This is Part 1 of a 2-part series exploring the impact a father has on his children even after he's gone.

In this episode, Dr. Meghan Braun joins the show to talk about losing her father at an early age and how her father's continued influence has helped propel her throughout her time as a college athlete and now in her career as a physical therapist.

Connect with Dr. Braun at https://www.bodymechpt.com and follow her on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsi29nCnJ3NlfIvebN8mC4w. 

Jason Goggans was getting by as an overweight police officer in 1999 when an on-duty incident that could have cost him his life delivered the wake-up call he needed.

After losing nearly 40 pounds, other people started to notice his transformation and began seeking his advice on all things fitness
and nutrition. Jason fell in love with helping people create a sustainable healthy life for themselves, and in 2003, he left police work to open up his first gym.

In this episode, Jason and I backtrack through his journey and get into his fight against the gimmicks, fads, lies, and misinformation that are so prevalent in the health and fitness space.

Connect with Jason at https://www.jasongoggansfitness.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jason.goggans.

Tal Short is a Senior Product Manager at Reebok designing and creating some of the most iconic and well-known footwear in the fitness space.

Along with a beautiful family and a dedication to his own health and fitness, Tal's life sounds about as good as it gets.

But not so long ago, Tal struggled with a lack of direction, alcoholism, and waning health. And in today's conversation, he and I discuss what it took to get back on track, including how his faith took the leading role in his comeback story.

Connect with Tal at https://www.instagram.com/tal_short.

Thank you for listening to the Fit Dad Fitness Podcast. Please leave a rating and review, and check out all things Fit Dad Fitness at https://www.fitdadfitness.com.

Justin de la Cruz joins the show this week to talk about deadlifts, bringing intensity to each workout, how he got into fitness during some tough times in his life, and his eventual connection to Dana Linn and Rob Bailey.

Connect with Justin at https://www.instagram.com/jcruzphysique.

Go to www.Tonal.com to check out this game-changing at-home fitness equipment. Use the code FITDAD at checkout for $100 off smart accessories.

My guest this week, Ken Wimberly, details his journey of how a little spark of fitness and a little stop-and-go eventually led to him going 550+ straight days (as of recording this episode) of exercising.

Ken discusses the challenges he has faced, how he had to rearrange his lifestyle and priorities, and if he thinks he'll ever stop.

Check out Ken's work with his journaling app, Legacy of Love, at https://legacyoflove.app/.

Go to https://www.getjupiter.com/share/fitdad and use the code FITDAD for 10% off Jupiter Organic CBD drops.

Closing out the week with a brand new Fit Dad Q&A!

Questions answered this episode:

- What's your opinion on Rowdy energy drinks?
- What your opinion on the Safe & Fair Food Company drizzled popcorn and granola snacks?
- Workout plan recommendations for dads who are working men as well?
- Tips for how to get out of bed in the morning?
- Could you dive more into your current workout split?

If you like this episode, please share it on social media and tag me. Let me know what you thought of the message and the idea. And don't forget to leave those ratings and reviews!

Michael Arterberry is a former athlete, a husband and father, and a seasoned motivational speaker.

Since 2008, Michael has used the story of his childhood and how he went on to nearly earn the chance to try out for an NFL team as a way to motivate, inspire, and change the lives of teenagers and adults.

In this week's episode, Michael describes how being open and honest with his own story helps people use what they have gone through to get to their own breakthrough.

Connect with Michael at www.michaelarterberry.com and www.youthvoicescenter.org to learn more. Follow him at https://www.facebook.com/michael.arterberry/.

Dr. Skylar Pond joins me this week to discuss the importance of recovery, the world of functional medicine, and how setting the example for your kids means "getting in the trenches" with them.

Dr. Pond is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician who has served as the physician for Seattle's Pro Rugby Club, the Seattle Seawolves, and The Ivan Salaverry MMA Team, and has participated in some pretty epic and grueling physical feats.

It's an interesting discussion where he and I discuss the dichotomy of combat sports and pushing your body to the limits while helping athletes recover and repair their bodies.

To connect with Dr. Pond, visit https://sportsmednw.com or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heavyweightspinestraight.

Check out the Tonal at-home strength system at https://www.tonal.com. Use the code FITDAD for $100 off the smart accessories.

This is a special episode for me being that I am a former journalist. My guest this week is ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman, a fit dad and no doubt one of the most recognizable figures in news reporting.

Matt has reported on events in more than 40 countries, oftentimes in dangerous or scary situations, but he does it all with one deep desire — to tell the most important stories of the day.

And make no mistake, Matt considers his health and fitness to be a major reason why he's able to do what he does.

Connect with Matt on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mattgutmanabc) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/mattgutmanABC).

Check out BrainFM's amazing AI-powered music and get 3 days for free when you go to https://www.fitdadfitness.com/brainfm.

Thanks for listening to the show! Go out and live an active, involved, healthy life with your children!

Larry Hagner, the founder of The Good Dad Project and the host of the Dad’s Edge Podcast, joins me this week for a long-overdue conversation.

A father of four boys, Larry knows first-hand how difficult it can be to raise a family while maintaining your marriage/partnership/life and your sanity.

I appreciated Larry's openness and vulnerability so much during this interview, as he was just as willing to talk about his own faults and flaws as he was willing to talk about his triumphs and accomplishments — as a husband, father, business owner, and more. Enjoy!

Check out Larry's book “The Dad’s Edge”, as well as his website, https://gooddadproject.com/. Connect with Larry on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thedadedge.

Check out Barbell Apparel and grab yourself some awesome-fitting gear at https://www.barbellapparel.com/fitdadfitness and use the code MASH15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

Thank you so much for listening! It would be an honor if you shared this episode with a friend or left a rating and review. All the best to you and your family!