
Front Row Dads with Jon Vroman
553 episodes — Page 1 of 12
From Agenda-Driven to Soul-Driven: A Conversation With Kyle Cease
Two Dads on What's Actually Working at Home Right Now
The Secret to Getting Mother's Day Right Every Time
How to Repair After You Blow Up at Your Kids
Her Dad Took Her to Tony Robbins at 12. Here's What She Built.
The 3 P Framework for Presence and Why Your Family's Wisdom Is Worth More Than Your Estate with Jefe Greenheart
Choosing to Be a Great Dad to Two Over a Father Figure to Millions
Ep 542The Art of Asking Better Questions (At Home and at Work)
Michael Diettrich-Chastain is a new VIP Front Row Dads member, father to Juniper with another baby on the way, and the founder and CEO of Arc Integrated, a leadership development consultancy. He's spent years helping leaders ask better questions of their teams. In this conversation with Jon, he breaks down how those same skills apply to being a better husband and father. They get into: → The shadow side of being a question asker (and how curiosity can backfire) → Why your energy matters more than your words (anxiety is excitement without the breath) → How DISC styles change the way you should approach a conversation → Stop coaching your kids. Start connecting with them. → The check-in rituals Michael uses with his wife Robin → A simple question Michael asks teams that unlocks what they're not talking about If you've ever caught yourself asking a question to make a point instead of to actually understand someone, this one will land. _________________________________________ 📚 Want to win at home and in business? These are the books that helped high-performing dads create deeper relationships and stronger lives—without sacrificing success. 👉 Get the list: https://frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 541A Decision Framework for Moving Your Family Somewhere New
FRD member James Yaman moved his family from upstate New York to Ecuador. But it wasn't a snap decision. He and his wife explored four different cities and countries before choosing. This conversation with Jon is a real look at what goes into making a big move as a family man. What they cover: → How James and his wife made the decision together without one person just following the other → Why your gut has to be the first box checked before schools, cost of living, and safety → The role mentors and community play in gut-checking a decision this big (and why your parents are the wrong people to ask) → What the first 18 months in a new country actually feel like and why you need to give it at least a year → How he kept his business running from another country → Why nothing about the decision has to be permanent and how that freed them to actually do it → The difference between a trip and an adventure and why your family might need the second one If you've ever thought about moving your family somewhere new, whether across the country or across the world, this one's worth a listen.
Ep 540The Corner Man: Be One. Find One.
Jon sits down with Scott Seymour, conscious partnership coach, men's work facilitator, and the newest leader inside Front Row Dads. This conversation explores what makes Scott the kind of man that other men immediately trust. They get into his formula for making real friends, the corner man concept, unconditional love vs boundaries, and what it actually looks like to show up for another human without an agenda. A few things that stand out: trust is built in droplets and lost in buckets. Two acronyms that change how you show up in every conversation (WAIT and HALE). And the idea that everyone you meet is just a mirror showing you something about yourself. If you want deeper friendships but don't know how to get past the surface with other men, this one's for you. 📚 The Front Row Dads Book List: frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 539The Art of Gentle Rage: A Father's Guide to Controlling the Fire
Julien Marion is a father of six, married 17 years, entrepreneur, Muay Thai practitioner, and author of Gentle Rage. In this conversation, Julien breaks down why most men aren't too angry — they're too disconnected. He explains why sexual energy and aggression are the two most primal forces inside every man, and what happens when you suppress them, leak them, or learn to lead them. He also shares what changed in his family after his oldest son attempted suicide and how that moment transformed the way he shows up as a father. 📕 Julien's book Gentle Rage: julienmarion.org
Ep 5375 Things your Wife Hates and Wishes You would Stop Doing
FRD member Jason Bronstad shares five things he does that drive his wife crazy — validated by his bride of 21 years. From giving his best energy to everyone except her, to fixing when she just wants him to feel it. Nine minutes. Honest. You'll recognize yourself. 📚 The Front Row Dads Book List: frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 537The Part of You That You Hate Is the Key to Everything You Want
FRD member Eric Farewell sits down with Craig Perra for a conversation about parts work, self-leadership, and the reframe that changed Craig's life. Craig is an attorney by training and former senior executive who hit rock bottom and discovered that the parts of himself he hated most were actually trying to help him. They dig into Internal Family Systems, why there are no bad habits (only bad outcomes), how shame is actually a compliance department working overtime, and what it looks like to lead your inner world the way you'd lead a business. Craig shows how neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and business leadership all point to the same truth: we have parts, they're in conflict, and there's a powerful center inside every one of us that can lead them. The last five minutes are especially practical. Craig walks you through how to start doing this work right now with two simple questions you can ask yourself today. 🎙️ Craig's podcast: Patterns of Power (available everywhere) 🌐 mindfulhabitmastery.com 📚 The Front Row Dads Book List: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 535The Family Covenant: Simple to Create. Surprisingly Powerful.
