Transformative Wilderness Retreats: Healing Bonds Between Fathers and Sons

Host Steve Legler speaks with Dan Doty, an executive and wilderness guide, about his upcoming session at Family Enterprise Canada's Symposium in Halifax. Together, they discuss the challenges that fathers face when leading a business and a family, and how the roles and expectations of fathers are rapidly evolving.

All views, information, and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.

Guest bio

Dan Doty is a writer, wilderness guide, men’s work leader, and somatic meditation teacher, and has helped to instigate and lead a part of the current global men’s movement. Most comfortable in nature, he is committed to practicing and sharing work that brings wildness and love into the open. A three-time guest on the Joe Rogan Experience, Dan has spent substantial time as a wilderness therapy guide and an inner-city high school teacher, and directed and produced over 50 episodes of the hit hunting show MeatEater.

He has two young sons and a baby daughter, is in love with his wife and living very close to the land, near the sea, where life is quiet and beautiful.

You can learn more about Dan Doty on the Dan Doty website.

Key Takeaways

[:26] Steve Legler welcomes Dan Doty and asks him to share what audiences can expect from him at Symposium.

[3:19] Dan explains why and how he wants to open up the conversation on fatherhood in family business and how his background set the stage for centralizing the father’s role.

[5:33] How the unseen wall between father and son can be broken down has been central to Dan’s career; he speaks to the profound experience reconnection provides.

[8:05] An imbalance between doing and being has led to a loss of connection in most men.

[11:09] Becoming self-aware may be remarkably fast but developing the lexicon to talk about it is a longer endeavour.

[12:52] From one-on-one to group work, Dan breaks down how he works with fathers, sons, and men as well as organisations.

[16:47] Sometimes what is required is a safe space, stripped of expectation, for two people to reconnect on a personal level, as humans.

[18:46] Working in the family business space is very complex, and working on a case-by-case basis remains the best way to peel back the layers and find connection.

[20:41] Dan shares how masculinity and fatherhood are going through a wonderful evolution and today offers so much opportunity.

[23:19] Evolution can stun previous generations, but the good news is that all relationships are workable.

[24:56] Everyone is welcome, not just men!

[26:13] Dan’s hope for his session at Symposium.

[28:17] Dan shares his reading recommendation as well as his advice for fathers everywhere.

[30:07] Steve Legler thanks Dan Doty for sharing his expertise and closes this episode by reminding listeners to rate and subscribe.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can subscribe to Let’s Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca.

Mentioned in this episode

The Family Business Symposium 2025: Navigating the Calm and the Storm in Family Business, May 26 to 28 in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Adam’s Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation, by Richard Rohr

More about Family Enterprise Canada

Family Enterprise Canada

FEC on Facebook

FEC on Twitter

FEC on LinkedIn