Fatherhood Field Notes

David McDonald is the Founder and President of the Fossores Chapter House, storyteller, team builder, and coach. He invites us to have a look into the profound impact fatherhood has had in his life through his personal growth and resilience. David shares how overcoming failures, from repeated driving tests to navigating the complexities of parenting, has shaped his approach to being a dad and a me...

Today Ned discusses the evolving landscape of fatherhood, exploring the delicate balance between service and self-care that modern dads navigate. As Ned dissects the societal expectations and personal identities that fathers grapple with, he explains the profound impact these roles have on their relationships and self-perception. This episode challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a...

Phillip McMillan is here today to explore with Ned the delicate balance between career ambitions and family life. As Phillip shares his personal experiences—from overcoming corporate challenges to attending baseball games and making sure he's present for his children—he explains why it’s so important to be there for your kids, physically present. Phillip beautifully weaves together stories of gate...

Ned opens up about forming deeper connections with our kids beyond the surface level. By sharing personal experiences and reflective questions, he challenges the conventional paradigms of parenting, urging dads to transcend traditional roles and engage more meaningfully with their family. Whether it's rethinking how to wake up your kids or the way you step into a room, you’re invited to reconsider...

Rodrigo Hollanda is here discussing his journey from a fitness fanatic to a playful parent. Rodrigo opens up about his philosophy of making fitness a fun and integral part of family life, explaining how challenges can be transformative, profound, and why incorporating them into parenting is crucial for raising resilient children. His unique approach blends rigorous CrossFit routines with the tende...

Ned takes us on an exploration of the permanent mark generosity leaves on the canvas of fatherhood. Ned shares his personal journey and revelations, shedding light on how being a generous father goes beyond mere acts of kindness. He talks about the powerful notion that generosity, rooted deeply in identity, influences the very fabric of our legacy. With a voice tempered by experience and the warmt...

Ron Naulls, an attorney and loving father, has been through harrowing adversity. Hearing his story will reshape your understanding of strength, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of fatherhood. Ron shares the unimaginable challenges he has faced, including a high-stakes legal battle that threatened to tear his family apart. Ron's story is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of pe...

Ned is taking us on an introspective journey into the essence and identity of fatherhood. Together we’ll explore the powerful role fathers play in the world, and how being a father is not just about biological creation but about shaping lives and futures through actions, words, and presence. In today’s episode you’ll be introduced to the concept of fatherhood as a transformative identity that best...

Join us for today’s episode where we unpack the beautiful power of fatherhood with Ryan Burns, exploring the fine balance between empowering our children and teaching them self-control. Ryan opens up about the challenges of parenting with intention, moving beyond the shadows of bitterness and resentment towards a place of forgiveness and freedom. Go on this journey with us into a heartfelt discuss...

In today’s Craft of Fatherhood episode, Ned takes us into the final week of his series on the pillars of fatherhood, focusing particularly on the pillars of freedom and fun and their unique place within the family structure. He points out how critical it is to create a joyful atmosphere at home despite the inevitable frustrations and scheduling conflicts. By discussing how fun and laughter are not...

In a deep-seated exploration of fatherhood, Nic McKinley shares his extraordinary journey from serving as a military special operator and CIA agent to tackling the challenges of modern parenting. This episode goes deep into the multifaceted role of fathers in guiding, protecting, and inspiring their children against today's backdrop of digital dangers and societal shifts. Nic’s insights on instill...

Ned is guiding you through the foundational pillars that enrich the journey of fatherhood. Ned's exploration goes beyond conventional boundaries, urging fathers to consider not just what they do, but who they aim to be in the eyes of their families. Through personal experiences and a heartfelt message about life choices, Ned shows us the importance of embracing opportunities, overcoming fears, and...

Mark Hernandez, a man who seamlessly blends art, faith, and fatherhood into a mission of transformative leadership within his household, shares candid glimpses into the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to being a dad, underscored by a deep-rooted commitment to serving, guiding, and loving his family against the backdrop of challenges and societal expectations. Mark’s story consists of brea...

Today Ned shares the importance of fitness as a foundational pillar in shaping a strong, healthy family unit. Drawing from what’s been happening in his personal life and his family's journey, Ned tells how fitness encompasses not just physical training but also nutrition and mental well-being. By integrating fitness into daily life, he illustrates how fathers can lead by example, instilling values...

In today’s episode with special guest Stephen Meeks, we explore the essence of fatherhood, the critical role of grandparenting, and the importance of guiding boys through rites of passage into manhood. Stephen shares his own journey and wisdom into building character, the transformative power of acknowledging and leading with delight, and the significance of community in nurturing the next generat...

Ned shares the crucial pillar of finances within the fatherhood journey. He explores the multifaceted nature of resources—money, time, and energy—and their impact on family life. Ned challenges fathers to adopt an abundance mindset, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about resource stewardship. This episode is not just about managing finances but about fostering a legacy of generosity...

Meet Mason Brandenberger and explore the depths of fatherhood, from the challenges of projecting personal brokenness onto children to the pivotal moments of self-awareness and transformation. Mason shares his journey from a young father to embracing the complexities of raising a blended family while seeking authenticity and spiritual growth. Through candid discussions about identity, leadership, a...

Focusing on family, fitness, finance, freedom, fun, and faith, Ned offers an in-depth look at the components critical to nurturing a strong fatherhood identity. Ned's unique approach blends personal narratives with practical advice, aiming to equip fathers with the tools needed to build a resilient and joyful family structure. By addressing the significance of these pillars, he encourages fathers...

BJ Barrett, at 42, represents a profound narrative of fatherhood, characterized by his journey through personal and familial growth, despite the absence of his own father during his early years. This loss shaped his resolve to break generational chains, ensuring his children, within a blended family of six, feel loved and supported. His life story intertwines with a commitment to personal developm...

Focusing on family, fitness, finance, freedom, fun, and faith, Ned offers an in-depth look at the components critical to nurturing a strong fatherhood identity. This episode sets the tone for a six-week journey, starting with an engaging discussion on faith, humorously noted as both a challenging and vital cornerstone of a father's life. Ned's unique approach blends personal narratives with practi...

What happens when you realize that your career is not enough to fulfill you? How do you shift from being a passive parent to an intentional father? How do you create a lasting legacy for your family and yourself? Michael Fisk shares his inspiring story of how he went from a successful but unfulfilled professional to a passionate and purposeful father. Michael reveals how he woke up to the importan...

Ned takes us on a journey into the heart of parenting, punctuated by moments of raw vulnerability and genuine insight. Ned unravels the notion that fatherhood is constrained by the finite resources of time and money. He proposes a transformative perspective: our true capacity for love and connection knows no bounds. Through vivid anecdotes from his own life—skateboarding with his son, marveling at...

Jeremy McWilliams shares his extraordinary journey from being a Green Beret to embracing the pivotal role of fatherhood. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and the deep commitment to cultivating a nurturing family environment. Jeremy discusses the importance of investing time, energy, and resources into family culture, navigating life's challenges with grace, and the continuous journe...

Ned never expected that getting a new puppy would teach him so much about being a father. Today he reflects on the surprising lessons he learned from his furry friend, and how they relate to his fatherhood experience. He talks about the importance of adaptability, patience, and the deep emotional bonds that form through caregiving. He also shares his conversation with Jeremy McWilliams, a fellow f...

What does it take to be a good father in today’s world? How do you balance your professional ambitions with your personal aspirations? How do you heal from your past wounds and create a better future for your children? Jay Morris is a former entrepreneur who traded his pursuit of success for a journey of self-discovery. He opens up and shares his raw and honest story of how he faced his inner demo...