The Dad Edge Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Tara and Tim Katzman — a real couple from our own Dad Edge community who were standing at the doorstep of divorce and chose to fight for their marriage instead. This is one of the most downloaded episodes in Dad Edge history, and when you hear their story, you'll understand why.
Tim was a workaholic consumed by his business, available to clients around the clock while his wife and kids got whatever was left — which was almost nothing. Tara reached a breaking point where leaving felt like the only sane option. She was done. She told him daily she wanted a divorce. And yet something shifted.
We dig into what that turning point actually looked like — the flatline-or-mad emotional state Tim was stuck in, the moment Tara came prepared for a fight and got ownership and an apology instead, and how Tim went from never setting a boundary with a client to shutting work off at 4pm and protecting his family time fiercely. Their 18-year-old daughter even noticed — calling out that "dad is out of his people-pleasing era."
We also get into what it means to go from doing the right things to actually being a different man — and why that distinction matters more than any tactic or checklist. Tara describes going from keeping mental receipts and bracing for fallout every time she spoke, to fully melting into her husband. Tim describes going from avoiding his wife to not being able to spend enough time with her.
If your marriage feels like a checklist, if you're disappearing into work, or if you've already heard the words "I'm not in love with you anymore" — this episode is proof that it is possible to turn it all the way around.
Timeline Summary
[0:00] Introduction to the Dad Edge mission and the movement to raise leaders of families and communities
[1:01] Why this episode is one of the most downloaded in Dad Edge history — and what makes it so real
[1:47] Setting the scene: Tim the workaholic, Tara on the verge of walking out, and a marriage running on fumes
[3:24] Switching Wednesday Q&As to real stories of wins from men and couples in the community
[5:42] Tim and Tara introduce themselves — four kids, a pool business, and a 22-year relationship that started at 16
[7:32] Growing up in divorced households with no blueprint for what a healthy marriage looks like
[10:18] The forced house move that made everything worse — and the moment Tara hit her absolute lowest
[12:10] What the disconnection really looked like day to day: ships passing in the night, Tim treating family like a bother
[13:50] When the kids started getting the same treatment — and why that was Tara's breaking point
[17:34] The meditation exercise that shifted Tim's perspective and turned down the volume on work urgency
[18:34] Setting boundaries with clients for the first time — and Tara having to tell him to stop ignoring people
[19:40] Their 18-year-old daughter notices the change: "Dad's out of his people-pleasing era"
[20:52] Tim's side of the story: feeling completely alone while sleeping one foot away from his wife every night
[23:58] Tara's plan to leave — and the screaming match that became the turning point
[27:47] Tara's honest reaction when Tim said a podcast was going to fix things: she laughed
[29:50] The first signs of real change — Tim hearing her, owning his mistakes, and apologizing to the kids
[31:33] The difference between covert contracts and genuine ownership — and which one Tim chose
[35:42] Tara describes what it feels like to finally be safe enough to bring anything to him without bracing for fallout
[37:06] How the relationship has completely transformed — travel, connection, and a bond Tara never believed was possible
[39:26] Tim's perspective now: from avoiding conflict to not being able to get enough time with her
[41:25] The moment Tara started "melting" — and what it means when a woman can finally drop her defenses
[43:17] Masculine and feminine energy — why Tara stepping into her femininity changed the dynamic of everything
[45:00] If you could go back and give yourself advice — what Tim and Tara would tell themselves 2-3 years ago
[47:56] The difference between doing and being — when the work becomes who you are, not just what you do
Five Key Takeaways
Disconnection rarely looks like dramatic blowups — it looks like two people sharing a house but not a life, talking only about what has to get done.
A real apology combined with real follow-through is more powerful than years of arguing. Ownership without excuses changes everything.
When a man becomes the lowest heartbeat in the room — calm, present, and safe — his wife and kids will naturally move toward him.
The work you do on yourself doesn't stay contained to one area. When Tim changed, it transformed their marriage, their kids, their business, and their friendship.
There is a difference between doing the right things and being a different man. When it becomes your way of being, you stop having to try — it's just who you are.
Links & Resources
Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
The Men's Forge: https://themensforge.com
Dad Edge Business Boardroom: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind
Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1453): https://thedadedge.com/1453
Closing
If there's one message from this episode that stands out, it's this: it is never too late to turn your marriage around — but you have to be willing to truly change, not just try harder.
Tara and Tim were 18 years in, kids watching, divorce on the table daily, and they found their way back to something neither of them believed was even possible. Not because life got easier. Because Tim decided to become a different man.
If this episode spoke to something you're carrying right now, don't wait. The longer you wait, the more distance builds. Share this with a man who needs to hear it.
Because when a man leads well at home, everybody wins.
Go out and live legendary.

