What if the products you use every day—like your plastic containers, laundry detergent, or air fresheners—were quietly affecting your family’s health?

In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Harris, childhood cancer survivor and environmental toxin expert, to explore how to reduce hidden toxins in your home without feeling overwhelmed. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Tanya shares practical tips that any busy parent can start using right away.

You'll learn how simple swaps and small adjustments can help protect your family’s health—without needing to go completely toxin-free or “all natural” overnight.

👉 What We Cover:

• Common household toxins hiding in plain sight

• Why heating food in plastic containers can be risky

• The truth about artificial fragrances, preservatives, and MSG

• How to shop smarter using the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists

• What the Slightly Greener Method is—and how to make it work for your lifestyle

📋 Want to know which foods are worth buying organic?
Tanya recommends using the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 lists. You can find them at:
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews

🌿 Learn more about Tanya’s work and grab her book at:
https://slightlygreener.com

📌 Full show notes and episode resources:
https://nosittingonthesideline.com/160

Whether you're just starting to clean up your home or you've been on this path for a while, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and encouraged.

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It’s not intended as medical advice. Always do your research and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, diet, or lifestyle, especially when it comes to your family’s well-being.

What would you do if the doctors told you there’s nothing more they can do? Would you accept it, or would you start asking more questions?

In this episode of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast, I sit down with William Hudson, cancer survivor and author of Death Can Wait. William shares his journey after being diagnosed with stage four cancer — and how choosing not to give up changed everything.

We talk about:

• The emotional weight of hearing “stage four cancer”

• Why William refused to accept the ending he was handed

• The steps he took to support his healing

• The mindset shift that helped him move forward with hope

👉 Learn more about William and his book Death Can Wait here:
https://williamhudson.org
Buy the book on Amazon

🎙️ Listen to more episodes of the podcast at:
https://www.nosittingonthesideline.com

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. Neither I nor my guest is are medical professional. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before trying any treatments or approaches discussed here. Be your own best advocate.

If this episode connects with you, share it with someone who might need to hear this message of hope.”

What if you could flip the script on bullying? In this episode, Joe sits down with longtime therapist and author Patricia Stahl, who’s helped thousands navigate the lasting effects of childhood bullying. They dig into one surprising strategy that stopped her son’s bully cold—spoiler: it involved a quarter.

But this episode is so much more than a clever parenting hack.

We’re talking about the real emotional scars bullying leaves behind—especially when they follow you into adulthood. Joe shares a raw, personal story from high school that’s equal parts intense and honest, while Patricia breaks down why bullies behave the way they do and how parents can empower their kids without making things worse.

If you’ve ever been bullied, watched your kid suffer, or wondered how bullying shapes us well into adulthood, this conversation is for you.

• Why were so many adults with social anxiety bullied as kids

• The 10 common reasons kids become bullies (it’s not just “bad parenting”)

• How a simple quarter changed one boy’s life

• The emotional toll bullying takes, including depression, school avoidance, and even rage

• Practical techniques like “fogging” and fake-it-till-you-make-it confidence training

• Why “confidence is kryptonite to bullies” (shout out to James Corden)

• How celebrities like Taylor Swift, Shaq, and The Rock turned bullying into fuel for greatness

• What every dad needs to do right now if their kid is being bullied

• Joe’s honest take on being bullied himself—and the day he snapped

• The exact words Patricia taught her son to shut his bully down

• How to roleplay with your kid to build emotional resilience

• The hidden connection between bullying and people-pleasing in adulthood

• Ways to help your child build social armor without becoming cold or distant

• The key difference between reacting and responding to bullying

• What to say (and what not to say) when your child opens up

• When to use humor, kindness, or firm boundaries with bullies

• The one thing bullied kids must hear to reduce shame and boost self-worth

Patricia Stahl is a therapist with 40+ years of experience, specializing in social anxiety and childhood trauma. Her new book, From Loser to Legend, highlights how even the most successful celebrities were once bullied—and how they overcame it.

📘 Learn more at: fromlosertolegendbook.com
📬 Connect with Patricia: PatriciaDLStahl@gmail.com

• 🎧 Listen to past episodes: nosittingonthesideline.com

• 📩 Reach out to Joe: joe@nosittingonthesideline.com

If this episode hits home, make sure to subscribe and share it with another parent or friend who needs to hear it. Bullying doesn’t just “go away,” but with the right support, neither does healing.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts & everywhere you listen.

In Episode 157 of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast, host Joe Foley sits down with author and mindset coach Deborah Mallow to talk about something we all face—but rarely slow down to deal with: burnout, negative thought patterns, and parenting under pressure.

Deborah shares her journey from being a top sales rep on the edge of burnout to creating a simple, effective framework for living with more intention and less overwhelm. Her book, Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck, isn’t your typical self-help read—it’s packed with short reflections, mantras, and actionable steps that helped her—and now others—retrain their mindset and take back control of their days.

This conversation is a raw, honest, and hopeful look at how small changes can have a big impact—especially when stress starts to bleed into parenting and everyday life.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What burnout looks like and how it sneaks up on high-performers

• Understanding negativity bias and how to break it

• The connection between adult stress and a child’s self-esteem

• Learning how to pause before reacting in the heat of the moment

• Practical ways to build better mental habits (without adding pressure)

• The power of self-kindness, daily rituals, and meaningful affirmations

• How to raise resilient kids by modeling resilience ourselves

One of Deborah’s key takeaways:
“Nothing is going to change… unless I change.”

