The Quarterback DadCast

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Thank you, Leslie Vickrey, for making today's episode possible!

Today, I had the opportunity to talk with Marques Ogden, a former NFL player turned speaker and executive coach, who opens up about his incredible journey of resilience and transformation. From growing up in a single-parent home to navigating life post-divorce, Marques reveals how his experiences have shaped his leadership skills and approach to fatherhood. We celebrate the joys of being present with our children and the profound impact of nurturing their growth and milestones, which have become the cornerstones of our lives.

We delve into the significance of self-respect, mutual respect in relationships, and prioritizing education over other pursuits. Through personal reflections, we discuss how our fathers instilled these values and how we pass them on to our children, even amidst challenging circumstances such as divorce.  Marques shares his personal story of overcoming financial ruin and rediscovering his talent for communication, offering insights into building self-belief and betting on oneself. 

Engaging conversations unfold as we explore privilege, diversity, and the lessons learned from pivotal moments, like those shared with Dale Favors during the social unrest of 2020. We wrap up with a heartfelt look at fatherhood, gratitude, and the essence of parenting, celebrating the simple yet meaningful moments that enrich our lives as dads.

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Ready to unlock the secrets of meaningful parenting?

Join us as we sit down with Tod Francis, a dynamic venture capitalist (Shasta Ventures) and devoted father. Thank you to last week's guest (Don Goldberg), who graciously made the introduction with Tod to join our show.

Tod shares his transformative experiences, from backpacking in the High Sierra with his sons to embracing digital communication through Snapchat. He reveals how these moments without distractions have enriched his family life, and delves into the profound impact of being truly present with one's children. Discover how you can cultivate gratitude and joy in your family, creating bonds that last a lifetime.

Our conversation takes an inspiring turn as we highlight the stories of incredible individuals who defied societal norms. From a trailblazing woman in Indianapolis who became a community pillar to personal anecdotes of parenting challenges, we explore the legacy of grit, curiosity, and love for learning. Reflecting on our own experiences, we consider how such resilience shapes lives well beyond childhood, reinforcing the enduring influence of parental figures. This episode invites you to reflect on your own family connections and the lasting memories you are building.

Finally, Tod shares a popular talk that he gave at a conference, which provides actionable strategies for fostering more profound connections with your children. From the importance of choosing the right environment for genuine interactions to adjusting your approach based on their interests, he provides practical advice for creating meaningful family memories. Learn how to break away from routine conversations, embrace shared experiences, and become a better leader at home through self-reflection and growth. Whether you're dreaming of an adventurous family outing or exploring new ways to connect, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for every parent.

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I am grateful to a former fantastic guest (Justin Priest) for the kind intro that made today's episode possible.

Join us as we sit down with Don Goldberg, the executive director and founder of ConsultNet, who shares his inspiring journey of balancing fatherhood with his professional ambitions. From heartwarming tales of family life to the adrenaline-pumping moments of watching his son ski at 100mph, Don opens up about the vital role of communication in maintaining strong family ties. 

Travel back in time with us to a small town near Boston, where community spirit and the simplicity of life painted a vivid backdrop for childhood memories. Don shares stories of roaming freely in a close-knit neighborhood, working alongside his industrious father in the vending machine business, and learning valuable lessons of hard work and structure. With a mother who balanced artistic flair with nurturing care, the foundation was set for a life of independence and community engagement. This nostalgic journey offers insights into how these formative years shaped both personal growth and business acumen.

We also explore the challenges and rewards of navigating work-life balance as a parent. Reflecting on his own experiences, Don discusses the strategy of being present for his son while pursuing professional success, inspired by leaders like Bill Gates. 

From the emotional journey of raising a two-time Olympian to facing the intense physical challenges of competitive skiing, Don highlights the resilience and dedication required in both parenting and leadership. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on fostering open communication, maintaining consistency, and empowering the next generation through a supportive and balanced approach.

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What if surviving 22 brushes with death could completely change your outlook on life? Join us as we sit down with JR Butler, the remarkable founder and CEO of Shift Group, who opens up about his unimaginable experience of facing death 22 times in just 11 days. This life-altering ordeal has profoundly influenced his perspective as both a father and leader.

We explore Jared's deep ties to the hockey world, his connections with Joey Dacord of the Seattle Kraken, and how sports lessons have seamlessly translated into his business endeavors. This conversation is rich with insights on gratitude, resilience, and the enduring impact of mentorship.

Reflecting on pivotal family moments, we share how these experiences have shaped our accountability, humility, and work ethic values. With personal anecdotes from his upbringing in a hockey-loving household, influenced by a Hall of Fame high school hockey coach's father, we discuss life lessons that have carved out JR's path today. You'll hear about my bittersweet journey of parenthood, sending my son off to college, and realizing that every loss is a lesson waiting to be learned. These stories underscore the importance of remaining grounded and resilient, no matter how high you soar professionally.

