Armed & Dadly Leadership, Protection, Growth

The last podcast of 2024 encourages you to dive deep into your soul and go after what you want for your life in 2025. 

All things self sabotage 

Back after a year long gap. Who better to have on with me for the kickoff than my son Landon. In this episode with talk about our goals for 2025 and what will do to achieve them. Want to make 2025 your best year ever surrounding by other men doing then same? Apply with the link below. https://eternalgainz.com

One Today's episode I dive into something we all struggle with. Self Accountability and blaming others for our problems or situations. I talk about how I've battled holding myself accountable and ways you can create awareness when you are doing it to. How we try to help others before we even help ourselves. What the Bible says about blame. Follow me over on instagram and join my accountability community.

This is a quick episode to get me back on track and remind myself why I started this whole thing. I talk about the loss of a friend in the line of duty, being a good man and a good dad and the starting of my coaching community.

I've been MIA for sometime now from the Podcast. So many of us stay stuck and directionless because we over think every single detail of our lives. Stuck in the should haves or could haves. Paralyzed from taking action on where we want to be or go out of fear of what others may think of us. Ultimately leading to our own demise and self sabotage. Making ourselves physically sick due to the constant storm in our own heads.  In todays episode I talk about the symptoms of overthinking and some solutions on how to stop it once and for all. Follow me over on Instagram @armedanddadly_  DM me if you're ready to stop the overthinking and start taking control of your own life and stop letting others control it for you.

It's been a long time and Landon said we needed to record and episode. So here it is. We chat it up about all things baseball.

In todays episode I talk about the 7 ways you can start employing in your life to stop being average. Fitness Raise your standards Question Authority Don't play the victim Accept Responsibility  Manage your time Master your mindset If you're ready to step up to the plate and start living an above average life I encourage you to apply to the Armed and Dadly Brotherhood https://form.jotform.com/230834359424054

In todays episode I lay out 5 areas of your life that are 100% your fault. We all like to Blame external circumstances for or current situations. The truth is we must take responsibility for all aspects of our life.   Follow me over on Instagram and send me a DM to start coaching with me.

Sound quality isn't as good. My mic wasn't connected. Apply for Coaching In todays episode I talk about the 8 things I believe when done right multiply or if done wrong they also multiply. Choosing the wrong partner Vices Settling in a profession you don't like Complaining  Not finishing what you start No core values  Arent aloud like minded dudes Not taking action  

In this episode I talk about all the lessons of learned about myself after leaving the Fire Department 2 years ago. After a 16 year career as a Firefighter Paramedic I stepped away to pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavors. Year 1 was very fruitful as a real estate agent nailing in the fact that I can do anything I put my mind to. year two wasn't as successful in real estate but the inner work on myself has been greater than ever. I have definitely learned there is no greater investment than that of investing in your own self mastery. Truly understanding who you are as a human from the inside out. Ive developed an entire framework that I follow daily which I know needs to be shared with others so they too can master themselves and understand what they are truly capable of. DM me on instagram if you're interested in utilizing this same framework to implement in your own life.

In todays episode my good friend Craig Bodette have a conversaton about multiple topics all concerning mental health. He is the founder of the peer support team for the local fire department we both worked for.  Key takaways Its ok not to be ok but its ok ok to to stay that way The importance of openly talking about your struggles Finding a tribe that will always be there for you What to do if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide You are not alone Mental Health Hotline Dial 988 Suicide Hotline 

In this episode I talk about my feelings on how leading your kids has a direct correlation to how you lead in business and in life.  Follow me on Instagram  Send me a DM if you're ready to stop living small and smash your limiting beliefs. I will help you develop your life mission, get physically strong, mentally tough, grow your relationships and businesses.

In 2023 the two words ive chosen to live by are growth and giving. If its not pushing me to growth or the people im around aren't growing as well than I don't want to be a part of it. This is a year of growth in all aspects of life. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Growth in business and relationships. This will also be a year of giving. I have lofty goals of giving back to public Service members through my real estate business. I also talk about starting a Facebook group of Dads, men or women who what to level up and stop play small in all of those avenues in life as well.

Sometimes in life we have set backs and make decisions and changes we just aren't happy with. Changing the name of my podcast was one of these. So Armed and Dadly is back.   Follow me on instagram and send me a DM if you're ready to get on mission and develop the discipline needed to find your direct in life.

