Here’s a punchier opening that gets into the theme immediately:Two of the hardest words for any dad to say? “I’m sorry.”  Mike kicks off this episode of Radio Dad with a simple truth: dads mess up. We lose our patience, say the wrong thing, overreact—and sometimes our pride makes admitting it harder than the mistake itself. But when Dad can look his kids in the eye and say, “I’m sorry,” he’s not giving up authority. He’s showing them what character looks like.

Next, Mike catches up with his old friend Jesús Garcia from Spain for a conversation about something that could probably use a comeback: being a gentleman. They talk etiquette, manners, dressing well, and why looking and acting like a gentleman isn’t about being stuffy or old-fashioned. It’s about showing respect—for yourself and for the people around you. And yes, guys, apparently the ratty T-shirt you’ve had since 1997 may not qualify as “dressing like a gentleman.”

Finally, Mike talks with Kim Davis about classic cars and the special connection she shared with her dad. Because sometimes an old car isn’t just an old car. It’s the sound of the engine, the smell of the interior, a Saturday afternoon in the garage, and memories of Dad sitting behind the wheel. Kim shares how her father passed along his love of classic cars—and, along with it, a piece of himself.From learning to say “I’m sorry,” to remembering what it means to be a gentleman, to keeping Dad’s memory alive through a classic set of wheels, this episode is really about the things we pass along to our kids.Some lessons are taught. Some are inherited. And some come with a really cool engine.It’s all on this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin.

Back-to-school season can bring up a lot of memories for Dad—but not all of them are good ones. Maybe you struggled in school. Maybe you hated homework, didn’t fit in, weren’t a great student, or still remember that teacher who seemed to have it out for you. Mike opens this episode with an important reminder for dads: Don’t hand your kids YOUR back-to-school baggage. Their school experience belongs to them, so give them the chance to write their own story instead of expecting them to repeat yours.

Then the conversation takes a much more serious turn. Former FBI agent and cybersecurity expert Eric Wojtkun joins Mike to talk about keeping our kids safe in an increasingly connected world. Eric explains some of the dangers parents may not even realize are out there, including how predators target young people online and the disturbing reality of child trafficking. It’s a conversation every dad needs to hear—not to make us paranoid, but to make us informed, involved and paying attention.

Finally, how much sugar are our kids really eating? Probably more than we think. Dr. Patrick Porter, brain health specialist, joins Mike to explain what too much sugar may be doing to our children’s bodies, brains, energy and ability to focus—and what parents can do about it.It’s another episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin about one of Dad’s most important jobs: protecting our kids while giving them the room they need to grow into the people they’re meant to become.

Here’s the shorter version for podcast platforms:Mike kicks off Radio Dad with the adventures and challenges of back-to-school season as a single dad.
Then Healthy Living Expert Judy Gaman talks about why dads and kids need more sleep.  Robert Spector celebrates the importance of America's Mom & Pop shops, and Farmer Ed Carpenter explores family farms and the growing world of agri-tourism.From backpacks and bedtimes to Main Street and the family farm, it's an episode about family, community and the traditions that keep us connected.

This week on Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike takes on three very different challenges that can test a Dad’s patience, confidence—and sometimes his sanity!  Mike opens the show talking about “Techxiety”—that special kind of stress that comes from trying to keep up with phones, apps, passwords, social media, updates and all the technology that has become part of everyday family life. How can Dads embrace the good things technology offers without allowing it to take over the household?

Next, Mike welcomes Jeff Gurian, who shares his family’s personal experience with stuttering. Jeff talks about the challenges they’ve faced, what they’ve learned along the way and how those experiences have inspired his family to continue helping others who struggle with stuttering.

Finally, the roles of parent and child begin to change as Mike talks with Debbie Miller about caring for an elderly parent. It’s a conversation about responsibility, patience, difficult decisions and returning some of the love and care our parents gave us when we were young.From raising kids to caring for parents—and figuring out the technology in between—it’s another look at the joys, challenges and changing seasons of family life on Radio Dad with Mike Austin.

On this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike starts with something dads have been doing forever—roughhousing! Turns out all that wrestling, chasing, tickling and good-natured horseplay isn’t just fun. It can help kids build confidence, learn boundaries and strengthen their connection with Dad.

Next, Mike’s longtime friend Dr. John Braccio joins the show for a conversation about intimacy and why it matters in a healthy relationship—especially when the demands of kids, careers and everyday life start getting in the way.

Then Mike welcomes Amanda Torres for a personal conversation about her father, his legacy and the many ways she sees him in herself. Amanda shares memories of what it was like growing up with him and how his influence continues to shape the woman she is today.Mike and Amanda also talk podcasting as she shares the story behind the Midwest Podcast Conference and what it offers creators looking to learn, connect and grow.It’s a Radio Dad episode about play, partnership, legacy and the lasting influence of Dad—with a little podcasting thrown in for good measure!

Sometimes going home isn’t just about visiting a place—it’s about remembering the people, experiences and moments that helped make you who you are.In this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike talks about the experience of returning to your old hometown and how familiar streets, old neighborhoods and long-forgotten memories can suddenly take you back to another time.

Then Mike welcomes Binyamin Rothstein, author of How To Be a Terrific Dad, for a conversation about what it really takes to be the kind of father your kids need. They talk about the everyday choices, lessons and little moments that can make a big difference in a child’s life.

Finally, Mike visits with Lynn Fuller as they celebrate July as Family Reunion Month. Why do family reunions still matter? Because in a busy world, sometimes we need a reason to get everybody back together, tell the old stories, laugh about the past and remind the next generation where they came from.It’s an episode about roots, relationships and the importance of staying connected to family—on Radio Dad with Mike Austin.

Here’s a website-ready version:What happens when we get a little too caught up in celebrity culture? Whether it’s Hollywood stars, musicians or sports heroes, Mike kicks off this episode of Radio Dad with a reminder that fame doesn’t necessarily make someone worthy of being put on a pedestal—and that the people who really matter are usually much closer to home.

Then Mike welcomes Steve Elliott, author of The Portable Dad, for a conversation about fatherhood, family and the lessons dads can give to his kids.  When dad can't be there, Steve's book is full of things they might need to know or have to make it through being on their own.....wherever life takes them.

In the second half hour, Mike turns his attention to theme park safety. Family trips are supposed to create great memories, but there are some things parents should keep in mind before everyone climbs aboard the next big ride.

Finally, Mike catches up with longtime friend Dr. John Braccio to talk about “time blindness”—why some people struggle with keeping track of time and why Dad being dependable and on time can mean more to his family than he might realize.It’s another hour of conversation, laughs and practical fatherhood on Radio Dad with Mike Austin.

It’s a special Fourth of July edition of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, celebrating fatherhood, freedom, family and the ties that bind generations together.  Mike starts with one of those great moments in a dad’s life—when your son isn’t a little kid anymore, but a young man who actually wants to hang out with Dad. Suddenly, you’re not just father and son…you’re a couple of guys enjoying life together. It’s a milestone that’s funny, rewarding and maybe just a little bittersweet.  Mike shares a personal story of a recent development in his own family.

Then, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise joins Mike for a conversation about patriotism, supporting America’s military families and what love of country means to him.

Finally, history gets personal as Mike talks with a direct descendant of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, connecting the America of 1776 with the families carrying that legacy forward today.It’s fathers, sons, freedom and family—a Radio Dad Fourth of July celebration!

On this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike kicks things off with a little World Cup talk and the fun, excitement—and occasional craziness—that comes with watching the biggest soccer tournament in the world.
Then, Mike welcomes an old friend, Dr. John Braccio, for a conversation about the importance of family meetings. Why should families make time to sit down together? John and Mike talk about communication, giving kids a voice, working through problems, and how a simple family meeting can help build stronger relationships at home.
In the second half of the show, Mike sits down with Matteo Bocelli, son of legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli. Matteo shares what it was like growing up in Italy with a world-famous father, how he worked to find his own voice and identity as a performer, and the influence his dad has had on his life and career.But beyond the music and fame, Matteo talks about something right in the Radio Dad wheelhouse: family—and why staying close to the people you love remains such an important part of his life.

It’s the Father’s Day Show on Radio Dad with Mike Austin! Mike starts with a tribute to Dad’s favorite piece of furniture—the recliner—including a brief history of Dad’s unofficial throne.

Then Charisse Walker, author of Flipping the Iceberg, joins Mike to talk about the powerful and lasting influence a father can have on his children and the adults they become.

Finally, Chip Lupo from WalletHub breaks down their survey of the Best States for Working Dads, looking at where fathers have the best opportunities to balance work, family, and finances.It’s a Father’s Day celebration of the laughs, lessons, responsibilities, and lasting impact of being Dad!