Build Better Dads
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Build Better Dads episodes

  • When Mom Thinks You're Too Hard On Him



    Ramon Weatherall shares how working fathers can support their wives while maintaining trust with their sons. Using a tense post-dentist dinner decision as an example, he identifies four traps that turn discipline into performance, then offers four rules for setting expectations without yelling or alienating a child.


     keywords

    fatherhood, parenting boys, father-son relationship, co-parenting, discipline without yelling, working dads, family communication, leadership


     key  topics

    Ramon recounts yelling at his son Carter after the kids asked for food following a dentist visit, realizing he was performing authority to reassure his wife.
    Trap 1, the “kitchen courtroom”: trying to resolve conflict between a parent and child in front of the family instead of speaking privately.
    Trap 2, performing for your wife by escalating your response to prove you have things under control.
    Trap 3, the sibling setup: blaming between siblings can complicate discipline, so parents need to know their children and their patterns.
    Trap 4, losing your son’s trust by repeatedly mishandling conflict and leaving him feeling that nobody is in his corner.
    Rule 1, “kill the audience”: tell your wife you’ll handle the conversation privately, ask what concerns she wants addressed, and follow up later.
    Rule 2, hear your son out for 90 seconds or two minutes while maintaining a clear boundary against disrespect.
    Rule 3, hold household standards without anger, yelling, cursing, pointing, or physical escalation.
    Rule 4, debrief with your wife later, at a time that works for your schedule; Weatherall says his third-shift work means mornings often work better.


     takeaways

    “Backing your wife up, that's mandatory. But screaming and yelling and cursing at your boy, that's not authority.”
    “That's just performing when you don't know what else to do.”
    “You need to separate the two.”
    “If you're just like everybody else, jumping down his throat, he has nobody left.”
    “Being the one person in his corner, that doesn't mean you always have to agree with him.”
    “Give them 90 seconds, two minutes, give him time, hear him out, hear his side of the story.”
    “You don't have a right to be disrespectful to your mother. Not now, not ever.”
    “Hold the standard. You can make it clear that there will be standards in this household.”
    “Your wife doesn't need you screaming to prove that you love her.”
    “They both need a leader that can take the heat without catching fire.”


     guest  name




     key  frameworks

    Four traps: the kitchen courtroom, performing for your wife, the sibling setup, and losing your client.
    Four rules: kill the audience, hear your client out, hold the standard without anger, and debrief with your wife.


     sound bites

    "he has nobody left."
    "Kill the audience."
    "hear your client out"


    Chapters

    00:00 Caught between a wife who thinks you’re too soft and a son who thinks you’re too hard
    01:53 Trap 1: turning the kitchen into a courtroom
    03:51 Trap 4: losing your son’s trust
    05:46 Rule 1: remove the audience and handle it privately
    07:12 Rule 4: debrief with your wife on a workable schedule
    08:12 The Loud to Leadership Protocol and closing

     resources

    Loud to Leadership Protocol -
    http://www.buildbetterdads.com/free-guide-opt-in-page


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    9 min
  • My Son's Attitude Sounds Just Like Me

     Please like, subscribe, comment and share this video so we can reach more fathers, dads and parents to make the world a a change one

    I asked my 10-year-old son what he thinks it means to be a man. This honest father-son talk reveals how our boys view masculinity.

    Many fathers worry about whether they are providing the right guidance as their children grow. I sat down with my son, Carter, to reflect on the lessons I learned from the men in my life and to hear what he is actually picking up from me. This conversation shifted my perspective on what it means to be a positive male role model. By opening up this dialogue, you can better understand your son's perspective on masculinity and the legacy we leave behind.

    We also include a special tribute to Henry Weatherall as part of this reflection on intentional parenting. Karter shares his thoughts on why men should be able to cry and how to handle responsibility, giving us a rare look at how the next generation perceives strength. Whether you are navigating early parenting or looking to strengthen your bond, this discussion offers a new way to approach raising boys.

    Subscribe for weekly fatherhood coaching to help you lead your family with purpose, and share your thoughts on how you define manhood for your own children.

    0:00 Defining Manhood Through a Son's Eyes
    1:18 Navigating Emotions and Toughness
    3:53 Reflecting on Generational Differences
    5:50 Reflections on Parenting and Future Goals 

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    7 min
  • I Don’t Know If I’m Teaching My Son How To Be A Man. So I Asked Him.

    I asked my 10-year-old son, Carter, what he thinks it means to be a man. We discuss how to teach manhood to our sons.

    Many fathers worry about whether they are providing the right guidance as their boys grow up. I sat down with my son to reflect on the lessons I learned from the men in my life and to hear what he is actually picking up from me. This conversation shifted my perspective on what it means to be a positive male role model in a child's eyes.

    By opening up this honest dialogue, you can better understand your son's perspective on masculinity. We also include a special tribute to Henry Weatherall as part of this reflection on fatherhood and the legacy we leave behind. Whether you are navigating early parenting or looking to strengthen your bond, this father-son talk offers a new way to approach intentional parenting.

    Subscribe for weekly fatherhood coaching to help you lead your family with purpose, and share your thoughts on how you define manhood for your own children.

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    8 min
  • My Teenage Son Won't Talk To Me Anymore

    When your teenage son stops talking to you, the silence can feel overwhelming. Learn how to bridge the gap and reconnect.

    It is easy to assume that your son has simply become quiet, but the reality is often that he has stopped communicating specifically with you. This shift can be jarring for any father, but it is rarely the end of the road. We address five specific reasons behind this communication breakdown and provide practical steps to help you open the lines of dialogue once again.

    Good parenting advice focuses on the long-term relationship rather than the immediate frustration of the silence. By applying principles of intentional parenting, you can rebuild trust and create a space where your son feels safe opening up. These adjustments to your approach can change the trajectory of your relationship.

    Subscribe for weekly fatherhood coaching to help you lead your family with purpose, and share your thoughts on how you handle silence with your kids.


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    8 min
  • “Signs of Depression in Men That Look Like ‘Just Tired’”

    Many men mask the signs of depression in men by staying busy or mistaking anger for sadness. Learn to recognize the warning signs of burnout before it is too late.

    We often fall into the trap of believing that constant grinding is the only way to provide for our families. However, this exhaustion often hides deeper struggles that affect your role as a father. This video outlines seven common indicators that what you label as mere tiredness might actually be a serious mental health issue. Understanding these patterns is a vital part of intentional parenting, ensuring you can show up for your kids as the person they need, rather than just a provider of material things.

    Prioritizing your own mental health for dads isn't about weakness; it is about sustaining your ability to lead your family with purpose. If you find yourself constantly irritable or feeling hollow despite your accomplishments, it may be time to reassess your well-being. If you are struggling, please reach out for support by calling or texting 988.

    Subscribe for weekly fatherhood coaching to help you find a sustainable work-life balance, and share your thoughts on how you prioritize your own health while navigating the daily grind.

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    9 min
  • "Why I'm Building Build Better Dads" (And Where This Is Going)

    I am launching Build Better Dads to help you lead your family with purpose. Learn why character matters more than possessions.

    Many dads get caught up in providing for their family through material things, but the real work of fatherhood happens when we focus on the person our children are becoming. This video explores my own journey and the realizations that led me to launch this channel, aiming to share the lessons I have learned along the way.

    Moving away from the pressure to just provide, I want to discuss the importance of intentional parenting and how we can foster resilience and integrity in our kids. Through this channel, I hope to provide the dad motivation needed to navigate the challenges of raising children in today's world. By prioritizing character building over material wealth, we can create a stronger foundation for our families.

    Subscribe for weekly fatherhood coaching to refine your approach to family life, and share your thoughts on what you want to see covered next.

    0:00 What Will Your Children Remember?
    1:01 The Reality of the Working Dad
    3:01 Building a Trusted Community
    5:38 The Power of Our Collective Voice

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    8 min
  • Working Dads: Being Exhausted Is Not a Badge of Honor

    Please like, subscribe, comment and share this video so we can reach more fathers, dads and parents to make the world a a change one

    Being one of many working dads doesn't mean you have to be exhausted. Learn why rest is actually better for your family.

    Many men, especially working dads, wear their exhaustion like a trophy, believing that constant grinding is the only way to be a provider. But constant fatigue often leads to burnout, leaving you with little energy for the people who matter most. This discussion explores why neglecting your own rest isn't a measure of good fatherhood, but a fast track to being absent even when you are physically present.

    True intentional parenting requires you to show up recharged and engaged, not just logged in or clocked out. We break down the shift in mindset needed to prioritize recovery so you can actually be the father your family needs. Stop viewing your limits as weaknesses and start treating your health as a necessary component of your role at home. Finding a sustainable work-life balance isn't about doing less; it's about being more effective with your time and energy.

    Subscribe for weekly fatherhood coaching to refine your approach to family life, and share your thoughts on how you manage the daily grind.

    0:00 The Myth of the Exhausted Father
    1:48 Being Needed vs. Being Useful
    3:33 Inheriting the Wrong Blueprint
    7:08 The Lie We Tell Ourselves About Rest

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    11 min
  • Your Kid Will Fail. What They Hear Next Changes Everything

    When your child faces failure, how you respond determines their resilience. Learn how to coach your kids through life's toughest moments.

    Working dads often feel the urge to correct or criticize when a child stumbles, but your reaction in those critical moments sets the tone for their future confidence. This video explores why your role is to be a mentor rather than a critic, providing the support they need to see failure as information rather than a reflection of their identity. By shifting your approach, you help build a foundation where they feel safe to take risks.

    We break down practical strategies for parenting, including how to praise effort over results and how to set expectations that foster growth. You will learn to identify potential without using limiting labels and how to correct the process instead of the person. This is about being the bridge between home and the world, ensuring your child develops the mindset necessary to navigate challenges independently.

    Subscribe for weekly fatherhood coaching to refine your approach to child development and confidence building.

    0:00 How Dads Should Respond to Failure
    0:31 Lessons from a High-Stakes Baseball Moment
    3:06 Five Pillars of Intentional Fatherhood
    7:19 Why You Should Stop Rescuing Your Kids
    8:46 Belief Is Expectations, Not Flattery

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    13 min
  • Can People Tell You're Father Without You Saying it?



    In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be recognized as a father through your actions and presence, not just words. We discuss how self-awareness, public perception, and personal responsibility shape the image of a dad in everyday life.


     keywords

    fatherhood, self-awareness, public perception, personal responsibility, building better dads, father image, social influence, parenting, masculinity, community impact


     key  topics

    The importance of actions in defining fatherhood
    How others perceive us as fathers
    The role of self-awareness in personal growth
    Impact of public perception on behavior
    Building a positive image as a dad
    The significance of walking the walk in fatherhood
    How social media influences perceptions of dads
    The importance of self-reflection for fathers
    The connection between personal responsibility and community respect
    Lessons from real-life examples of fatherhood


     sound bites

    "Can people tell you're a father without you saying it?"
    "Your actions in public reflect your character as a father."
    "Are you fine with how others perceive you as a dad?"


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: What Does It Mean to Be a Recognized Father?
    01:56 The Incident at Work: How Others Perceive Fatherhood
    04:07 The Significance of Actions and Behavior in Public
    05:59 Self-Awareness: Knowing How Others See You
    08:09 The Impact of Public Perception on Personal Responsibility
    09:51 Building a Positive Dad Image Through Consistency
    11:57 Lessons from Real-Life Examples of Fatherhood
    13:57 The Role of Social Media and Cultural Influences
    15:55 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Accountability
    18:05 How to Be a Better Dad in Public and Private
    19:54 The Legacy of Responsible Fatherhood
    21:59 Final Thoughts: Walking the Walk as a Dad

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    45 min
  • 7 Conversations Every Son Needs Before He Turns 18

     

    This episode explores seven crucial conversations fathers should have with their sons before they turn 18, covering topics from discernment and failure to respect and learning. These insights aim to guide parents in raising well-rounded, resilient men.


     keywords

    fatherhood, parenting, son, life lessons, resilience, respect, failure, learning, discernment, personal growth


     key  topics

    Discernment vs distrust in friendships
    The importance of failure and learning from it
    Learning to lose and resilience in sports
    Self-respect and grooming as self-care
    Listening skills and effective communication
    Knowing your limits and seeking help
    The value of continuous learning and growth


     sound bites

    "Look beneath the surface, not distrust"
    "Failure isn't the same as being a failure"
    "Learn to lose gracefully"


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: The importance of conversations with sons
    02:20 The significance of growing with friends
    03:47 The mindset: I hope you fail
    04:43 Failure as information, not identity
    06:12 Learning to lose and the value of competition
    09:13 Respect yourself through grooming and self-care
    10:40 The art of listening and effective communication
    12:37 Knowing your limits without being helpless
    14:34 The importance of loving to learn
    16:32 What we want our children to become

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    18 min

About Build Better Dads

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