The Dad Edge Podcast

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.

What does it actually mean to pursue excellence without losing your peace, your family, or yourself in the process?
 
In this episode, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Brad Stulberg to unpack the tension so many driven men feel: the desire to achieve at a high level while still living a meaningful and grounded life. Brad shares insights from his book The Way of Excellence and explains why humans are wired to strive — but not necessarily wired to feel content once we achieve.
 
We dive into the trap many high-performing men fall into: constantly chasing the next milestone, promotion, or accomplishment while never feeling satisfied. Brad also shares powerful insights for fathers on how to help their kids develop a healthy relationship with effort, competition, and self-worth. If you're a driven man who struggles to slow down and enjoy the journey — or you want to raise kids who value effort and character over outcomes — this conversation will challenge how you think about success.
 
Timeline Summary
 
[0:00] Introducing Brad Stulberg and the idea behind The Way of Excellence
[2:29] Why humans are wired to strive but not wired for contentment
[8:57] The trap of "heroic individualism" and chasing achievement
[11:04] Why success alone often leaves people feeling empty
[20:08] The mountain metaphor for achievement and fulfillment
[26:04] The importance of pausing to appreciate the journey
[29:00] Helping kids avoid tying self-worth to results
[34:46] Why youth sports should focus on development over winning
[41:01] Separating identity from performance
[48:55] The real goal of youth sports: helping kids want to play again next year
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Humans are wired to strive, which means the next achievement rarely brings lasting satisfaction.
True excellence is about pursuing something worthwhile that aligns with your values.
Focusing only on outcomes causes us to miss the meaning of the journey.
Kids need to learn that effort and growth matter more than results.
Fulfillment comes from aligning ambition with presence, purpose, and values.
 
Links & Resources
The Way of Excellence (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Way-Excellence-Greatness-Satisfaction-Chaotic/dp/0063385945
Roommates to Soulmates Preview: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1448): https://thedadedge.com/1448
 
Closing
If you're a driven man constantly chasing the next milestone, this episode is a reminder to pause and ask yourself an important question: What does excellence actually mean for my life?
 
Success without alignment will always feel empty. But when your ambition is grounded in values, presence, and purpose — that's where real fulfillment lives.
 
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.