FITFO

By Bryan Verduzco

Whether becoming a father and parent was something you were "ready" for or not, nothing can truly prepare you for all of the challenges you're about to face or that you're already in the throes of, yo... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about FITFO:

How many episodes does FITFO have?

The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.

FITFO episodes:

February 02, 2024 rebelEducator, Hannah Frankman on Figuring Out Homeschooling, Unschooling and Creating Learning Environments
Welcome to episode #24 of the FITFO Podcast! I am joined by the insightful #rebelEducator, Hannah Frankman, as we explore the intersecting worlds of parenting, education, and cultivating a curiosity-driven environment for our children.
Hannah shares her personal journey towards understanding and shaping early childhood development, drawing from Montessori principles and emphasizing the value of structured freedom. She explains how designing an educational space with thoughtfully curated activities can lead to children naturally engaging in beneficial play, fostering self-motivation and responsibility.
Diving deeper, we explore Hannah's nuanced take on homeschooling, where she discusses the balance between rigid academic structures and child-guided unschooling. Her approach is tailored, grounded in the belief that one size does not fit all in education.
We also discuss Hannah's strategies for building a successful social media presence, sharing expertise that's equally applicable to launching your own personal brand or creating a thriving micro school. Hannah's commitment to empowering families in alternative education challenges us to reconsider traditional educational pathways.
You can find all things Hannah at http://hannahfrankman.com/
X: @rebelEducator or @hannahfrankman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehannahfrankmanpodcast
OSI Course (Feb 5 2024!) : https://objectivestandard.org/product/how-to-build-a-social-media-brand
📚 Recommendations…
Pippi Longstocking https://a.co/d/2eC0WAL
The Montessori Method (Mint Editions (Philosophical and Theological Work)) https://a.co/d/3O9hRBq
The Intellectual Lives of Children https://a.co/d/bWneyJN
Don't Tell Me I Can't: An Ambitious Homeschooler's Journey https://a.co/d/3tgVeKk
Changing Our Minds: How children can take control of their own learning https://a.co/d/9sFYAPV
Dumbing Us Down - 25th Anniversary Edition: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling https://a.co/d/6Ytsbot
Educational Comments mentioned:
https://www.tks.world
https://www.moonrise.com
https://thoughtandindustry.com
https://socraticexperience.com
Synthesis.com

Timestamp:
2:55 The job of a parent, work yourself out of a job...
07:55 Challenging parenting decisions and leaving lasting impressions.
13:00 Parenting should be aspirational, not just practical.
13:45 homeschooling vs unschooling vs traditional schooling
18:03 Homeschooling is individualized and falls on a continuum.
21:55 Environment design to create an engaging space for kids to explore.
28:54 Creating a self-starter environment for children.
32:00 Montessori lessons
36:20 teaching Kids deal with boredom for improved focus
40: 📕 recommendations
46:32 Relocating for education and work in today's world.
50:53 the micro school movement, tailored to specific environments.
57:30 growing social presence to learn more on X
1:05:12 Her Hot takes and alarming stats
...more
1h 12min
August 26, 2023 Purposeful Prosperity Podcast: Unveiling Bryan's Entrepreneurial Journey
Welcome back to another episode of the FITFO podcast! Today, I have a special episode for you as I share a conversation between myself and fellow entrepreneur, Jack Smith, on the Purposeful Prosperity podcast. I rarely talk in depth about my day job and thought this would be a fun way for you all to get to know more about my career endeavors while learning about another great show. In this episode, I open up about my entrepreneurial journey and current role as Co-Founder of Clapself. We also talk about my podcast and the impact I’m hoping to make with both. Don't miss this fun conversation between myself and Jack on his episode of Purposeful Prosperity!

Show Notes:
Jack's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackraysmith/
Purposeful Prosperity Podcast: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast
Forbes Article on Jack: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/07/06/purpose-and-community-how-to-put-people-before-profits/?sh=da5f09d22340
...more
20min
August 18, 2023 Nick Carlile on Figuring Out How to Embrace Your Identity, Overcoming Suffering and the Power of your Words
Welcome back to episode #22 of the FITFO podcast! Today we have a very special guest joining us who has an incredible story to share...

Nick Carlile (M.Ed) is a husband, father, educator, podcaster, and certified holistic life coach. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife and 3 kids, where he spends his time coaching, teaching, exercising, and finding adventures in the outdoors. His passion for holistic wellness stems from having triumphed over his own addictions and subsequent challenges. Those experiences forced him to solve his own problems, which ultimately led him helping others learn how to do the same. He hosts Life Enchanted with Nick Carlile, a podcast currently streaming on all platforms. You can find all things Nick Carlile at www.mylifeenchanted.com.

In this episode Nick opens up about his struggles with addiction, his journey from teaching to coaching, his own experience of feeling known and loved, and the transformative power of embracing and sharing our stories. Join us as we explore the impact of negative and positive reinforcement on childhood development, the importance of consistency and iteration on the path to success, and the fundamental philosophy of coaching. Get ready for a thought-provoking and enlightening conversation that will leave you with a fresh perspective on addiction, parenting, and the power of words.

Time Stamps:
[00:01:08] Career transition: teacher to life coach.
[00:06:21] Coaching helps create future through potential realization.
[00:10:10] The Magic Wand question
[00:19:25] Nick's Powerful testimony: Being known and sharing our story brings freedom, peace, and love.
[00:22:16] His Mexico trip to transformation
[00:30:15] "addiction is in your blood"
[00:32:45] Words are not descriptive, they are creative.
[00:36:42] Intentional language, affirmations, forgiveness, and love.
[00:43:30] Negative and positive reinforcement shape our behavior.
[00:53:15] Value, consistency, failure, iteration lead to success.
[00:57:00] Growth comes from failure and iteration.
[01:03:06] Coaching call offer to help create cool things.

...more
1h 3min
August 11, 2023 From FBI to Executive Recruiting with Todd Dawson
Welcome to episode number 20 of the FITFO Podcast, where I have conversations with amazing moms, dads, and thought leaders of all different industries in hopes to help me figure out how to become the father that I want to be for my two young girls.
My Guest on this episode is Todd Dawson, Managing Partner of WorldBridge Partners. His story begins when he decided to join the FBI at the young age of 15. Despite his dedication to the craft, Todd realized that the FBI's program changes hindered his goal of becoming an agent upon graduating college so he left the Bureau and, briefly, become a police officer before he found his true calling, using those negotiation and investigation skills as an executive recruiter.
Todd is also a devoted father who prioritized his family above all else. So tune in and get ready to hear about his challenges, successes, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

Time Stamps:
[1:55] How he got into the Bureau
[6:30] Meeting Mr. Hoover and "Deep Throat"
[11:04] Managing high work hours and family life
[12:30] Career investigator joins recruiting industry
[13:32] Recruiting is about the art of getting information
[14:17] What you learn as a recruiter will help you raise your children
[15:50] Bringing his son into the business
[17:50] How he dealt with "No" in his career
[24:27] Effective sales strategies: takeaway closing, exchanging commitments, uncovering market movement.
[25:40] When did recruiters get Lazy?
[26:45] Recruiters should focus on others, not themselves.
[28:25] Parenting lessons: Love, structure, guidance, and presence.
[32:30] Job Description of a father
Show Links:
WorldBridge Partners: https://www.worldbridgepartners.com/
Todd's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawsontodd/
Todd's Substack: https://substack.com/@todddawson?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

...more
39min
August 04, 2023 Jennifer Edwards on Figuring Out How to Bridge the Gap & Curious Conversations
Welcome back to another episode of the FITFO podcast, where we dive deep into personal and professional development. I'm your host, Bryan, and today we have a special guest, Jennifer Edwards, joining us. Jennifer is a bestselling author, public speaker, and business coach, known for her expertise in fostering better relationships and effective communication. In this conversation, we'll explore the science behind how our brains are wired and how we respond to pressure situations. Jennifer will share practical tools for communication that can be applied to individuals of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. We'll also take a deep dive into her co-authored book, "Bridge the Gap," which has received high praise and recognition.
Jennifer Edwards, a conservative Christian with a traditional outlook, unexpectedly found herself meeting someone who seemed completely different from her - a liberal Buddhist named Katie McCleary. Despite their initial reluctance, the meeting over a glass of wine revealed a surprising spark between them. Jennifer and Katie discovered that their polar opposite beliefs and lifestyles actually brought valuable lessons and perspectives to their lives. They realized the importance of having meaningful conversations and understanding each other's viewpoints in today's polarizing times.
Timestamps:
[00:06:06] Book uses brain chemistry to improve conversations.
[00:06:52] Meeting reluctantly led to a surprising connection.
[00:12:06] Amy's early years shape her brain.
[00:12:58] In moments of a toddler's emotional meltdown, stay calm.
[00:16:16] Juggling emotions, responsibilities, and miscommunication challenges.
[00:20:07] Remember presence, not gifts, for parenting.
[00:25:34] Teaching children critical thinking through interaction.
[00:28:35] Patience, calmness, controlling emotions, self-awareness superpower.
[00:31:06] Teach positivity, gratitude; avoid victim mentality, enablement.
[00:35:08] Viktor Frankl's book teaches valuable life lessons.
[00:39:14] Unusual questions, vibrational experience, generous love.
[00:40:51] Relationship perspective: prioritizing support and communication.
[00:43:30] The Bullshit Sandwich
[00:48:19] Virtual work hinders effective communication, lacks reflection.
[00:50:06] Silence important for processing thoughts, words matter.
[00:55:44] Love, acceptance, and respect for all people.
Show Notes:
📚 Bridge the Gap: Breakthrough Communication Tools to Transform Work Relationships From Challenging to Collaborative https://a.co/d/eRdT7AI
📕 How to Win Friends & Influence People By Dale Carnegie https://a.co/d/hAEZp8W
📖 The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life https://a.co/d/iV80N3D
❤️ - https://www.loveandlogic.com/
SHRM Article: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/employment-law/pages/political-affiliation-bias-strains-some-workplaces.aspx
...more
57min
July 21, 2023 Dr. Switzer on Strategic Leadership: Guiding Your Family and company w/ Vision, Mission, and Values
Welcome to Episode 19 of the pod! My guest today is Dr. Switzer, the Founder and CEO of Switzer Associates Leadership Solutions (SALS). For the past 18 years, he has worked exclusively in the field of leadership. He has come alongside dozens of government, for-profit, and non-profit organizations and leaders across the United States and abroad.

Dr. Switzer is an executive coach who works with leaders at various levels in an organization, many of whom are at the senior level. He has been coaching since 2010 and has worked with more than 230 leaders at all levels, including many senior leaders and business owners.

He is also a leadership trainer and consultant with extensive experience in team building, strategic thinking, leading change, and recruitment and retention. He has spoken at dozens of conferences across the U.S. and has authored numerous published articles.

Previously, Dr. Switzer spent 28 years with a large organization, half of which were at the mid and executive levels. He was often called upon to develop and implement new programs and address team performance issues.

He holds a Doctor in Strategic Leadership Degree with an emphasis in Leadership Coaching. He also has Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Criminal Justice.

He will challenge and support you in becoming a better person, leader, and in reaching your professional goals. [00:02:17] Education, career, leadership, consulting, passion fulfilled
[00:06:06] Older parent, blended family, engaged with kids, athletics, coaching, exposing to different cultures, investing in them.
[00:10:04] Strategic leadership in home: instilled strong work ethic.
[00:15:10] Teaches his son to do, buys tennis stringing machine, earns money.
[00:19:17] Values and reinforcement create a stable environment.
[00:22:50] Quality time with kids, creating lasting memories.
[00:26:13] Culture is important; values, mission, and vision.
[00:32:09] Defining values and vision for our workplace.
[00:35:23] Leadership is an influential relationship; management is separate.
[00:43:02] Phrasing, understanding, transparency, action: keys to leadership.
[00:46:04] Don't expect perfection, learn from mistakes. Accountability and support are important.
[00:51:57] "Creating touch points to connect and learn."
...more
56min
July 14, 2023 Marty Menard on Figuring out How To Lead your Team & Family with Empathy
Welcome to episode number 18 of the FITFO Podcast, where I have conversations with amazing moms, dads, and thought leaders of all different industries to help me figure out how to become the father I want to be for my young girls.
My guest on this episode is someone I personally look up to and highly respect as a business leader, Mr. Marty Menard. Marty is the CIO of Pacific Coast Companies, Inc. He brings 40 years of Technology Leadership experience and shares insights he’s gathered during his career with great organizations such as Intel & HP.
During this conversation we discuss ways he approaches building a company culture, how to retain high performing individuals, and actionable tactics any leader can apply to lead their teams with empathy. His thoughts on the job description of being a father and how you can lead your family. I hope you all enjoy! * 1:30 how do you build company culture throughout your career?
* 5:30 His good to great model
* 10:30 leadership traits he values
* 13 leadership mistakes he made along the way
* 22:0 “If there were one more thing…”
* 27:23 parenting lessons from Marty
* 29 Platinum rule - treat others as they wish to be treated
* 39 how leaders attract great team members Links: * 📚 Bridge the Gap: https://a.co/d/aGVYGrZ
* 📕 One minute Manager: https://a.co/d/08ht6bS
* 📖 Five Love Languages: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts https://a.co/d/hrSQB4p
...more
1h 7min
July 07, 2023Dave Sanders On Figuring Out Angel Investing, the Future of Recruitment, & life lessons from career changes while raising a family
Welcome to episode number 17 of the FITFO Podcast, where I have conversations with amazing dads, moms, and thought leaders of all different industries to help me figure out how to become the father I want to be for my young girls.
My Guest on this episode is one of the most interesting men I know and someone I am fortunate to call a personal mentor, Mr. Dave Sanders. Dave is an Angel Investor and Membership Chair of the Sacramento Angels, he sits as a Board Member to multiple fast growing startups, one of the founding members of Worldbridge Partners a Forbes ranked & recognized Executive Recruitment firm, a real estate investor, a professional networker leading the Sacramento CIO/CTO networking group and an evangelist for the sacramento region.
There are a number of topics to touch on with Dave but during this conversation we discuss a few he is most passionate about: Angel Investing, the future of talent acquisition and how to intersect entrepreneurship with being a dad. I learn a ton from him every time we speak so I hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it!
2:45 Intro to Dave

8:30 what is angel investing

23 how angel investments in your portfolio

25:30 takeaways starting a business during early fatherhood.

28 what is the future of recruitment

31 good LinkedIn micro content!

35 replacing a resume

41 how the future of work is changing higher education systems

41:50 tips for hiring managers

47:05 learn how to learn
Connect with Dave:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/worldbridgepartners/details/experience/
Links Referenced in episode:
Sacramento Angels: https://sacangels.com/

Angel Capital Association: https://www.angelcapitalassociation.org/

Tech Stars: https://accelerate.techstars.com/

Accredited Investor Definition in 2023: https://www.bankrate.com/investing/accredited-investor/#what-is

📚 The Alliance By Reid Hoffman - https://a.co/d/6old78u
...more
51min
May 26, 2023Sarah & John Alaimo on Figuring Out how to Overcome Addiction, becoming Authors and Disability & Inclusion
Welcome to episode number 16 of the FITFO Podcast, where I have conversations with amazing dads, moms, and thought leaders of all different industries to help me figure out how to become the father I want to be for my young girls.
I'm pumped to have you all here for another amazing conversation and this is another first for me, having a husband and wife duo on the pod. These two are accomplished authors, high achievers in their respective industries, new parents and all around resilient individuals who have overcome alcoholism and drug addiction together.
Sarah Alaimo is a Career Happiness Coach specializing in serving women in recovery. Sarah is also an International best-selling author, Human Resources leader and Recovery Advocate. She is a Southern California native massively deprived of sunshine while living in the Pacific Northwest. She is a mom to baby son Jack and one-eyed black Pomeranian, Baron. Among her favorite things in life, she would list ice cream, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball, travel adventures and of course, John. While she would love to say that she has learned moderation since getting sober in 2015, the fact that she listed ice cream before her husband really says it all.
John has over twenty years of professional experience developing solutions that improve operational excellence across multiple industries. He is a connector of people and ideas and a passionate innovator invested in pioneering initiatives that contribute to meaningful change.
He is also a veteran of the US Navy, identifies with having both apparent and non-apparent disabilities, is neurodiverse, and is in
recovery from a history of mental illness all of which play a key part of who he is and the value he delivers. As a result, John has become a leader advocating for mental health and disability inclusion driving innovations across government, healthcare, and business to help create a culture shift with how employees are supported in the workplace.
John serves as the Vice President of Amazon’s People with Disabilities (AmazonPwD) Affinity Group and is the Founder of Amazon's Mental Health & Well-Being Affinity Group. He holds a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology and Graduate Certificate in Systems Design and Management from MIT.

Time stamps:
Intros: Sarah 3:30 and John @ 5:45

8:20 John’s new book - and talking unconscious biases and mental health as component of DEI

12:15 how they are approaching inclusion in the household

17:50 Book writing, launches and group publishing

21 how the writing process helped the recovery

24:42 Mental health and addressing that in public

33 how they approached coming out and admitting they had a problem

34:19 how they would recommend someone talking to a loved one battling addiction

37:42 how can companies approach hiring, and engaging with their employees on these topics?

38:53 business toolkits for companies to use with recovery friendly workplace, mental health, disability inclusion and more

42 DUI on background and how to overcome that when looking for a new job
Referenced in the Show:
Sarah Alaimo.com
IG: Sarahdianealaimo
LinkedIn:
John - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-alaimo-shrm-cp-46097024

Sarah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdalaimo
📚 The Diversity in Humanity: A New Vision for Creating Harmony in the Workplace https://a.co/d/7zj3acz
📚 Pearls and Probation: Adventures of an Alcoholic Good Girl https://a.co/d/1CAVw1J
📚 The X-Factor: The Spiritual Secrets Behind Successful Executives & Entrepreneurs https://a.co/d/altIVx5
Book writing course: Soul excellence publishing - https://soulexcellence.com/
ToolKits:
Hazelden Betty Ford - Addiction and recovery: https://hope.hazeldenbettyford.org

Disability In: https://disabilityin.org

Business Disability forum: https://businessdisabilityforum.org.uk
...more
48min
May 05, 2023 Figuring Out How to Land a Job w/Blake Thiess
Welcome to episode number 15 of the FITFO Podcast, where I have conversations with amazing dads, moms, parents, and thought leaders of all industries to help me figure out how to be the father I want to be for my young girls. I focus each episode on figuring out different aspects of business, fitness, finances, leadership and other areas to make me a more well-rounded dad.
Today my guest is Mr. Blake Thiess who shares his wisdom to help job seekers with over 15 years of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition professional experience. As the Head of Sourcing and Sr. Technical Headhunter with AdAstra Talent Advisors, he collaborates with high growth, VC-backed startups in the NewSpace, Clean Tech, Technology, and industries to build their organizations through attracting high-performing team members to create exceptional business outcomes. Along with his professional experience he is deeply invested in learning more about the HR space actively holding Professional Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM-CP certifications.
Time Stamps:
- 12:24 - fun aspect of staffing & recruitment
- 14:00 Tactical tips from Blake
- 18:33 hat goes around comes around
- 18:55 BV LinkedIn search tip
- 19:34 Where to begin on LinkedIn
- 26:40 you’ve got the company’s attention, now what?
- 38:56 Certs and standing out in HR/TA/Recruiting space
- 43:57 Blake’s favorite books for mindset development
More about Blake:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakethiess
IG: https://instagram.com/blakeinthepnw?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blakeinthepnw?s=21&t=Q-Vv-qzr-yzDII4CSxlr_Q
- SHRM Certs: https://www.shrm.org/certification/pages/hr-certification.aspx
PHR cert
- https://www.hrci.org/certifications/individual-certifications/phr
- 📚 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones By James Clear https://a.co/d/2CCCUHt
📚The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance by Rich Diviney https://a.co/d/5dQ7Gh5
📚 The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success By Ed Mylett https://a.co/d/6mD4eY0
📚 Getting to Neutral: How to Conquer Negativity and Thrive in a Chaotic World By Trevor Moawad https://a.co/d/hoHip9o
📚 Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less By Greg McKeown https://a.co/d/3AmdOkc
📚 Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition) By Jocko Willink and Leif Babin https://a.co/d/8ALUrkB
📚 The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win https://a.co/d/3OnIjAd
...more
46min

FAQs about FITFO:

How many episodes does FITFO have?

The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.