In this episode of Dad Lab RGV by RGV Dads hosts Jesus Pena and Mauricio Pina tackle a topic every father understands in theory but many struggle to practice in real life self care. They speak directly to the reality that a lot of dads are running on empty and calling it normal. This conversation is about changing that mindset and building simple habits that help fathers show up healthier for their families.

Jesus frames the episode around a key idea self care is not about escaping your family it is about showing up better for them. Mauricio adds that ignoring yourself does not make you stronger it only delays the crash. They discuss how burnout is real and how it can show up in work life and especially in fatherhood. Many dads hesitate to admit it because of pride or because the word burnout can feel like weakness. The hosts push back on that and remind listeners that taking care of yourself is not weakness it is leadership.

The episode turns practical as they break down what self care can actually look like in daily life. Mauricio shares that gaming helps him decompress and reset his mind. He tells a story from a past workplace where the team would map out their Call of Duty strategy after meetings and how that mix of teamwork and fun created a healthy culture. Jesus shares what has been working for him lately including disc golf in Edinburg and walking the dogs. He explains that those moments help him focus on one thing and step away from the stressors of work family and responsibilities long enough to return feeling refreshed.

From there the conversation expands into physical health and medical checkups. Mauricio explains how his experience as a disabled veteran keeps him on a regular schedule with medical appointments and how that structure helps. He encourages dads to schedule checkups even when nothing feels wrong because prevention matters and early detection makes a difference. Jesus admits it has been over a year since his last visit and talks about the need for discipline. They address a common joke among men that they avoid doctors because they do not want to find something wrong but they explain that putting it off only increases risk. They also mention how dads in the group have been encouraging each other by sharing real examples like getting a colonoscopy and taking that first step.

The hosts highlight an important regional reality for dads in the Rio Grande Valley that there are additional healthcare options including crossing the border for dental or medical work when insurance is limited. They emphasize finding reputable providers and leaning on the dad community for recommendations. Mauricio shares his own honesty about delaying dental care due to lack of insurance and discusses alternative models like subscription based plans that make care more accessible.

A powerful theme throughout the episode is modeling. Kids watch how we treat ourselves. Both hosts reflect on how their childhood experiences shaped their health habits and why it matters for their children to see parents taking care of their bodies and mental health. They talk about advocating for kids in medical settings and teaching children confidence and maturity through involvement in their own appointments. Over time Jesus describes how his daughters began checking themselves in and speaking up which made him proud because it builds life skills and responsibility.

As the episode closes they recognize the local talent behind the show and thank Raymundo Garza of Brownsville Texas for the intro and outro music. Then they leave listeners with a simple challenge choose one self care commitment. It could be a walk a hobby a doctor appointment ten minutes of quiet or learning to say no. Mauricio explains why saying no is difficult but necessary and reminds dads that time and energy are valuable. The final message is clear you matter not just as a provider but as a person and fatherhood is a lab where we test adjust learn and grow.

In this episode of DadLab RGV the conversation centers on one of the most pressing challenges facing modern families technology and children. Hosts Mauricio Pina and Jesus T Pena sit down for an honest practical discussion about phones screens parental leadership and the responsibility that comes with guiding children in a digital world. Rather than approaching the topic with fear or extremes this episode focuses on intentional use healthy boundaries and presence.

The heart of the discussion centers on parental modeling. Both hosts agree that children learn far more from what parents do than from what they say. Phone rules mean very little if parents are constantly distracted by their own screens. The conversation challenges fathers in particular to examine the message their phone use sends and to prioritize presence over convenience. Technology is framed as a tool that requires guidance training and limits rather than something handed over without context.

They also address the risks of unsupervised phone use including exposure to inappropriate content social pressure comparisons and virtual interactions with strangers. The hosts emphasize that a child alone in their room is not truly alone if they are connected to the entire world through a screen. This reality makes active involvement and conversation essential.

Practical family tech resolutions are reviewed throughout the episode. These include phone free dinner times charging devices outside the bedroom mandatory app approval weekly app reviews and fathers committing to put their phones down first. Each resolution is discussed honestly including the challenges of implementation and the importance of starting with just one change at a time.

The episode reinforces that no app or control setting can replace trust and conversation. Rules without relationship do not work long term. Children need to feel safe sharing what they see and experience without fear of overreaction. The goal is trust with guidance not control through fear.

The episode closes with a reminder that fatherhood is a lab. Parents test adjust learn and grow alongside their children. Technology should serve the family not divide it and presence remains the most powerful form of protection.

This episode is essential listening for parents especially fathers who want practical grounded guidance for leading their families well in a digital age.

In this episode we sit down with Dallas Gutierrez attorney and founder of The Gutierrez Law Firm for a thoughtful and honest conversation that goes beyond the courtroom. This discussion explores what it means to build a successful legal career while also showing up fully as a father leader and individual with strong values.

Dallas shares his path into the legal profession and the responsibility that comes with advocating for clients during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Rather than focusing only on outcomes or professional recognition the conversation centers on the day to day realities of being a lawyer. Topics include decision making under pressure professional discipline and the emotional weight that often accompanies legal work.

A major focus of the episode is fatherhood and how it reshapes priorities both personally and professionally. Dallas speaks candidly about the impact becoming a father has had on his leadership style time management and definition of success. The discussion reflects on the challenge many professionals face when balancing demanding careers with the desire to be present intentional and engaged at home.

The episode also explores identity and integrity within the legal profession. Dallas discusses the importance of trust accountability and ethics not only as professional obligations but as guiding principles in life. He shares insight on mentoring younger attorneys building meaningful client relationships and setting boundaries that protect family time and personal well being.

Listeners will gain perspective on leadership growth and resilience as well as the importance of clarity and self awareness in high responsibility roles. The conversation highlights lessons learned through experience and reflection emphasizing long term thinking consistency and values driven decision making.

This episode is relevant for attorneys entrepreneurs and parents who are navigating ambition responsibility and personal growth. It offers an authentic look at building a career without losing sight of what matters most and provides insight that applies far beyond the legal field.

If you are interested in the realities of legal practice the influence of fatherhood on leadership and the pursuit of a balanced purpose driven life this conversation with Dallas Gutierrez offers meaningful perspective and practical reflection.