Fatherhood Field Notes

Ned 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 intentional time with his kids, creating those "micro mom...

Ned 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 is a testament to the strength found in vulnerabi...

Ned 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 passive or being overly corrective—and asks fellow dads...

Ned 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 adulthood. Tune in to hear Ned and Josh’s conversa...

Ned 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 am I neglecting?" From overlooked relationships to...

Ned 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 explore the small actions and mindful choices that bu...

Ned 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 importance of being intentional with words and ac...

In 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 just a feeling but a choice that requires sacrific...

Ned 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 out meaningful time for their kiddos, creating la...

Devon 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, creating deeper connections with family, and how...

Ned 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 stronger connections and foster trust, offering advice...

Michael 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 with intention. He also touches on the importance...

Ned 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 instincts to improve their children with recognizi...

Sergio Duarte shares how he lost 100 pounds, not just for himself but for the sake of his family. He talks about the challenges he faced with his health, balancing work, and being present for his two daughters. Sergio also opens up about his marriage, the struggle to conceive, and how his faith grew stronger through a seven-year waiting period. His story will help you to realize the importance of...

Ned is discussing insights from the book Lovable by Kelly Flanagan, focusing on the importance of teaching kids how to set boundaries and say no. Ned talks about his own experiences as a father and explores how giving children the space to say no helps them develop confidence and healthy relationships. He discusses the balance between discipline and letting kids have agency, especially as they gro...

In this episode, Gary Cucchi shares his personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom on what it means to be a father. He talks about the importance of making time for your family, being fully present, and showing love through both words and actions. Gary also dives into the challenges of balancing work and family life, the value of setting a strong example for your kids, and the critical role fathe...

Ned is discussing the practice of blessing your children, drawing from both his own experiences and traditions like Shabbat. He shares how simple, intentional words from a dad can deeply shape a child's sense of identity and confidence. Ned encourages fathers to create regular moments—whether at bedtime, during family dinners, or on car rides—to speak life into their kids, reminding them of their...

Dale Alexander is an employee benefits broker, Certified Financial Planner®, and founder of Alexander and Company. He and Ned talk about the very important role fathers play in teaching their kids about money and building lasting trust, even after they move out. Dale shares advice on how to become a trusted advisor to your children, why financial education is more important than ever, and how to m...

Ned shares how he’s teaching his teenage son responsibility and discipline. He talks about the tension between giving his son more freedom while also preparing him for the challenges of adulthood. Ned discusses the steps he’s taking, like assigning his son stewardship of the backyard and involving him in daily routines that encourage independence. He also touches on the importance of tough love, p...

Kevin Baker, a life coach for teens and tweens, shares advice for parents on how to better connect with their kids and guide them toward independence. Kevin talks about the importance of understanding who your kids are, rather than focusing on whether you're a "good" parent. He breaks down the difference between helicopter and lighthouse parenting and explains why it's essential to let kids make t...

The focus of this episode is on what it truly means to be a father beyond the spotlight moments. While society often celebrates the hero dad who swoops in to save the day, Ned goes into the real impact which he says comes from consistently showing up in the small, everyday tasks that go unnoticed. Dads, you are encouraged to think about how you can step up in the quiet moments that define long-las...

In this episode, David Bonnet shares his thoughts about the importance of being emotionally available and how fathers can better connect with their children, especially as they grow into adulthood. David discusses the challenges of earning the trust of adult children, the balance between guiding and allowing natural consequences, and the impact of showing empathy over strictness. He also talks abo...

Ned opens up about a deeply personal experience as he prepares to send his eldest daughter off to college. Through a heartfelt letter, he reflects on the significant role fathers play in guiding their children into adulthood, explaining the importance of intentional moments and honest communication. Ned touches on the emotional challenges and responsibilities that come with parenting during pivota...

Ned sits down with Joey Hahn, a former Navy SEAL and father of four boys. Joey shares his unique perspective on fatherhood, shaped by his challenging upbringing in foster care and his intense military career. He gets into the concept of fatherhood as both a duty and a choice, emphasizing the importance of working oneself out of a job as a parent. Joey discusses the delicate balance between being a...

Ned dives into the power of intentional fatherhood and the transformative impact of family meetings. As summer comes to a close, he shares practical tips on how fathers can use this transitional time to establish meaningful routines that shape their family's culture. From creating a family mission to implementing monthly meetings, Ned emphasizes the importance of passing down values and building a...