In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host ZachReeser welcomes Lee Eldridge, founder of The Cognitive Athlete, to discuss the challenges of balancing fatherhood and professional life. They explore thedifferences between elite athletes and corporate leaders, the importance ofwellbeing in performance, and the need for dads to celebrate their wins and have fun. Lee shares insights on developing consistent high performance habits, including sleep, breathing, and movement, while emphasizing the significance of creating a healthy family environment.
Learn more about what Lee is doing at The Cognitive Athlete
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In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, guest host Bryan Graff welcomes a special guest, Max Wimmer. A long-time friend and mentor, Max shares his insights and experiences on fatherhood, particularly about being a father to four daughters. The discussion delves into the unique challenges and rewards of raising daughters, the importance of staying engaged in your children's lives, and the crucial role of teamwork between spouses in parenting. Bryan and Max also touch on maintaining strong family bonds, the significance of humility and transparency in parenting, and the long-term impacts of being a consistent and loving presence in your children's lives. Whether you're a dad to daughters, sons, or both, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of parenthood and fostering strong familial relationships.
In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, Zach sits down with leadership expert Paul Thornton to explore the intersection of leadership and parenting. They discuss various leadership styles, particularly the three D's: Directing, Discussing, and Delegating, and how these can be applied in both business and parenting contexts. Paul shares personal anecdotes and practical examples, emphasizing the importance of adapting leadership styles to the maturity and experience of children. The conversation also highlights the significance of feedback, self-reflection, and the emotional aspects of parenting and leadership. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for dads looking to enhance their leadership skills at home and in their professional lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Parenting
02:45 The Three Leadership Styles
05:45 Applying Leadership Styles in Parenting
08:39 Real-Life Examples of Directing
11:35 Discussion and Delegation in Parenting
14:41 The Importance of Feedback and Repetition
17:41 Navigating Challenges with Children
20:50 The Consequences of Over-Direction
23:40 Tools for Effective Parenting and Leadership
24:51 Leadership Lessons from Parenting
29:22 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
32:29 Feedback: A Two-Way Street
36:06 Practical Takeaways for Young Parents
Summary
In this episode of the Skilled Dad podcast, Bryan Graf and David Kroll discuss the often-overlooked topic of mental health among fathers. They explore the concept of resilient leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and finding balance in life. David shares his personal journey of overcoming burnout and the lessons learned about prioritizing family and personal well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of taking time for rest and reflection, assessing life priorities, and fostering a growth mindset to navigate the challenges of fatherhood and leadership.
In this episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, Zach welcomes Matt Karam, an experienced parent and martial arts instructor, to discuss invaluable insights into parenting. Matt shares profound stories and lessons learned from his journey in raising four children and teaching thousands of kids martial arts. Key topics include the importance of setting clear expectations, the concept of a child's limited learning window, and the significance of tackling 'teaching moments' head-on. Tune in to learn how to instill discipline, respect, and leadership skills in your children, and hear about practical strategies to avoid common parenting pitfalls. Whether you're a coach, a dad, or simply looking to improve your parenting skills, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt stories to inspire and guide you on your journey.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:30 Podcast Overview and Purpose
02:12 Guest Introduction: Matt Karam
02:27 Matt's Background and Family
04:04 Martial Arts and Parenting Lessons
06:25 Teaching Respect and Discipline
13:02 The Importance of Setting Examples
19:50 Learning Windows and Intentional Effort
23:50 Winning Through Development
24:07 The Truck Driver Analogy
25:20 Parental Involvement and Expectations
26:55 Building Confidence Through Responsibility
29:44 The Story of Jacob
33:36 Teaching Moments and Long-Term Impact
43:24 The Importance of Coaches and Role Models
47:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, host Zach Reeser and a SkilledDad podcast veteran guest, Bryan Graf, explore the question of what it is to be a SkilledDad, emphasizing the importance of connection, community, and the mindset required to be an effective dad. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges of parenting, and the significance of continuous growth and learning. The conversation highlights the impact of a father's presence in a child's life and encourages listeners to embrace their roles with confidence and resilience.
The episode caps off with an exciting announcement about the future of SkilledDad.
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In this special Mother’s Day edition of The SkilledDad Podcast, Zach Reeser sits down with Jessica Etting—founder of the Jam Family Calendar—and his wife, Sonya, for a real conversation about something many families quietly carry: the mental load.
They unpack how the unseen weight of planning, managing, and remembering it all affects moms in particular—and what dads can do to step up and lead with intention. From shared calendars to structured routines, Jessica shares how her app helps families get organized and reduce daily stress. The episode also covers practical systems for household management, why clear communication matters more than ever, and how a little planning around the dinner table can change the whole week.
Whether you're a dad working to be more present, a mom carrying the invisible weight, or just trying to build a smoother home life—this one’s for you.
Episode Summary
NOTE: This episode discusses some difficult topics and is not intended to be listened to with the kids.
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Scott Stewart, who shares his powerful story of overcoming a traumatic childhood marked by anger and abuse. Scott discusses the importance of personal growth and the journey of healing through forgiveness. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continuous process that can lead to freedom and a better life as a father. The conversation explores the impact of family dynamics, the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment, and the steps necessary to break the cycle of trauma and become an intentional dad.
You can learn more about what Scott is doing by visiting ScottStewartSpeaking.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Skilled Dad Podcast
02:10 Scott's Background and Early Life
05:27 Growing Up with an Abusive Father
09:03 The Impact of Adoption and Family Dynamics
12:02 Escaping the Cycle of Abuse
15:10 Life After Leaving Home
17:27 The Night That Changed Everything
21:01 Confronting the Past
25:55 The Aftermath of Trauma
28:30 Finding Healing and Moving Forward
29:58 The Turning Point: Seeking Help
34:19 The Journey of Self-Discovery
35:29 Becoming an Intentional Father
40:32 The Power of Forgiveness
47:16 Forgiveness as a Continuous Process
53:16 Encouragement for Dads: Start Your Journey
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In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Warren Miles-Pickup, a father of three and founder of Pixel True. They discuss the challenges of parenting, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from Warren's podcast, The Flawed Dad's Guide to Parenting.
The conversation delves into the complexities of identity tied to career success, the tipping points for personal change, and the parallels between business strategies and parenting. Warren shares insights on motivation, inspiration, and the importance of allowing children to face challenges to foster their growth.
The episode wraps with Warren's goals for the year ahead, emphasizing the significance of quality time with his daughters.
Learn more about Warren and what he is doing at PixelTrue.com.
In this in-depth episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, hostZach Reeser welcomes Dr. Larry Waldman, a clinical child forensic psychologist with nearly 50 years of experience, to discuss effective parenting strategies. Dr. Waldman emphasizes the importance of reinforcing good behavior, providing quality time, and setting logical consequences for misbehavior. They also touch on the necessity of consistent parenting, the impact of parental modeling, and how to adapt parenting techniques for teenagers. This episode is filled with practical advice for both new and seasoned parents aiming to raise independent and responsible young adults.
Learn more at SkilledDad.com and follow us @SkilledDad
00:00 Introduction to The Skilled Dad Podcast
01:13 Meet Dr. Larry Waldman: A Parenting Expert
01:56 The Role of Parents in Child Psychology
04:48 The Importance of Quality Time with Children
09:18 Practical Parenting Tips and Reinforcement
12:18 Teaching Kids Through Everyday Activities
18:52 Consistency and Specificity in Parenting
23:13 Addressing Minor Misbehaviors
24:30 Effective Parenting Strategies
25:13 Handling Misbehavior in Public
29:40 Logical Consequences for Older Kids
32:46 Preparing Kids for Real World Consequences
34:23 Advice for New and Expecting Dads
35:16 The Importance of Parental Modeling
36:52 Reinforcement Over Punishment
38:10 Teamwork in Parenting
39:48 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of the Skilled Dad podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Ryan Schneider, an expert in health and fitness, to discuss their nine elements of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how they all interconnect. Ryan shares insights into the importance of sleep, the challenges of maintaining a nutritious diet, and the necessity of building a strong community. He also delves into how fostering a playful and joyful environment can positively impact our lives.
Listen in for practical tips on how to optimize your health, build meaningful connections, and find joy in everyday moments. Don't miss Ryan's inspiring journey and actionable advice for becoming a more resilient and joyful parent.Learn more about what Ryan is doing at Thrive25.com
You can also follow them on IG @thrive25labs
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In this tip filled episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Howard Berg, known as the world's fastest reader, for an inspiring and amusing conversation. The episode kicks off with diving into the importance of reading in a knowledge-based economy. Howard shares his incredible journey from growing up in the Brooklyn projects to becoming a Guinness World Record holder, and how his love for reading and learning transformed his life. Throughout the episode, Howard offers insights and practical tips on increasing reading speed, enhancing comprehension, and effective note-taking techniques. He provides a memorable method for improving memory retention and emphasizes the value of continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
This episode will leave you with immediate tips and takeaways that you can apply to your reading and knowledge procurement skillset!
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser talks to Noam Markose, a marketing professional and father of four from Jerusalem. Noam shares his harrowing experience of being called to active military duty during the October 7th crisis in Israel, highlighting the challenges and emotional struggles of balancing family responsibilities and military obligations. He discusses the impact on his family, the resilience of his wife, and the varying reactions of his children.
Noam also touches on the unique aspects of military service in Israel, including the closeness of deployment zones. The conversation closes with insights into parenting, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and building on each child's individuality and the lessons learned from these experiences.Follow us onInstagramor join us on our YouTube channel atYoutubeforDads.com
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Derek Hoffman and Dr. Scott Harshman from Ignite Performance and Health. They discuss the importance of testosterone in men's health, the decline of testosterone levels with age, and how it affects energy, motivation, and overall quality of life. The conversation also covers the significance of nutrition, strength training, and the holistic approach they take to help men transform their lives.
We want to make sure we are able to stay in it with our kids, so let's look at what we can do now to thrive later.
Check out some of the free resources Derek and Scott offer at ignitepah.com.
You can also watch this episode along with others at YoutubeForDads.com or on SkilledDad.com.
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Mike Huber, a sports psychologist and father of two teenagers, to discuss the importance of our involvement in youth sports. They explore the challenges young athletes face, the role of parents in supporting their children, and the significance of creating a fun and engaging environment for kids in sports. Mike shares his journey into sports psychology, emphasizing the need for effective communication between parents and children, and the value of coaching at an early age. The conversation highlights the importance of setting expectations, learning from mistakes, and fostering a positive mindset in both athletes and coaches.
If your kid is playing on a team, here's a quick guide on how you can help coach with confidence!
Learn more about Michael along with access to free resources at MichaelVHuber.com.
Join the SkilledDad on Instagram and Facebook @SkilledDad and find other videos at youtubefordads.com!
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser sits down with the unstoppable Evren Ozka. Get ready to dive deep into Evren's incredible journey from a self-destructive lifestyle to conquering hundred-mile endurance races, launching multiple successful brands, and balancing life between Dubai and London.
Evren's raw and unfiltered story will light a fire under you! We'll talk about breaking (or replacing) bad habits, setting powerful role models for our kids, and why we should all just start getting after it—even if that means running until it hurts. Tune in, get inspired, and find out how one dad turned his life around with sheer grit and determination. You won't want to miss this high-energy conversation!
It's a new year to do big things. Let's get after it, dads. 💪🔥
Follow Evren and his brands on Instagram and check out what he is building along with his dad skills: @EvrenOzka, @Mallet_London, @Everybodies_Nutrition
Join the conversation with us at SkilledDad on Instagram and Youtube: @SkilledDad
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach sits down with Nick Clement to delve into the challenges and rewards of fatherhood. Nick shares his journey from being a primary school teacher to becoming an entrepreneur passionate about children's mental health. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on children's anxiety, the importance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the nuances of coaching young kids in sports. Tune in for an insightful conversation full of practical wisdom for dads at any stage of parenthood.
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser speaks with Mark Collins, a coach and author of 'Life Mastery: Living by Design, Not by Default.' They discuss the importance of identity in fatherhood, the difference between success and fulfillment, and the tools that can help dads navigate challenges.
Mark shares his personal journey and insights on how to unleash the hero within, emphasizing that transformation comes from understanding who you are rather than managing your fears. The conversation highlights the significance of community and support in personal growth, and offers actionable steps for listeners to take in their own lives.
In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, host Zach Reeser chats with Corin Long, a producer and fellow dad, about the evolving world of children's television.
They delve into Corin's journey, the influence of AI, and the importance of media literacy for kids. Corin also shares the impact of his paternity leave in the UK on his parenting approach and gives valuable insights into balancing screen time with meaningful engagement.
Tune in for a conversation packed with parenting tips, personal anecdotes, and a fun look behind the scenes of children's TV.
Learn more about the Beyond the Broom Cupboard Podcast.
Check out SkilledDad.com for more resources to help up your dad skills.
In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, Zach welcomes John Vagueiro, the founder and CEO of Adapting Social and host of the Breaking Barriers Podcast. John shares his incredible journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the insights he's gained along the way.
Despite initially facing financial difficulties and personal challenges, John built a thriving business from the ground up. Now a proud father of three young children (all under the age of two), John talks about balancing fatherhood with entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from his own parents, and the importance of being present for his family. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and valuable advice for dads striving to make an impact in their personal and professional lives.
Learn more about John at adaptingsocial.com