No sitting on the sideline Dad

What does it really mean to be present as a dad? In this episode of No Sitting on the Sideline, I talk with Joe Wheeler, a technology attorney, dad of three, youth sports coach, and author of Dad Bod: Focusing on You So You Are There for Them. This conversation goes deeper than the phrase "dad bod." It is about fatherhood. It is about mental health. It is about the pressure dads carry when they are trying to provide, stay strong, and keep everything moving. Joe shares what led him to write the book and why taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is part of showing up for the people who need you. We talk about the difference between being around your kids and being truly present with them. Because many dads are doing the work. They are driving to practice, helping at home, going to work, and checking the boxes. But inside, they may feel tired, distracted, or disconnected. Sometimes "I'm fine" does not mean everything is okay. Sometimes it means, "I need help." We also talk about the small moments that matter most. Sitting on the floor. Asking one more question. Playing with your kids. Listening when they finally decide to open up. Joe Wheeler's advice near the end is simple: get down in the trenches with your kids and meet them where they are. Annoyingly practical. The best advice usually is. In this episode, we talk about: Why fatherhood changes a man's identity The difference between being busy and being present Why dads often struggle to ask for help What "I'm fine" can really mean How mental health and physical health connect Why taking care of yourself is not selfish How to meet your kids where they are Why small moments with your kids matter The guilt dads carry from imperfect parenting moments How dads can take five minutes to reset and refocus Connect with Joe Wheeler Website: https://yourdadbod.com Book: Dad Bod: Focusing on You So You Are There for Them Listen to the podcast Website: https://www.nosittingonthesideline.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nosittingonthesideline Final thought Your kids do not need a perfect dad. They need a present one. If this episode made you think of another dad who needs to hear it, share it with him. Don't just go through the motions. Stay present. Stay in the game.

Narcissism isn't always obvious. In this episode, Joe speaks with Deanna about the subtle, invisible forms of abuse that can cost you your sense of self—and how to take it back. Deanna explores the difference between healthy relationships and narcissistic ones, unpacks gaslighting with real examples, and explains why your nervous system stays trapped in fight-or-flight even after the relationship ends. She breaks down how emotional abuse compounds over time, affecting everything from your immune system to your ability to trust yourself. If you've ever felt confused, blamed, or like you're losing your mind in a relationship—this conversation is for you. Topics Covered: What narcissism really is (and why it's more than just being selfish) The telltale signs: inability to compromise, gaslighting, zero accountability Why you don't trust yourself anymore—and how childhood trauma connects The physical toll of living in constant stress and anxiety Healing looks different for everyone (and it takes time) One immediate tool: finding stillness to activate your parasympathetic nervous system Key Takeaways: Boundaries aren't selfish—they're essential to healthy relationships Hurt people hurt people, but that doesn't justify the damage Your nervous system learned a pattern; it can learn a new one Energy healing and holistic approaches work when you're intentional about recovery Healing is reconnecting with yourself—your intuition, your heart, your spirit Guest: Deanna Website: www.healinghandsbydeanna.com Services: Reiki & Energy Healing | Intuitive Coaching | Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Locations: In-person (Charlotte, NC) | Virtual sessions available nationwide YouTube Channel: Healing Hands by Deanna (mind, body, spirit tips and self-care tools) Support Group: Meetup community for narcissistic abuse recovery survivors

Fertility is something many couples struggle with quietly. Stress. Long work hours. Financial pressure. Environmental toxins. Birth rates are dropping worldwide, and more couples are facing "unexplained infertility." In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Marina, OB-GYN, to talk about what's really happening — and what couples can actually control. We cover: Why global fertility rates are falling The real impact of stress on conception The connection between sleep and fertility How diet affects both egg and sperm health The overlooked role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals Why infertility is a couple's issue — not just a women's issue IVF realities and success rates Functional medicine vs. conventional medicine approaches Practical ways to reduce toxin exposure Simple habits that can improve fertility outcomes Dr. Marina shares real examples from her 35 years in practice — including how small changes made a major difference for patients struggling to conceive. We also discuss: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) resources Heart rate variability and stress reduction tools Why sperm counts have declined over 50% in two decades How lifestyle habits compound over time This is not just about pregnancy. It's about health, long-term wellness, and the future of society. If you or someone you love is thinking about starting a family—or struggling to grow one—this episode offers clarity and practical insight. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Marina Website: drmarinaobgyn.com Free fertility optimization report: drmarinaobgyn.com/free-report Join her waitlist to be notified when her upcoming fertility book releases. If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs it. Because conversations like this shouldn't stay private.

Guests: Derek Jackson and Jeff Gottfurcht, Co-Founders of CyberDive Episode Summary Every parent knows the feeling. Your kid has a phone. You know the internet never sleeps. And you are pretty sure the rules you grew up with no longer apply. In this episode, Joe sits down with two dads who came at the problem from opposite worlds and built a real solution together. Derek Jackson, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer who tracked extremist activity online Jeff Gottfurcht, a finance professional whose life changed after learning about a tragic case of online exploitation This is not a panic episode. It is not a tech lecture. It is a grounded, honest conversation about digital safety, trust, transparency, and parenting in a connected world. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why banning phones and apps often backfires with kids How online bullying has changed now that kids can never "go home" from it The real dangers parents underestimate on social platforms Why shame-based parenting fails in digital spaces How algorithms shape behavior, tone, and identity in kids The difference between privacy and safety for children Why involvement beats restriction every time How transparency can actually improve parent-child conversations The true story behind online sextortion and why it matters What parents should look for before giving a child their first phone A Key Takeaway for Parents Your child does not need fear. They do not need silence. They do not need you pretending the internet is not there. They need a connection. They need guidance. They need you involved early, not reacting late. About the Aqua One Phone Joe and his guests discuss the Aqua One Phone by CyberDive, a device designed specifically for families that want visibility without constant confrontation. Key features discussed include: Full-screen activity transparency for parents Instant Replay to review on-screen activity Built-in nudity prevention to stop sextortion before it starts No blind spots across apps, texts, or encrypted platforms Designed to encourage conversations instead of punishment Resources & Links Learn more about CyberDive and the Aqua One Phone: https://cyberdive.co More episodes and resources: https://nosittingonthesideline.com Why This Episode Matters This conversation goes beyond apps and settings. It is about how parents show up in a world their kids already live in. If you are raising a child today, this episode is not optional listening.

Terry Iverson has spent more than 40 years in manufacturing, carrying on a family legacy built on precision, craftsmanship, and mentoring. In this conversation, Terry talks about the future of skilled work, why trades matter, and how young people can build meaningful careers without drowning in debt. terry2 We cover the shift away from hands-on skills, the importance of soft skills and critical thinking, and how mentorship shapes confidence and opportunity. Terry also shares why manufacturing is still a strong path, how AI is changing work, and how parents can help their kids explore real-world skills early. This episode is about purpose, opportunity, and the power of showing someone what they're capable of. What We Cover Terry's path into a 100-year family manufacturing legacy The truth about work ethic, balance, and younger generations Why trades and manufacturing still create strong careers How AI and automation are shaping the future of work The value of soft skills and critical thinking How mentorship changes lives Why college isn't the only path to a great career Terry's "Camp Champ" program and how it inspires students How parents can guide kids toward purpose, skills, and confidence Connect with Terry ChampionNow.org YouTube: Champion Now Books: Finding America's Greatest Champions and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing Connect with Joe nosittingonthesideline.com