In this episode, I sit down with Terrence Ogden, founder of Official Project Grit — a man who transformed a life of addiction, jail time, and rock bottom into one of the most inspiring stories of resilience, grit, and faith you'll ever hear.
We start with the Immortal 32 Ruck — a 75-mile road march from Gonzales, Texas to the Alamo, now in its seventh year, inspired by the 32 men who answered the call at the Alamo knowing it was a one-way ticket. But what makes Terrence's story so gripping is where he came from. Years as a severe heroin addict, cycling in and out of jail, until a mentor named Kenny Baker reached out a hand and changed everything. That spirit of one man helping another became the DNA of Project Grit.
We also get into Terrence's most extraordinary feat: a solo, self-supported 1,046-mile ruck across the entire state of Texas — 40 days, no crew, with food caches buried in the desert weeks in advance. He shares what it taught him about faith, discipline, and a peace found not in the absence of chaos, but in the presence of God within it.
We close with a powerful call to any man carrying something heavy in silence. Terrence's message is simple: we are tribal by nature, and you will never find your true purpose until you're willing to ask another man for help.
Timeline Summary
[0:00] Introduction to the Dad Edge mission and the movement to raise leaders of families and communities
[1:01] Introducing Terrence Ogden — founder of Official Project Grit and one of the toughest non-veterans you'll ever meet
[1:46] The Immortal 32 Ruck: a 75-mile road march from Gonzales to the Alamo held every year around Texas Independence Day
[4:18] Terrence recaps the seventh annual event — 51 starters, 35 finishers, record-breaking heat in Texas
[7:32] How Official Project Grit was born — and why it starts with Terrence's story of addiction and redemption
[8:19] The mentor who changed everything: Kenny Baker, the man who pulled Terrence out of the gutter
[10:32] The Soul Crusher: the defining moment at mile 40 that gave birth to Project Grit's true mission
[13:25] Ad break — Roommates to Soulmates Cohort preview call
[15:11] Rucking as an equalizer: how a knee injury transitioned Terrence from ultramarathons to rucking
[20:28] The power of reaching out — Larry's personal story of texting a friend in a dark moment
[23:06] Six years sober and on the edge: Terrence's most gripping near-relapse story and the friend who saved him
[28:15] The battle cry — a message for any man who is lone-wolfing it right now
[30:04] Discipline before confidence: Terrence's leadership philosophy and how he's raising his kids
[32:49] The 1,046-mile Texas ruck: 40 days, solo, self-supported, food caches buried in the desert
[39:10] Finding peace in the desert — and why peace isn't the absence of chaos but the presence of God
[41:54] The spiritual parallels to 40 days in the desert — temptation, faith, and miraculous provision
[48:07] What's next: the Gritty 50 event, a book, and an upcoming documentary
[50:37] Final words for the man in the dark — why reaching out to a brother changes everything
Five Key Takeaways
You don't have to be born tough — grit is built through facing adversity head on, one hard decision at a time.
Every man needs a "running buddy" — someone who will call you out, show up for you, and help you make the right decision when your own mind is working against you.
Discipline comes before confidence. Motivation fades, but discipline gives you the structure and confidence to overcome whatever comes your way.
We are tribal by nature. Lone-wolfing it is a trap — strength, purpose, and redemption are almost always found by letting another man in.
Peace is not found in the absence of chaos — it's found in the presence of God within the chaos.
Links & Resources
Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
The Men's Forge: https://themensforge.com
Official Project Grit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialprojectgrit
Official Project Grit Website: https://officialprojectgrit.com
Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1452): https://thedadedge.com/1452
Closing
If there's one message from this episode that stands out, it's this: no man was meant to carry his heaviest load alone.
Terrence Ogden went from a heroin addict cycling in and out of jail to rucking 1,046 miles solo across the state of Texas — not because he was born tough, but because one man reached out a hand when he was at rock bottom. And Terrence paid that forward.
Whether you're in a season of darkness right now, or you know someone who is — this episode is a reminder that the bravest thing a man can do is pick up the phone and say, "I need help."
If this conversation moved you, share it with a man in your life who needs to hear it.
Go out and live legendary.

