Dads Podcast Project

Back from their trip to Seattle and finally settled in. Today Im catching up with the kids on the podcast.

Its been a while. Welcome back to the Podcast

Today on the podcast I visit the “Straight From The Chest Podcast” studio for a recording with the man himself Justin a.k.a Fitness Extraordinaire. The pandemic is something that has kept some of us from seeing each other during this time. So it was defiantly a topic of discussion for us. How one might find motivation during these times and what we have to look forward to once the country begins to open up again. As always thank you guys for taking the time to listen to these podcasts. You can find Justins podcast just about anywhere you can listen to podcasts. The title again “Straight From The Chest”

Hope y’all are having a great three day weekend. Im enjoying time with my family and by the grill. This weekend I threw on a Try Tip and a rack of Beef Ribs. Went for that low and slow on the tri tip and finished it off with a reverse sear on my weber gas grill. I would have loved to fire up the charcoal kettle for that part but with the intense heat this weekend I took full advantage of the convenience of gas.

Life can be short for some of us. I would like to say we but the reality is we all have to do for ourselves. I will love those in my life and strive to be better than I was yesterday.

Todays title was decided by my son. We take some time to record what's going on in his life with school as well as go over some gifts he's been asking about for his upcoming birthday. The years have been flying by and as our boy continues to grow we are trying our best to document the milestones for ourselves via photos , video, and even audio so we can always look back on them.

After about a year of looking into the Traeger Grill I finally took the plunge and picked up my very own Ironwood 650. This grill is an amazing machine and at the time of posting this I have nothing but positive things to say about the grill. For those of you who know me I do not own a truck so when purchasing this grill I had to find one still in the box. Fortunately for me the folks down at Miners hardware had one left. It was super easy to build with minimal hardware needed. When building my Weber gas grill There was a ton of sheet metal and screws involved with that build. For my first cook I threw on two racks of baby backs using the Traeger gourmet blend of pellets (Hickory, Maple, and Cherry) and boy was it delicious. The meat was falling off the bone. The next day I figured out how to hook up my Traeger to the WiFi and I threw a Tri Tip on to see how a staple cut of meat in this house would come out on the smoker. Once again the Traeger did not disappoint. I could go on and on but there are many more Q’s to do before the verdicts out. As for now this smoker has replaced my gas grill as my daily driver.

What is up you guys and welcome back to another episode of the podcast. It has been a bit since Ive made the time to sit down on the mic. Ill say that this isn’t the first however and until I have my degree it will probably not be the last. Finals are upon us or me I should say. It has kept me very busy with studying as well as keeping up with the kids. They have been full of so much energy and really demand more attention each day. I will be happy once this semester is complete and I can spend more time focused on them as well as getting back to my usual recording routine. Thank you guys again for the continued support and until next time, see ya.

This documentary came out a while ago now. My wife and I were looking for a movie to watch for the evening when this one came up on recommended. Now I remember when this story broke and I was listening to Philip Defranco cover this on his YouTube channel. At the time my feelings were very much the same as they were when watching this documentary. I was disgusted with the way these kids were treated, angered with the people who were in charge and just as furious as the parents. At the time of this happening my wife and I had not yet had our daughter but watching this documentary as a father of a little girl made it a little more infuriating. As parents my wife and I strive to provide a safe environment for our little ones to grow up in. However there are predators everywhere. In an environment where something like this happens, and the parents of these athletes do the right thing like file a complaint. Some people are more concerned with how this will affect them vs. doing the right thing. The parents and kids voices should have been heard. Hundreds of young girls who would be added to the list of victims over decades could have been saved form this had the people in charge of the USA Gymnastics organization done the right thing.

Hope everyone had a great fathers day weekend. Ours was filled with family time and good food. On the grill this weekend was some steak and linguisa. Out of the oven was some delicious baked potatoes. But enough about food. In todays podcast Im talking about sharing. Teaching this lesson to the kids feels like it will be a continued topic for the foreseeable future. Our daughter has always been eager to share with her big brother however her position on this has changed recently. Her uncle got her some sweet my little pony toys for her birthday she’s quickly become more territorial of the things that are hers. The lessons now are more geared towards our son since we can converse with him. The goal would be for him to lead by example so that they both know that sharing is a good thing but also that its not required if they don’t feel like it.

