The Dad Edge Podcast

Divorce doesn't just end a marriage—it can shatter a man's identity, confidence, and sense of direction. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with my close friend Ryan Michler, founder of Order of Man, to talk openly about what it really looks like to navigate divorce as a man—and come out stronger on the other side.
 
Ryan shares his personal experience of being divorced for nearly three years, including the identity loss men feel when they're no longer husbands or full-time dads, the mistakes many men make by orienting their lives around their ex, and why healing starts when you make yourself the project. We also dive into rebuilding relationships with kids, handling co-parenting with integrity, resisting isolation, and why brotherhood is non-negotiable in seasons of separation. If you're divorced, separated, or supporting a man who is—this episode is required listening.
 
 
Timeline Summary
[0:00] Why this episode is for divorced and separated dads
[2:35] Introducing Ryan Michler and his journey through divorce
[3:37] Losing identity as a husband and father after divorce
[4:59] Feeling like "less of a man" after separation
[6:02] Why orienting your life around your ex is a mistake
[7:21] Making yourself the project after divorce
[9:01] Isolation, vices, and the danger of being alone too much
[10:45] Why brotherhood accelerates healing
[12:15] Journaling, self-regulation, and daily discipline
[14:06] Rebuilding physical health and confidence
[15:32] Redefining masculinity and self-worth
[17:15] Being honest—but appropriate—with kids about divorce
[19:02] Staying present in your kids' lives beyond "your time"
[21:11] Customizing connection with each child
[23:23] Never giving up on estranged relationships
[25:08] Civility, boundaries, and co-parenting with integrity
[29:02] Why consistency matters more than outcomes
[31:22] Divorce Not Death program overview
[34:40] The Men's Forge experience and why it's different
[38:15] Bringing sons to Men's Forge and legacy building
[41:41] What boys learn by watching their fathers lead
[45:54] Final encouragement for men navigating divorce
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Divorce shakes a man's identity, but it doesn't have to define his future. 
Healing begins when men stop orienting around their ex and start orienting around growth. 
Isolation amplifies pain, while brotherhood shortens the recovery curve. 
Consistency and integrity rebuild trust with kids, even when relationships feel strained. 
Men who make themselves the project come out stronger, healthier, and more grounded. 
 
 
Links & Resources
Men's Forge Event: https://themensforge.com
Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/alliance
Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/preview
1st Phorm Dad Edge Challenge: https://1stphorm.com/dadedge
Divorce Not Death Program: https://divorcenotdeath.com
Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1433
 
 
Closing Remark
If this episode spoke to where you're at—or where you've been—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Divorce is not the end of your story. With discipline, brotherhood, and intention, it can be the beginning of a stronger chapter. Go out and live legendary.

Connecting with teenage daughters can feel like trying to break through a locked door—especially when rejection, distance, and silence start to replace the closeness you once had. In this Q&A episode, I'm joined by Uncle Joe as we tackle two deeply relatable questions from dads who are doing their best but feel stuck, unsure, and disconnected.
 
We dive into what it really takes to win a teenage daughter's heart without forcing connection, why consistency matters more than instant results, and how dads can stop taking rejection personally while still staying emotionally available. We also address marriage and money decisions, showing how curiosity, values, and asking better questions can transform conflict into teamwork. This episode is packed with wisdom, reassurance, and practical strategies for dads who refuse to give up on their kids or their marriage.
 
