Fatherhood Field Notes is where we hear real stories from real men living real lives every week. Fatherhood is not only about being a dad, it incorporates providing and serving a home, loving and serving a spouse, engaging and serving in a community, as well as intentionally serving your children. Fatherhood is an adventure, one full of fun, wild, and messy stories. In this podcast, we will hear stories from real men who have found themselves living the Adventure of Fatherhood. The Craft of ...
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Ned Schaut Podcasts

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Ep. 504 JD Denham: Fit After 40, Sobriety, and the Power of the Bloodline
1:05:28
1:05:28
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1:05:28In this raw and energizing episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, JD Denham shares the moment he realized he was “sick and tired of being sick and tired”—a pivotal shift that led him to reclaim his health, identity, and leadership as a father. JD opens up about transforming from a burned-out dad into a mission-driven man using discipline, faith, and fi…
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Ep. 503: Has Society Made Family a Priority?
6:29
6:29
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6:29Ned Schaut challenges dads to examine whether family is truly their top priority or simply something they say. Reflecting on a dirt bike outing with his son and insights from coaching and literature, he unpacks the tension between building success and being present at home. Through personal stories and striking metaphors—like climbing the ladder of…
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Ep. 502 Levi Harris: Give Your Kids Your Mind!
54:00
54:00
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54:00What does it mean to truly be present as a father? In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Levi Harris—CEO of Death Grip Wax and a professional mustache competitor—opens up about fatherhood, faith, and the fine art of grooming and guiding. From navigating deep grief through miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy to learning how to be mentally and …
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Ep. 501: Create a Roadmap for Your Kiddos
10:22
10:22
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10:22Ned Schaut leans all the way into the calling of fatherhood by reflecting on the intentional steps he's taking with his 16-year-old son. With a heart full of purpose and a mindset of mentorship, Ned shares his real-time journey of helping his son build a life roadmap—one rooted in clarity, values, and vision. He opens up about fasting, family conve…
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Ep. 500 Richard Schaut: A Conversation With My Father, Richard Schaut
1:09:19
1:09:19
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1:09:19In this deeply personal and milestone 500th episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut sits down with a guest unlike any other—his own father, Richard Schaut. Together, they reflect on the profound journey of fatherhood, from the chaos of raising young kids to the quieter, legacy-focused years of grandparenting. Through honest storytelling and g…
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Ep. 499: The Gift of Driving My Son to School
3:49
3:49
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3:49Ned Schaut shares a simple but profound realization: the morning drive to school with his 15-year-old son is a fleeting opportunity—one that won’t last forever. As Ned steps into the Uber Dad life while his wife is away, he uncovers a powerful truth about fatherhood: sometimes the most impactful connections are forged not through epic moments, but …
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Ep. 498 Ben Kormanik: Teach Your Kids To Manage Their Freedom, and Don’t Be Surprised by Their Mistakes
44:09
44:09
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44:09Ned Schaut sits down with Ben Kormanik—father and CEO of K-Construction—to explore what it means to be a present, intentional father in a world full of distractions. Ben shares a raw story about walking with his son through the struggles of pornography, emphasizing grace over shame and connection over control. With heartfelt honesty, Ben reflects o…
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Ep. 497: Say NO to Important and YES to Your KIDDOS
6:43
6:43
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6:43Ned dives deep into a powerful lesson that emerged from the everyday chaos of fatherhood: when something matters most, pause. Juggling a busy week of parenting, workouts, and time-blocking, Ned reflects on two moments where choosing presence over productivity reminded him what truly matters. He challenges listeners to be interruptible, to listen to…
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Ep. 496 Johnny Gillespie: The Power and Possibility of Turning a Family Around in a Generation
56:30
56:30
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56:30Ned Schaut sits down with Johnny Gillespie to unpack what it means to heal generational wounds and shape a legacy. Johnny reflects on the impact of being raised by a good father, shares how that foundation influenced his own journey into fatherhood, and invites us into the sacred and messy moments of parenting teenagers. With raw honesty and spirit…
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Ep 495: Wrestle With the Belief System You Are Passing to Your Kiddos
9:30
9:30
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9:30Ned opens up about a critical and deeply personal question: What belief system am I passing down to my children? Reflecting on his teenage son’s transition into manhood, Ned wrestles with the profound responsibility of fatherhood—not just in the early years, but throughout the lifelong journey of guiding a young man into adulthood. Through powerful…
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Ep 494 Joe Carr: What Should You Be Feeding Your Baby?
