The Dad Edge Podcast

• Raising Kids Who Smile with Confidence By Leading by Example featuring Dr. Robert Geiman

  In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, we dive into a topic every parent faces daily — our kids' teeth. From baby gums to braces, I sit down with orthodontist, educator, and author Dr. Robert Geiman to unpack the essential truths about children's dental health and what parents can do to set their kids up for lifelong confidence and health.   Dr. Geiman's new book, The Tooth Bible: A Parent's Guide to Their Child's Smile, turns decades of clinical experience into practical, bite-sized advice every parent can understand and apply. In our conversation, we cover everything from fluoride myths to brushing battles, flossing habits, and how oral health connects to our kids' overall well-being. But this episode goes beyond teeth — we talk about leadership, humility, and how the way we show up as dads can shape our families for generations.   Episode Timeline   [0:00] – Introduction [2:27] – Introducing Dr. Robert Geiman and his mission behind The Tooth Bible. [5:07] – How a COVID lockdown project became a parenting essential. [8:12] – What parents should do from birth to age three: brushing basics and fluoride facts. [10:22] – The truth about fluoride and why science still matters. [15:00] – Why The Tooth Bible is written in Q&A format and the most common dental questions parents ask. [18:10] – What parents should and shouldn't say to their kids before braces. [20:16] – The real reason snacking on sugar all day is worse than eating it all at once. [23:00] – How orthodontic technology has made braces more comfortable and effective. [27:00] – The link between oral health, heart health, and overall well-being. [30:00] – Making brushing fun and consistent for kids of all ages. [40:30] – How and when to start flossing — and tools that make it easier for kids. [43:33] – Leading by example: how your dental habits as a dad influence your children. [48:41] – Dr. Geiman on marriage, communication, and leading at home with humility. [50:45] – The importance of owning mistakes and teaching kids through example.     Key Takeaways: Oral health is a reflection of overall health. Healthy gums and teeth often mirror good habits and wellness throughout the body. Fluoride, when used in proper doses, is safe and essential for preventing cavities. Dr. Geiman emphasizes trusting science over social media noise. Make brushing fun and consistent. Give kids ownership—let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste flavor to increase motivation. Lead by example. Your kids are watching; if they see you brushing and flossing daily, they're more likely to do the same. Parenting is leadership in action. Whether in dental habits or daily life, your consistency, humility, and example create lasting impact.         Links and Resources The Tooth Bible website: https://thetoothbible.com The Tooth Bible Smile Shop: https://thetoothbible.com/smile-shop ChildandAdultOrthodontics.com Follow Dr. Geiman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_dr.bobby/ https://www.instagram.com/brace_thyself/ Podcast Episode Show Notes: http://thedadedge.com/1396     Closing Thoughts   This episode reminds us that leadership starts with example — even in the smallest routines, like brushing your teeth beside your kids. When we lead with intention and humility, our children learn more than just good dental hygiene; they learn integrity, consistency, and care.   If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and share The Dad Edge Podcast to help more fathers build stronger, more intentional families.

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• Maintaining Connection & Relationships When Life Gets Busy

  In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most overwhelming seasons my family has faced—fall. Between school demands, sports, band, and everything else, our schedule was maxed out and our connection suffered. Jessica and I found ourselves constantly busy but emotionally distant, operating more like teammates than soulmates.   I share how we recognized the symptoms of "roommate syndrome," what we did to course-correct, and why protecting margin in your life and marriage is non-negotiable. I also introduce my brand-new course launching in January, From Roommates to Soulmates, designed for husbands who are ready to rebuild emotional connection and intimacy.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [0:00] – Introduction [2:31] – Why fall marks the beginning of chaos for many families [3:07] – Introducing the From Roommates to Soulmates course [4:15] – What roommate syndrome looks like and why it's dangerous [5:20] – Cultural lies men believe about marriage and fatherhood [6:45] – The silent struggle of disconnection [8:06] – Our family's real-life overscheduling mistake [10:28] – When joy turns into exhaustion [10:54] – The "Sunday Night Reset" strategy [11:27] – How shared calendars and huddles create clarity [12:13] – Learning to say no with purpose [13:16] – Protecting margin and prioritizing connection [14:42] – Why our "Date Days" are sacred [15:38] – Free gift: Questions for the Car PDF [16:41] – Start deeper conversations with your kids today       5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Busyness Is the Enemy of Intimacy Just because you're doing a lot doesn't mean you're connecting. Overscheduling your family can slowly erode the relationships that matter most. 2. Roommate Syndrome Is Real—But Reversible When you and your partner start functioning as co-managers instead of lovers, it's time to course-correct. Connection requires intention. 3. Margin Is Not a Luxury, It's a Necessity If your calendar is full but your marriage feels empty, it's a sign you need to guard time for each other and for rest. 4. Clarity and Communication Prevent Chaos Tools like family huddles and shared calendars aren't just logistical—they're emotional anchors that keep the household united. 5. Leading Your Family Starts With Leading Yourself Recognizing when you're off-track and initiating reconnection is the mark of strong leadership—both as a husband and a father.       LINKS & RESOURCES • Free Resource – Questions for the Car: https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions • Show Notes for this episode: https://thedadedge.com/1395   If this episode resonated with you, rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs it. Let's lead our families with presence and purpose.   Live legendary.

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• The Most Important Trait You Can Pass to Your Kids (Why Legacy Is Emotional, Not Just Financial)

  In this special Father-Son Wednesday edition of the Dad Edge Podcast, Ethan and I have an open and heartfelt conversation about the kind of legacy we want to leave—not in terms of money, but in how we show up for our families, our faith, and our future. With Halloween around the corner, we explore the idea of what truly haunts fathers—missed moments, emotional distance, and failing to lead with purpose.   We dive into what it means to lead a family spiritually without pushing religion, how a father's love for his wife becomes a model for children, and how intentional home culture shapes future generations. Ethan shares his vision for his future family and career as a firefighter—and how he wants to lead by presence, not pressure.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   [0:00] – Introduction [1:15] – Ethan's "Winter Arc" and using seasons to spark growth [2:59] – Redefining legacy beyond wealth or achievements [5:14] – Why health and strength are crucial to long-term fatherhood [8:32] – Spiritual leadership without religiosity [10:04] – Passing down a relationship with God to future generations [12:33] – Faith, emotional safety, and keeping an open mind [15:21] – Ethan's vision of future fatherhood and home culture [17:42] – How your home environment speaks louder than your words [20:07] – The impact of loving your spouse well in front of your kids [23:15] – Why we choose to gross our kids out with affection—not arguments [24:49] – The power of being the "warrior in the garden" [25:29] – Ethan's passion for firefighting and leaving impact [27:56] – Halloween memories, safety tips, and shoutouts     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Legacy Is Emotional, Not Just Financial The mark we leave on our kids isn't in bank accounts—it's in the daily presence, protection, and love they feel from us. 2. Faith Is Modeled, Not Mandated Ethan speaks on how he wants to raise his future family to know God through a relationship—not religion—and how that shaped his upbringing. 3. Your Marriage Is the Blueprint How you treat your wife sets the tone for how your kids will approach love, commitment, and conflict in their own relationships. 4. Presence Over Perfection Kids remember if you were there and emotionally available—not if you were flawless. Being the safe space is what sticks. 5. Strength Is Best When Softened by Love Ethan reflects on the need for dads to be both strong and gentle—to be warriors in the garden, not tyrants in the home.       LINKS & RESOURCES 25 Questions to Spark Deeper Connection – https://thedadedge.com/25questions Level 1 Protein - https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge BCAAs - https://1stphorm.com/products/bcaa/?a_aid=dadedge  Pastor Paul Daily Bible Studies – Search "Pastor Paul" on YouTube Dad Edge Podcast & Show Notes – thedadedge.com/1394     If this episode brought you closer to how you want to show up as a father and husband, please rate, review, follow, and share the show. Let's keep building legacies that matter.   Live legendary.

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• What Rescuing 2,000 Children Taught Me About Being a Dad featuring Clay Butler

  In this episode, I sit down with Clay Butler, CEO of Agape International Missions (AIM), for a powerful conversation on fighting child trafficking and how present, intentional fatherhood is one of the most effective weapons in that fight. With over 2,000 rescues and hundreds of traffickers arrested, Clay's work is nothing short of heroic—but it's his role as a father that has most shaped his mission.   We explore what it truly means to lead as a man, not just in high-stakes global work, but in the day-to-day role of being a protector at home. Clay shares how fatherhood has deepened his approach to leadership, the importance of modeling safe masculinity, and why raising strong, loved, and secure children is one of the greatest forms of resistance to evil. This episode will challenge and inspire any man who wants to leave a legacy worth living for.     Episode Highlights [0:00] – Introduction [1:01] – A staggering global reality: a child is trafficked every 30 seconds [2:24] – Clay's transformation from young volunteer to CEO of AIM [5:13] – Why Clay initially took a three-month volunteer trip… and never left [9:06] – Finding emotional equilibrium in a traumatic field [10:29] – How fatherhood amplified—not hindered—Clay's leadership [12:04] – The power of modeling safe fatherhood for rescued girls [14:21] – Humility, teamwork, and spiritual grounding in life-or-death operations [20:03] – Tactical and emotional ways to protect your family in public [22:15] – Why kids from foster care are the most trafficked in America [28:12] – Real actions men can take to stop trafficking—starting at home [29:02] – Navigating the tension of preserving childhood innocence while teaching safety [34:45] – Avoiding burnout: ruthless prioritization and reverse engineering legacy [38:07] – Clay's evolving legacy: from warrior to father to restorer       5 Key Takeaways   1. Fatherhood is powerful – Being a present, loving father is one of the most effective deterrents to child trafficking, both at home and globally. 2. Rescue is only the beginning – AIM's model goes beyond rescue to include healing, job training, and long-term restoration. 3. The U.S. isn't exempt – Most trafficking victims in the U.S. come from broken foster care systems. Supporting those systems can change lives. 4. You can protect your kids daily – Small actions like staying aware in public, modeling healthy masculinity, and teaching intuitive safety make a big difference. 5. Your legacy starts now – You don't need to lead a global organization to be a hero. Leading at home with purpose and love is enough.       Links & Resources   Agape International Missions (AIM): https://aimfree.org AIM Apparel – Support rescued girls through ethical apparel: https://aimapparel.com Bark (Parental Control App): https://thedadedge.com/bark Episode Show notes: thedadedge.com/1393     If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a fellow dad, leave a review, and don't forget to follow the podcast. Together, we can protect our families—and generations to come.  

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• How to Guide Your Child Through Fear with Confidence & Safety

  In this solo episode, I dig into one of the most crucial parenting challenges—helping our kids face their fears and build real, lasting confidence. From sports pressure to academic stress to the emotional struggles they often keep bottled up, our kids are living in a high-pressure world. And as fathers, it's our job to create a space where they feel safe, heard, and guided—not just fixed.   I share a recent emotional conversation with my own son that completely reframed how I approach fear with my kids. You'll hear practical scripts, parenting frameworks, and validation tools that you can immediately use to strengthen your relationship and lead your kids through difficult emotions—while empowering them to lead themselves.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   [0:00] – Introduction [1:47] – The "scary" reality kids face daily [3:16] – Gratitude for the community + book update [5:03] – Announcing the next live cohort: Overcoming Roommate Syndrome [9:12] – What fear looks like in your child's world [10:17] – Why asking for permission to talk matters [12:14] – My son's moment of vulnerability on the football field [14:00] – Helping kids name fear and remove shame [15:15] – Shifting identity from failure to effort [16:23] – Creating micro-wins to reinforce confidence [17:41] – Reminding your kids they are already brave [18:08] – Why praising effort beats praising results [19:30] – Free resource: "Questions for the Car" [21:54] – Final thoughts and wrap-up       5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Validate Before You Advise Asking your child for permission to talk, rather than jumping into correction or pep talks, shows respect and builds trust. Kids don't want quick fixes—they want to feel seen. 2. Name the Fear to Dismantle the Shame Fear loses power when it's named out loud. Helping your child articulate what they're afraid of creates emotional distance from the fear and invites clarity. 3. Reinforce Identity Through Effort, Not Outcome Focus on who your child is becoming through their effort—not whether they win or lose. This reinforces growth and helps them detach from external validation. 4. Small Wins Build Big Confidence Kids don't need giant leaps to feel successful. Celebrating the little wins builds momentum and reinforces the belief that they can handle what life throws at them. 5. Your Voice Becomes Their Inner Voice How you speak to your kids—especially when they're struggling—directly influences how they'll talk to themselves when you're not around. Lead with empathy, patience, and strength.         LINKS & RESOURCES: Car Ride Questions for Kids: thedadedge.com/kidquestions Get the Book + Free Courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook Episode Show notes: thedadedge.com/1392     If this episode helped you better understand how to guide your child through fear and build real connection, please rate, follow, and share the show. Let's raise brave, grounded, emotionally intelligent kids—together.   Live legendary.

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