The Dad Edge Podcast

• Protecting Our Homes in the Age of AI-Driven Pornography featuring Frank Rich

  In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Coach Frank Rich for one of the most eye-opening and urgent conversations we’ve ever had on this show. We dig deep into the disturbing ways artificial intelligence is now intersecting with the porn industry—from deepfake technology to fully AI-generated adult content. It’s not just impacting adults anymore—this tech is trickling into high schools, being used to bully, humiliate, and emotionally destroy kids. This is a conversation every father, husband, and leader needs to hear.   Frank and I explore how AI porn is evolving faster than laws can keep up, how it’s rewiring minds, damaging marriages, and becoming a hidden epidemic in homes across the world. But it’s not all doom and gloom—we also share stories of transformation, tools to protect your family, and how to have honest, shame-free conversations with your kids about sex, technology, and identity. If you care about protecting your family in the digital age, this one is a must-listen.       Episode Highlights & Timeline:   [0:00] – Introduction [2:18] – AI’s alarming infiltration into the porn industry—from deepfakes to AI-generated performers [4:01] – My raw reaction: learning about deepfake porn for the first time [6:10] – Is AI porn found on mainstream sites like Pornhub? Frank breaks it down [8:45] – Why the porn industry has always driven tech innovation [9:36] – Men monetizing themselves with deepfakes—how that’s happening [12:25] – High schoolers using AI to create and share fake nude images of classmates [14:00] – Why I use Bark to monitor my kids’ devices—and how it’s changed our conversations [17:00] – AI is evolving faster than the laws designed to regulate it [22:28] – How I talk to my sons about sex, porn, and masturbation—with honesty and no shame [30:20] – The sobering reality of porn-induced erectile dysfunction in young men [33:00] – Modeling healthy marriage and intimacy for your kids [41:24] – A redemption story: how David saved his marriage and reclaimed his life [49:14] – The hidden cost of porn: time, presence, and connection [51:18] – Watching a little boy get ignored by his phone-distracted dad—and the mirror it held up for me [53:47] – Final thoughts: let’s stay alert, have the hard conversations, and lead with love       5 Key Takeaways:     1. AI-generated porn is dangerously realistic—and widely accessible. What once sounded like sci-fi is now mainstream and emotionally devastating. 2. Teens are weaponizing deepfake technology. Fake nudes created via AI are being used for bullying, revenge, and harassment in schools. 3. Don’t wait to talk to your kids. The average age of first exposure to porn is 8–11. Have the talk early, openly, and without shame. 4. Porn addiction steals your presence—and your purpose. Whether it’s five minutes or five hours, it erodes your integrity and disconnects you from what matters most. 5. Redemption is real. Frank’s programs have helped countless men rebuild their lives, their faith, their marriages, and their connection to their kids.         Links & Resources:   David's story - https://youtu.be/dh-Enf6z-I8 FRANKS COMMUNITY- https://www.therebuiltman.com/7dayreset BARK - thedadedge.com/bark Full show notes: TheDadEdge.com/1388     If this episode opened your eyes or helped you in any way, please take a moment to rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Let’s continue these hard but necessary conversations—and raise a generation of men and women who lead with purpose, presence, and integrity.

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• The 497 Pound Comeback Story That Started One Step At A Time featuring Johnny Muresan

  What 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 Explore the Dad Edge Business Boardroom: https://thedadedge.com/businessboardroom Free 21-Day Email Series: 3 Marriage Skills at a Time: https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/ 1st Phorm - 1stphorm.com/dadedge       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.  

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• Creating Intentional Moments to Strengthen Your Marriage In the Busy Season

  If your days feel like a relentless sprint—from school drop-offs to late-night routines—you’re not alone. In this short and powerful solo episode, I open up about the challenges of maintaining intimacy, presence, and intention in marriage when life gets overwhelmingly busy. With fall sports, kid activities, and work responsibilities piling up, it’s all too easy to slip into “roommate mode” with your spouse.   But here’s the truth: Strong families start with strong marriages. I share three deeply practical ways to create micro-moments of connection, build intentional rituals, and avoid emotional drift. Whether it’s through a 30-minute walk, a forehead kiss, or a late-night two-minute check-in, this episode is your reminder that you’re not just co-parents—you’re still each other’s chosen partner.     Episode Highlights   [0:00] - Introduction [1:05] - Why strong marriages are the foundation of strong families [2:55] - The common trap of prioritizing everything but your marriage [4:46] - The September-October “whiplash” that hits most parents hard [5:43] - Celebrating the release of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood [8:19] - How an unbalanced focus on your kids can erode your marriage [10:09] - The power of micro-moments: texts, sticky notes, forehead kisses [12:31] - Creative date ideas (even when time is scarce) [14:29] - Why sometimes the world has to suffer—but your marriage shouldn’t [15:14] - End-of-day rituals that spark closeness even in exhaustion [17:41] - The compound interest effect of tiny deposits in your marriage [18:03] - You are more than a co-parent—you’re still her Casanova [19:13] - A free 21-day email series to help you build an extraordinary marriage [20:54] - Final rally cry: be uncommon, be legendary     5 Key Takeaways   1. Strong Marriages Build Strong Families When your marriage is thriving, it naturally strengthens the emotional climate of your entire home. Don’t neglect the foundation. 2. Micro-Moments Matter More Than Grand Gestures A quick kiss, a thoughtful note, or a midday “thinking of you” text can do more for connection than elaborate plans you never get to. 3. Busy Seasons Are Inevitable—Disconnection Isn’t Just because life is chaotic doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer. Intention and awareness are your defense against emotional drift. 4. You’re Still Her Lover, Not Just Her Co-Parent The role of “dad” is important—but don’t forget you were her partner first. That romance needs nurturing, especially when time is tight. 5. Investing in Your Marriage Pays Long-Term Dividends Like compound interest, the small daily investments you make in your marriage build a future of closeness, trust, and enduring partnership.       Links & Resources     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 Explore the Dad Edge Business Boardroom: https://thedadedge.com/businessboardroom Free 21-Day Email Series: 3 Marriage Skills at a Time: https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/       If this episode helped reignite your drive to be more intentional in your marriage, please rate, follow, and review the show. Share it with a fellow dad who might be feeling the weight of the season—we’re in this together.   Let’s go out and live legendary.

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• Teaching Sons That Every Struggle Is an Opportunity to Grow ft. Ethan Hagner

  In this candid father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down once again with my son Ethan for a real-time look at what growth, struggle, and emotional awareness look like in the life of a young man. We dive into why ownership is key when navigating life’s challenges, how to catch yourself when falling into patterns of blame, and what it takes to shift your state when your mindset is working against you.   This is one of those conversations where nothing is sugarcoated. Ethan opens up about areas where he’s felt “off,” what he’s learned from coaching conversations, and how choosing personal responsibility over defensiveness continues to shape his confidence and leadership.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcoming Ethan back for another check-in [1:47] - Recognizing emotional off days and calling them out honestly [3:20] - How state, story, and strategy shape our reality [5:01] - Catching the victim mindset and flipping the script [7:14] - Owning mistakes vs. falling into blame or excuses [9:28] - Ethan on noticing his tone and making intentional corrections [11:03] - Coaching tools that help interrupt negative spirals [13:24] - The power of “what’s within your control” thinking [15:46] - Why your energy impacts others and how to shift it [18:12] - Seeing every hard moment as feedback, not failure [20:05] - Final thoughts on presence, responsibility, and consistent growth     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Awareness Is the First Step Toward Change Before you can shift your behavior or attitude, you’ve got to recognize when something’s off. Awareness creates the gap between reaction and choice. 2. Victimhood Kills Ownership and Confidence It’s easy to blame circumstances or others when things go wrong—but choosing responsibility is what builds maturity and trust in yourself. 3. Your State Impacts Your Story How you feel physically and emotionally influences the narrative you create in your mind. Shifting your state can instantly shift your mindset. 4. Tone Matters in Leadership Even when your intentions are good, your tone can undermine the message. Ethan shares how he’s learning to adjust and communicate more effectively. 5. Every Struggle Is an Opportunity to Grow Whether it’s a rough day, a mistake, or a mindset spiral—each one holds the potential for learning, growth, and leadership if you lean into it.       LINKS & RESOURCES   thedadedge.com/legendarybook  25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions The Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Tools for Fathers: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools Podcast Hub: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast       If this episode helped you think differently about growth, mindset, or your role as a father, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. These moments of connection and reflection can change everything.  

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• Using Your Rock Bottom Story & Struggles to Heal Others & Grow as a Father ft. Doug Bopst

  In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Doug Bopst—former felon, now personal trainer, author, and transformational speaker—to unpack how adversity, addiction, and rock-bottom moments can become the fuel for growth, purpose, and fatherhood. Doug opens up about his journey from incarceration and drug addiction to becoming a man of impact and integrity.   We explore how pain can become power when ownership is embraced, how faith and fitness became Doug’s lifeline, and why men must choose responsibility over blame to rewrite their story. This episode is a raw and redemptive look at what happens when a man stops running and starts leading—with heart, humility, and grit.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome and Doug’s powerful backstory: from pills to prison [3:48] - The moment everything changed: awakening behind bars [6:22] - Fitness as a path to discipline, clarity, and redemption [9:10] - Rebuilding trust with family through consistent action [11:36] - The identity shift from addict to athlete to leader [14:44] - Why your past doesn’t disqualify you from fatherhood or purpose [17:32] - How Doug uses his pain to mentor young men and fathers [20:01] - The role of faith in healing and daily direction [23:10] - Accountability and structure as freedom—not limitation [25:38] - Why your mess can become your message [28:19] - The impact of small daily wins over massive overhauls [30:56] - Final reflections on masculinity, resilience, and second chances     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Your Past Doesn’t Define You—Your Choices Do Doug proves that where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you’re going. Redemption starts when you take full ownership. 2. Fitness Can Be a Spiritual Practice Exercise became Doug’s anchor. It wasn’t just about the body—it became a tool for mental clarity, emotional regulation, and self-worth. 3. Consistency Rebuilds Trust Doug didn’t win back respect overnight. It was through showing up daily—at home, at work, in faith—that others started believing in him again. 4. Your Story Can Heal Others When you share your scars instead of hiding them, you give others permission to grow. Doug’s journey now empowers men to rise from their lowest points. 5. Discipline Is the Gateway to Freedom True freedom doesn’t come from avoiding pain. It comes from building structure, owning your role, and becoming someone your family can count on.       LINKS & RESOURCES   Connect with Doug Bopst: https://www.dougbopst.com/free The Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions Podcast Hub: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools     If this episode inspired you to own your past and step into your potential, follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Your comeback story starts now.

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