📥 Download the free Family Covenant Guide — create your own in one night: https://frontrowdads.com/familycovenant FRD members Mike Green and Samuel Shreve break down something Samuel built for his family called a covenant — a set of promises the whole family writes together about how they want to treat each other. Not dad's rules. Not abstract values. Real promises that a seven-year-old helped create and that are hanging on their wall right now. They cover how to run the meeting, how to get the kids involved, and the simple tools (like "ouch, oops") that give your family shared language for the hard moments. Twenty minutes. Practical. Something you could do tonight. 📚 The Front Row Dads Book List: frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 534What Happens When 6 Men Meet Monthly for 3 Hours (No Advice. No Fixing.)
Brent Perkins is a father of two, author of Paper Cuts, and a Front Row Dad since 2022. He's also the man behind the growth of our band program — the small groups of four to eight men who meet monthly for three hours to do the kind of work most guys never get access to. In this conversation, Jon and Brent dig into what actually happens when men stop performing and start being real with each other. Why bands have become the number one rated feature in our community. What the edge of vulnerability looks like. And why the skills you build sitting with other men transfer directly to how you show up at home with your wife and kids. If you've ever felt like the rock for everyone else with nowhere to lean — or if you've read the books, listened to the podcasts, and still feel stuck — this one might be the nudge you've been waiting for. For current FRD members: frontrowdads.com/vault to get into a band. For everyone else: frontrowdads.com to learn more about the community.
Ep 534The Road Less Triggered: Turning Conflict into Connection | Dr. Kelly Flanagan
Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience, a Front Row Dad since 2020, and the author of several books including Lovable and True Companions. His newest book, The Road Less Triggered, is about the moment your heart closes — and what to do about it before you set your relationships back. In this conversation, Kelly and Jon get into why having the right communication tools doesn't matter if you shut down in the moments that matter most. They explore defensiveness, boundaries, the difference between reacting and responding, and what it actually looks like to keep your heart open when everything in your body is telling you to close it. If you've ever known better and still lost it with your wife or kids — this one's going to land. 📕 Grab The Road Less Triggered + $348 in pre-order bonuses: roadlesstriggered.com 📚 The Front Row Dads Book List: frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 533Allowance vs. Commission: Two Dads Debate the Best Way to Teach Kids Money
Download the free Money Meeting Implementation Guide — everything Dave walks through in this episode so you can start with your kids this week: https://frontrowdads.com/moneymeeting Two Front Row Dad VIP members. One big disagreement. Eric Farewell thinks allowances are a mistake. Dave Powders swears by them. In this episode, they hash it out — and what comes out of it is a practical framework any dad can use to raise financially confident kids. Dave breaks down the exact system he's used since his oldest was 8 (she's now 12 and asking about maxing out her Roth IRA), while Eric shares why he pays his kids $25–$75/hour and makes them cover their own expenses — including half their dance lessons and even dental bills. In this episode you'll learn: The 5-jar system for splitting allowance money (play, save to spend, wealth, education, give) Why biweekly "money meetings" build financial literacy most schools never teach How to use a simple ledger to teach kids budgeting before they're teenagers The difference between allowance and commissions — and why it matters less than you think How one 12-year-old is funding her Roth IRA through her crochet business Why letting your kids make money mistakes young saves them from costly ones later Whether you're team allowance or team commission, this episode will change the way you talk to your kids about money. 📚 Want more? Grab the top book recommendations from our community of 300 dads — including the reads that changed how we think about money and family — at https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 532The Brave Father: What It Really Means to Show Up for Your Kids
This conversation was originally shared inside the Front Row Dads community — just for members. But it was too important to keep behind closed doors. Ali Jafarian sits down with Philip McKernan — world-class speaker, coach to pro athletes and top executives, and the man leading a retreat for FRD fathers at a 500-year-old castle in Ireland this June. Philip also led two powerful sessions at FRD Live 2025. They dig into the hidden guilt driving so much of our parenting, why doing the opposite of your own father still isn't authentic, and whether who you are — not what you do — is actually enough for your kids. Philip says something you won't forget: if you can't find value in just sitting with your child doing nothing, it doesn't matter what you do for the next 25 years.
Ep 531Love-Based Parenting Is Firm, Honest, and Harder Than Yelling Ever Was
Bryan Post has spent 30 years working with families in crisis. He's a father of seven, a former foster and adopted child himself, and the author of 20 books — including From Fear to Love, which has sold over a million copies. In this conversation, Bryan breaks down why most of what we call "bad behavior" in our kids is actually stress — and why the most powerful thing a dad can do isn't fix, coach, or correct. It's slow down and breathe. What you'll learn: — How a parent's energy directly shapes a child's anxiety — Why love-based parenting isn't permissive (it's actually harder) — The difference between coaching your kid and connecting with them — How to hold space when your child is melting down without losing yourself — Why Bryan says grief is the most overlooked tool in a father's life If you're a dad who wants to lead with love instead of fear, this one's for you. 📕 Bryan's book: feartolovebook.com 🔗 Free course for men: courage-iq.com
Ep 530What 30 Years of Studying Men Revealed About Fatherhood | Alison Armstrong
Alison Armstrong has been studying men since 1991. What started as a personal mission to stop bringing out the worst in them turned into over three decades of research, workshops, and books that have changed how thousands of people understand relationships, masculinity, and what really drives human behavior. In this episode, she sits down with Jon Vroman and goes deep on what none of that research prepared her for — what it looks like when these dynamics show up between fathers and their children. What you'll learn: The 6 Dominant Drivers — building, knowing, sharing, growing, expressing, and enjoying — and how to spot yours Why your dominant driver is visible to everyone except you How a dad's drive to build can unintentionally crush a child whose driver is joy The "hidden why" behind everything you do — and why it lives in your blind spot Why Alison banned her husband from Disneyland (and what that taught her about overprotective fathers) What her stepson meant when he said "Greg was the man" — and why Greg may never have known The shame conversation every father needs to hear: why penance is easy but forgiveness takes courage Jon also shares an unscripted moment from his son's birthday that brings everything Alison teaches into sharp, personal focus. Learn more about Alison's work at alisonarmstrong.com
Ep 529The 30-Minute Valentine's Day Move That Beats Any Fancy Dinner
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be stressful. Front Row Dad Jason Bronstad (married 21 years) breaks down how to ditch the performative stuff and actually reconnect with your wife. He shares practical moves any dad can do this weekend — a connection signal, a no-agenda date, and one powerful question most men are afraid to ask. Want to keep leveling up your marriage? Grab the top book recommendations from 300+ Front Row Dads — including the relationship books that changed the game for us — https://frontrowdads.com/books/
Ep 5285 Dads. Real Talk. No Filter. | Front Row Dads Band Meeting
What does real brotherhood look like for dads? One of the most powerful parts of Front Row Dads is something called a Band — a small group of men who meet regularly to go deep on life together. Not surface-level stuff. Not backyard BBQ small talk. The real stuff. The hard stuff. The stuff most men never talk about with anyone. In this episode, we're sharing something we've never released publicly before: a portion of an actual Band meeting. Our meetings usually run about 3 hours. This is just over an hour — a sample of what it sounds like when men do the work together. You'll hear Jon Vroman, Hal Elrod, Justin Donald, Dane Espegard, and Tim Nikolaev show up, put in the reps, and have the kind of conversations that change how you show up as a man, a husband, and a dad. They talk about: → Faith and what it means to pray out loud for the first time at 50 → Losing your spark — and the work it takes to get it back → The difference between surviving a year and actually thriving → Goals, dreams, and the accountability most men are missing → Why brotherhood isn't optional anymore And yes — there's plenty of humor. They give each other a hard time. They laugh. They interrupt. Tim almost walks out of the meeting. That's part of it too. But what you'll really hear is what it sounds like when men trust each other enough to tell the truth. A lot of guys tell us that joining a Band has been one of the most impactful decisions of their life. This episode will show you why. If you know another dad who needs this kind of brotherhood in his life — share this with him.
Ep 527How Busy Dads Are Getting Fit Without Losing Family Time
If you've ever felt guilty about taking time away from your family to work out — this one's for you. Front Row Dads Scott Groves and Jason Bronstad share real wisdom from inside our community on how they solved the fitness vs. family dilemma. You'll walk away with: A new way to think about fitness and family time Permission to start even if you're out of shape The power of finding an activity you can do with your kids Why having other dads in your corner changes everything ___________________________________ Join us for our Family Boarding Meeting Masterclass: https://frontrowdads.com/fos-masterclass
Ep 530You Know How to Be a Better Dad. Here's Why You're Not Doing It.
This is a ~20-minute episode built around one powerful idea: Your stories create your reality. Most dads know how they want to show up — patient, present, calm. But when your kid pushes your buttons or interrupts your work… you lose it anyway. The gap isn't willpower. It's wiring. In this episode, VIP Front Row Dad Scott Groves interviews Front Row Dad member Adam Coelho, who breaks down the neuroscience behind why we react — and the simple daily practice he uses to rewire his brain so he actually shows up the way he wants to. Here's what Adam teaches his kids (and himself) every single day: "Your story creates your reality." Before bed, his son literally says: "I will have good dreams tonight" — because he used to be afraid of nightmares. That's not positive thinking. That's neuroplasticity in action. The framework Adam shares: Get clear on your vision — Who do you want to be as a dad? How do you want to feel? Create mindset affirmations with evidence — Don't say "I'm patient" if you don't believe it. Say "I'm patient, curious, and kind" and find ONE example from your life. Then find another. Your brain will start looking for more. Talk about your vision — Tell your band, your wife, your kids. It forces clarity and plants seeds in other people's minds. The real shift: From "I have to be present with my kids" → "I get to be present with my kids." It's not just language. It's literally rewiring how your brain sees the world. Get Adam's free envisioning guide here - https://Askwhatspossible.com/frd 📚 What Front Row Dads Are Reading: 👉 frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 528A 30-Min Weekly Ritual That Reconnects You + Your Wife
The 30-Minute Connection Ritual 👉 htt[ps://frontrowdads.com/connection This is a quick ~11-minute episode built around one powerful idea: Schedule 30 minutes a week to reconnect with your wife — no phones, no distractions, just presence. Because in a hard season, you can't always fix the problem… but you can protect the connection. In this week's episode, two Front Row Dads, Jason Brondstad and David Aceves break down the simple weekly ritual David uses to stay on the same team with his wife — especially when life feels heavy. Here's the ritual: Put 30 minutes on the calendar (weekly) No phones. No screens. No distractions. Ask two questions: "How are you really feeling?" "What are you really struggling with?" And when there's nothing to "fix," lead with presence: "What do you need right now?" "Do you want to be hugged?" 👉 Download the FREE 30-Minute Connection Ritual one-pager and try it this week: https://frontrowdads.com/connection
Ep 522Stop Paying for Babysitters... Here's the Smarter Way to Do Date Night | Samuel Shreve
Get the FREE 5-Step Guide to More Date Nights (No Babysitters Required) 👉 https://frontrowdads.com/babysitting _______________________________________________ This is a quick 15-minute episode that could completely change how you get date nights. In this Front Row Dads Podcast episode, Front Row Dad Mike Green interviews fellow FRD member Samuel Shreve, who shares the simple babysitting co-op system his family uses to get consistent nights out — without paying babysitters or stressing about trust. In just 15 minutes, you'll learn: Why babysitting is one of the biggest blockers to marriage time How a babysitting co-op removes cost, friction, and awkwardness The time-based token system that keeps everything fair How to start this with just 2–4 families Why this is something you can set up tonight 👉 Want the full breakdown? Download the FREE Babysitting Co-Op Starter Kit and get the exact 5-step system Samuel uses. 🔗 https://frontrowdads.com/babysitting If you've ever said, "We should do date nights more often," this episode shows you how. ____________________________________________ Live masterclass for fathers: learn practical systems to strengthen your marriage, parenting, and home life with the Family Operating System. Join us here: https://frontrowdads.com/masterclass
Ep 521Tools to Become the Dad You Want to Be in 2026
In this special episode, we're dropping you into a live segment from our Ignite 2026 online summit with our brother and coach, Matt Drinkhahn, host of The Eternal Optimist podcast. Matt walks us through what it actually takes to live in alignment with your true identity as a family man with a business — not a businessman with a family. He shares the story of a life-altering accident that stripped away his old identity (tall, athletic, successful in business) and forced him to rebuild who he was from the inside out, rooted in faith, fatherhood, and core values. From there, Matt gets intensely practical. You'll be guided through the same exercises he uses with high performers to: Name and disarm your deepest fears Rewrite the script of your inner critic Build tiny daily tweaks that compound into massive change Use a simple "emotional artifact" to stay present with your wife and kids This isn't theory. It's reps, practice, and a long-game approach to becoming the man 2026 requires of you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why tying your identity to business, status, or your body sets you up for collapse How acceptance (not denial or hustle) unlocked a new identity for Matt after spinal surgery A journaling prompt to expose the voice of your "villain" or inner critic A simple script for welcoming fear to the table so it loses power over you How to craft one tiny daily tweak that keeps your calendar and habits aligned with your true identity Why an "emotional artifact" (a small object in your pocket or on your desk) can anchor you in presence with your family If you're serious about making 2026 your most aligned year yet — not just with goals, but with who you are as a husband, father, and leader — this conversation is a powerful place to start. ___________________________________________________ 🚀 You're building a business—but are you building your family with the same intention? These books helped us do both. 📘 Grab the list here: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 5205 Steps to Family-First Goals in 2026 with Hal Elrod
Have you ever felt like you're working harder than ever, but somehow missing what truly matters? Every year around this time, we bring back one of our most impactful conversations—a powerful master class with Hal Elrod originally recorded in 2019. This episode has become a yearly ritual for many of our guys, a reset they return to again and again as they head into the new year. Each time you listen, you'll hear something new—because you're in a new season. In this episode, Hal shares the radical changes he made after a life-altering health scare to reclaim his time, focus on what truly matters, and design a life of deep connection. He also walks through practical steps to clarify and achieve your family goals in the year ahead. We cover: Practical strategies to align your actions with your values. The power of rituals like family meetings to foster open communication. Why learning to say "no" is the ultimate act of self-love and prioritization. The critical role of health and emotional mastery in being present. How community and accountability drive transformation. Why listen now? This annual encore has inspired countless listeners to rethink how they approach their family life and priorities. Whether it's your first time or your fourth, it's the perfect episode to set the tone for a year of alignment, connection, and fulfillment. ____________________________________ 🚀 You're building a business—but are you building your family with the same intention? These books helped us do both. 📘 Grab the list here: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 518Breaking Mr. Nice Guy: Build Stronger Boundaries with Your Wife and Kids
Ep 517The Power of a Legacy Letter — One Thing Every Father Should Do
The Power of a Legacy Letter — One Thing Every Father Should Do (w/ Blake Brewer — Founder of LegacyLetter.com) When Blake Brewer was 19, a family snorkeling trip in Hawaii changed his life forever. Moments after losing his father in a tragic accident, his mother handed him a letter that his dad had been writing for months — a letter filled with wisdom, encouragement, and love. That letter became Blake's guiding light. Today, he's on a mission to help one million dads do the same — to write a legacy letter that becomes the most powerful gift a father can give. In this conversation, Blake and Jon explore how one letter can outlive you, shape your children's character, and give them strength long after you're gone. You'll learn: • The story behind Blake's father's final letter — and how it shaped his purpose • What makes a legacy letter different from any other message to your kids • Why a father's written words carry power that lasts generations • The core phrases every child needs to hear from their dad • What stops most men from writing their letter — and how to overcome it • Simple steps to start writing your own legacy letter today If you've ever wondered how to create something that truly lasts — something your kids will treasure forever — this episode will show you the way. _____ 📚 Read what high-performing dads are reading. These are the most impactful books in our brotherhood. Tried, tested, and implemented. https://frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 516How to Design a Family First Life - Before Kids w/Chandler Bolt
How to Design a Family First Life - Before Kids (w/ Chandler Bolt — Founder of selfpublishing.com) How high-achieving newly married men design a family-first life before kids arrive. Chandler shares the blueprint he and his wife are implementing now: build the village, align your circles (work, friends, faith), and create a home that becomes the hub for family and community. He explores identity shifts, integrating ambition with family values, and the big question entrepreneurs ask: How do I build a great business without sacrificing a great family? You'll learn: • The Pre-Kids Family Blueprint: how to architect life around marriage & future kids • Why integration beats balance — combining work, community & family in one place • How to design a "home as hub" — the modern village model • Smart moves now: church, neighborhood, office, travel and future homeschooling • The truth about kids + ambition (and the fears most founders won't admit) • How blue-collar grit shaped Chandler — and how to pass it on without hardship • The "We're rich. You're not." mindset for raising grounded kids • Why legacy assets like books & family videos matter long-term If you want to build a thriving business and a thriving future family — this is your playbook. Special link: selfpublishing.com/frontrow Chandler's team has helped 7,000+ authors create books that transform their families and careers. _________________________________ 📚 Read what high-performing dads are reading. These are the most impactful books in our brotherhood. Tried, tested, and implemented. https://frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 515Coaches & Consultants: Add 7–8 Figures with a Book-Driven Funne
Coaches & Consultants at 7–8 Figures with a Book-Driven Funnel (w/ Chandler Bolt, founder of selfpublishing.com) SelfPublishing.com How top coaches and consultants turn one book into a client engine. Chandler shares the 4 Ps (Person, Pain, Promise, Price), book-to-funnel integration, and the counterintuitive "free audiobook → booked calls" play. Grab the FRD bonus: selfpublishing.com/front row. His team has helped publish 7,000+ books. You'll learn: How to pick the right book for your offer using the 4 Ps. Exactly where a book plugs into your funnel (opt-ins, sales calls, stages) to drive revenue. Why publishing in all formats—print/Kindle/audio—multiplies reach (and why audio often converts best). The "two-copy" referral play that turns readers into recruiters. What to expect on timeline & budget so you actually ship (real-world ranges shared). _______________________________________________ 📚 Read what high-performing dads are reading. These are the most impactful books in our brotherhood. Tried, tested, and implemented. https://frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 514Mentorship Alone Isn't Enough: Why You Need a Brotherhood
In today's quick-hitting episode, Front Row Dad member Eric Farewell shares why every man needs a mentor, a coach, and—most of all—community… and how the right brotherhood can change the next 50 years of your life. Mentor vs. Coach vs. Community: who does what (and why money-only mentors miss the mark) Experience-share > advice: the FRD "bands" model that builds ownership instead of ego Why community beats going it alone: presence on the hardest days, not fixes or platitudes Ceremony & play: identity, laughter, and the rituals that make men steadier at home and work How to choose your people: values alignment, accountability, and men who help you tell the truth Short, practical, and real—press play to get a simple filter for finding (or strengthening) your band of brothers
Ep 513Investing in the Age of AI: Accumulate, Hedge, Automate
Mike Dillard has built three eight-figure businesses and spent two decades teaching entrepreneurs how to invest, grow passive income, and build long-term wealth. In this episode, he shares his hard-won lessons about building wealth in a world reshaped by AI, inflation, and disruption. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why accumulation and real assets beat risky bets in the long run. How AI will reshape the economy—bringing both deflation and massive unemployment. Why Bitcoin and gold are essential hedges against a declining dollar. The power of automation tools that take human emotion out of money management (and how to set them up). A tax strategy that lets you invest up to $140K per year—completely tax-free on the gains. How entrepreneurs can break free from the "make it, spend it, risk it" cycle and build lasting wealth. This is a playbook for anyone who wants to protect their family, create consistency in uncertain times, and set up a financial system that literally makes you richer every day. ________________________________________________________ 🚀 You're building a business—but are you building your family with the same intention? These books helped us do both. 📘 Grab the list here: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 512Freedom Not Flex: A Playbook for Cashflow & Family Time (with Justin Donald)