Ive been on a soap box here in the last few weeks after seeing more and more passivity amongst those in leadership roles. Accepting that they have no answer to specific questions.  On this episode I read an excerpt from Lt. Brad Clark who was killed in the line of duty in October of 2018. "Keep pushing, stay motivated and don't listen to the mutts when they bark!" Lt Brad Clark

Todays episode I truly went outside my norm and recorded from my phone on a walk. I hope you still get some value minus the poor audio quality and bear with me as I get my feet back under me in this podcast world.  Today I talk about how nothing will ever perfect, the importance of taking action and how nature truly heals our souls and bodies.  I appreciate your feedback and if you want to get on video with me one day and free ball this thing, make impact and unpack everything we are suppressing deep down inside.

Just because the the name of the show has changes doesn't mean my son is not still gonna be a huge part of the show. In this bonus episode Landon and I catch up since the long break. Mostly all things baseball. 

Straight no chaser. No background music or crazy sound effects just straight to the point. I give y'all a little back story on why the brand name change and how im listening to God. Thanks for everyone that followed me with Armed and Dadly but now we are Unsuppressed Fire.

Sitting down with my son again talking about never giving up. Not everting we do is going to be  successful from the the start. Sometimes you have to keep on trying and learning. Join me and my co host Landon as we talk about some of things we have been up to and how we are learning from everyday life.

Im just as guilty as the next guy but life can and should be so much easier than we make it. On this episode I talk about ways to stop overcomplicating everything we do.

Capturing memories while recording

Been awhile since my son and I have recorded and like I always say will are gonna get more consistent with that.  Lots of new things coming. We will be recording with video from now on.  Shopify store will be up and running in a week or so.  

Its been 2 months since ive recored an episode. Im back and ready to SEND IT. I talk about a little bit of everything. Lions Den Live, Shopify, living the life you want on your terms. https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=armedanddadly https://otherlifestyle.com/group?fpr=eric-portwood22 https://otherlifestyle.com/group?fpr=eric-portwood22 https://armedanddadlygear.myshopify.com/admin

Monthly check in with my son and talking a lil baseball. How you win some games and you lose some games. Landon surprised me with a little wisdom of his own as well.

Ive been hearing this comment a lot lately. "Same shit different day" I have been guilty and caught myself saying it as well. Im intentionally trying to change that. Im on a mission to change my life. Create the man that I want to be. Listen as I break down the tactics I'm using in my own life to do so. I hope you can use some of the same tactics to create the person you know you're capable of becoming.  What does your current life look like? What is your purpose in this life? Don't waste time, live your life now. Break out of the societal norms. Get shellfish  embrace the change.

In todays society I feel we have become so soft as not to hurt someones feelings. Feeling we owe everyone an explanation to everything. Short answer...no you don't. Say no and keep on keeping on. You are you and have your own priorities and they are no one else business. 

"A leader leads by example whether he intends to or not." "A good leader inspires others to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires others to have confidence in themselves." I was feeling less than inspired before recording this but as the day went on the inspiration naturally presented itself. "Don't follow rules just to follow rules." Lt. Brad Clark

My son hasn't let me forget that we said we would do one of these once a month. I think its very cool to have this platform and opportunity to do this with my son as he grows. This is one way to leave lasting legacy. After I'm dead and gone he will be able to go back and listen to conversations with his dad.

Following up from last weeks episode on depression. Make sure that you're not just playing the victim vs being depressed. In this episode I go over different signs that you could have a victim mindset. Again I'm not a doctor or mental health professional at all. Im simply speaking on my experiences and the things that I struggle with daily. Im by no means perfect and that exactly why I do this podcast. 

I've felt a little depression the last 2 days so I thought it was a prime time to talk about the different ways I fight those inner demons. Podcasting is a form of therapy for me and I use this platform to help myself and you all to be held accountable. Sit back, relax and give yourself some grace to feel your feelings.

This is the quickest episode to date. Its simple, many of you have a false sense of security. Prepare to protect yourself and your family in these times.

An interview with my son again. Kids are evolving so quickly and I'm humbled to have this platform to record conversations with my son that will be available to listen to for years to come. IN todays society so many are focused on whatever else is doing and what we should be focusing on is begging for our attention in our own house. Our kids. Want to change the world...Start at home. Today we talk about Landons new endeavor of being a baseball player.

Todays episode I wanted to talk about focus. Are you focusing on the things that will move the needle forward for you or are you too busy focused on what everyone is doing wrong. Pointless chatter and why it wastes time No you may not "pick my brain" Go on iTunes and give me a 5 star rating and review. I want to get this word out and spread the message so we can continue to help each other grow.

