Fatherhood Field Notes

For nearly a decade, Mike Foster has been helping people become stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. As the owner of CrossFit 1776 in Loomis, California, and founder of the Resolute Life Foundation, Mike’s mission is bigger than fitness—it’s about freedom.

But before CrossFit became his ministry, Mike was fighting a different battle.

Alcohol had become his coping mechanism. He was physically present for his son, but mentally absent. Everything changed ten years ago when sobriety forced him to confront the man he had become—and challenged him to become the father his children deserved...

Few books change how you see yourself.

Even fewer change how you see every relationship in your life.

In this conversation, psychologist, speaker, and bestselling author Dr. Kelly Flanagan returns to Fatherhood Field Notes to unpack the central ideas from his newest book, The Road Less Triggered—a practical roadmap for transforming the moments that usually create conflict into opportunities for deeper connection.

Ned begins with an honest confession. Minutes before recording, Kelly was a few minutes late logging into the call. Almost instantly, Ned noticed an old story awaken inside him—the fami...

Joevon Barnes is a plumber, coach, speaker, radio host, and father of two daughters. But more than anything, he’s a man who chose to break cycles, stay present, and become the father his daughters needed.

In this deeply practical and inspiring conversation, Joevon joins Ned Schaut to discuss fatherhood after divorce, raising daughters, healing family wounds, overcoming anger, building generational relationships, and why showing up consistently matters more than being perfect.

Joevon shares the story of growing up as the youngest of seven children, navigating the fallout that followed his parents’ passing, and learning hard...

This episode focuses on HOPE for an epidemic affecting men (and women) in and outside the church: pornography addiction.

(Ready to get free? Men: go to liberatedkings.com to get started on your journey with Jesus.)

Before founding Liberated Kings, Thomas Bills spent years trapped in the same struggle affecting millions of men today: pornography, shame, secrecy, and the belief that freedom was out of reach. Everything changed when he met Jesus, discovered his true identity in Him, and stopped fighting for freedom and started living from freedom.

In this powerful conversation, Ned...

Before becoming a creator, author, and founder of Sonjoy, Michael Leonardini spent decades wrestling with the same questions many fathers quietly carry: Why do I do the things I do? Why do I react the way I react? How do I become the man, husband, father, and son God created me to be?

In this deeply reflective conversation, Ned sits down with Michael to discuss identity, recovery, suffering, vulnerability, fatherhood, marriage, grief, and the lifelong journey of becoming aligned with God’s love.

Michael shares lessons learned from raising two sons, navigating childhood wounds, overcoming sh...

Eric Collins is a California entrepreneur, tax strategist, and business owner who has built and sold companies while navigating major physical adversity, including breaking his neck in five places and surviving multiple spinal fusions.

In this episode, he and Ned go deep into discipline, certainty, emotional stability, fatherhood, business ownership, marriage, and the kind of intentional leadership most men want but rarely see modeled clearly. Eric shares practical systems he’s built into his home life — from making breakfast for his sons every morning for nearly a decade to helping lead an 80-man “Dad’s Club” at his sons’...

In this Friday Craft of Fatherhood episode, Ned processes through the realization that he's been transactional at home with his family like he is at work. What does it take to be present instead?

Best takeaway:

Check yourself and see if you're showing up responsive to your family, rather than expecting them to just do what you say, like a boss.

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Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings

Jason Vallotton is a pastor on staff at Bethel Church in Redding, California as well as a founder of BraveCo, a ministry dedicated to the healing and development of men as a means to healing and developing the world.

Jason joins Ned Schaut for a deeply honest conversation about masculinity, healing, discipleship, and the kind of fatherhood that changes generations.

This episode goes far beyond surface-level parenting advice. Jason shares openly about growing up with a father who created a home where confession was safe, truth mattered, and failure did not equal rejection. He talks...

This Friday Craft of Fatherhood short is finds Ned thinking through the epic role that Zechariah played in the identify and name of John the Baptist.

Do we have the same responsibility as modern dads?

What about getting our kids to do things with us... like go to the gym? Do we ask them to, or do we tell them they're going and bring them along?

Chew on these things with us on this short episode.

Best takeaway:

As a father you have influence and the responsibility leave and...

Mark Stiles joins Ned Schaut for a grounded, honest conversation about raising a large blended family, building intentional family culture, and redefining what strong fatherhood really looks like.

Mark and his wife are raising eight children ranging from ages 3 to 19—including biological, step, adopted, and special-needs children. What unfolds in this episode is not polished parenting theory. It’s real-life fatherhood: chaotic dinners, Sunday family traditions, hard conversations with teenagers, caring for a daughter with Down syndrome, and learning how to stay deeply present through it all.

