The 497 Pound Comeback Story That Started One Step At A Time featuring Johnny Muresan
Release Date: 10/13/2025
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_outlineWhat would you do if the scale flashed “error” because it couldn’t register your weight? For most men, that might feel like the end—but for Johnny Muresan, it was day one. In this deeply moving and brutally honest episode, I sit down with the man behind Johnny Goes Running to unpack his staggering 160+ pound weight loss journey, his emotional rock bottom, and how a single painful step forward sparked a complete life transformation.
Johnny shares the realities of chronic pain, food addiction, and near-marital collapse—but more importantly, he walks us through how he reclaimed his health, family, and purpose. From running marathons to rebuilding his marriage and launching a community of hope for other men, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible—no matter where you’re starting from.
Episode Timeline Highlights
[0:00] – Introduction
[1:01] – What would you do if the scale read “error”? Johnny’s weight reality check.
[3:17] – The painful first step and the mindset shift from victimhood to action.
[6:49] – Life at nearly 500 lbs: chronic knee pain, parenting while immobile, and losing hope.
[14:06] – The wake-up call: realizing his choices were writing his kids’ future.
[24:09] – How a 30-day water fast broke Johnny’s food addiction.
[27:42] – Losing 61 pounds in 30 days—and the humble first meal after.
[33:08] – How changing food habits restored his health and mindset.
[39:02] – His first full marathon—returning to Hawaii where he once hit rock bottom.
[45:00] – Rewiring his entire family dynamic by leading with example.
[50:11] – Running 82 miles across Tennessee for a cause—on just 11 days’ notice.
[51:32] – His upcoming book Run Your Life and what it means to take up space where you don’t feel you belong.
5 Key Takeaways
1. Rock Bottom is a Starting Line – Johnny didn’t wait until he was “ready” or “fit”—he started while in pain, overweight, and discouraged.
2. Living for Your Kids Means Showing Up – Johnny’s breakthrough came when he realized he’d die for his kids—but wasn’t willing to live for them.
3. Small Wins Compound – From diet soda swaps to walking just a few minutes, Johnny’s journey was built on gradual, sustainable steps.
4. Leading by Example Changes Everything – His transformation didn’t just affect him—it rewired his entire family’s emotional, physical, and relational health.
5. You Belong in Every Room You Enter – Whether it’s the start line of a marathon or a new chapter in life, you don’t need permission to take up space.
Links & Resources
- Follow Johnny on Instagram: @johnnygoesrunning
- Get your copy of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood + two free courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
- Join the Dad Edge Alliance (Elite Brotherhood): https://thedadedge.com/alliance
- Free 21-Day Email Series: 3 Marriage Skills at a Time: https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/
- 1st Phorm - 1stphorm.com/dadedge
- Show notes: thedadedge.com/1387
Inspired by Johnny’s journey? Share this episode with another dad who needs a boost. And if you loved it, be sure to follow, rate, and review the show. Your support helps us continue bringing real, raw, and life-changing stories to men around the world.