In this episode I want to break down my favorite poem.   I speak about death, and how the recent death of another Fire LT Jimmy Alexander made me think of how him, Lt Punkie Kegley, Chief Henri Moore, Lt Brad Clark, Chief Jeff Phipps all sang their death song going home leaving this world better than they found it.   I hope you all gain some value from this. This poems meaning and depth has had me thinking even more over the last week and I wanted to share with y'all.   Live Your Life “So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a Nobel death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give the word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes, they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.” ~ Tecumseh

This is the first episode of freestyle Friday. Im starting this today as a means to stay consistent with a weekly recorded episode. No pressure, no script, just my thoughts. In this first episode as I get out of my month long funk, I talk about that. Sitting in your darkness, listening to nature, listening to God and maybe realizing this season of your life is exactly where you're supposed to be. I talk about an anonymous gift and how it restored my faith in humanity. Finding the comedy in life once again. Taking action to gain forward momentum. Challenging yourself daily. 

Join me with the first podcast episode of 2022. Today I'm joined by the one and only Landon. My 7 year old son has been asking to do a podcast with me. Including our kids in the things we do is a big part of the Armed & Dadly Podcast and movement. Tune in as we talk about the things we like to do together, favorite subjects in school, what we want to be when we grow up and much more. You will love this one. Im so proud of him.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCehHbOV1sLCG_wH-XWLuLTA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIuw0FhFpcvp1aQFfX8JelQ https://linktr.ee/Ericportwood

Do you know what value you bring to the table? We are all unique and bring different value to this world that others may not. Do you stand up for yourself when your value isn't being recognized appropriately? Its up to us to keep our own score, know our own value and stand up for ourselves when that value isn't being recognized or that score hasn't been kept properly. 

In the world of comparison and social media it can sometimes be hard to just be you. Take a listen as we talk about ways to stop comparing and stop caring what others think about you and just be unapologetically you!

Between running a business and being an attentive father and husband, host Eric Portwood sometimes forgets to slow down and be thankful for all he has. In today's episode, Eric discusses the importance of practicing gratitude. From the very first moment of each day, we should feel grateful, not only for the things we have but also for the opportunity to live another day. Whether it be journaling or verbal actions, it is important to find a way to remind yourself and those around you that you are thankful. While it can be easy to get caught up just going through the motions of your day-to-day life, Eric explains that incorporating intentional moments of gratitude will improve your mental health and your relationship with yourself and others.  Tune into this week's episode of Armed & Dadly to learn more about the power of gratitude and ways you can implement it into your daily routine to enjoy a life filled with love and positivity.    Quotes • “It's easy to forget about the simple things just because they're always there, but for some people, they're not. We need to remind ourselves to always have gratitude.” (03:53-04:06) • “When I do focus on the things I'm gracious for, it's easier to relax and sleep at night and it's easier to be present in the moments with your loved ones.” (05:32-05:59) • “When you practice gratitude, you can feel more joy and that can help move the needle forward in our lives.” (06:36-06:56) • “As bad as situations can be, there's always good that comes from them and reminds us to be gracious.” (13:21-13:46) • “We should take time to let people know that we're gracious for them because if we just take it for granted, they might not even know how we feel about them.” (17:33-17:46) • “Practicing gratitude will help boost your mental health.” (39:25-39:30)   Links https://www.instagram.com/armed_and_dadly/    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“You've got to protect your own time because you're not going to get it back,” says host Eric Portwood. After missing out on too many opportunities to spend time with his son, Eric realized that he needed to make a change. In today's episode, Eric discusses the importance of setting boundaries and giving your time to what matters most.  According to Eric, it is important we protect our time because it is the only asset we can't get back. In order to effectively do this,  Eric explains that we need to set boundaries and say no to things that don't help us progress towards our goals. By holding ourselves accountable and being realistic with ourselves, it will become easier to reprioritize our lives in positive ways. After all, when we protect our time we protect ourselves.  Tune into this week's episode of Armed & Dadly to learn how to set effective boundaries, so you can dedicate more time to being the best husband, father, and entrepreneur you can be.    Quotes • “We need to protect ourselves and we need to protect our own time. Time is the only asset that we can't make more of. You can always make more money, but you can't make more time.” (02:08-02:22)  • “We need to learn how to say no to the things that don't move the needle in the direction it needs to be moved.” (08:05-08:17) • “You've got to protect your own time because you're not going to get it back.” (08:45-08:49) • “One part about setting boundaries is you've got to know yourself. You've got to set daily priorities, and one of those priorities needs to be for you.” (11:32-11:55)   Links https://www.instagram.com/armed_and_dadly/    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“If you're not taking care of your body, then the rest of your life is going to suffer,” says host Eric Portwood. Over the last week, Eric has found himself in a lot of emotional distress. After sorting through his emotions, Eric realized that he had become completely overwhelmed by various aspects of his life. In today's episode, Eric discusses how to reset and refocus in times of hardship. To alleviate daily stress and anxiety, Eric has centered Armed & Dadly around four areas of life: body, bonds, beliefs, and business. Eric explains that the most important thing we can do is to take care of our bodies because they are the vehicles that allow us to function. When we take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, we will be able to show up stronger in every other aspect of our lives. Tune into this week's episode of Armed & Dadly to learn more about Eric's four areas of focus and the importance of resting and resetting, so you can continue to prioritize personal growth and success.    Quotes • “We need to remember that we are not responsible for everyone's emotions around us.” (05:54-05:58) • “When we are overwhelmed and tired, we lose our focus and it will cause anxiousness and depression.” (07:32-07:40) • “Let's get the skeletons out of the closet.” (12:48-12:50) • “People take medication for anxiety and depression. I take it and it doesn't make you or me or anybody a bad person for having to take medication.” (19:48-20:00) • “When you take care of yourself, you will show up way better for yourself. You'll be more present for your family and for your kids and your mind will be clearer to reach your goals.” (22:05-23:26) • “Take care of your body because your body is the vehicle for your life. If you're not taking care of your body, then the rest of your life is going to suffer.” (24:34-24:47)   Links https://www.instagram.com/armed_and_dadly/    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

It's no secret that there are many overpriced and inefficient wellness plans on the market. However, there are also some free and impactful options out there, too! In order to get his health back on track, host Eric Portwood recently completed the 75 Hard Challenge, a free mental and physical toughness program. Eric's noticeable results encouraged two of his friends, Sam Edwards and Ben McElroy to take on the challenge themselves. In today's episode, Eric sits down with Sam and Ben to discuss what 75 Hard is and the optimal approaches for successfully completing the program. The criteria of 75 Hard is unlike any other program out there. It encourages participants to make choices that impact not only their physical wellness but their mental wellness as well. The 75-day program requires participants to follow a diet of their own choice, drink a gallon of water a day, read 10 pages of a self-improvement book a day, complete two daily 45-minute workouts (one being outside), and, most importantly, eliminate alcohol. While Eric, Sam and Ben all have different approaches to the challenge, they all realize the importance of personal accountability and consistency. At the end of the day, there is no perfect time to start making better choices for your health; you just have to start. Tune into this week's episode of Armed & Dadly to learn more about 75 Hard, the importance of accountability, and how choosing to make healthy lifestyle choices now will change the trajectory of your life for the better.   Quotes • “When you tie your emotional goals to something that is difficult, it truly holds you accountable.” (09:29-09:35 | Eric Portwood) • “When you're accountable and holding yourself to a standard in one area, you start holding yourself to better standards in all areas.” (11:24-11:30 | Sam Edwards) • “At the end of 75 Hard, it won't be so much about completing it, although I will be very excited to be able to say I finished it. It's about building the right habits and also getting back to the health goals that I set for myself.” (13:14-13:29 | Sam Edwards) • “It's the small wins that continue pushing that needle forward every single day.” (15:15-15:23 | Eric Portwood) • “We all are searching for fulfillment, and oftentimes some of the most fulfilling things we can do is to accomplish something. And it doesn't have to be something profound.” (17:12-17:20 | Ben McElroy) • “I'm all for being motivated to work out hard and pressing for your goals, but at some point, you have to be cognizant of what you're doing to your body and how much sleep you're getting.” (29:24-29:39 | Eric Portwood) • “One of the coolest things is if you can drink 32 ounces of water in the morning, it chemically does very similar things to caffeine in your brain. It just doesn't come with that steep drop-off.” (36:41-36:52 | Sam Edwards) • “One of the nice things about 75 hard is that it doesn't restrict you to a specific diet.” (40:03-40:07 | Ben McElroy) • “When you're making lifestyle changes, in a lot of cases it's not advantageous to make huge commitments.” (46:52-47:01 | Ben McElroy)   Links https://www.instagram.com/allthingsedwards/ https://www.instagram.com/ben_thesolarguy/   https://www.instagram.com/armed_and_dadly/  https://1stphorm.com/ArmedAndDadly    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

As an army vet and 40-year firefighter of the Richmond Fire Department, Butch Portwood has left a lasting impression on his community. Even though Butch has helped many people throughout his life, he wants to be remembered most for being a loving Christian father. In today's episode, host Eric Portwood invites his own father to sit down and discuss what fatherhood means to him.  When Butch found out he was going to be a father, he knew there were things in his life he needed to change. Even though he often worked long shifts at the firehouse, Butch always made it a point to be there for his kids. According to Butch, he felt confident in his role as a father by setting a good example and only stepping in when needed to. If there was anything he could have done differently, Butch explains that he would have taken his kids to church more because his relationship with God is what made him the man and father that he is.  Tune into this week's episode of Armed & Dadly for a conversation between father and son. Learn about God's role in the family dynamic, the importance of having a father figure, and how the Portwood family has successfully developed generations of strong men and fathers.   Quotes • “My parents went through a rough patch, all marriages do. My father had an affair and that was hard, but he got himself straight. Got back on track and he was a better man for it.” (07:36-08:03 | Butch) • “When your mother and I separated, it was much harder being separated than it was to face each other, sit down, and discuss our problems. Because when you separate, you solve nothing.” (17:56-18:11 | Butch) • “Once you have a child, that's your life. You are responsible for another human being, and I had to change some of my ways.” (19:00-19:17 | Butch) • “I wanted to be that strong, quiet father who only interceded when I really needed to but would guide you from behind.” (21:06-21:19 | Butch) • “There's a lot of kids out there that don't have dads to spend time with. Just because you're not their dad doesn't mean you can't be an influence in these kids' lives. You change their outlook on a lot of things if you just set the example and be a positive role model in their lives.” (24:45-25:12 | Eric) • “I wish I'd taken you to church more and spoke with you more about Jesus and God. Men that do that with their sons and daughters help them to have fewer problems in life.” (25:44-26:08 | Butch) • “You're gonna have problems but you always have somebody fall back on: that's God.” (26:17-26:25 | Butch) • “I want people to think I was a Christian man who always tried to do the right thing even when it's hard.” (53:34-53:46 | Butch)   Links https://www.instagram.com/armed_and_dadly/  https://1stphorm.com/ArmedAndDadly  https://youtube.com/channel/UCIuw0FhFpcvp1aQFfX8JelQ  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvwhjxI_0ruZSv04warHS3TAnkToWbtQgv3ivoZnOLaYZTPg/viewform    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Welcome to the Armed & Dadly Podcast! On today's episode, host Eric Portwood gives listeners some background on himself, what inspired him to start the podcast and what they can expect to hear on future episodes.  An army veteran and retired Firefighter Paramedic, Eric has always found a sense of significance through his work. During the pandemic, Eric wrapped up his firefighting career and became a real estate agent full time. He now finds purpose by sharing his Armed & Dadly mission and lifestyle, which encourages men to forgo violence and instead use their mental and physical strength to become protectors, providers and leaders.  Tune into the premiere episode of Armed & Dadly to learn more about the inspiration behind the podcast and what you can hear moving forward. From health- and fitness-related topics to discussions about marriages, friendships and community relationships to deep dives on toxic masculinity, this podcast will motivate you to examine how you are contributing to society and your loved ones in a meaningful way. Listen in and discover how to leave your lasting legacy!   Quotes • “Brad always pushed me to do things that I didn't have confidence to do or didn't feel like I could do well. He just always saw things in me and saw things in everybody that that they may not see in themselves….So, that's where this podcast is going. I want to continue his legacy by continuing to push people forward, push them out of their comfort zone, do things that they didn't think they could ever do.” (07:51-08:36) • “Armed and Dadly means you're strong, but you're gentle….You're strong, mentally and physically capable of extreme violence because you train every day...but you choose to forego that violence, to be a protector, to be a provider, to be a leader.” (12:04-12:54) • “Masculinity is not toxic in itself. Masculinity is needed. It's needed in the home, it's needed in society.” (14:24-14:31) • “There's truly a power in a man's tears. There's too many of us men that have for years held back those tears, we've held back the vulnerability that is so much needed.” (15:43-15:59) • “We will be the best version of ourselves every single day that we get up. We're going to have gratitude that we can get up, whether we have to get up early, whether we get up and we're sore from working out, whether we get up and we don't feel well, we're unmotivated. We're going to be gracious that we're able to get up. So many people don't have that luxury.” (27:22-27:46)   Links https://www.instagram.com/armed_and_dadly/    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm