Podcasts about front row dads

Most date nights quietly die for the same reason, and it isn't love. Nobody scheduled it.   Want a taste of what Front Row Dads is actually like? Come sit in on a live Brotherhood Experience. It's 60 minutes on Zoom with Jon and a few other dads, free, and it's the easiest way to find out whether a room like this is for you. You don't have to share, and you don't have to prepare. Dates and sign-up at frontrowdads.com/experience   Jim Sheils wrote The Family Board Meeting, and he and his wife have run a date-night system every week for years. It takes about five minutes to learn. Same day and time every week, locked on the calendar. No phones. And one or two real questions you don't already know the answer to. He is blunt about why it fails. It fails for the same reason the family board meeting fails: that which we schedule gets done. He tells the story of a nine-figure entrepreneur who could not make it stick until Sheils got his assistant on the phone and had her block every week for a year. It has run ever since.   IN THIS EPISODE Why date night fails for the same reason the family board meeting fails The nine-figure entrepreneur whose assistant had to block a full year Same day, same time, every week, and why "we'll find a night" never works Why the phone doesn't come along The difference between "how was your day" and a question that opens someone up What happens after a year of one real question a week Why couples married thirty and forty years still learn something new   FULL EPISODE How Family Board Meetings Can Level Up Your Family Life: https://frontrowdads.com/389  

The thing you keep telling your kid to stop doing might be exactly what they're built for. (Want a taste of what Front Row Dads is actually like? Come sit in on a live Brotherhood Experience. It's 60 minutes on Zoom with Jon and a few other dads, free, and it's the easiest way to find out whether a room like this is for you. You don't have to share, and you don't have to prepare. Dates and sign-up at frontrowdads.com/experience) Giovanni Marsico has spent his career helping people find and use their gifts, and in this Quick Cut from 2024, he turns that lens on parenting. He starts somewhere uncomfortable: under stress, parents fall back on how they were raised, and the fastest word to come out is stop. Stop with the questions. Stop being so loud. Stop being so much. He knows it from the other side. At sixteen, he was producing events, a thousand people at his first party, and what he heard at home was don't do that party thing. The trait underneath the annoyance was the career. Then he catches himself in the same trap in real time, mid-story, with his own endlessly questioning kid. It closes with his eleven-year-old's soccer lesson becoming the family's mantra for the year, get open, which is proof that the learning in a family runs both directions.   IN THIS EPISODE Why stressed parents default to how they were raised The thousand-person party, and being told to stop doing it "Stop with the questions," and the moment Gio caught himself The reframe: the annoying trait is usually the gift, undeveloped How "get open" went from a soccer field to the family's phrase for the year Kids co-creating the family culture, and why it makes them feel powerful   FULL EPISODE Manufacturing Serendipity, Sharing Your Superhero Powers: https://frontrowdads.com/423

Four men. Same question. Two completely different answers: is it powering through strength, or is it avoidance? Want a taste of what Front Row Dads is actually like? Come sit in on a live Brotherhood Experience. It's 60 minutes on Zoom with Jon and a few other dads, free, and it's the easiest way to find out whether a room like this is for you. You don't have to share, and you don't have to prepare. Sign up at frontrowdads.com/experience.   We pulled four opposing takes from across ten years of the archive and let them collide. Brian Johnson opens with the case for hardship: it is supposed to be hard, and the only way to build real trust in yourself is doing what you said you would do, especially when you don't feel like it. Stefanos Sifandos complicates it. The thing you are avoiding is usually the thing you most need to do, and if your drive is sourced from an old wound, it will not hold. His buffalo runs into the storm rather than away from it, together, because that is how you get through faster. Nik Hulewsky takes the other side. After losing his son, man up stopped working, and it was his wife telling him to go see somebody that changed everything. Then Josh Trent turns the question over: we call a 150-hour week courage, and we do not count facing what you feel as hard at all.   IN THIS EPISODE: "It's supposed to be hard": antifragile confidence and doing what you say you'll do Why the thing you're avoiding is usually the thing you most need to do Where your drive is sourced from, and why one built on an old wound won't hold The buffalo that runs into the storm rather than away from it, together, to get through faster "The solution isn't always power through it or be a man": when help is the strong move The courage nobody celebrates: facing what you actually feel   WANT THE BOOKS? The book list we mention in this episode: over 100 books Front Row Dads recommends, the ones that changed how these guys operate at home and at work. Free at frontrowdads.com/books   WANT THE FULL STORY? All four come from full episodes worth your time: - Brian Johnson on heroism and training for the 21st century: frontrowdads.com/412 - Stefanos Sifandos on facing fears and letting go of the past: frontrowdads.com/344 - Nik Hulewsky on the four advantages for entrepreneurs: frontrowdads.com/453 - Josh Trent on the H.A.L.T. framework (hungry, angry, lonely, tired): frontrowdads.com/327  

Quick test: how do you deal with your neediness? If you just cringed, you found your enemy emotion. (Want a taste of what Front Row Dads is actually like? Come sit in on a live Brotherhood Experience. It's 60 minutes on Zoom with Jon and a few other dads, free, and it's the easiest way to find out whether a room like this is for you. You don't have to share, and you don't have to prepare. Dates and sign up at frontrowdads.com/experience)   Psychiatrist Dr. Laura Dabney has spent her career working with successful men who buried three feelings so deep they stopped recognizing them: neediness, anger, and sadness. In this Deep Cut from the vault (recorded in 2019), she maps what each one turns into when it goes underground: neediness becomes compulsive giving, sadness becomes relentless positivity and joking, and anger becomes the blowup you swore you'd never have. Jon goes first: the punched wall, the need for validation he'd been dressing up as contribution, the positivity that was really sadness-avoidance. Then Dabney lays out the way back: accept the feeling, catch yourself invalidating it, journal with a purpose, and start with you before you manage everyone else's reaction. It ends with the story of a patient who couldn't ask a woman on a date and now sends her postcards of his four kids.   IN THIS EPISODE: The cringe test for finding your enemy emotion What buried neediness, anger, and sadness each turn into "Winning, but you don't realize the price you're paying on the flip side" Why being sad in front of people isn't selfish, and why that word is a trap Journaling with a purpose: practicing the right thing instead of rehearsing the wrong one The turnaround story: from suicidal and stuck at home to married with four kids WANT THE BOOKS? The book list we mention in this episode: over 100 books Front Row Dads recommends, the ones that changed how these guys operate at home and at work. Free at frontrowdads.com/books   WANT THE FULL STORY? The full conversation also covers stopping anger before it becomes a blow-up, why men funnel every emotion into sex, and the boundary conversation that saved a military man's marriage. Hear the whole thing: "How Men Deal With Neediness, Anger and Sadness with Dr. Laura Dabney" : frontrowdads.com/74  

Ask young fathers how to raise great kids and you get 72 steps. Ask the old guys and you get two words: just love them. (Want a taste of what Front Row Dads is actually like? Come sit in on a live Brotherhood Experience. It's 60 minutes on Zoom with Jon and a few other dads, free, and it's the easiest way to find out whether a room like this is for you. You don't have to share and you don't have to prepare. Dates and sign-up at frontrowdads.com/experience) David Osborn has built companies, written books, and taken his kids around the world. Ask him what a father is actually for and he goes to Rumi: you're the bow, your kids are the arrows. Your job is to be steady, and let them go. In this quick clip he walks through what that looks like on a normal day — loving his wife hard enough that the kids see it, keeping their world wide, and holding a clear picture of the grandfather he wants to be. And when his 15-year-old walks in and looks at him like he's annoying, he hugs her anyway and tells her the truth: I don't understand you right now, and you probably don't understand me, but I love you.   IN THIS EPISODE: - Rumi's bow and arrow: what a dad is actually for - "Keep exposing them" — why he keeps widening their world - Loving his wife hard, where the kids can see it - The vision he's working backward from, right down to the grandkids - What he says to a teenager who finds him annoying   WANT THE BOOKS? The book list we mention in this episode: over 100 books Front Row Dads recommend, the ones that changed how these guys operate at home and at work. Free at frontrowdads.com/books   WANT THE FULL STORY? The full conversation goes into Osborn's Nepal orphanage trip with his son, raising wealthy kids without entitlement, and letting teenagers graduate to autonomy. Hear the whole thing: "Unlocking Adventure, Fatherhood, and a Life of Purpose with David Osborn" -> frontrowdads.com/476  

