No sitting on the sideline Dad

My son had the right rod, the right reel, and knew how to work the bait better than I do. He still didn't catch a single fish. And he was ticked off about it. In this solo episode, I talk about that afternoon at the lake — and why it turned into one of the most important conversations I've had with him. Because here's the truth: sometimes you do everything right, and it still doesn't work out. I l...

What does it really mean to be present as a dad? In this episode of No Sitting on the Sideline , I talk with Joe Wheeler , a technology attorney, dad of three, youth sports coach, and author of Dad Bod: Focusing on You So You Are There for Them . This conversation goes deeper than the phrase "dad bod." It is about fatherhood. It is about mental health. It is about the pressure dads carry when they...

Narcissism isn't always obvious. In this episode, Joe speaks with Deanna about the subtle, invisible forms of abuse that can cost you your sense of self—and how to take it back. Deanna explores the difference between healthy relationships and narcissistic ones, unpacks gaslighting with real examples, and explains why your nervous system stays trapped in fight-or-flight even after the relationship...

Fertility is something many couples struggle with quietly.   Stress. Long work hours. Financial pressure. Environmental toxins.   Birth rates are dropping worldwide, and more couples are facing "unexplained infertility."   In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Marina, OB-GYN, to talk about what's really happening — and what couples can actually control.   We cover:   Why global fertility rates are...

Guests: Derek Jackson and Jeff Gottfurcht, Co-Founders of CyberDive Episode Summary Every parent knows the feeling. Your kid has a phone. You know the internet never sleeps. And you are pretty sure the rules you grew up with no longer apply. In this episode, Joe sits down with  two dads who came at the problem from opposite worlds and built a real solution together.   Derek Jackson, a former U.S....

Terry Iverson has spent more than 40 years in manufacturing, carrying on a family legacy built on precision, craftsmanship, and mentoring. In this conversation, Terry talks about the future of skilled work, why trades matter, and how young people can build meaningful careers without drowning in debt. terry2 We cover the shift away from hands-on skills, the importance of soft skills and critical th...

Some people feel the world in a deeper way. You might walk into a room and notice tension right away. You might catch a shift in someone's voice before they even admit something is wrong. You might replay moments for days because your mind doesn't let them go.   If this sounds familiar, this episode will help you make sense of it.   I sat down with Todd Smith , host of the podcast Stress Managemen...

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice? You're not alone. Only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy, and the wellness industry is designed to keep you confused. In this episode, health coach and author Jen Trepeck breaks down why the "eat less, move more" approach fails, what your body is actually trying to tell you, and how to cut through the noise to reclaim your health. You'll d...

  What can we learn about presence, gratitude, and courage from our dogs? In this heartfelt episode, Joe sits down with  Barbara Stone , a leadership coach, author, and TEDx speaker, to discuss her book, So Much to Drool About: Dog-Inspired Wisdom for Living Large. Barbara shares how her Great Danes taught her to slow down, live with curiosity, and embrace life with full presence. Together, they e...

  At 94 years old, Dr. Kenneth Cooper is still proving that health isn't about adding years—it's about adding good years. Known worldwide as the "Father of Aerobics," Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper changed how people think about exercise, prevention, and longevity. In this episode, he shares how decades of research show that regular movement can add a full decade of quality life—and why no drug can match t...

What if the key to second chances was as simple—and as powerful—as learning how to communicate better? In this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Kim Nugent, leadership coach, author of From Prison to Possibility, and mentor to incarcerated men and women. Together, they explore how the words we use can build bridges, rebuild trust, and even change the course of someone's life.   From prison mentorshi...

In this raw and revealing conversation, Dana S. Diaz—author of  Gasping for Air: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse —opens up about surviving a lifetime of narcissistic relationships, from a painful childhood to a dangerous marriage. Dana shares how a hidden journal became her lifeline and later, her book. We dive into what narcissistic abuse really looks like (it's not just vanity), the toll...

