The Dad Edge Podcast

Our relationship with our fathers determines how we will be as fathers. But we have a choice. We can either repeat the cycle or use it as a lesson on how not to parent. Forgiveness seems impossible when it comes to someone who hurt us so badly during the time that we needed them most, but it is the only way to not let the anger rule us as parents. Today we talk about making peace with a toxic father. Justin Chester's father was absent most of the time. When his dad was home, he was cold and mean. He'd lock Justin outside during rainstorms and pin him to the wall for not knowing how to tie his shoes. Now Justin has been married for 3 years and is the father of two sons, a one-year-old and a newborn. He knew that holding onto the resentment and trauma was holding him back in life. In a heroic act of forgiveness, he reached out and confronted his dad to bury the pain. His toxic father cannot take back the past, but Justin is no longer letting it poison his future. For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/thursday222. ———— Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group. Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance. Follow us on Instagram at @thedadedge!

Eddie Capparucci, a licensed counselor and bestselling author, dives deep into the complexities of pornography and sexual addiction. He connects these issues to childhood experiences, explaining how they shape emotional struggles. Eddie uncovers the psychological and physiological impacts of porn on relationships and highlights the alarming trend of early exposure among kids. He provides valuable strategies for managing triggers and emphasizes the power of vulnerability and accountability in fostering healthier connections.

Having a special needs child is one of the biggest challenges a parent can face. But the death of a child is so inconceivably painful, many of us can't bear the thought of it. Today we talk to a man who has endured both. Zane Shook's baby had all the chips stacked against him. The doctor gave Zane and his wife the option to abort, but despite the odds, they committed to having their child. Wyatt was born with a chromosomal disorder and severe birth defects that prevented him from ever speaking. He was mentally challenged and unable to walk, but that didn't keep him from laughing and enjoying life. Wyatt courageously fought to live, but just shy of his eighteenth birthday, he lost the fight. Zane Shook talks about the little warrior his son was, the joy Wyatt brought to his life, and how he survived the insurmountable grief of losing him. You will want to pay close attention to this special episode. For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/thursday221. ———— Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group. Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance. Follow us on Instagram at @thedadedge!

Adam Schafer, host of the Mind Pump Podcast and new dad, shares insights on how becoming a father has changed his lifestyle and relationship with his wife. He discusses manufacturing adversity for kids to build resilience, the importance of being present in relationships, and his struggles with empathy and childhood insecurities. This episode offers valuable insights for improving fathering skills.

In this episode, the guest Eric Martinez discusses overcoming obstacles, losing weight, and prioritizing self-care for dads. They also talk about relationships, parenting, emotional validation, and the elements of a legendary marriage. The importance of communication and the impact of self-care on mental well-being are highlighted.

We all want to live in a happy home, a deep relationship with our spouse, and confident and capable kids. But how do we create the home life we dream of in today's world? Arlene Pellicane shows us how. She is an author and speaker whose mission is to encourage families. Among her books are Parents Rising, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, and Cool, Calm, and Connected. Arlene helps parents raise kids who are ready for life (not just playing video games), and also helps couples take their so-so marriage to a joyful one. Arlene talks about what a man needs most from his wife and how a couple can fall in love again. She explains the complementary roles of mothers and fathers and how to leverage the strengths of each. Arlene also tells us how to raise obedient, respectful children, and how we can live with more purpose, and less screen time. You can live in a happy home. Listen to discover how. For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/274. Join the Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group. Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance. Follow us on Instagram at @thedadedge!

What does it really take to be a great father? How can we inspire our kids to reach for more, even if our father didn't show us a good example? Bryan Loritts is a pastor and the award-winning author of seven books, including The Dad Difference: The 4 Most Important Gifts You Can Give to Your Kids. Today Bryan teaches us the four RITEs of fatherhood and how to implement each. He tells us how we can be proactive about our operating systems as fathers, becoming constant guides and teachers so that our kids have the best chance of living a meaningful and fulfilling life. For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/thursday219. ———— Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group. Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance. Follow us on Instagram at @thedadedge!