 
Timeline Summary
[0:00] Welcoming listeners to the final Q&A episode of January 2026
[2:37] A dad's question about connecting with his 14-year-old daughter
[4:10] Why teenage girls often pull away during adolescence
[4:33] Recommended reading: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
[5:12] Learning what matters to your daughter to win her heart
[6:35] Why genuine interest builds emotional safety
[7:16] Consistency over comfort when facing rejection
[8:08] Not internalizing rejection from teenage daughters
[8:57] How facial expressions communicate disappointment
[9:15] "Aim for the heart" and understanding a child's unique wiring
[10:19] Engaging with your daughter's interests without trying to be "cool"
[11:21] Alliance member perspective on grit and perseverance
[12:37] Why daughters notice effort even when they don't respond
[13:03] Dr. Lisa Damour's insights on never giving up
[14:08] Why your daughter will remember whether you stayed or quit
[15:11] Second question: marriage, money, and trust
[16:34] How "telling" shuts down conversations with your wife
[17:08] Leading with curiosity instead of control
[18:10] Asking questions that invite reflection and teamwork
[19:36] Validating your wife's values before problem-solving
[21:11] Enabling vs. empowering family members
[23:23] Using shared family values as a decision-making framework
[26:18] Why aligned values reduce conflict in marriage
[29:18] Faith, provision, and living out core values
[30:57] Resources for dads raising teenagers
[31:16] Where to find all episode links and next steps
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Winning a teenage daughter's heart requires consistency, not instant validation. 
Rejection isn't personal—it's developmental, and dads must stay steady through it. 
Genuine curiosity builds connection far more than control or correction. 
Asking better questions reduces marriage conflict, especially around money and family decisions. 
Shared values create clarity, alignment, and peace in family decision-making. 
 
 
Links & Resources
Guiding Teenage Girls Into Adulthood (Dad Edge Episode): https://thedadedge.com/guiding-teenage-girls-into-adulthood-with-dr-lisa-damour/
Dr. Lisa Damour Website: https://drlisadamour.com/
Dr. Lisa Damour on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/
Dr. Lisa Damour on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSt8mu1taNYAHTufbYwqglFHoevbZgNQl
Dr. Lisa Damour on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Ldamour
Dr. Lisa Damour on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisadamourphd
Dr. Lisa Damour Podcast: https://drlisadamour.com/resources/podcast/
How to Manage a Meltdown (PDF): https://drlisadamour.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/LD_Bookmarks_How_to_Manage_a_Meltdown.pdf
Meg Meeker on The Dad Edge Podcast: https://thedadedge.com/meg-meeker/
Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1432
 
Closing Remark
If this episode encouraged you to stay the course with your kids or approach your marriage with more curiosity and patience, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your consistency today becomes your children's security tomorrow. Go out and live legendary.

In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on everything happening inside the Dad Edge ecosystem as we close out January and head into February. If your marriage feels disconnected, your health slipped during the holidays, or you've been looking for real skills—not motivation—this episode lays out exactly what's available and how to plug in.
 
I share my own story of marriage struggle, why only a small percentage of couples truly feel connected, and how becoming a student of marriage completely changed the trajectory of my relationship. From February's marriage-focused tactical agenda inside the Dad Edge Alliance, to the 1st Phorm 8-week challenge, to major announcements around preview calls and the Men's Forge event, this episode is about clarity, opportunity, and intentional action for men who want their marriage and leadership to look different in 2026.
 
 
Timeline Summary:
[0:00] Keeping the blooper and why imperfection matters in fatherhood
[1:35] Larry reflects on the first 10–12 years of marriage struggles
[2:27] When marriage turns into co-parenting and roommate syndrome
[3:07] Becoming a student of marriage and why things finally changed
[3:27] Only 12% of marriages report deep connection
[3:52] Introducing the Dad Edge ecosystem
[4:11] Overview of the Dad Edge Alliance
[4:50] February tactical agenda inside the Alliance
[5:09] Why February always focuses on marriage skills
[5:28] Week 1: Attraction, identity, and masculine presence
[6:11] Week 2: Leading without chasing or needy energy
[6:35] Week 3: Boundaries that create desire
[6:55] Week 4: Emotional safety and attraction
[7:39] Why February is the best month to join the Alliance
[8:01] Roommates to Soulmates cohort selling out quickly
[8:41] Holiday weight gain and the need for a physical reset
[9:01] 1st Phorm Dad Edge 8-week challenge overview
[9:42] Challenge dates and community support
[10:19] January Dad Edge 1st Phorm Dad of the Month recognition
[11:01] Alliance preview call announcement
[11:24] What men will learn on the preview call
[12:17] Moving away from social media noise
[14:06] Men's Forge 2026 announcement
[14:51] Why this event is different
[15:41] Where to find all links and next steps
[16:04] Gratitude and closing encouragement
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Most men were never taught how to lead a marriage, which is why skill-building—not willpower—creates change.
Attraction in marriage evolves, and men must adapt leadership, presence, and identity.
Boundaries and emotional safety create desire, not chasing or people-pleasing.
Physical health fuels confidence and leadership, especially inside marriage.
Community accelerates growth, when men commit to accountability and action.
 
