In this second Q&A episode, Sam and Cole dive into listener questions covering everything from breaking generational cycles to finding your people in a new place. Topics covered: Breaking the Cycle - Cole explains the "loss history graph" as a tool for self-assessment when dealing with unresolved grief from difficult childhoods. They discuss why emotional completeness with your past is essential before you can truly parent differently. Finding Community - Both hosts share how they built their friend networks through their wives meeting other parents at kids' activities, forest schools, and shared interests.  Why Northern Idaho? - Sam and Cole explain what drew them to the region: homeschool-friendly culture, outdoor lifestyle, family-centered values, and the freedom to live differently. They discuss the trade-offs of living far from extended family. Budgeting - The hosts admit they're not Dave Ramsey disciples, preferring life experiences over extreme frugality. Sam shares his simple spreadsheet approach and "real money budgeting" philosophy, while both agree that financial alignment in marriage is crucial. The Hardcore Question - Sam addresses whether he's gotten pushback from hardcore friends for his faith, and explains why hardcore's inclusivity is one of its best features. Refueling as a Dad - Practical advice on daily buffers (early morning workouts, evening downtime) versus longer "vision quests," plus the importance of reciprocating when asking for solo time. Supporting Kids Through Grief - Cole offers compassionate guidance to a single mom navigating her children's grief, emphasizing that parents must work through their own grief first before they can effectively help their kids. The episode wraps with gratitude for the growing community and a reminder that this podcast isn't trying to be mainstream - it's for parents who know something's off about modern parenting culture and want to do things differently.

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Sam and Cole dive deep into one of the most important conversations for modern fathers: why going against mainstream culture isn't just okay—it's essential for your family's wellbeing. Drawing from Sam's background in hardcore punk music, they explore how some of the defining features of punk music can directly translate to making better parenting decisions in 2025. They break down why the "norms" of modern parenting weren't necessarily designed with your family's best interests in mind. KEY TOPICS: • Why corporate interests, not your wellbeing, shape parenting "norms" • The food pyramid, sugar studies, and other industry manipulation • How Cole arrived at counter-culture parenting without the punk background • Screen time, technology, and what tech companies know (but won't tell you) • Education, home birth, homesteading, and other controversial choices • The DIY mentality: doing it yourself while building real community This isn't about being difficult for the sake of it—it's about protecting your kids from systems designed to profit from their confusion, sickness, and dependence. If you've ever felt like the "normal" way of raising kids doesn't sit right with you, this episode will give you the framework and courage to trust your instincts. 

Chores aren't just about keeping the house clean—they're one of the most powerful tools for raising resilient, capable kids. In this practical episode of our new "Fatherhood Field Notes" series, we break down why chores matter and how to make them meaningful. In this episode: Why outdoor chores are more fulfilling How chores build work ethic, responsibility, self-esteem, and grit The power of routine and age-appropriate expectations Making chores "mission-critical" so kids understand their purpose Teaching financial literacy through earned money and real spending decisions Being the example: modeling a positive attitude toward household contributions Key takeaway: Kids desperately want purpose. When they can see how their work directly contributes to the family—whether it's keeping the yard clean or harvesting vegetables for dinner—they develop the backbone and work ethic that will serve them for life. Perfect for dads navigating the practical, day-to-day challenges of raising kids who are capable, confident, and ready for the real world.

There are three words that almost every parent says multiple times a week—sometimes multiple times a day. They're said with pure love and the best intentions. They feel helpful in the moment. And they're quietly teaching your children that their emotions are wrong, shameful, and need to be hidden. In this eye-opening episode, we expose the single most damaging phrase parents unconsciously use when their kids are hurting, and reveal why our instinct to immediately stop our children's tears is actually setting them up for emotional disaster later in life. Drawing from 15 years of working with the Grief Recovery Method and helping thousands of people process unresolved trauma, we break down not just these three toxic words, but the four other damaging messages that typically accompany them. By age 15, children receive an estimated 26,000 signals to suppress their emotions. Is it any wonder so many adults don't know how to process grief? In This Episode You'll discover: The exact phrase that invites your child to share more instead of shut down Why emotional paraphrasing changes everything (and how to do it naturally) The hidden message kids receive when Dad stays stoic  How to recognize the 40+ life events that cause childhood grief (it's not just death—it's pet loss, moving, betrayal, loss of trust, even finding out Santa isn't real) Real scripts for supporting big emotions without being overwhelmed by them Resources mentioned: "When Children Grieve" book, Grief Recovery Handbook

