Why Emotionally Present Dads Win at Parenting, Recovery, & Relationships ft. Brandon Mancine

In this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with fitness coach and father Brandon Mancine to talk about what it truly means to be consistent, resilient, and connected in fatherhood. Brandon shares how the lessons learned from sobriety, fitness, and fatherhood all intersect—and why your physical discipline directly impacts your emotional presence at home.

 

From building routines that work to leading by example and showing up in the hard moments, Brandon reminds us that no one gets it perfect—but if you’re consistent, you’ll make an impact. Whether you’re a dad in recovery, rebuilding trust, or just trying to show up better, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

 

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TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Welcome and introducing today’s guest: Brandon Mancine

[1:42] - Brandon’s story: growing up, addiction, and breaking the cycle

[4:15] - How sobriety and fatherhood gave his life new direction

[6:32] - The parallels between fitness discipline and emotional presence

[9:10] - Why consistency wins over intensity in both training and parenting

[12:27] - Learning to show up when you least feel like it

[15:14] - Rebuilding trust with your kids after failure or absence

[17:06] - The shift from proving yourself to leading with humility

[19:25] - What recovery has taught Brandon about self-awareness

[22:43] - The power of structure and routine in family life

[24:58] - Why dads need to model vulnerability, not perfection

[27:09] - Tools Brandon uses to stay grounded and connected

[29:40] - Brandon’s advice to dads who feel like they’re “too far gone”

[31:56] - Final reflections on faith, fitness, and leading from love

 

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5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

1. Consistency Beats Intensity

Whether it’s in the gym or with your kids, showing up regularly matters more than doing it perfectly. Your presence is your power.

2. Recovery Requires Ownership

Brandon shares that the key to rebuilding trust is accepting where you’ve been, owning it, and showing up differently—without needing a pat on the back.

3. Fitness Is a Mirror for Fatherhood

Discipline, patience, and pushing through discomfort in training teach us how to lead with strength and humility at home.

4. You’re Never Too Far Gone

No matter how far you feel you’ve fallen as a father, you can always begin again—with consistency, honesty, and grace.

5. Vulnerability Builds Connection

Perfection isn’t the goal—presence is. Leading with vulnerability opens the door to trust, healing, and deeper relationships with your kids.

 

 

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LINKS & RESOURCES

• Brandon Mancine Coaching: https://bmfcoaching.com/

• Hair XT (Brandon’s hair restoration brand): https://hairxt.com/

• The Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance

• 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions

• Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast

• Sign up for Poststack Updates: https://www.thedadedge.com/poststack

• Tools & Resources for Dads: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools

 

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If this episode encouraged you to lead with greater intention, please follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Every download helps another dad find the tools and mindset to live legendary.