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.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Burkhart, an economic developer, startup ecosystem builder, and public-private strategist whose work focuses on creating inclusive, community-driven pathways for entrepreneurship and long-term growth.

Nathan shares how the same principles required to build strong communities—clear priorities, consistent communication, and thoughtful systems—also apply at home when you’re trying to show up as a present father while carrying real professional responsibility. We talk about what it takes to stay grounded when the calendar is full, how to make decisions that align with your values, and why “busy” is not the same thing as “effective.”

We also explore Nathan’s experience across business development, ecosystem building, and program strategy, including his work developing initiatives that support entrepreneurs and strengthen local opportunity.

If you’re a dad balancing leadership, ambition, and family—this conversation will help you think more clearly about structure, boundaries, and building a life that’s sustainable.

Share this episode with a father who’s carrying a lot and trying to do it the right way.

In this episode, we sit down with Abiel Barrera, founder of RGV Insurance Agent and Milestone Capital, to talk about what it really looks like to balance fatherhood while building a business.

Abiel shares his family life—married with three kids (ages 11, 9, and 7)—and how becoming a dad reshaped his priorities, his schedule, and his definition of success. From the joy of going “all out” at the school book fair to the reality of long pickup lines, Abiel explains how he uses small windows of time to stay productive while keeping his kids at the center of his day.

We also dive into his path from 20 years in education to entrepreneurship, including what the early days were like, how confidence grows through repetition, and the moment he realized he couldn’t do both teaching and insurance at the level his family—and clients—deserved.

A highlight of the conversation is Abiel’s “open door policy” and how he’s built a family rhythm where his kids understand when he’s on a call, and he “switches modes” the moment the work is done. He and his wife also operate like a true tag team, coordinating calendars, communicating early, and leaning on support systems when life gets busy.

Abiel closes with practical advice for dads building something of their own: don’t treat business like a fragile house of cards. Build it like Jenga—with a strong foundation, planning, flexibility, and the confidence to adjust without falling apart.

Learn more about Abiel and his services at rgvinsuranceagent.com, or search Abiel Barrera online to connect.

If you know a dad who’s juggling family and entrepreneurship, share this episode with them.

What does it really mean to make a resolution as a father

In Episode 2 of DadLab RGV hosts Jesus T. Peña M.Ed. and Mauricio Piña move beyond the typical New Year goals and explore what real growth looks like for dads emotionally relationally and mentally.

This episode challenges the idea that resolutions are only about routines productivity or self discipline. Instead the conversation focuses on intentional fatherhood personal accountability and the courage it takes to unlearn habits language and behaviors passed down through generations.

The hosts reflect on how many fathers were raised with phrases like suck it up do not cry or I will handle it and how those well intended messages can unintentionally limit emotional connection with our children especially as they grow into teenagers. Through real reflections and lived experience the episode explores how mindfulness listening and emotional regulation can transform relationships at home.

Listeners will hear a thoughtful discussion on reframing resolutions as commitments to relationships rather than just personal goals. The conversation also explores how to be more mindful and present with teenagers without rushing to fix everything letting go of generational language that no longer serves our families and applying restorative practices like consistency trust and using I statements in everyday parenting. The hosts also discuss why repair matters more than perfection in both fatherhood and partnerships.

This episode expands the conversation beyond parenting and highlights how becoming a better father often means becoming a better partner. It emphasizes learning how to pause communicate with intention and release ego and defensiveness in order to build stronger healthier relationships.

DadLab RGV is a space for fathers in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond who believe parenting is a lifelong learning process. Fatherhood is a lab where we test we fail we learn and we try again.

If you are a dad looking to grow not just as a parent but as a person this episode offers reflection encouragement and practical insight to start the year with purpose.

Listen reflect and choose one resolution that strengthens a relationship not just a routine.

In the first episode of the DadLab RGV Podcast, we sit down with Mayor John Cowen for a candid conversation about leadership, fatherhood, and the reality of balancing work with family life.

Public service is demanding, time consuming, and often all consuming. As mayor, John Cowen carries the responsibility of leading a city while navigating the pressures that come with public office. At the same time, he is a father, a husband, and a person trying to be present at home. In this episode, we talk openly about what that balance actually looks like, the tradeoffs that come with leadership, and the values that guide decisions both at City Hall and within his family.

This is not a political interview. It is a human conversation about showing up, setting priorities, and learning how to manage ambition without losing sight of what matters most. Mayor Cowen shares how fatherhood has influenced the way he leads, how his perspective has evolved over time, and why modeling balance is important not just for his family but for the community he serves.

We also explore the unique context of the Rio Grande Valley and how community, culture, and family shape leadership here in a way that feels deeply personal. From lessons learned through experience to the ongoing challenge of being present in multiple roles, this episode reflects the reality many parents and professionals face every day.

DadLab RGV is about conversations at the intersection of work, responsibility, creativity, and family. It is a space for honest dialogue with people who carry real responsibility while still trying to be intentional about the lives they are building at home.

This episode sets the tone for the series. Grounded, thoughtful, and focused on the people behind the titles.

Welcome to the DadLab RGV Podcast.