Having the same realization five times doesn't mean you failed the first four.   Episode 3 of Walk With Jon. No studio, no script, no guest, no editing. Jon Vroman on a walking trail near his house, thinking out loud. The audio is rough on purpose. He even fumbles an old saying mid-walk and leaves it in: "Like I said, these are unscripted mistakes and all." Jon walked this one listening to his own voice notes from the last five to eight years. A week earlier he'd pulled out a bin holding 30 to 50 journals, most of them a quarter filled and abandoned. Going back through all of it, he noticed he keeps having the same realizations, over and over, each time a little deeper. His take on why: "It's not about learning something new. It's about remembering something true." Self-reflection is a workout, not a graduation. You don't go to the gym once and stay strong. He's honest about the other side of reviewing decades of your own notes: the shame of feeling like you should be further ahead, and the sheer number of things a man is supposed to master. But the point of this walk is the honoring. Front Row Dads turns ten in October 2026, back in Philadelphia where it started, and Jon has watched men keep showing up for that entire run. His ask this morning is simple: put your hand on your heart and thank yourself for showing up and doing the work.   IN THIS WALK: Listening back to five to eight years of his own voice notes The bin of 30 to 50 journals, most of them mostly blank "It's not always about learning something new, it's about remembering what's true" The shame of "I should be further ahead," and the comparison game Ten years of Front Row Dads, October 2026, back to Philadelphia Hand on your heart: thank yourself for showing up The homework: a friend found one recurring pattern across 25 years of journals. What are yours?   Jon reads every reply. Send your thoughts to team@frontrowdads.com. And if this one hit home, share it with another brother and start the conversation. Front Row Dads is a brotherhood of family men with businesses, not businessmen with families. To learn more, go to frontrowdads.com.  

"I would say to my wife, I need to get to the coffee shop by seven, because I couldn't be hassled by the kids in the morning." For ten years, Jon Vroman has asked the questions on this show. To close the first week of Good Questions, he answers them. This is Jon in the hot seat: how the man who founded Front Row Dads would have introduced himself before it existed (speaker, charity founder, ultramarathoner... and, toward the end of the list, a husband and dad), what he believed fatherhood was in the early years, and what he would do differently if he could start over. He is honest about the survival seasons, six figures in the bank to six figures in debt, and about the beliefs underneath his choices. Then he lays out what changed: a calendar that puts his kids first, the shift from providing for his boys to nurturing them, the rite of passage he is building through their 10-to-20 decade, and the one invitation he would give every father listening.   IN THIS EPISODE: "What do you do?" answered by the old Jon and the new one What he valued before: achievement, progress, significance, and a calendar that proved it The coffee-shop-by-seven confession, and the belief about fatherhood hiding underneath it Six figures in the bank to six figures in debt: the survival season nobody romanticizes The 7-to-9am block on his calendar that just says "kids" Nurturing the spirit of the child in front of you, and the 10-to-20 rite of passage decade The invitation: find your crew and lean in all the way  

The greatest gift you can give your kids has nothing to do with them. Episode 2 of Walk With Jon. No studio, no script, no guest, no editing. Jon Vroman on a walking trail near his house, thinking out loud, this time with his dog Davy along for the walk. The audio is rough on purpose: wind, footsteps, and a dog on a leash are part of the deal. Jon has been doing interviews for the Front Row Dads book, due out late 2026 or early 2027, and two of those conversations ended up in the same place. The first was about the tagline, family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, and where it came from. In Jon's words, it was born out of failure: first he needed the $5,000 speech to take care of his family, then how could he say no to $10,000, then $30,000, because he was doing it for his family. The question he asks now: do our kids need that extra income, or do they need dad at home? The second was with a member whose daughter is about to leave home. Her advice to her dad: figure out who you are, and go do those things. That line is the seed of the whole walk, and where it lands is where Jon suspects the book lands too: "The greatest gift that you can give is self-love and self-respect." Not something you tell your kids. Something you model.   IN THIS WALK:   The Front Row Dads book: interviews underway, out late 2026 or early 2027 The $5,000 to $30,000 speaking fee trap, and hiding behind "I'm doing it for my family" A member's daughter with the best advice on the walk: figure out who you are, and go do those things James Van Der Beek, and the identity that survives when illness strips the others away Who is Jon without Tatiana? Why every unenforced boundary traces back to the same root: self-respect   Jon reads every reply. Send your thoughts to team@frontrowdads.com. And if this one hit home, share it with another brother and start the conversation. Front Row Dads is a brotherhood of family men with businesses, not businessmen with families. To learn more, go to frontrowdads.com.  

There are two lessons available when something in your life keeps hurting. One is to get tougher. The other is to walk away. Most men only ever get coached on the first one.   WHAT THIS IS This is the first episode of something new we're calling Walk With Jon. No studio, no script, no guest, no editing. Just Jon Vroman on a walking trail near his house, thinking out loud. In his words: "What I don't want to do is stand at my desk anymore at my expensive microphone and try to record the highest quality show. I thought, if we were friends and on the phone and talking to each other, it would sound like this. You'd hear the wind in the background, the crunch of the rocks under my feet. It wouldn't be the highest quality audio, but it would be authentic. It would be real. You would be with me." So yes, the audio is rougher than what you're used to from us. That's the point. No edits, no stops, no re-records. His words again: "just mistakes, back steps, corrections throughout." In a world where you can't always tell what's real and what came out of a machine, these are his unfiltered thoughts as he walks. He also asks for two things up front. That you send feedback and tell him what you'd want him to think through out loud, because he's a verbal processor and this helps him as much as it helps you. And that you allow him to change his mind later, because that's what growth looks like.   WHAT HE'S THINKING ABOUT THIS MORNING He calls it the nut-kicking line. Picture standing in a line where you keep getting kicked, and a coach beside you saying the lesson is resilience. Toughen up. Build grit. Focus your attention somewhere else. Sometimes that's exactly right. But Jon's point is that there's a second lesson almost nobody coaches, which is that you're allowed to step out of the line. Learning to let go, to say no, to move on, is also a lesson. He works it through his own three ultramarathons, one of which he thinks genuinely hurt him, and then through marriages, business partners, employees, and kids of divorce who say they wish their parents had separated sooner. Both paths have beautiful stories. Both have regrets. As he puts it: "All of it's true." The question he lands on isn't which one is right. It's what you'd hear if you got quiet and honest enough to ask yourself.   IN THIS WALK: Why he's recording on a trail instead of at his desk, and what unfiltered is worth right now Why he reserves the right to change his mind, and why that's growth and not flip-flopping The nut kicking line, and the two very different lessons hiding inside it His 52-mile walk-run in 2006, doing it again in 2007, and the anniversary run ten years later that cost him Whether ultra-endurance events serve your body or only your mindset, and where David Goggins fits Ben Greenfield trading hard training for long walks, and what shifting seasons looks like Where this shows up for real: marriages, business partners, employees, and children of divorce Why he believes there are no bad decisions, only decisions, and that even the hard ones come with blessings It's okay to not be okay, and even indecision is a decision The Hoffman Institute method his friend David uses: asking your emotional body, mind, heart, and spirit separately, then integrating the answers Jon's four core values: truth, love, respect, responsibility Front Row Dads turning 10, and heading back to Philadelphia where it started in 2016 Jon reads every reply. If something here landed, or if you think he's wrong about it, tell him. He'd say the disagreement is as useful as the agreement, because it shows you what you actually believe. _________________________________________________________ Front Row Dads is a brotherhood of family men with businesses, not businessmen with families. Nearly a thousand men have come through the community in our first ten years. To learn more, go to frontrowdads.com.  

