The Dad Edge Podcast

What does real leadership actually look like at home—not just at work? In this episode, I sit down with Mick Hunt, leadership and culture coach, to break down what emotional intelligence, boundaries, and masculine presence really mean for husbands and fathers.

Mick shares powerful insights on why being the "nice guy" often kills polarity and attraction in marriage, how emotional intelligence is a strength (not a soft skill), and why men need intentional transition rituals to show up fully present for their families. We talk about journaling as a daily leadership practice, setting boundaries without control, and how a father's emotional presence shapes the safety and confidence of his kids. This conversation is practical, grounded, and deeply relevant for men who want to lead with backbone and heart.

[0:00] Introducing Mick Hunt and why leadership matters most at home

[2:06] Morgan Freeman narrating Mick's videos and the unexpected connection

[2:27] Why emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill

[3:01] How the "nice guy" approach kills polarity and attraction

[3:29] Daily practices Mick uses to stay emotionally present with his kids

[4:09] The importance of transition rituals between work and home

[6:04] Mick's marriage story and reconnecting after decades of friendship

[9:07] Emotional intelligence as awareness, regulation, and response

[11:01] Why empathy doesn't mean losing authority as a husband or father

[14:05] Self-awareness as the foundation of emotional leadership

[15:18] Growing up with an emotionally unavailable father

[17:13] Mick's simple daily journaling practice

[19:17] Why writing trains the brain to separate fact from emotion

[21:07] Boundaries as love—not control—in marriage and family

[23:54] Defining boundaries through core values

[24:16] Protecting "me time" to show up better for others

[27:33] Why skipping transition time hurts marriages and families

[28:38] A real story of ignoring boundaries and paying the emotional cost

[31:27] Masculine presence and modeling healthy marriage for kids

[33:11] Being the emotional anchor of the household

[35:30] Teaching daughters confidence and sons how to care

[38:44] Where to find Mick and his leadership resources

1. Emotional intelligence is a leadership advantage, not a weakness, for men at home and at work.
2. Being agreeable isn't the same as being emotionally present, and "nice guy" energy often kills attraction.
3. Transition rituals protect your family from your stress, allowing you to show up grounded and present.
4. Boundaries rooted in core values create safety, not distance, in marriage and parenting.
5. A father's emotional presence shapes confidence, safety, and leadership in his children.

• Mick Hunt Official Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com
• Instagram: @mickunplugged
• LinkedIn: @mickhunt
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1428

If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, boundaries, or emotional presence at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. The most important leadership role you'll ever have is the one your family experiences every day.

Why do kids raised in the same home react so differently to the exact same situation? In this episode, I'm joined by Alyssa Campbell, author, educator, and founder of Seed & Sew, to unpack what's really happening beneath our kids' behaviors—and why understanding their nervous systems changes everything about how we parent.

Alyssa returns to the show to talk about her new book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, and we go deep into the overlooked developmental stage of kids ages 5–12. We discuss why "shouldn't they know better?" is the wrong question, how regulation and access to skills are two different things, and why each child's unique sensory profile determines how they experience stress, connection, discipline, and learning. This conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and practical tools to parent each child for who they actually are—not who you expect them to be.

[0:00] Why kids raised by the same parents can behave so differently

[2:33] Introducing Alyssa Campbell and her work in emotional intelligence

[3:27] Alyssa's first book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and its success

[3:49] Celebrating Alyssa hitting the New York Times bestseller list

[4:11] Introducing the new book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings

[5:00] Why ages 5–12 are a massively overlooked developmental stage

[6:03] Central nervous systems and why kids respond differently to the same stimulus

[7:36] "Knowing better" vs. having access to skills in the moment

[9:15] Dysregulation in adults—and why kids struggle even more

[14:24] Why kids under 25 don't have fully developed prefrontal cortexes

[16:03] How screens and overstimulation dysregulate kids

[18:12] Why nervous system awareness builds empathy instead of frustration

[22:45] The nine sensory systems every parent should understand

[24:01] Vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses explained

[26:17] Sensory sensitivity vs. sensory seeking

[28:12] Introducing the Seed Quiz as "GPS for your kid's brain"

[29:05] How the Seed Quiz works for kids, parents, and families

[31:10] Real-life school example of regulation transforming behavior

[33:09] Why behavior improves when regulation improves

[35:25] Trauma, environment, and how nervous systems evolve

[41:03] Why understanding nervous systems transforms marriages too

[42:06] Parenting two kids with opposite sensory needs

[44:48] Why the same parenting response can calm one child and escalate another

[45:30] Tapping out to your partner when regulation styles differ

[47:01] Where to find Alyssa, her books, and Seed & Sew resources

1. Every child has a unique nervous system, which determines how they experience stress, connection, and learning.
2. Knowing what to do and being able to do it in the moment are not the same thing, especially when kids are dysregulated.
3. Behavior improves when regulation improves, not when punishment increases.
4. One-size-fits-all parenting often backfires because kids need different inputs to calm and connect.
5. Understanding nervous systems builds empathy, patience, and more effective parenting strategies.

• Seed Quiz (Free Tool): https://seedquiz.com
• Seed & Sew Website: https://www.seedandsew.org
• Seed & Sew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/
• Seed & Sew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seedandsew.org
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1427

If this episode helped you understand your kids—and yourself—on a deeper level, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Parenting isn't about getting it right every time; it's about learning how to show up for the unique humans we're raising.

In this second Q&A episode of 2026, I'm joined once again by Joe Bailey for a raw, honest, and deeply practical conversation with men inside our Dad Edge Alliance. We tackle two of the most common—and emotionally charged—challenges dads face: navigating marriage when divorce feels like it's on the table, and learning when to step in (or step back) as parents with our kids.

Joe brings wisdom forged through failure, humility, and redemption as he shares lessons learned from three divorces and what it actually takes to rebuild trust, emotional safety, and leadership in marriage. We also dig into parenting—specifically how often we default to "no," how helicopter parenting robs kids of growth, and how learning to pause can transform our connection with our children. If you're a dad who wants to lead with ownership instead of ego, and presence instead of control, this episode is for you.

[0:00] Welcoming listeners to the second Q&A of 2026 with Joe Bailey

[1:37] Live Q&A format with Alliance members on the call

[2:03] Anonymous question: marriage arguments escalating and divorce being discussed

[2:52] Joe shares his experience with three divorces and hard-earned lessons

[3:49] Taking full ownership as the leader of the relationship

[4:18] Winning the argument vs. winning your wife's heart

[5:02] Separating identity from failure in marriage

[5:21] Why agreement gives things power over your life

[5:40] Emotional safety, being seen, and being heard

[6:04] How your inner world creates your outer world

[6:55] Why asking "What are you willing to do?" matters more than "Can we fix this?"

[8:03] Leading with humility, apology, and commitment to growth

[8:26] The importance of being coachable as a man and husband

[9:35] Larry explains why the Dad Edge Alliance exists

[10:37] More context: resentment and imbalance with kids and responsibilities

[11:16] Why we're trained for careers—but not for marriage

[12:15] Marriage compared to training and skill development

[13:29] The mental load and resentment that silently builds in relationships

[14:35] Larry shares his own wake-up moment with his wife

[16:19] How to approach conversations with curiosity instead of defense

[17:19] Expecting resistance and understanding trust rebuilds slowly

[18:46] A real coaching story where separation was reversed after consistency

[21:03] "Waiting for the other shoe to drop" and consistency over time

[22:12] Second question: saying "no" too often to kids

[23:12] Helicopter parenting and letting kids solve problems

[24:27] Letting kids work it out unless safety is at risk

[26:02] Stepping in when conflict becomes dangerous

[28:16] Boys, aggression, and healthy outlets

[29:45] Is saying "no" about safety—or convenience?

[30:51] Searching for the "yes" and using delayed yeses

[31:38] The day kids stop asking—and why it matters

[32:16] How selfishness often drives our "no"

[33:22] Episode wrap-up and directing listeners to the show notes

1. Marriage leadership starts with ownership, not blame or defensiveness.

2. Your inner world shapes your marriage, and emotional chaos creates relational chaos.

3. Trust is rebuilt through consistency over time, not quick fixes or intensity.

4. Kids grow through problem-solving, and dads don't need to jump in unless safety is at risk.

5. Saying "yes" whenever possible builds connection, while reflexive "no's" often come from selfishness or convenience.

• Dad Edge Alliance (Apply & Book a Call): https://thedadedge.com/alliance

• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1426

If today's episode gave you clarity, hope, or a new way to lead at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You don't have to white-knuckle marriage or fatherhood alone—brotherhood, humility, and consistency change everything.

