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.

Subscribe for more real talk on dad life, business, and barbell wisdom.

Got a question, story, or fail to share? Email us at: dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com

Follow us on socials:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575481144492
https://www.instagram.com/dadsdealsanddumbbells/?hl=en
dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com

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

Get in touch with us:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575481144492
https://www.instagram.com/dadsdealsanddumbbells/?hl=en
dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com

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.
Share this with a fellow dad or teacher who needs a laugh and a lesson.

Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or wherever you get your shows.
Got a Dad Hack or crazy parenting story? Email us at dadsdealsanddumbells@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram or Facebook.

#DadLife #EducationLeadership #CoachingLife #Fatherhood #FitnessForDads #BlendedFamily #Podcast #entrepreneurdad

Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575481144492 or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dadsdealsanddumbbells/

Tap subscribe and hit that bell so you never miss an episode that could change your game—on the mat and at home.

Episode Summary:
This week, we’re rolling deep with Bruce Guevara, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt and owner of B1 BJJ Fitness. Bruce joins us to break down how BJJ builds discipline, sharpens mindset, and helps dads show up better—for themselves, their families, and even their businesses. We get into self-defense, starting something new at any age, and why tapping out might be the most powerful lesson in life.

Whether you're already training or just BJJ-curious, this episode delivers practical insights with a side of chokeholds and dad jokes.

What You’ll Hear:

Bruce’s journey from white belt to black belt and business owner

Why BJJ is more about mindset than muscle

How martial arts has impacted Bruce’s parenting style

Tips for choosing the right self-defense program for your kid

Overcoming fear as an adult learner

What dads need to know about injury prevention over 40

Legal insights on using self-defense (Joe’s Judgments)

Bruce’s best “dad hack” for life balance and discipline

Why self-mastery is the real win in any fight

Key Takeaways:

Confidence is the best form of self-defense

Martial arts = discipline, patience, and better parenting

Starting something new as a dad isn’t easy—but it’s worth it

Protect your body, protect your mindset, protect your people

You’re never too old to roll (but stretch first, seriously)

Guest Info:
Bruce Guevara is a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt, father, and founder of B1 BJJ Fitness
. With a passion for self-defense, personal development, and building better men through martial arts, Bruce shares hard-earned wisdom from the mat and from dad life.

Learn more or sign up: www.B1BJJFitness.com

🎧 Subscribe & Stay Connected:
New episodes every week exploring fatherhood, entrepreneurship, health, and how to juggle all three without losing your mind (or your gains).

Get in touch with us:
📸 Instagram: @dadsdealsanddumbbells

👉 Facebook: Dads, Deals & Dumbbells

📩 Email us your wild dad stories: dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com

💪 Follow for more hacks, laughs, and unfiltered dad energy.

Like, subscribe, and smash that bell so you never miss an episode that hits harder than a linebacker on leg day.

Episode Summary:
This week on Dads, Deals & Dumbbells, we’re diving into the huddle with Coach Mike Ulrich — head football coach at Naperville Central High School, father of three boys, and possibly your next favorite write-in candidate for the Chicago Bears. Coach Mike gets real about leadership, building discipline in young men, balancing the chaos of parenting with coaching, and what it really takes to motivate today’s kids. Whether you’re a former athlete, a sideline dad, or just trying to raise boys without losing your mind — this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear:

Coach Mike’s parenting philosophy (and his favorite dad hack)

The connection between coaching and fatherhood

How to motivate kids without breaking their spirit

Legal insights on sports injuries from Joe’s Judgments

Injury prevention & recovery tips in Quill’s Corner

Write-in campaigns, burnout, and coaching your own kid

How failure shapes better athletes — and better dads

Key Takeaways:

Coaching and parenting? Two sides of the same coin.

Motivation isn’t yelling louder—it’s leading better.

Kids need structure, love, and room to fall (and get back up).

A good playbook matters—on the field and at home.

Also… don’t yell “timeout” from the stands. Ever.

Guest Info:
Coach Mike Ulrich is the head football coach at Naperville Central High School, known for building disciplined, high-performing teams—and raising three sons while doing it. He’s proof that you can lead like a coach, love like a dad, and still show up for every chaotic family dinner.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
New episodes every week exploring fatherhood, entrepreneurship, health, and how to juggle all three without losing your mind (or your gains).

Get in touch with us:
Instagram: @dadsdealsanddumbbells

Facebook: Dads, Deals & Dumbbells

Email us your wild dad stories: dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com

Follow for more hacks, laughs, and unfiltered dad energy.

This week, we’re joined by Ed Leon: retired law enforcement officer, OCR race director, entrepreneur, and a dad of 27 years. From leading federal investigations to launching Frontline OCR and even crafting Irish shillelaghs (yep, really), Ed brings the grit, leadership, and dad wisdom that only comes from decades of showing up.

In this episode:

How to stay strong in your 40s, 50s, and beyond

Why obstacle course racing (OCR) is more dad-friendly than you think

What 27 years of fatherhood teaches you about balance, grit, and family

How law enforcement shaped Ed’s approach to parenting and entrepreneurship

And Ed’s best dad hack for stress-free family trips 🚐

Recurring Bits:

Dad Hack of the Week: courtesy of our guest

Joe’s Judgments: Can volunteer workout group leaders be sued? (Legal hot take inside)

Whether you're a dad trying to keep up with your kids, grow your business, or survive another school pickup line, this one’s for you.

Got a crazy dad story or guest recommendation?
Email us at: dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @dadsdealsanddumbbells
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575481144492

Check out Ed and Frontline: https://www.facebook.com/Frontlineobstaclecourserace/
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Byron/FrontlineOCR?fbclid=IwY2xjawMQPqxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwUjNzeHYwaG5ZMkFZR0p1AR6TnyYb36IGOR7ebsTG-3QTirfxMgVntxXkKo07CTwLdP7hRLXNaOVqMTNJ3w_aem_o8jQnkO8CaSrBRBWtUCqxw

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow dad who needs to hear this!

#DadsDealsAndDumbbells #Fatherhood #OCR #FitnessOver40 #EntrepreneurDad #FrontlineOCR #EdLeon #DadPodcast #ObstacleCourseRacing #FitnessDad #DadWisdom #HIIT #MensHealth #PodcastForDads

“Mortgages, Mindset & Writing the Damn Book – with Otis Gatlin”

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with Otis Gatlin — mortgage expert, mindset coach, and author of The Mortgage Manual. Otis shares how he balances dad life with a high-pressure finance career, what inspired him to finally write that damn book, and why educating yourself before applying for a mortgage is non-negotiable. If you’re a dad chasing big goals (and maybe a few hours of sleep), this one's for you.

What You’ll Hear:

A game-changing “Dad Hack” from Otis

Otis’ journey from underwriting to authorship

The mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)

How discipline helped him finish his book

The balancing act of being a present dad and a productive entrepreneur

Straight-up takeaways on finance, focus, and fatherhood

Key Takeaways:

Financial confidence starts with clarity — get educated before you apply.

Want to write a book? Don’t wait for perfect. Break it down and show up.

Being a present dad

Whether you’re underwriting or unloading the dishwasher, discipline wins.

Guest Info:
Otis Gatlin is a government-certified mortgage underwriter, advocate for affordable housing, and author of The Mortgage Manual. His mission? Help families achieve homeownership — and fix the system while he's at it.

Grab Otis’ book: https://a.co/d/gy4HRHr

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
New episodes every week exploring fatherhood, entrepreneurship, health, and how to juggle all three without losing your mind (or your gains).

Get in touch with us:
Instagram: @dadsdealsanddumbbells
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575481144492
Email us your wild dad stories: dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com
Follow for more hacks, laughs, and unfiltered dad energy.

#DadPodcast #EntrepreneurDad #MortgageTips #MindsetMatters #WriteTheDamnBook #DadsDealsDumbbells #OtisGatlin #Fatherhood #SmallBusiness #MenWhoWrite #FinancialFreedom

This week, we’re joined by Bobby “StayPuft” Dobroski — CPR instructor, entrepreneur, and fellow dad warrior. Bobby’s the founder of DobroSkills CPR, where he teaches life-saving skills to parents, kids, first responders, and organizations… all while navigating dad life, and entrepreneurship.

We dig into:

Why every family needs CPR training

Sneaking in fitness when life’s chaos won’t stop

The real story behind “20 minutes of screen time” (spoiler: it’s a lie we all tell ourselves)

The highs and fails of dad life and running a business from home

Bobby’s journey from teacher → stay-at-home dad → business owner

Recurring Segments in This Episode:
🛠 Dad Hack of the Week
💪 Quill’s Corner

Class Dates Mentioned:
📅 Babysitter CPR & First Aid – Sept 6
📅 Become Your Own Instructor – Sept 21

Connect with Bobby:
🌐 https://www.dobroskills.net/
📱 https://www.facebook.com/Dobroskills.net

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.

Get in touch with us:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575481144492
https://www.instagram.com/dadsdealsanddumbbells/?hl=en
dadsdealsanddumbbells@gmail.com

#DadLife #Entrepreneurship #Fitness #CPR #Parenting #DadsDealsDumbbells