How to Be Heard, Seen & Understood at Home featuring Josh Davis
Release Date: 11/14/2025
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info_outlineEver 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 from our spouses. Josh walked me through powerful, science-backed communication tools that shifted my perspective in real time. Trust me, this episode isn’t just about theory—it’s a game changer that could transform how you show up in your marriage, fatherhood, and even your inner dialogue.
Timeline Summary
[0:00] - Introduction
[1:19] - Common communication missteps with our wives and kids
[2:07] - What is NLP and why every dad should care
[6:56] - Josh’s background and why NLP is his passion
[12:06] - Comparing NLP to cognitive behavioral therapy
[14:10] - Real-world examples of how NLP creates breakthroughs
[23:25] - Josh’s personal story about improving his marriage through NLP
[33:21] - A deep-dive NLP coaching session with me as the guinea pig
[40:00] - Identifying limiting beliefs and how they shape our behavior
[42:00] - The surprising power of body language in father-child connection
[45:04] - How to build rapport with your kids through posture and tone
[54:12] - Reframing limiting beliefs our kids express
[57:00] - Simple language tweaks to open emotional doors
[1:01:20] - A tactical breakdown of how to validate emotions without enabling
Key Takeaways
- Stop Fixing, Start Connecting – Your instinct to solve may actually be creating distance; connection begins with emotional validation.
- NLP Isn’t Magic—It’s Strategy – Small shifts in language, posture, and tone can create big breakthroughs in how others respond to you.
- Meet People Where They Are – Emotional safety starts with joining your child or partner in their current state before trying to lead them somewhere else.
- Your Body Talks Too – Mirroring posture and energy isn’t manipulation—it’s subconscious empathy that builds trust.
- Change Begins with You – Whether it’s marriage, parenting, or personal beliefs, the transformation starts by examining your internal dialogue and behavior.
Links & Resources
- Josh Davis' Book: https://www.amazon.com/Difference-that-Makes-Science-Positive/dp/1250349087
- thedadedge.com/soulmates
- joshdavisphd.com/dads
- Podcast Show Notes: https://thedadedge.com/1401
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