Shit My Dad Taught Me – Details, episodes & analysis

Ivan Fredette has lived what many of us fear: addiction, loss, numbing pain. Ivan didn’t hide from it. Instead, he built a way out. After 17 years of battling alcohol addiction and being wounded by the tragic suicides of a cousin and sister, Ivan decided to take full responsibility for his life. 

Today, he’s the founder of Ironclad Brotherhood, where men come together to reclaim discipline, purpose, sobriety, and legacy. He’s not just a coach. He’s a man who’s walked through the fire and now guides others through the flames. Outside of the mentorship world, he runs Safe Tree Ltd., a successful 7‑figure business in Niagara, proving transformation applies in business too. 

As a husband and father of three, Ivan brings to the table not just business savvy and recovery wisdom, but the real world challenge of living the legacy you teach. In this episode we’ll talk about: how to turn wreckage into leadership, what real accountability looks like for men, how fatherhood reshapes your mission, and why choosing life is the first step to building something meaningful.

Follow Ivan on Instagram @ivanfredette

Website: https://www.ivanfredette.com

This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.

Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work

Instagram: @mattstevensoninsurance

This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.

Website: https://www.spicerlandscaping.ca

The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.

Website: https://onebonebrand.com

Emily O’Brien’s story is a rare, raw example of redemption and resilience. At age 25, she was caught smuggling cocaine and was later convicted—receiving a four-year prison sentence. 

During her time behind bars, something unexpected happened: she noticed popcorn was one of the few treats that brought people together in confinement. With limited spices—lemon pepper, dill—she began experimenting. That simple idea grew into Comeback Snacks, which she officially launched after her parole in 2018, with a mission to fight stigma, hire formerly incarcerated people, and build hope one bag of popcorn at a time. 

Today, Emily’s brand is stocked in hundreds of outlets across Canada and the U.S. She employs people who have criminal records, works to shift public perception, and speaks about never letting your past define your future. 

Joining Emily O’Brien in studio is her father, John O’Brien — an accomplished executive, strategic advisor, Catholic leader, and mountaineer… but more importantly, a dad who’s walked through fire with his child and stood beside her every step of the way.

John is currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines, and the founder of O’Brien Strategic Services, a consulting practice that supports Catholic organizations across North America. He spent over three decades with the Diocese of Hamilton, overseeing everything from cemeteries to insurance, while also mentoring new executives in the often complex world of religious governance.

 

Follow Emily on Instagram @emz.obrien

 

This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.
Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work

This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.

The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.

In this episode, we sit down with Ray Lugo, who shares the story of a near-death experience that changed everything. What started as a relaxing day on the lake with family turned into a fight for survival when sudden waves and exhaustion pulled him under. After helping someone else get to safety, Ray found himself alone, out of energy, and sinking. He was convinced that he met his end.

But instead of fear, he describes a moment of peace, clarity, and vivid reflection. After surviving the near death experience, it helped change Ray's approach on life.

This conversation goes far beyond survival. It’s about letting go, reconnecting with purpose, and shifting how we see life itself.

 

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

- The events leading up to Ray’s near-death experience

- What it felt like to mentally prepare for death

- Processing fear, stillness, and surrender

- How the experience reshaped Ray’s perspective on life

- The importance of breathing

- What it means to live with intention after surviving

In this episode, we sit down with Zyad, the creative force behind Daddy Day Club, to talk about chasing dreams while showing up as a present parent. Z shares his journey from DJing Toronto nightclubs to working in data analytics all while building a brand focused on modern fatherhood. We dive into the reality of being a dad with big goals: the balance between family and ambition, his experiences launching startups, and how he’s reshaped what success looks like. Topics Discussed: The creation and mission behind Daddy Day Club Z’s journey being a DJ Struggles and lessons from failed startups Parenting, presence, and generational expectations Letting go of perfection and redefining success

In this episode, we sat down with Ron Foxcroft. He is a referee, entrepreneur, and the inventor of the world-famous Fox 40 pealess whistle. Ron shares the incredible journey of turning a refereeing frustration into a global product used by the NBA, NHL, NCAA, and even the military. But the story doesn’t stop there. Ron talks about officiating Olympic basketball, building Fluke Transport, and his experience meeting with the Queen of England. From cold calls and missed flights to entrepreneurial grit and family legacy, this episode is packed with life lessons, hilarious stories, and raw honesty from a man who never stopped betting on himself.