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Cocran, a young leader who is on a mission to help men in one of the most overlooked seasons of life—the years between 18 and 30. While many resources exist for married men, fathers, and established professionals, very few focus on young men who are still trying to find their footing in the world.
 
Dan shares the inspiration behind the Forging Your Future Young Men's Summit, an event designed to help young men build confidence, discover purpose, and develop the leadership skills they need to thrive in their careers, relationships, and communities.
 
We dive into the challenges young men face today—lack of mentorship, isolation, confusion around purpose, and the pressure to figure life out without guidance. Dan explains why community, mentorship, and intentional development are essential during this critical season of life.
 
We also talk about the responsibility fathers have to mentor the next generation—not just their own sons, but the young men around them. Because when men step up and invest in younger men, it doesn't just change one life—it changes families, communities, and future generations.
 
If you're raising sons, mentoring younger men, or simply want to understand the challenges facing the next generation of men, this conversation will open your eyes to why leadership and mentorship matter now more than ever.
 
Timeline Summary
[0:00] Introduction to the Dad Edge mission and the movement to create leaders of families and communities
[1:02] Reflecting on the uncertainty many men experience in their early twenties
[1:46] Why the years between 18 and 30 are often overlooked in male development
[2:24] The importance of mentorship, guidance, and community for young men
[2:45] Introducing Dan Cocran and the vision behind the Forging Your Future Young Men's Summit
[3:21] Why there are few resources designed specifically for men ages 18–30
[3:56] The modern challenges young men face when trying to find direction and purpose
[4:12] Why fathers should care deeply about the development of the next generation of men
[4:27] Reflecting on how many men feel lost during their early adult years
[4:43] Why mentorship and leadership development can dramatically change a young man's trajectory
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
The years between 18 and 30 are one of the most critical stages of development for men.
Many young men struggle today because they lack mentorship, direction, and supportive communities.
Fathers and older men play a vital role in guiding and investing in the next generation.
Community and accountability help young men build confidence and purpose.
When men intentionally mentor younger men, they strengthen families and communities for generations.
 
 
 
Links & Resources
Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
The Men's Forge: https://themensforge.com
Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1449): https://thedadedge.com/1449
 
 
Closing
If there's one message from this episode that stands out, it's this: young men need guidance now more than ever.
The years between 18 and 30 can shape the trajectory of a man's entire life. When young men have mentors, community, and strong examples to follow, they don't just survive those years—they build the foundation for leadership, purpose, and impact.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a father, mentor, or young man who could benefit from this conversation.
Because when men step up to guide the next generation, the ripple effects are felt for decades.
Go out and live legendary.

In this Wednesday Q&A episode, Uncle Joe and I respond to a powerful question from a dad who's struggling with impulsive reactions, shutting down during conflict, and feeling like he can't get out of the same argument patterns with his wife. If you've ever caught yourself reacting instead of listening, or walking away from conversations feeling frustrated and disconnected, this episode will hit close to home.
 
We unpack the truth that two things can be true at the same time—both partners can be overwhelmed, both can be carrying heavy loads, and both can feel unseen. The key isn't competing over who has it harder; it's learning how to step out of the competition and into collaboration. We talk about how to create psychological safety during hard conversations, how to interrupt unhealthy patterns, and why curiosity is far more powerful than defensiveness.
 
Uncle Joe also shares a powerful perspective about what he calls the "rucksack principle"—taking an honest inventory of what you're carrying and being willing to sacrifice things that may be important to you but aren't serving the health of your marriage or family. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in recurring conflict, this episode offers practical tools and a new perspective on leadership at home.
 
 
Timeline Summary:
[1:01] Wednesday Q&A kickoff with Uncle Joe and the Dad Edge community 
[2:00] Listener question about impulsive reactions, yelling, and shutting down in marriage 
[4:45] The powerful truth that two things can be true at the same time 
[5:56] The "100-pound rucksack" analogy for overwhelm in marriage 
[7:50] How to interrupt the conflict cycle with a new conversation approach 
[10:00] Creating psychological safety by changing physical positioning in conversations 
[13:20] Uncle Joe's perspective on inspecting your own "rucksack" first 
[16:00] What real love looks like: patience, sacrifice, and humility 
[21:30] The power of daily journaling and reflection to improve emotional awareness 
[24:00] Why most men struggle with relationships because of a skill gap—not bad intentions 
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Two things can be true at the same time—both partners can feel overwhelmed and still need support.
Competing over who has it harder only deepens conflict in marriage.
Psychological safety is created through curiosity, listening, and calm tone—not defensiveness.
Great leadership in marriage starts by examining your own "rucksack" first.
Most relationship struggles come from a skill gap—not a lack of love or commitment.
 
Links & Resources
Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1450
 
Closing
If you've been feeling reactive, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same conflict patterns at home, remember this: leadership in marriage starts with self-awareness.
 
Start by checking your own rucksack. Get curious instead of defensive. Create space for real conversations instead of competition.
 
If this episode resonated with you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it.
 
Go out and live legendary.

What does it really look like to be a present father when life pulls you in a thousand different directions?
 
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with actor Jon Bernthal—known for roles in The Punisher, The Walking Dead, Ford v Ferrari, and The Wolf of Wall Street—but what you'll hear today isn't about Hollywood. It's about fatherhood, humility, responsibility, and the deep influence a father can have on a son's life.
 
Jon opens up about his childhood, the mistakes he made growing up, and the unwavering presence of a father who never gave up on him—even during the hardest seasons. We talk about the lessons Jon learned from those experiences and how they shaped the man, husband, and father he is today.
 
We also dive into what intentional fatherhood looks like in real life: owning your mistakes, being present with your kids, and leading by example. Jon shares how he balances the demands of acting with showing up for his family—sometimes flying across the country overnight just to coach his kid's game.
 
If you've ever struggled with being present, balancing work and family, or wondering what kind of legacy you're leaving as a dad—this episode will hit home.
 
Timeline Summary
 
[0:01] Why this powerful Jon Bernthal episode is being re-released and why the message still matters 
[2:06] Jon Bernthal the actor vs. Jon Bernthal the husband and father 
[5:18] The powerful lessons Jon learned from his father growing up 
[18:35] Growing up reckless and how his father never gave up on him 
[22:02] How mistakes and failures shaped the man he became 
[33:12] Balancing a demanding career with being present for family 
[36:45] Why intentional presence with your kids matters more than perfection 
[37:08] The simple principle Jon lives by: "Be where you are while you're there." 
[44:47] Why failure and mistakes are part of being a good father 
[54:26] The power of a father who never gives up on his child 
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Presence is one of the greatest gifts a father can give his kids.
Failure is part of fatherhood—and it's often where the biggest growth happens.
Kids learn responsibility when parents model humility and ownership.
A father's belief in his child can change the trajectory of that child's life.
The simple discipline of "being where you are while you're there" transforms relationships.
 
 
Links & Resources
 
Roommates to Soulmates Cohort & Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1451): https://thedadedge.com/1451
 
 
Closing
If there's one message from this episode that stands out, it's this: your presence matters more than your perfection.
 
Your kids don't need a flawless father. They need a father who shows up, owns his mistakes, and never stops believing in them.
 
If this episode resonated with you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it.
 
Go out and live legendary.