Radio Dad with Mike Austin

Can a chore your kid hates become a lesson they’ll thank you for someday? On this episode of Radio Dad, Mike Austin explores how a little unwelcome work can help kids build responsibility, resilience, and character. Then, Mike catches up with his old friend out on the prairie, John Yellico, for some family pumpkin fun—from growing and carving pumpkins to roasting the seeds. It’s a reminder that so...

Dad’s first paycheck, lessons from notorious bad guys, and a walk on the wild side with Ted Nugent! Mike Austin opens Radio Dad with a look at how sharing your first-job story can inspire your kids to earn, work, and maybe launch a business of their own. Then Steve Williams explores an unexpected question: What can notorious bad guys teach us about leadership—and how did some balance their darker...

What do we really pass down from one generation to the next? This week on Radio Dad, Mike starts with the family heirloom—the old watch, fishing pole, tool, recipe or treasured keepsake that may not be worth much money, but carries a priceless piece of Dad’s story. Then, Mike talks with Sandi Levy about one of the toughest changes a family can face: dementia in Dad. How do we understand what’s hap...

Are we raising a generation of boring guys? Mike says it’s time to teach young men the lost art of conversation—how to walk into a room, meet a stranger and actually have something interesting to say. Then, Keith Ingersol, author of Fame & Fortune, shares stories from his years at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he encountered plenty of celebrities. But forget the fame—what were these famou...

Mike opens this episode of Radio Dad with a driveway full of the neighbor kids’ Nerf darts—and a sudden case of Dad nostalgia. There was a time when his own driveway was covered with toys, bikes, balls and all the evidence that kids lived there. Funny how the mess you once complained about becomes the mess you’d give anything to see again. Then Mike hits the lanes with bowling promoter Jake Darnel...

Why should moms-to-be have all the fun? Mike thinks it’s time for a new tradition—the Dad Shower! Get the guys together, invite the soon-to-be dad, bring some useful gifts, fire up the grill and, most importantly, pass along a little fatherly wisdom about what he’s getting himself into. Mike has a few ideas about what every Dad Shower should include. Then the show takes a more thoughtful turn as D...

It’s Labor Day weekend, and Radio Dad is firing up a show packed with money, family, kids—and of course, the grill!  First, Mike talks about talking positivley about what you do to put food on the table.  Be proud of the work you do!  Financial expert Bill Dendy joins Mike to talk about a troubling trend that could have a major impact on America’s future: the nation’s dangerously low birthrate. Wh...

This week on Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike talks with Mike Farrell, author of 25 Must-Know, Stress-Reducing Secrets for New Dads, about taking some of the pressure, worry and uncertainty out of those first months and years of fatherhood. Then, former LPGA Tour player Cindy Miller joins Mike for an important conversation about the dreams we have for our kids—and the danger of turning our hopes i...

Here’s a punchier opening that gets into the theme immediately:Two of the hardest words for any dad to say? “I’m sorry.”  Mike kicks off this episode of Radio Dad with a simple truth: dads mess up. We lose our patience, say the wrong thing, overreact—and sometimes our pride makes admitting it harder than the mistake itself. But when Dad can look his kids in the eye and say, “I’m sorry,” he’s not g...

Back-to-school season can bring up a lot of memories for Dad—but not all of them are good ones. Maybe you struggled in school. Maybe you hated homework, didn’t fit in, weren’t a great student, or still remember that teacher who seemed to have it out for you. Mike opens this episode with an important reminder for dads: Don’t hand your kids YOUR back-to-school baggage. Their school experience belong...

Here’s the shorter version for podcast platforms:Mike kicks off Radio Dad with the adventures and challenges of back-to-school season as a single dad. Then Healthy Living Expert Judy Gaman talks about why dads and kids need more sleep.  Robert Spector celebrates the importance of America's Mom & Pop shops, and Farmer Ed Carpenter explores family farms and the growing world of agri-tourism. Fro...

This week on Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike takes on three very different challenges that can test a Dad’s patience, confidence—and sometimes his sanity!  Mike opens the show talking about “Techxiety”—that special kind of stress that comes from trying to keep up with phones, apps, passwords, social media, updates and all the technology that has become part of everyday family life. How can Dads e...

On this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike starts with something dads have been doing forever—roughhousing! Turns out all that wrestling, chasing, tickling and good-natured horseplay isn’t just fun. It can help kids build confidence, learn boundaries and strengthen their connection with Dad. Next, Mike’s longtime friend Dr. John Braccio joins the show for a conversation about intimacy and...

Sometimes going home isn’t just about visiting a place—it’s about remembering the people, experiences and moments that helped make you who you are. In this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike talks about the experience of returning to your old hometown and how familiar streets, old neighborhoods and long-forgotten memories can suddenly take you back to another time. Then Mike welcomes Biny...

Here’s a website-ready version:What happens when we get a little too caught up in celebrity culture? Whether it’s Hollywood stars, musicians or sports heroes, Mike kicks off this episode of Radio Dad with a reminder that fame doesn’t necessarily make someone worthy of being put on a pedestal—and that the people who really matter are usually much closer to home. Then Mike welcomes Steve Elliott , a...

It’s a special Fourth of July edition of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, celebrating fatherhood, freedom, family and the ties that bind generations together.  Mike starts with one of those great moments in a dad’s life—when your son isn’t a little kid anymore, but a young man who actually wants to hang out with Dad. Suddenly, you’re not just father and son…you’re a couple of guys enjoying life togethe...

On this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike kicks things off with a little World Cup talk and the fun, excitement—and occasional craziness—that comes with watching the biggest soccer tournament in the world. Then, Mike welcomes an old friend, Dr. John Braccio, for a conversation about the importance of family meetings. Why should families make time to sit down together? John and Mike talk...

It’s the Father’s Day Show on Radio Dad with Mike Austin! Mike starts with a tribute to Dad’s favorite piece of furniture—the recliner—including a brief history of Dad’s unofficial throne. Then Charisse Walker, author of Flipping the Iceberg , joins Mike to talk about the powerful and lasting influence a father can have on his children and the adults they become. Finally, Chip Lupo from WalletHub...

Mike Austin opens the show with a conversation about integrity and the importance of keeping your promises. In a world where words can sometimes seem cheap, Mike looks at why doing what you say you’ll do is one of the most important lessons a Dad can teach his kids—and one of the best ways to earn their trust. Next, Mike talks with Bob Sheehan, a mental health expert, about a growing concern for p...

Mike Austin starts this episode of Radio Dad by talking about something that can last a lifetime: friendship. Mike explores the importance of making and keeping lifelong friends—and why Dads should help their kids understand the value of friendship. From learning how to be a good friend to knowing what makes a friendship worth holding onto, Mike offers some practical Dadly wisdom about building re...

May 30th, Summer is here, and that means one of the great traditions of fatherhood: the family road trip! Mike Austin kicks off this episode of Radio Dad by talking about the adventures, memories, frustrations and unexpected moments that happen when Dad loads everyone into the car and hits the highway. Sometimes the destination matters—but often, it’s the time together along the way that kids reme...

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial kickoff to summer, backyard barbecues and a three-day weekend. Mike opens this special Memorial Day show by talking about the real meaning of the holiday—remembering and honoring the men and women who gave their lives serving our country. It’s a reminder that freedom comes with a price, and that we should never forget those who paid it. Then Mike talks with...

We start the show with financial expert Ed Butkowsky tackling a question a lot of parents wrestle with: Should you pay your adult kids’ bills? Maybe they’re struggling with rent, student loans, a car payment, or just trying to get back on their feet. Helping your kids financially can be an act of love—but when does helping become enabling? Mike and Ed talk about the rules parents should consider,...

This week on Radio Dad with Mike Austin, it’s all about helping our kids navigate the world—while giving them the tools to grow, stay safe, and have some fun along the way! First up, Mike tackles the importance of teaching social skills. What if your child is the shy one in the class? Mike talks about helping quieter kids build confidence, make friends, speak up, and find their place—without tryin...

Family Businesses & Building a Strong FamilySummer vacation shouldn’t just be something Dad plans for the family—it should be something the whole family helps create! Mike opens the show by talking about getting everyone involved in planning the family getaway, from choosing the destination to deciding what adventures, food, and memories will make the trip special. Then Mike meets another “Dad...