Call With Dads

In this candid and unfiltered episode of Call With Dads, hosts Eric Maynard and Mr. Pancakes are joined by BoyDadLife612 (Aaron) for a raw conversation about men's mental health, with a special focus on fathers. Recorded live on February 25, 2026, the discussion dives into the unique pressures dads face—provider expectations, emotional suppression, declining testosterone, divorce impacts, isolation, and rising suicide risks—while sharing personal stories, societal critiques, and practical, no-nonsense advice. The guys emphasize self-reliance, real male friendships, lifestyle fixes, and knowing when to seek help, all while rejecting performative vulnerability or over-medicalization for everyday struggles. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/the-hidden-pressures-on-dads/ Hosts Eric Maynard: Co-host and father from rural Ohio roots, bringing a grounded, traditional perspective on "toughing it out" while acknowledging the value of trusted friends over constant therapy. He highlights how upbringing in "more cows than people" areas shapes men's reluctance to open up. Mr. Pancakes: Co-host and founder of PancakesWithYourDad.com, delivering straightforward, sometimes blunt takes on masculinity, responsibility, and avoiding "whining" solutions. He advocates for basics like fitness, hobbies, church, and male fellowship first, while being clear that severe crises (like suicidal thoughts) warrant professional intervention. BoyDadLife612 (Aaron): A single dad and military veteran who opens up about his battles with trauma, near-suicidal lows during divorce, and finding strength through self-awareness, therapy tools (for crisis moments), faith, and fatherhood. He shares how becoming a dad transformed his identity and confidence, and stresses the importance of being a positive example for raising the next generation of men. Resources Mentioned 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (US) for immediate help if you're in crisis or having suicidal thoughts. Bible reading for wisdom — Proverbs and Ecclesiastes recommended for practical life guidance and direction. Lifestyle fundamentals — Regular exercise, clean eating, getting outside, building hobbies/sports teams, and avoiding pornography as a coping mechanism. Faith and community — Church or male fellowship groups as alternatives to isolation. General support — Reach out to trusted friends, the hosts via social media, or dad communities for non-professional venting and accountability. Connect With Us Website: callwithdads.com (episodes, shop, contact) Follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and more via callwithdads.com Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com (shop, socials) BoyDadLife612: Instagram & YouTube @BoyDadLife612 Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site! This episode is a must-listen for any dad feeling the weight of unspoken stress—reminding us that strength includes knowing when (and how) to address the fight inside.

In this raw, unfiltered episode, the guys dive deep into the modern food landscape—from the lost art of hunting and connecting with your food source to the shocking realities of ultra-processed snacks loaded with questionable additives. Sparked by recent Florida Department of Health testing revealing arsenic in popular candies like Nerds and Jolly Ranchers, the conversation covers corporate incentives, health impacts on families (including rising obesity and developmental concerns), personal shifts toward homemade and whole foods, and why dads need to step up in protecting what their kids eat. Mixed with plenty of laughs about "crunchy dad" stereotypes, bug farms, and off-topic tangents, it's a wake-up call wrapped in real talk. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/more-that-just-food-for-thought/ Hosts Eric Maynard Tom (EarnHerRespect) Mr. Pancakes Resources Mentioned Florida Department of Health's Healthy Florida First initiative candy testing results (January 2026) – Arsenic detected in 28 of 46 popular candies, including high levels in Nerds (e.g., Grape/Strawberry varieties ~380–500 ppb, safe annual child limit ~96 pieces or less) and Jolly Ranchers (e.g., Sour Apple up to ~540 ppb, safe limit ~6 pieces/year for kids). Full details available via floridahealth.gov and exposingfoodtoxins.com. RFK Jr.'s ongoing "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) efforts at HHS/FDA, including phasing out petroleum-based synthetic dyes and scrutinizing ultra-processed food additives (progress announced in 2025–2026). General discussions on seed oils, preservatives, GMOs, and the shift from whole/hunted foods to processed options (e.g., McDonald's fries ingredients then vs. now). Connect With Us Follow the show for more real-talk episodes on fatherhood, health, and pushing back against the system. Hit subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation! Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