Most couples don't drift apart because they stop loving each other—they drift apart because no one ever taught them how to stay connected. In this episode, I sit down with Mark and Brianna Carey, a powerhouse husband-and-wife team who work with couples on intimacy, communication, and emotional safety, to unpack what really happens to marriage after kids enter the picture.

We talk openly about why intimacy breaks down in the early years of parenting, why sex is rarely the real problem, and how resentment quietly builds when couples stop having honest conversations. Mark and Brianna share powerful insights around postpartum realities for both men and women, desire discrepancy, emotional safety, tonality, and the small misfires that slowly turn partners into roommates. If you want real tools to rebuild connection—not surface-level advice—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

[0:00] Why couples drift apart without ever stopping loving each other

[2:08] Introducing Mark and Brianna Carey and their work with couples

[3:15] Why sex is often the symptom—not the problem—in marriage

[4:00] How kids, stress, exhaustion, and resentment fuel disconnection

[6:03] Brianna's background in sexual health education and intimacy coaching

[8:02] Why women often don't feel empowered to talk about sex

[10:34] Desire discrepancy and why it's normal in long-term relationships

[11:17] Invitation to the Dad Edge Alliance and Boardroom

[14:00] Emotional intimacy and the depth of real connection

[15:12] Assumptions, misfires, and missed bids for connection

[17:15] Why individuality actually fuels attraction in marriage

[18:25] Communicating directly about intimacy without pressure

[21:31] The first domino of disconnection after having kids

[22:54] Children as magnifiers of unhealed wounds and identity shifts

[24:58] Postpartum realities for women—and why it's rarely discussed

[25:17] Postpartum identity struggles for fathers

[26:03] What "roommate syndrome" feels like for both partners

[27:22] Feeling "touched out" and navigating physical boundaries

[30:11] The pressure of the six-week postpartum clearance myth

[33:02] How resentment forms and why it's so dangerous

[34:00] Why talking about divorce can actually strengthen commitment

[36:33] "Name it to tame it" and removing fear from hard conversations

[43:14] Why most conflict is unresolvable—and how to manage it

[45:07] Trauma, tonality, and recurring relationship patterns

[47:49] How tone changes meaning more than words

[50:19] Intent vs. impact and closing the communication gap

[54:07] How Mark and Brianna work with couples together

[55:24] Why intensity of support must match intensity of problems

[58:27] Webinar announcement and upcoming relationship resources

1. Intimacy fades when couples stop communicating—not when attraction disappears.
2. Desire discrepancy is normal, but silence around it breeds resentment.
3. Postpartum challenges affect both partners, including identity loss and emotional disconnect.
4. Tone and emotional safety matter as much as words when navigating conflict and intimacy.
5. Connection—not performance—is the fastest path back to intimacy.

• Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/alliance
• Intimacy Evolution Website: https://www.intimacyevolution.com
• Webinar Registration: https://intimacyevolution.kit.com/9a33bf4eaa
• Intimacy Evolution on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimacy_evolution
• Brianna Carey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna_carey
• Mark Carey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark__carey
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1425

If this episode helped you see your marriage differently—or gave you language for conversations you've been avoiding—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Strong marriages aren't built by guessing; they're built through connection, courage, and intentional leadership.

Leadership isn't about position, title, or authority—it's about who you are on the inside and how you show up every day for the people who depend on you. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Pohlman, bestselling author of Leaders Look Within and the upcoming book Leading with Zest, for a powerful conversation about values-based leadership, faith, health, and having the courage to lead from the heart.

Brent shares lessons from 31 years of marriage, raising a faith-centered family, and building a thriving workplace culture rooted in people-first leadership. We dive into why leaders must define a strong "why," how physical health fuels emotional and relational leadership, and how to have hard, triggering conversations without destroying morale—at work or at home. If you're a husband, father, or man who wants to lead with clarity, conviction, and integrity, this episode will challenge you in the best way.

[0:00] Why leadership applies to every man—especially husbands and fathers.

[2:07] Introducing Brent Pohlman and his leadership philosophy.

[2:29] 31 years of marriage and building a faith-centered family.

[2:53] Brent's son serving communion to Pope Francis and the power of faith legacy.

[3:20] Leading from the inside out instead of ego.

[3:45] Why leaders must define a strong, unshakable "why."

[4:43] Marriage, faith, and learning each other after decades together.

[6:16] Converting to Catholicism and claiming faith as your own.

[7:26] Reactive leadership versus values-based leadership.

