This world is full of distractions. And those nagging distractions often pull us away from the people we care about the most. Tyler Ramsey, solo artist and former songwriter and lead guitarist for Band Of Horses, has actively worked to create a life for his family that reduces distraction and promotes living in the moment. In this episode, he shares that when he’s not touring the world on a bus, a slower-paced, self-sufficient lifestyle leads to a deeper connection with nature and his family.
 

To kick off the 11th episode of Modern Dadhood, Adam and Marc shout out to a few loyal listeners and MD supporters. Then things get real when Marc recounts his childhood in rural Pennsylvania, and expresses hope that his own sons will develop similar imagination and sense of adventure as they grow, despite the unrelenting distraction of modern technology.

Adam introduces guest Tyler Ramsey, who shares the story of raising his infant daughter while on tour with Band of Horses, and how he balances world travel with a slower paced lifestyle in his quiet home outside of Asheville, NC. Tyler, his wife, and now five year old daughter work, play, learn, and share meaningful time together as they explore the great outdoors right in their backyard. Now releasing solo albums, Tyler explains, he has more freedom and ownership over his schedule, resulting in more time being a present dad. Our conversation covers topics including:

• Tyler's decision to move away out of the city
• The impact of nature on Tyler's lifestyle, music, and family
•  Demonstrating to your child that you are constantly learning
• Teaching your kid to be self-sufficient
• The importance of imagination and play
• Offsetting tour life with solitude and space
• Self discipline when working from home
• The raw emotion of holding your newborn
• Being fully present and appreciating the time you have with your family


Links:
Tyler Ramsey (official website)
Tyler Ramsey albums and merch
Forest Creature Dolls (Tyler's wife's company)
I'll Tell You What! Podcast
TMNT Screening & Modern Dadhood Q&A with Steve Lavigne
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Bubby Lewis
Red Vault Audio
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

This conversation with rapper Spose is an extended version of the conversation on the topic of music that demands our kids' attention, featured in Modern Dadhood Episode 5.
 

We understand that with the short-form nature of our show (30 minute episodes), sometimes the conversations with our guests leave our listeners wanting more. Our conversation about Spose was a particularly fun one, which we feel warrants its own episode. Laugh along as we discuss fatherhood, music, and topics such like:

• The pros (and cons) of Alexa
• The days of requesting a song on the radio
• The death of the Compact Disc
• The various ways our children are exposed to music
• What makes a particular artist or song appealing to young people?
• Censoring songs for our kids
• The formula for a catchy pop song
• Spose's kids book "Pinecone Pete is Not Impressed"


Links:

Spose
Spose Podcast
Pinecone Pete is Not Impressed
Tascam Porta-02 (we both used to record on this awesome 4 track)
Weezer - Lost in the Woods
Black Pink "Dududu"
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
TMNT Screening @ 3S
(^ this event includes a Q&A with Ninja Turtles comic artist Steve Lavigne, hosted by Marc & Adam!)
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Are you a dad who loves pulling pranks? Are you unable to stop goofing around with your kids, even when it's past their bedtime? Would your spouse say that you're the "fun dad"? If so, this episode is for you. We rap with legendary radio personality Greg Kretschmar about how to maintain authority as the dad, when you also seek the mischief and companionship of a friend.

Episode 9 finds Adam and Marc discussing the thrill of playing a good prank, and the joys and challenges of being a playful parent. Guest Greg Kretschmar shares his own "fun dad" stories, while imparting some wisdom on how to navigate playing the role of both "dad" and "friend." Topics include:

• The satisfaction that comes from making your kids belly laugh
• When your influence comes back to bite you
• When does a boy become a man?
• Embarrassing your kids in public intentionally
• Embarrassing your kids in public unintentionally
• Doing funny voices
• A prank that crossed the line
• Switching from friend to disciplinarian

The guys round out the episode with another installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?
 

Links:

Greg and the Morning Buzz
Greg Kretschmar Photography
Morning Buzz Podcasts
TMNT Screening & Modern Dadhood Q&A @ 3S Artspace
Steve Lavigne/Shellback Artworks
Caspar Babypants
Bubby Lewis
Spencer Explores the Universe
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

We understand that with the short-form nature of our show (30 minute episodes), that sometimes the conversations with our guests leave our listeners wanting more. Well, we're here to deliver. In an extended cut of our conversation with actor Terry O'Quinn, he candidly speaks about his experience growing up in a family of 11 with a father who was a prominent and sometimes intimidating figure, and raising his two sons in Maryland, working hard to make a living as an actor. Topics we discuss include:
 

• The implications of having a father who is also your school principal
• Moving your wife and kids around the country for months at a time
• Going to see a movie that you didn't know your DAD was in
• Hitchhiking in Hawaii
• The trend of recreating successful films
• Financial strain
• The joys of grandkids
• Terry's parenthood advice for young actors
• The rise of "binge watching" and "watch parties"
• Alec Baldwin's babies
• The Stepfather 1, 2, and the reboot
• What NOT to say in the delivery room when you set eyes on your newborn for the first time
 

Links:
Terry on Twitter
Terry on Instagram
Terry O'Quinn Filmography
Perpetual Grace, Ltd.
The Sea Captains' "You Were Wrong" (the song about Locke!)
Red Vault Audio
Izotope Rx7
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

You might be known as “sir” to your subordinates, “doc” to your patients, or “officer” to the person you're handcuffing. But to your kids, you're just plain old "dad"... even when you're on the big screen opposite Luke Wilson or expertly throwing knives on The Island. In Episode 7, we chat with veteran actor Terry O’Quinn about his on screen roles, as well as the role he didn't have to audition for: Hunter and Oliver's dad.

In Episode 7, Marc and Adam commiserate about heartbreaking daycare drop offs and the importance of consistency and routine. They introduce guest Terry O'Quinn, whose storied career includes roles in The Stepfather I and II, The Rocketeer, Millennium, Heaven's Gate, Star Trek, The X-Files, Patriot, Perpetual Grace, Ltd., and of course, LOST.

Terry shares stories from his own childhood, growing up one of 11 siblings with a father who was also his school principal, and being a young actor raising two boys in Maryland. We learn what life was like for his sons both before and after "Terry O'Quinn" became a household name. Other topics we discuss include:

• Moving your family around the country for months at a time
• Going to see a movie that you didn't know your DAD was in
• Terry's parenthood advice for young actors
• The rise of "binge watching" and "watch parties"
• What NOT to say in the delivery room when you set eyes on your newborn for the first time

Keep you eyes on ModernDadhood.com for the full conversation with Terry.

The boys wrap up the episode with a rousing game of "Talkin' With Toddlers," and open it up to the dads listening to decipher the final sound byte. Dads, cast your vote -- [email protected]

Links:
Terry on Twitter
Terry on Instagram
Terry O'Quinn Filmography
Perpetual Grace, Ltd.
The Sea Captains' "You Were Wrong" (the song about Locke!)
Red Vault Audio
Izotope Rx7
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Making your own way, seizing the day, putting yourself out there. Describe it however you like, but Peter Jude Ricciardi is here to tell you that if you put in the effort, step out of your comfort zone, and don't be afraid to "fake it 'til you make it," you can achieve great things. The best part? Your kids are observing and learning from your work ethic!

In episode 6, we discuss the merits of talking to our kids about pursuing their passions. Adam confesses his dream of once wanting to become a game show host (despite his aversion to being in front of a camera). Marc remembers he once wanted to be a cartoonist (despite his poor drawing skills). Spoiler alert: neither of those careers panned out. During the interview with Peter Jude Ricciardi, we learn that taking chances can yield excellent results and that sometimes you have to fake it 'til you make it — and that's okay. Other things we discuss include:

• How we talk to our kids about their future
• Instilling confidence in our kids
• Encouraging creativity
• Discovering what makes us passionate
• The value of hard work
• Failure to do anything on time anymore
• Explaining personal responsibility to a 6 year old
("YOU need to realize you have to go pee before we leave the house!")
• Our kids are watching us and learning from us all the time

Lastly, Marc takes yet another stab at saying "thank you" to the listeners — and you get to decide whether it's a success or failure.
 

Links:
Brandartica (website)
Brandartica (Instagram)
Woodstock Inn Brewery ("Daddy's Art")
PJR @ CreativeMornings (video)
Marc Summers
Double Dare
Radio Disney
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Explores the Universe

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Have you had it up to your ears with “Into The Unknown”? Or is your kid more of the “Shake it Off” type? Music can create memories, influence decisions, drive creativity, and can even become the lens through which you view the world around you. We thought someone who writes, performs, and produces awesome songs might possess unique insight into why certain music captivates our kids. Rapper (and dad of 4) Spose proved us right, and dropped some science.
 

In Episode 5, Adam shares a story of a close call involving his kindergarten-aged daughter's tongue and an icy cold metal mailbox. The remainder of the episode is dedicated to the discussion of music: why is it that our children are drawn to certain songs, artists, or genres? Is there a formula to writing a song that will grab the attention of a young person? Adam and Marc gush way too much over their mutual admiration of Caspar Babypants before introducing guest Spose.

From Spose's own studio, he and Adam discuss dadhood-related themes including:

• Kids music being associated with a story/characters
• The elements of a successful pop song
• The music of Frozen and Frozen 2, and composers Robert and Kristen Lopez
• The pros and cons of Alexa
• The ability for our kids to "DJ with their voice"
• Living in a world where there's instant access to any song
• Requesting songs on the radio
• Taylor Swift
• Songwriting specifically for film

Links:
Spose
The Spose Podcast
Pinecone Pete Is Not Impressed
Weezer "Lost In The Woods"
Bull Moose Music
Robert and Kristen Lopez
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Some parents take their kids to Disney. Some visit Grandma in Boise every July. And some move their family into a small boat for most of the year. Justin Kelcourse, a real estate agent and father of two, shares with us how he and his partner manage to raise their family on a boat.
 

In Episode 4, Marc shares the top three most useful travel tips that he put to use on a recent family vacation with his wife and twin toddlers. Marc and Adam discuss vacation-planning strategies, what types of experiences may leave a lasting impression on your children as they grow, and which ones will disappear from their memory.

They welcome guest Justin Kelcourse, a successful realtor and owner of Kelcourse and Company, a division of Keller Williams Coastal Realty. Justin shares stories of his family's unique lifestyle that surely will result in lifelong memories: living for months at a time on a small boat in New England. In Justin's conversation, the guys touch on topics including:

• the allure of an alternative lifestyle
• financial security
• compact sized baby furniture
• living minimally
• encouraging and building self-reliance in your children
• building confidence and competence
• lack of technology/devices promoting more interpersonal connection
 

Adam and Marc round out the episode with a "The Grudge"-inspired installment of "So That's a Thing Now!" and continue to struggle with the proper send-off.
 

Links:
Kelcourse and Company
Beastie Boys "Ch-Check It Out"
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Explores the Universe

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Dads have emotions too, and sometimes those emotions make your eyes leak all over your face. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but it is something that makes you wonder: Are other dads out there letting their emotions all hang out? We chat with Christian Hayes, father of two, ex-rock star and current restauranteur star about emotional vulnerability.

In this episode of Modern Dadhood, Marc and Adam catch up about the stinkiest smells from their kids, and the things that make them emotionally vulnerable dads.

Guest Christian Hayes shares of his own vulnerabilities as the front man of hard rock band Sidecar Radio, as the owner of two businesses in a notoriously tough industry, and as a father of two young daughters.

The episode wraps up with Modern Dadhood's homage to "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" in a segment called "Did I Just Say That Out Loud?" where Marc and Adam share stories about ludicrous exclamations that came out of their mouths lately in the presence of their kids.

Links:
The Garrison, Yarmouth, Maine
Sidecar Radio
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Diaper Genie
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

People have to work, no mystery there. What is a mystery, though, is how best to make sense out of busy schedules when kids are in the picture. Do you want to know who holds the key to that mystery? Us too! That's why we talked with Josh Cecot, someone who juggles an irregular schedule as the General Manager of a restaurant with being a husband and a dad of two.

In this episode of Modern Dadhood, Marc and Adam commiserate about the aches and pains that come with getting older, and about graduating from a crib to a toddler bed.

The podcast's introductory guest is Josh Cecot, and the three discuss the pros of having one-on-one time with your children when you're solo parenting, and the cons of having less time as a complete family unit than you'd like.  Additionally, we discuss:

•  the feeling of guilt when work prevents you from being with your kids
•  the importance of distraction
•  restaurant etiquette when you're dining with kids
•  staying at work a little later than you need to as a favor to your spouse 
•  the desire to take your children on adventures
•  the need for hand signals with other parents in public
•  the importance of letting it go-- (not like the song)

Josh Cecot proved his candidacy as a returning guest right away. He'll be on our short list... especially because he showed up with  80s movie references at the ready, and good craft beer.
 

Links:
York River Landing
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast