The Self-Employed Dad

In this raw, unfiltered episode, Raul reflects on his 16-year journey in the fitness industry—from opening his first CrossFit affiliate at 21 to building and operating multiple commercial facilities.

Raul opens up about the harsh reality behind fast success: the hidden financial mistakes, running on adrenaline, and the catastrophic breakdown of mixing marriage, business, and ego. He shares his story of Infidelity, going through a public divorce, losing over 75+ gym members in a matter of months, hitting rock bottom with drug and alcohol abuse, and surviving two suicide attempts.

Together, we explore:• The hidden traps of early business growth and scaling too fast• How unaddressed relationship friction and poor communication destroy partnerships• What hitting true rock bottom looks like—and how to rebuild your life from scratch• Shifting your mindset from chasing external approval to finding real presence as a parent

Connect with Raul on Instagram: @raulthetrainer

Whether you're struggling with work-life balance, going through a tough transition, or trying to rebuild after a setback, Raul's story is a powerful reminder that no mistake is final if you're willing to do the work.

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In this pilot guest episode, Adam sits down with his long-time mate Eric (founder of With Eric's Help). Eric shares his story of transitioning from a full-time job with a side hustle to taking the leap into running his own business—all while raising two young daughters.

What we cover in this episode:

• The Full-Time Transition: How Eric built recurring revenue to safely leave full-time employment without risking his family's security.

• The Reality of Work-Life Balance: Managing school drop-offs, family schedules, and time-restricted workdays as a solopreneur.

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Practical strategies for handling imposter syndrome, dark moments, and business dry spells.

• Boundaries & Phone Addiction: How to actually switch off at the dinner table and be present with your kids instead of checking emails.

• The Changing Role of Fathers: Navigating the double pressure of being the provider and the emotionally present dad.

Connect with Eric:

• Website: With Eric's Help

• Socials: @withericshelp

Connect with Adam:

• Follow the podcast for more upcoming episodes about business, health, and fatherhood.

• Have a topic or question? Send a message directly on Instagram! @adam.mindsetcoach

Trying to juggle the mental tornado in your head while trying to show up as a present family man is brutal. When I shut down my last business, I went through some of the darkest times of my life.

I promised myself I wouldn't get emotional recording this, but this is exactly why The Self-Employed Dad Podcast exists—to open up the conversations most blokes are too proud or too scared to have.