Why Emotionally Present Dads Win at Parenting, Recovery, & Relationships ft. Brandon Mancine
Release Date: 09/29/2025
Breaking Generational Trauma to Become a Present Father featuring Adam Schafer
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Adam Schafer, co-host of the popular Mind Pump Podcast, for a vulnerable, authentic, and deeply reflective conversation on fatherhood, healing generational trauma, and building connection through presence—not performance. Adam opens up about his own childhood trauma, how it shaped his identity, and the intentional work he’s done to break the cycle and show up differently for his son. We dive into the power of emotional safety, why performance-based love doesn’t work, and the simple but powerful practice of being fully...
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Why Fun Conversations Build Deeper Father-Son Bonds featuring Colton Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, I sit down with my 9-year-old son Colton for a spontaneous and deeply connective conversation. Using our brand-new Questions for the Car resource, we explore everything from nightmares and Dog Man books to space rides and secret lemonade recipes. It’s a candid glimpse into father-son bonding, full of laughter, surprises, and those unscripted moments that truly matter. Whether you’re a dad looking for creative ways to connect with your kids or just need a smile today, this episode is a reminder of the magic that happens when we slow...
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Rewriting Your Story After Trauma and Identity Loss featuring Candice Horbacz
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Candice Horbacz, a former adult film star turned mindfulness advocate, podcaster, and homeschooling mother. Candice brings a rare blend of candor, introspection, and wisdom to this deeply personal conversation. We explore how she navigated radical life transitions, healed from childhood trauma, and created a home rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and emotional safety. Candice opens up about her own upbringing, the dysfunction that shaped her early worldview, and how she found her way to a new version of identity after...
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How to Be Heard, Seen & Understood at Home featuring Josh Davis
The Dad Edge Podcast
Ever found yourself trying to fix a problem with your spouse or kids—only to make it worse? Yeah, me too. In today’s episode, I sat down with Josh Davis, a neuroscientist, author, and master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), to explore how the way we communicate—our words, tone, body language, and mindset—can shape the emotional responses of those we love most. Josh didn’t just explain NLP; he showed it in action—by putting me in the hot seat. We talked real-life scenarios that dads like us face daily, from explosive moments with kids to feeling emotionally disconnected...
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Building Deeper Father-Son Bonds Through Meaningful Questions featuring Colton Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
Today marks the 1400th episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate it with one of the most important people in my life—my 9-year-old son, Colton. In this fun, heartfelt, and candid father-son conversation, we dive into some of the powerful questions from my free resource, Questions for the Car, to model what intentional connection looks like between a dad and his kid. Colton opens up about everything from his love of dodgeball and tacos to what makes him feel proud, loved, and connected to our family. We laugh, share stories, and flip the script...
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TRT, Vasectomies, & the Truth About Men’s Health featuring Dr. Justin Houman
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this eye-opening episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Justin Houman, a leading urologist and men’s health expert, to talk about everything most guys avoid—hormones, testosterone, fertility, vasectomies, and how your lifestyle is impacting your long-term health as a man. Dr. Houman pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening with declining testosterone levels, the truth about TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and why many young men are already showing signs of hormonal imbalance. We also dive deep into how stress, diet, alcohol, and even simple...
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Presence During Hardship Defines Your Legacy featuring John O’Leary
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this deeply moving and perspective-shifting episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with John O’Leary, a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and burn survivor whose life is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and radical love. At age nine, John suffered severe burns across 100% of his body. He wasn’t supposed to live. But not only did he survive—he became one of the most impactful voices inspiring people to live fully, love deeply, and lead fearlessly. John and I talk about what truly matters in life, the legacy we leave through small, consistent acts...
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Building Focus, Discipline, and Connection with Your Kids featuring Lawson Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this special episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with a very special guest—my 11-year-old son, Lawson Hagner. This episode is unlike any other, because it’s not about interviews or experts—it’s about connection. It’s about the power of slowing down, asking questions, and being intentional with our kids. Lawson and I dive into simple but meaningful topics—his favorite memories, what it means to “lock in,” and how he’s learning to handle school, sports, and life. What starts as a lighthearted father-son chat turns into an authentic, heartfelt conversation...
