In this special episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with a very special guest—my 11-year-old son, Lawson Hagner. This episode is unlike any other, because it's not about interviews or experts—it's about connection. It's about the power of slowing down, asking questions, and being intentional with our kids.

Lawson and I dive into simple but meaningful topics—his favorite memories, what it means to "lock in," and how he's learning to handle school, sports, and life. What starts as a lighthearted father-son chat turns into an authentic, heartfelt conversation about discipline, focus, and what it truly means to build a strong relationship between a dad and his son.

We also talk about a new free resource I created called "Questions for the Car"—designed to help dads spark deeper conversations with their kids during everyday moments. This episode is a reminder that great connections don't happen by accident—they happen when we choose to show up and be curious.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:02] – Introducing Lawson Hagner — my 11-year-old son and first-time podcast guest.

[2:25] – The fun and chaos of sixth grade (and yes, girls come up right away).

[4:58] – How Lawson's football team went undefeated—and what "locking in" means to him.

[6:06] – Our father-son bond and why intentional connection matters so much.

[7:08] – Introducing the Questions for the Car resource and how dads can use it.

[8:33] – Lawson's favorite memories and why going to breakfast together means so much.

[10:19] – How meaningful conversations can come from simple, everyday questions.

[12:11] – "Locking in": Lawson's personal philosophy on focus and discipline in sports and school.

[15:20] – How to manage overwhelm—teaching kids (and adults) how to take on the "next right thing."

[20:02] – What tradition means to Lawson and why Christmas represents deeper family connection.

[23:14] – The power of presence—how just three questions can spark a 25-minute, life-giving conversation.

1. Connection happens in small moments. Breakfasts, car rides, and one-on-one chats matter more than grand gestures.
2. "Lock in" isn't just for sports. Lawson reminds us that focus and effort apply to school, family, and life.
3. Asking great questions creates great relationships. Curiosity opens the door for deeper understanding.
4. Tradition builds belonging. Family rituals—like Christmas mornings and hot cocoa nights—create lasting bonds.
5. Dads set the tone. Our consistency, presence, and willingness to engage build the foundation our kids stand on.

• Download Questions for the Car: https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions

• Episoe Shownotes: thedadedge.com/1398

This episode isn't just a podcast—it's a moment between a dad and his son that shows what intentional fatherhood looks like in real time. Whether it's on the way to school, over breakfast, or sitting by the fire, every dad has the opportunity to lead with curiosity and love.

If this conversation inspired you, please rate, review, and share The Dad Edge Podcast. And remember, gentlemen—don't just go through the motions… Live Legendary.

In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, we dive into a topic every parent faces daily — our kids' teeth. From baby gums to braces, I sit down with orthodontist, educator, and author Dr. Robert Geiman to unpack the essential truths about children's dental health and what parents can do to set their kids up for lifelong confidence and health.

Dr. Geiman's new book, The Tooth Bible: A Parent's Guide to Their Child's Smile, turns decades of clinical experience into practical, bite-sized advice every parent can understand and apply. In our conversation, we cover everything from fluoride myths to brushing battles, flossing habits, and how oral health connects to our kids' overall well-being. But this episode goes beyond teeth — we talk about leadership, humility, and how the way we show up as dads can shape our families for generations.

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:27] – Introducing Dr. Robert Geiman and his mission behind The Tooth Bible.

[5:07] – How a COVID lockdown project became a parenting essential.

[8:12] – What parents should do from birth to age three: brushing basics and fluoride facts.

[10:22] – The truth about fluoride and why science still matters.

[15:00] – Why The Tooth Bible is written in Q&A format and the most common dental questions parents ask.

[18:10] – What parents should and shouldn't say to their kids before braces.

[20:16] – The real reason snacking on sugar all day is worse than eating it all at once.

[23:00] – How orthodontic technology has made braces more comfortable and effective.

[27:00] – The link between oral health, heart health, and overall well-being.

[30:00] – Making brushing fun and consistent for kids of all ages.

[40:30] – How and when to start flossing — and tools that make it easier for kids.

[43:33] – Leading by example: how your dental habits as a dad influence your children.

[48:41] – Dr. Geiman on marriage, communication, and leading at home with humility.

[50:45] – The importance of owning mistakes and teaching kids through example.

1. Oral health is a reflection of overall health. Healthy gums and teeth often mirror good habits and wellness throughout the body.
2. Fluoride, when used in proper doses, is safe and essential for preventing cavities. Dr. Geiman emphasizes trusting science over social media noise.
3. Make brushing fun and consistent. Give kids ownership—let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste flavor to increase motivation.
4. Lead by example. Your kids are watching; if they see you brushing and flossing daily, they're more likely to do the same.
5. Parenting is leadership in action. Whether in dental habits or daily life, your consistency, humility, and example create lasting impact.

• The Tooth Bible website: https://thetoothbible.com
• The Tooth Bible Smile Shop: https://thetoothbible.com/smile-shop
• ChildandAdultOrthodontics.com
• Follow Dr. Geiman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_dr.bobby/
• https://www.instagram.com/brace_thyself/
• Podcast Episode Show Notes: http://thedadedge.com/1396

This episode reminds us that leadership starts with example — even in the smallest routines, like brushing your teeth beside your kids. When we lead with intention and humility, our children learn more than just good dental hygiene; they learn integrity, consistency, and care.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and share The Dad Edge Podcast to help more fathers build stronger, more intentional families.

In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most overwhelming seasons my family has faced—fall. Between school demands, sports, band, and everything else, our schedule was maxed out and our connection suffered. Jessica and I found ourselves constantly busy but emotionally distant, operating more like teammates than soulmates.

I share how we recognized the symptoms of "roommate syndrome," what we did to course-correct, and why protecting margin in your life and marriage is non-negotiable. I also introduce my brand-new course launching in January, From Roommates to Soulmates, designed for husbands who are ready to rebuild emotional connection and intimacy.

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:31] – Why fall marks the beginning of chaos for many families

[3:07] – Introducing the From Roommates to Soulmates course

[4:15] – What roommate syndrome looks like and why it's dangerous

[5:20] – Cultural lies men believe about marriage and fatherhood

[6:45] – The silent struggle of disconnection

[8:06] – Our family's real-life overscheduling mistake

[10:28] – When joy turns into exhaustion

[10:54] – The "Sunday Night Reset" strategy

[11:27] – How shared calendars and huddles create clarity

[12:13] – Learning to say no with purpose

[13:16] – Protecting margin and prioritizing connection

[14:42] – Why our "Date Days" are sacred

[15:38] – Free gift: Questions for the Car PDF

[16:41] – Start deeper conversations with your kids today

1. Busyness Is the Enemy of Intimacy

Just because you're doing a lot doesn't mean you're connecting. Overscheduling your family can slowly erode the relationships that matter most.

2. Roommate Syndrome Is Real—But Reversible

When you and your partner start functioning as co-managers instead of lovers, it's time to course-correct. Connection requires intention.

3. Margin Is Not a Luxury, It's a Necessity

If your calendar is full but your marriage feels empty, it's a sign you need to guard time for each other and for rest.

4. Clarity and Communication Prevent Chaos

Tools like family huddles and shared calendars aren't just logistical—they're emotional anchors that keep the household united.

5. Leading Your Family Starts With Leading Yourself

Recognizing when you're off-track and initiating reconnection is the mark of strong leadership—both as a husband and a father.

• Free Resource – Questions for the Car: https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions

• Show Notes for this episode: https://thedadedge.com/1395

If this episode resonated with you, rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs it. Let's lead our families with presence and purpose.

Live legendary.

In this special Father-Son Wednesday edition of the Dad Edge Podcast, Ethan and I have an open and heartfelt conversation about the kind of legacy we want to leave—not in terms of money, but in how we show up for our families, our faith, and our future. With Halloween around the corner, we explore the idea of what truly haunts fathers—missed moments, emotional distance, and failing to lead with purpose.

We dive into what it means to lead a family spiritually without pushing religion, how a father's love for his wife becomes a model for children, and how intentional home culture shapes future generations. Ethan shares his vision for his future family and career as a firefighter—and how he wants to lead by presence, not pressure.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:15] – Ethan's "Winter Arc" and using seasons to spark growth

[2:59] – Redefining legacy beyond wealth or achievements

[5:14] – Why health and strength are crucial to long-term fatherhood

[8:32] – Spiritual leadership without religiosity

[10:04] – Passing down a relationship with God to future generations

[12:33] – Faith, emotional safety, and keeping an open mind

[15:21] – Ethan's vision of future fatherhood and home culture

[17:42] – How your home environment speaks louder than your words

[20:07] – The impact of loving your spouse well in front of your kids

[23:15] – Why we choose to gross our kids out with affection—not arguments

[24:49] – The power of being the "warrior in the garden"

[25:29] – Ethan's passion for firefighting and leaving impact

[27:56] – Halloween memories, safety tips, and shoutouts

1. Legacy Is Emotional, Not Just Financial

The mark we leave on our kids isn't in bank accounts—it's in the daily presence, protection, and love they feel from us.

2. Faith Is Modeled, Not Mandated

Ethan speaks on how he wants to raise his future family to know God through a relationship—not religion—and how that shaped his upbringing.

3. Your Marriage Is the Blueprint

How you treat your wife sets the tone for how your kids will approach love, commitment, and conflict in their own relationships.

4. Presence Over Perfection

Kids remember if you were there and emotionally available—not if you were flawless. Being the safe space is what sticks.

5. Strength Is Best When Softened by Love

Ethan reflects on the need for dads to be both strong and gentle—to be warriors in the garden, not tyrants in the home.

• 25 Questions to Spark Deeper Connection – https://thedadedge.com/25questions

• Level 1 Protein - https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge
• BCAAs - https://1stphorm.com/products/bcaa/?a_aid=dadedge

• Pastor Paul Daily Bible Studies – Search "Pastor Paul" on YouTube

• Dad Edge Podcast & Show Notes – thedadedge.com/1394

If this episode brought you closer to how you want to show up as a father and husband, please rate, review, follow, and share the show. Let's keep building legacies that matter.

Live legendary.

In this episode, I sit down with Clay Butler, CEO of Agape International Missions (AIM), for a powerful conversation on fighting child trafficking and how present, intentional fatherhood is one of the most effective weapons in that fight. With over 2,000 rescues and hundreds of traffickers arrested, Clay's work is nothing short of heroic—but it's his role as a father that has most shaped his mission.

We explore what it truly means to lead as a man, not just in high-stakes global work, but in the day-to-day role of being a protector at home. Clay shares how fatherhood has deepened his approach to leadership, the importance of modeling safe masculinity, and why raising strong, loved, and secure children is one of the greatest forms of resistance to evil. This episode will challenge and inspire any man who wants to leave a legacy worth living for.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:01] – A staggering global reality: a child is trafficked every 30 seconds

[2:24] – Clay's transformation from young volunteer to CEO of AIM

[5:13] – Why Clay initially took a three-month volunteer trip… and never left

[9:06] – Finding emotional equilibrium in a traumatic field

[10:29] – How fatherhood amplified—not hindered—Clay's leadership

[12:04] – The power of modeling safe fatherhood for rescued girls

[14:21] – Humility, teamwork, and spiritual grounding in life-or-death operations

[20:03] – Tactical and emotional ways to protect your family in public

[22:15] – Why kids from foster care are the most trafficked in America

[28:12] – Real actions men can take to stop trafficking—starting at home

[29:02] – Navigating the tension of preserving childhood innocence while teaching safety

[34:45] – Avoiding burnout: ruthless prioritization and reverse engineering legacy

[38:07] – Clay's evolving legacy: from warrior to father to restorer

5 Key Takeaways

1. Fatherhood is powerful – Being a present, loving father is one of the most effective deterrents to child trafficking, both at home and globally.

2. Rescue is only the beginning – AIM's model goes beyond rescue to include healing, job training, and long-term restoration.

3. The U.S. isn't exempt – Most trafficking victims in the U.S. come from broken foster care systems. Supporting those systems can change lives.

4. You can protect your kids daily – Small actions like staying aware in public, modeling healthy masculinity, and teaching intuitive safety make a big difference.

5. Your legacy starts now – You don't need to lead a global organization to be a hero. Leading at home with purpose and love is enough.

Links & Resources

• Agape International Missions (AIM): https://aimfree.org

• AIM Apparel – Support rescued girls through ethical apparel: https://aimapparel.com

• Bark (Parental Control App): https://thedadedge.com/bark

• Episode Show notes: thedadedge.com/1393

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a fellow dad, leave a review, and don't forget to follow the podcast. Together, we can protect our families—and generations to come.

In this solo episode, I dig into one of the most crucial parenting challenges—helping our kids face their fears and build real, lasting confidence. From sports pressure to academic stress to the emotional struggles they often keep bottled up, our kids are living in a high-pressure world. And as fathers, it's our job to create a space where they feel safe, heard, and guided—not just fixed.

I share a recent emotional conversation with my own son that completely reframed how I approach fear with my kids. You'll hear practical scripts, parenting frameworks, and validation tools that you can immediately use to strengthen your relationship and lead your kids through difficult emotions—while empowering them to lead themselves.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:47] – The "scary" reality kids face daily

[3:16] – Gratitude for the community + book update

[5:03] – Announcing the next live cohort: Overcoming Roommate Syndrome

[9:12] – What fear looks like in your child's world

[10:17] – Why asking for permission to talk matters

[12:14] – My son's moment of vulnerability on the football field

[14:00] – Helping kids name fear and remove shame

[15:15] – Shifting identity from failure to effort

[16:23] – Creating micro-wins to reinforce confidence

[17:41] – Reminding your kids they are already brave

[18:08] – Why praising effort beats praising results

[19:30] – Free resource: "Questions for the Car"

[21:54] – Final thoughts and wrap-up

1. Validate Before You Advise

Asking your child for permission to talk, rather than jumping into correction or pep talks, shows respect and builds trust. Kids don't want quick fixes—they want to feel seen.

2. Name the Fear to Dismantle the Shame

Fear loses power when it's named out loud. Helping your child articulate what they're afraid of creates emotional distance from the fear and invites clarity.

3. Reinforce Identity Through Effort, Not Outcome

Focus on who your child is becoming through their effort—not whether they win or lose. This reinforces growth and helps them detach from external validation.

4. Small Wins Build Big Confidence

Kids don't need giant leaps to feel successful. Celebrating the little wins builds momentum and reinforces the belief that they can handle what life throws at them.

5. Your Voice Becomes Their Inner Voice

How you speak to your kids—especially when they're struggling—directly influences how they'll talk to themselves when you're not around. Lead with empathy, patience, and strength.

• Car Ride Questions for Kids: thedadedge.com/kidquestions

• Get the Book + Free Courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook

• Episode Show notes: thedadedge.com/1392

If this episode helped you better understand how to guide your child through fear and build real connection, please rate, follow, and share the show. Let's raise brave, grounded, emotionally intelligent kids—together.

Live legendary.

In this Dad Edge Podcast episode, I'm joined by my son Ethan for a powerful father-son conversation about money, mistakes, and mindsets. But this episode goes way beyond budgeting tips. It's about the deeper fear, pressure, and responsibility men feel when it comes to providing and preparing the next generation.

We explore everything from cost of living fears to smart saving habits, early investing, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming financially independent. Ethan shares candid reflections about what worries him most as a 19-year-old and the surprising movie that inspired his money mindset. This episode is filled with laughs, lessons, and the kind of intentional parenting that creates legacy.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:02] – Why talking to our kids about money matters more than ever

[3:49] – Celebrating transformation: The First Form Dad of the Month

[15:21] – What scares Ethan most about adulting and financial independence

[19:36] – The 20% rule and why most people never start saving

[29:23] – Ethan's frugal mindset shift (inspired by a Jim Carrey movie!)

[38:58] – Understanding assets vs. liabilities and why real estate matters

[46:34] – Passive income, investing in apartments, and building wealth young

[49:11] – The challenge to aggressively save while you have no bills

[55:12] – New resource: 25 questions to spark deeper conversations in the car

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Start Financial Conversations Early

Your kids are already forming money beliefs—talking about finances now sets them up with real tools and confidence.

2. Fear of Failing as a Provider Is Real

Ethan opens up about the weight of becoming a provider and why young men need reassurance and education, not shame.

3. Saving While You Have No Bills is a Superpower

We talk about how living at home can be a golden window to stack savings, invest early, and get a head start on life.

4. Assets Build Freedom—Liabilities Drain It

From real estate to investments, we break down the difference between money that works for you vs. money you spend for status.

5. Legacy is Intentional, Not Accidental

These conversations are how we pass down values, strategy, and strength. The way you talk about money sets your family's future.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• 25 Questions to Spark Connection with Your Kids: https://www.thedadedge.com/kidquestions
• Join the Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
• First Form Products: 1stphorm.com/dadedge
• Dad Edge Podcast Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/1391

If this episode sparked new conversations at your dinner table—or made you rethink your financial game plan—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Let's raise strong, wise, and prepared men.

In this Dad Edge Podcast episode, I'm joined by Joel Staley, husband, father, and fasting expert—but the real story here isn't about weight loss. It's about the emotional and relational weight men carry and how mastering the physical body can help men show up more powerfully for their families.

We unpack Joel's transformation from feeling "fluffy" and distracted to leading his wife and kids with presence and purpose. Joel doesn't hold back when talking about how his physical condition was limiting his energy, sex drive, self-respect, and ultimately his connection at home. This isn't a gimmicky fitness episode—it's a raw look at what happens when a man decides he's no longer okay with coasting.

[0:00] – Joel's wake-up call and early struggles with self-image

[4:18] – Feeling physically present but emotionally absent as a dad

[8:20] – Why getting shredded wasn't the real goal

[12:03] – How fasting gave him structure, confidence, and clarity

[16:55] – Leading your family starts with leading yourself

[20:41] – Joel's marriage breakthrough through vulnerability

[24:18] – Sex drive, shame, and physical transformation

[28:36] – Teaching his kids about delayed gratification and purpose

[33:02] – The real impact of watching your dad take care of himself

[37:14] – Daily disciplines that keep him grounded and focused

[40:57] – Joel's final challenge for every dad listening

1. When You Lead Yourself, You Lead Better at Home

Joel discovered that when he took full ownership of his physical health, it cascaded into better decisions, emotional presence, and connection with his family.

2. Your Body is a Spiritual and Emotional Instrument

Getting fit wasn't just about looking good—it gave Joel the energy and confidence to show up for his wife and kids like never before.

3. Fasting Is a Discipline That Builds Mental Toughness

Joel explains how structured fasting helped him reclaim control and break unhealthy patterns that were sabotaging his time and attention at home.

4. Physical Change Can Spark Relational Breakthroughs

As Joel got healthier, his marriage improved—not because of appearance, but because of how he began showing up with integrity and consistency.

5. Your Kids Notice Everything

Joel shares how his daughters now see him as someone who takes care of himself and others—and how that's creating a new generational standard.

• 25 Questions to Spark Connection with Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions

• Learn More About Joel's Coaching & Programs: https://shedfatfast.com

• Follow Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelstaleyfitness

• Joel's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8fcf7ca3

• Join the Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance

• Dad Edge Podcast Episodes: thedadedge.com/1390

If this episode pushed you to confront your own health or leadership gaps, rate, review, follow, and share. Let's live legendary, in every way that matters.

In this solo episode, I dive deep into one of the most vital life skills we can teach our kids—financial literacy. From Halloween costumes to quarterly financial reviews, I walk you through my real-life journey of raising four boys with a focus on money management, financial responsibility, and the value of earning over entitlement. This isn't about theory—it's about what I've tried, what's worked, and the lessons I've learned the hard way.

Whether your kids are 5 or 19, this episode delivers actionable ideas and candid reflections to help you guide your children toward a financially empowered future. If you've ever wondered how to talk to your kids about saving, spending, budgeting, or even compound interest—this is the episode for you.

