Legacy Over Likes | Coach Joe on Leading Men, Grilling Wisdom & Playing the Long Game

This week on Dads, Deals & Dumbbells, we’re joined by the one and only Coach Joe Johnson — a father of six, grandfather of seven, military vet, serial entrepreneur, and founder of the Ice and Fire Leadership Academy.

From raising a blended family and surviving DCFS coat drama to building a legacy over social likes, Coach Joe drops decades of hard-earned wisdom on fatherhood, faith, leadership, fitness, and what it really means to show up for your people.

In this episode:

Parenting wins and fails that’ll make you laugh (or cry)

The power of presence across generations

Leading your kids and your business with integrity

The story behind Ice and Fire Leadership Academy

Discipline, faith, and fitness over 40

“Deal or Dumbbell” — rapid-fire hot takes with Coach Joe

Why community spaces matter for raising up the next generation

Whether you're a dad in the grind, an entrepreneur chasing purpose, or just here for some grilled grandpa wisdom — this episode delivers.

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What do you get when you mix a compliance manager, youth sports coach, CrossFit junkie, and founder of a local dad group? You get Coach Chad—and he’s bringing the heat (and humor) to this episode of Dads, Deals & Dumbbells.

Chad Vargo joins us to talk about what it means to show up fully—as a dad, a leader, and a man trying to stay fit after 30. From coaching 9-year-olds to running the Naperville Dad Network, Chad opens up about his wins, fails, and how to build true community as a father in today’s world.

In this episode:

Why every dad has a“washing machine fail” story

How to start your own community-based dad group

Top lessons learned from coaching youth sports

CrossFit tips for busy dads who want to get back in shape

How structure at work can help (or hurt) at home

Plus:

Dad Hack of the Week - be the "coupon king"

Deal or Dumbbell (Would you hand a stranger a 20% off coupon?)

Quill’s Corner: CrossFit safety tips every dad should know

If you’re a dad trying to juggle spreadsheets, squats, and snack time—this one’s for you.

If you laughed, learned something, or decided to finally sign up for CPR training, hit subscribe and share this with another dad who’s juggling work, workouts, and raising the next generation.

Want to get in contact with Chad or check out the Naperville Dad Network, click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/498735030482357

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From Friday Night Lights to School District Fights: The Educator Dad with a Game Plan | Dads, Deals & Dumbbells

From the Texas football field to leading school districts, P.J. Giamanco has spent over 25 years coaching, teaching, and leading — all while raising two daughters, navigating divorce, remarriage, and the chaos of dad life. Oh, and he also happens to be Joe’s big brother… so you know the sibling roasting is on full display.

In this episode, we dive into:

Lessons from coaching and education administration that apply to leadership and parenting, and why this high school coach decided to walk way from coaching and go back to school while working full time to focus on his kids
-The reality of running a school district in 2025
-Step-parenting and navigating blended families
-Staying healthy when your career is high-pressure and dealing with setbacks
-That Joe once chased PJ around the yard with a riding lawnmower

Plus — P.J.’s Dad Hack of the Week and Dr. Quill’s tips for staying calm under stress (even when your desk is your second home).

Whether you’re a dad, an educator, or just someone trying to balance career, family, and fitness without losing your mind… this one’s for you.

Subscribe for more episodes where fatherhood meets entrepreneurship, fitness, and real talk.
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Got a Dad Hack or crazy parenting story? Email us at dadsdealsanddumbells@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram or Facebook.

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