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Raising Kids Who Smile with Confidence By Leading by Example featuring Dr. Robert Geiman
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, we dive into a topic every parent faces daily — our kids’ teeth. From baby gums to braces, I sit down with orthodontist, educator, and author Dr. Robert Geiman to unpack the essential truths about children’s dental health and what parents can do to set their kids up for lifelong confidence and health. Dr. Geiman’s new book, The Tooth Bible: A Parent’s Guide to Their Child’s Smile, turns decades of clinical experience into practical, bite-sized advice every parent can understand and apply. In our conversation, we cover everything...
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Maintaining Connection & Relationships When Life Gets Busy
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most overwhelming seasons my family has faced—fall. Between school demands, sports, band, and everything else, our schedule was maxed out and our connection suffered. Jessica and I found ourselves constantly busy but emotionally distant, operating more like teammates than soulmates. I share how we recognized the symptoms of “roommate syndrome,” what we did to course-correct, and why protecting margin in your life and marriage is non-negotiable. I also introduce my brand-new course launching in January, From Roommates to Soulmates,...
info_outlineIn this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with fitness coach and father Brandon Mancine to talk about what it truly means to be consistent, resilient, and connected in fatherhood. Brandon shares how the lessons learned from sobriety, fitness, and fatherhood all intersect—and why your physical discipline directly impacts your emotional presence at home.
From building routines that work to leading by example and showing up in the hard moments, Brandon reminds us that no one gets it perfect—but if you’re consistent, you’ll make an impact. Whether you’re a dad in recovery, rebuilding trust, or just trying to show up better, this episode will challenge and encourage you.
TIMELINE SUMMARY
[0:00] - Welcome and introducing today’s guest: Brandon Mancine
[1:42] - Brandon’s story: growing up, addiction, and breaking the cycle
[4:15] - How sobriety and fatherhood gave his life new direction
[6:32] - The parallels between fitness discipline and emotional presence
[9:10] - Why consistency wins over intensity in both training and parenting
[12:27] - Learning to show up when you least feel like it
[15:14] - Rebuilding trust with your kids after failure or absence
[17:06] - The shift from proving yourself to leading with humility
[19:25] - What recovery has taught Brandon about self-awareness
[22:43] - The power of structure and routine in family life
[24:58] - Why dads need to model vulnerability, not perfection
[27:09] - Tools Brandon uses to stay grounded and connected
[29:40] - Brandon’s advice to dads who feel like they’re “too far gone”
[31:56] - Final reflections on faith, fitness, and leading from love
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Consistency Beats Intensity
Whether it’s in the gym or with your kids, showing up regularly matters more than doing it perfectly. Your presence is your power.
2. Recovery Requires Ownership
Brandon shares that the key to rebuilding trust is accepting where you’ve been, owning it, and showing up differently—without needing a pat on the back.
3. Fitness Is a Mirror for Fatherhood
Discipline, patience, and pushing through discomfort in training teach us how to lead with strength and humility at home.
4. You’re Never Too Far Gone
No matter how far you feel you’ve fallen as a father, you can always begin again—with consistency, honesty, and grace.
5. Vulnerability Builds Connection
Perfection isn’t the goal—presence is. Leading with vulnerability opens the door to trust, healing, and deeper relationships with your kids.
LINKS & RESOURCES
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Brandon Mancine Coaching: https://bmfcoaching.com/
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Hair XT (Brandon’s hair restoration brand): https://hairxt.com/
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The Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
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25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
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Sign up for Poststack Updates: https://www.thedadedge.com/poststack
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Podcast Show Notes: thedadedge.com/1381
If this episode encouraged you to lead with greater intention, please follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Every download helps another dad find the tools and mindset to live legendary.