Every family needs time away together, and Mike opens this episode by sharing why planning a family vacation is about much more than just choosing a destination. From road trips to simple weekend getaways, the memories families create together often become the stories children carry with them for a lifetime.
Next, Mike welcomes longtime friend and Hollywood producer Larry Kasanoff, the creative force behind blockbuster films including Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Mortal Kombat, and Platoon. Larry discusses his book, A Touch of the Madness, and explains why some of the world's greatest ideas began as ideas that others dismissed as "crazy." He encourages parents to nurture creativity in their children, teaching them that innovation often comes from having the courage to think differently and pursue bold dreams.
The episode concludes with an inspiring and deeply moving conversation with Chad and Susan Chance. After the heartbreaking loss of their young daughter, Vail, they chose to transform unimaginable grief into hope by creating a foundation in her honor. Mike talks with them about resilience, purpose, and how serving others can become a powerful way to preserve a loved one's legacy. It's a touching reminder that even in life's darkest moments, families can find ways to create light for others.

This week on Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike celebrates one of the simplest and most rewarding family traditions—gardening together. From planting seeds to pulling weeds, Mike explains how working side-by-side in the garden teaches patience, responsibility, and creates lasting family memories that often grow into lifelong traditions.
Next, Mike welcomes his longtime friend, former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley, for an important conversation about keeping your family prepared for emergencies. Cade shares practical advice on creating a Family Survival Plan, including assembling a "Go Bag," practicing how to escape a burning home, choosing a family meeting place, and preparing for unexpected situations before they happen. It's a discussion every parent should hear.
In the final segment, Mike talks with Dallas father Marcus Walther, who helped organize "The Dad's Club," a group of fathers dedicated to making a difference in their children's school and community. From volunteering and fundraising to tackling projects around campus, these dads prove that showing up and getting involved benefits not only the school but also strengthens families and inspires the next generation.

This week on Radio Dad, Mike explores one of the greatest goals of fatherhood—raising children who respect your values while having the confidence to build lives of their own. Every dad hopes to pass along wisdom and traditions, but real success comes when kids grow into independent adults, even if they choose a path very different from their father's.
Next, longtime friend Dr. John Braccio joins the show to discuss why dads should encourage their children to think for themselves. Dr. Braccio explains that independence, confidence, and critical thinking are gifts every parent should nurture, even when those choices don't match the dreams Mom and Dad originally had. Supporting your children's unique journey is one of the greatest acts of love a parent can give.
In the final segment, it's a special three-generation conversation as Mike is joined by his oldest son, David—named after Mike's father—and David's son, Knox. Mike and David reflect on growing up in a family shaped by divorce, sharing honest memories about the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned. It's a heartfelt discussion about family, resilience, and how fathers can break difficult cycles while building stronger relationships for the next generation.

This week on Radio Dad, Mike encourages fathers to raise children who can think for themselves—even when they don't always agree with Dad. Teaching kids how to reason, ask questions, and develop their own convictions prepares them to become confident, responsible adults.
Then, Mike welcomes another inspiring "Dad-preneur," Ben Hartwig, third-generation owner of Twigs Soda. Ben shares the story of carrying on a family business, preserving tradition, and the unique joys and challenges of working in a company built by previous generations.
Finally, hiring expert David Cathey joins Mike for an important conversation about preparing young adults for the workforce. From building networking skills to making a great first impression in job interviews, David offers practical advice for dads who want to help their sons and daughters launch successful careers with confidence.

Family traditions, great books, and smart financial advice take center stage on this episode of Radio Dad. Mike's first guest is Anthony Williams, a five-time Morel Mushroom Hunting Champion, who shares how mushroom hunting can become a memorable father-child tradition that gets families outdoors and making lasting memories together.
Next, Mike welcomes Christopher Robbins, proprietor of Familius Publishing. Christopher discusses the company's mission of strengthening families through books that cover everything from camping adventures and cooking to school success, discipline, and raising confident kids.
In the final segment, financial expert David Dustin explores the idea of "The Bank of Dad." Should parents lend money to their adult children? Is co-signing a loan ever a good idea? David offers practical guidance to help parents support their grown children without putting their own financial future at risk.It's another informative and entertaining episode filled with ideas to help dads build stronger families, create meaningful traditions, and make wise decisions for the future.