Karen McMahon sits down with Brent Perkins, founder of 3x Bold and director of leadership at Front Row Dads, to unpack a pattern she sees constantly in her work with high-achieving men going through divorce: they know how to control themselves, but they were never taught capacity, the ability to stay present in emotional, messy, or uncertain moments without fixing or shutting down. Brent built seven and eight-figure companies, led global teams, and did everything right on paper, until his marriage ended and forced him to confront the patterns his success had never solved. In this conversation, he and Karen explore why divorce becomes a mirror that reveals exactly where a man was performing instead of feeling, controlling instead of trusting, and fixing instead of listening. Together they break down what capacity actually means, energy, attention, and presence, and why building it changes everything from a marriage to a business to a relationship with a teenager. Brent shares the men's work he's done through Front Row Dads, why giving advice almost always makes things worse, and how learning to sit in silence with his own daughter transformed their relationship. He also introduces two practical tools listeners can use immediately: the 60-second timeout and the shift from expectations to agreements, both simple, both surprisingly powerful. This episode is for any man who has felt the ground shift beneath him during a divorce and sensed there was a deeper pattern at play, and for any woman who wants to understand what that experience looks like from the inside. Karen McMahon is the founder of Journey Beyond Divorce and a high conflict divorce strategist who has spent years helping men move through high-conflict divorce with clarity, steadiness, and strength. Connect with Brent Free Gift: Capacity Strategy Session: You couldn't see the pattern that's stealing your capacity while you're still in it. Nobody can. This 20-minute complimentary session shows you what's actually happening, so you have the power to write your next chapter differently. https://www.3xbold.com/strategy Website: www.3xBold.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentrperkins/ Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod Curated Podcast Playlists: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/

The more you can give your kids, the easier it is to spoil them. That's the quiet worry of every dad working hard to provide, so we went into the vault for this Deep Cut and pulled a teaching that's stuck with our members for years. In a member-only Front Row Dads workshop, financial planners Andrew Lisi and Adam Stock of Next Level Planning Group lay out a simple framework for raising grounded kids: three guiding principles (grace, gratitude, and generosity) and their opposites (pride, envy, and greed), which double as the warning signs a kid is drifting toward entitlement. It gets practical fast: chores vs. allowance, need vs. want, teaching kids to earn and invest, and the line worth writing down: "A luxury once enjoyed becomes a necessity." The theme underneath it all: kids catch our values from how we live, not from the lecture. As Andrew puts it, "thank before you bank."   IN THIS EPISODE: The 3 guiding principles: grace, gratitude, generosity The 3 spoiling indicators: pride, envy, greed "Give first, save second, live off what's left over" Chores vs. allowance, need vs. want, and teaching kids to earn and invest Why it starts with the parents, not the lecture   Join the brotherhood: https://frontrowdads.com  

On a topic dads argue about constantly, we found near-total agreement.  In this Dads Agree episode we play four takes from past Front Row Dads guests who — without ever comparing notes — all landed in the same place: work-life balance is a myth.  Chris Ducker calls it a myth outright.  Tucker Max says balance is "bullsh*t" because work is part of life. Dave Allred argues "the price of greatness is imbalance."  And Eric Wohlwend offers the fix: "quit trying to balance and start to integrate."  The word they all reach for instead of balance? Integration.   IN THIS EPISODE: • Chris Ducker — why "balance" is a myth • Tucker Max — work is part of life; integrate, don't balance • Dave Allred — "the price of greatness is imbalance" (greatness comes in seasons) • Eric Wohlwend — the fix: integrate, and "be where you are, 100%"   THE CLIPS IN THIS EPISODE COME FROM THESE ORIGINAL CONVERSATIONS: • Chris Ducker — episode 60: https://frontrowdads.com/60 • Tucker Max — episode 115: https://frontrowdads.com/115 • Dave Allred — episode 401: https://frontrowdads.com/401 • Eric Wohlwend — episode 374: https://frontrowdads.com/374   Where do you land on work-life balance? Reply and tell us. Join the brotherhood: https://frontrowdads.com

The words you repeat about your kids become the story they believe about themselves. In this Deep Cut we  share a summit teaching from Chris and Melissa Smith of Family Brand.  They tells the story of how they accidentally made thier own son "shy" , just by repeating the word,  and then shows how to use language to build your child's identity on purpose. The core idea: "Language is the fundamental element of creation."   IN THIS EPISODE: • The "shy son" story — how a repeated label took hold • "Language is the fundamental element of creation — whatever you keep saying, you're creating" • How to speak identity into your kids on purpose (invitations, not commands) • Why it starts with how you see yourself — "the greatest thing I've ever done for my parenting is learn to love me"   ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This is a Deep Cut — a focused segment pulled from member-exclusive Front Row Dads summit content, shared here on the public feed. Guests: Chris & Melissa Smith of Family Brand.   Join the brotherhood: https://frontrowdads.com

Nick Foster has been a Front Row Dads member since 2021. He's also the founder of Foster Financial, a husband to his high school sweetheart Carrie, and a dad to three kids. This week, Nick sits down with Jon to talk about what happens after you build the business. Nick spent 10 years building his CPA firm to $2.7 million and 13 employees. Then he stepped back and hit the question a lot of successful dads eventually face: now what? This conversation is about the first mountain (achievement, the grind, proving yourself) and the second mountain (giving, presence, being a good human), and what it actually looks like to make that shift while raising a family. Nick gets honest about a lot in this one. What you'll hear: → The wall with his teenage daughter and how he keeps showing up → Building a $2.7M business and the weight nobody talks about → Losing your identity when the business is no longer the target → The little brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters who changed his life → What actually makes his marriage work after 18 years → The thing his wife does that triggers him (and how he's learning to handle it) → Teaching kids about money, including the Roth IRA move most parents miss → The birthday tradition that makes him cry every time → From atheist to a man of faith If you've been climbing hard and quietly wondering whether it's the right mountain, this one is worth your time.

What can a few days on Richard Branson's private island teach you about being a better father, husband, and man? In this episode, Jon sits down with Adam Holt and Derek Notman, the founders of Rebl Dads. Rebl is a community a lot like Front Row Dads, built to serve high-performing entrepreneurial men who want to be great dads. We love showcasing other groups that are doing real work for fathers, and these two are the real deal. Adam and Derek share the wild story of how a bucket-list trip to Necker Island turned into a brotherhood, a mission, and a book co-authored by Richard Branson himself. Along the way, they get into what Branson is actually like behind the scenes (humble, present, makes his own coffee), the one question he asked that changed the entire direction of their work, and the deeper conversation about self-love that every ambitious dad needs to hear. This one goes from entertaining to vulnerable fast. If you've ever struggled to slow down, forgive yourself, or believe you're doing enough as a father, this conversation will land. What you'll hear in this episode: → How Adam and Derek met and built a friendship through a shared project → The Necker Island story and how Derek signed a massive contract before he had the money or the men → What Richard Branson is really like when no one's performing → The bike crash, the chess game, the coffee, and the lessons hiding inside each one → The one question Branson asked that launched the book → How they interviewed 103 dads in 7 months to write it → The "AM I" framework: do your actions and mindset align with your intentions? → Jon's honest admission about not fully loving himself, and what it means for fatherhood → Restorative vs punitive energy and the idea of giving someone "safe passage" in your mind   Learn more about Adam, Derek, and the Rebl Dads community: rebldads.com   More From Front Row Dads:

This week on the show, All-In Front Row Dads member Dave Powders pulls out a decade of notes and shares the 5 best lessons he's learned in 10 years of brotherhood. These are the tips that have made him a better father, a better husband, and a more present man at home. Short, practical, and worth your time. What you'll hear in this episode: Tip 1: Your calendar reflects your priorities. From Adam Stock. Why looking at your week tells you the truth about where your attention actually goes. Tip 2: When you take care of yourself, you're better equipped to take care of your family. From Jay Papasan. Why the Miracle Morning, sleep, meditation, and small habits compound into a better dad. Tip 3: The Family Board Meeting. From Jim Sheils. Why a one-on-one day with each kid every 90 days might be the most impactful thing you do as a parent. Tip 4: Ask your kids at night, "What was the best part of your day?" A simple question that helps them go to sleep lighter and opens up the conversation you didn't know they needed. Tip 5: You're not just responsible for your actions. You're responsible for your reactions. From Adam Stock. The meditation practice that grew Dave's EQ and changed how his kids talk to each other.   About the Front Row Dads Brotherhood: Front Row Dads is a community of family men with businesses, not businessmen with families. We've spent the last 10 years building the resources, frameworks, and brotherhood that help dads win at home and at work. If you're ready to be in the room with men who get it, learn more at frontrowdads.com. One More Thing: We just dropped a curated list of the best family games from our community. Card games, board games, dinner table games, and after-dinner favorites. All vetted by 300+ Front Row Dads who play with their families. Free download here: frontrowdads.com/games  

Today's episode is a Father's Day roundtable. Jon sits down with three Front Row Dads, Mike Chu, Scott Seymour, and Austin Distel, for an honest conversation about what it actually means to be a great dad. Before we get into it, we have a quick favor. We're working on making the podcast better for you and we'd love your feedback. If you have 2 minutes, please fill out our podcast survey here: forms.gle/JnJQUZR9Pt7d7fvG7 Now to the episode. This one isn't tactical. It's not about parenting hacks or systems. It's four men getting real about what Father's Day brings up, why self-love is the foundation of being a great dad, and the inner work most men never talk about out loud. Mike opens up about going from a man who hated himself to one who is finally proud of who he's becoming. Scott shares his journey from being suicidal to seeing himself as divine. Austin reflects on what it means to consciously prepare for fatherhood with his wife now pregnant with their first child. And Jon brings the framework he learned recently from a father whose son was murdered by a 14-year-old, and what it taught him about restorative versus punitive energy, both with others and with himself. If you've ever wondered why being a great dad feels harder than it should, this one will land. The hardest part of fatherhood isn't your kids. It's the relationship you have with yourself. What you'll hear in this conversation: → Why Father's Day brings up grief, guilt, pressure, and complexity for most dads  → The punitive vs restorative framework and how it changes how you treat yourself  → Why self-love is one of the strongest things a man can practice  → How Mike's relationship with his dad shaped a decade of self-punishment  → Scott on why your kids only do what they see  → Austin's unplanned solo trip to Panama and why play might be the highest form of self-love → The Azeem story and what restorative energy actually looks like  → What each man hopes his kids will know about themselves above everything else  → Why even lone wolves need to recharge by the pack If this conversation moves you to want to dig deeper into the books that have shaped how Front Row Dads think about fatherhood, marriage, business, and brotherhood, our community-curated book list is here: frontrowdads.com/books   Connect with the guests: Jon Vroman: instagram.com/jonvroman  Mike Chu: instagram.com/mike__chu  Scott Seymour: instagram.com/journey_of_man  Austin Distel: instagram.com/austindistel

What happens when you raise boys with earth-based traditions, rites of passage, and the wilderness as their classroom? Tim Corcoran has spent 25 years answering that question. He's the founder of Twin Eagles Wilderness School in North Idaho, a rites of passage guide, wilderness mentor, and father of two sons. He's mentored kids from age 6 through adulthood, taken over 100 men through vision quests, and built a community where families stay for 15 years because of the impact on their children. In this conversation with Jon Vroman, Tim breaks down what rites of passage actually are, why boys need challenge and mentorship from men beyond their fathers, and what 25 years of nature-based mentoring has taught him about raising grounded, confident, capable young men. Front Row Dads is partnering with Tim for an exclusive father-son wilderness adventure this fall. → https://frontrowdads.com/fatherson In This Interview: → Why earth-based traditions are needed now more than ever to raise boys into men  → What a rite of passage actually is and why the term is widely misused  → The difference between initiation and rite of passage and why it matters  → Why Tim said no to leading rites of passage for 7 years until the community was ready  → What the father-son wilderness adventure looks like (5 days, no screens, no phones, real challenge)  → The developmental path from age 6 through vision quest and why each stage builds on the last  → Why boys need a village of men and not just one father to model after  → What happens when you initiate emotional maturity in boys at 13 instead of waiting until 45 → Jon's personal experience at the father-son trip and what it revealed about his own edges This Conversation Is For You If: → You're a father raising boys and you want more than sports and school to shape who they become  → You've been looking for a meaningful father-son experience that goes deeper than a vacation → You want your son to be grounded, emotionally mature, and ready to lead before he leaves home  → You believe boys need challenge, nature, and trusted men in their lives → You're an entrepreneur or business owner and you want your son to see you do hard things Next Step: Front Row Dads is partnering with Twin Eagles Wilderness School for an exclusive father-son wilderness adventure this fall. Limited to 10 families. If you want to experience what Tim has been building for 25 years with your son, details are here: → https://frontrowdads.com/fatherson Connect With Tim Corcoran: Twin Eagles Wilderness School: twineagles.org  Purpose Mountain (adult vision quests & purpose discovery): purposemountain.com  

What does mature masculinity actually look like in fatherhood, marriage, and leadership? Jeddy Azuma of Rising Man joins Front Row Dads to talk about rites of passage, masculine presence, and why boys need initiated men. In this Front Row Dads interview, Jeddy Azuma shares a grounded and honest look at mature masculinity, fatherhood, rites of passage, and the role men play in creating safety, stability, and leadership at home. Jeddy is the founder of Rising Man and helps men step into deeper responsibility, purpose, and masculine presence. In this conversation, he and Jon Vroman explore the difference between containment and control, why masculine leadership is often about having "the lowest heart rate in the room," and how men can stop making everything about themselves — even when they think they are serving others. A major theme of the episode is initiation. Jeddy explains why fathers may not be the ones to initiate their own sons, why boys need trusted men and "uncles" in their lives, and why modern men still need rites of passage to mark important transitions. This conversation is especially relevant for fathers, husbands, and business owners who want to lead with more presence, emotional maturity, and strength — without bringing battle energy into the home. In this interview: What mature masculinity looks like in fatherhood, marriage, and leadership The difference between containment and control in masculine energy Why fathers may not be able to initiate their own sons into manhood How rites of passage help boys and men mark major life transitions The hidden cost of bringing warrior energy into the home Why men need brotherhood to process emotions before they spill onto the family How fathers can model courage by doing hard things themselves This conversation is for you if: You're a father who wants to raise strong, emotionally grounded sons You're a husband trying to lead at home without controlling everyone around you You're a business owner who carries pressure, intensity, and battle energy into family life You're a man who knows he needs deeper brotherhood, challenge, and initiation You want to become more present, steady, and mature for the people you love most Next Step: If you're a family man with a business and you want to become more intentional as a father, husband, and leader, Family First is the next step. frontrowdads.com/familyfirst Connect with Jeddy Azuma: Website: risingman.org/compass Instagram: @JeddyAzuma #Fatherhood #RitesOfPassage #MatureMasculinity #MensWork #FrontRowDads

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Jefe Greenheart — filmmaker, documentary maker, and one of the most beloved brothers in the Front Row Dads community. If Episode 1 was about who Jefe is, this one is about how he actually lives it out. He breaks down his Three P Framework for parenting — Presence, Play and Patience — and gets honest about why driven, creative dads like him struggle most with the one that should come easiest. He shares the phone commitment that changed how he shows up at home, how to film your kids without losing the moment, and why Play might be the most underrated tool in a dad's arsenal. Then the conversation opens up into something bigger. Jefe shares the vision behind Story House, his Austin studio built intentionally close to home, and a new offering he's developing called the Video Letter of Wishes — the piece he believes is missing from every family's estate plan. Not the money. The wisdom. In this episode: The 3 P Framework and why Patience alone won't cut it How to capture your family's moments without losing presence The annual highlight film tradition every dad should steal Why your story is a gift — and it's time to share it  

Jefe Greenheart is a filmmaker, documentary maker, and one of the most beloved brothers in the Front Row Dads community. He's been with us for seven years and this conversation was worth every one of them. Before he was behind the camera telling other people's stories, Jefe was on the verge of something big — a PBS pilot that could have made him a household name. Then COVID hit. Then life hit harder. And somewhere in the middle of his wife Kelly's health crisis, a solar eclipse on a paddleboard, and a long-overdue conversation with his estranged father, Jefe found what he was actually here to do. In this episode we talk about: Walking away from fame to be present for two kids Carrying your family through a dark season without losing yourself The "sacred interview" that healed years of silence with his dad Why your family's story is more valuable than you think — and how to capture it before it's gone Part 2 of this conversation drops in two days. You're going to want to hear it.  

Jon sits down with Scott Seymour, conscious partnership coach, men's work facilitator, and the newest leader inside Front Row Dads. This conversation explores what makes Scott the kind of man that other men immediately trust. They get into his formula for making real friends, the corner man concept, unconditional love vs boundaries, and what it actually looks like to show up for another human without an agenda. A few things that stand out: trust is built in droplets and lost in buckets. Two acronyms that change how you show up in every conversation (WAIT and HALE). And the idea that everyone you meet is just a mirror showing you something about yourself. If you want deeper friendships but don't know how to get past the surface with other men, this one's for you.

This conversation was originally shared inside the Front Row Dads community — just for members. But it was too important to keep behind closed doors. Ali Jafarian sits down with Philip McKernan — world-class speaker, coach to pro athletes and top executives, and the man leading a retreat for FRD fathers at a 500-year-old castle in Ireland this June. Philip also led two powerful sessions at FRD Live 2025. They dig into the hidden guilt driving so much of our parenting, why doing the opposite of your own father still isn't authentic, and whether who you are — not what you do — is actually enough for your kids. Philip says something you won't forget: if you can't find value in just sitting with your child doing nothing, it doesn't matter what you do for the next 25 years.  

