Radio Dad with Mike Austin

We start by talking about what it means to be a "good dad" at Christmas.  Is it presents, traditions, family?  Then, Dr. Parnell Donahue is with me to get into STUFF to do with the family in Winter!  You could hybernate, but there's a whole, fun world outside...and inside too!  Finally, I bring on Elliot Katz to discuss being the "strong man" that your wife or the woman in your life REALLY wants. ...

It's getting to be a bit mor Christmas around here!  I open with a talk about gift giving as Dad. My first guest Emmy nominated actor, Ed Begley Jr.!  We talk about growing up in Hollywood and his dad, who was an established, Oscar winning actor.  Next, it's my friend, John Yellico.  John and his wife decided, a few years ago, to move to the country and raise their kids out of the city and working...

I start by talking about my "frugality"...some say I'm cheap!  I don't like throwing things away, so I re-use and re-think.  Next it's a returning guest, Dr. John Braccio with a conversation about being overly protective.  It's life's challenges and disapointments...bruises both physical and mental...and how we learn to deal with them, that make us stronger humans.  Dads can show and teach how to...

It our Thanksgiving show!  In this episode we talk about remembering that Thanksgiving is more than Turkey and Football.  Get dressed up and really be WITH your family and thankful for them....as messed up as we all may be!  Also, I welcome some new radio affiliates.  Next it's a conversation with Richard Eyre, the author of "The Turning", Why The State of The Family, Matters & What The World...

We open with my take on achieving "Adult Milestones" i.e. living on your own, owning property, marriage, paying your own bills etc..  Next, I talk with Frank Thiesen, the president and CEO of Carerra Slot Cars and Revelle car models.  The experience of racing slot cars with your kids or the lessons that can be learned fro putting together a Revelle car/ship model (patience, following instructions,...

We start with a look at Dads as the keepers of Holiday Traditions.  Next, I chat with a recently retired, commercial airline pilot, "Capn. Steve Schreibner" , about how he stayed married and in touch with his kids, while flying all over the world for his job!  Finally, our last 2 segments are with a Father & Son barberhop quartet  singing duo as they talk about sharing this unique hobby AND si...

In this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, I talk about being a speaker at your own father's funeral!  It is a deep honor to be asked to say a few workds about the man who helped to form you into who you are.  Talk from your heart and maybe include a particular instance or saying the only you and your dad knew about or that he said to you.  Next, Cam Gibson, son of MLB's famed Kirk Gibson, tal...

We open with a monologue about "handing down DADLY skills"...stuf like changing a tire, tying a tie, how to shake someone's hand.  Next, I touch base with Elliot Hulse, strongman!  Elliot lifts stuff and has a gym teaching "strongman" skills (the guy is BUILT).  He tells about his dad and the man's words of wisdom.  Finally, I chat with Dr. Jonathan Thorp, relationship expert.  Doc and I talk abou...

After losing a friend to Cancer, I talk about how is it you want to be remembered.  Some words about a good guy, Rick Muzzy and a recording of him talking about his own dad (who was instrumental in getting the NFL Football Hall of Fame off the ground!).  Then, it former fighter pilot AND U2 spyplane pilot, Brian Maddox about being into his career to the point of his own son walking away and not sp...

Well, my youngest son has moved out to be on his own.  We know this day will come and some even look forward to it.  He told me, when we were doing some yard work, he said "well this is abot the last time I'll be doing this.  Then he told me he had found an apartment.  I hugged him and told him I was proud of him.  I helped him move and it was a sad/sweet day.  A real dad/son milestone.  Today I c...

I was on another Radio Dad Road Trip and met a Chimney Sweep and his son.  He had an interesting and eye opening take on fatherhood, legacy, business and how family businesses are approached in Europe.  First, I chat with Alison Bogle, who erites for Austin Magazine (in Texas),  as she wonders if we are bubble wrapping our kids.  We talk about the imprtance of learning life's lessons and taking it...

I start off this show with an observation.  After a road trip, partially driving at night, I noticed many houses with a large TV prominantly mounted to the wall or above the fireplace (where in generations past a family picture would have been).  Now that TVs are so thin, they can be placed like a painting, we have made them into a kind of "altar" to the gods of entertainment and distraction.  Nex...

I open this episode with a brief talk about the Charlie Kirk assasination and the killer's dad, etc.  Then we're on to "The Sandwich Generation".  It's when you're sandwiched between raising your kids AND taking care of elerly parents.  I talk with Janice Spooner who is an expert on the subject.  What is the role of Dad?  On we go to a fun interview with Billy Mays III!  He is the son of the guy w...

Monologue:  What are some of the things dads used to do or say, that seem outdated or downright wrong in today's world? A Dad-preneur, Doug Bacon, who invented a new way to get your kids through an airport or around at an amusement park....the "Tote-A-Tot"!  Next a body language expert says, your kids are lying to you...DUH!  But, how can you tell just by looking at how the stand or where they loo...

We start with a monologue about "Dad's Place", his house, after a divorce.  It should be a safe place for the kids.  They should feel at home there, just as much as at mom's place.  I give tips on making that happen.  Next, the story of a guy who grew up in a disfunctional family and got in with the wrong crowd...and went to prison.  In there he changed his life and now has 3 successful businesses...

At the end of a long day, the scene of a hard working, sometimes stressed out, Dad....emptying his pockets, can be interesting and inspirational to a kid.  Pocket knife, coins, pieces of paper...all signs of a day spent in caring for his family.  I talk with Roy Paul about financial education at the feet or side of a frugal and loving dad.  It's inmportant for US to tach our kids about money and i...

We start this episode with the idea of taking care of an elderly dad.  what to do and how to do it, when dad or Father-in-law, moves in with you.  What about a skilled care or nursing home?  Next I chat with an old, High School friend, Chuck Haas.  Chuck was a good wrestler and football player in H.S. and went on to a college career.  Then, Chuck had 3 boys and ALL of them are High School coaches....

We start with the beginning of football season!  My friend, Hondo, has a "rant" about football...quite poetic.  I also get into watching football with dad (rough and tumble).  Next, it's Family Therapist, Kelly Shoup and her idea of "Ego Parenting" which is when simply wanting more or better things for our kids, than we had, spills into us actually pushing too hard and living our unfullfilled drea...

I stopped at an estate sale and it struck me how much family history was for sale in that little house.  The place still looked like it was right out of 1965...they had done almost NO updates over the years.  Obviously the old couple had passed on and the "kids" were cleaning it out.  You could, literally see the love that, that little home had in it.  Just a humble, American, married couple who d...

We start with a couple of regular dads, Tim & Tyler, & a talk about true masculinity.  Next it's a Radio Dad Road Trip.  I stopped by a furniture store having an outdoor party.  Turns out it was an anniversary party for a family owned store.  I talk with the brothers who own it now.  Then, Lauriston Crockett is in his 60's and just became a dad again!!  We talk about being an older dad and...

Have you ever changed a diaper...in the middle of the night?  Brad Manzo is a comedian and a dad.  He says when it comes to diaper changes...especially with little boys....KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!  Eric Ruhalter discusses "the Kid Dictionary".  These are made up words that describe fatherhood/parenting situations that best describe reality...the desire of your child to be the one who presses the elev...

First up is President Ronald Reagan's son, Michael.  He talks about being a young man, in the White House and growing up with famous parents.  Then, Sheryl hardin is a handwriting expert who says it's important to develope a unique signiture and the way you sign your last name can reflect on how proud of that name you are.  She urges dads to work with their kids on penmanship.  Finally, I talk wit...

The Patriotic Show!  First up is "Uncle Ted"...Ted Nugent!  I talk with him about his family and HIS dad, what his dad thought of his music and Sandhill Cranes a.k.a. "Ribeye In The Sky".  Next it's "Lieutenant Dan", actor Gary Sinise about growing up in Chicago, his dad and Gary's support for veterans.  Also, I get to chat with Tegan Kehoe, who helps run the Paul Revere house and museum in Boston...

My first guest is Tom Matt, an empty nester dad, talking about the adjustments that you have to make once the kids leave.  Doug Rebout is now the dad to a "special needs" girl.  He and his wife adopted a very young girl from Ukraine (back before the war).  What have been the biggest struggles, joys, ey-openers, etc!  Finally, I chat with the author of the book, " Don't Put Your Crap In Your Kid's...