[9:07] Faith moments that shape identity and conviction.

[11:01] Why leaders must look inward to understand values and motivation.

[12:16] Second-generation leadership and stepping into your own identity.

[14:28] Defining a personal leadership "why" that doesn't change weekly.

[15:26] The importance of physical health for leadership readiness.

[16:03] Daily workouts, awareness, and being prepared for pressure.

[18:08] Being fully present with your wife and kids.

[19:30] Leading at home the same way you lead at work.

[20:17] Developing people instead of managing them.

[21:03] Coaching versus training in leadership development.

[22:49] How direct conversations prevent cultural breakdown.

[23:59] Calling people forward without damaging morale.

[26:02] Fighting to be effective instead of fighting to be right.

[27:11] The power of using someone's name in hard conversations.

[30:03] Why people just want to be heard.

[33:06] Avoiding reactive cultures and emotional time bombs.

[35:08] Asking "What do you really want?" in conflict resolution.

[37:15] Introducing Brent's upcoming book Leading with Zest.

[38:41] People, process, and technology—in that order.

[39:10] Protecting imagination and creativity in a tech-driven world.

[42:16] Putting faith into action through workplace culture.

[45:09] Where to find Brent, his books, and daily reflections.

1. Leadership starts on the inside. You must know your values, faith, and motivations before you can lead others well.
2. A strong "why" stabilizes leadership. Without it, leaders become reactive and inconsistent.
3. Physical health fuels leadership presence. Energy, discipline, and consistency matter in how you show up.
4. Coaching builds leaders; training builds skills. Growth happens through direct, caring conversations.
5. People-first leadership creates thriving cultures—at work, at home, and in communities.

• MicroFactor (1st Phorm):
• https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge
• Level-1 Protein (1st Phorm):
• https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge
• Brent Pohlman — Leaders Look Within: https://a.co/d/aIPZqXo
• Brent Pohlman — Leading with Zest: https://a.co/d/78BUngL
• Brent Pohlman Website: https://ceoofyourheart.com
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1424

If this episode challenged you to lead with more intention, health, and heart, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Leadership isn't about perfection—it's about showing up aligned, grounded, and willing to grow.

We're kicking off a brand-new year with something many of you have asked for—the return of our live Q&A episodes. In this conversation, I'm joined once again by Uncle Joe as we answer real questions from men inside our community about parenting, connection with daughters, discipline, stoicism, faith, and leadership at home.

This episode goes deep. We talk about building trust with kids who feel distant, why saying "no" too often damages connection, how fathers can lead without demanding reciprocity, and the difference between white-knuckling life versus living from identity. If you're a dad who wants deeper relationships with your kids and clarity around leadership, faith, and emotional presence, this episode will challenge and ground you.

[0:00] Welcoming listeners to the 11th year of The Dad Edge Podcast.

[1:37] Reflection on longevity, gratitude, and why this work still matters.

[1:59] Announcement: Roommates to Soulmates eight-week course starting January 14.

[2:19] What men will learn in the Roommates to Soulmates marriage training.

[2:42] RSVP details for the January 7 preview call.

[3:07] Welcoming Uncle Joe back to the show.

[3:39] Listener question about connecting with daughters at different developmental stages.

[5:14] Joe shares his experience raising three daughters.

[6:33] Loving kids without expecting emotional reciprocation.

[7:16] Why trust—not control—is the foundation of fatherhood.

[8:08] Changing the default answer from "no" to "yes."

[9:19] Joe shares the powerful "father promise ring" moment with his daughter.

[10:41] Why fathers must make covenants to their kids—not demand them.

[12:26] Larry shares his struggle connecting with his youngest son.

[13:26] Letting kids lead connection through their interests.

[14:12] Hiking, martial arts, and intentional one-on-one time.

[15:19] Creating unique rituals with each child.

[16:03] Capturing small moments for deep emotional connection.

[18:12] Invitation to join the Dad Edge Alliance for live support and brotherhood.

[19:51] Listener question about stoicism and discipline.

[21:27] Larry explains why he moved away from stoicism.

[22:29] Joe breaks down the appeal—and danger—of half-truths in stoicism.

[24:07] White-knuckling life vs. living from identity.

[25:00] Faith, identity, and emotional regulation.

[27:28] Comparing stoicism with surrender and relationship-based leadership.

[29:05] Psalm 23 and why dependence beats self-mastery.

[31:30] Filtering wisdom through Scripture and lived experience.

[34:41] How suffering builds empathy and leadership capacity.

[35:19] Final thoughts, gratitude, and where to find resources.

1. Connection with kids is built through trust, consistency, and presence—not control.
2. Fathers must lead relationships without demanding emotional repayment.
3. White-knuckling discipline leads to exhaustion; identity-based leadership leads to peace.
4. Kids feel deeply seen when dads meet them inside their interests.
5. True strength comes from surrender, faith, and relational grounding—not self-reliance alone.

• Dad Edge Mastermind & Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind
• Roommates to Soulmates Course: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1423

If this episode encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or gave you practical tools to lead better at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. These conversations matter—and your support helps us reach more men who are committed to becoming better fathers, husbands, and leaders.

To kick off 2026, I sit down with Dr. Paul Leonardi, author of the bestselling book Digital Exhaustion, for a conversation that felt incredibly timely—and personal. If you've been feeling distracted, mentally drained, short-tempered, or like your family is getting the leftovers of your energy, this episode puts clear language around what's happening inside your brain.

We dive deep into how constant app switching, nonstop notifications, and digital overload are quietly exhausting our attention, memory, marriages, and relationships with our kids. Paul breaks down the science behind digital exhaustion in a practical, grounded way, and I share a powerful moment when my 12-year-old voluntarily handed back his phone because he didn't like how it made him feel. This episode isn't about rejecting technology—it's about learning how to use it without letting it use us.

[0:00] Introduction

[1:02] Welcoming listeners to 2026 and the 11th year of The Dad Edge Podcast.

[1:40] Introducing Dr. Paul Leonardi and the concept of digital exhaustion.

[2:22] How digital overload impacts attention, memory, marriage, and family life.

[3:05] Parenting in a world our brains were never designed for.

[4:12] Raising kids with devices and navigating unfamiliar territory.

[6:07] Independence, social media, and emotional complexity in today's kids.

[7:35] How online trends shape kids' identity and self-image.

[9:58] What's actually happening in the brain during prolonged digital use.

[11:16] The hidden "taxes" we pay for constant connectivity.

[12:26] Driver #1: attention and constant context switching.

[13:31] Driver #2: inference and filling in the blanks online.

[15:26] Driver #3: amplified emotions—both positive and negative.

[16:31] Why multitasking burns massive mental energy.

[17:20] The impact of digital overload on memory and mental residue.

[18:41] Outsourcing memory to devices and what it costs us.

[21:15] When kids are actually ready for devices—and when they're not.

[23:42] Why screen time isn't the real issue—interruptions and content are.

[26:35] The emotional cost of likes, validation, and online comparison.

[28:39] Larry shares the story of his son giving up his phone voluntarily.

[31:11] Why kids struggle to articulate digital overwhelm.

[32:06] The Facebook outage study and the surprising relief people felt.

[35:10] Introducing the Roommates to Soulmates live course.

[37:54] Digital exhaustion inside marriage and miscommunication over text.

[38:58] "Make the match" — choosing the right communication medium.

[43:12] "Be here, not elsewhere" and the power of undistracted presence.

[46:09] How distraction has become socially normalized.

[49:21] Why work interruptions at home send the wrong message.

[51:39] Modeling priorities for kids through availability and presence.

[56:21] Where to find Paul, his book, and additional resources.

1. Digital exhaustion comes from attention switching, inference-making, and emotional overload, not just screen time alone.
2. Multitasking is a myth—the brain burns massive energy switching contexts, leaving us mentally drained.
3. Kids often feel overwhelmed by devices before they can explain it, which shows up as stress or behavior changes.
4. Choosing the right communication tool matters, especially in marriage and parenting.
5. Presence beats duration—ten fully focused minutes matter more than hours of distracted time.

• Paul Leonardi — Digital Exhaustion Book: https://paulleonardi.com/digital-exhaustion-book/
• Paul Leonardi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-leonardi-45b67321/
• Dad Edge Mastermind & Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind
• Roommates to Soulmates Course: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1422

If this episode made you rethink how you're using your phone, your attention, or your presence at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. The way we show up—focused, intentional, and available—shapes not just our kids' childhoods, but the adults they become.

In the final episode of 2025, I take time to reflect, express deep gratitude, and share what's coming next for The Dad Edge as we head into 2026. This episode is about honoring what this community has built together over the past ten years, celebrating the wins, and casting a clear vision for what's ahead for men who want to lead their families with intention.

I walk you through several major announcements—from the return of Wednesday Q&A with Uncle Joe, to our brand-new Dad Edge Alliance membership platform, upcoming marriage and health initiatives, and powerful in-person experiences like Men's Forge. This episode is both a thank-you and a rallying cry for men who are ready to step into the next year with clarity, purpose, and brotherhood.

[0:00] Welcoming listeners and reflecting on the final episode of 2025.

[1:23] Celebrating 10 full years of podcasting and the growth of The Dad Edge.

[1:41] Gratitude for listeners, downloads, and being ranked #1 again.

[2:22] Why fatherhood, marriage, and family are the most important work we do.

[2:56] A heartfelt thank-you to the community for showing up all year.

[3:13] Announcement: Wednesday Q&A episodes return with Uncle Joe in 2026.

[3:49] How to submit your questions for the Q&A episodes via email.

[4:06] Introducing the brand-new Dad Edge Alliance membership site.

[4:49] Why moving away from Facebook, Slack, and WhatsApp changed everything.

[5:24] Weekly call teams and global time-zone support for members.

[5:47] January focus inside the Alliance: marriage, parenting, vitality, and money.

[6:26] February marriage training focused on intimacy, passion, and connection.

[6:44] Partnership with 1st Phorm and upcoming health initiatives.

[7:18] Announcement of the 8-week transformation challenge starting February 1.

[7:55] Coaching, accountability, and community inside the challenge.

[8:54] Information call for the Roommates to Soulmates live course.

[9:14] What the Roommates to Soulmates course will teach men about marriage.

[10:02] Larry shares his personal experience with marriage disconnection.

[10:39] Men's Forge announcement with Ryan Michler and Order of Man.

[11:01] Event dates, speakers, and why nearly everyone returned from last year.

[11:56] "Bring a Brother" and "Bring a Son" ticket options.

[12:12] Why exposing teenage sons to intentional masculinity matters.

[13:10] Announcing the December Dad Edge 1st Phorm Man of the Month.

[13:55] Recognizing Shay Chase for leadership and health coaching impact.

[14:39] Directing listeners to the full show notes and resources.

[15:01] Final thank-you and encouragement heading into 2026.

1. Intentional fatherhood creates generational impact, and this community exists to raise the standard for men.
2. Brotherhood and accountability matter, especially when men are navigating marriage, parenting, health, and finances.
3. Marriage requires skill-building and leadership, not passive hope that things will improve.
4. Physical health fuels leadership at home, and structured challenges create momentum and consistency.
5. The next year can look different if men commit to standards, community, and intentional action.

• Dad Edge Alliance Membership: http://thedadedge.com/alliance
• Roommates to Soulmates Course: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• 1st Phorm Partnership: https://1stphorm.com/dadedge
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1421
• https://themensforge.com/

Gentlemen, thank you for an incredible 2025. Thank you for showing up, doing the work, and choosing to lead your families with intention. My hope is that we bring even more men to this table in 2026 so we can continue to change lives, marriages, and families for the better. Go out and live legendary.

What do you do when life changes in ways you didn't choose—and didn't see coming? In this deeply emotional and intellectually grounding conversation, I sit down with Dr. Maya Shankar, cognitive scientist, former White House advisor, and host of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans, to talk about change, identity, grief, and uncertainty.

Maya shares her powerful personal story of being accepted into Juilliard at a young age, only to have her violin career abruptly end due to a devastating injury. From there, we explore how unexpected change threatens our identity, why the human brain craves certainty, and how men, husbands, and fathers can navigate seasons where the future they imagined suddenly disappears. This conversation hit me personally as I opened up about my son preparing to leave for college, and Maya offers language, tools, and clarity for anyone navigating major life transitions.

[0:00] What happens when life changes and you don't get a vote.

[1:28] Introducing Dr. Maya Shankar and the theme of unexpected change.

[2:10] Being accepted into Juilliard at age nine and pursuing music at the highest level.

[3:05] A career-ending violin injury and the grief that followed.

[4:05] How loss threatens not just what we do—but who we are.

[7:44] Learning violin by ear and developing passion without perfection.

[9:03] A mother's fearlessness and the power of bold action.

[11:06] Cold emailing, courage, and creating unexpected opportunities.

[13:39] Being bullied as a child and finding safety in family and music.