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:27] - Feeling unequipped as a dad when it comes to teaching kids about money

[2:22] - Shocking statistics about the state of money management in America

[4:04] - A peek into how I started teaching money to my younger kids

[6:10] - The Halloween costume system: chores for rewards

[8:48] - Teaching the value of delayed gratification through real choices

[10:07] - Why even young kids can handle more responsibility than we think

[12:01] - Using a simple allowance system to teach saving, giving, and spending

[12:47] - Bringing my teens to financial advisor meetings

[13:51] - The impact of exposing kids to real-world financial conversations

[14:36] - Teaching compound interest and the power of investing early

[15:18] - Setting up budgeting tools like EveryDollar for teens

[15:57] - My son's dog-walking side hustle—entrepreneurship at 17

[17:02] - Why real-life problem solving is the best financial teacher

[18:33] - Encouraging kids to budget their own money and learn from mistakes

[19:46] - New free resource: "25 Questions for the Car" to spark connection

[21:03] - Final thoughts and heartfelt thanks to the community

1. Start Early with Financial Lessons

Even young kids can begin understanding the basics of money through age-appropriate systems like chores for rewards, visual goal tracking, and simple budgeting methods. It's never too early to introduce financial literacy.

2. Teach Earning Over Entitlement

Using real-life goals—like Halloween costumes or name-brand shoes—can help kids grasp the concept of earning. When kids work for what they want, they value it more and learn essential decision-making skills.

3. Make It Real for Teens

Bringing your older kids into financial conversations, like advisor meetings or discussions about interest and investing, empowers them to make smart money decisions now and in the future.

4. Use Tools That Promote Independence

Programs like EveryDollar are great for helping teens budget and track their spending. This teaches them accountability and gives them a sense of control over their finances.

5. Connection Is the Catalyst for Teaching

Use intentional questions and shared activities to create moments of connection. When you're interested in your kids' lives, it opens the door to deeper, more impactful conversations—including those about money.

• Free Resource: 25 Questions for the Car — https://thedadedge.com/1389

• Budgeting Tool: EveryDollar — https://www.everydollar.com/

• thedadedge.com/kidquestions

If this episode helped you shift your mindset about parenting and money, take a moment to rate, review, and share it with another dad who could benefit. Your support helps us reach more fathers who are ready to lead with intention.

Live Legendary.

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend Coach Frank Rich for one of the most eye-opening and urgent conversations we've ever had on this show. We dig deep into the disturbing ways artificial intelligence is now intersecting with the porn industry—from deepfake technology to fully AI-generated adult content. It's not just impacting adults anymore—this tech is trickling into high schools, being used to bully, humiliate, and emotionally destroy kids. This is a conversation every father, husband, and leader needs to hear.

Frank and I explore how AI porn is evolving faster than laws can keep up, how it's rewiring minds, damaging marriages, and becoming a hidden epidemic in homes across the world. But it's not all doom and gloom—we also share stories of transformation, tools to protect your family, and how to have honest, shame-free conversations with your kids about sex, technology, and identity. If you care about protecting your family in the digital age, this one is a must-listen.

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:18] – AI's alarming infiltration into the porn industry—from deepfakes to AI-generated performers

[4:01] – My raw reaction: learning about deepfake porn for the first time

[6:10] – Is AI porn found on mainstream sites like Pornhub? Frank breaks it down

[8:45] – Why the porn industry has always driven tech innovation

[9:36] – Men monetizing themselves with deepfakes—how that's happening

[12:25] – High schoolers using AI to create and share fake nude images of classmates

[14:00] – Why I use Bark to monitor my kids' devices—and how it's changed our conversations

[17:00] – AI is evolving faster than the laws designed to regulate it

[22:28] – How I talk to my sons about sex, porn, and masturbation—with honesty and no shame

[30:20] – The sobering reality of porn-induced erectile dysfunction in young men

[33:00] – Modeling healthy marriage and intimacy for your kids

[41:24] – A redemption story: how David saved his marriage and reclaimed his life

[49:14] – The hidden cost of porn: time, presence, and connection

[51:18] – Watching a little boy get ignored by his phone-distracted dad—and the mirror it held up for me

[53:47] – Final thoughts: let's stay alert, have the hard conversations, and lead with love

1. AI-generated porn is dangerously realistic—and widely accessible.

What once sounded like sci-fi is now mainstream and emotionally devastating.