Topics Discussed:

- Inventing the Fox 40 and changing sports forever

- Refereeing the 1976 Olympic gold medal basketball game

- Building Fluke Transport and surviving in trucking

- Meeting the Queen and the story behind a royal gift

- Lessons on leadership, work ethic, and giving back

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Hannon, founder of Trinity Sauna Inc., to hear the raw and powerful story behind his personal transformation. After battling substance abuse, going through a divorce, losing his job, and hitting rock bottom with a DUI arrest, Bryan rebuilt his life from the ground up.

He shares how that breaking point led him to sobriety, fatherhood, and a new mission—creating a safe space for physical and emotional healing. From cold plunges to deep conversations, Trinity Sauna became more than a wellness facility—it became a community built on vulnerability, growth, and second chances.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• The night Bryan hit rock bottom and how it changed everything

• How sobriety reshaped his purpose and relationship with his son

• Creating Trinity Sauna as a space for healing and mental health support

• The power of vulnerability and holding space for others

• How contrast therapy and cold exposure impact more than just the body

• Rebuilding life through fitness, fatherhood, and small daily actions

• Why men need to talk—and how Bryan is helping make that happen

Reginald Matthew Michael Wesley Adamantium Green Werner Lochner Grey, but you can call him Reggie. That’s not the name his parents gave him, it’s one he chose for himself. Even if it makes ID checks a bit more complicated, it’s all part of Reggie’s unique story. In this episode, Reggie shares his experiences living a nomadic lifestyle, creating content out of his trailer, and crossing paths with unforgettable people. He reflects on his early days in filmmaking before the tech boom, his encounters with the paranormal, and his journey through substance use. Now in a new chapter of life, Reggie talks about his addiction to learning, his search for purpose, and what it’s like to start a family later in life. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The story behind his name and how it causes trouble Filmmaking before all the new technology Living a nomadic lifestyle and van life content creation Paranormal and extraterrestrial experiences Substance use His recent found addiction to learning Starting a family at a later age

Probably our most educated guest yet. In this episode, we sit down with Moustafa Hassan, a licensed therapist and founder of EMClinic, to talk about personal transformation, purpose, and mental health. He has studied in the United States, Russia and the UK over the span of many years. In this conversation we talk about what it means to live with intention, how mental and physical health are connected, and why therapy can be one of the most powerful tools for lasting change. There is a heavy focus on therapy that helps people deal with childhood traumas. Topics Discussed in This Episode: What is the meaning of life Childhood trauma and unfinished business What is happiness 5 necessities a child needs from their parents The link between physical and emotional health. Links: http://www.emclinic.ca

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sandre, Senior National Manager at the Mark Anthony Group, to talk about brand-building, sports, and fatherhood. Chris shares his journey from studying sports management at the University of Florida to helping lead many new product launches at the Mark Anthony Group, the group behind the creation of Mike Hard lemonade, White Claw and Mas+ by Messi. 

Beyond his corporate achievements, Chris opens up about his love for sports—not just as a pastime, but as a powerful way to teach kids about discipline, teamwork, and life. From the field to the boardroom, this conversation dives into how sports shape character and how branding can influence culture.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• Chris' experience studying sports management at the University of Florida

• Alcohol consumption behaviours between generations

• The story of White Claw’s launch in Canada

• Bringing Mas+ (Messi’s drink) to the Canadian market

• How sports are a great tool to teach kids about life

• The importance of sports and how they build core life memories

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Stevenson to talk about loss, healing, and fatherhood. Matt opens up about the death of his father by suicide—a moment that changed everything. He shares what it was like navigating grief, the guilt he carried, and how he eventually found a way forward through therapy and inner work.

But this isn’t just a story about pain. It’s about resilience. Matt talks about the promises he’s made to himself, how he’s chosen to show up differently for his own kids, and the importance of being a present, supportive father. His story is raw, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone who’s ever faced loss and wanted to break the cycle.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• How Matt became a narrator for the Toronto Blue Jays

• Reflections on fatherhood, divorce, and showing up for your kids

• Losing his father to suicide and learning to heal

• How Reiki, therapy, and mindset work helped him rebuild

• Stories from his days as a national canoe racing champion

• Matt’s journey into music, voice acting, and public speaking

• Lessons on wealth, legacy, and preparing your family for the future

• Building community through the Burlington Dads and charity events