Do kids even dance at prom anymore? Mike kicks off this episode by reflecting on how prom has changed over the years and whether today's students are missing out on one of the great traditions of growing up.
Next, Mike welcomes model railroad enthusiast Michael Frizzell for a fascinating conversation about a hobby that brings generations together. They discuss how building and operating model railroads can teach patience, creativity, problem-solving, and provide dads with a memorable way to spend quality time with their kids.
In the second half of the show, stand-up comedian, corporate keynote speaker, and father Jason Powell joins Mike to explore the surprising similarities between comedy and fatherhood. Jason explains how skills every comedian develops—thinking on your feet, building genuine connections, and telling great stories—can help dads become more confident, engaging, and effective parents.

On this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike opens the show by sharing news about his new book before tackling a difficult but important subject—divorce. While marriages sometimes end, Mike reminds parents that children should never have a front-row seat to the conflict. Protecting your kids from the battles between Mom and Dad can make all the difference in their emotional well-being.
Next, veteran football journalist Hondo Carpenter, Senior NFL writer for Sports Illustrated, joins Mike to remember the legendary Coach Lou Holtz. As a personal friend of Coach Holtz, Hondo offers unique stories and insights into the character, leadership, faith, and wisdom of one of college football's most respected figures.
In the final segment, Mike welcomes Dr. Matt Chalmers for a thoughtful conversation about style, character, manliness, and the importance of passing timeless traditions from one generation to the next. Together, they discuss why fathers play such a vital role in shaping not only what their sons do, but who they become.

On this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, Mike opens the show by talking about the importance of teaching your kids the "soft skills" that can make all the difference in life. Respect, communication, kindness, dependability, and learning how to work with others aren't always taught in the classroom—but they should be taught at home.
Then, country music superstar Thomas Rhett joins Mike to discuss the balancing act of raising five children while touring the country as one of Nashville's biggest stars. Thomas also shares what it was like growing up with a famous father and how those experiences have shaped the way he parents his own family.
In the second half of the show, Mike reconnects with longtime high school friend Mike Jones, whose son, Cameron Jones, is preparing for an extraordinary journey as an astronaut. They discuss what it's like to watch your child pursue a dream that's literally out of this world, the pride that comes with seeing your son reach such incredible heights, and the unique perspective of a father whose child is destined for space.

On this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, we begin by exploring one of the greatest lessons every father can teach—not through words, but through example. Mike talks about how sacrifice and self-denial are the true foundation of leadership. Whether it's giving up comfort, time, or personal wants, great dads lead by putting their families first.
Next, financial educator Steve Cotton joins Mike to discuss why teaching kids financial responsibility is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give. From earning and saving to making wise spending decisions, Steve shares practical ways dads can raise confident, financially capable young adults.
Finally, Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri joins the show with valuable advice on living a healthier life—especially for couples hoping to grow their family. She explains how healthy habits, proper nutrition, and reducing stress can help prepare both mom and dad for the exciting journey of welcoming a new baby.It's another episode full of practical wisdom, encouragement, and ideas to help you become the dad your family deserves.

On this episode of Radio Dad, Mike talks about the pressure many couples put on themselves when trying to become parents for the first time. He shares some encouraging advice for future dads: relax, don't turn starting a family into a stressful "job," and remember that good health, proper rest, and patience all matter.
Then, family psychologist Dr. John Braccio joins Mike to discuss the importance of being pleasant and agreeable. As a dad, your attitude sets the tone at home, and kindness and good humor can strengthen your family and your relationships with others.
Finally, you may remember the heartwarming Lay's Potato Chips Super Bowl commercial featuring a father and daughter potato farming team. Those farmers are real—and Mike grew up just down the road from them! Mike visits with the father and daughter from Neumiller Farms to hear the story behind the commercial and their family's farming legacy.