Fatherhood Unscripted: A Dad Life and Parenting Podcast

I sat down to record something completely different… and this is where it went. This episode is about failure, growth, and what it really means to be a dad. We don’t have it all figured out—and we’re not supposed to. But here’s the truth most dads forget: your kids aren’t just growing up… they’re watching you grow too. In this episode: Why failing as a dad is normal The pressure men carry (and why...

I stepped away from Fatherhood Unscripted… because something felt off. This episode is the reset—not just for the podcast, but for me as a dad. This isn’t just content anymore. This is a real-time archive for my kids—so one day they can see who their dad was, what he struggled with, and what he learned along the way. In this episode, I talk about: Why I took a break What changed over the last 3 ye...

One of the funniest parts of becoming a dad is realizing you slowly turn into your dad. The things you said you’d never say… you start saying. The things you didn’t understand… suddenly make sense. And one day you realize your parents were just figuring it out too. In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, we talk about the funny side of fatherhood, the things all dads say, and why being a dad mat...

The other day my kid came up to me and asked a question that every dad feels in his chest: “Dad… are you proud of me?” What he told me next stopped me in my tracks. He had been talking with a friend who was struggling with suicidal thoughts, and in that moment he chose to pray for him and remind him that those dark thoughts weren’t who he was. It was one of those moments that made me incredibly pr...

You’re either breaking generational anger… or refining it. In Episode 3 of Becoming the Man Your Kids Will Remember , we talk about something every dad feels but few confront — anger. Not explosive rage. Not villain behavior. But the tension. The tone shifts. The moments we wish we could take back. Your kids won’t remember every lesson you tried to teach. They’ll remember how your anger made them...

You can provide everything your kids need… and still be emotionally absent. In Episode 2 of Becoming the Man Your Kids Will Remember, we talk about the tension many driven dads feel — working hard, building stability, and chasing success — while slowly drifting from the moments that actually shape our children. Providing creates stability. presence creates security. If Episode 1 asked “Who are you...

What if the most important part of fatherhood isn’t what you provide — but who you’re becoming while you raise your kids? In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, I kick off a new podcast series focused on identity, legacy, and the quiet ways fathers shape their children every day. This isn’t about being a perfect dad or having everything figured out. It’s about slowing down long enough to ask th...

Being a dad isn’t just about providing or being around—it’s about who you’re becoming in the process. In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted , Alec speaks directly to dads about the man their kids are learning from every single day. This is an honest, faith-rooted conversation about presence, leadership, legacy, and the quiet moments of fatherhood that shape our children more than we realize. Th...

A new year doesn’t require a new you—but it does require intention. In this New Year episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, we’re speaking directly to dads who want to show up better this year—not perfectly, but consistently. This episode is a challenge for fathers to stop drifting, stop waiting for the “right time,” and start building presence, legacy, and intentional rhythms at home. No hype. No fluf...

What happens when men finally stop pretending everything is fine? In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with Joe Speredon to talk honestly about men’s mental health, community, identity, faith, and the moments that bring us to our breaking point—and what actually helps us heal. Joe shares his personal journey through isolation, men’s groups, faith struggles, and purpose-driven w...

Being a dad is hard. Being a girl dad comes with a whole different set of challenges. In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted , I sit down with Russell Kimura , founder of Fathers With Daughters and father of three teenage girls. Russ shares what he’s learned about connection, presence, emotional leadership, and why dads must intentionally pursue relationships with their daughters—especially as t...

In today’s episode of Fatherhood Unscripted , Alec sits down with Bryan Hurd , founder of The Evolution Project , to talk about men’s work, brotherhood, faith, and the power of saying yes to the life God is calling you into. Bryan shares how retreats, adventure, service, and honest conversations can completely transform a man’s life — not because he’s “broken,” but because every man is invited int...

Today on Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with men’s relationship coach Noel Cappelletti, a dad helping men stop reacting in anger and start leading their families with calm, grounded presence. If you’ve ever come home from work already at an 8 out of 10, snapped at your kids, shut down with your wife, or felt like your emotions were running you — this episode is going to hit home. Noel break...

Today is a soft relaunch of the podcast — because life changed, the schedule shifted, and this season is going to look a little different. DJ is taking a longer hiatus, so for now I’m taking the reins and bringing you honest, faith-driven conversations for dads who want to grow, lead, and be present. In this solo episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from some of the incredible dads who’ve sat ac...

Modern fatherhood looks a lot different — and The Dumb Dads are showing us why that’s a good thing. In this Fatherhood Unscripted episode, Alec sits down with Evan and Kevin, the creators of The Dumb Dads, to talk about:👨‍👧‍👦 Stay-at-home dad life and breaking stereotypes😂 Finding humor in parenting chaos💬 Why talking about your struggles makes you a better parent❤️ Teaching kids confidence w...

In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted , Alec sits down with men’s coach Jason Schnitzer to talk about one of the toughest struggles dads face: losing our cool at home . We dive deep into emotional regulation , why dads often snap under pressure, and how to stay calm even when life feels chaotic. Jason breaks down the nervous system’s role in fatherhood, the generational patterns we pass down, a...

We’ve officially hit 100 episodes of Fatherhood Unscripted ! 🎉 What started at “DJ’s Table” has grown into one of the top dad podcasts for men, faith, and fatherhood. In this milestone episode, Alec and DJ reflect on what it means to be fathers, friends, and men of faith who are chasing legacy. ✅ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why taking risks as a dad can change your life The importance of...

The Weight of Fatherhood dives deep with Kevin Clevenger, better known as Iron Sanctuary, in one of the most powerful and raw conversations we’ve had on Fatherhood Unscripted. Kevin opens up about his journey from addiction to redemption, how becoming a dad changed everything, and the constant battle between providing for your family and being present with them. This episode explores: The mental w...

In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Unscripted , Alec sits down with Curtis J. Morley ( Counterfeit Emotions Podcast ) to dive into faith, peace, and the struggles dads face in today’s world. We talk about: How tragedy sparked revival and renewed faith across communities The difference between surrender and resignation—and why true peace can’t be counterfeited The impact of church hurt, shame,...

In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted , Alec and DJ sit down to share some big updates with the community. 🎙️ DJ opens up about entering a busy season with his family—three kids in sports, weekends packed with games, and the reality of balancing fatherhood with creative projects. After much thought (and prayer), DJ is stepping back for a few weeks to focus on his family. But don’t worry—the pod...

Marine → LAPD → Quest Nutrition → Legendary Foods. Bruce Cardenas breaks down side hustles, sampling, customer obsession, listening, culture, and why you can’t out-market a bad product. Chapters below. Join our dad community—click the link below.🔗 BruceIG: @brucee_cardenasSite: brucecardenas.comBook (working title): Lead With ValueIf this helped, hit 👍 and share it with one entrepreneur who need...

Today on Fatherhood Unscripted , Alec and DJ sit down again with Shawn Finnegan to kick off our month of entrepreneurship for dads. We talk about the recent tragedy that’s weighed on many families, the importance of showing up for our kids even when life and business get heavy, and how to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams without sacrificing your family. Shawn shares: • What he wishes he’d done d...

In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ dive deep into one of the biggest struggles parents face today: technology overload and screen addiction in kids. We talk about what happens when you take away screens (yep—withdrawals and meltdowns are real), how ADHD and dopamine hits make it even tougher, and why creating tech-free zones is crucial for your family. We also share our personal...

In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted , Alec and DJ sit down with Curtis Morley , founder of Counterfeit Emotions, to expose the lies behind counterfeit emotions like “nice,” “lust,” and “shame.” Curtis explains why kindness is radically different than niceness , how dads can sit with emotions instead of stuffing them down, and why sobriety without recovery is a trap. He also shares practical s...

This is it—the finale of our Armor of God series. In this episode, Alec unpacks the Sword of the Spirit from Ephesians 6:17 —the only offensive weapon in the armor God gives us. You can’t fight lies with silence. You need the Word of God. 📖 Ephesians 6:17 “…take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” We’ll talk about: Why you can’t outthink the enemy’s li...