At the center of Mark’s philosophy is a simp...

This Friday Craft of Fatherhood short is a solid quick listen if you want something deeper than generic parenting hacks.

Ned tackles a question almost every dad thinks about but rarely says out loud: How much influence do I really have over who my kids become?

The episode is really about this idea:

A father’s job isn’t just protecting and providing — it’s helping shape a child’s identity.

He talks about:

"Failure is measured in ounces, regret is measured in tons."

Nate Burkhalter—seven-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior—joins Ned Schaut for a raw, grounded conversation about identity, risk, and what it actually means to lead as a husband and father.

Nate’s story isn’t polished—it’s forged. From a career in oil and gas engineering to chasing a his calling through failure, rejection, injury, and breakthrough, he unpacks a revelation he heard from God, a hard truth most men avoid:

playing it safe is the riskiest way to live.

But now, a...

In this straight-shooting Craft of Fatherhood episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut calls fathers back to two lost arts of manhood: listening well and leading with purpose.

Ned challenges dads to stop being the constant lecturer, fixer, and rule-enforcer—and instead become the trusted voice and steady ear their children actually want to come to. He shares how some of the deepest moments with his daughters came not through speeches, but through quiet conversations in the car, in the hot tub, and in everyday life.

His warning is blunt: if a father won’t list...

In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut sits down with Eugene Johnson Jr. for a bold, no-nonsense conversation on biblical manhood, fatherhood, marriage, and spiritual leadership.

Eugene shares wisdom forged through 25 years of marriage, raising two children, mentoring men in courts and prisons, and leading fathers back to God’s design.

He challenges modern labels like “provider,” “protector,” and “alpha,” arguing that men are not gods of their homes—they are stewards under God’s authority.

This episode calls fathers higher: stop chasing image, start pursuing obedience. Learn why your kids need more tha...

On this Craft of Fatherhood short, Ned reflects on a recent conversation with Mondoe Davis where Mondoe gave us all a challenge: ask your kid to rate your relationship. Then smile and say "thank you". And get busy implementing their feedback!

Listen to this episode for some thoughts on how to implement this and walk out changes and development with the help of some insights from your kids.

After all, we rate everything... shampoo, albums, restaurants... and then we look for others' feedback. Why shouldn't we be seeking feedback from the ones we love the...

In this episode, Ned sits down with Johann Kurtz - a legacy adviser, former technology professional and author of Leaving a Legacy: Inheritance, Charity, and Thousand-Year Families. Kurtz's work focuses on the philosophy, theology, and practical structure of multi-generational family impact. Drawing from a deep engagement with Western intellectual and Christian traditions, he explores how families can steward wealth, culture, and responsibility across generations rather than defaulting to short-term or purely individual success models. His recent thought-provoking book challenges modern assumptions about inheritance, philanthropy, and family responsibility, arguing for a return to intentional, values-driven legacy building rooted in moral...

This Craft of Fatherhood short hits on a tension every dad of a teenage son will recognize: how do you lead, teach, and hold the line… without becoming a micromanager your kid resents?

Ned walks through a real moment of conflict with his son and zooms out to something bigger: most families are operating without clearly defined beliefs. Not because they don’t care—but because they’ve never actually said them out loud.

The challenge is simple but powerful: define what your family actually believes.

What’s the role of a father? A mother...

In this powerful episode, Ned sits down with Mondoe Davis—a man forged through discipline, faith, and intentional fatherhood—to confront one of the most urgent issues facing men today:

Who is preparing our sons to become godly men?

Drawing from his work with Rise Up Kings and the Genesis rite-of-passage program, Mondoe speaks directly to the silent burden many fathers carry—the fear that they are unprepared, unequipped, or already too late. This conversation is a wake-up call.

Key Takeaways:

This Craft of Fatherhood Friday edition short is a sharp reminder that some of the best moments in fatherhood aren’t planned—they’re happening right in front of you.

Ned challenges dads to stop chasing the “perfect” family activity and instead lean into the space between—those unstructured moments where real connection happens. The conversation at the kitchen counter, the random 45 minutes that turns into something meaningful—that’s the good stuff.

He also reinforces the importance of protecting your family’s culture. Traditions matter—but only if you lead and guard them. That might mean saying no...

What if your fitness… wasn’t just about you?

In this conversation, Ben Barker breaks down why physical discipline is directly tied to how you show up as a husband, father, and man.

This isn’t about six-packs or vanity.

This is about responsibility, leadership, and stewardship.

Ben shares how injuries forced him to confront something deeper:

👉 His inability to rest

👉 His tendency to stay “on” instead of trusting God

👉 And the reality that even driven men struggle with Sabbath and surrender

⚔️ A hard truth...

In this Friday Craft of Fatherhood short episode, Ned explores the importance of family legacy, intentionality in marriage, and the role of fathers in shaping the future. He shares personal stories, reflections from a recent marriage retreat and practical steps for investing in family and faith.

key topics

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In this episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned sits down with Chris McCall—worship leader, missionary, and instructor at YWAM Kona—for a deeply honest and faith-centered conversation about what it means to lead a family without relying on formulas.

Chris shares his unconventional journey from construction work and pastoring to raising support as a missionary, ultimately redefining what it means to provide as a father. Rather than tying provision to income, he reframes it as obedience to God, stewardship, and fruitfulness—trusting that when he follows faithfully, his family will be taken care of.

Throug...

In this Friday short episode of The Craft of Fatherhood, Ned dives into a powerful but often overlooked concept in parenting: perspective. As kids grow into teens and young adults, fatherhood shifts from simply making decisions to guiding thinking and shaping character.

Ned challenges dads to move beyond just asking for their child’s “opinion” and instead seek to truly understand their perspective—not to always change the outcome, but to better understand the heart and reasoning behind it. He emphasizes that while fathers still carry the responsibility to make hard decisions, growth often comes through asking better q...

A state championship was his daughter's dream and massive victory. For Seth Garten, learning as a dad-coach when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to guide his child through failure were some of his own personal wins in the process. This episode is a masterclass in timing, trust, and raising faithful, resilient kids who know who they are in Christ.

This episode highlights a critical leadership principle for fathers and coaches: proper timing matters more than instruction. Seth shares how emotional awareness, delayed feedback, and trust-based communication helped his daughter grow from early losses to...

In this Friday Craft of Fatherhood short, Ned shares an honest look into a midweek moment of fatigue, fatherhood, and personal growth—centered around one powerful theme: patience. Living in Hawaii while navigating the demands of running a business in another time zone and family life, he unpacks the tension between exhaustion and intentional presence as a father.

Prompted by his ongoing journey through The Primal Path with his son, and John Tyson’s book “Five Shifts of Manhood,” Ned explores how patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about becoming. Through everyday interruptions (including a profoundly tim...

Ned sits down with Dave Ronning, faithful Christian and Kona real estate professional, to talk about how to incorporate playfulness into your parenting style. They uncover 5 actionable ideas that will help you connect with your kids and create lasting memories.

Did you know that playfulness is not just for kids, that it’s vital for parents too? Engaging in playful activities can rejuvenate our spirit and strengthen our connections with our children (and even with God). According to Dave, play allows us to tap into our inner self, reminding us of who we are beyond our responsibilities.

On this Friday Craft of Fatherhood episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned shares about a recent shift he's implemented in his family's morning routine: a ten minute time sharing something they're thankful for within the family, then naming somebody they could be praying for... and then doing it.

This comes on the heels of asking questions about how we can be really modeling to our kids a lifestyle that will affect the next 100 years, even 1000 years of our family legacy. It's huge.

Listen to day and let us know in the comments and your reviews...

By popular demand, we dug deep into the archives to bring you a rewind of an oldie but a goodie from 2020 when Ned sat down with former UFC fighter and Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.

Urijah and Fatherhood Field Notes Guide, Ned Schaut, sit down to talk Fatherhood and Dad Life. In 2019 Urijah came out of retirement and fought Ricky Simmons, knocking him out in 46 seconds.

But 2019 was also the year that Urijah became a father, one of his life goals... and true to his character, when he goes in, he goes all in. Now...

What if the secret to truly impactful fatherhood isn’t about being perfect but about being present, vulnerable, and intentional?

In this episode, Ned's friend, dad and entrepreneur "Hype Man Dan" Chang shares how his own painful childhood fuels his deep commitment to his kids, to revealing the subtle but powerful shifts that transformed his marriage and parenting. His story is a reminder: your legacy can be rewritten, starting today.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Dan’s journey

02:10 - Feeling young at heart despite age

03:11 - Highlights from pick...

In this episode of Craft a Fatherhood, Ned talks about how powerful he's found it to be intentional about asking his kids a question every day. Big things happen.

How are you inquiring about the thoughts, hopes, dreams, challenges your kids are having? Ned has a challenge for all of us on how we can change the very trajectory of our kids' lives just through intentional curiosity.

He also shares some thoughts about how to envision the future you want your kids to live, work backwards with a plan for how to get there, and...

In this episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, host Ned engages in a deep conversation with Mike Yarbrough, co-founder and co-owner of Rustic & Main and Wolf & Iron. They explore the complexities of fatherhood, marriage, and personal growth. They also discuss the importance of connection, communication, and the role of spirituality in parenting.

Mike shares his journey of overcoming personal challenges like his marriage and his relationship with his own father. He also talks about getting help with attachment issues. He offers quite a few nuggets on the significance of creating meaningful moments with children, and the impact of...

In this episode of Craft a Fatherhood, Ned talks about finally getting into golf, being surprised to still to get to know his wife more and the importance of dating your wife. He shares about the significance of rest through the concept of Sabbath. He encourages fathers to actively engage in their families' interests and to create meaningful connections with their partners and children.

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In this engaging conversation, Patton Dodd, author of the recent book The Father You Get: And the Ones You Make, Believe In, and Become, shares his insights on fatherhood, personal growth, and the power of windshield time with your kids.

Dodd reflects on his journey through the challenges of growing up with a removed and isolated father who created hurt and pain in most of his relationships and growing up to turn that into resolve. He emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and mere presence in building connections with his children, while also addressing his own insecurities. The...

In this Craft of Father episode of the Fatherhood Field Notes podcast, Ned tells about his "death hike" adventure led by his teenage daughter. He reflects on the evolving journey of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of legacy, family values, and the transition of children into independence. He shares his thoughts about his children's adventures and the challenges of homeschooling, while also discussing the significance of intentional fatherhood and mentorship.

Takeaways:

In this episode of the Craft of Fatherhood Podcast, host Ned Schaut reflects on his journey as a father, sharing insights from his experiences and conversations over the past year. He emphasizes the importance of observation in parenting, how impactful it can be to have annual family meetings for reflection on the year and connection, and the sheer power of setting goals and dreams as a family.

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Is your son coming of age as a man? He needs a rite of passage.

Check out Genesis. www.riseupkings.com/ffn

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Jim Morrison, a 26-year veteran of marriage and father of three (ages 24, 22, and 19), shares his unconventional approach to fatherhood that rebels against the idea that parenting ends at 18. As an insurance broker with 36 years of experience, Jim has learned to prioritize presence over perfection, building a family culture around travel, embracing failure as a gift, and maintaining deep relationships with his adult children. From coaching losing baseball seasons to picking his son up from LAX at 9 PM just to be the first face he sees, Jim demonstrates that fatherhood is a marathon requiring consistent showing up. He discusses the...

Join Ned as he sits down with entrepreneur and father of four, Garr Russell, for a raw conversation about what really matters in fatherhood. Garr shares his unconventional approach to raising kids—from buying a restaurant so the whole family could work together, to full-time RVing for five years, to navigating his daughter's most vulnerable moment. They dive deep into the power of physical touch, why we need to stop rescuing our kids from pain, and the critical importance of maintaining heart connection above all else. Garr reveals how one word from his own father marked him for years, an...

Blake Casteel opens up about his journey from a fear-driven father repeating generational patterns to becoming a man committed to authentic connection with his six children. Blake shares the pivotal moment when he realized his older kids weren't getting the best of him, and how he's been intentionally changing the "menu" of his fatherhood over the past six years. He challenges dads to stop blaming their wives and kids, to validate their children's identity rather than just correct behavior, and to rebel against the convenience culture that's weakening families. With raw honesty, Blake discusses his work with Youth With...

Sean Bothelio shares how he transformed from a scared 23-year-old father into a man who raised two confident sons who followed him into military service. After 30 years in the Air Force, Sean reveals the intentional decisions he and his wife Kim made to create a home where their sons' friends felt so safe that over 100 teenagers gathered there during a tragedy. He discusses the critical role of building confidence in children, why he encourages young men to consider military service, how to raise kids who can be "dropped anywhere in the world and thrive," and the profound difference between...

Jeremiah Cooper opens up about his journey through divorce, remarriage, and learning what it truly means to be a father. After eight years of marriage, separation, and four years divorced, Jeremiah and his wife Wendy remarried in 2013—a story that proves hope exists even in the darkest moments. He shares the hard-won lessons about unconditional love, the difference between happiness and joy, and why trust must be rebuilt through consistent behavior over time. Jeremiah discusses how he started an intentional Bible study in his living room that grew into a weekly gathering for teens searching for father figures. He wr...