Rewiring the Brain: Parenting, Tech, and the Fight for Focus Guest: Dr. Carl Marci Are smartphones making it harder to be present with your family—or even with yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author Dr. Carl Marci to talk about how technology is reshaping our brains, our attention spans, and our relationships—especially when it comes to parenting in a di...

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most emotional experiences a family can go through—especially when you're trying to support your kids while grieving yourself. In this heartfelt episode, I'm joined by Jean Alfieri , certified grief coach for pet loss and author of 21 Ways to Weather the Loss of Your Pet . Jean shares practical ideas, tender stories, and thoughtful advice on how families can proc...

What if one wish could change the course of a child's recovery? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Jen Pratt , a pediatrician, childhood cancer survivor, and Make-A-Wish recipient turned advocate. At just 11 years old, Jen was diagnosed with bone cancer—a life-changing moment that launched her into a world of hospitals, chemo, and uncertainty. But her journey also included something mag...

Ever stare down a task you know you need to do… and still walk away from it? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I'm joined by psychotherapist Steven Melman to unpack what's really going on when we procrastinate—and how we can start breaking the cycle. We talk about the emotional side of procrastination, including fear of failure, perfectionism, and even the stories we carry from childhood. Steven shar...

What if the products you use every day—like your plastic containers, laundry detergent, or air fresheners—were quietly affecting your family's health? In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Harris, childhood cancer survivor and environmental toxin expert, to explore how to reduce hidden toxins in your home without feeling overwhelmed. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Tanya shares practical ti...

What would you do if the doctors told you there's nothing more they can do? Would you accept it, or would you start asking more questions? In this episode of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast, I sit down with William Hudson, cancer survivor and author of Death Can Wait . William shares his journey after being diagnosed with stage four cancer — and how choosing not to give up changed every...

Episode Summary: What if you could flip the script on bullying? In this episode, Joe sits down with longtime therapist and author Patricia Stahl, who's helped thousands navigate the lasting effects of childhood bullying. They dig into one surprising strategy that stopped her son's bully cold—spoiler: it involved a quarter. But this episode is so much more than a clever parenting hack. We're talkin...

In Episode 157 of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast, host Joe Foley sits down with author and mindset coach Deborah Mallow to talk about something we all face—but rarely slow down to deal with: burnout, negative thought patterns, and parenting under pressure. Deborah shares her journey from being a top sales rep on the edge of burnout to creating a simple, effective framework for living w...

In this powerful episode of No Sitting on the Sideline Dad , Joe sits down with David C., an engineer, author, and big-picture thinker who's spent decades studying the trends that could shape (or endanger) our future. David doesn't just warn us about climate change — he connects the dots between three mega threats: climate crisis , unregulated AI , and our growing human division. Joe and David div...

In this episode of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast,I sit down with the author, positivity coach, and dog lover Jean Alfieri to explore the simple yet powerful practice of gratitude. From daily journaling habits to dinnertime conversations with family, Jean shares her insights on how focusing on what you're thankful for can transform your day — even during life's toughest moments. They a...

Episode154: Facing Your Demons and Chasing Your Dreams with Jack Cohen Are your fears holding you back more than you realize? In this powerful episode of No Sitting on the Sideline Dad , I sit down with Jack Cohen — entrepreneur, author, and believer in the power of self-investment — to unpack the hidden fears and family patterns that keep so many of us stuck. Jack shares stories about facing his...

In this episode, I sit down with Mitch Francis, a successful businessman and problem solver, to discuss his bold, nonpartisan solutions for some of society's biggest challenges. From gun violence to climate change, Mitch outlines how his 40+ years of business experience have shaped his perspective on tackling major issues. We explore key topics from his book,  Badass Solutions , including actionab...

In this episode, we explore the profound meaning of relationships and their impact on our lives. From family and friends to professional and romantic bonds, relationships shape our emotional well-being, growth, and happiness. Dive into the keys to building meaningful connections, overcoming challenges, and sustaining healthy bonds. We'll also discuss the role of technology, cultural perspectives,...