Health is wealth, and we tackle this truth head-on by recounting personal health scares that could have been fatal if ignored. Listening to one’s body and the importance of self-advocacy in medical matters cannot be overstated. We challenge the illusion of work-life balance, proposing instead a model of work-life integration, where being truly present in each moment takes precedence. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to prioritize your health, remain resilient, and fully engage in life—because nothing is more valuable than being there for your family and yourself.

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What does it truly mean to be present in your children's lives?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jason Roundy, a dedicated father who opens up about his journey of fatherhood and gratitude.  Jason and I met over 10 years ago when he was working in athletic fundraising for Central Washington University.  Jason is one of the best relationship builders I know, and now is offering those fantastic skills at Kforce.

From his childhood experiences shaped by hardship and familial dedication to his commitment to being a positive force for his own children, Jason shares insights that will resonate with anyone striving to lead with love and presence. Discover how Jason's upbringing, influenced by his hardworking parents and the challenges they faced, has fueled his determination to offer his children opportunities he once missed.

Throughout our conversation, Jason reflects on the values instilled in him by his parents and the profound impact these lessons have on his approach to parenting. He recounts heartwarming stories of his family, especially his father, and how these relationships have shaped his perspective on personal growth and resilience. Jason illustrates the importance of being a role model, sharing anecdotes of his daughter's empathy and kindness, as well as the transformative power of genuine connections that go beyond the transactional.

As we celebrate his achievements and look forward to more inspiring conversations, we invite you to embrace authenticity, trust, and gratitude in your own life. Thank you for joining us in this heartfelt exploration of fatherhood and the lasting impact we can have on future generations.

Please don't forget to leave us a review wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

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A huge shoutout goes to John Pfeil for making today's episode possible! 

What happens when family, faith, and football intersect in the life of a dedicated coach? On this episode of the Quarterback Dadcast, we bring you an engaging conversation with Coach Spencer Crace, Pacific Lutheran University's assistant head football coach and QB coach, as he shares his journey of blending personal and professional commitments. Spencer opens up about the profound impact of growing up in a football-oriented family in Oregon, where traditions and values set him on a path of resilience and leadership. From humorous tales of long-distance relationships in a pre-digital age to heartfelt stories of parental influence, this episode paints a vivid picture of how early experiences shape one's approach to coaching and life.

Listeners will gain insight into the delicate dance of balancing family life with demanding careers, as Spencer reflects on the gratitude he holds for his wife's unwavering support. We explore the importance of instilling strong values in children through sports, drawing inspiration from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to emphasize respect and camaraderie. Discover the unique dynamics of coaching alongside a parent and how being present as a father can leave a lasting impact on both family and team. Through these stories, Spencer illustrates the significance of understanding one's strengths, the power of belief, and how these elements foster team success.

As we round out the conversation, the focus shifts to the growth of an FCA flag football league, highlighting the emphasis on character development and positive sportsmanship. Hear about the innovative approach that prioritizes courage and humility over trophies, while addressing the challenges of youth sports. The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on nurturing fatherhood and values of patience, love, and unity, capturing the essence of grounding the next generation in a supportive and caring environment.  We also made sure to give much love to one of the greatest coaches of all time, Coach Bruce Brown.

Connect with Coach @spencercrace and @coachcrace

Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring journey through the lens of family, faith, and football.

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As a former college quarterback, today's episode is the ultimate Uncle Rico experience.  Yes, I'm talking about Uncle Rico from Napolean Dynamite.

Today, we welcome the talented Brock Huard, a University of Washington legendary QB who is the co-host of ESPN's, Seattle Sports morning radio show.  Additionally, Huard joined FOX Sports in 2019 as a College Football analyst to call top games from the Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences alongside play-by-play announcer Joe Davis and reporter Bruce Feldman on FOX and FS1. In 2020, Huard expanded his responsibilities to include the NFL and USFL. Huard is a FOX NFL game analyst alongside Jason Benetti and Allison Williams. 

The former NFL quarterback was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1999. He played two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before returning to play for the Seahawks in 2004. 

In today's episode, we talk to Brock, the dad.  We learn about his parents' impact on him, and he will share his remarkable journey from the football field to fatherhood. We explore Brock's transition from athlete to parent, discussing how the discipline and leadership nurtured on the gridiron have shaped his parenting philosophy. Brock passionately speaks about the importance of empathy, encouragement, and being a positive role model for his children. His reflections on prioritizing health and gratitude for life's simple blessings offer invaluable insights for anyone balancing personal ambitions with family responsibilities.

We learn about each of his three children and their journey of athletics.  Our conversation unveils the emotional highs and lows of parenting and how Brock and I are working hard to be the best QB of our homes. 

Through these narratives, we explore how sports serve as a powerful tool for life lessons, going beyond personal growth to impart valuable skills appreciated in the professional arena. The episode is filled with reflections on humble beginnings and family dynamics, illustrating how early experiences in a loving, athletic family continue to influence current parenting approaches.