[15:16] Larry reflects on marriage drift and identity shifts.

[18:06] Pivoting from academia to public policy and working at the White House.

[21:51] The power of defaults and how behavioral science changed public outcomes.

[25:17] Why uncertainty is harder on the brain than certainty—even bad certainty.

[27:05] The illusion of control and how change shatters it.

[27:31] Anchoring identity to why you do things, not just what you do.

[29:45] Navigating infertility, loss, and redefining self-worth.

[33:11] Why we resist change even when it's necessary for growth.

[36:00] Marriage, evolution, and the "end of history illusion."

[39:32] How hardship can lead to unexpected personal growth.

[45:43] Gratitude as a tool for identity resilience.

[48:25] Helping kids navigate change while managing your own emotions.

[50:28] The grief of kids leaving home—even when it's a good thing.

[54:26] Why we are more resilient than we think.

[56:15] The importance of community during seasons of change.

[59:19] Maya shares her book, podcast, and where to connect.

1. Change threatens identity as much as circumstance, which is why it feels so destabilizing.
2. The brain prefers certainty—even negative certainty—over uncertainty, making transitions especially stressful.
3. Anchoring identity to your values and motivations creates resilience when roles and plans fall away.
4. We underestimate our ability to adapt and overestimate how painful change will be long-term.
5. Connection, community, and self-reflection are essential tools for navigating major life transitions.

• Dr. Maya Shankar's Book: https://a.co/d/3u87zps
• Dr. Maya Shankar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar/?hl=en
• Roommates to Soulmates Course: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1420

If this episode gave you language for a season of change you're navigating right now, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You're not alone in the uncertainty—and you're far more resilient than you think.

In today's episode, I sit down with Eric Kennedy, founder of Recovery Vow and author of Marriage After Addiction, for one of the most raw and redemptive conversations we've ever had on this show. Eric spent 15 years deep in addiction—alcohol, cocaine, crack, jail time, suicide attempts, losing his marriage, and losing himself. This isn't a story of high-functioning addiction. This is rock bottom in every sense of the word.

Eric opens up about growing up with emotional neglect, how unresolved trauma fueled his addiction, and the moments that finally forced him to choose life. We talk about the long road to sobriety, rebuilding trust with his kids, walking through divorce and remarriage, and what radical ownership really looks like when you're trying to rebuild a marriage after years of destruction. Whether you've battled addiction yourself or you're carrying unspoken wounds from your past, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing, redemption, and generational change are possible.

[0:00] Introduction

[1:02] Why addiction isn't the real problem—trauma, disconnection, and silence are.

[1:40] Introducing Eric Kennedy and the depth of his addiction story.

[2:08] Addiction beginning with alcohol and escalating to cocaine and crack.

[5:14] Using substances to bury trauma, anxiety, and depression.

[7:13] Growing up with an emotionally unavailable father.

[11:23] Seeing his father drunk as a child and the lasting impact.

[15:00] Addiction escalating alongside marriage and fatherhood.

[22:44] A suicide attempt and waking up in an ambulance.

[25:05] Driving to get drugs with his kids in the car.

[29:29] Arrest, jail time, and asking for help again.

[30:10] Entering a 30-day treatment program in Florida.

[33:14] Gaining custody of his sons while newly sober.

[35:32] Finding faith, community, and structure in recovery.

[37:02] Meeting his wife Kristin and rebuilding a healthy marriage.

[42:44] Radical ownership and rebuilding trust through action.

[51:48] Being fully honest with his sons about his past.

[53:31] Choosing life, sobriety, and fatherhood every day.

1. Addiction is often rooted in unresolved trauma and emotional disconnection, not just substance abuse.
2. Recovery requires radical ownership and healthy selfishness so you can show up for your kids and relationships.
3. Trust is rebuilt through consistent actions over time, not promises or apologies.
4. Honesty with your kids can break generational cycles and rebuild connection.
5. Redemption is always possible, but it requires humility, structure, and daily commitment.

• Eric Kennedy's Book — Marriage After Addiction: https://a.co/d/4uYCpvT
• Recovery Vow: https://recoveryvow.com
• MicroFactor (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge
• Opti-Greens 50 (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/opti-greens-50-stick-packs/?a_aid=dadedge
• Roommates to Soulmates Course: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1417

If today's episode gave you hope or reminded you that it's never too late to change, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach men who need to hear that recovery, redemption, and reconnection are possible.