Build Better Dads
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Build Better Dads episodes

  • Are We Setting Our Sons Up To Fail?

    In this episode, Dr. Richard C. Horowitz shares valuable insights on how fathers can better support their sons' emotional development, set appropriate boundaries, and foster resilience. We explore practical strategies for parenting with intention and understanding to help boys transition into responsible men.


     keywords

    fatherhood, parenting, emotional intelligence, discipline, resilience, family meetings, boundaries, responsibility, child development


     key  topics

    Difference between discipline and punishment
    How to build resilience in boys
    Effective communication with sons
    Setting boundaries and rules
    The importance of family meetings
    Modeling emotional intelligence
    Handling rejection and disappointment
    Signs of emotional growth in boys


     takeaways

    Discipline takes time and involves teaching responsibility.
    Avoid overprotecting your children; let them face manageable challenges.
    Read your child's behavior for signs of emotional well-being.
    Regular family meetings create open communication.
    Model emotional honesty to teach kids how to handle feelings.


     sound bites

    "Let them fail a little to build resilience."
    "Walk the walk and share your emotions."
    "Be present and walk the walk to build trust."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and the importance of fatherhood
    02:10 The difference between discipline and punishment
    04:44 Avoiding overhelping and helicopter parenting
    06:38 Handling bullying and teaching resilience
    09:18 Recognizing emotional signs in boys
    12:11 Having crucial conversations before age 18
    13:44 The role of family meetings and rituals
    16:57 Negotiating rules and building ownership
    19:09 Teaching boys to handle rejection and emotions
    22:28 Dealing with misbehavior and shutdown techniques
    26:44 The importance of presence and modeling behavior

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    25 min
  • Jails Are Full Of People Who Were Only Talked To

    On this episode of Build Better Dads, host Ramon Weatherall and guest Speak Rock have an honest, unfiltered conversation about spanking, discipline, communication, accountability, and the difference between parenting your child and trying to be their friend.
    They discuss whether children can be raised without spanking, why different children require different approaches, how a father’s role changes as children mature, and what can happen when parents fail to establish boundaries.
    This conversation does not support child abuse. It examines reasonable parental discipline, correction, communication, consequences, and the responsibility fathers have to prepare their children for the real world.
    What do you think? Can parents discipline effectively without spanking—and should a parent be a friend while their child is still growing up? Share your perspective in the comments.
    Subscribe to Build Better Dads for honest conversations about fatherhood, discipline, family leadership, parenting, and raising responsible children.

    0:00 Cold Open
    0:32 Can Spanking Damage the Future Relationship?
    1:30 Speak Rock Responds
    2:55 Parent First, Friend Later
    4:00 The Animal Kingdom Discipline Analogy
    6:35 A Father’s Discipline and Accountability
    9:03 Can You Raise Children Without Spanking?
    11:31 Different Children Need Different Approaches
    12:12 Fathers Must Know Which Buttons to Push
    13:00 Stop Comparing Yourself to Other People
    14:04 The Limits of Only Talking
    14:17 Friend at 10 or Friend at 30?
    16:00 Speak Rock’s Grandfather and Childhood
    17:05 Growing Up and Releasing Resentment
    17:54 The Only Time Ramon Heard His Father Cry
    21:09 Discipline Is Not Child Abuse
    22:09 The Hamburger Video
    23:36 What Happens When Parents Enable Disrespect?
    28:04 The Closing Lesson for Parents

    Build Better Dads, Ramon Weatherall, Speak Rock, spanking children, should parents spank their children, spanking debate, parenting discipline, fatherhood advice, parenting boys, raising responsible children, child discipline, gentle parenting debate, parenting without spanking, consequences for children, fathers and sons, Black fatherhood, involved fathers, parenting boundaries, parent versus friend, friend at 10 or friend at 30, communication with children, child accountability, respectful parenting, raising disciplined children, parenting podcast, fatherhood podcast, family leadership, breaking generational cycles, adult children and parents

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    29 min
  • “Somebody Asked Me What I Meant By ‘The Real World”

    Somebody asked me what I meant by "the real world."

    Like they didn't know.

    So let me tell you what I mean — because your son is walking into it whether he's ready or not.

    The real world doesn't care about excuses. It doesn't care about your childhood. It responds to your kid based on what he knows and how he shows up.

