This is an encore episode of a conversation we had with John Eldredge back in 2020—but today, it’s more relevant than ever. We’ve edited it down to deliver just the most valuable insights, cutting through the noise to bring you the heart of the message.

John is the bestselling author of Wild at Heart, a book that has had a major impact on our community, helping countless men reconnect with their purpose, their strength, and their hearts.

In this episode, we cover: 🔥 Why every man needs a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a woman to love 🔥 The deep wounds many men carry from childhood—and how to heal them 🔥 How modern distractions are pulling men away from their inner wisdom 🔥 The balance between strength and softness, and why men struggle with this paradox 🔥 The impact of screen time, social media, and modern culture on the masculine soul 🔥 The importance of mentorship, community, and solitude in shaping a strong man

______________________________

👋 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads?

We are in the business of building better families.

While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them.

We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally.

Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with

👉 Join The Brotherhood: https://brotherhood.frontrowdads.com/

🎤 Listen to Front Row Dads podcast here:

🌐 Website: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast/ 

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Groves, a leading voice in personal growth, relationships, and authenticity. Mark is known for helping people navigate the complexities of love, connection, and self-awareness with radical honesty and compassion.

We Cover:

• The "vulnerability cycle" and how it shapes relationship patterns.

• Why defensiveness is the ultimate intimacy killer—and how to move past it.

• How to co-regulate and create harmony even in the toughest moments.

• Breaking free from inherited relational habits that no longer serve you.

• Turning relationship conflict into a powerful path toward deeper connection.

• The surprising wisdom behind wounds and how they can lead to the love you deeply desire.

Mark’s insights on embracing discomfort and co-regulation as a path to growth hit me deeply. The idea that “our defense strategies live beside our greatest wounds” changed the way I see not only my relationships but also my own triggers. By learning to co-regulate, we can turn relational tension into an opportunity for connection and healing.

If you’re ready to transform your relationships and yourself, this episode is a must-listen.

______________________________

👋 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads?

We are in the business of building better families.

While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them.

We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally.

Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with

👉 Join The Brotherhood: https://brotherhood.frontrowdads.com/

🎤 Listen to Front Row Dads podcast here:

🌐 Website: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast/ 

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, and I know how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and forget to make time for something truly meaningful. Gifts and grand gestures are great, but here’s the truth: writing a heartfelt poem for your wife can be far more valuable than anything you can buy her.

That’s why I’m sharing something special with you today—a way to express your love through words.

In a recent podcast interview, Adam Roa, a renowned poet and speaker, shared an incredible exercise designed to help men craft heartfelt poems for their wives. Adam’s approach is simple yet powerful: it’s not about writing the world’s most perfect poem—it’s about capturing what’s already inside you and putting it on paper.

In this 7 minute bonus episode he walks you through:

• How to reflect on meaningful moments in your relationship.

• Ways to turn your thoughts and feelings into poetic lines.

• The transformative power of sharing those words with your partner.

Take a few moments to listen and try the exercise. This might just be the most memorable gift you give your wife this Valentine’s Day.

_____________________________

About Front Row Dads

 While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally.

Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with

👉 Join The Brotherhood: https://brotherhood.frontrowdads.com/

🎤 Listen to Front Row Dads podcast here:

🌐 Website: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast/

 Apple: http://bit.ly/3XLSRWj

In this conversation, I sit down with Lance Salazar, co-creator of Legendary Couples and co-author of  The Miracle Morning for Couples. Lance shares how he rebuilt his marriage from the brink of divorce. Learn his powerful framework that transformed his relationship, built around four essential pillars for lasting success.

We cover:

• The 4 Pillars of Legendary Couples: You, Partnership, Friendship, Lovers

• How personal growth can reignite your relationship

• Why improving your marriage directly impacts your children’s happiness

• Practical strategies for balancing communication, intimacy, and parenting

• The myth of effortless relationships—and why real love takes work

____________________________________________

👋 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads?

We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally.

Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with

👉 Join The Brotherhood: https://brotherhood.frontrowdads.com/

🎤 Listen to Front Row Dads podcast here:

🌐 https://frontrowdads.com/podcast/

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Adam Roa—spoken word artist, transformational coach, and creator of the viral poem You Are Who You’ve Been Looking For, viewed over 250 million times. Together, we explore the transformative power of self-love, and I share my own emotional journey toward truly loving myself—a journey that has profoundly impacted my marriage, my parenting, and my sense of peace.

This conversation moved me deeply, and at one point, I found myself overwhelmed by emotion. It reminded me of the power of self-connection and the courage it takes to look within.

We cover:

• Adam’s inspiring journey to discovering self-love and how it transformed his life.

• Practical steps to start building a better relationship with yourself.

• How to model and teach self-love to your children.

• The healing power of art and creativity.

• Why self-love is not a light switch but a relationship to nurture.

This isn’t just a conversation about self-love—it’s a powerful exploration of how loving ourselves more deeply can transform every relationship in our lives.

