Episodes

What happens when survival mode follows you into adulthood? In this episode, Joe talks with Todd Malloy, a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and founder of Inner Peace Counseling Center. Todd shares what it was like growing up without his father, feeling like he had to become an adult too soon, and learning how those early experiences shaped his work, relationships, and sense of identity. They discuss how childhood patterns can continue into marriage, parenting,...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Management for Highly Sensitive People. Todd has spent years helping people understand why sensitivity isn’t ...

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 discover why willpower isn't the problem, what GLP-1 medications really do, and the six fundame...

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 explore topics like: How dogs model authenticity and emotional awareness The importance of pla...

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. Cooper changed how we 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 the power of an active lifestyle. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The groundbreaking story behind Dr. Cooper’...

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 mentorship programs to everyday parenting conversations, Dr. Nugent shares practical strategies for liste...

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 it takes on health and self-esteem, and how healing is possible—even when it seems like the darkness ...

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 digital world. We dig into: The impact of screens on kids' brain development Why multitasking is a...

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 process grief and honor the pets that meant so much. We explore: The emotional weight of pet los...

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 magical: a wish. Jen shares her deeply personal story of receiving a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundat...

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 shares practical tools and honest insight to help you move from stuck to steady—whether you're trying...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...