Welcome to Episode 36 with Mike Salemi"The Language That Builds Legends: How Dads Shape Identity"(Mike’s Dad Stats: One son, age 2)In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Mike Salemi, an elite strength coach turned holistic performance guide, and we dive deep into the evolving role of fatherhood, vitality, and the literal narratives that shape how we lead as men.Mike opens up about his early years competing on the world stage in powerlifting and the physical and emotional burnout that followed. What emerged from that breakdown was a new approach to "men’s work” – one that doesn’t aim to break men down, but to build them up through presence, vitality, and integration. From Qigong and sweat lodges to breathwork and storywork, Mike’s work is about reawakening the father, the partner, and the leader within the man who has lost touch with his full self.We unpack the true power of our words, how language literally sculpts identity, and how "soft talk" can keep men—and their kids—stuck in a loop of vague, disempowering narratives. We also discuss how to guide our children’s voice from an early age through modeling, intentional structure, and love-filled correction, not control.This one’s for the fathers holding a lot. For the dads walking the tightrope of provider, protector, partner, and man. For the men who want to raise legends, without losing themselves in the process.🔑 KEY THEMES:-Vitality as the cornerstone of modern manhood-Language as a tool for self-definition and transformation-Parenting through presence, not perfection-Teaching kids empowered speech (without being controlling)-The quiet weight men carry—and how to share it without shame🎧 A standout moment:“The currency of fatherhood is presence. That is the currency that a child understands.”I can’t wait for you all to listen in! (And pass it on to a father you admire..)Connect with Mike:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/Onward!-Dave MomperLeadership Coach and Brand New Dadwww.thrivalconcepts.com #Fatherhood #MensWork #IntentionalParenting #RaisingLegends #ModernFatherhood #PresenceOverPerfection #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #LeadershipAndFatherhood #EmpoweredFathers #SoftTalkAwareness #HolisticPerformance #MindsetMatters #WHOADADGODAD