Reclaiming Fatherhood Energy by Leading Yourself First featuring Joel Staley

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Oct 20, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Joel Staley, a husband, father, and fasting coach, shares his transformative journey after a testicular cancer diagnosis. He reveals how dealing with health challenges reshaped his self-image and led him to prioritize his family life. Joel emphasizes the importance of leading oneself for better leadership at home, and how vulnerability strengthened his marriage. He also highlights teaching his kids about delayed gratification and cherishing daily moments, showcasing a profound shift in perspective on health and family.

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ANECDOTE

Sudden Pain Led To A Long Search

Joel woke with sudden, crippling lower-back and midsection pain after a trip to Sedona and spent weeks chasing fixes.
He tried chiropractic care, dry needling, cryotherapy and more before deeper issues emerged.

ANECDOTE

Symptoms Migrated Before Cancer Diagnosis

Joel noticed migratory pains, a dry cough, migraines and numbness that he initially rationalized with nicotine withdrawal.
The symptoms escalated until ER tests and scans eventually revealed cancer.

ANECDOTE

The Moment The Diagnosis Hit

After several days in the ER and repeated negative results, doctors delivered the unexpected diagnosis: cancer.
Joel had a private emotional reaction followed by acceptance and a plan to move forward.

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In this Dad Edge Podcast episode, I’m joined by Joel Staley, husband, father, and fasting expert—but the real story here isn’t about weight loss. It’s about the emotional and relational weight men carry and how mastering the physical body can help men show up more powerfully for their families.

We unpack Joel’s transformation from feeling “fluffy” and distracted to leading his wife and kids with presence and purpose. Joel doesn’t hold back when talking about how his physical condition was limiting his energy, sex drive, self-respect, and ultimately his connection at home. This isn’t a gimmicky fitness episode—it’s a raw look at what happens when a man decides he’s no longer okay with coasting.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[0:00] – Joel’s wake-up call and early struggles with self-image

[4:18] – Feeling physically present but emotionally absent as a dad

[8:20] – Why getting shredded wasn’t the real goal

[12:03] – How fasting gave him structure, confidence, and clarity

[16:55] – Leading your family starts with leading yourself

[20:41] – Joel’s marriage breakthrough through vulnerability

[24:18] – Sex drive, shame, and physical transformation

[28:36] – Teaching his kids about delayed gratification and purpose

[33:02] – The real impact of watching your dad take care of himself

[37:14] – Daily disciplines that keep him grounded and focused

[40:57] – Joel’s final challenge for every dad listening

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. When You Lead Yourself, You Lead Better at Home

Joel discovered that when he took full ownership of his physical health, it cascaded into better decisions, emotional presence, and connection with his family.

2. Your Body is a Spiritual and Emotional Instrument

Getting fit wasn’t just about looking good—it gave Joel the energy and confidence to show up for his wife and kids like never before.

3. Fasting Is a Discipline That Builds Mental Toughness

Joel explains how structured fasting helped him reclaim control and break unhealthy patterns that were sabotaging his time and attention at home.

4. Physical Change Can Spark Relational Breakthroughs

As Joel got healthier, his marriage improved—not because of appearance, but because of how he began showing up with integrity and consistency.

5. Your Kids Notice Everything

Joel shares how his daughters now see him as someone who takes care of himself and others—and how that’s creating a new generational standard.

LINKS & RESOURCES

25 Questions to Spark Connection with Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
Learn More About Joel’s Coaching & Programs: https://shedfatfast.com
Follow Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelstaleyfitness
Joel's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8fcf7ca3
Join the Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
Dad Edge Podcast Episodes: thedadedge.com/1390

If this episode pushed you to confront your own health or leadership gaps, rate, review, follow, and share. Let’s live legendary, in every way that matters.