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be stressful. Front Row Dad Jason Bronstad (married 21 years) breaks down how to ditch the performative stuff and actually reconnect with your wife. He shares practical moves any dad can do this weekend — a connection signal, a no-agenda date, and one powerful question most men are afraid to ask. Want to keep leveling up your marriage? Grab the top book recommendations from 300+ Front Row Dads — including the relationship books that changed the game for us — https://frontrowdads.com/books/  

What does real brotherhood look like for dads? One of the most powerful parts of Front Row Dads is something called a Band — a small group of men who meet regularly to go deep on life together. Not surface-level stuff. Not backyard BBQ small talk. The real stuff. The hard stuff. The stuff most men never talk about with anyone. In this episode, we're sharing something we've never released publicly before: a portion of an actual Band meeting. Our meetings usually run about 3 hours. This is just over an hour — a sample of what it sounds like when men do the work together. You'll hear Jon Vroman, Hal Elrod, Justin Donald, Dane Espegard, and Tim Nikolaev show up, put in the reps, and have the kind of conversations that change how you show up as a man, a husband, and a dad. They talk about: → Faith and what it means to pray out loud for the first time at 50 → Losing your spark — and the work it takes to get it back → The difference between surviving a year and actually thriving → Goals, dreams, and the accountability most men are missing → Why brotherhood isn't optional anymore And yes — there's plenty of humor. They give each other a hard time. They laugh. They interrupt. Tim almost walks out of the meeting. That's part of it too. But what you'll really hear is what it sounds like when men trust each other enough to tell the truth. A lot of guys tell us that joining a Band has been one of the most impactful decisions of their life. This episode will show you why. If you know another dad who needs this kind of brotherhood in his life — share this with him.  

What if community is currency and you can never truly be broke? In this episode, Eric Farewell shares how he helps founders grow their businesses while staying grounded in purpose, presence, and resilience. Eric is an entrepreneur, author, and somatic business coach who has built industry-shaping brands like Aviator Paramotor and National STOL. He's a devoted husband and father of three whose journey through loss, injury, and burnout led him to redefine what success truly means. Eric retired at 35 (four years ago) after 26 years of building businesses since age 13. In his book Farewell to Normal and through his coaching with the Royals Mastermind, Eric helps founders cut their efforts by at least 50% while doubling revenue. His work week is usually about 90 minutes, allowing him to be deeply present with his family and use the wisdom of his experience instead of the abilities of his brain. Eric moved halfway across the country to be closer to his community in Texas, specifically the Front Row Dads mastermind. He's on the board of Rising Man, which specializes in Native American style rites of passage for men and boys. Eric reveals the relationships that transformed him: his wife, who for 16 years of marriage has reminded him he's a good man and makes good decisions, keeping him from the brink more times than he can count when their marriage was in crisis before they found therapy and somatic work; his first mentor Alex Ozzi, whom he met at an internet marketing conference at age 13 and followed puppy dog style, moving to California and living in his garage from ages 13 to 21, learning that having a mentor who's where you want to go is absolutely imperative; and his Front Row Dads community in Texas (especially Jason Bro who challenges him more than anyone and gives him more love from another man than he's ever received), teaching him that community is currency and you need mentors, coaches you pay way too much for, and community that builds you up and holds you accountable when you fail.   [00:03:40] Retired at 35 Retired four years ago at age 35, been building businesses since age 13 This is not first retirement but this one actually took For him, addiction to producing was tied directly to childhood abuse and trauma Four years ago realized he didn't need to be the best worker to matter anymore [00:04:20] Serving Entrepreneurs Who Want More Stepped down as CEO, moved halfway across country from companies two years ago Work week is usually about 90 minutes, using wisdom of experience instead of abilities of brain Serves entrepreneurs and founders who are waking up spiritually Goal: Cut efforts by 50%, increase revenue by double (some reduce hours 70-80%) [00:05:40] Legacy Is Relationships Most proud of clients reducing hours 70-80% while increasing revenue Legacy is not money in bank account, it's relationships with people and family Marriage was in crisis (relationship is over, how do we cut things apart) Found therapy and somatic work, now have best relationship he can imagine [00:07:00] The Hardest Year but the Happiest Hardest year in at least last nine years (financially, emotionally, death in family) Got dozed in February, tariffed in April, had to lay off half of team Production truck and trailer flipped in Montana, caught fire, burned to ground Because of the work he's done, genuinely the happiest he's ever been [00:08:20] Started Selling Airplanes on the Internet Started in 1999 selling airplanes on this new thing called the internet ADHD kids not designed to build airplanes, so sold them instead Turned into hundreds of airplanes sold over next five years Became internet marketing career, retired from that at 23 [00:09:00] Flying as First Form of Therapy Flying was first taste of perspective shift (like Burning Man or therapy for others) Astronauts call it the overlook effect Built para motor flight school, manufacturing business, media company, aircraft racing series Many clients will never go to therapy, but flying is great tool for them [00:09:40] Losing His Brother Changed Everything Seven years ago lost his brother at age 22 (had three-month-old son) Brother was first employee at Aviator Huge wake up call about what really mattered Had been chasing constantly moving goalposts (million, 5 million, 10 million, 25 million) [00:10:20] Logo Tattooed on Bodies Worldwide Logo tattooed on ton of bodies all over the world Clients call it a family, vociferous fans, massive fans Racing series has one part-time employee and 1600 volunteers For-profit business with volunteers who believe in mission and love community [00:10:40] Why Do I Work a Hundred Hours a Week? Started journey looking inward at why he does this Would work 100 hours a week then crash every three months into fever Got vasectomy, was back on field working 24 hours later Worked that way because that's where he felt loved [00:11:20] Presence Is the Core of Everything Realized presence is the core of everything Presence is the absence of fear, love's antithesis of fear Presence is truest version of love you can give yourself and world Everything else good in life is byproduct of choice to be deeply present [00:13:00] Living with the Pain For 22 years used alcohol as primary numbing agent for pain Broken back twice, five radiated discs, broken vertebrae (was test pilot) Haven't had drink in almost two weeks, got curious about living with discomfort Doesn't want anything that ties him to fear, so sitting in the pain [00:16:40] Wife Kept Him from the Brink Number one most valuable relationship is his wife For 16 years of marriage, reminds him he's a good man who makes good decisions Her guidance and encouragement kept him from brink more times than he can count Marriage went from crisis to best relationship through therapy and somatic work [00:17:00] Following Alex Ozzi at 13 At 13 got first mentor, went to internet marketing conference, met Alex Ozzi Followed him puppy dog style, begged to make coffee, carry briefcase Ended up moving to California, living in his garage Followed him conference to conference from ages 13 to 21 [00:17:20] The Three Things You Need Mentor who is where you want to go, who's lived life you want to live Coach you pay way too much money to (makes it uncomfortable so you follow through) Community that builds you up and holds you accountable when you fail Those three things are absolute must [00:18:20] Moving to Texas for Community Moved halfway across country because community is in Texas Found mastermind called Front Row Dads (John Broman) focused on family Came to Texas with family, realized more friends here than Florida Five weeks later moved here to double down on having men who challenge him [00:18:40] Jason Bro Gives More Hell Than Anyone Jason Bro (CEO at Ma) gives more hell than anyone else Eric's met Also gives more love than Eric's ever received from another man Deeply present, engaged, challenges the crap out of him Wants relationships that challenge him to be best version and pick him up [00:22:00] Cooking for Everyone Grew up in French restaurant, started working there at age seven Worked every position from line cook to dishwasher to bartender At Aviator, if you're learning to fly, you ate meal Eric prepared first day At National STOL, cook for 100-200 people three meals a day (all volunteers) [00:22:40] The Moment He No Longer Had to Carry the Energy Sat down for lunch at Aviator with about 30 people Someone sat next to him and asked "So what do you do here?" They didn't know he was founder or CEO That's the moment he no longer had to carry energy of whole organization [00:23:00] Community Is Currency From Preston Smiles and Garin Jones (Garin Oay): "Community is currency" So many people fear going broke, not having enough, failing Problem is fear based on tangible idea that universe is finite (it's not) When you have community, you can't ever truly be broke [00:23:40] Millions Lost This Year Father-in-law hung himself, business suffered massively from canceled contracts and tariffs Millions and millions of dollars lost this year Yet in community, realized he's building coaching program with incredible people Doesn't do social media marketing, no interest in being that person ever again [00:24:40] Asking for Withdrawals Community only becomes currency when you ask for support Garin said: "You're not asking for help. Biggest bridges are suspension bridges, need support" Each of us in different places in lives, can offer different levels of support In mastermind, do ton of testing (Gene Keys, Human Design, Enneagram, Kolby, Working Genius) [00:25:00] Partnering People's Genius If someone is high quick start and another is high fact finder, partner them Quick start can temper fact finder, fact finder can challenge quick start Same thing exists in relationships All you have to do is ask for support because rising tide lifts all ships [00:26:00] Michael Dash Asked Where He Could Help Michael Dash asked where he could help Eric said he loves being on podcasts if Michael has any friends That was an invitation Michael offered Not natural for Eric, he'd rather give support (then he's in control, can't be turned down) [00:27:00] Jesse Elder's Lesson on Giving Jesse pointed out: when you give to someone who appreciates it, amazing feeling But by not allowing others to give to you, you're depriving them of same experience It's stealing from them Can't have one-sided relationship, there must be reciprocity [00:30:00] The 65-Foot Boat Experience Client Michael concerned about how he'd contribute to Kevin's event Two days later called back with idea: offer 65-foot boat for Seattle water experience Could have been time when Kevin said "you don't need to do that" Would have been worst thing for Michael who put two days of thought into it [00:32:20] The Truth of the Last Year Wrote second book, realized first 10 chapters sounded like hero's journey Wrote afterward about reality: all the hardships of last year These things are still hard, difference is capacity to be present with them Learning that level of intimacy changes every relationship [00:33:00] Most Masculine Thing You Can Do Learning to ask in way that's not demeaning of masculinity or polarity Most masculine thing: truly open visor and show what's inside Show your fear, show your pain, be with someone and let them see They can hold it [00:34:00] The Royals Mastermind Group for men and women who want to step into their king or queen energy Not overwhelmed, not living in fear or anxiety Deeply present with all that is End goal: businesses that work to support us, build legacies that matter [00:35:00] The Deeper Relationship There may be deeper relationship you've overlooked: relationship with yourself While outside relationships deeply important, they help us see reflections of ourselves Relationship we carry for who we are, for honoring our challenges is most difficult There's deeper layer of connection to self   KEY QUOTES "Community is currency. So many people fear going broke, not having enough, that they will fail. The problem is we have this fear based on this tangible idea. The universe is finite. And it's not. The universe is infinite. When you have community, you can't ever truly be broke." - Eric Farewell (quoting Preston Smiles and Garin Jones) "You're not asking for help. The biggest bridges in the world are suspension bridges. They need support from others, and each of us are in different places in our lives and can offer different levels of support." - Garin Jones (shared by Eric Farewell) "If you are not allowing others to pour into you the way you pour into them, it's a one-sided relationship. There is no reciprocity, and that's the deepest part of a relationship." - Eric Farewell CONNECT WITH ERIC FAREWELL 

The 30-Minute Connection Ritual 

In this episode: Decompressing from corporate life, forcing vs. allowing in early retirement, discovering true purpose through financial independence, the LinkedIn comparison trap, building real human connection in the AI age with Katrina McGheeEpisode SummaryAfter 14 years at Google, Adam reflects on his first 14+ months of early retirement with career break coach Katrina McGhee. From the six-month decompression timeline to navigating the "not far enough along" narrative, Adam shares the raw truth about corporate burnout, learning to trust himself after betrayal, and figuring out what his entrepreneurial vision actually looks like in practice. He reveals his evolving purpose—empowering a generation to achieve financial independence before the hamster wheel traps them—and his desire to build authentic human connection in an AI-driven world.Guest BioKatrina McGhee is a Career Break Coach, author of *Taking a Career Break for Dummies*, and co-host of the *Taking a Career Break* podcast. She has supported 200+ people through career breaks over 8+ years.Resources & Books Mentioned- Taking a Career Break for Dummies by Katrina McGhee- One Last Talk by Philip McKernan- Return to Real by Ryan Levesque (Spring 2026)- Front Row Dads community- Break Space – Katrina's career break communityGuest Contact InformationLinkedIn: Katrina McGheeWebsite: https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/Podcast: Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGheeKey Takeaways- Decompression takes time: Expect 3-6+ months minimum; toxic environments require 6-12 months before you feel like yourself again.- Your brain will lie to you: High achievers hear "you're not far enough along" even with no rush—recognize and release this narrative.- Financial independence changes decision-making: When work is optional, choose based on excitement and alignment rather than ROI and efficiency.- Early retirement is walking into fog: Clarity emerges through experimentation and allowing organic unfolding, not forcing outcomes.

You've watched the AI demos, signed up for the newsletters, and told yourself you're staying on top of this technology. But staying in learning mode has a cost that compounds every week. The firms that moved past the flashy presentations and figured out how to integrate AI into their actual workflow are already reclaiming hours you're still spending in the weeds. Join host Jason L Smith, as he sits down with Tom Lambotte, Founder of AI Simplifier™, to explore the critical distinction between using AI tools and learning to use AI correctly, and why that difference will separate thriving practices from struggling ones over the next 12 to 36 months.Resources:Programs referenced: Strategic Coach, Abundance 360, Front Row Dads

Hal Elrod is the bestselling author of "The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)." The book offers a practical morning routine that has transformed the lives of over 3 million people. In this episode, Hal describes discovering the six practices that became the SAVERS method (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scribing) during the 2008 financial crisis when he needed to rebuild his life and income. He shares how implementing these practices every morning doubled his income within two months and became the foundation for helping millions of others. Listen to the full episode to hear how Hal turned life's hardest moments into practical tools for personal transformation and daily excellence. You can find episode 485 on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube | Hal Elrod on Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) https://bit.ly/TLP-485 Key Takeaways [02:44] Hal reveals he realized during cancer at 37 that he was a workaholic, so now he drives his kids to school daily and shortens his workday to align with his family priority. [04:33] Hal explains he learned the five minute rule at age 20 selling Cutco by feeling emotions for five minutes then saying "can't change it" and moving forward. [07:25] Hal recounts being hit by a drunk driver at 70 mph at age 20 where he broke 11 bones and died at the scene for six minutes but applied the five minute rule to accept his reality. [13:26] Hal confirms the five minute rule is the practical bridge to Viktor Frankl's concept of choosing one's attitude in any circumstance. [21:05] Hal explains the Miracle Morning program and why the morning routine is important for making every day your best day. [29:37] Hal shares that the expanded edition of his book adds 20 pages to the SAVERS section and two new chapters called the Miracle Evening and the Miracle Life. [33:00] Hal shares that he gives up three hours of work each day to drive his kids to school, choosing lasting memories with them over more book sales. [37:58] Hal explains that his experiences guide him toward a higher power's purpose and shares that his parents' response to his sister's death taught him to turn adversity into service. [43:12] Hal defines a good life as fulfilling your potential in service of others by showing up as your best self every day from a place of love. [46:16] And remember…"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." - Marcus Aurelius Quotable Quotes "It's okay to be negative and get upset when things don't go your way, but do not dwell on it for an extended period of time." "Set your timer for five minutes and give yourself five minutes to feel your emotions fully. Don't suppress them, don't try to act the way you think you should. Bitch, moan, complain, cry, vent, whatever you gotta do." "Every painful emotion that we experienced was self created by our resistance to our reality." "The last of man's freedoms, is to choose one's own attitude in any given set of circumstances." "You cannot change reality in this moment as it exists. You can only do things in this moment to change the next moment or the moment after that." "I believe that we create our own statistics." "Your level of success will seldom exceed your level of personal development." "If you win the morning, you win the day because you're putting yourself in a peak physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state." "Family men with businesses, not businessmen with families." (Front Row Dads tagline) "Everything you've been through is intentional and it's part of your journey, so you can help as many people as you possibly can." "Every day you wake up and you ask like, what's the best version of myself today? How can I show up at my best? How can I fulfill my limitless God given potential today?It's fulfilling your potential in service of others." These are the books mentioned in this episode Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Hal Elrod Website | http://miraclemorning.com Achieve Your Goals Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/achieve-your-goals-with-hal-elrod/id820889267 Hal Elrod X | @halelrod Hal Elrod Facebook | www.facebook.com/groups/MyTMMCommunity Hal Elrod LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/hal-elrod-aa054324a Hal Elrod Instagram | @hal_elrod Watch The Miracle Morning Movie for free: https://miraclemorning.com/movie/ The Miracle Morning App | https://miraclemorning.app/

Ok, this episode is a little different than usual. Instead of interviewing a guest, I got to sit down with two of my closest friends—Jon Vroman and Hal Elrod—for the 500th episode of the Front Row Dads podcast.This wasn't a business conversation. It was personal. We talked about fatherhood, faith, marriage, brotherhood, and how this community has completely changed the way we show up for our families.I opened up about my health struggles with mold toxicity, how it forced me to slow down, and the surprising gift that came out of it. We also talked about the hard-earned lessons that helped us re-prioritize our marriages, restructure our calendars, and redefine what success really looks like.I've been part of Front Row Dads from the very beginning, and it's no exaggeration to say that it's the most impactful community I've ever been part of. If you've ever wrestled with being present at home while building something meaningful in the world—this episode is for you.And if you want to learn even more about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, visit FrontRowDads.com to learn more. In this episode, you'll learn: 1.) Why saying family comes first isn't enough—and how to build a life that actually reflects it2.) The hidden habits and vices that hold men back—and why brotherhood is essential for breakthrough3.) How to lead your kids by example and pass on the values that matter mostShow Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/250Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today's episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're a dad who's ever questioned your parenting style, wondered about rules, boundaries, or how much freedom to give your kids, you're going to find this conversation fascinating (and maybe a bit challenging). I sat down with Aaron Stupple, father of 5 and author of the controversial book The Sovereign Child. His radical approach to parenting—recently debated after his podcast with Tim Ferriss and Naval Ravikant—has sparked intense conversation in our own community. In this powerful interview, Aaron shares: Why conventional rules might actually hurt your child's development His framework for parenting without becoming your child's adversary How he handles controversial issues like screen time, sugar, and discipline The surprising reason your kids might not trust you (and how to fix it) This episode is sure to challenge your thinking and provide practical insights to help you become a more connected, conscious father. Ready to dive in?  ____________________________________

(**check out Brent's Great Offer Below)In this powerful episode of Sex Afflictions & Porn Addictions, I sit down with Brent Perkins—former corporate executive turned self-leadership powerhouse and founder of 3xBOLD. We met at the Big Tent Summit in Loveland, CO and we connected!!!Brent shares his raw, unfiltered story of climbing the corporate ladder only to realize the view from the top was empty ... sound familiar? His awakening began with pain, shame, and a pattern of people-pleasing that nearly cost him everything (sound familiar?) - he and I have a lot in common!!! And we both love the word "CAPACITY," which is a life-changer once you get it!!! Be ready to take notes. You are going to love this podcast. We dive deep into:How men can reclaim purpose and identity in midlifeThe cost of ignoring your shadow (and how Brent faced his)What boldness really means in the context of healing and transformationHow executives, fathers, and husbands can lead from truth—not egoThis conversation is for anyone who's ever felt like they're dying inside while looking “successful” on the outside. And he's obsessed with CAPACITY: creating it and sustaining it. 

Most men have no idea they're still trying to father a wounded boy inside themselves. In this episode, Dr. Bob Beare, PhD — licensed therapist, recovery leader, and founder of Deep Waters Recovery — returns to unpack what reparenting really means, and why so many high-performing men avoid the one thing that could finally bring peace. This isn't theory. It's raw truth. Bob walks us through the core practices that help men connect with the younger parts of themselves — the inner child who still carries unmet needs, suppressed grief, and the shame we were told to bury long ago. And he explains why ignoring this relationship keeps us stuck in cycles of reactivity, overwork, and emotional shutdown. We explore: What it actually means to reparent yourself — and how to start Why most men resist healing (even when they say they want it) How inner child work unlocks real emotional freedom — not just insight How unhealed men unconsciously raise kids to fix their own wounds Why grief and joy live in the same place — and how to access both How to stop creating chaos just to feel something What happens when we stop fighting and finally let peace in If you've ever wondered why you “know better” but still overreact… Or why you keep striving even though you've already achieved so much… This episode will give you language, tools, and a path forward. Because the best thing you can do for your kids… Is heal the kid still living inside you. ___________________________  

Over the past 9 years, we've sat down with hundreds of men—entrepreneurs, leaders, husbands, and fathers—to talk about what really matters. And after 500 raw, unfiltered conversations, one truth keeps rising to the top: Success means nothing if it costs you your family. In this special 500th episode, I sat down with two of the men who've been there since day one—Hal Elrod (The Miracle Morning) and Justin Donald (The Lifestyle Investor). They've helped shape this brotherhood from the very beginning. We didn't talk about hacks or highlight reels. We talked about what this community has taught us after nearly a decade of doing the work: What happens when your wife looks you in the eye and tells you the truth you've been avoiding. What cancer, addiction, and burnout reveal about the life you say you want vs. the one you're actually living. What it really looks like to lead your family with integrity, presence, and love. This isn't a greatest-hits recap. It's a look under the hood. This is what we've learned from 9 years of showing up, failing forward, and fighting to become the men our families need. If you've ever felt the gap between the man you are and the man you're trying to be… This conversation will meet you there.

Most men don't realize they're grieving. They just know they feel stuck… disconnected… angry… numb… exhausted. They're overworking, avoiding, blowing up—or shutting down. But underneath the addiction, the burnout, the conflict… is unprocessed grief. In this raw and powerful conversation, grief expert Joshua Wenner unpacks the hidden losses that men carry—losses from childhood, unmet expectations, relationship ruptures, business failures, and the identity shifts that come with fatherhood and marriage. Joshua has spent over a decade studying grief, interviewing the top experts, and making a feature-length documentary on the subject. In this episode, he shares what he's learned, including the tools that help men regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their hearts, and finally move forward. If you've ever felt like something was off—but couldn't name it—this episode is for you. You'll walk away with practical tools to stabilize, feel, heal, and become more present for yourself and those you love. ______________________________

This might be the best business interview I've done all year. It's one every business owner should hear. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Deiss—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of DigitalMarketer—who's launched, scaled, and sold 17+ companies. He's not speaking from theory. He's speaking from experience—and sometimes, scar tissue. This isn't just another systems conversation. It's a full-on playbook for building a business that works without you. For founders who feel trapped in their own company… this one hits hard. Here's what you'll take away: Why growth can trap you—and how scale sets you free The “sticky note” method to exit roles without burning the business down How founders become bottlenecks—and why doing less is a leadership skill The scorecard and constraint system Ryan uses to spot bottlenecks before they break your team Why hiring great people won't fix broken systems—and what to do instead How to integrate AI to elevate your team's performance (without replacing them) Why the role you're in now may not be the role your business actually needs The question every founder should ask before they scale—or sell: What's my next job? Freedom doesn't come from more hustle. It comes from better systems, clearer roles, and honest leadership.

You can build the house, pay the bills, protect and provide—but if your wife doesn't feel seen, and your kids don't feel known, what are you really building? In this episode, Ryan Deiss opens up about the moment his marriage hit a wall… and the quiet heartbreak of realizing he had drifted from the people he loved most. It wasn't burnout. It wasn't failure. It was success without alignment—and the cost of being emotionally absent, even while physically present.   You'll take away: What his wife said that shattered the illusion he was “doing it for the family” How disconnection with his kids crept in while he was busy being “responsible” The family-first calendar ritual that rebuilt trust and rhythm at home Why saying “yes” to golf with his son—and missing a deadline—was a turning point The question he asked his son before college—and the answer that brought him to tears Why presence—not perfection—is what restores closeness in marriage and fatherhood If you're trying to be more than just the guy who gets stuff done…If you want to be the man your wife trusts and your kids remember—

You've built momentum before. You've held it all—business, family, vision. And you've probably felt that moment when the weight of it all starts pressing back. For Jenna and Brad Ballard, that moment wasn't collapse. It was clarity—the kind that only comes when life demands something deeper than drive. As founders of ALA—Ascension Leadership Academy, they were guiding others through profound transformation, even as they navigated their own. Business growth, parenting two young boys, and a health crisis that shook their foundation—all at once. The mission never changed. The love never left. But the way they were holding it had to. This episode is about what happens when leaders choose evolution over endurance. When nervous system work becomes strategy. When joy, creativity, and emotional safety aren't rewards for making it—they're the reason you keep going. Brad built Fastlane Drive. Jenna answered the call to music. And together, they didn't walk away from anything—they found a new way to carry all of it, with presence, softness, and strength. They didn't quit the work. They became it.  