As we wrap up with cherished memories of Husky football, Brock's passion for his roles as both a father and a professional shines through. We celebrate the power of presence, humility, and service, leaving listeners with a resonant message about the true rewards of prioritizing family over personal gain.

Please don't forget to leave us a review wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

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In today's episode, we welcome Todd Caponi, a celebrated author and sales leader, who joins us to unravel the profound intersection of professional success and family life.   Thanks to Keith Weightman for introducing us to Todd to make today's episode happen.  Also, we should give some love to last week's guest (Matt Green), a sales nerd like Todd and me.

Todd's personal anecdotes reveal the unique challenges and rewards of homeschooling his children alongside his wife, while maintaining an influential career in sales leadership. Todd's reflections on his father's charismatic influence in sales and his mother's recent passing bring a personal depth to our exploration of how family shapes one's approach to life and leadership.

Todd does a fantastic job in our conversation as he elaborates on the intrinsic link between transparency in sales and authenticity at home. Learn how embracing vulnerability and setting clear expectations can transform both customer relationships and parenting. In a candid chat, Todd highlights the quirky, enduring skills he picked up from his parents and how these have informed his transparent approach in both his personal life and career. Discover Todd's passionate advocacy for transparency, a theme that not only permeates his bestselling books, "The Transparency Sale" and "The Transparent Sales Leader," but also guides his interactions with his children.

This episode promises inspiration for anyone striving to balance leadership roles at work with equally demanding roles at home. Todd's insights on the decision science of sales, coupled with the life lessons from a parent’s perspective, offer a roadmap for fostering genuine connections whether in a business deal or a family setting. 

With a dash of humor, Todd also shares lighter moments—from humorous sales anecdotes to his culinary adventures—adding a relatable dimension to his expertise. Tune in to discover how Todd Caponi turns the art of transparency into a life philosophy that resonates with sales professionals, parents, and leaders everywhere.

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What happens when the Chief Revenue Officer of a successful company opens up about the ups and downs of fatherhood? We had the privilege of sitting down with Matt Green, founder of Sales Assembly, who shares his heartfelt journey of balancing an ambitious career with the rewarding yet challenging role of being a dad. He opens up about the joys and hurdles of raising his 12-year-old son, providing invaluable insights on gratitude and the significance of cherishing each family moment. 

Ever wondered how children, raised in the same environment, can turn out entirely different? Matt and I delve into the fascinating dynamics of family life, sharing stories about our own siblings and how our distinct paths have shaped our lives. From my son's balanced and successful journey to the diverse careers of my three brothers, we explore how individual traits and choices mold our family experiences. Adding a touch of humor, we reminisce about the early days of meeting our spouses and navigating the initial years of marriage, all while tying it back to the broader theme of family and personal development.

Losing a parent is never easy, and Matt and I discuss the emotional complexities that come with such a profound loss. We emphasize the importance of sibling relationships in coping with grief and the irreplaceable value of being present for a parent's final moments. On a lighter note, we share the amusing side of working from home during COVID-19, with children curious about their parents' work lives. 

Wrapping up our conversation, Matt participates in a fun lightning round, revealing his favorite comedy movies and sharing a hypothetical book title about his life. Join us for a heartfelt, insightful, and often humorous episode that underscores the importance of authentic connections and the simple moments that truly matter in life.

Please don't forget to leave us a review wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

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Have you ever wondered how to maintain resilience and joy while facing a family health challenge? This episode of the Quarterback Dadcast brings you the heartfelt journey of Jamas LaFreniere, a dedicated father and sales executive at EchoStar, who shares his personal story of raising a child with Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1B (GSD1b). Today's episode only happens due to the kind introduction made by Mark Agostinelli, a former guest on the podcast.

Through candid discussions, Jamas opens up about the critical importance of empathy and vulnerability in parenting, his family's everyday triumphs and trials, and the incredible support system that has been pivotal in their journey.

In our discussions, we explore the emotional and logistical complexities of managing a rare disease, balancing a demanding career, and running a foundation. Jamas's reflections on the challenges of his daughter's diagnosis, the critical role of accurate medical information, and the profound impact of community support provide invaluable insights into navigating such life-altering experiences. As we share light-hearted moments and personal anecdotes, we emphasize the ongoing journey of self-improvement and the crucial need for empathy, kindness, and inclusiveness in parenting.

Transitioning from the emotional to the inspirational, we recount the incredible Boston Marathon fundraising success of a hockey enthusiast turned marathon runner. Driven by community support and a powerful personal mission, this journey raised over $160,000 for their foundation, proving that passion and dedication can overcome physical and mental challenges. The segment also highlights the significant impact of parental influence, showcasing how sports and hard work not only open educational doors but also foster personal growth and discipline. Such stories remind us of the importance of perseverance and the remarkable power of community-driven efforts.

Join us for an episode filled with inspiring stories, practical advice, and a shared passion for making a difference.

Please don't forget to leave us a review wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!