Josiah Middaugh (@josiahmiddaugh) is a multi-sport athlete of all seasons, though primarily an extremely accomplished professional triathlete competing in Xterra triathlons (off-road triathlons).

You'll discover Josiah's thoughtful strategies for integrating rigorous training schedules with his roles as a husband and father, all while maintaining peak performance.

Josiah opens up about his unique upbringing in a northern Michigan commune, where a close-knit community and outdoor adventures laid the foundation for his love of sports. He shares personal stories of growing up with athletic parents and the significant impact of his wife's unwavering support as we journey through Josiah’s path from amateur enthusiast to professional athlete.

Discover why he champions the benefits of sport sampling over early specialization, encouraging children to explore diverse athletic opportunities. Josiah’s experiences as both a coach and father shed light on the joy of shared athletic adventures, emphasizing the importance of raising well-rounded individuals who find their passion organically. Tune in for an inspiring discussion filled with actionable insights for balancing ambitious pursuits in both sports and parenting.

Episode Resources:

• Middaugh Coaching (Josiah's coaching business)
• XTERRA Triathlons

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

Imagine straddling the line between the ferocious power of the ocean's biggest waves and the gentle, yet perpetual, tug of fatherhood. This episode takes you on an epic journey with Andrew Cotton, a titan of big wave surfing, as he shares the deeply personal narrative of his life's adventures and tribulations. From his humble beginnings in North Devon to the breath-taking swells of Nazaré, we traverse Cotty's path to a professional surfing career, his friendship and collaboration with surfing legend Garrett McNamara, and the indelible mark of fatherhood that propels his every move.

This compelling conversation reveals the intricacies of balancing a life chasing thrills with the grounding force of family. We peel back the layers of Andrew's career highs and lows, including his daunting recovery from a devastating back injury and the emotional resilience required to navigate personal hardships like divorce. Listen as Cotty offers a masterclass in adaptability and determination, discussing the pressures of aligning family moments with the capricious nature of professional surfing and how these challenges are emblematic of a universal struggle faced by many.

As we wrap up, Andrew Cotton's insights transform this discussion into a profound reflection on humility, the psychological hurdles of an athlete's journey, and the fine line between pushing one's children in sports and letting them find their own way. It's a story that transcends surfing, touching on the heart of what it means to relentlessly pursue one's passions while maintaining the delicate balance that family life demands. Tune in for an episode that promises to stir the soul and inspire the brave pursuit of dreams amidst life's ebb and flow.

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

Embark on an adventure with Olen Netteberg (@olennetteburg) as he recounts the trials, triumphs, and trails of his family's awe-inspiring quest to conquer the Triple Crown of hiking. Together with his wife, Denae, and their intrepid children, Olen weaves a tale of resilience that defies the conventions of both parenting and exploration. Their journey is not just about the paths traveled but also the life lessons gathered among the wilds of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail.

As a father and doctor, Olen reveals how he's woven the fabric of his family's bond with threads of nature and nurture, challenging their children to push past perceived limits and partake in a once-in-a-lifetime type childhood. The anecdotes shared in this episode offer a glimpse into the laughter and learning that come from a life lived unconventionally. From homeschooling on the trails to fostering a spirit of teamwork within the family, the Nettebergs' story presents an alternative blueprint for education and growth that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Step off the beaten path with us and embrace the chaos of parenting as Olen imparts wisdom on integrating professional and personal passions. Whether you're a parent seeking inspiration or an adventurer at heart, this episode promises a fresh perspective on raising children who are as confident on the trails as they are traversing cultural divides. So lace up your boots and let the Netteberg family's odyssey inspire your next step, whether it leads to the mountains or simply a closer connection with those you call family.

Resources:

• Olen's Instagram
• Denae's Instagram
• Family Hiking Blog

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

Karl Egloff (@karl.egloff) is a professional mountain guide and athlete, most well known for his world record speed ascents of some of the world's tallest peaks, including Makalu (27,838') and Denali (20,310').

In this episode, Karl discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with his passion for mountain climbing. He shares how his early exposure to the mountains and his father's influence shaped his love for climbing. He emphasizes the importance of teaching his children discipline, independence, and the ability to take risks. He also discusses the need for efficiency and adaptability as a parent-athlete. Karl reflects on the impact of life's challenges on his strength and ambition, and how he manages risk while running up and down the tallest peaks on earth. 

Chapters

01:09 Life Inside and Outside the Home

02:36 Balancing Family and Mountain Climbing

06:01 Early Exposure to Mountains and Climbing

07:48 The Influence of Father's Mentality

09:34 Teaching Kids to Take Risks and Push Themselves

10:59 Being Patient and Letting Kids Decide

12:41 Being Flexible and Efficient as a Parent-Athlete

18:04 Teaching Discipline and Balance

20:34 Managing Risk and Prioritizing Family

26:30 The Influence of Life's Challenges on Strength and Ambition

32:24 Managing Risk as a Parent-Athlete

41:30 Setting Goals and Balancing Family Life

46:40 Constant Pursuit of Balance

47:08 Finding Balance in Life

50:21 Prioritizing and Organizing

51:59 Balancing Training and Family Time

56:24 Running a Guiding Business

59:51Upcoming Goals and Changes

01:01:35 Parting Wisdom

Resources:

• Cumbre Tours (Karl's trekking and mountain guide company)
• karlegloff.com

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

Chris Larsen (@christopheralarsen) is a former competitive cyclist, entrepreneur, and father of two who joins us on a captivating exploration the unique challenges of being an athlete dad raising athlete kids.

The exhilarating journey from his days as a competitive cyclist to a dedicated father provides a fresh perspective packed with practical tools and frameworks for how to approach parenting. In our conversation, we discuss everything from the ups and downs of nurturing children's passions, the importance of fostering resilience, tp the necessity for balance.

Enjoy this insightful conversation that offers a fresh perspective on parenting, sports, and the pursuit of balance.

As a free gift, you can get a free copy of Chris' book, "Next-Level Income" from their website here.

More Resources:

• www.nextlevelincome.com
• Angela Duckworth's book GRIT
• Outliers: The Story of Success: Gladwell, Malcolm
• David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
• Jim Sheils' The Family Board Meeting
• Die With Zero By Bill Perkins

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

Brace yourselves as we ride untamed waves with  legendary surfer, Garrett McNamara, as we unravel the intricate bond between surfing and fatherhood. 

Garrett is best known as one of the most prolific big wave surfers in the history of surfing, having surfed some of the largest waves on earth, including a 78-foot wave - a world record at the time. 

Delving deeper into McNamara's life, we explore his spiritual connection to surfing, and how it's driven his life and career, helping him maintain his enthusiasm over decades of chasing the world's biggest waves. We discover how his approach to the sport evolved, and reflect on the importance of finding equilibrium between our passions and family responsibilities - a challenge we can all relate to.

We discuss a wealth of topics, including McNamara's unique upbringing, the influence of his parents on his parenting style, his environmental advocacy initiatives, and his commitment towards sustainable living and making a difference beyond the waves.

Through it all, McNamara's incredible journey from a childhood filled with uncertainty to becoming an eight-time world record holder and a passionate father, re-emphasizes the indomitable spirit of human resilience, love, and dedication. Tune in, whether you're a surfer, a father, or just someone seeking to grow as a human - this conversation promises to inspire and enlighten.

More Resources:

• www.garrettmcnamara.com
• Garrett's Instagram
• "100 Foot Wave" HBO Series
• "100 Foot Wave" Podcast
• Garrett's World Record Wave
• "The Glacier Project" Trailer
• Garrett Surfing Peahi "Jaws"
• Garrett Surfing "Wipeout of a lifetime" at Mavericks

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

Ever wonder how a fitness coach balances grueling workouts and fatherhood? Meet Nolan Womack, a dedicated dad of four, husband, fitness coach, gym owner that's on a mission to become the fittest father of four without sacrificing time with his family.

Nolan's journey is not just inspirational, it's a testament to training with maximum crossover benefit in the least amount of time. His personal insights into setting goals,  experimenting with adjustments, and working to achieve his goals are an eye-opener for anyone embarking on a fitness journey.

Nolan has a knack for consistency and his approach to breaking up workouts into digestible pieces and making fitness sustainable is an innovative way to keep fitness goals in sight. His approach that curiosity drives his personal goals, is a refreshing take on fitness. Not just that, his methods for cultivating healthy habits in his children are insightful nuggets for anyone looking to combine family and fitness.

However, it's not all about fitness. Nolan's story also delves into the delicate balancing act between achieving fitness goals while devoting quality time to family. His approach to customizing workouts, considering disciplines from CrossFit to gymnastics, and his unique perspective on the diminishing returns of time spent in the gym will have you rethinking your own fitness journey. Nolan's rich experiences and strategies will inspire you to push your boundaries and achieve your fitness goals, all while keeping family at the forefront. Tune in for an energizing conversation that will leave you motivated and better equipped to juggle fitness and family.

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

In this episode, we journey to the peak of adventure with Matthias Giraud, AKA "Superfrenchie" (@superfrenchieofficial) a globally renowned mountain athlete known for his daring feats in ski-BASE jumping. Matthias isn’t just known for his breath-taking pursuits, he’s also a dedicated father who’s made the pursuit of being an intentional and present Dad a part of his grand adventure.

A pioneer in the world of extreme sports, he holds an array of impressive accomplishments, including being the first to ski-BASE jump off the Matterhorn.

Matthias opens up about his philosophy on life, risks, and fatherhood. He shares his unique perspective on risk, not just as an extreme athlete but as a father, and how he's learned to balance the drive for adventure with the responsibilities of parenthood.

We delve into how becoming a dad has influenced his outlook on his sport, the way he approaches challenges, and how he manages the inherent risks that come with his profession. He talks about instilling in his child a respect for the beauty and power of nature, and the importance of pursuing one's passions, despite the risks.

Lastly, we journey into the heart of Matthias' purpose. He discusses the lessons he's learned from a life lived on the edge, the legacy he wishes to leave for his child, and how fatherhood has ultimately given his pursuits a new, deeper meaning.

Gear up for an inspiring and thought-provoking ride as Matthias Giraud takes us through the slopes of his life, on and off the mountain, in this must-listen episode of The Athlete Dad Podcast. Prepare to be inspired by the gravity-defying tales of an athlete who has truly scaled the heights of fatherhood.

More Resources:

• www.superfrenchie.com
• Matthias' Instagram
• "Adrenaline Sucks" Trailer
• First ski BASE jumping descent off the North face of the Aiguilles Blanches de Peuterey
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and waves of the world-renowned professional longboard surfer, Taylor Jensen (@taylorjensentj). 

Known for his dynamic performances and his impressive streak of titles, including three World Longboard Championships, Taylor isn't just an athlete—he's a devoted husband and father. But his journey isn't just about chasing the perfect wave, it's about riding the highs and lows of fatherhood and crafting a family life that travels well.

Join us as we explore Taylor's incredible journey of turning pro as a teenager, a feat fostered and encouraged by his own father. Hear about the profound impact his dad had on his surfing career and the life lessons imparted to him along the way.

Traveling the world with his family, Taylor and his wife have turned every beach into both a surf spot and a classroom, homeschooling his kids to provide them with enriched, diverse learning experiences. 

From his early days riding the Californian waves to today's worldwide surfing escapades, Taylor offers his insights on how to maintain a strong family bond amidst a bustling athletic career. He opens up about how he's molding his kids into responsible global citizens while still letting them enjoy the thrill of childhood.

Lastly, we dive into Taylor's perspective on fatherhood—how it's changed him, how it influences his sport, and why he considers it his greatest adventure yet. In a world where high tides come with every sunrise, learn how Taylor Jensen continues to inspire, on and off the board.

Prepare to be moved by his stories, lessons, and, of course, his unyielding love for the waves and his family in this extraordinary episode of The Athlete Dad Podcast. An episode not to miss for those interested in understanding the true balance between fatherhood, sports, and globetrotting.

Resources and Links:

• Taylor Jensen's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad Instagram
• Ben Gibson's Instagram

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

Part 2 of 2: The Denali Episodes

We've arrived back in civilization and are excited to recap the expedition on Denali. 

We spent 20 days climbing the tallest peak in North America through the worst weather season in years. 

Listen in to hear about all of the wild details of the climb, from near-death experiences to  the struggles of dragging over 100lbs up steep alpine terrain. 

Support the show

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube