In this episode, Ned shares powerful insights from a recent marriage retreat that every dad needs to hear. He explores the importance of creating rhythms of rest in a 24/7 culture, the life-changing power of speaking blessings over your kids, and the vital role of truly listening to your wife and children. With raw honesty and practical takeaways, Ned challenges fathers to stop striving, start resting, and build a family culture of peace, presence, and love.

Chapters:

- 00:00 - Introduction to the Marriage Retreat series

- 03:24 - The importance of rest in a 24/7 culture

- 08:12 - Shabbat and Sabbath: Creating family rhythms

- 12:45 - Speaking blessings over your children

- 17:30 - The power of truly listening to your wife and kids

- 22:18 - Keeping the boys away: Protecting your daughters

- 27:53 - Building a family culture of peace and presence

- 34:09 - Practical takeaways for dads

- 38:42 - Closing thoughts and next steps

Larry Hagner, author of "The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood," founder of the Dad Edge Podcast, and a passionate advocate for helping men discover their identity and opportunity in fatherhood. With over 1,400 podcast episodes and a decade of coaching fathers, Larry shares profound insights on breaking free from "the drift" - the state where many fathers find themselves going through the motions without true fulfillment.

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Larry Hagner
• 00:01:58 - Larry's background and experience as a fatherhood coach
• 00:04:00 - The wisdom of turning 50 and advice for fathers in their 40s
• 00:05:00 - The importance of learning fatherhood skills like any other discipline
• 00:08:00 - Making intentional time investments in marriage relationships
• 00:12:35 - The connection between being a good husband and a good father
• 00:15:00 - The three needs of wives and kids: feeling seen, heard, and safe
• 00:19:00 - The state of modern marriages and the three camps of couples who stay together
• 00:24:00 - Setting a marriage example for our children to follow
• 00:27:00 - Overview of "The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood"
• 00:29:00 - Understanding "the drift" and why men settle for less
• 00:34:00 - Raising sons and daughters with complementary values
• 00:41:00 - Final wisdom: You already have what it takes to be an amazing father

• Larry's new book: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood
• Dad Edge Podcast: https://thedadedge.com/podcast/
• Larry's website: https://thedadedge.com/ (includes free resources with book purchase)
• Dad Edge Alliance (for career dads): https://thedadedge.com/alliance/
• Dad Edge Business Owner Brotherhood: https://thedadedge.com/bob/

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Ned Schaut continues his four-part series on lessons from a recent marriage retreat. Speaking directly to fellow fathers, Ned shares raw stories and practical takeaways on how to stop defending yourself, start asking for forgiveness, and bring your best energy home to your family. From learning the three questions that heal conflict, to navigating moments of being misunderstood with his teenage son, Ned unpacks what it means to lead through serving. With a mix of vulnerability, humor (including an unforgettable skinny-dipping story), and fatherly wisdom, this episode equips dads to fight for connection, love, and unity in their marriages and families.

Three questions for healing conflict:

1. "By the tone of your voice, sounds like I hurt you. Is that true?"
2. "Please tell me how I made you feel."
3. "I'm so sorry. Will you forgive me?"

• 00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
• 00:01:00 - The Power of Fighting for Connection in a 20-Year Marriage
• 00:02:00 - How People Leave Your Presence: Being Interested, Interesting, and a Blessing
• 00:04:00 - Decreasing Conflict: Three Questions That Heal Hurt Feelings
• 00:06:00 - The Power of Asking for Forgiveness Without Defending Yourself
• 00:08:00 - Feeling Misunderstood: A Father-Son Conversation
• 00:10:00 - The Different Hats of Fatherhood: Parent, Friend, and Mentor
• 00:11:00 - Creating Unforgettable Memories: The Skinny Dipping Story
• 00:12:00 - A Man's Identity: Created to Fight for Love and Connection
• 00:13:00 - Final Encouragement: Your Kids Need to See You Fight for Their Mom

• Craig Hill's books
• John Tyson's "Primal Path" program

In this powerful conversation, Ned chats with Tim Campbell, an 82-year-old father with decades of hard-earned wisdom to share. As a husband of 50 years, Peace Corps veteran, and author of "Holding Up the Sky," Tim opens up about the challenges and triumphs of raising three children—including two with serious health challenges. This isn't just theory; it's battlefield-tested fatherhood advice from a man who's lived it. Tim introduces concepts like the "phantom captain" and reframes discipline as building trust rather than punishment. His stories will resonate with dads in the trenches of parenting, offering practical insights on embracing selflessness, developing resilience, and committing to the long game of fatherhood. Both vulnerable and encouraging, this episode reminds fathers that your daily investments—even when unseen or unappreciated—are creating a legacy that will shape generations long after you're gone.

• 00:00:00 Introduction - The Journey of Fatherhood
• 00:01:47 Tim at 82: Wisdom That Transcends Age
• 00:03:03 Passing Down Fatherhood Lessons Between Generations
• 00:04:45 Marriage as the Foundation: 50 Years of Partnership
• 00:06:15 Supporting Your Spouse Through Family Crises
• 00:08:19 How Challenges Can Strengthen Your Marriage
• 00:12:41 Raising Children with Different Needs and Challenges
• 00:27:05 Developing the Heart of a Father: Leading with Love
• 00:39:36 How Our Fathers Shape Our Parenting Approach
• 00:44:55 Building Your Legacy as a Dad

• Holding Up the Sky (Book)
• Tim Campbell’s Personal Site
• Tim Campbell on LinkedIn
• Family Culture Guide
• Rebel and Create: A Compass to Mastering the Craft of Fatherhood

In Craft of Fatherhood, Marriage Retreat Part 1 of 4 + Complimenting My Son, Ned Schaut shares the first installment of a four-part series inspired by a recent marriage retreat. He asks dads to wrestle with a critical question: If the enemy could pick you off, where would it be? With a focus on guardrails, accountability, and the hidden blind spots in family life, Ned opens up about a powerful moment with his teenage son. By choosing affirmation—“You’re a hard worker”—over correction, Ned witnessed his son respond with an unprompted “I love you, Dad.” This episode lays the foundation for a series on building stronger marriages, affirming our kids, and leading with integrity in fatherhood.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Craft of Fatherhood Podcast
• 00:00:24 - New four-part marriage series announced
• 00:01:36 - First lesson: Identify your weak spots
• 00:03:10 - The need for male accountability partners
• 00:03:55 - Setting up "guardrails" for protection
• 00:04:46 - Story: Praising a son's hard work
• 00:05:40 - The impact of a father's positive words
• 00:06:49 - A marriage affirmation for fathers

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: 
• RUK Fitness
• This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
• Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
• Check out the TEDx

----------

Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?

• https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
• https://www.rebelandcreate.com/

Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Follow us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this heartfelt episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, host Ned Schaut sits down with Jake Stemo, Founder of Presence Worship, to explore what it truly means to embrace fatherhood. From raising four kids—including a 15-year-old entrepreneur launching her own thrift shop—to navigating loss, adoption challenges, and faith-driven parenting, Jake shares how presence, hard work, and an “all in” mindset shape his role as a dad. Together, Ned and Jake tackle cultural expectations and the pressures of the modern American dream, challenging fathers to rediscover what success truly means for their families. They discuss multi-generational living, marriage that requires dying to self, and the beauty of raising resilient kids who say yes to risk and creativity. This episode is about rejecting passivity, leading with integrity, and resurrecting a vision of the American dream that is rooted in faith, family, and legacy.

Jake & Micah Stemo are the founders of Presence Worship, a ministry with a vision to equip worship leaders both spiritually and musically for the Kingdom of God. Over the past 10 years, they have equipped and discipled hundreds of worship leaders through Presence Worship’s Residency Program. Their ministry is based in Newton, Kansas, where they host a year-long equipping school that sends singers, musicians, and worship leaders to the nations. Jake regularly leads worship in rural churches as well as on ministry trips around the world. He carries a deep passion for the Presence of God and for raising up a generation of leaders rooted in intimacy with Him. Jake and Micah met at age 16, married at 19, and have now been married for 17 years. Together, they are raising four amazing children while continuing to pursue God’s call to equip and release worship leaders globally.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to Fatherhood Field Notes
• 00:01:23 - Jake's "Dad Moment": Launching his daughter's shop
• 00:03:44 - The story behind their large age gap
• 00:05:55 - Jake's Vocation: Running a worship nonprofit
• 00:08:26 - Fostering his daughter's entrepreneurial dream
• 00:11:35 - Defining the role of a father
• 00:12:48 - When Jake embraced fatherhood
• 00:15:28 - A father's perspective on young marriage
• 00:17:44 - The "adventurously expected" mindset from Romans 8:15
• 00:21:49 - Guiding a daughter's ambitions and dreams
• 00:24:05 - The tension between God's plan and taking action
• 00:29:19 - Navigating conversations about dating and early marriage
• 00:32:04 - Redefining "hard" in marriage as dying to self
• 00:35:37 - Lessons learned from his own father
• 00:39:57 - Rebelling against the "American dream" status quo
• 00:44:02 - Creating a new example for families on mission
• 00:47:08 - Passing down faith through legacy songs
• 00:52:40 - A final blessing for fathers and their unseen sacrifices

Guest Link:

• Jake Stemo LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/jake-stemo-b8944a28
• Jake Stemo X (Twitter) – x.com/jakestemo
• NewSpring Church – newspring.org 
• Presence Worship (Jake and wife’s nonprofit equipping young worship leaders) – presenceworship.org 
• Heaven Sent Vintage (Jake’s daughter’s curated thrift shop) – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavensentvintageks/

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: 
• RUK Fitness
• This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
• Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
• Check out the TEDx

----------

Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?

• https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
• https://www.rebelandcreate.com/

Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Follow us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this solo episode, host Ned Schaut takes listeners inside a real-life story of frustration with his son and how it reshaped his approach to discipline. Drawing on wisdom from seasoned fathers and his own reflections, Ned unpacks the difference between reacting in anger and responding with intention. He challenges dads to ask not, “What punishment does my kid deserve?” but rather, “What does my child need?” From counting actual actions instead of repeated asks, to owning your discipline choices without hiding behind God or your spouse, this episode provides raw, relatable insights every father can apply. Stick around until the end for a powerful affirmation to anchor your identity as the CEO of your family.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Craft of Fatherhood Podcast.
• 00:00:21 - A new discipline approach from a 72-year-old guest.
• 00:01:14 - Pause, don't react, and ask, "What does this kid need?".
• 00:03:00 - A warning to own your decisions and not blame God or your spouse.
• 00:04:11 - A personal story about reacting poorly to a son's comment on fairness.
• 00:05:12 - A child's perception of working "all the time" vs. the reality.
• 00:06:44 - Kids count the number of "asks," not the completed actions.
• 00:07:45 - "I am the CEO... of this family

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: 
• RUK Fitness
• This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
• Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
• Check out the TEDx

----------

Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?

• https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
• https://www.rebelandcreate.com/

Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Follow us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this candid episode, host Ned Schaut sits down with author and speaker Eric Rogell to confront the trap many fathers fall into—trying to be the “nice guy” who’s always liked instead of the man who leads with courage and conviction. Eric shares why advice often misses the mark, and why children need fathers who live out wisdom through the Sacred Seven Core Values: courage, honesty, integrity, commitment, duty, honor, and love. From fatherhood and step-parenting to manhood at “Level 60,” Eric unpacks how dropping the need for approval allows dads to guide their kids with strength, presence, and authenticity. This conversation challenges men to stop chasing validation, embrace their role as mentors, and build a legacy rooted in love and honor.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Welcome to Fatherhood Field Notes Podcast
• 00:01:19 – Meet Eric
• 00:03:25 – Late 50s accomplishments: writing a book, producing a documentary
• 00:04:24 – Turning point through meditation and taking command of life
• 00:06:16 – No plans to retire from purposeful work
• 00:07:28 – Untapped wisdom in older, retired men
• 00:08:29 – Difference between advice (head) and wisdom (heart)
• 00:09:47 – Using “wisdom, not advice” by sharing stories and mistakes
• 00:14:25 – Value of letting kids make mistakes: “prepare the child for the road”
• 00:16:35 – Creating healthy challenges, like running an excavator
• 00:18:44 – The Sacred Seven Core Values: Courage, Honesty, Integrity, Commitment, Duty, Honor, Love
• 00:22:26 – The “King and Kingdom” principle: care for yourself to care for family
• 00:25:42 – Navy SEAL lesson on why most commitments fail after five days
• 00:28:10 – Advice for men in the stepfather role
• 00:28:34 –Don’t try to be liked; earn respect
• 00:31:25 – Three Lights of Leadership: Friend, Guide, Guardian
• 00:38:14 – What will your kids think of you at 60?
• 00:38:58 – Complex relationship with father: once seen as villain, later as hero
• 00:42:16 – Discovering father’s generosity through stories after his passing
• 00:43:37 – Importance of a father’s attention, not just time
• 00:46:28 – It’s okay to be the “villain” when acting as guardian

Guest Link:

• Lions Raised as Lambs Website
• Eric’s Website
• Eric on Instagram

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: 
• RUK Fitness
• This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
• Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
• Check out the TEDx

----------

Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?

• https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
• https://www.rebelandcreate.com/

Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Follow us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this Craft of Fatherhood episode, host Ned Schaut challenges fathers to reflect deeply on a pivotal question: What are you modeling for your kids? Drawing from candid stories and personal struggles, Ned explores how the way we speak about others, show up in marriage, approach work, and set the tone at home creates a lasting picture for our children. He invites listeners to evaluate whether their actions align with the values they hope to pass on and ends with a powerful affirmation about identity and intentional fatherhood. This episode is a call to lead by example—because what we model matters more than what we say.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Craft of Fatherhood Podcast
• 00:00:20 - Central Question: What are you modeling for your kids?
• 00:00:47 - Personal Reflection: Modeling marriage for growing daughters
• 00:01:21 - Anecdote: How a parental divorce influenced a daughter's view on marriage
• 00:02:22 - Self-Reflection Point 1: The words you model in your home
• 00:02:50 - Self-Reflection Point 2: The example you set in your marriage
• 00:03:12 - Self-Reflection Point 3: How you model work and approachability
• 00:03:51 - Self-Reflection Point 4: The values you model in your home environment
• 00:04:11 - A challenge: How would your kids describe what you value?
• 00:04:50 - Affirmation Prompt: Who do you say that you are?
• 00:05:10 - A Father's Affirmation: I am here to listen, provide, protect, and care

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: 
• RUK Fitness
• This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
• Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
• Check out the TEDx

----------

Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?

• https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
• https://www.rebelandcreate.com/

Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Follow us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this heartfelt conversation, host Ned Schaut sits down with Gary Stache— a husband, father of five, grandfather of seven, and Vice Chairman with CBRE Capital Markets, Investment Properties — to explore what it really means to love unconditionally as a dad. Gary shares raw stories of raising a blended family, guiding kids through rebellion, and embracing both tough love and tender moments. With wisdom from 40 years in business and 30 years of parenting, Gary reveals why he never plans to retire, how faith shaped his role as a father, and why being present matters more than perfection. Most importantly, he reflects on raising his children with values and ensuring those values are passed down as the true legacy. His insights on marriage, mentorship, and modeling love will encourage every dad to embrace the messy adventure of fatherhood.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Fatherhood Field Notes Podcast
• 00:01:34 - Meet Gary
• 00:02:10 - Family background and children
• 00:02:46 - Career at CBRE and choosing not to retire
• 00:04:47 - The father’s role: loving unconditionally
• 00:04:58 - Story: a cherished memory with his young daughter in a special dress
• 00:05:53 - Becoming a stepfather and raising a blended family
• 00:07:10 - Story: disciplining a stepson by removing his bedroom door
• 00:09:35 - Tip for fathers: praying before disciplining children
• 00:11:16 - Leading with love: beginning every hard talk with “I love you”
• 00:11:53 - Overcoming the past: growing up without hearing “I love you”
• 00:12:22 - Story: a teenage son showing affection
• 00:14:17 - A blended family’s honor: stepdaughter naming her child after him
• 00:15:06 - Building unity: inviting his wife’s ex-husband to family gatherings
• 00:19:32 - Balancing discipline with fun and engagement
• 00:20:05 - A united decision: asking the kids for permission to propose
• 00:20:40 - Lessons from his father: valuing the outdoors and family first
• 00:22:17 - A moment of healing: asking his father to say “I love you”
• 00:23:40 - Advice for single men: letting God define your future wife
• 00:27:21 - Loving adult children: allowing them to learn their own lessons
• 00:29:21 - Rebelling against distraction: turning off the phone and avoiding social media
• 00:32:43 - Continuing family values

Guest Link:

• Gary Stache on LinkedIn
• Gary Stache – CBRE Profile

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: 
• RUK Fitness
• This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
• Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
• Check out the TEDx

----------

Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?

• https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
• https://www.rebelandcreate.com/

Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Follow us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate