Welcome to No sitting on the sideline dad!
No sitting on the sideline dad
A podcast about fatherhood and personal growth

No sitting on the sideline dad

No Sitting on the Sideline Dad explores self-discovery and personal improvement through the lens of fatherhood. Join Joe Foley as he engages with experts and shares relatable stories, tackling the challenges of parenting in today's world.

Recent Episodes

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You Did Everything Right (And It Still Didn't Work)
176
June 30, 2026

You Did Everything Right (And It Still Didn't Work)

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 learned that the hard way myself, long before that fishing trip. This episode is for dads standing
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When “I’m Fine” Isn’t True: Fatherhood, Mental Health, and Showing Up
172
May 2, 2026

When “I’m Fine” Isn’t True: Fatherhood, Mental Health, and Showing Up

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 are trying to provide, stay strong, and keep everything moving. Joe shares what led him to write
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The Body Keeps the Score: Understanding Narcissistic Abuse and Healing
174
April 28, 2026

The Body Keeps the Score: Understanding Narcissistic Abuse and Healing

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 ends. She breaks down how emotional abuse compounds over time, affecting everything from your immun
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The Hidden Causes of Infertility: Stress, Sleep, Diet, and Environmental Toxins
173
Feb. 23, 2026

The Hidden Causes of Infertility: Stress, Sleep, Diet, and Environmental Toxins

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 falling The real impact of stress on conception The conn
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Keeping Kids Safe Online Without Fear, Control, or Shame
172
Jan. 18, 2026

Keeping Kids Safe Online Without Fear, Control, or Shame

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. Army Intelligence Officer who tracked extremist activity online Jeff Gottf
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The Future of Work: Trades, Mentors, and the Skills We Need
171
Nov. 30, 2025

The Future of Work: Trades, Mentors, and the Skills We Need

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 thinking, and how mentorship shapes confidence and opportunity. Terry also shares why manufactur
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Recent Blog Posts

How a Rebel Doctor Added 10 Years to Our Lives: 5 Takeaways That Will Change How You Think About Health Step into any modern gym, and you’ll see a familiar sight: rows of treadmills, people jogging through city parks, and a culture that treats fitne
Sept. 21, 2025

How a Rebel Doctor Added 10 Years to Our Lives: 5 Takeaways That Will Change How You Think About Health Step into any modern gym, and you’ll see a familiar sight: rows of treadmills, people jogging through city parks, and a culture that treats fitne

How a Rebel Doctor Added 10 Years to Our Lives: 5 Takeaways That Will Change How You Think About Health Step into any modern gym, and you’ll see a familiar sight: rows of treadmills, people jogging through city parks, and a culture that treats…
Read the Blog Post
Why We Need to Talk About Narcissistic Abuse – A Conversation That Could Change Lives
July 26, 2025

Why We Need to Talk About Narcissistic Abuse – A Conversation That Could Change Lives

There are some conversations that stay with you long after they end. My recent interview with Dana S. Diaz is one of those. Dana, author of Gasping for Air: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse, doesn't just share a story—she breaks a silence m…
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The Golden Rule of Co-Parenting: Building Respect After Divorce
June 28, 2025

The Golden Rule of Co-Parenting: Building Respect After Divorce

By Joe Foley | Host of No Sitting on the Sideline Divorce is rarely part of anyone’s dream for their family—but it’s a reality many parents face. And when children are involved, the stakes feel higher. Emotions run deep. Conversations are hard. But…
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Reviews

Great job Joe!

"Listened to my first of your shows. Very good info and dialogue! Keep it up!"

RidingBob | Sept. 4, 2018

Great show!

"Great show for parents! Joe and his guests always share helpful advice and stories."

CJThomas6 | Aug. 12, 2020

Great Show

"I love Joe's passion and committment to be a great Dad. Joe and his guests have inspiring conversations sure to encourage listeners to get off the 'sidelines' and be present."

Karen @ Interview Valet | Aug. 12, 2020

Great!

"Joe’s genuine care and concern shines in this podcast. He brings to light issues for all parents, and has on incredible guests with keen insights."

tommye w-c | Aug. 12, 2020

Highly recommended for any parent

"Great show for parenting. The topics are particularly on point."

RWlistens | Aug. 14, 2020

Masterpiece Podcast!

"I am highly impressed how Joe Foley can take his audience on a journey of empowerment, simplifying the message to his listeners and guiding them to shift their perspective on some of the most fundame…"

Emilio Justo, MD | July 21, 2024

Thorough and thoughtful

"I was a guest on Joe’s podcast. I own a photo/video organizing and archiving studio called Picturli. He was such a thoughtful and thorough host. I just loved talking to him and look forward to listen…"

Latebird | July 5, 2024

Such great advice for parents and all of us!

"This podcast is the real-deal! Down to earth and authentic. Practical advice for dads, parents, and all of us. I find the variety of topics is what made me such a fan! Take a listen—bet you’ll agree!…"

Deborah thedailydecisions.com | Dec. 14, 2024
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