In this engaging conversation, Jon Vroman shares his journey from creating the Front Row Foundation to establishing Front Row Dads, a community focused on supporting fathers in balancing their family and professional lives. The discussion highlights the importance of brotherhood, accountability, and creating meaningful experiences with children. Jon reflects on personal growth, the evolution of his initiatives, and the significance of building relationships within a supportive community.Ultimate Show Notes:00:02:30 - Jon Vroman shares the story behind the Front Row Foundation00:05:30 - The impact of the Front Row Foundation and its mission00:08:00 - Transition from the Front Row Foundation to Front Row Dads00:10:30 - The importance of balancing family and work life00:12:00 - The concept of brotherhood and accountability among fathers00:15:00 - Discussion on the value of masterminds and community support00:18:00 - Overview of Front Row Dads events and structure00:20:30 - The significance of one-on-one time with children00:23:00 - Jon shares memorable experiences from his father-son trips00:26:00 - The importance of surrounding children with positive role models00:28:00 - Details about the upcoming father-son adventure trip00:30:00 - Conclusion and how to connect with Front Row DadsConnect with Jon Vroman:Family Men with Businesses Turn your unique talent into capital and achieve the life you were destined to live. Join our community!We believe that Capital is more than just Cash. In fact, Human Capital always comes first before the accumulation of Financial Capital. We explore the best, most efficient, high-integrity ways of raising capital (Human & Financial). We want our listeners to use their personal human capital to empower the growth of their financial capital. Together we are stronger. LinkedinFacebookInstagramApple PodcastSpotify

Different childhoods. Different wounds. One shared commitment: to raise boys who feel seen, safe, and strong. Some of us were raised on discipline. Others in silence. Some were praised only when we performed—others not at all. But no matter what we inherited, we all face the same question when we become fathers: Will I repeat what I came from, or will I build something new? In today's episode, I sit down with Jenna and Brad Ballard—two parents building something they didn't fully have growing up: a family grounded in presence, emotional safety, and truth.  Brad and Jenna are the co-founders of Ascension Leadership Academy (ALA), where they help people break through limiting beliefs and lead with emotional intelligence and purpose. Their upbringings were different—one shaped by performance and pressure, the other by steadiness and structure. But what unites them now is a shared commitment to raising sons who feel seen, celebrated, and secure. This isn't a conversation about parenting hacks or surface-level advice. It's about the quiet patterns we carry from childhood. The ones we repeat without realizing. The ones we choose to break. And the ones we intentionally rebuild—through rituals, reflection, and relentless love.  

Want To Watch The Matt King Show?Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/@mattkingatx In this episode, Jon Vroman, founder of Front Row Dads, shares his journey from being a businessman with a family to a family man with a business. He discusses the challenges of balancing work and family life, the importance of personal growth, and the power of community and intentional fatherhood.Connect with Jon through the Front Row Dads communityhttps://frontrowdads.com/ Moments From The Show00:00 Balancing Work and Family: The Struggle Begins01:22 Realizations and Transformations01:36 The Drive for Business vs. Family02:28 Energy Management and Prioritizing Family06:03 The Importance of Setting Boundaries08:28 The Pain of People Pleasing08:51 The Birth of Front Row Foundation14:53 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges22:10 Parenting Strategies and Affirmations23:42 Open Conversations with Kids30:20 The Role of Trauma in Relationships35:13 Navigating Conversations with Children35:58 The Rock Wall Story: Belief and Potential37:21 Challenging and Supporting Men37:52 Avoiding Trapping Your Spouse39:20 Balancing People Pleasing and Parenting41:28 Discipline and Incentives for Children44:10 Understanding Legacy46:55 Spirituality and Energy52:48 Trusting Yourself and Making Decisions55:01 Engagement and Capacity in Fatherhood57:20 Flirting with Disaster: Health and Work01:01:34 The Importance of Community and Brotherhood01:05:02 Conclusion and ReflectionsConnect With Matthttps://themattking.com/ Learn More About Gobundancehttps://gobundance.com/tribe Thank You To Our Partners!Lauletta Birnbaum, LLC. - Doing Business Justice®https://www.lauletta.com/ Gobundance Members Email: Gobundance@lauletta.comMyOutDesk - The Workforce That Workshttps://www.myoutdesk.com/ APEX Functional Health -  Take Control of Your Health https://www.apexfunctionalhealth.com/The Matt King Show is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the untold stories of high-achieving individuals—entrepreneurs, athletes, investors, and visionaries—who have forged their own paths to success. Hosted by Matt King, the show goes beyond surface-level interviews, diving deep into the pivotal moments, mindset shifts, and lessons that shaped their journeys. With an engaging and thought-provoking approach, The Matt King Show isn't just about success—it's about the experiences, challenges, and philosophies that define extraordinary lives. This is where ambition meets authenticity, and where listeners gain insights they won't hear anywhere else.

As a father and entrepreneur, you know what it feels like to carry the weight of providing, leading, and doing what's right—even when it's hard. But what happens when doing what's right means walking away from money, approval, and comfort? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Mikki Willis—filmmaker, author, and creator of one of the most controversial and widely viewed independent films of our time. At the peak of his career, Mikki was faced with a choice: stay silent and keep everything... or speak his truth and risk it all. He chose soul over strategy. And it changed everything. In this episode, you'll learn: What real strength looks like when everything's on the line How to stay grounded when the world pulls at your center Why trusting your inner voice beats chasing outside approval The power of standing firm—even when you're standing alone A model for soul-led decision-making in moments of pressure If you've ever felt the cost of staying true to yourself as a man, a father, or a leader... This conversation is your reminder: you're not alone—and you're not crazy. You're just building something the world can't take from you. _______________________________________________________________

Ever feel like summer slips away without truly connecting with your family? In our latest Front Row Dads podcast, I'm joined by Ali Jafarian, our Chief Transformation Officer, to dive deep into the transformative events we've planned for you this summer. These aren't just events—they're opportunities to redefine your legacy, strengthen your family bonds, and experience powerful brotherhood. Key Insights & Takeaways:  Rite of Passage at the Grand Canyon A life-changing experience crafted specifically for dads and their teens, designed to deepen trust and usher your child confidently toward adulthood.  Summer Summit in Keystone, Colorado The perfect mid-year reset to sharpen your family vision, reconnect deeply with like-minded fathers, and prepare intentionally for family adventures ahead. Colorado Adventure A rugged, soul-nourishing outdoor experience for a select group of dads ready to push their limits, explore profound brotherhood, and return home stronger than ever.  Why These Events Matter Ali and I candidly discuss the emotional and practical impact of intentionally stepping away from your routine to invest in family and brotherhood, transforming how you show up at home and in your business. The Human ROI Discover why time spent in deep, meaningful connection with other fathers offers a return far beyond typical business or networking events. Ready to Listen and Learn More? Join Ali and me as we unpack what makes these summer events essential for fathers committed to exceptional family lives and personal growth. __________________________________________________

In this short but powerful bonus clip, Mikki Willis shares an intimate moment with his father that changed everything between them. It's a story about absence, acceptance, and the unexpected beauty of things unfolding exactly as they were meant to.

You lead with intention in business, in life, and—most importantly—at home. But let's be honest: Mother's Day can sneak up on you. You want to honor your wife well, but you're not always sure how to do it in a way that actually lands. That's why we pulled together something different this year—a short video from a few Front Row Dads who opened up about what they've learned from celebrating their wives on Mother's Day. These aren't “tips.” They're real stories. Real lessons. Real wisdom.

When your business feels like it's crumbling, what do you do? Some men cling harder. Some walk away. But the rare few — they evolve. Today's guest, Ryland Engelhart, is one of those rare few. He helped build Café Gratitude into a beloved brand, co-founded the global movement Kiss the Ground, produced award-winning films about regeneration, and is now helping create Sovereignty Ranch—a living, breathing example of legacy in action. But none of that happened without walking away from what no longer served him. And that's exactly what today's conversation is about. If you're standing at a crossroads in business, family, or purpose, this conversation will show you how to lead through it. In this episode, you'll discover:

When you look back years from now, what will you have built? A business? A life? A family rooted in presence, love, and legacy? This episode is for fathers who know they're building something deeper—and want the tools to lead it well. In today's conversation, I sit down with Ryland Engelhart—a father, builder, and mission-driven leader who shows us what happens when a man chooses healing over hiding, and presence over perfection. You'll discover: → How a rooftop conversation with his dad shattered the belief he wasn't enough → Why building a home with his father became an act of love, repair, and generational strength → The daily prayer and gratitude rituals that are shaping his sons for life → How a pivotal experience with psychedelics awakened his calling to protect the Earth → Why your presence—not your perfection—is what your kids need most → How fatherhood doesn't end when your kids grow—it just evolves If you're not just building a career— But building a legacy your family can stand on... This conversation will remind you of what really matters.

Ever wonder what kind of leader you'd be when everything hits the fan? Not when things are smooth. But when your product fails. The internet comes for your company. And you've got 48 hours to decide who you really are. That's exactly what happened to Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics—and what he did in that moment didn't just save the business… It defined it. In this raw, honest, and wildly insightful episode, Jon sits down with Jason to unpack how a mission-driven company scaled from $12M to $100M, without losing its soul. Here's what you'll walk away with:

You ever feel like you're crushing the deadlines, hitting the goals—but when it's time to be fully present with your kids or your partner, you're running on fumes? Jason Bronstad  knows that feeling well. In Part 2 of our conversation, he opens up about the version of himself that chased titles, numbed out with alcohol, and put presence on the backburner. But that's not who he is anymore. Here's what changed: ⚖️ He dropped 70 pounds