If growth has come with a hidden bill—your time, your presence, your peace—this episode gives you a better plan. Today I'm joined by Justin Donald—Lifestyle Investor—long-time friend and FRD brother. What I love about Justin: he plays the game for freedom, not flex. Inside the episode: Cashflow First: A clear path to cover core bills with cash-producing assets so your calendar can breathe again. Every Dollar Works: Why mentors, masterminds, and pros are investments—when you demand ROI on knowledge, not just deals. Owner/Operator Reset: Use the "take a year off" thought experiment to surface missing systems, leadership, and SOPs. The Allocation Reality: How the wealthiest tilt toward low-risk, steady plays—and keep only a small slice for high-risk shots. Naval's Four Levers: Add people, capital, code, or media so your upside isn't limited to your hours. Teach Without Preaching: Spark money wisdom at home—so your kids inherit a mindset, not just assets. Listen now → Financial Freedom Beats Net Worth
Ep 511The Real Story: Books That Changed Our Home
In this quick-hitting episode, Front Row Dad member Eric Farewell spotlights four books that shaped him as a man, husband, and father—and how his family turned car rides into a "great books" classroom. You'll hear: Vulnerability over image — Rising Strong (Brené Brown) and dropping the mask Who you were before the mask — The Road Back to You (Ian Morgan Cron) and a shared language at home Family learning on wheels — Shoe Dog (Phil Knight) and sparking business curiosity in his kids The pattern breaker he gifts most — No More Mr. Nice Guy (Dr. Robert Glover) on needs, boundaries, and honest leadership Short, practical, and real—press play, pick one, and start a reading habit that strengthens your home ______________________________________________________ 📚 Want to win at home and in business? These are the books that helped high-performing dads create deeper relationships and stronger lives—without sacrificing success. 👉 Get the list: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 510Charlie Kirk, Social Media, and the Battle for Our Kids' Minds
Mike Dillard has built three eight-figure businesses and spent two decades helping entrepreneurs learn how to invest, grow passive income, and build long-term wealth. In this conversation, he turns his attention to something even more urgent: parenting in a divided world. We dive into the fallout of Charlie Kirk's assassination, what it reveals about free speech and cultural division, and how social media is shaping what the next generation believes. You'll walk away with practical insights on how to start the conversations your kids aren't having in school—conversations that build discernment, resilience, and the ability to think for themselves. ______________________________________________________ 📚 Want to win at home and in business?These are the books that helped high-performing dads create deeper relationships and stronger lives—without sacrificing success. 👉 Get the list: podcast-books
Ep 509Driven but Empty: The Wound in High-Performing Dads — w/ Danny Morel
Today I dive deep with Danny Morel — a billion-dollar real estate leader who rebuilt after an affair and now helps men shift from hustle to wholeness. What you'll get: How to end "driven but empty" by healing the wound under ambition The Desire → Courage turn that stops the endless chase Marriage moves that create safety without fixing (and drop defensiveness) Parenting that blends guardrails + freedom, with consequences that connect Breaking porn/food/shame loops by changing state at the root Moving from force to power so work flows and home thrives If you've built the life but still feel the weight—this conversation is for you. It's not about doing more. It's about becoming whole. __________________________________________________________ 📚 Want to win at home and in business? These are the books that helped high-performing dads create deeper relationships and stronger lives—without sacrificing success. 👉 Get the list: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 508Sex Gets Better With Effort: The Husband's Intimacy Playbook
Today's guest is Laurie Handlers — Tantra educator, talk show host, and intimacy coach. She's the author of Sex & Happiness: The Tantric Laws of Intimacy and leads programs through Butterfly Workshops, Inc. and the International School of Temple Arts. In this ~40-minute episode, you'll learn: Why long-term sex gets better only with intentional effort (after the honeymoon & kids). The starter "effort stack": schedule date night, learn to dance, have the conversation. How to decode complaints into clear requests—without hurting feelings. The training mindset: treat intimacy as a skill (courses/coaching > guessing). The presence playbook: breathe together, watch her face, phones down. The 10/10 framework women name: Presence, Connection, Safety, Communication, Skill. A simple boundary script and the repair rule: "First to return to love wins." Listen now. ________________________________________________________________ 📚 Read what high-performing dads are reading. These are the most impactful books in our brotherhood. Tried, tested, and implemented. Grab them here: Https://frontrowdads.com/podcast-books
Ep 507The Science of Triggers: What's Really Driving Your Reactions
When you lose your cool, it's usually not about the moment—it's about what's underneath. In this episode, Josh Trent unpacks HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and shows you how to spot these triggers before they hijack your reactions. Learn how to pause, reset, and show up at your best for the people who matter most. ___________________________________________ 📚 Want to win at home and in business? These are the books that helped high-performing dads create deeper relationships and stronger lives—without sacrificing success. 👉 Get the list: https://frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 5064 Military Leadership Models Every Dad Can Use at Home
Schuyler Williamson is a leadership expert, entrepreneur, West Point graduate, military veteran, and family man. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat arms officer, Schuyler transitioned to business where he's now a Top 1% real estate agent, co-owner of 4 laundromats, and operator of multiple companies. He's also the author of The Steady Leader: Leadership Models That Bring Clarity to Chaos, where he shares proven frameworks for leading with steadiness in uncertain times. In this episode, you'll discover: Military-tested leadership frameworks you can apply at home and in business. The power of modeling — why great leaders don't invent, they adapt what works. Practical parenting routines (like his morning ritual that fuels his kids' confidence). Stories from combat and entrepreneurship that reveal how clarity and steadiness transform leadership. This conversation is packed with frameworks, stories, and takeaways you can start using right away — whether you're leading your family, your team, or both. ______________________________________________ 📚 Want to win at home and in business? These are the books that helped high-performing dads create deeper relationships and stronger lives—without sacrificing success. 👉 Get the list: https://frontrowdads.com/books
Ep 505How to Run a Family Meeting in Just 30 Minutes
In this condensed episode, Ryan Levesque, Front Row Dad, 7-time Inc. 5000 CEO, and 2-time #1 bestselling author, shares the 7 steps he uses to run his weekly family meetings that build connection, teach values, and create wins at home. You'll hear: How to use wins, gratitude, and goals to anchor family conversations A 7-step agenda that kids actually look forward to Practical tips for turning chaos into connection each week ______________________________________________________________ 📚 Read what high-performing dads are reading. These are the most impactful books in our brotherhood. Tried, tested, and implemented. https://frontrowdads.com/books/
Ep 504The Blind-Spot Finder: 4 Questions to See What You're Missing
This condensed episode features one of our most popular conversations of all time—distilled down to just the essentials. Jon shares how coaching with Nathanael Chawkin opened his eyes to simple questions that work like "meditation on the go"—a practice you can use anytime to shift perspective, see blind spots, and calm heated moments in marriage, parenting, and leadership. You'll hear: Why most suffering comes from the story you're telling yourself, not the situation A four-question checklist you can run in real time to get clarity How to spot blind spots and projections before they blow up relationships A quick test to know whose business you're really in—and how to step back into your lane Nathanael is a seasoned leadership coach who helps CEOs and teams approach tough conversations with heart, building trust, alignment, and high performance. With a background in martial arts and mindfulness, his practice-based approach gives leaders practical tools they can apply in real time—at work and at home. Resources: Worksheet ________________________________________ Books that don't just inform— They transform. These titles helped the men in our community grow into stronger leaders at home. FRD Books → https://frontrowdads.com/books/
Ep 503The Rites of Passage Blueprint Every Dad Needs (Ages 8, 12, 14, 16, 18)
This condensed episode dives into Rich Christiansen's proven blueprint for raising resilient, values-driven kids—featuring age-based rites of passage and entrepreneurship as a tool. You'll hear: The Legado Family Framework (values → symbols → traditions → rites → finances) The 8/12/14/16/18 rites of passage (and why they work) Why his teens built businesses—and why they later shut them down Practical ways to kill entitlement and build family identity Resources: Rich's site → https://legadofamily.com/ _____________________________________________________________ Books that don't just inform— They transform. These titles helped the men in our community grow into stronger leaders at home. FRD Books → https://frontrowdads.com/books/
Ep 502Rethinking Rules: A Radical Parenting Philosophy for Raising Sovereign Kids
If you're a dad who's ever questioned your parenting style, wondered about rules, boundaries, or how much freedom to give your kids, you're going to find this conversation fascinating (and maybe a bit challenging). I sat down with Aaron Stupple, father of 5 and author of the controversial book The Sovereign Child. His radical approach to parenting—recently debated after his podcast with Tim Ferriss and Naval Ravikant—has sparked intense conversation in our own community. In this powerful interview, Aaron shares: Why conventional rules might actually hurt your child's development His framework for parenting without becoming your child's adversary How he handles controversial issues like screen time, sugar, and discipline The surprising reason your kids might not trust you (and how to fix it) This episode is sure to challenge your thinking and provide practical insights to help you become a more connected, conscious father. Ready to dive in? ____________________________________ 👋 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, or if you're ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with : 👉 Join The Brotherhood: https://frontrowdads.com/brotherhood 🎤 Listen to Front Row Dads podcast here: 🌐 Website: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast/
Ep 501What Reparenting Really Means (And Why Most Men Avoid It)
Most men have no idea they're still trying to father a wounded boy inside themselves. In this episode, Dr. Bob Beare, PhD — licensed therapist, recovery leader, and founder of Deep Waters Recovery — returns to unpack what reparenting really means, and why so many high-performing men avoid the one thing that could finally bring peace. This isn't theory. It's raw truth. Bob walks us through the core practices that help men connect with the younger parts of themselves — the inner child who still carries unmet needs, suppressed grief, and the shame we were told to bury long ago. And he explains why ignoring this relationship keeps us stuck in cycles of reactivity, overwork, and emotional shutdown. We explore: What it actually means to reparent yourself — and how to start Why most men resist healing (even when they say they want it) How inner child work unlocks real emotional freedom — not just insight How unhealed men unconsciously raise kids to fix their own wounds Why grief and joy live in the same place — and how to access both How to stop creating chaos just to feel something What happens when we stop fighting and finally let peace in If you've ever wondered why you "know better" but still overreact… Or why you keep striving even though you've already achieved so much… This episode will give you language, tools, and a path forward. Because the best thing you can do for your kids… Is heal the kid still living inside you. ___________________________ 👋 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, or if you're ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with : 👉 Join The Brotherhood: https://frontrowdads.com/brotherhood 🎤 Listen to Front Row Dads podcast here: 🌐 Website: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast/
Ep 5009 Years of Front Row Dads: Redefining What Success Means
Over the past 9 years, we've sat down with hundreds of men—entrepreneurs, leaders, husbands, and fathers—to talk about what really matters. And after 500 raw, unfiltered conversations, one truth keeps rising to the top: Success means nothing if it costs you your family. In this special 500th episode, I sat down with two of the men who've been there since day one—Hal Elrod (The Miracle Morning) and Justin Donald (The Lifestyle Investor). They've helped shape this brotherhood from the very beginning. We didn't talk about hacks or highlight reels. We talked about what this community has taught us after nearly a decade of doing the work: What happens when your wife looks you in the eye and tells you the truth you've been avoiding. What cancer, addiction, and burnout reveal about the life you say you want vs. the one you're actually living. What it really looks like to lead your family with integrity, presence, and love. This isn't a greatest-hits recap. It's a look under the hood. This is what we've learned from 9 years of showing up, failing forward, and fighting to become the men our families need. If you've ever felt the gap between the man you are and the man you're trying to be… This conversation will meet you there. 🎧 Listen to the 500th episode now.
Ep 499This Is What Unresolved Trauma Looks Like in a Father's Life
"I'm a great dad… so why am I still losing it with my son?" In this powerful conversation, we unpack a question every high-performing man quietly wrestles with: Why do we keep repeating patterns we know aren't serving us — as husbands, fathers, or leaders? This week I sat down with Dr. Bob Beare, PhD — licensed therapist, recovery leader, and founder of Deep Waters Recovery and The Creative Life Institute. Bob has spent over two decades helping men confront the emotional wounds they've spent a lifetime avoiding — trauma, shame, addiction, grief — and guiding them toward healing that actually lasts. Together we explore: Why your biggest parenting blowups have nothing to do with your kid How "doing the right thing" as a child can create a lifetime of pressure The dark side of positivity (and how it blocks real healing) How spiritual bypassing shows up in fatherhood and leadership Why healing your nervous system is the best thing you can do for your child How men can access deep emotional release without abandoning strength This isn't theory. It's two men telling the truth. About childhood wounds. Emotional reactivity. Shame. And what it looks like to repair with the people you love most
Ep 498Healing, Leading & Loving: What Men Can Learn from Women's Work
What if the key to becoming a better man… was understanding women? In this powerful conversation, grief and transformation expert Joshua Wenner shares what years of men's work couldn't teach him — and what he only discovered after stepping into a space he never expected to lead: women's healing. Joshua spent a decade helping men process grief, reclaim their power, and reconnect with purpose. But it was through coaching women, witnessing their wounds, and helping them heal their relationships with men that he gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly integrated as a man. In this episode, we talk about: The difference between men's and women's work — and why both matter How unhealed father wounds shape how women see men (and how men see themselves) The "Nice Guy vs Savage" trap and what real masculine power looks like How trust between men is broken — and how to rebuild it Why many successful men still feel alone, guarded, and disconnected What healthy partnership actually requires — and how we change the family system from the inside out Whether you're deep in your own work or just beginning to ask the big questions, this episode will expand your view of what healing looks like — and remind you that real power starts with presence.
Ep 497Grief Work for Men: A 45-Minute Deep Dive into Healing and Wholeness
Most men don't realize they're grieving. They just know they feel stuck… disconnected… angry… numb… exhausted. They're overworking, avoiding, blowing up—or shutting down. But underneath the addiction, the burnout, the conflict… is unprocessed grief. In this raw and powerful conversation, grief expert Joshua Wenner unpacks the hidden losses that men carry—losses from childhood, unmet expectations, relationship ruptures, business failures, and the identity shifts that come with fatherhood and marriage. Joshua has spent over a decade studying grief, interviewing the top experts, and making a feature-length documentary on the subject. In this episode, he shares what he's learned, including the tools that help men regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their hearts, and finally move forward. If you've ever felt like something was off—but couldn't name it—this episode is for you. You'll walk away with practical tools to stabilize, feel, heal, and become more present for yourself and those you love. ______________________________ 👋 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen with families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage, and how to level up your game at home, or if you're ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with 👉 Join The Brotherhood: https://frontrowdads.com/brotherhood 🎤 Listen to Front Row Dads podcast here: 🌐 Website: https://frontrowdads.com/podcast/ Apple: http://bit.ly/3XLSRWj