 
Links & Resources:
Dad Edge Alliance (Marriage, Parenting, Health, Leadership): https://thedadedge.com/alliance
Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: https://thedadedge.com/preview
1st Phorm Dad Edge 8-Week Challenge: https://1stphorm.com/dadedge
Men's Forge 2026 Event: https://themensforge.com
All Episode Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1431
 
 
Closing Remark
Gentlemen, if you want your marriage, health, and leadership to look different in 2026, this is your moment to engage. Thank you for your continued support, your reviews, and your commitment to doing the work. From my heart to yours—let's continue to live legendary.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nicole McNichols, psychologist, professor at the University of Washington, and author of You Could Be Having Better Sex, for one of the most honest, research-backed conversations we've ever had about sex, intimacy, and connection in long-term marriage.
 
This isn't about sex positions, tricks, or "trying harder." It's about why good marriages lose momentum over time, how pressure and expectations quietly kill desire, and why emotional connection is often the real foreplay. Dr. Nicole breaks down why scheduling sex can backfire, how shame and guilt around sex are learned early, and how curiosity—not performance—creates the kind of intimacy couples actually crave. I also share personal stories from my own marriage about connection, timing, and why mediocre sex just to "check the box" no longer works. If you want a healthier, more connected sex life, this episode gives you a roadmap grounded in science and real-life experience.
 
 
Timeline Summary
[0:00] Why this episode isn't about sex positions or tricks
[1:26] Introducing Dr. Nicole McNichols and her background
[2:09] Why scheduling sex can quietly backfire
[2:36] How pressure and expectation kill intimacy
[2:58] Emotional connection as the real foreplay
[3:36] Why intimacy dates matter more than sex calendars
[5:18] How Dr. Nicole became a "sex professor" by accident
[6:10] Loneliness, disconnection, and the role of sexual health
[7:08] Shame, stigma, and misinformation around sex—especially for women
[9:14] Why healthy sex improves forgiveness, health, and longevity
[10:25] The failure of shame-based sex education
[12:10] Countries with sex-positive education and better outcomes
[13:18] Identifying the sources of shame we carry into marriage
[15:09] Why sex shouldn't be the first thing sacrificed in busy seasons
[16:07] Why conversations about sex should happen with clothes on
[17:00] Using curiosity instead of pressure to improve intimacy
[18:11] Announcement: Dad Edge Alliance February focus on intimacy and attraction
[20:03] Curiosity vs. agenda in hard conversations
[21:17] Why scheduling sex alone doesn't work
[22:09] Creating the right context and mood for intimacy
[23:24] Sexual effort that creates pressure instead of desire
[24:55] Emotional lead-up and responsive desire
[26:01] Initiation–rejection cycles and resentment
[27:23] "Intimacy dates" and reconnecting outside the bedroom
[29:11] Larry shares a personal story about connection over convenience
[31:26] Choosing quality connection over mediocre sex
[33:17] Maintenance sex vs. meaningful sexual connection
[35:04] Balancing connection and realistic expectations
[37:22] Long-term rejection cycles and rebuilding intimacy
[39:00] Hormones, menopause, and why libido changes aren't personal
[41:29] Division of labor, resentment, and loss of identity
[43:48] Gottman research and why distance doesn't heal intimacy
[45:43] Making your partner feel seen and heard
[47:23] Listening vs. fixing in emotional conversations
[49:13] Resources for better conversations with your wife and kids
[49:31] Dr. Nicole's book and New York Times features
[50:44] Where to find Dr. Nicole and her work
[53:08] Why improving your sex life is a powerful way to start 2026
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Pressure and expectation kill desire, while curiosity and emotional safety create attraction. 
Emotional connection is often the real foreplay, especially in long-term marriages. 
Scheduling sex without context can backfire if couples don't create space to reconnect first. 
Sexual shame is learned, and identifying its sources is the first step toward healthier intimacy. 
Better sex isn't about frequency—it's about quality, safety, and connection. 
 