Jon

Connect with us @ FrontRowDad.com & Instagram

FRD is solving a huge problem for dads. Our culture has turned “Dad” into a joke. Go ahead, google Dad and you’ll find Dad Bod, Dad Jokes, Dad Weed, etc. Culturally, it’s a Homer Simpson mentality, and it’s BS.

Our community is built for solid men. Men with range. Those who are badass, and know there’s still more to learn, together.

Most guys find it hard to find “their crew.” Finding other committed men, who are successful in life, and want to put family first – these guys are rare. Is this you?

In FRD, hundreds of men from all over the world show up for each other, to share resources and raise the bar of fatherhood (our core values.)

If you’re reading this, you want to grow.  Podcasts are great, but guys… when you’re ready to stop just listening to content, and want to JOIN the conversations – the FRD brotherhood is ready for you.

One more thing…

Has this podcast helped you? If so, please tell us how we’re doing. Please take a minute and leave a review. Seriously, they matter. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

In today’s episode, we’re diving into fatherhood with a perspective that will challenge, inspire, and empower you. Our guest, Mark Groves, a globally recognized expert in relationships and personal growth, shares powerful insights and transformative lessons from his journey to becoming the best version of himself—for his son, his family, and his own growth.

Here’s what we cover:

• Vitality and Parenting: Why staying fit and mobile is crucial for being an active, present dad.

• Emotional Repairs: How to recognize and repair emotional reactivity with your child.

• Communication Mastery: The importance of modeling healthy communication with your partner in front of your kids.

• Healing Past Wounds: Understanding how your own childhood impacts your parenting style.

• Parent-Child Dynamics: Why seeing your child as a teacher can change the way you parent.

• Parent Partnership: How prioritizing your relationship as parents strengthens the family bond.

• Continuous Growth: The skills every father can develop to meet their child’s needs better.

This conversation is packed with heartfelt stories and practical insights that resonate deeply with every father trying to grow, heal, and show up fully for their kids.

Jon

Connect with us @ FrontRowDad.com & Instagram

FRD is solving a huge problem for dads. Our culture has turned “Dad” into a joke. Go ahead, google Dad and you’ll find Dad Bod, Dad Jokes, Dad Weed, etc. Culturally, it’s a Homer Simpson mentality, and it’s BS.

Our community is built for solid men. Men with range. Those who are badass, and know there’s still more to learn, together.

Most guys find it hard to find “their crew.” Finding other committed men, who are successful in life, and want to put family first – these guys are rare. Is this you?

In FRD, hundreds of men from all over the world show up for each other, to share resources and raise the bar of fatherhood (our core values.)

If you’re reading this, you want to grow.  Podcasts are great, but guys… when you’re ready to stop just listening to content, and want to JOIN the conversations – the FRD brotherhood is ready for you.

One more thing…

Has this podcast helped you? If so, please tell us how we’re doing. Please take a minute and leave a review. Seriously, they matter. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

This week, we dive into the beautiful, messy, and transformative journey of relationships. This is the second part of my interview with Sam Gibbs Morris, a men’s coach, speaker, and relationship mentor, who shares his insights on masculinity, love, and emotional growth.

In this episode, Sam explains why being in a relationship is like attending 1,000 funerals—a willingness to let go of past versions of your partner to fully embrace who they are today.

We Cover:

Letting Go of Expectations - How to release control and embrace love as it is.

The Dance of Holding On and Letting Go - Why balance is key in relationships.

Masculinity Redefined - Building emotional capacity and leading with presence.

Seeing Your Partner Anew - How to move beyond past versions to foster deeper intimacy.

Practices for Emotional Growth - Tools to show up fully in your relationships and life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create more meaningful connections with your partner—or yourself—this episode is for you.

Jon

Connect with us @ FrontRowDad.com & Instagram 

FRD is solving a huge problem for dads. Our culture has turned “Dad” into a joke. Go ahead, google Dad and you’ll find Dad Bod, Dad Jokes, Dad Weed, etc. Culturally, it’s a Homer Simpson mentality, and it’s BS.   

Our community is built for solid men. Men with range. Those who are badass, and know there’s still more to learn, together.  

Most guys find it hard to find “their crew.” Finding other committed men, who are successful in life, and want to put family first – these guys are rare. Is this you? 

In FRD, hundreds of men from all over the world show up for each other, to share resources and raise the bar of fatherhood (our core values.)

If you’re reading this, you want to grow.  Podcasts are great, but guys… when you’re ready to stop just listening to content, and want to JOIN the conversations – the FRD brotherhood is ready for you.  

One more thing… 

Has this podcast helped you? If so, please tell us how we’re doing. Please take a minute and leave a review. Seriously, they matter. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 

Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Have you ever felt like you're working harder than ever, but somehow missing what truly matters?

This week, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes of all time—a replay of a powerful master class with Hal Elrod from 2019. As we head into the new year, this conversation is as timely and relevant as ever.

In this episode, Hal shares the radical changes he made after a life-altering health scare to reclaim his time, focus on what truly matters, and design a life of deep connection.

We cover:

• Practical strategies to align your actions with your values.

• The power of rituals like family meetings to foster open communication.

• Why learning to say "no" is the ultimate act of self-love and prioritization.

• The critical role of health and emotional mastery in being present.

• How community and accountability drive transformation.

Why listen now? This master class has inspired countless listeners to rethink how they approach their family life and priorities. It’s the perfect episode to set the tone for a year of alignment, connection, and fulfillment.

My personal takeaway? The idea that fulfillment comes not from doing more, but from doing the right things. Creating intentional rituals and saying no to misaligned commitments were game changers for Hal—and it might just change everything for you, too. 

Here’s to creating your best year ever,

Jon

Connect with us @ FrontRowDad.com & Instagram 

FRD is solving a huge problem for dads. Our culture has turned “Dad” into a joke. Go ahead, google Dad and you’ll find Dad Bod, Dad Jokes, Dad Weed, etc. Culturally, it’s a Homer Simpson mentality, and it’s BS.   

Our community is built for solid men. Men with range. Those who are badass, and know there’s still more to learn, together.  

Most guys find it hard to find “their crew.” Finding other committed men, who are successful in life, and want to put family first – these guys are rare. Is this you? 

In FRD, hundreds of men from all over the world show up for each other, to share resources and raise the bar of fatherhood (our core values.)

If you’re reading this, you want to grow.  Podcasts are great, but guys… when you’re ready to stop just listening to content, and want to JOIN the conversations – the FRD brotherhood is ready for you.  

One more thing… 

Has this podcast helped you? If so, please tell us how we’re doing. Please take a minute and leave a review. Seriously, they matter. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 

Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

In this week’s episode  we explore one of the most pervasive, yet rarely discussed emotions men face: shame. Joining me is Sam Gibbs Morris, a men’s coach, speaker, and soon-to-be father, whose personal journey from addiction and self-doubt to healing and empowerment will leave you with the tools and strategies to overcome shame. 

Together, we unpack the role of shame in shaping men’s lives, relationships, and legacies.

We Cover:  

Origins of Shame - How childhood experiences shape adult insecurities.  

Addiction and Shame - Why we use substances and behaviors to numb pain.  

The Healing Journey - Steps to confront shame and turn it into growth.  

Parenting with Presence - How addressing personal shame transforms fatherhood.  

Sobriety Beyond Alcohol - Living truthfully by removing distractions.  

This conversation moved me deeply. It’s not just about overcoming shame—it’s about learning to hold it, understand it, and transform it into strength. For fathers, husbands, and men seeking growth, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Jon

P.S. We created this 2 page google doc on identifying and healing shame.

Fellas,

 In 24 minutes the great Jim Dethmer gives a master class on Emotional Literacy.  (This recording is a clip from a longer training we did for our members.  We have over 100 trainings like this in our content vault.)

 For those that don’t know, Jim is a best selling author and Co-Founder of The Conscious Leadership Group. 

 Jim speaks with insights from his  45 years of helping leaders be their best. 

 He shares why recognizing and processing emotions is essential for not just your personal growth but also for building stronger relationships with your kids, partner, and even colleagues.  

 We cover :

• What emotions really are and why they’re misunderstood.  
• The 5 core feelings that shape your emotional world: anger, sadness, fear, joy, and sexual energy.  
• How to map your emotions to physical sensations in your body.  
• Practical tools to develop emotional intelligence and navigate challenging situations.  

 Here is a PDF that has the workbook pages that are covered in the episode if you want to take your experience further. 

 I hope you enjoyed the show and if you want more content like this from our Vault hit reply and let me know!

Jon

P.S.  There is still a little time left to get your tickets for FRDL.  <- Check out the promo video

Connect with us @ FrontRowDad.com & Instagram 

Want to hang out with other FRDs in Austin? Watch this 3-min video from our last Front Row Dads Live event. Tickets avaiable now for December’s event. 

Not able to travel?  We got you. Join our next online event, built just for kickass dads who know there’s more to learn. FrontRowDads.com/summit 

FRD is solving a huge problem for dads. Our culture has turned “Dad” into a joke. Go ahead, google Dad and you’ll find Dad Bod, Dad Jokes, Dad Weed, etc. Culturally, it’s a Homer Simpson mentality, and it’s BS.   

Our community is built for solid men. Men with range. Those who are badass, and know there’s still more to learn, together.  

Most guys find it hard to find “their crew.” Finding other committed men, who are successful in life, and want to put family first – these guys are rare. Is this you? 

In FRD, hundreds of men from all over the world show up for each other, to share resources and raise the bar of fatherhood (our core values.)

If you’re reading this, you want to grow.  Podcasts are great, but guys… when you’re ready to stop just listening to content, and want to JOIN the conversations – the FRD brotherhood is ready for you.  

One more thing… 

Has this podcast helped you? If so, please tell us how we’re doing. Please take a minute and leave a review. Seriously, they matter. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 

Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts | Spotify