This weekend we celebrated our daughters 2nd birthday. It was a weekend was full of emotions as friends kids graduated school, and we watched videos of our kids as babies. They have grown so fast over the years. I can say with 100% certainty that time does fly by. Once I was up at 2am cradling my little ones in the first weeks of their lives, and now I jump to attention as they yell out, "more water!!!, more snacks!!!”

Following the rules is something that I cannot pinpoint the age I learned to do. But as a parent I would love to know the answer. Our little one is at the age of questioning "why" This isn't to say that it's a bad thing but in some instances it can feel as if he is questioning our authority. Not taking this to heart every time it comes up we do like to set some rules that have no reason other than they are rules. One example is no toys on the table. This is something that really has no reason other than its a rule that we put in place for the kids to follow. We have to pick our battles though as they do like to test the world they are experiencing. As parents do you put rules in place for the sake of having rules or do you feel less is more. We don't lean towards micro managing our children. It would be too much I feel for us to have to keep up on a long list of things that are ok and not ok. However I feel that something simple like no toys on a table or maybe no shoes in the house (we allow shoes in the house) as an example can be a simple way of introducing them to rules. Im curious though. What rules if any do you have in place for your little one(s)?

We are no stranger to the ER in this house. Today was no exception. When I got in from work my wife told me not to be alarmed, and to ask my son what happened. Already thinking what could it have been I asked my son. He said, "Nothing." To that I asked again well how was your day? Did anything interesting happen? "Meh." he replied. So my wife then informed me that he had taken a small pice of string and put it up his nose. Now we would have brushed it off and figured it would pass but out curious minds led us to the internet where we were flooded with all of the what ifs. So my wife called the nurse line and shortly after she and our son were on their way to the hospital. The dr wasn't too worried and just told us to monitor him and his breathing. Should things change we will head on back. Spoiler alert things are fine and our son had no further issues with the inhaled string. In todays podcast I'd like to talk about re-homing adopted children and Myka Sauffer. This woman went through the adoption process and after some time had passed she and her husband decided that it would be in the best interest of the child to find them a new “Forever Family”

My wife and I always talk about the hypotheticals in life. What would happen if we did this, would you feel this way if something like that happened? The questions go on. I was wondering who our kids would grow up to be? The world is full of so many options for them and I am excited at the thought because I have not even the slightest guess at this time. Im sure as the years go by I will have a general feel for who they will develop into as young adults. However at this time they are still so young and the future is still off in the distant horizon. My wife and I hope to be in a position to help with whatever their endeavors are as they come to find them.

Its finals week in this course and the kids are just as amped as ever. My wife tried to take a test while they were both preoccupied but as soon as the timer started its as if their spider sense tingled and they knew mom wasn't paying attention to them. We also recently took some time this week to take the kids out for a nice little drive. It has been a long time since out daughter was out of the house. Thought we didn't get out of the car it was nice to at least get out of the house. Not much in our area looks to have changed but we did notice some new homes going up in some places.

Taking a look back in the archives with todays podcast. In October of last year I had got to pick up my son from school. It was there that his teacher informed me that he had made an attempt to cut another kids hair. Now this could have very well been the early signs of what may be his calling. However I can’t condone the practicing of cutting hair on a random classmate. Adults leaning the craft spend long hours training for their license to practice the art of cutting hair in a professional setting. They then go on for years to hone their craft. Am I to think that my son with a pair of safety scissors and no formal training would have been capable of providing this little one with the cleanest cut he will probably ever receive? No. So when we got home I fired up the recorder and figured I’d ask about his day. I wanted to see what he would share. Spoiler warning it wasn’t much lol. But please enjoy this snippet of some father son time talking on the microphones.

Sometimes it feels like it’s in one ear, and out the other when talking to the kids. Parenting is never advertised as being an easy job. Anyone who says they had a laid back experience is either part of the exception group or blocked out the challenging times. On today’s podcast I share one of the challenges we are experiencing. Also I share an approach I am currently trying to implement. Parenting doesn’t come with any instructions. There are so many ways we can try to improve and if my experience helps you than I’m glad to have added to the parenting pot. If you guys have any book recommendations, suggestions, or stories leave a comment. It might be something someone including myself has yet to try. Also if your watching this on YouTube please forgive the trailing audio. It syncs up later and is something I’m am still working on fixing when live-streaming.

Online apps have made things like online shopping a breeze as well as added some much need convenience. However in light of the new way of life we are all living while sheltering in place things like ordering food via app have become a real game changer. I am a sit in drive through wait in line kinda guy but a co-worker of mine introduced me to ordering chipotle via the app and after that i’ve been sold on this new no line waiting lifestyle. Recently with the number of cases rising in the country my wife and I looked to what we could further do to lessen out contact with the public. Grocery shopping is still something we all need to do and so we looked into using the app instacart to facilitate our grocery shopping needs. In this episode I share my thought about using the app as well as provide some further context to what ultimately led us to make this decision. As always thank you guys for listening and stay safe.

Sheltering in place has definitely increased our time seeking out other forms of entertainment to pass the time. One has been an increase in the content we have been streaming online. With streaming services like YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime taking the top spots in our home. Renting movies has also increased. We have almost constantly rented one movie per weekend. Maybe this is in part to the fact that we can't go out and see a movie in the theaters or maybe it's that the kids have become tired of some of the shows they have been watching. What have you guys been streaming. Any good movie or show recommendations? Leave a comment I am always on the lookout for a new series or movie.

Today on the podcast Chris stops by to share a little on his time taking the pre birthing course. This is offered at the hospital that his wife and he will bye delivering their son. For the longest time I was always under the impression that it was called lamaze but as Chris explains so delicately I was 100% wrong. Also covered in the podcast is time travel, betting on sports, computer coding, and my son who was also with us injures his finger while playing in the background. Enjoy.

Today on the podcast I get to talk shop with a fellow podcaster Jordan Hauser. He is the creator and host of "The Local 724" podcast located out in Greensburg PA. We start off the conversation with a little covid-19 stuff and how each of our respective states is handling the shelter in place. Then we switch gears and get into a topic I have been long wanting to cover and that is podcasting. As a creative I have not had the time to talk about the creative process of podcasting with anyone and fortunately for me Jordan was. He even left me with some new perspective and motivation towards creating future episodes. Thank you guys for listening and be sure to check out The Local 724 podcast.

Getting the kids to bed can be a chore and a half. The past few nights have been a challenge to say the least. With our youngest one now walking we find that the kids can be there one minute and walking off the next. PJ time, brushing teeth, and winding them down for the night went from a three star difficulty up to a five. We have taken the steps to adapt but like all changes in parenting life this too will take time for us to find that rhythm.

Going on over a week of being sheltered in place lets catch up and get an update on what has been going on.

With the ever changing climate of the coronavirus California has told the state to shelter in place.

Today on the podcast there is an update on the status of the coronavirus as well as some things my family is currently doing to prepare. Smarter people than I can predict what may come and all I can do is hope for the best and be prepared.

Today on the podcast I talk about the coronavirus that is currently causing some people panic, others to worry, and some to think its no big deal. Also when i went to pick up my son the other day from school his teacher had informed me he was using potty words in school. Now we don't use any profanity or bad words in this house so right away my first thoughts were that it must be some other kid influencing out son. But his teacher but my thoughts at ease and let me know that they are actually potty words he's using like poo and pee. My wife and I also got some time to take our son to go see the movie Onward. Now this is not going to be another movie review but rather my experience and thoughts on the film. For a quick and dirty I say go see the film. I give it a solid 10/10 and its going on the list of must own films in our house.

