The New Year is the perfect time to make a resolution that really matters—not just losing weight or saving money, but becoming a better husband, father, and role model. Mike opens the show by encouraging dads to use the fresh start of a new year to reinvent themselves and strengthen the legacy they're building at home.

Then, child psychologist Dr. Jay Geidd joins the program for a fascinating discussion about boys, risk-taking, and why young males seem naturally wired to test limits. How much rough-and-tumble behavior is healthy? When should Dad let boys learn from experience, and when is it time to step in before curiosity turns dangerous? It's a practical conversation about raising adventurous sons without wrapping them in bubble wrap.

Next, Mike welcomes Fred Gretsch, the man whose family name has become one of the most respected brands in music. As head of the legendary Gretsch Guitars and Drums company, Fred shares what it's like leading a multi-generational family business, balancing tradition with innovation, and carrying the responsibility of a family name known around the world.

Finally, educator, husband, and father Tim Meinholz joins Mike for an honest conversation about burnout. Whether it's the pressures of work, parenting, or simply trying to do it all, dads can find themselves running on empty. Tim offers practical encouragement and perspective on recognizing burnout, recovering from it, and staying engaged with the people who matter most.

What do you do with those quiet, in-between days after Christmas and before the kids head back to school? Mike Austin reflects on why this often-overlooked stretch of the holiday season can become some of the most meaningful family time of the year. It's the perfect opportunity to create simple memories, start new traditions, and reconnect before the routines of everyday life return.

In the second segment, Mike welcomes author Mark Malkoff to discuss his fascinating biography, Love, Johnny Carson. They explore the remarkable career of the legendary late-night host, the demands of show business, and the challenges Carson faced balancing fame with fatherhood. It's an insightful conversation about success, family, and the sacrifices that often accompany life in the spotlight.

Then, Hollywood producer, director, and actor Jonathan Brownlee joins the show to share stories from behind the scenes of the film industry. Jonathan talks about bringing his own children to movie sets, working alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars, and discovering that many of them are devoted family people away from the cameras. He also dispels one of Hollywood's biggest myths: making movies is far more about long hours, hard work, and teamwork than the glamorous lifestyle audiences often imagine.

We start by talking about what it means to be a "good dad" at Christmas.  Is it presents, traditions, family?  Then, Dr. Parnell Donahue is with me to get into STUFF to do with the family in Winter!  You could hybernate, but there's a whole, fun world outside...and inside too!  Finally, I bring on Elliot Katz to discuss being the "strong man" that your wife or the woman in your life REALLY wants.  Study and surveys show that, deep down, women do want and appreciate a decisive, loving, leading man.  ENJOY!

It's getting to be a bit mor Christmas around here!  I open with a talk about gift giving as Dad. My first guest Emmy nominated actor, Ed Begley Jr.!  We talk about growing up in Hollywood and his dad, who was an established, Oscar winning actor.  Next, it's my friend, John Yellico.  John and his wife decided, a few years ago, to move to the country and raise their kids out of the city and working on their farm.  We talk about Christmas prep on the farm and getting the kids involved.  Finally, as the season cranks up, we will have lots of opportunities to party and have some "Holiday Cheer".  The Christmas season is the biggest time of year for alcohol and parties.  What's a Dad to do and how to have fun while still setting the example?  Morgan Ryan knows the party life and now is an advocate for anti-drunk driving.  We chat about how it's OK to have a Christmas cocktail and maintain control.  ENJOY!

I start by talking about my "frugality"...some say I'm cheap!  I don't like throwing things away, so I re-use and re-think.  Next it's a returning guest, Dr. John Braccio with a conversation about being overly protective.  It's life's challenges and disapointments...bruises both physical and mental...and how we learn to deal with them, that make us stronger humans.  Dads can show and teach how to handle the setbacks in life and use them to propel us forward in a positive way!  Then, I chat with Shawn Meyer about taking your kids hunting.  It's a great way to experience the outdoors and teach lessons about life and nature, conservation, respect and putting food on the table.  Finally, I welcome John Hope Bryant...a serial entrepreneur about his book "How The Poor Can Save America", we talk about pulling yourself up out of nothing and being determined to make a better life.  ENJOY!

It our Thanksgiving show!  In this episode we talk about remembering that Thanksgiving is more than Turkey and Football.  Get dressed up and really be WITH your family and thankful for them....as messed up as we all may be!  Also, I welcome some new radio affiliates.  Next it's a conversation with Richard Eyre, the author of "The Turning", Why The State of The Family, Matters & What The World Can Do About It".  The last 2 segments are with Radio Dad listener and sometime guest, Tim Meinholz, as we discuss Thanksgiving traditions and spending time with each other and Dad, getting away from football and taking the lead in stearing the family to a more meaningful Holiday.  ENJOY!

We open with my take on achieving "Adult Milestones" i.e. living on your own, owning property, marriage, paying your own bills etc..  Next, I talk with Frank Thiesen, the president and CEO of Carerra Slot Cars and Revelle car models.  The experience of racing slot cars with your kids or the lessons that can be learned fro putting together a Revelle car/ship model (patience, following instructions, ventalation around clue).  We talk about these "old school" hobbies and what can be learned from them.  Finally, I chat with my lawyer frined, Jeremy Rosenthal about adoption and National Adoption Day.  ENJOY!

We start with a look at Dads as the keepers of Holiday Traditions.  Next, I chat with a recently retired, commercial airline pilot, "Capn. Steve Schreibner", about how he stayed married and in touch with his kids, while flying all over the world for his job!  Finally, our last 2 segments are with a Father & Son barberhop quartet  singing duo as they talk about sharing this unique hobby AND singing a song called "Thank You For Being My Dad"!  (I play a clip).