In this candid Call With Dads discussion, Eric Maynard, Mr. Pancakes, and special guest Aaron (BoyDadLife612) dive into the real challenges fathers face when family values, faith, and parenting choices clash with schools, other parents, extended family, and the wider culture. They share honest experiences and practical strategies for raising kids with strong convictions while teaching them discernment, respect, and resilience in a world full of differing beliefs. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/clashing-views-unshakable-kids-what-real-fathers-do-when-beliefs-dont-align/ New Host: Aaron (BoyDadLife612) – A single Christian dad, military reservist, and content creator who shares daily dad life, faith-based encouragement, humor, and practical tips for fathers—especially single dads—on YouTube and Instagram. He’s passionate about being a present, intentional father and helping other men raise kids with strong values and character. Hosts Eric Maynard – Homeschooling father, founder of Call With Dads, and advocate for strong family leadership and faith-centered parenting. Mr. Pancakes – Creator of PancakesWithYourDad.com, fatherhood content creator, and co-host focused on real-talk fatherhood, family values, and building strong homes. Tom – Occasional contributor and voice of grounded, no-nonsense dad perspective. Resources Mentioned BoyDadLife612 – YouTube & Instagram: @BoyDadLife612 (daily dad content, single dad tips, faith encouragement) Pancakes With Your Dad – https://pancakeswithyourdad.com (merch, resources, American Liberty Foundation updates) Call With Dads – https://callwithdads.com (episodes, community, and more) Call With Dads YouTube – Search “Call With Dads” for full video episodes and shorts American Liberty Foundation – https://american-liberty-foundation.org (nonprofit in development supporting family values and liberty) Connect With Us Website: https://callwithdads.com YouTube: Call With Dads Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms (search “Call With Dads”) Follow Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com, Instagram, X, Facebook, True Social Follow Aaron: @BoyDadLife612 on YouTube and Instagram Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site! We love hearing from dads—share your thoughts, challenges, or questions about navigating value differences, parenting, faith, and family leadership. Reach out through the website or drop a comment on the episode!

In this candid episode of Call With Dads, hosts Eric Maynard and Mr. Pancakes explore the powerful "Rule of Five"—the idea that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Drawing from personal stories of youthful mistakes, toxic friendships, and intentional growth, they discuss how surrounding yourself with the right people elevates your mindset, habits, ambition, marriage, and fatherhood. They emphasize protecting your children from negative influences, evolving relationships as you mature, and choosing influences that model ambition, faith, and responsibility. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/rule-of-five-for-the-family/ Guest Spotlight: No guest this episode—it's a raw, hosts-only conversation between Eric Maynard and Mr. Pancakes, sharing real-life reflections as dads navigating growth and family priorities. Hosts Eric Maynard (E.A. Maynard) — Homeschooling dad, creative professional, and advocate for purposeful fatherhood and family values. Mr. Pancakes — Founder of PancakesWithYourDad.com, fatherhood coach, creator of the American Liberty Foundation, and passionate about traditional values, personal development, and raising strong kids. Resources Mentioned Rule of Five — Popularized by motivational speaker Jim Rohn: "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." PancakesWithYourDad.com — Home for dad-focused content, coaching, gear (mugs, stickers like Gary Plauche FAFO), and the American Liberty Foundation (useamericanlibertyfoundation.org — site in progress; check socials for updates). CallWithDads.com — Main hub for the podcast, episodes, shop (including "Best Dad Ever" apparel), and listener connections. 3D printing and side hustles — Discussed as tools for creativity, family projects (e.g., terrariums, animal care tools), and extra income. Platforms for listening/watching: YouTube, Kick (short video archives), and audio on major podcast directories. Connect With Us Follow the show and stay in the loop: Website: CallWithDads.com Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com | [email protected] | Socials: @PancakesWYDad (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Truth Social) American Liberty Foundation: useamericanlibertyfoundation.org (socials active) Shop gear and support: pancakeswithyourdad.com/shop Podcast channels: Search "Call With Dads" on YouTube, Rumble, Kick, Apple Podcasts, etc. Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

In this candid, father-to-father episode, Eric Maynard and Mr. Pancakes take a reflective look back at the past year while diving into the realities of modern fatherhood. From the decline of neighborly front-porch communities to the challenges of homeschooling, cultural shifts in schools, and the blessings of family life, the hosts share honest insights on protecting kids, building strong homes, and growing through the daily grind of dad life. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/?p=4963 Guest Spotlight: No guest this episode—it's a special duo reflection with hosts Eric Maynard (a homeschooling dad) and Mr. Pancakes (host of Pancakes With Your Dad). They shout out Tom (currently on dad duty with his newborn) for his past contributions. Hosts Eric Maynard (E.A. Maynard) – Homeschooling father, podcast co-host, and advocate for strong family values. Mr. Pancakes – Founder of PancakesWithYourDad.com, fatherhood coach, and creator of the American Liberty Foundation. Resources Mentioned CallWithDads.com – The main hub for the show, episodes, and listener outreach. PancakesWithYourDad.com – Mr. Pancakes' site for fatherhood content, coaching, and more. AmericanLibertyFoundation.org – In development; check socials for updates and donation links to support traditional values and family-focused initiatives. Platforms: YouTube, Rumble, Kick (search "Call with Dads" for live streams and archives). Socials: @CallWithDads (various platforms), @PancakesWYDad for Mr. Pancakes, @EarnHerRespect on X for Tom. Connect With Us Follow the show on YouTube, Rumble, Kick, and social media (@CallWithDads). Visit CallWithDads.com to connect directly. Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

In this candid core-team episode, Eric Maynard, Tom (@earnherrespect), and Mr. Pancakes open up about the realities of juggling busy dad life—work, homeschooling, family changes, side projects, and more. They explore the pressure to always be productive, the value of complementary roles in marriage, embracing discomfort for growth, and why true fulfillment beats fleeting happiness in a consumer-driven world. Plus, Eric shares how he's helping his 7-year-old son launch a bug-breeding business to teach real-world skills. Summary of the Discussion: (Leave blank for URL) Guest Spotlight: No guest this episode—just the raw, relatable insights from our core hosts as they reflect on fatherhood, priorities, and pushing through chaos. Hosts Eric Maynard (@EA_Maynard on X) Tom (@earnherrespect on X) Mr. Pancakes (PancakesWithYourDad.com) Resources Mentioned Google Calendar (for staying organized in the chaos) Hostinger (AI website builder used for the kid's "Creepy Critter" bug business site) Creepy Critter (upcoming bug-breeding business for reptile feeders and pets) Concepts from Essentialism (on true priorities vs. plural "priorities") Connect With Us Website: CallWithDads.com X: @CallWithDads YouTube: @CallWithDads Tom: @earnherrespect on X | Marriage-Material.com Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

In this raw and urgent episode, Eric Maynard and Mr. Pancakes dive deep into the terrifying world of the 764 network—a decentralized online terror group targeting children through grooming, sextortion, self-harm coercion, and extreme violence. Inspired by the explosive Shawn Ryan Show interview with hacker Ryan Montgomery, the hosts break down how 764 and its offshoot groups operate on platforms like Roblox, Discord, Minecraft, Instagram, and TikTok. They share chilling real-world examples, discuss the group's nihilistic and satanic influences, and stress why parents—especially dads—must stay vigilant. The conversation shifts to practical parenting strategies: strict tech boundaries, building unbreakable self-confidence in kids, instilling traditional values and morals, and prioritizing family protection above all else. A must-listen wake-up call for any parent navigating the digital age. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/dads-its-time-to-step-up-protecting-our-kids-from-the-764-online-terror-network/ Guest Spotlight: No guest this episode—straight talk from the hosts. Hosts Eric Maynard Mr. Pancakes Resources Mentioned Shawn Ryan Show episode featuring Ryan Montgomery (exposing 764 in detail) Platforms to watch: Roblox, Minecraft, Discord, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok Parental control tools: Google Family Link, Apple Communication Safety, Discord Family Center Key red-flag group names: 764, CVLT/CVLTIST, Harm Nation, H3LL, Leak Society, Maniac Murder Cult (MKUMMC), Courtbox, Kaskar, 8884, No Lives Matter FBI tips line and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) for reporting concerns Connect With Us Website: [Insert site URL] YouTube / Kick / Other platforms Merch: Pancakes With Dad shop (Gary plushies, stickers, and more!) Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

Father, Forgive Me: Can You Still Honor Parents Who Destroyed Your Trust? Four dads and a pastor go completely unfiltered on one of the toughest questions Christian men face today: How do you “honor thy father and mother” when your parent is a thief, an addict, a murderer, or simply toxic? We wrestle with boundaries vs. honor, forgiveness vs. access, and why so many men today feel forced to choose between the Fifth Commandment and protecting their own wives and kids. From demonic personality changes to cutting off family for good, this episode doesn’t pull punches. We also unpack the real reason society lost honor altogether (hint: it’s not just the internet), the emasculation playbook that’s been running for 50 years. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/when-honor-thy-father-and-mother-feels-impossible/ Guest Spotlight: Pastor Ron Merritt – No-nonsense pastor who grew up free-range on a farm and working to fight an evil destroying our families and souls. Hosts Mr. Pancakes (Pancakes With Your Dad) Tom – Earn Her Respect Eric a. Maynard Resources Mentioned Jordan Peterson’s rule: “Do not bother children when they are skateboarding” (12 Rules for Life) LifeWise Academy (Bible education during school hours – now in all 50 states) The Brick (physical phone-locking device) Bark parental monitoring Shawn Ryan Show episode with hacker Ryan Montgomery (Roblox grooming exposé) Tuttle Twins Season 3, Episode 2 (fatherlessness episode) Average male testosterone in 2025: ~330 ng/dL (and why that matters) Connect With Us Website: pancakeswithyourdad.com | CallwithDads.com Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site! We read every single one and bring the best ones to future episodes.

In this raw, no-filter livestream, Eric and Mr. Pancakes start with a simple tutoring experiment that exposes a brutal truth: kids openly admit “I still have more to learn,” while most grown men (yes, us) protect our egos, blame the system, and stop growing. What follows is an hour of tangents, laughs, and hard-hitting dad talk—from rage-bait algorithms and creepy Nextdoor weirdos to falling iguanas, herpes monkeys, and why Instagram is now 90 % racists + OnlyFans. Beneath all the chaos is one big question every father needs to answer: When was the last time you let your kid see you suck at something…and keep trying anyway? Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/hey-dad-when-was-the-last-time-you-admitted-i-still-have-more-to-learn/ Guest Spotlight: Just the two regular hosts going full send—no guest, all dad. Hosts Eric Maynard – CallWithDad Mr. Pancakes – Pancakes With Your Dad Resources Mentioned Synthesis Tutor (the learning-style experiment that started it all) TraditionalSociety.com / American-Liberty-Foundation.org – Free Family Constitution course + downloadable resources PancakesYourDad.com – all social links in one spot Connect With Us Website: CallWithDad.com YouTube, Rumble, X, Instagram, Facebook – @CallWithDad Mr. Pancakes everywhere: @PancakesYourDad (X.com @pancakeswydad ) Nonprofit & courses: TraditionalSociety.com Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

Three dads unpack the moment every father dreads: hearing “I hate you” from your own kid. From cold-shower showdowns to teenage eye-daggers, the crew shares real stories, laughs off the pain, and drops hard-earned wisdom on why the hate isn’t personal—it’s proof you’re holding the line. They dive into the idolize → demonize → humanize cycle, why dads can’t vent to wives (or therapists), and the one outlet that actually works: fellowship with other men. Expect tangents on dishwashers, begat-lists, and why cooking casseroles doesn’t make you less of a man. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/when-your-kid-says-i-hate-you-dad-what-it-really-means-how-to-handle-it/ Hosts Eric a. Maynard Tom (@EarnHerRespect) Mr. Pancakes (@PancakesWithYourDad) Resources Mentioned TraditionalSociety.com - American Liberty Foundation (501c3) – free Family Constitution course & pro-family ads CallWithDads.com – all episode links, dad profiles, donation portal X handles: @EarnHerRespect | @PancakesWYDad Connect With Us YouTube | Rumble | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | CallWithDads.com DM us on X or drop a comment below. Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

In this heartfelt episode of Call With Dads, hosts E.a. Maynard and Mr. Pancakes sit down with Aaron Calcagno, a single father and military reservist, to explore the realities of single fatherhood. Aaron shares his journey from envisioning a "perfect nuclear family" to embracing life as a single dad to his seven-year-old son. From navigating the challenges of the court system to balancing discipline and love, Aaron offers practical insights and emotional wisdom for dads facing similar paths. The conversation dives into the importance of emotional presence, the struggles of co-parenting, and the power of vulnerability in building a strong father-child bond. Aaron also discusses his YouTube channel, Boy Dad Life 612, where he uses humor and dad jokes to connect with and support other fathers. Summary of the Discussion: Guest Spotlight: Aaron Calcagno is a single dad, Air Force reservist, and the creator of Boy Dad Life 612 on YouTube. After transitioning from a challenging relationship and navigating the family court system, Aaron is dedicated to being an emotionally present father to his seven-year-old son. Through his platform, he shares dad jokes, parenting tips, and encouragement to help other single dads overcome obstacles and build meaningful connections with their children. Hosts: E.a. Maynard: A father and podcast host passionate about fostering conversations that support and inspire dads in their parenting journeys. Mr. Pancakes: A father and co-host who brings humor and relatability to discussions about fatherhood, drawing from his own experiences growing up with a distant father. Resources Mentioned: Aaron’s YouTube Channel: Boy Dad Life 612 Aaron’s Twitter: @BoyDadLife612 Concept of "Zones of Emotions" for helping children articulate feelings Connect With Us: Have a question for Aaron, E.a. Maynard, or Mr. Pancakes? Drop it below or reach out via the Call With Dads website! Follow Aaron on YouTube and Twitter at Boy Dad Life 612 for more dad-focused content and support. Stay connected with the podcast on YouTube, Rumble, and your favorite audio platforms for more inspiring conversations about fatherhood.

