The Dad Edge Podcast

• Reclaiming Fatherhood Energy by Leading Yourself First featuring Joel Staley

  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.       EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   [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       5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   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.         LINKS & RESOURCES   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.  

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• Teaching Your Kids Financial Responsibility Without Overcomplicating It

  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.   Timeline Summary   [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     5 Key Takeaways   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.         Links & Resources   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.

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• Protecting Our Homes in the Age of AI-Driven Pornography featuring Frank Rich

  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.       Episode Highlights & Timeline:   [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       5 Key Takeaways:     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.         Links & Resources:   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.

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• The 497 Pound Comeback Story That Started One Step At A Time featuring Johnny Muresan

  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.  

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• Creating Intentional Moments to Strengthen Your Marriage In the Busy Season

  If your days feel like a relentless sprint—from school drop-offs to late-night routines—you’re not alone. In this short and powerful solo episode, I open up about the challenges of maintaining intimacy, presence, and intention in marriage when life gets overwhelmingly busy. With fall sports, kid activities, and work responsibilities piling up, it’s all too easy to slip into “roommate mode” with your spouse.   But here’s the truth: Strong families start with strong marriages. I share three deeply practical ways to create micro-moments of connection, build intentional rituals, and avoid emotional drift. Whether it’s through a 30-minute walk, a forehead kiss, or a late-night two-minute check-in, this episode is your reminder that you’re not just co-parents—you’re still each other’s chosen partner.     Episode Highlights   [0:00] - Introduction [1:05] - Why strong marriages are the foundation of strong families [2:55] - The common trap of prioritizing everything but your marriage [4:46] - The September-October “whiplash” that hits most parents hard [5:43] - Celebrating the release of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood [8:19] - How an unbalanced focus on your kids can erode your marriage [10:09] - The power of micro-moments: texts, sticky notes, forehead kisses [12:31] - Creative date ideas (even when time is scarce) [14:29] - Why sometimes the world has to suffer—but your marriage shouldn’t [15:14] - End-of-day rituals that spark closeness even in exhaustion [17:41] - The compound interest effect of tiny deposits in your marriage [18:03] - You are more than a co-parent—you’re still her Casanova [19:13] - A free 21-day email series to help you build an extraordinary marriage [20:54] - Final rally cry: be uncommon, be legendary     5 Key Takeaways   1. Strong Marriages Build Strong Families When your marriage is thriving, it naturally strengthens the emotional climate of your entire home. Don’t neglect the foundation. 2. Micro-Moments Matter More Than Grand Gestures A quick kiss, a thoughtful note, or a midday “thinking of you” text can do more for connection than elaborate plans you never get to. 3. Busy Seasons Are Inevitable—Disconnection Isn’t Just because life is chaotic doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer. Intention and awareness are your defense against emotional drift. 4. You’re Still Her Lover, Not Just Her Co-Parent The role of “dad” is important—but don’t forget you were her partner first. That romance needs nurturing, especially when time is tight. 5. Investing in Your Marriage Pays Long-Term Dividends Like compound interest, the small daily investments you make in your marriage build a future of closeness, trust, and enduring partnership.       Links & Resources     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/       If this episode helped reignite your drive to be more intentional in your marriage, please rate, follow, and review the show. Share it with a fellow dad who might be feeling the weight of the season—we’re in this together.   Let’s go out and live legendary.

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