Authentic masculinity vs toxic masculinity

In this powerful and deeply emotional episode, I sit down with my good friend Sean Cochran, CEO of Men for Life, to have one of the rawest conversations we've ever shared on this podcast. Sean opens up about losing his first child to abortion at 19 and the seven-year spiral that followed—addiction, gambling, overdoses, isolation, and hitting rock bottom on the floor of a dirty hotel room. His story is one of unimaginable darkness, but also unbelievable redemption.

We explore how culture has silenced men in the abortion conversation, the devastating emotional impact so many men carry in secret, and Sean's journey from shame to recovery, fatherhood, and ultimately becoming a national voice for men who feel unseen in this space. We also dive into the mission behind Men for Life, the data behind father involvement, and how redefining authentic masculinity can change families and communities for generations.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] Sean begins sharing why abortion is not just a "women's issue."

[2:03] The staggering data on how many men are affected by abortion every year.

[3:56] Sean's personal story begins—19 years old, his girlfriend is pregnant.

[5:06] Learning the abortion would happen despite his desire to keep the baby.

[6:34] The counselor who told him "this doesn't affect you"—and how that shaped years of silence.

[8:05] Addiction escalates: cocaine, ecstasy, gambling, and stealing.

[9:25] Hitting rock bottom in a hotel room and believing he would die.

[10:59] A moment of surrender and prayer that changed everything.

[12:50] Entering treatment, beginning healing, and naming his son "Michael."

[15:38] Rebuilding: finishing college, law school, starting a family.

[17:04] Adopting three children—and the powerful contrast between two mothers' choices.

[18:28] Realizing he was failing as a lawyer, husband, and father—and shutting down his law practice.

[21:00] Discovering men everywhere carry hidden abortion wounds after speaking publicly for the first time.

[23:03] How Sean was led—against his own plans—to become CEO of Men for Life.

[26:05] The mission: creating a fatherhood program that transforms young men and saves lives.

[28:00] Why authentic masculinity is rooted in service, courage, sacrifice, and Christ-like leadership.

[30:00] How men can get involved and support Men for Life.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Men are deeply impacted by abortion, yet culture has told them their voice doesn't matter.
2. One in five men will lose a child to abortion by age 45—and most carry that pain alone.
3. Sean's seven-year spiral was fueled by unprocessed grief, shame, and the belief that he "didn't matter."
4. Father involvement changes outcomes: when men see an ultrasound and go through a fatherhood program, 97% choose life.
5. Authentic masculinity isn't domination—it's service, courage, sacrifice, and living for something bigger than yourself.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Men for Life Website: https://menforlife.org
• Contact Sean Directly: Email: sean@menforlife.org or https://menforlife.org/contact-us
• Sean's Instagram: https://instagram.com/lseancorcoran
• Dad Edge Mastermind: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind
• Episode Show Notes Page: https://thedadedge.com/1411

Closing Remark

If today's episode moved you, inspired you, or helped you feel less alone, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more men who need these conversations.