    Working dads — that's what we're preparing them for.

    That's what this channel is. Conversations nobody had with us.

    Subscribe if you're a working dad tired of running your father's broken playbook.

    #workingdads #fatherhood #familyceo #raisingsons #buildbetterdads

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    3 min
  • Should Your Adult Child Pay Rent to Live

    # Should Your Adult Child Pay Rent to Live at Home?

    Should your adult child pay rent while living at home? The better question is whether your arrangement is helping them build independence—or helping them avoid it.

    In this video, we look beyond simply collecting rent. A few hundred dollars each month does not automatically prepare a grown child for life on their own. The goal should be to teach them how to budget, pay bills, save for their own place, and take responsibility for their future.

    You’ll learn:

    - Why charging rent by itself may not build independence
    - How living at home can become a launchpad instead of a comfort zone
    - Why saving toward an apartment or home may be more valuable than collecting money without a plan
    - How parents can teach budgeting, bills, and personal responsibility
    - The questions every parent should ask before deciding whether an adult child stays for free, pays rent, saves money, or moves out

    ## Chapters

    00:00 Should your adult child pay rent?
    00:05 The question parents should really ask
    00:17 Why paying rent is not enough
    00:32 Helping them save for their own home
    00:38 Rent without responsibility
    00:47 Preparing them for bills and independence
    01:00 Helping versus enabling
    01:15 The question parents must ask themselves
    01:24 Free, rent, savings, or moving out?
    01:47 Build Better Dads

    The goal is not merely to get money from your adult child. It is to help them become capable of supporting themselves.

    What arrangement do you believe best helps an adult child become independent? Share your perspective in the comments.

    Subscribe to Build Better Dads for practical conversations about fatherhood, leadership, responsibility, and raising capable adults.

    #Fatherhood #ParentingAdultChildren #AdultChildren #ParentingAdvice #BuildBetterDads #FinancialResponsibility #Independence

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    3 min
  • I Became a Dad Without Knowing How to Be a Man..

    This episode explores the core lessons fathers want to pass on to their children, emphasizing the importance of intentional parenting and life skills. It highlights common themes like preparation for real-world challenges, financial literacy, patience, and meaningful conversations.


     keywords

    fatherhood, parenting, life lessons, financial literacy, patience, communication, personal growth, generational change


     key  topics

    Fathers' common concerns about their children's future
    The importance of teaching life skills like money, mechanics, and patience
    The role of conversations in fatherhood
    How to make children more prepared for life's challenges
    The concept of leaving a better next generation


     takeaways

    Fathers are primarily concerned with preparing their children for real-world challenges.
    Meaningful conversations are more impactful than material gifts.
    Teaching patience and deferred gratification is crucial for children's development.
    Financial literacy is often neglected but essential for independence.
     Every generation has the opportunity to improve on the previous one.


     sound bites

    "You can't protect them forever"
    "Money and taxes are crucial life skills"
    "Conversations matter more than trips or gifts"


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: What Fathers Really Want for Their Sons
    02:02 The Common Fear: Preparing Sons for the Real World
    04:00 Lessons on Money and Financial Literacy
    05:26 The Importance of Mechanics and Practical Skills
    06:51 Patience and Deferred Gratification
    07:48 The Power of Conversations Over Material Gifts
    08:46 Leaving a Better Next Generation
    09:44 Your Personal Lessons and Next Steps

    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

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    10 min
  • When Your Son Disrespects You In Public — Do This Instead

    This episode explores a transformative approach for fathers to understand their sons' behavior, shifting from a perspective of control to one of empathy and leadership. Learn how to see beneath disrespect and foster stronger connections.

    Key Topics

    Changing the perspective on disrespect
    Understanding what children are really trying to communicate
    The importance of patience and listening
    Shifting from punishment to correction
    Building emotional intelligence in children
    The role of ego in parenting conflicts
    The power of waiting and discipline
    Seeing your child as a person, not just a behavior
    The importance of empathy and connection

    Takeaways

    Disrespect often signals a child can't express what they're feeling.
    Seeing beneath disrespect can transform your relationship.
    Patience and listening are more effective than immediate punishment.
    Waiting before addressing behavior increases respect and understanding.
    Parents should see their children as individuals with feelings, not just behaviors to control.

    Sound Bites

    "When you do that, you're missing the signals."
    "Find out what's really going on beneath the disrespect."
    "Your son is asking to be seen, don't miss it."