We dive into one of the most pressing questions for modern dads: how do we prepare our kids for a future dominated by AI and rapid technological change? In this episode, we challenge the traditional education playbook and explore the skills that will actually matter in 10-20 years. We discuss why being personable and building strong people skills might be the ultimate competitive advantage, how athletics and team sports develop resilience that translates directly to career success, and why creativity and entrepreneurship are becoming more valuable than ever. We also tackle why traditional college degrees are becoming less relevant, the surprising value of trade skills over white-collar work, and how to raise kids who can think critically in a world of easy AI answers. Drawing from our own experiences hiring, firing, and building teams, we share real insights about what makes people successful in the modern workplace. This isn't futurism or speculation—it's what we're seeing right now in our companies and industries. Whether you're raising toddlers or teenagers, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your kids' education and development. We're not about raising office drones—we're about raising resilient, creative, personable humans who can thrive in whatever world they inherit. Topics covered: Why people skills trump technical skills The hidden value of athletics and team sports Teaching critical thinking vs. AI dependency Trade skills vs. traditional college paths Building entrepreneurial mindsets early The importance of creativity and imagination Join us for an honest conversation about preparing our kids for an uncertain—but exciting—future.

In this episode, we share how we've approached screen time with our kids over the past 13 years and why we've made choices that go against what most families do. We talk about what we've observed in our own children when we limit their exposure to screens, phones, and devices - and what we've noticed in ourselves when we've made changes to our own habits. What We Cover: Why we decided early on to take a different path with technology The alternatives we've found that actually work (Yoto players, audiobooks, outdoor time) How we handle the peer pressure and "but everyone else gets to" conversations What we do when we do allow screen time (blue light glasses, specific content choices) Why we think the morning sunlight and outdoor time matters more than most people realize How our own relationship with phones and screens affects our kids Our Practical Approach: What we use instead of iPads for entertainment The compromise we've found for necessary technology Why we think the bar is set too low for what kids actually need What we've learned about our kids' attention spans and creativity when screens aren't an option We're not trying to convince anyone to do exactly what we do, but we wanted to share what we've discovered works for our families. Sometimes the path that feels harder upfront ends up being the easier one in the long run.

In our first Q&A episode, we dive into real questions from listeners covering the full spectrum of fatherhood challenges. From creative workout solutions (like front squats with toddlers in carriers) to the brutal transition from one to two kids, we share honest insights from our own parenting journeys. Key topics we cover: Practical fitness advice for busy dads, including HIIT workouts at home and using kid carriers for resistance training The reality check of going from one to two children - why it's often the hardest transition Vision improvement through reduced screen time and increased natural sunlight exposure A candid discussion about pornography addiction, addressing the underlying emotional triggers and offering practical strategies for recovery How our spiritual journeys have shaped our approach to fatherhood and family life Topics discussed may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion advised.

In this episode of Leave No Doubt Fatherhood, we break down five critical fitness benchmarks that every father should be able to achieve. Why It Matters: Beyond looking good, these milestones directly impact your ability to play with your kids, protect your family in emergencies, age gracefully, and maintain quality of life as a father. We share personal stories about having to sprint after runaway dogs, carry kids to catch trains, and handle unexpected situations that required real physical capability. Key Takeaways: These aren't about becoming an elite athlete - they're beginner-level benchmarks Most men can't do these when starting out, and that's normal Each milestone can be scaled up or down based on your current fitness level Consistency beats intensity - 15 minutes, 3 times per week from home can get you there Your physical fitness directly affects your mood, energy, and patience as a dad We include practical progression tips for each milestone and emphasize that this isn't about discipline or looking jacked - it's about being the reliable, capable father your family deserves in any situation. Connect with us: Hit us up on Instagram for specific workout guidance and share your progress. We love hearing from dads who are putting this into practice.

In this episode of Leave No Doubt Fatherhood, we tackle one of the most requested topics from listeners: managing stress, burnout, and self-doubt as a father, especially in the early years. Inspired by a suggestion from one of our listeners, we dive deep into the tools that have helped us survive and thrive through the toughest periods of fatherhood. From leg breaks and months of sleepless nights to the overwhelming feeling of "I don't really feel like a dad yet,"we share the raw reality of what early fatherhood actually looks like. Key topics covered: Why you can't separate mental health from physical health - and the practical steps that actually work The HALT method: checking if you're too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired before assuming you're failing How to stay present instead of spiraling into future worry or past regret The power of waking up before your kids to get your head straight Why spirituality and the Serenity Prayer became game-changers, even for skeptics Creating a family vision statement - having a WHY Why your stress tolerance dramatically increases over time (and why that matters) We also talk nutrition's role in mood stability, the impact of blue light vs. sunlight, and why being of service to others is often the fastest way out of a mental spiral. Perfect for: New dads feeling overwhelmed, experienced fathers hitting a rough patch, or anyone looking for real strategies to manage the mental game of fatherhood.

In this episode we break down the three critical mental shifts that separate dads who thrive from those who spend years trying to recreate their old life - and why your kids pay the price when you resist the transformation. The 3 Mental Shifts: Stop romanticizing your pre-kid life - It probably wasn't as great as you remember Embrace that it's supposed to be hard - The struggle is the point, not something to escape Become what you want to leave behind - Your kids will become who you are, not who you tell them to be In this episode, we get real about: How the hardest parts of early parenthood forge you into the dad your kids need Why "me time" and old hobbies might be holding you back from real fulfillment The difference between being selfish and becoming the example your kids need How to start becoming the father you want your kids to see (even if you feel like a beginner) This isn't about perfection - it's about evolution. Your kids are watching everything you do, and they'll become a reflection of who you are right now. The question is: are you becoming someone worth following? Key takeaways: ✓ Your pre-kid life was probably more self-centered than you remember ✓ Early parenting struggles exist to transform you, not torment you ✓ Kids model behavior, not advice - become what you want them to be ✓ You can start changing who you are today, regardless of your past ✓ The best gift you can give your kids is becoming a better version of yourself Perfect for new dads, expecting fathers, and anyone who's still trying to fit kids into their old life instead of growing into their new one. Keywords: New dad advice, fatherhood transformation, parenting mindset, dad psychology, becoming a father, parenting struggles, dad development, family leadership  

In this episode we are debriefing on an epic week-long camping trip with multiple families (20+ kids running wild in a mountain meadow) and a backpacking adventure with goats in grizzly country. It gave us a chance to reflect on why it is so important to spend unstructured outdoor time with our kids and how any dad can ease their way into spending more time outdoors with their kids. In this episode, you'll hear: Behind-the-scenes stories from our summer camping adventures Why kids covered in dirt for days straight never wanted to leave How limiting screen time makes nature magical for kids Why a 12-year-old who grew up outdoors can fix a flat tire solo Budget-friendly ways to get started  Key takeaways: ✓ Start with a kid carrier backpack and hit local trails ✓ Regular outdoor time beats elaborate gear every time ✓ Kids who grow up outside become natural problem-solvers ✓ You don't need an agenda - nature provides the entertainment ✓ Public land is free and accessible everywhere ✓ Model outdoor capability first - kids follow your lead Perfect for dads who want to raise kids that see the outdoors as their natural playground, not something to fear or avoid.

Your belief system was formed by age 15 - but as an adult, you get to rewrite the script. In this episode, we explore how childhood programming shapes your parenting and what you can do to break negative cycles. What We Cover: How belief systems form (most are set by ages 2-3, nearly complete by 15) Why you might be "living someone else's script" without realizing it The difference between awareness and emotional completion Practical exercises: relationship graphs, family vision statements, trigger identification How unresolved pain creates overreactions in parenting situations Key Insight: You're not just a product of your environment anymore. At 30, 40, or 50, you have the power to consciously choose what beliefs to keep from your childhood and what to give back. Real Examples: Cole's story about his father's aggressive car-buying behavior and choosing to break that cycle Sam's journey from "I'm just a creative/music guy" to confidently leading in corporate settings How Vietnam trauma shaped one generation's parenting style The Challenge: Stop spending mental energy on fantasy football and start doing the real work - assessing your triggers, writing family vision statements, and getting emotionally complete with your past. Actionable Steps: List situations where you overreact (your triggers) Ask why those buttons are so easily pressed Consider doing grief recovery work to get emotionally complete Write down what kind of family life you want to create This isn't therapy - it's taking ownership of who you choose to be as a father. #Fatherhood #ParentingPodcast #GenerationalTrauma #EmotionalIntelligence #DadLife #MentalHealth #GriefRecovery #FamilyDynamics

In this honest and practical episode, we break down our biggest diet mistakes and wins - from the dark days of Hot Pockets and vegan experiments to finding sustainable approaches that actually work for busy fathers. What You'll Learn: Why the 90s food pyramid era set us up for failure Our embarrassing diet phases Why protein should be your North Star (and how to actually get 150-200g daily) Simple principles: avoid foods that weren't around 75-100 years ago When tracking macros helps vs. when it becomes a job The carnivore experiment: what worked and what didn't How emotional eating sabotages progress Why This Matters for Dads: Your kids are watching and learning from your food choices. In a world where laboratories design ultra-palatable foods to hook children, giving them a framework for healthy eating isn't optional - it's one of the highest stakes areas where you're setting an example. We share our current daily eating routines, discuss the psychological aspects of food addiction, and explain why this generation of parents can't just "wing it" like previous generations. Key Takeaway: There's no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are foundational principles that work. Whether you go high-protein flexible or strict carnivore, the goal is finding what's sustainable for your life while modeling healthy choices for your children. Timestamps: 00:00 - Growing up in the 90s food wasteland 06:00 - Our vegetarian/vegan phase disasters 13:00 - The bodybuilding supplement era 19:00 - What actually works: protein and whole foods 28:00 - Emotional eating and food addiction 33:00 - Why this matters for your kids 40:00 - Daily eating routines that work Resources Mentioned: MyFitnessPal for macro tracking David Protein Bars Equip Beef Protein Powder Dr. Sean O'Mara's carnivore protocol

In this episode we break down exactly how to build a home gym that works for busy dads - and becomes a family fitness playground your kids will love. In this episode, you'll discover: The 3-tier home gym progression (from $100 starter kit to full setup) Why dumbbells + resistance bands might be all you need to start How to turn your garage gym into family bonding time Which expensive equipment to avoid (spoiler: skip the treadmill) Real budget breakdowns from $200 to $2,000+ setups Whether you're a lifting veteran getting back into it or a complete beginner, this episode gives you the exact roadmap to build a home gym that you'll actually use - and that grows with your fitness journey. Perfect for dads who want to stay strong, set an example for their kids, and never miss a workout because of logistics again.

Sam and Cole explore one of the most crucial yet overlooked parenting skills: emotional communication. Cole, an expert in grief recovery, explains why most dads default to intellectual responses when their kids and spouses desperately need emotional validation. What You'll Learn: The difference between emotional and intellectual communication - and why most dads miss emotional cues entirely Real examples of how intellectual responses leave family members feeling unheard Two practical techniques: nonverbal paraphrasing and emotional paraphrasing The hidden cost of always "fixing" instead of listening Your Challenge: Practice identifying whether communications are emotional or intellectual "fastballs vs. curveballs." Before offering solutions, ask: does this person need to feel heard first? Emotional communication is a practical skill that can save marriages, strengthen father-child bonds, and raise emotionally healthy kids. Perfect for dads who excel at logic and problem-solving but struggle with the emotional side of parenting and marriage.

This episode explores our personal journeys to sobriety and the role it continues to play in our lives as parents. We believe that every dad should, at the very least, be comfortable with the example they're setting.

In this episode, we talk about how to stay in shape when life gets chaotic—whether it's sickness, sleep deprivation, stress, or travel. We share how our approach to fitness has changed through fatherhood and why a more realistic, long-term mindset matters more than chasing perfection.

In this podcast we talk about how dads can identify and navigate unresolved emotional pain that may be impacting your day-to-day life. Cole is the owner of the Grief Recovery Institute and has helped millions of people resolve grief and emotional pain.

In this episode we present a simple, proven framework to get started working out from home without any expertise or major equipment.  

This podcast started with a simple question: if you died today, would you leave no doubt about the example you set? In this intro episode we get into what topics we'll be covering in the show, why we're doing this, and some quick intros.