Movie time with the little one. Tonight we took our son to see Frozen 2 in theaters. It was an awesome time that my wife came along to enjoy with us. We want to make more days time dedicated to each of our children one on one or without their sibling. The four of us spend lots of time together and we think its important to take time to show each of them they are special. This is also a Non spoiler review of the film. So no worries if you don’t like spoilers there are non here.

Today I took my son to see the Sonic the Hedgehog movie. This is a spoiler review so if you have not yet seen the film and are planning to I suggest you skip this video.

Sometimes my son likes to talk on the microphones. Thought I don’t post all of the episodes or recordings we make this one was a fun one i thought Id share with you guys. His vocabulary and imagination grows every day and some of the things this little man comes up with really makes me laugh.

One of the things I don't get are the parents who post themselves being extra on social media. On Reddit today I came across a post where a parent had bashed in their kids Xbox with a hammer. This was because they were being disrespectful. Other times online Ive seen parents post their kids throwing tantrums and on one video I saw a father take a shotgun and shoot a laptop or cellphone to teach their daughter a lesson. If you're one of these parents who post what I would classify as extreme levels of disciplinary measures Id love to hear why. Im not saying that one way is better than another but I feel that I am failing to see the point other than to make a grand and public display.

Today on the podcast I wanted to touch on a question my son had asked me about boys being ballerinas. He was watching some cartoon where the boy character was talking about and dancing ballet. After the show he asked me if boys could be ballerinas. Now I am bias when I say this but my kids are lucky to have us as there parents. I told my son yes. This yes should be the end of the conversation for most but for some more is needed. To preface if you are anti LGBTQ+ or feel that ballet is a woman only kinda thing then I will save you some time and let you know that this podcast episode is not for you. With that said consider what it is to form your kids opinions before they have had the opportunity to develop one on their own. As parents all we can do is our best to help our children navigate this world.

Today on the podcast @pj805 stops by to talk about his time in the Marines as well as some of the current work he is doing with the Seabees in the Navy. As a machinist I was really interested to find out that the Marine core has enlisted folks who machine parts. We also talk about some local politics regarding the future of our local Grover Beach dunes, and even get into a little talk about the outdoors. I have been thinking about introducing camping to my son and @pj805 had some good info to share.

Today the guys from @conversationontap podcast stop by the studio. Jose and Joel are both educators in their profession and it was a good time finally getting a face to face with these two.

The decision to become a surrogate is not one to be taken lightly. Offering your time, your body, and health are all things to be considered. On todays podcast Albert and his wife Lizzie stop by to share they story. We discuss the conversation they had leading up to Lizzie deciding to become a surrogate as well as the effects it had on their marriage and family. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate I recommend you do your research and feel free to reach out to Lizzie on her instagram @1luvleefitmommyy if you have any questions about her experience.

In todays episode I talk about the time our son hit his sister in the face. It is never easy as a parent to maintain your cool but Ive made it a point to approach disciplining the kids with a calm approach. Theres no perfect formula for raising kids I feel it is a personal journey as parents have the opportunity to go on and learn what is best for each of our kids.

@slanted.glasses stops by the podcast studio today for some live streaming and catching up. We talk all things from our photography and wedding videography work to our goals for the gym this year. Thank you guys for listening and supporting the podcast.

Hope you all had a safe and happy New Year celebration. It is the end of the decade and I am recording the last podcast of the year with Justin Groth host of his own podcast titled “Straight From The Chest” On the eve of the new year we talk about some of the things people new to the gym might find off-putting but are actually just typical of any commercial gym. With people working on that new year new me its important for those of us who all started out on that same page to be encouraging of others. We also talk big goals for the future and much more.

Late night finishing up some homework in preparation for finals this Friday. As a parent and a full time employee filing the time to get motivated for school can seem very daunting. In todays episode I share some of my thoughts on being back in school as well as give an update on how the kids are doing with this nasty flu bug that has been going around this year.

Today on the Podcast my wife is on and we are discussing plans for a family vacation some time next year. As this year winds down to an end we’ve reflected on the many dynamic changes that we as a family have gone through. The time growing, laughing, as well as the hard times. A family vacation has been long over due and I feel that is has been in most part due to my wife and I not knowing when our kids would be ready.

The shop old timer Marty stops by finally for a sit down on the podcast. In todays episode we talk about what machining was like when he was a young machinist as well as the right to repair movement. Now a days its cheeper to buy a new tv than it is to fix it. When Marty was a kid there was a job for the repair man who would fix things like your tv or washer.

Today my wife is on the podcast. As a couple we often take time (when there is time) at the end of the day to go over the day. Having children often doesn't lend time for couples to have quiet conversation. Today is one of those quiet times we have to ourselves.

In todays podcast I share a bit about our daughters recent MRI visit. Our daughter was having trouble with bowel movements and after a few days of little progress being made we scheduled a visit with her pediatrician. The pediatrician prescribed a powder laxative that we could mix with her bottles. This worked but it was hit or miss. So we then scheduled a visit with a specialist. It was during that visit that they noticed a dimple located on out daughters lower back. Also observed was some slight discoloration of her skin around the dimple. She said it was nothing to be alarmed about but that it could be a result of a tethered spine. Included is a link to some Information that my wife and I read to educate ourselves.

Today on the podcast Im joined by Chris Lambert. He’s an artist, musician, and podcaster. Chris recently released the highly anticipated podcast titled “Your Own Backyard” a mini series documenting the life and disappearance of Kristin Smart. I grew up on the central coast so this story literally hit home. As a father myself I was taken on the emotional ride through this series. Chris and I get into some of the details involved with creating a podcast like this as well as some of the gear he used to capture the audio. There are also spoilers for those who have not listened to his podcast yet so consider yourself warned. I highly recommend you all to take the time if you have not, to go listen to "Your Own Backyard” podcast.

In one of my classes I wrote a short paper on the documentary “Opium Brides” Three of the questions Ive included a link to the video as well as the paper I submitted. It is a hard topic to discuss when talking about some of the suffering other children in this word are exposed to.

In todays podcast I share some of my thought after coming across a video on IG that a parent posted of their little one throwing a huge tantrum. What are your thoughts on sharing that side of your family with the world. Are you for it or do you feel it is something that should remain private?

Missing out on things is something that is all to common for us when we are young. In a recent conversation with a close friend they were concerned with their teenager wanting to pass on going to the prom. It is one thing to pass on a school dance because you don’t want to go however her teenager doesn’t want to go because no one asked them. I didn’t go to my senior prom because I didn’t see the appeal of school dances however later in life I feel as if its something I missed out on. Today on the podcast I share my views on why it’s important to take the time to experience things. In your young life as well as your adult life.

I have tried this a few times in the past and maybe I am forgetful but today we’re giving it another go. In todays episode Im podcasting in the living room while my children play. Going to a dedicated space to create my episodes is nice but sometimes I want to be able to record and spend time with the family.

Today on the podcast my son joins me for some songs and laughs. This is about as random as it gets but it is also a real example of some of the kinds of conversations we have as parents with our children.

Sharing your lives on social media is and has been the latest thing to consume or time however with the opportunity for some to make social media and content creation a source of revenue I was curious what that looks like for families who put their lives up as the content. In todays podcast I talk about some of the things that some might not think about when deciding to embark on a career path of becoming an influencer or content creator. For those with kids I am not here to tell you how to parent but to provide an alternative thought on the topic.

It has been a little while since i’ve last picked up my camera and captured some images. I am happy to announce that I am back at it with the photography and in todays episode I am sharing a little about my first photo session after a long break. For my parents out there when you have a new born you already know that your time is now consumed with caring for your little one. The late nights, early mornings, bottle feedings, and bottle cleanings. Well after a year my wife and I are beginning to find our rhythm once again. This past weekend I had the awesome opportunity to capture some senior portraits. I have only done a few other photo sessions like this before but like riding a bike it was a smooth transition into the regular work flow. The day was overcast and for those who know me an overcast day is a close second to capturing photos during the sunset. As I was capturing the images the thoughts of my children one day being seniors in high school filled my mind and the thoughts of what that will be like. Who will they grow up to become and what will they desire out of this life.