    Chapters

    00:00 The moment of realization in parenting
    00:16 Understanding your child's behavior as a cry for help
    01:14 The common mistake: Seeing disrespect only as defiance
    02:24 Signals children send when they can't express themselves
    03:56 The importance of empathy and putting yourself in your child's shoes
    05:09 Recognizing that children are not perfect and have struggles
    07:03 The power of asking 'What's really going on?'
    09:14 Moving from loud reactions to leadership and understanding
    12:12 The discipline of waiting and its importance
    14:11 Correcting behavior by understanding what's underneath
    16:46 Shifting from punishment driven by ego to standard setting
    18:28 Helping children develop emotional resilience and self-awareness
    20:34 The importance of seeing your child to truly connect

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    16 min
  • Good Men Destroy Themselves Trying to Save Everyone

    In this episode, we explore the complexities of family relationships, marriage, and personal boundaries. Our guests share heartfelt insights on when to let go, the importance of vows, and maintaining mental health amidst family challenges.


     keywords

    family relationships, marriage, boundaries, mental health, personal growth, fatherhood, respect, family dynamics


     key  topics

    Family boundaries and when to let go
    The importance of marriage vows and commitment
    Balancing family loyalty with personal health
    The impact of disrespect and how to address it
    Managing relationships with adult children and aging parents


     takeaways

    You are not everyone's God; set boundaries to protect your mental health.
    Marriage vows should be the guiding principle in family conflicts.
    Respect in relationships is crucial; disrespect can destroy families.
    Letting go of toxic family relationships is sometimes necessary for peace.
    Communication and boundaries are key to healthy family dynamics.


     guest  name

    Speak Rock


    Titles

    When to Let Go of Family Ties: A Spiritual and Practical Guide
    Marriage Vows and Family Loyalty: What Really Matters


     sound bites

    "When we say family, let's be specific."
    "Your wife just became your everything."
    "Your wife is supposed to come first."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Family Boundaries and Personal Growth
    02:12 The Spiritual Perspective on Leaving Family to Build Your Own
    03:28 Marriage as a Sacred Union and Its Implications
    05:23 Prioritizing Your Spouse Over Extended Family
    08:22 Respecting the Marriage Vows and Family Loyalty
    10:22 The Role of Respect and Boundaries in Family Relationships
    13:13 The Importance of Self-Respect and Not Playing God
    15:36 Managing Worry and Stress About Family Members
    17:59 The Dangers of Neglecting Mental and Emotional Health
    20:11 Healthy Relationships with Aging Parents
    23:35 Deciding When to Walk Away from Toxic Relationships
    26:16 The Power of Respect and Self-Respect in Family Life
    29:12 Marriage in the Context of Life’s Challenges
    32:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Fathers
    33:13 Closing Remarks and Future Topics

     resources

    Build Better Dads Podcast - https://buildbetterdads.com
    TikTok Meme on Family Priorities - https://www.tiktok.com
    Biblical Perspective on Family - https://biblehub.com
    Pivot Podcast with JR Smith - https://thepivot.com


     guest links
    https://www.tiktok.com/@speakroc?_r=1&_t=ZP-983tz9JWzQF


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

    Support the show

    36 min
  • My Father Never Taught Me This About Money

    Summary

    In this video, Ramon shares five crucial money lessons his father never taught him, emphasizing the importance of financial education for the next generation. He discusses investing, budgeting, defending purchases, calculating risk, and understanding money as a tool.

    Keywords

    money lessons, financial education, investing, budgeting, risk management, money as a tool, generational cycle, financial literacy, personal finance, wealth building


    Key Topics

    The importance of teaching children about money
    Five lessons about money that were not taught by previous generations
    The role of investing, budgeting, and risk calculation in financial literacy
    The concept of money as a tool for achieving needs and goals
    Breaking the cycle of financial ignorance across generations

    Takeaways

    Teach your children to invest early, before their first job.
    Budget with your kids by showing them how to subtract expenses from income.
    Teach children to defend their purchases by asking if it will pay them back, is for family security, or if they've saved for it.
    Calculate risk carefully and understand the difference between hope and calculated risk.
    Money is a tool for exchange, needs, and building wealth, not just earning.

    Sound Bites

    "Most important things are God and money."
    "Money is just an exchange of value."
    "Make your dollars work, don't just earn them."


    Chapters

    00:00 Breaking the Cycle of Financial Illiteracy
    02:19 The Five Lessons on Money Management
    04:48 Investing: A Skill for the Next Generation
    06:52 Budgeting Basics: Teaching Financial Responsibility
    08:50 Defending Purchases: Making Smart Choices
    09:39 Understanding Risk: Calculated vs. Hope
    11:36 Money as a Tool: Shaping Financial Futures

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    13 min
  • I Asked My 10 Yr Old About Money His Answer Floored Me!



    In this heartfelt episode, a father shares a candid conversation with his 10-year-old son about money, teaching valuable lessons on financial literacy, behavior, and the importance of intentional parenting. Discover how early money talks shape future generations and practical tips for parents.


     keywords

    financial literacy, parenting, money lessons, kids and money, investing, saving, family finance, fatherhood, money mindset, wealth building


     key  topics

    The importance of discussing money with children from a young age
    How parents' behavior influences kids' money mindset
    Practical questions to ask kids about money and values
    The role of investing and saving in financial education
    The impact of parental financial habits on children’s future


     takeaways

    Kids learn more from observation than words, so parents must model good financial behavior.
    Starting money conversations early can shape a child's financial future.
    Teaching kids about saving, investing, and spending is crucial from a young age.
    Parents should intentionally correct and model healthy money habits.
    The way parents handle money sets the foundation for their children’s financial success


     sound bites

    "Making it, like investing it, how to get it."
    "Investing is the best thing to do with your money."
    "Most people don't want a million dollars, they want to spend it."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: A Father’s Reflection on Money and Parenting
    00:26 The Impact of Parental Money Habits on Kids
    01:04 Talking to Kids About Money from a Young Age
    01:58 Questions to Ask Your Kids About Money
    02:59 What Does Money Mean to You? A Conversation with a 10-Year-Old
    04:13 What Would You Do with $100? Insights from a Child
    05:06 Do We Have Enough Money? A Child’s Perspective
    07:05 Modeling Financial Behavior for Kids
    08:15 Lessons Learned from a Child’s Honest Answers
    09:59 Are Rich People Happier? A Child’s View
    11:48 The Importance of Investing Early
    12:28 Advice for Kids About Money
    14:02 The Reality of Making Money and Wealth
    15:08 The Power of Observation in Teaching Money Values
    17:59 Changing the Money Playbook on Purpose
    19:08 A Father’s Challenge for Father’s Day

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    18 min
  • Broke Dad or Wealthy Dad? Pass or Fail


    Title: Broke Dad or Wealthy Dad? Pass or Fail

    Hook:
    In this episode, discover the three key reasons why a purchase should pass or fail, helping you build discipline and make smarter financial decisions. Learn practical steps to avoid impulse buys and plan your spending wisely.

    Key Topics:

     

    • The three reasons a purchase is justified: pays you back, protects your family, and is planned and budgeted

     

    • Why factors like a hard week or sales should not justify buying unnecessary items

     

    • How to implement a 10-second rule to pause before making impulsive purchases

     

    • The importance of discipline and tracking where your money goes to achieve financial independence

     

    • Practical tips for saving and investing instead of impulsive spending

     

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction to the three reasons purchases should pass or fail
    00:26 - Explanation of why a purchase pays you back
    00:55 - The importance of protecting your family's essential needs
    01:25 - Planning and budgeting for expenses and purchases
    01:55 - Common reasons purchases fail: hard week, sale, and entitlement
    02:24 - Why hardship isn't a valid excuse for impulsive buying
    02:50 - The trap of buying on sale and how to redirect funds
    03:20 - The "I deserve it" mentality and its pitfalls
    04:04 - Using a 10-second pause to prevent impulsive purchases
    04:34 - The discipline needed to avoid debt and unnecessary spending
    05:18 - The importance of tracking your spending and asking, "Why shouldn't I buy this?"
    06:15 - Recap and final thoughts on making smarter financial choicesResources & Links:

     

    • Financial Planning Tools

     

    • Book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

     

     

    Support the show

    7 min

About Build Better Dads

From the publisher's feed

 My father is a great man. He raised me. He was present. He was there.

But there are 5 things about money he never taught me — and not because he didn't love me. Because nobody taught…