1:02:28
1:02:28
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1:02:28Ned sits down with Joe Carr, Co-Founder of Serenity Kids, to dive deep into the powerful intersection of fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and nurturing the next generation—starting with what we feed our babies. Joe shares how embracing his inner free spirit, fostering emotional awareness in his home, and addressing major gaps in the baby food market l…
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Ned Schaut opens up about a day that didn’t go as planned—and how that disruption became a powerful reflection on fatherhood. From dealing with work curveballs to showing up for his injured daughter and stranded son, Ned wrestles with what it means to be present, sacrificial, and flexible as a dad. Is your time more important than your spouse’s? Ar…
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Ep. 492 Dylan Nonaka: Life Mastery, Healthy Expectations, and Jiu-Jitsu
46:29
46:29
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46:29Ned sits down with Dylan Nonaka – Marine veteran, real estate leader, jiu-jitsu coach, and intentional father – to explore the essence of true fatherhood. Dylan shares his journey from military service to mentoring his own sons with unapologetic leadership and tough love. The conversation dives deep into what it means to be a leader at home, how to…
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Ep. 491: What Are Your Kids Saying That You Need to Hear Differently?
7:52
7:52
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7:52Ned shares a raw and relatable story about a small moment with big impact—forgetting something important to his daughter and reacting in frustration. Through reflection and a powerful late-night chat with fellow dads, Ned dives into the often-overlooked difference between being justified and being effective in our parenting. With authenticity and v…
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Ep. 490 Darrell Irwin: How To Pass Faith to Your Kids Without Religion
57:03
57:03
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57:03Ned sits down with Darrell Irwin—entrepreneur, father of three, and bold follower of Christ—to explore the deeper calling of fatherhood. Together, they unpack what it truly means to raise children with purpose, legacy, and resilience. Darrell opens up about building a family name that means something, why kindness must be actively demonstrated, and…
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Ep. 489: What Do You Need To Change in This New Season?
9:41
9:41
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9:41Ned Schaut unpacks a transformative season of life—what started as an unexpected sabbatical turned into a time of powerful clarity. Ned shares the life-altering experience of attending a five-day Rise of Kings marriage retreat and the decisions that followed: quitting what doesn’t serve and leaning harder into purpose. This episode is for every dad…
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Ep 488 Kyle Rodgers: How To Not Only Love Your Kids, but Have a Relationship With Them
46:03
46:03
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46:03Ned is joined by Kyle Rodgers—father, veteran, and founder of the Alpha Wave Project. Kyle shares his journey from military missions to his mission at home, raising daughters with peace, intention, and values. He talks about his family’s daily gratitude practice at the dinner table, living as a “standard bearer” of family values, and why knowing yo…
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Ep. 487: I Hit Pause—and Found What Matters Most
11:06
11:06
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11:06Ned opens up about a recent, unexpected sabbatical that offered him deep clarity on life, priorities, and fatherhood. What started as a packed schedule of trips and commitments turned into a heartfelt revelation: even the good things can get in the way of the best things. Ned reflects on time away from his kids, a transformative marriage retreat, a…
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EP 486 Ted Phaeton: Unconditional Love, Boundaries, & Healthy Marriage Arguments
52:00
52:00
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52:00Emmy-winning meteorologist and productivity coach Ted Phaeton joins Ned Schaut to unpack the power of intentional fatherhood. Ted shares how boundaries, structure, and seasonal awareness can transform the way we lead our families. With heart and clarity, Ted opens up about his mission to help high-achieving men take control of their time so they ca…
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Ep. 485: Almost 500 Episodes In—And I’m Pressing Pause (Here’s Why)
5:20
5:20
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5:20Ned is hitting pause on the podcast—not because he’s stepping away, but because he’s stepping in. In this special episode, he shares why he’s taking a short break to recalibrate, refocus, and make sure his best creative energy is first poured into his wife and kids. From moving into a new home to planning adventures with his family, to reevaluating…
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EP 484: How to Connect with Your Kid and Not Freak Out | Craft of Fatherhood
10:33
10:33
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10:33Ned keeps it real in this one—talking about the ups and downs of showing up for your kids. One moment, they’re shutting you out, and the next, you’re catching waves together, having the best conversation. The key? Keep showing up. He also talks about burning out after pushing too hard and how rest and a good workout can change everything. Simple st…
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EP 483: How to Do a Family Weekend Retreat | Craft of Fatherhood
15:42
15:42
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15:42Ever tried herding cats? That's parenting in a nutshell. Ned talks about the dad-life balancing act, sharing tips on carving out family time amidst the chaos. We're talking planning a family retreat (bribery may be involved), setting the mood (dad jokes encouraged, but use sparingly), and getting everyone on the same page (good luck with that). It'…
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EP 482 Stephen Kaplan: Think Generationally, Include Your Kids, & How to jump out of Helicopters in Hawaii
53:44
53:44
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53:44This episode of Fatherhood Field Notes features an incredible conversation with Stephen Kaplan—Navy SEAL, leader, business owner, husband, and father. Steve dives into the deep waters of what it means to truly honor and respect, the two things that define a man, and how to live with a multi-generational mindset. Packed with raw stories, powerful wi…
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EP 481 Johnny Nuñez: Fatherhood Over Career, Serving Your Family’s Needs, and Raising Honest Kiddos
44:18
44:18
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44:18Johnny Nuñez is a dad, fighter, and entrepreneur who joins the podcast to talk about balancing his ambition with being a dad. He shares life lessons from the MMA ring and how he raises honest and strong kids. Johnny opens up about the ups and downs of being a dad, how he teaches his kids discipline, supports his wife's dreams, and redefines what i…
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EP 480: How to Make Decisions in your Home | Craft of Fatherhood
13:02
13:02
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13:02Ned discusses the weight of fatherhood decisions, inspired by wisdom from St. Benedict's rule. Drawing on insights from a seasoned guest with over 25 years of fathering experience, Ned tackles the delicate balance between leading a family with authority and serving with humility. Let’s explore the pitfalls of passive fatherhood and the importance o…
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EP 479 Shawn French: Determination, Fierce Empathy, and Family Dinners
58:34
58:34
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58:34Ned talks with Shawn French, host of The Determined Society Podcast, husband, father, and business owner. Shawn talks about the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, sharing real-life moments that shaped his journey. From the importance of leading by example to navigating personal growth, Shawn opens up about how he’s striving to show up as the bes…
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EP 478: Three Questions to Kick off Your New Year | Craft of Fatherhood
10:56
10:56
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10:56Ned has three critical questions that he’s reflecting on as a dad and leader: how to protect time, whether success is being pursued in meaningful ways, and how to define success in alignment with core values. He urges dads to pause, evaluate their priorities, and reconsider how they’re showing up for their families. Ned encourages men to rethink th…
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EP 477: Identity Check: Are You Living For or From? | Craft of Fatherhood
12:56
12:56
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12:56Are your actions driven for identity or from identity? Ned explains how our motives shape the way we show up as fathers, husbands, and leaders. Sharing moments like coaching his son and planning a Disneyland trip—he wants dads to examine their intentions and recognize when they're seeking validation versus acting from a secure sense of purpose. Ned…
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EP 476 Lawrence Dunning: Don’t Compete with your Spouse, Pause for Intention, and Lead by Example
1:01:20
1:01:20
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1:01:20Ned sits down with Lawrence Dunning—author, former pro MMA fighter, investor, and intentional father—for an honest conversation about fatherhood, fitness, and focus. Lawrence shares how his journey from high-stakes competition to intentional parenting shaped his perspective on marriage, personal growth, and raising a son. They discuss the importanc…
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EP 475: How Being a Great Dad Changes the World—The Next 100 Years Start Today | Craft of Fatherhood
13:19
13:19
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13:19Ned talks about the responsibility each dad holds for shaping not just their children but future generations. He shares insights on how pausing to reflect and plan for the next year ties into a broader vision for 100 years of impact and beyond. Ned has four practical questions, challenging dads to rethink their role, relationships, and schedules wi…
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EP 474 Chaz Wolfe: Step into Your God-Given Power, Authority, and Responsibility
52:44
52:44
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52:44Ned interviews Chaz Wolfe, a husband, father of four, and serial entrepreneur, to discuss what it means to take full responsibility for the next 100 years of your family’s legacy. Chaz shares what he thinks about stepping into your role as a father and leader, casting a vision for your family, and pulling out the God-given gifts in your children. T…
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EP 473: Crappy Days Are NO Excuse + 5 Pillars of Self-Leadership | Craft of Fatherhood
16:35
16:35
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16:35Ned opens up about the hardships and rewards of being a dad, especially on days when motivation feels really low. He talks about how important it is to lead yourself first so you can effectively lead your own family. Ned gives dads 5 steps that explore the power of rest, presence, faith, fitness, and intentional planning. He hopes dads feel encoura…
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Ep 472 Mike Crow: Fatherhood Secrets, Family Meetings, and Making Decisions (REPLAY)
1:12:22
1:12:22
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1:12:22Ned revisits an impactful conversation with Mike Crow, a seasoned father, grandfather, and business coach, who shares timeless wisdom about fatherhood and family life. Together, they talk about important lessons on decision-making in the home, fostering a lasting family culture, and the power of family meetings. Mike’s unique takes, including how c…
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EP 471: Imparting Identity to your Son | Craft of Fatherhood
11:35
11:35
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11:35Ned is exploring how the timeless wisdom of St. Benedict, a sixth-century monk, is shaping his approach to fatherhood. He takes us through his morning routines with his son and how reading and discussing "The Rule" has opened the door to meaningful conversations about identity, purpose, and responsibility. Despite the initial pushback from his teen…
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EP 470 Lane Williams: Changing your Generational Trajectory
56:39
56:39
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56:39Lane Williams brought the heat on this episode. He opened up his notes on his journey from a tough upbringing and time in prison to becoming the kind of man who’s rewriting his family’s legacy. He shared how deciding to be a good man wasn’t just about him—it was about raising a good man and breaking generational cycles. We talked about forgiveness,…
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EP 469: What Spirit Are You Cultivating in Your Home? | Craft of Fatherhood
10:26
10:26
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10:26Ned talks about the subtle ways insecurities and coping mechanisms can unintentionally shape the essence of a home. He shares a moment of reckoning when his wife’s reaction made him confront a long-standing habit of teasing and judgment. Ned goes into how these behaviors, rooted in his own struggles, have influenced his children and family culture.…
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EP 468 Locke Haman: Your Kids Need You to Love Yourself
56:15
56:15
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56:15Ned sits down with Locke Haman to discuss the wake-up calls that shaped Locke’s journey as a father and husband. They talk about overcoming self-doubt, building a stronger marriage, and showing up for their kids in meaningful ways. Locke shares how he’s learning to love himself, the importance of teaching kids how to handle emotions, and why father…
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EP 467: Why Intentionality Matters More Than Solutions | Craft of Fatherhood
5:17
5:17
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5:17Ned talks about the role of questions in fatherhood, challenging the "fix-it" mindset that many dads fall into. He shares how asking thoughtful questions can empower kids to think for themselves and make their own choices, rather than constantly giving them the answers. Reflecting on his own week, Ned discusses the importance of carving out intenti…
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EP 466 Braden Rubey: Chivalry, Cancer, and CrossFit
50:15
50:15
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50:15Ned has an unfiltered conversation with Braden Rubey, a father, CrossFit coach, and cancer fighter. Braden shares his journey into fatherhood, his battle with stage four melanoma, and how his faith, family, and fitness keep him grounded. From grappling with the raw emotions of a late-stage diagnosis to staying present for his family, Braden’s story…
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EP 465: How Did Your Kiddos Experience You This Week? | Craft of Fatherhood
6:17
6:17
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6:17Ned invites fathers to think about how they’re showing up in their kids' lives by simply asking, "How have you spoken to your kids this week?" He talks about the power of silence and self-reflection, encouraging dads to set aside time to ponder how their words and presence impact their families. Ned digs into two common fatherhood traps—being passi…
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EP 464 Josh Seykora: Setting Boundaries, Being Interruptible, and Parenting Without Fear
1:02:19
1:02:19
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1:02:19Ned sits down with longtime friend and fitness coach Josh Seykora to dive into the realities of fatherhood. They talk about the importance of presence, self-control, and guiding children to make their own choices within healthy boundaries. Josh shares what he’s been through as a father and what he hopes to instill in his kids before they step into …
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EP 463: What or Who Are You Neglecting? | Craft of Fatherhood
6:06
6:06
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6:06Ned opens up about the importance of self-reflection and honest questioning in the journey of fatherhood. After a conversation with a friend that sparked some deep thinking, Ned explores the power of asking meaningful questions—not just to justify actions or criticize oneself, but to dig deeper. He challenges fathers to pause and ask, "Who or what …
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EP 462 Scott Groves: Starting a School and Investing in a World I Want My Kids to Live In
57:02
57:02
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57:02Ned sits down with Scott Groves for an honest look into the realities of fatherhood and balancing family with demanding careers. Scott opens up about the challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his journey as a father, from building a connection with his young kids to reconnecting with a 15-year-old son he didn’t know existed. Together, they exp…
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EP 461: You Are a Prophet in Your Kids Lives | Craft of Fatherhood
13:59
13:59
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13:59Ned reflects on the profound impact fathers have on shaping their children’s identity and future. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with mentors, he explores the idea that fathers are like prophets in their children's lives, speaking truths—both positive and negative—that shape their kids' sense of self. He emphasizes the critical…
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EP 460 Chris Bruno: The Real Meaning of Vows in Marriage (Replay)
1:07:10
1:07:10
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1:07:10In this replay episode, Ned revisits a powerful conversation with Chris Bruno about the true meaning of marriage vows and the challenges of staying committed through tough times. Chris explains how understanding and embracing both the pain and glory in ourselves and our spouses can transform our relationships. They discuss the idea that love isn’t …
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EP 459: Mastering the Art of Connecting with Your Kids | Craft of Fatherhood
14:49
14:49
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14:49Ned shares a story about a weekend camping trip with his 11-year-old daughter. He talks about the importance of making time for one-on-one moments with our kids, even when life gets busy. Through simple activities like camping and zip-lining, he discusses how these experiences can strengthen the father-child bond. Tune in to hear how dads can carve…
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EP 458 Devon Lind: Freedom from Sexual Brokenness and Creating Family Rhythm
1:11:03
1:11:03
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1:11:03Devon Lind opens up about his journey of healing from sexual brokenness and addiction, and how it impacted his role as a dad and husband. He talks about how important it is to face personal wounds, bringing them into the light, and the freedom that comes with honesty and vulnerability. Devon also discusses the power of building rhythms in the home,…
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EP 457: Want a Stronger Connection with Your Kids? Stop Talking and Trying to ‘Fix It’ – Start Listening | Craft of Fatherhood
10:30
10:30
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10:30Ned shares a personal story about spending time with his teenage daughter and the unexpected lessons that came from a simple dinner. He talks about the importance of creating space for real conversations with our kids, listening to them without judgment, and being present in their lives. He discusses how small, everyday moments can help build stron…
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EP 456 Dr. Michael Diamond: Seeing Each Other New - Revitalizing Your Marriage and Family
43:37
43:37
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43:37Michael Diamond joins Ned to discuss the role of a father beyond just providing for the family. Michael talks about how fathers are meant to be grounding forces, bringing order and protection to their homes. He encourages all you dads out there to break out of the routine that often traps men in a life of mediocrity and embrace your responsibility …
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EP 455: Stop Criticizing and Start Witnessing | Craft of Fatherhood
9:42
9:42
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9:42Ned is talking about how important it is to witness the small moments in fatherhood. He shares a recent experience where there was tension between coaching and criticizing his teenage son. By choosing not to correct in the moment, he found out the value of giving his child space to reflect and learn on his own. Ned encourages dads to balance their …
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