Grief as Dads: Family, Pets, and Public Tragedies

Raising Faithful Families with Pastor Ron Merritt

In this engaging episode of Call With Dads, Brandon Moore joins Mr. Pancakes, Eric Maynard, and Tom to dive into the art of raising resilient sons in today’s world. Brandon shares the inspiration behind his viral X post, “100 Principles of Fatherhood,” derived from a century-old book series, The Boy’s Own Book. The conversation explores managing anger as a constructive force, teaching kids financial responsibility, and countering a culture that often prioritizes convenience over family. From heartfelt dad moments—like driveway hugs and bedtime “I love you”—to practical tips for fostering “developed masculinity,” this episode is packed with wisdom for dads striving to raise strong, principled men. The group also touches on societal challenges, like navigating social media algorithms and the decline of traditional parenting, while sharing laughs about first cars and bread-making kids. Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/100-principles-of-fatherhood-raising-strong-sons-in-a-modern-world/ Guest Spotlight: Brandon Moore is a dedicated father and author whose 100 Principles of Fatherhood started as a viral X post and has grown into a guiding framework for raising sons. Drawing from historical wisdom in The Boy’s Own Book, Brandon focuses on developing physical, mental, spiritual, and social virtues in boys. His work on X (@PonderingMore) and his newsletter inspire dads to embrace responsibility and build stronger families. Hosts: Mr. Pancakes: Founder of PancakesWithYourDad.com and the American Liberty Foundation, Mr. Pancakes brings humor and heart to discussions on fatherhood and traditional values. Eric Maynard: A homeschooling dad, Eric shares practical insights on raising kids with purpose while balancing work and family life. Tom: A thoughtful voice on masculinity and family, Tom offers perspectives on responsibility and societal trends, with content at marriage-material.com. Resources Mentioned: The Boy’s Own Book: A century-old book series that inspired Brandon’s 100 Principles of Fatherhood. Brandon Moore’s Newsletter: Sign up at Pondering More’s website for weekly insights. American Liberty Foundation: Learn more and donate at TraditionalSociety.com. Marriage-Material.com: Tom’s site for resources on marriage and masculinity. PancakesWithYourDad.com: Free woodworking plans and family-focused resources. Viome: Health-focused DNA testing mentioned by Brandon for dietary insights. Connect With Us: Website: CallWithDads.com X: @CallWithDads Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok: @CallWithDads Brandon Moore: @PonderingMore on X Tom: @EarnHerRespect on X, Marriage-Material.com Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com, TraditionalSociety.com Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

A Father’s Job: Clearing Out the Bad Episode Summary

Veterans, Dads, and Building Strong Foundations with Darryl Money

In this episode of Call with Dads, recorded on July 16, 2025, hosts Eric Maynard and Pancakes With Dad dive into the realities of parenting in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. They discuss the challenges of setting up their live stream and the American Liberty Foundation’s mission to promote traditional values through resources and media campaigns. The conversation explores how modern dads must balance shielding kids from inappropriate online content with fostering independence, contrasting nostalgic memories of free-range childhoods with the dangers of today’s internet. From monitoring media to addressing societal shifts like processed foods and declining trust, Eric and Pancakes share practical insights for dads striving to raise grounded kids. They also touch on political frustrations, including transparency issues, and emphasize the growing trend of involved fatherhood. Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating fatherhood with intention and purpose. Show summary Article: https://callwithdads.com/navigating-modern-fatherhood-lessons-from-the-call-with-dads-podcast/ Guest Spotlight: No guest featured in this episode, but a future guest is scheduled for July 25, 2025, to discuss the effects of military life on families. Stay tuned for more details! Hosts - Eric Maynard: A dedicated dad and podcast host passionate about equipping fathers with tools to navigate modern parenting challenges. - Pancakes With Dad: Founder of the American Liberty Foundation, advocating for traditional family values and community-oriented parenting through his platform, Pancakes With Your Dad. Resources Mentioned - American Liberty Foundation: Learn more about their mission to promote traditional values at [traditionalsociety.com](https://traditionalsociety.com) or [american-liberty-foundation.org](https://american-liberty-foundation.org). - Pancakes With Your Dad: Access family-oriented resources, pancake recipes, and woodworking plans at [pancakeswithyourdad.com](https://pancakeswithyourdad.com). - Call with Dads Membership: Join for $3/month to access live streams or $6/month to support the show and ALF, including exclusive content and discount codes. Visit [callwithdads.com](https://callwithdads.com). - Social Cat: A platform connecting creators with micro-influencers for family-oriented promotions. - Tuttle Twins: Mentioned as a resource highlighting flawed yet impactful historical figures. Connect With Us - Visit [callwithdads.com](https://callwithdads.com) for live streams, episode archives, and membership details. - Follow American Liberty Foundation on True Social, Facebook, Instagram, X (@AMLibertyFDN), and LinkedIn. - Check out Pancakes With Your Dad on True Social, Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for family-focused content. - Donate to support ALF’s mission at [traditionalsociety.com](https://traditionalsociety.com). Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!