Fatherhood Field Notes

Ned shares transformative insights on the powerful connection between physical fitness, disciplined eating, and personal identity. Drawing from his own fatherhood journey, Ned explores the profound impact of training your body and mastering your diet on mental and spiritual well-being. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's inherent power and capability as a father and a man. Through re...

Ned reflects on 20 years of marriage, offering 10 impactful thoughts on what makes a marriage thrive. Ned zeroes in on empathy, spontaneity, faith, and the role of a husband in nurturing a loving and supportive relationship. Plus the importance of seeing marriage as an opportunity for growth and connection. He urges men to consider how they can create a peaceful and joyful home environment, becaus...

Ned is addressing the topic of health and fitness for fathers, pushing back against the unrealistic standards set by social media. He shares his perspective of what it truly means to be a fit and healthy dad, and the importance of being prepared for any situation to support and protect your family. Ned focuses on realistic and achievable fitness goals for dads and encourages them to rethink their...

In this episode, Ned welcomes Sean Post to discuss the intersection of physical fitness and spiritual well-being for fathers. Sean shares his journey from struggling with physical pain to embracing a healthier lifestyle, and how this transformation has deepened his capacity to serve his family and community. They tackle the tough question of how fit a father needs to be and explore the impact of f...

Ned discusses the critical connection between fitness and fatherhood. He talks about his personal fitness journey and how maintaining a healthy body directly impacts a father's ability to engage fully with his children. He shares tips on nutrition, stressing the importance of eating according to one’s activity level and choosing whole foods. Ned also reflects on the long-term benefits of health, n...

Ned welcomes George Dadas Jr. and he shares his experience of creating a trusting relationship with his children, the importance of cultivating a close-knit family, and the timeless truth that it's never too late to become the father you aspire to be. He also talks about the significance of being present in the small moments and the role of faith in guiding his parenting. Tune in to hear the chall...

Ned talks about how important being active and fit is for dads because it has a great impact on family life. Ned explains how being active sets an example for children and makes bonds with your kids much stronger. He challenges all you dads to shift your mindset from motivation to discipline and ultimately to identity. He also gives you a lot of options for things you can do outside with your kids...

Kenji Sanders joins Ned to discuss the impact of fatherhood on both individual families and society at large. Kenji opens up about the challenges and rewards of being an involved dad, sharing how he’s kept open communication with children and the importance of being a present, loving figure. He addresses the often-overlooked role of empathy in parenting and relationships, and how it can lead to st...

Ned talks about how dads have the ability to set the tone in their homes, especially during life's inevitable storms. He discusses how important it is to choose joy over fleeting happiness and the impact this choice has on your family. Ned is challenging all you dads to become the dependable, joyful leaders your families need, capable of bringing life and stability, even in the most challenging ti...

Former NFL player Otis Amey is here to share his journey from professional sports to a fulfilling life centered around faith, family, and personal growth. Otis dives into the importance of setting intentions for fatherhood, the life-changing power of faith, and the lessons learned from his own upbringing and career. This conversation will give you a look into the challenges and triumphs of balanci...

Ned Schaut dives into the importance of curiosity in fatherhood, emphasizing how staying curious about yourself, your spouse, and your children can deeply enrich family life. He shares personal stories and reflections on how trying new things and maintaining a curious mindset can lead to personal growth and stronger relationships. This episode challenges fathers to break free from routines, engage...

Ned welcomes Bryan Crow, a father who has undergone a remarkable journey of personal transformation. Bryan shares his powerful story of losing 100 pounds, overcoming alcoholism, and finding a new sense of purpose through fitness and faith. He discusses the importance of discipline, the impact of community support, and the challenges of balancing family life with personal goals. Bryan's reflections...

Ned discusses the crucial role of community in fatherhood. He talks about the concept of the "tribal father," explaining the importance of not going through the parenting journey alone. He stresses how important it is to have a supportive network, not only for personal growth but also for the benefit of children. ---------- Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness:  RUK Fitness This epi...

Ned sits down with Coach Mike Harvey to discuss the vital role fathers play in both their kids’ lives and sports development. They talk about the importance of character-building through athletics, the impact of effective coaching, and the challenges of balancing being a dad and coaching duties. Mike offers advice on leadership, resilience, and why it’s important to let kids experience success AND...

Ned is digging deep into the heart of what it means to be a father filled with grace. He shares his personal stories and insights on how dads can show their kids understanding and empathy without letting go of discipline and standards. Let’s tackle the common misconception that anger is necessary for effective parenting and explore how grace and accountability can go hand-in-hand. Tune in to hear...

For this episode we welcome Cynthia Monteleone, a world champion athlete and advocate for fairness in women's sports. Ned and Cynthia discuss the complex issues surrounding transgender athletes' participation in female sports categories. The conversation highlights Cynthia's personal experiences and the broader implications for female athletes, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and policy cla...

Ned discusses the difference between empowering children and exerting control over them. Telling stories about his own experiences, he encourages fathers to really think about their parenting approach, focusing on teaching and guiding with love rather than authority. Ned talks about the delicate balance between giving children the tools to succeed and allowing them the space to learn from their ow...

Ned welcomes Matthew Toole to discuss how fathers can be a huge influence, for better or worse, in their sons' lives. Matthew shares his approach to parenting, focusing on the importance of resilience, work ethic, and thoughtful conversations about future partners. Ned and Matthew also explore balancing business and family, and the important role faith and commitment play in fatherhood. Tune in fo...

Ned talks about the significant impact of being an intentional father, emphasizing how being actively present can positively affect your children's lives. He shares personal experiences and practical tips on handling the different stages of parenting, stressing the importance of recognizing and responding to your child’s unique needs as they grow. From managing teenage transitions to overcoming da...

Ashish Rampal is here to bring his unique perspective on fatherhood to the forefront, sharing both the challenges and joys he's encountered. He talks about the importance of delighting in your children, he reveals the significance of modeling a healthy family life. Ashish opens up about his journey from the initial struggles of becoming a father to the rewarding moments of connecting with his kids...

Ned talks about the critical role fathers play in creating a peaceful and stable home. Through personal stories and practical advice, he challenges dads to think about whether they truly bring peace and stability to their households. Ned discusses the fine line between control and order, emphasizing the importance of discipline, character, and knowing oneself. He also highlights the impact a fathe...

Nick Dadas is here sharing his vibrant journey through the realms of fatherhood and entrepreneurship. Reflecting on his experiences as a father of twins and a young son, Nick discusses how his family dynamics have shaped his life's ventures—from launching businesses that mirror his passions to redefining his roles as a provider, protector, and playmate. His stories of transforming everyday challen...

Ned’s discussing the profound impact of gratitude in a father's life. He explores how embodying and modeling gratitude can profoundly influence our children, teaching them to find joy and appreciation as they experience life's chaos. Ned opens up about his brother Nick's unwavering positivity, as an example of how gratitude can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. This 13-...

Ned has a discussion with Luke Johnson, exploring the profound influence fathers have within the home. Having conversations about grace, peace, and the enduring impact of paternal generosity, Luke shares personal stories and professional insights that highlight the power of leading with a gentle hand. From creating a peaceful household to the financial strategies that enrich family legacies, this...

Ned is taking us on a heartfelt exploration of the profound identity and role of a father. Through a 13-week series discussing character traits that define fatherhood, Ned is reflecting on the boundless nature of love and its very important role in the fatherhood journey. He challenges the conventional biases of fatherly love, letting us know its ever-expanding capacity to completely change lives....