 
 
Links & Resources
25 Intimate Conversation Starters: https://thedadedge.com/25questions
Conversation Cards for Kids (Ages 5–Teen): https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions
Dr. Nicole McNichols – Faculty Spotlight (University of Washington):
https://psych.uw.edu/newsletter/summer-2020/faculty/faculty-spotlight-on-nicole-mcnichols
New York Times – Modern Love Podcast Feature:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/podcasts/modern-love-better-sex-tips.html
Book — You Could Be Having Better Sex
Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1430
 
 
Closing Remark
If this episode gave you language, clarity, or hope around intimacy in your marriage, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Strong marriages don't drift into great sex—they build it intentionally, with curiosity, connection, and courage.

In this Q&A episode, I'm joined once again by Uncle Joe for a deep, honest conversation around one of the most painful places a man can find himself—feeling unwanted, disconnected, and hopeless in his marriage. We respond to a question from a husband who hasn't felt physical or emotional connection from his wife in over two years, and we unpack what really breaks down in marriages long before intimacy disappears.
 
This conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice. We talk about why most men were never trained for marriage, how resentment quietly builds, why treating marriage like a contract destroys connection, and how changing your internal narrative can shift everything. We also bring in perspectives from men inside the Dad Edge Alliance to show how humility, coachability, and intentional skill-building can restore trust, safety, and leadership at home. If your marriage feels distant or stuck, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a path forward.
 
 
Timeline Summary
[0:00] Welcoming listeners to the third Q&A episode of January 2026
[1:19] Uncle Joe returns and the power of community-driven wisdom
[2:13] Introducing a listener's marriage question about rejection and hopelessness
[2:55] Why only 12% of married couples report feeling deeply connected
[3:33] Asking the most important question: what have you actually learned about marriage?
[4:26] Joe reflects on personal failure, divorce, and hard-earned lessons
[5:14] Why hope exists if attraction once existed
[5:35] How complacency and busyness quietly push marriage to the back burner
[6:02] Marriage compared to learning an instrument—you can't wing it
[7:21] Resentment, skill gaps, and whether marriages can truly be restored
[8:05] Marriage as a covenant, not a contract
[8:55] How destructive inner narratives shape behavior and connection
[9:43] Transactional expectations and why they kill intimacy
[10:41] Why "nice guy" energy erodes respect and attraction
[11:30] Listening to understand instead of listening to defend
[12:12] Mutual submission, humility, and shared leadership in marriage
[13:15] Alliance member insight on asking for feedback from your wife
[14:16] Faith, unity, and intentionally doing life together
[15:49] Receiving feedback without ego or defensiveness
[17:14] Emotional bank accounts and the power of daily deposits
[18:50] Gottman's 5:1 and 10:1 ratios for healthy marriages
[19:40] Giving your wife permission to coach you
[20:45] Why conflict isn't the enemy—avoidance is
[22:00] Reframing the role of a wife as a strengthener, not a subordinate
[23:17] "It's not me vs. you, it's us vs. the problem"
[23:43] Larry shares a personal season of anger and choosing humility
[25:16] How couples can build something better than what they had before
[25:51] Episode wrap-up and where to find resources
 
 
Five Key Takeaways
Most men were never taught how to lead a marriage, and guessing your way through it creates disconnection. 
Marriage breaks down through narratives and resentment long before intimacy disappears. 
Treating marriage like a covenant—not a contract—changes everything. 
Emotional deposits made consistently rebuild trust and safety over time. 
When couples unite against the problem instead of each other, restoration becomes possible. 
 
 
Links & Resources
Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/alliance
The Legendary Marriage Book: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1429
 
 
Closing Remark
If this episode resonated with where you're at in your marriage, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You don't have to figure this out alone—skill-building, humility, and brotherhood can change the direction of your marriage and your family. From my heart to yours, go out and live legendary.