2. Teens are weaponizing deepfake technology.

Fake nudes created via AI are being used for bullying, revenge, and harassment in schools.

3. Don't wait to talk to your kids.

The average age of first exposure to porn is 8–11. Have the talk early, openly, and without shame.

4. Porn addiction steals your presence—and your purpose.

Whether it's five minutes or five hours, it erodes your integrity and disconnects you from what matters most.

5. Redemption is real.

Frank's programs have helped countless men rebuild their lives, their faith, their marriages, and their connection to their kids.

• David's story - https://youtu.be/dh-Enf6z-I8

• FRANKS COMMUNITY- https://www.therebuiltman.com/7dayreset

• BARK - thedadedge.com/bark

• Full show notes: TheDadEdge.com/1388

If this episode opened your eyes or helped you in any way, please take a moment to rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Let's continue these hard but necessary conversations—and raise a generation of men and women who lead with purpose, presence, and integrity.

What would you do if the scale flashed "error" because it couldn't register your weight? For most men, that might feel like the end—but for Johnny Muresan, it was day one. In this deeply moving and brutally honest episode, I sit down with the man behind Johnny Goes Running to unpack his staggering 160+ pound weight loss journey, his emotional rock bottom, and how a single painful step forward sparked a complete life transformation.

Johnny shares the realities of chronic pain, food addiction, and near-marital collapse—but more importantly, he walks us through how he reclaimed his health, family, and purpose. From running marathons to rebuilding his marriage and launching a community of hope for other men, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what's possible—no matter where you're starting from.

Episode Timeline Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:01] – What would you do if the scale read "error"? Johnny's weight reality check.

[3:17] – The painful first step and the mindset shift from victimhood to action.

[6:49] – Life at nearly 500 lbs: chronic knee pain, parenting while immobile, and losing hope.

[14:06] – The wake-up call: realizing his choices were writing his kids' future.

[24:09] – How a 30-day water fast broke Johnny's food addiction.

[27:42] – Losing 61 pounds in 30 days—and the humble first meal after.

[33:08] – How changing food habits restored his health and mindset.

[39:02] – His first full marathon—returning to Hawaii where he once hit rock bottom.

[45:00] – Rewiring his entire family dynamic by leading with example.

[50:11] – Running 82 miles across Tennessee for a cause—on just 11 days' notice.

[51:32] – His upcoming book Run Your Life and what it means to take up space where you don't feel you belong.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Rock Bottom is a Starting Line – Johnny didn't wait until he was "ready" or "fit"—he started while in pain, overweight, and discouraged.

2. Living for Your Kids Means Showing Up – Johnny's breakthrough came when he realized he'd die for his kids—but wasn't willing to live for them.

3. Small Wins Compound – From diet soda swaps to walking just a few minutes, Johnny's journey was built on gradual, sustainable steps.

4. Leading by Example Changes Everything – His transformation didn't just affect him—it rewired his entire family's emotional, physical, and relational health.

5. You Belong in Every Room You Enter – Whether it's the start line of a marathon or a new chapter in life, you don't need permission to take up space.

Links & Resources

• Follow Johnny on Instagram: @johnnygoesrunning
• Get your copy of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood + two free courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
• Join the Dad Edge Alliance (Elite Brotherhood): https://thedadedge.com/alliance
• Free 21-Day Email Series: 3 Marriage Skills at a Time: https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/
• 1st Phorm - 1stphorm.com/dadedge
• Show notes: thedadedge.com/1387

Inspired by Johnny's journey? Share this episode with another dad who needs a boost. And if you loved it, be sure to follow, rate, and review the show. Your support helps us continue bringing real, raw, and life-changing stories to men around the world.