The Dad Side

Manuel Diotte is an author, coach, and motivational speaker with more than three decades of experience guiding individuals and organizations toward success. After receiving a terminal diagnosis at age seven and being given only six months to live, he spent much of his childhood in hospitals. During that time, he acted as a "patient nurse" to help other young patients cope with their illnesses.

This profound childhood experience inspired him to found The Ferrari Kid, a non-profit organization that provides children battling cancer and chronic illnesses with a celebrity-for-a-day experience to temporarily escape their medical struggles.

Beyond his professional achievements and philanthropic work, Manuel fulfilled a lifelong dream he once shared with his mother by becoming an exceptionally dedicated adoptive father to all of whom he loves infinitely.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Game Day Men's Health Alamo Ranch. Reclaim your energy, focus, and peak performance so you can show up strong for the people who count on you. Visit our sponsor today at ⁠https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx⁠.

In Episode 9, we sit down with Chris Sandford, a disabled military veteran and devoted father of three. Chris shares his heartfelt journey navigating the challenges and joys of raising a 15-year-old son diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

Join us as we dive into the unique experiences of the special needs community, shining a light on the positive impact of understanding and empathy. Chris reflects on the decision to bring two more beautiful children into the world and how their younger siblings actively support their older brother.

We also touch on the complexities of going through a divorce and the challenges it brings, particularly regarding custody arrangements. Chris expresses hope for a future where co-parenting can thrive.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that celebrates family, resilience, and the strength of love in the face of adversity.

In Episode 8, we welcome Cody Smith, a devoted father and neighbor, who shares his journey of faith and personal growth. Please note that we discuss sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Raised in a church-going family, Cody initially distanced himself from Christ and the church for nearly a decade. However, a desire to reconnect with his spirituality led him to spend a year researching Christianity and the Bible in secret. Discovering the answers he sought, Cody returned to faith and now raises his daughter in the church, even amidst his own challenges, including a separation. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey, the complexities of faith, and conclude with a heartfelt prayer.

Disclaimer: Please note that the audio quality in this episode is not optimal. However, I chose not to re-record to preserve the authenticity of the conversation and the important messages shared.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Austin Bridges, a seasoned therapist with over a decade of experience in trauma repair, OCD reprogramming, and fostering men’s intimacy. In this episode, Austin opens up about the unique challenges and joys of being a dedicated father and husband while managing a specialized therapy practice.

Discover how his professional insights intersect with his personal journey as a dad. Austin shares practical strategies for balancing the demands of fatherhood with the emotional labor of therapy, emphasizing the significance of mindfulness, connection, and honest communication in both parenting and healing.

Whether you’re navigating your own challenges as a parent or seeking to understand the therapeutic process better, this episode offers valuable insights and tangible takeaways. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your life and enhance your relationships, both at home and in the therapeutic space.

For more information, connect with Austin at austinbridgestherapy.com.

In this inspiring episode of *The Dad Side*, we sit down with Adrian Davila, a true San Antonio legend and the passionate pitmaster behind Double A Barbecue. Adrian's journey is nothing short of remarkable; he left behind a lucrative corporate career to embrace his culinary roots and dedicate more time to his family. As a father of three, Adrian shares the challenges and triumphs of balancing his new venture with the responsibilities of fatherhood.

He also opens up about his transformative weight loss journey, supported every step of the way by his wife and kids. What started as a passion project has blossomed into a thriving food truck business, earning Double A Barbecue recognition as one of the top 27 barbecue food trucks in Texas.

Join us as we dive deep into Adrian's story of resilience, family support, and the pursuit of dreams. Discover how following his heart led to not just a career, but a legacy of flavor and family values. Tune in to hear from an inspiring husband, father, and pitmaster who embodies the spirit of San Antonio. Welcome to The Dad Side!

In Episode 5 of our podcast, we welcome Robert Luna, a former meteorologist and devoted family man, as he shares his journey through fatherhood and beyond. Known for his screen presence, Robert's story encompasses much more, highlighting his roles as a teacher, tennis coach, and entrepreneur.Episode Highlights:Family Values: Dive into Robert's core beliefs about nurturing family connections and instilling values in his children. Having Children Later in Life: Explore the joys and challenges of becoming a father later in life and how it has shaped his perspective on parenting.Transitioning Careers: Learn about Robert's retirement from meteorology and his decision to embark on a teaching career, emphasizing the importance of education and mentorship.Active Involvement: Hear how Robert stays engaged in his children's lives, from traveling for sports events to supporting their interests, including helping to set up a vintage clothing business.Being Present: Discover what it truly means to be present as a father and how Robert embodies this commitment in daily life.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robert as he shares his insights on family, love, and the importance of being an active participant in his children’s lives. This episode is a testament to the beauty of balancing personal passions with family commitments. Welcome to The Dad Side!

In this impactful episode, Nef Torres opens up about his personal journey, focusing on:

- Family Influence: The profound impact of the women in his life—mother, grandmother, sisters, wife, nieces, and daughter—who have shaped his values.

- Empowerment: The importance of uplifting women and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

- Fatherhood: Insights into balancing his roles as a dedicated father and community leader.

- Connection: The significance of deep relationships in driving personal and professional growth.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on leadership, the power of family, and the importance of fostering supportive communities. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that highlights what truly matters—Welcome to the Dad Side!

Welcome to The Dad Side - Episode 3: A Conversation with Luis Saez

In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep with Luis Saez, a father of seven, as he shares his unique journey through the joys and challenges of parenting a large family. Luis opens up about the daily dynamics of juggling responsibilities, creating lasting memories, and the invaluable lessons learned from each of his children.

From navigating the chaos of family life to finding moments of personal growth, Luis offers a candid look at what it means to be a dad in today’s world. His stories are filled with humor, insight, and a genuine love for fatherhood, making this episode a must-listen for parents seeking inspiration and connection. 

Join us for real conversations with real dads, celebrating the shared experiences that unite us all.
Welcome to The Dad Side, where every story reminds us that we’re all in this together.

Welcome to the Dad Side! In this episode of The Dad Side, Jon Cedeno explores his journey into fatherhood, discussing key themes:

1. Childhood Influences: He reflects on his father's strong work ethic and the values of presence and discipline instilled in him.

2. Becoming a Dad: Jon shares his initial reaction to becoming a father at 19 and contrasts that with the more prepared mindset he had for his second daughter.

3. Early Stages of Fatherhood: He describes the joy and exhaustion of the early weeks, emphasizing the commitment he felt and the challenges of balancing work and family.

4. Reflections and Advice: Jon offers encouraging advice to new dads, stressing the importance of presence over perfection and the impact of fatherhood on his life perspective.

Join in and share your own Dad Side experiences as well! Welcome to the Dad Side!

Welcome to the very first episode of The Dad Side! I’m excited to kick things off with a special guest—my father-in-law, Ernesto Paredes. A retired military veteran and devoted husband, Ernesto is a man who leads by example and lives his life grounded in faith.

He’s not just a father to my wife; he’s a role model to many. Known for his incredible patience and unwavering support, Ernesto has single-handedly created several fatherhood initiatives within school districts, making a lasting impact on the community.

As a pillar in both his community and church, he is loved and respected by all who know him. Today, he’s here to share his insights, experiences, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Join us as we dive into The Dad Side of Ernesto Paredes!