In this powerful episode of Fathers Fire, Jody Sedrick is joined again by Chris Miller for a deep, honest, and necessary conversation on fatherhood, emotional growth, and how to break generational patterns of silence and suppression.
They discuss:
Buying their daughters’ first cars and the lessons hidden in the process
What emotional safety really looks like for kids—and how dads can foster it
Why many men only feel “allowed” to express anger or shut down
The masks fathers wear—and how to finally take them off
The importance of brotherhood and community for men
How to co-parent with respect and not use kids as weapons
Why relationships must be chosen daily, not assumed
Practical tools for managing emotions and showing up as a present father
Whether you're a dad, mentor, or man on a journey of growth, this episode is a must-listen. It’s real. It's raw. And it might just be the mirror you’ve been avoiding.
👉 Subscribe, like, and share this episode with a dad who needs encouragement and truth.
Guest:
Chris Miller
Mechanics Garage
🎧 Enter the Garage Podcast by Chris: enterthegarage.com
Host:
Jody Sedrick
Fathers Fire
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Books by Jody Sedrick
But How Far Must I Go? A Journey in Faith https://a.co/d/1uqS0Ab
Learn to Dance With the Currents of Life: When You Feel Like You’re Drowning
In this episode I sit down with Chris Miller—mechanic-turned “Fatherhood Architect,” coach, and founder of Mechanic’s Garage—for a real, practical talk on modern fatherhood.
We unpack the chaos and beauty of blended families, why “respect” is earned not assumed, and how dads can design their own blueprint instead of repeating (or rebelling against) their upbringing. Chris shares his “connection before correction” mantra and the three things every kid craves—feeling seen, safe, and heard. The guys dive into boundaries that unite (use we and I, not you), putting marriage first so kids feel the ripple of love, and Chris’s killer car analogies: maintain your engine (body), computers (mind), suspension (heart), and fuel system (spirit)—and be a man worthy of “high-octane” love. They close with honest talk on modeling growth, letting kids witness your repairs, and taking the first step: you go first.
Key Takeaways
Blended family basics: set roles early with open, ongoing communication.
Don’t copy or invert your dad—author your own blueprint.
Lead with connection, not correction; listen between the words.
Kids remember how you made them feel: seen, safe, heard.
Protect the marriage: spouse first, kids second—love flows downstream.
Do your maintenance: body, mind, heart, spirit—be “high-octane” worthy.
Tap in for the entire conversation.
Guest:
Chris “The Mechanic” Miller
Founder | Mechanic’s Garage
Coach | Author | Fatherhood Architect
Host:
Jody Sedrick
Fathers Fire
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Books by Jody Sedrick
But How Far Must I Go? A journey in faith
Learn to Dance With the Currents of Life; When You Feel Like You’re Drowning
This week on Father’s Fire, host Jody Sedrick sits down with Tyler Davis—a new dad, former youth pastor, and healthcare IT professional from Nashville—to dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of domestic adoption, fatherhood, and the silent strength men carry in the process.
Tyler shares the whirlwind story of adopting his son Cameron with his wife, the challenges they faced navigating the adoption system, and the faith that carried them through moments of doubt, grief, and hope. From parenting classes to bonding with a newborn, Tyler opens up about what it really takes to adopt and how the journey shaped his marriage and manhood.
Jody and Tyler also unpack the importance of men having safe spaces, building strong emotional support systems, and showing up as present, patient fathers—especially for adopted children who need trust and love at a deeper level.
Key Moments:
[00:03:00] Adoption motivation & emotional journey
[00:15:00] Bonding struggles and breakthrough moments
[00:30:00] Being a rock for your spouse through adoption
[00:40:00] Encouragement for dads: being raw, present & patient
Whether you’re considering adoption, walking through it now, or just want a real convo about being a dad, this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect with Tyler on TikTok: @tylerdavis1453📖 Jody’s Book: How Far Must I Go: A Journey in Faith — Available on Amazon
Teaching our kids to own their mistakes empowers them to move through life with integrity and confidence.
This week on the podcast, I’m talking about the power of speaking with grace.
I’m sharing a favorite verse—Colossians 4:6—which says:
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you know how to answer everyone.”
It got me thinking: when we talk to our kids, are we building them up or breaking them down?
Do our words give them confidence, hope, and a sense of being truly loved—or do they leave them feeling small, discouraged, or unseen?
The truth is, how we speak matters.
Not just to our children, but also to our spouses.
This episode is a reminder (for me too) that we’ve got to be more intentional with our words. Let’s speak life, not just correction. Let’s bring grace into every conversation at home.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this
This week I share some thoughts after watching a video of a mom telling her boy "To stop crying, be a man". We've all done it. This starts at a very young age and is teaching our boys to suppress their emotions instead of giving them the tools to navigate them.
This week I sit down with Tommy Trenton Jr. to get his thoughts, experience, and perspective of being a dad. I love what he said "I was built for this! I was built to be a dad". We explore what he means and what it takes to be the dad that your kids need.Check it out!
Today I sit down with Tyler Butler; Father of 4, Recovering Alcoholic, Ironman Athlete and Keynote Speaker.Are you struggling with addiction and trying to figure out how to break the cycle? In this episode, ee dig deep in to overcoming addiction, mending relationships, being a single dad, and healing together.
Guest:
Tyler Butler
https://www.ty-butler.com/
Host:
Jody Sedrick
Fathers Fire
This week I sit down with Rob Schruefer to explore his experience being a dad. My biggest take away "be annoyingly present as a dad". They may not appreciate it know but they will when they get older!
Guest:
Rob Schruefer
Host
Jody Sedrick
Fathers Fire
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Check out my books
But How Far Must I Go? A journey in faith
Learn to Dance With the Currents of Life; When You Feel Like You’re Drowning
In this heartfelt episode of Fathers Fire, we dive into the nuances of fatherhood with guest Tracy Fisher. Navigating the complexities of co-parenting and blended family dynamics can be challenging. Tracy shares his journey of raising two sons in a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex-partner, how he fostered stability and love amid changes, and the challenges of integrating with his girlfriend's children, all while showing the importance of leading with gratitude and empathy. Tracy also reflects on his own upbringing without a father, the lasting impact of that absence, and how it shaped his determination to be a strong, loving presence for his kids. This candid conversation highlights the power of growth, resilience, and love in shaping healthier family dynamics.
Gueat:
Trace Fisher
InvolvedDad
https://involveddad.org
Host:
Jody Sedrick
Fathers Fire
Check out my books
But How Far Must I Go? A journey in faith
Learn to Dance With the Currents of Life; When You Feel Like You’re Drowning
Today, I share personal insights on parenting hurt kids.
Working through the pain of divorce, separation, new family dynamics can be tumultuous and chaotic. How can we support them as they navigate the emotional mine fields that accompany these experiences and help them become resilient, emotionally vulnerable and strong?
Today, I sit down with Josh Hernandez to discuss the heartwarming journey of adopting his daughter. We dive into the emotional and transformative experience of building a blended family, exploring the meaning of unconditional love, unity, and the bonds that go beyond blood.
Guest:
Josh Hernandez
Hosts:
Jody Sedrick
Fathers Fire
============================
Check out my books
Learn to Dance With the Currents of Life; When You Feel Like You’re Drowning
But How Far Must I Go? A journey in faith
In this episode, I sit down with Guinness World Record holder Joe Carlucci for a thoughtful conversation about his experiences in the kitchen with his daughter, Valentina. Together, we dive into the deeper aspects of fatherhood—how to nurture your child’s gifts, the importance of fostering genuine connection over performing for others, and the challenges of co-parenting in today's world.
Joe opens up about his personal “recipe” for successful parenting, sharing his wisdom on how to stay connected with your children while navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood.
I truly loved this conversation, and I’m confident you’ll walk away with valuable insights and actionable advice.
Guest:
Joe Carlucci
https://www.instagram.com/joecarlucci_fj/
https://valentinaspizzeria.com/
This week, I’m excited to sit down with my good friend Giancarlo Rengifo for a heartfelt conversation about fatherhood. We dive deep into the joys and challenges of being a dad, but also explore the often-overlooked importance of being best friends with your spouse or partner. We discuss how this deep connection can be a cornerstone of a strong, resilient family, and why nurturing this friendship is just as crucial as parenting itself. Join us for an insightful and inspiring discussion on building and maintaining these essential relationships in our lives.
Guest:
Giancarlo Rengifo
This week I sit down with my brother Chad Sedrick to talk about our experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics watching his daugther "Spiff" Sedrick play on the USA Women's Rugby Team. We explore our experience and the highlight of the Olympics when Spiff broke three tackles and ran the entire length of the field to tie the Bronze Medal game against Austrailia and then to score the extra point to win the Bronze Medal.Yes it was over the top amazing.
Join in to hear what it was like to be there at the 2024 Paris Olympics!
Today I've been pondering a post that I saw on Facebook by my friend Shon Hart. If you don't know Shon is the creator and Executive Director of InvolvedDad. He invited his son Levi to one of his speaking events and had his son share his daily affirmations.
It reinforced in my mind the power of affirmations to help you become the man, husband and father you aspire to be.
A lot of people complain about their father-in-law? But my father-in-law is next level! Next level AWESOME! This father's day I wanted to pay tribute to him and all of you immigrant fathers who have fled your home to build a new home in a different country.
Plus my good friend @ShonHart from InvolvedDad drops into share a few thoughts!
The past week I have been pondering conversations on both sides of the Gay Pride Month. It has really given me pause to reflect on my own experiences as with my children - what I could've done better and what I wish I could do over. I hope that as I share this parable of love and some personal thoughts that it helps you build better relationships with your children or family members who are in the LGBTQ community. I LOVE you more than I can express. Jody
If your buddy calls and invites you to a last minute car show, fishing trip, business event you will move mountains, change schedules, to make it happen. But whens the last time you moved things to do get away with your wife or do something she likes? Maybe you were first dating and married you did, but somewhere we lost that interest and passion.
I'm a little late on posting this week's podcast because rather than recording a podcast I was spending time with my beautiful wife on Mother's Day.
My wife loves barbecue so while I was barbecuing steaks, asparagus, and pineapple I had a moment to reflect on my mom, my wife, and the women who have impacted my life. Today I share some of those thoughts
Happy Mother's Day
Jody
Check out my book
But How Far Must I Go? A journey in faith
If you would like a signed copy. Send $19.00 to cover postage to
Venmo @jody-sedrick
Cashapp $Jodysedrick
Or just order from Amazon