Listeners can learn more about Deborah’s work—and grab her free downloadable worksheets on happiness and motivation—by visiting TheDailyDecisions.com/inspire. Her book is also available on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.

Links and Resources:

• Episode page: nosittingonthesideline.com/156

• Website: nosittingonthesideline.com

• Follow Joe on Instagram: @NoSittingPodcast

If this episode resonates, listeners are encouraged to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who might need it.

In this episode of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast,I sit down with the author, positivity coach, and dog lover Jean Alfieri to explore the simple yet powerful practice of gratitude.

From daily journaling habits to dinnertime conversations with family, Jean shares her insights on how focusing on what you’re thankful for can transform your day — even during life’s toughest moments.

They also dive into how small acts of appreciation can shift workplace culture, spark better communication at home, and help us all stay grounded in a fast-paced world. Plus, you’ll hear some heartwarming stories about rescue dogs (yes, including Ziggy the Pug!) and the surprising life lessons our pets teach us about joy, resilience, and connection.

Whether you're a busy parent, looking for simple ways to add positivity to your day, or just love a good conversation about life and gratitude, this episode is for you.

• How practicing daily gratitude can reshape your mindset

• The role of journaling in managing stress and improving mental health

• Simple family traditions that build connection and open communication

• How to use gratitude in the workplace to boost morale and teamwork

• What our pets can teach us about resilience, play, and unconditional love

• Connect with Jean Alfieri: dogauthor.com

• Find Jean's books on Amazon: Jean Alfieri Amazon Page

• Full episode notes and more: No Sitting on the Sideline Dad Podcast

What’s one thing you’re grateful for today?
Send me your answer at nosittingonthesideline.com or message me on your favorite social platform!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts! It helps more dads and parents like you discover the show. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Visit the website: No Sitting on the Sideline Dad

• Subscribe to the newsletter for updates and behind-the-scenes stories

Episode154: Facing Your Demons and Chasing Your Dreams with Jack Cohen

Are your fears holding you back more than you realize? In this powerful episode of No Sitting on the Sideline Dad, I sit down with Jack Cohen — entrepreneur, author, and believer in the power of self-investment — to unpack the hidden fears and family patterns that keep so many of us stuck.

Jack shares stories about facing his self-doubt, battling imposter syndrome, and building what he calls his "utility belt" of frameworks for personal growth and freedom. We talk about the weight of expectations, the power of changing your mindset, and why life feels less like a ladder and more like a jungle gym.

If you’ve ever wrestled with fear of failure, felt trapped by other people’s expectations, or just wanted permission to dream bigger, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognize the "demons" you carry and how to stop passing them down

• Why fear is just "false expectations appearing real"

• The difference between chasing goals and building a life of meaning

• How to start investing in yourself today — and why it's the best decision you'll make

Guest Links: 🔗 Visit Jack Cohen at darkknightventures.net

Connect with me:
➡️ nosittingonthesideline.com — join the community, catch up on past episodes, and reach out!

Enjoyed the show?

• Follow, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend who could use a little encouragement today

Remember: Hug your kids, tell 'em you love 'em, take care of yourself, and God bless. See ya!

In this episode, I sit down with Mitch Francis, a successful businessman and problem solver, to discuss his bold, nonpartisan solutions for some of society's biggest challenges. From gun violence to climate change, Mitch outlines how his 40+ years of business experience have shaped his perspective on tackling major issues. We explore key topics from his book, Badass Solutions, including actionable ideas to address the rising sea levels, education reform.

Key Discussion Points:

• Problem-Solving Philosophy: Mitch shares how business problem-solving techniques can be applied to societal issues.
• Inspiration Behind the Book: A personal tragedy during the Highland Park Fourth of July shooting motivated Mitch to take action.
• Gun Violence: Why Mitch believes assault rifles should be banned and how mental health plays a critical role in addressing this crisis.
• Education Reform: Radical solutions to bridge the gap between public and private schooling, ensuring equal opportunities for all children.
• Climate Change: Innovative ideas to combat rising sea levels and redistribute freshwater to arid regions, inspired by the Central Arizona Project.
• Other Solutions: Topics like immigration, homelessness, restructuring the Federal Reserve, and paying off the national deficit.

Notable Quotes:

• "When the people lead, the leaders will follow." – Mahatma Gandhi (a favorite of Mitch’s).
• "We need bold solutions for big problems, and that’s what this book is about."

Guest Bio:
Mitch Francis is a seasoned businessman and author with over four decades of experience in real estate development and managing publicly traded companies. His book, Badass Solutions, offers audacious, practical ideas to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Resources Mentioned:

• Mitch’s Website: bad-asssolutions.com
• Badass Solutions on Amazon: Amazon Link

Call to Action:
Liked what you heard? Share this episode with a friend who’s passionate about finding solutions to today’s challenges. Don’t forget to rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help us grow!

Follow Us:

• Website: nosittingonthesideline.com
• Twitter: nsosdadpodcast
• Instagram: nosittingonthesideline_dad_pod

All links and resources are in the show notes. Thank you for tuning in!