Fatherhood Field Notes

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...

Mondoe Davis, former NFL player, speaker, author, coach, pastor, and entrepreneur, discusses changing the traditional role of dads from providers to stewards. Mondoe talks about his journey as a father of 11, and the importance of training children for life, helping them find their purpose, and guiding them through the stages of growth. He goes into his experiences like an emergency childbirth in...

Ned challenges dads to take ownership of their role in guiding their families, particularly when it comes to spiritual leadership. He shares advice on how to incorporate family devotions into everyday life, and the importance of setting standards and routines at home. By reflecting on his own experiences and the struggles many dads face, Ned talks about how to lead with confidence, even when it fe...

Bryan Kelley pushes back against the idea that a dad’s primary role is to provide financially. Instead, he talks about the importance of being truly present and engaged in the lives of your kiddos. Bryan and Ned also discuss the significance of showing genuine care, understanding, and being a source of emotional support. They’re urging dads to shift their focus from simply providing to building de...

Ned explores the profound impact of fatherhood by sharing insights from historical figures like Jonathan Edwards, who left an enduring multi-generational legacy. Drawing parallels to modern fatherhood, Ned discusses the significance of establishing meaningful morning and evening routines, highlighting how these practices can set positive standards and rhythms within the family. Through personal an...

In this episode, Ned sits down with Ben Briggs and Jordan Adent of "Good Dude Good Dad" to discuss the challenges and rewards of fatherhood. They share personal stories about the importance of being present, setting priorities, and maintaining integrity. The conversation touches on how to balance the demands of work and family life, the role of vulnerability and strength in parenting, and the impa...

Ned is challenging all you dads out there to reset family standards as the new school year approaches. He discusses creating a balanced home environment, and the importance of setting consistent routines without becoming overbearing. Ned provides strategies for fathers to take an active role in daily family life, from morning routines to family dinners. Ned explains there is a delicate balance bet...

Ned talks about the lessons learned from 20 years of marriage, and shares 20 key thoughts that have shaped a strong and enduring relationship. Ned discusses the importance of preserving memories through photos and journals, the danger of comparing oneself to others, and the necessity of accountability in a healthy marriage. He expresses the value of laughter, investing in your relationship, and th...