Super U Podcast | #1 Dad Mug: Time Over Tech (from the Pulse Ox Podcast)
Happy New Year, Superheroes! Today, we’re reposting an interview from the Pulse Ox Podcast featuring our very own Erik Qualman. Pulse Ox, hosted by Eric Stopper, explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and high performance. In this episode, Equalman shares his inspiring journey from being cut from his high school basketball team to earning a scholarship at Michigan State University under Coach Tom Izzo. He recounts a pivotal moment when losing teeth during practice demonstrated his grit—turning a setback into the key that unlocked his dream and reframing life’s challenges as events happening for us rather than to us. The conversation also explores spirituality, fatherhood goals, and balancing family time amid a busy life.
Need a sneak peek? Below are the main takeaways from the episode.
Super U Podcast | #1 Dad Mug: Time Over Tech (from the Pulse Ox Podcast)
Episode Preview:
“How do you stay on top of your goals? And I guess what is a goal that you’re working towards right now if you’re willing to share?”
“My number one goal is always to be the best dad possible. I often joke about the “World’s Best Dad” mug—lots of people have that. But I ask myself, can I truly strive to be the number one dad in my house? Because when it comes down to it, in any job, vocation, or role in life, you can be replaced—except as a parent to your kids. That reality always grounds me.
The world is constantly pulling at you, and sometimes you have to stop and say, “Wait—how did my schedule get so full? How did I miss this event?” That still happens. But I’ve gotten better over time at managing that and staying present. Being a great dad will always be my top priority.
From a business standpoint, one of my big goals right now is a children’s book. I’ve never written one before—everything else I’ve done has been business-focused and written for adults. This book is for K–6 students, and it came from an unexpected opportunity.
A school district invited me to speak at their convocation, which I learned is the kickoff to the school year for everyone—teachers, bus drivers, staff. They had been using my “green glasses” concept every Friday as a reminder for students and teachers to be kind. The superintendent told me, “You should write a book that reinforces what we teach here—that learning is important, but learning how to work with others and be kind is most important.”
So that’s what I’m focused on now: getting that book out into the world.”
About The Pulse Ox Podcast
Pulse Ox, hosted by Eric Stopper, explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and high performance. Each week, health professionals and entrepreneurs reveal their secrets to human optimization—secrets that often come from love, loss, psychedelics, mystical experiences, or good old-fashioned failure. Expect practical insights on mental well-being, physiology, leadership, and growth strategies to help you elevate your life and hit ambitious goals.
Listen here on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Connect with Eric Stopper on LinkedIn
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The Super U Podcast is hosted by #1 bestselling author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman.
