeper. If you're a busy business owner who feels scattered, distracted, or "almost disconnected" at home, this conversation will hit close to home.

[0:00] The distraction trap of entrepreneurship and busyness

[4:48] Eric shares the difficult season in his marriage before joining

[7:18] The early warning signs and Katie's wake-up call

[9:06] Why waiting for crisis puts men into panic mode

[13:48] Learning emotional validation and empathy as new skills

[16:11] Skills vs. identity change — upgrading your operating system

[19:17] The public signs that Eric's marriage was turning around

[22:31] Why you must change first instead of waiting for your wife to

[26:47] Eric's biggest advice: find a community of strong men

[29:32] The power of psychological safety and brotherhood

1. The drift from good to terrible is gradual — then sudden. Don't wait for the cliff.
2. Panic is not the best place to rebuild a marriage. Address the rumblings early.
3. Emotional validation and empathy are skills — not personality traits.
4. Identity change happens through environment and repetition.
5. If you want your marriage to change, you must change first.

• Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/preview
• Dad Edge Business Boardroom (Mastermind): https://thedadedge.com/mastermind
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1444

If you're feeling that quiet tension at home — the subtle disconnect, the busyness, the emotional distance — don't wait for an ultimatum to force your hand.

You don't have to do this alone.

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Every share helps us reach more men who are ready to lead at home the way they lead in business.

From my heart to yours — go out and live legendary.

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.

[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

1. Harsh self-criticism activates fight-or-flight and blocks growth.
2. Self-compassion is neurological safety — not weakness.
3. Your brain validates whatever identity you reinforce.
4. You can't lie to your brain, but you can guide it.
5. What you suppress gains power — structured processing creates freedom.

• 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

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.

[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

1. Concerning behavior is a signal, not a character flaw. It communicates an unsolved problem.
2. Rewards and punishments modify behavior — they don't solve the underlying issue.
3. The 3-step CPS process (Empathy, Define Adult Concern, Invitation) reduces conflict and builds trust.
4. Noncompliance is information. It tells you an expectation may exceed your child's current skill set.
5. Collaborative leadership builds accountability, emotional regulation, and critical thinking.

• 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

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.

[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

1. Rock bottom is not a location — it's a decision to stop going lower.
2. Ego often disguises itself as embarrassment and self-protection.
3. Isolation amplifies anxiety — brotherhood dissolves it.
4. Health transformation starts with identity, not tactics.
5. You don't have to wait for crisis to change direction.

• 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

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.