Fatherhood Field Notes

Griff Erickson — former pro baseball player turned father of three — shares how he’s learning to “keep it simple” and “stay approachable” while raising kids who know what real love, hard work, and character look like. From life’s unexpected curveballs to messy garages and fatherhood’s hidden gift of leaning into the hard, Griff opens up about what it means to “love the suck,” show up for your kids, and build a solid foundation at home when life never stays tidy for long. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop yelling, stay present, and create a family culture your kids run toward — this episode will inspire you to rebel against low expectations and embrace the beautiful mess of fatherhood.Guest Links:Griff on LinkedInLinks and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

Ned dives deep into the importance of treating words and thoughts as sacred tools in fatherhood. He highlights the profound influence a father can have in shaping his family’s environment simply by mastering self-control and being intentional with the words he speaks. Through personal reflection, Ned explores the idea that fatherhood is about influence, not control, and how managing thoughts and actions can create a peaceful, loving home. This episode is packed with valuable insights for any father looking to lead his family with purpose and integrity. Tune in to learn why your words and thoughts carry the weight to build or disrupt your family’s future.Links and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

Ned Schaut and Amber Vilhauer unpack what it means to raise kids who trust their authentic voice. Amber shares how deep conversations, co-parenting with respect, and being fully present can help fathers break generational cycles and guide their kids with awareness and integrity. From her journey as a single mom to reconnecting with her own dad, Amber’s story reminds every father: It’s never too late to show up and lead by example.Guest Links:ambervilhauer.comngngenterprises.comLinkedInLinks and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

Ned continues the "What is Sacred?" series by turning the focus inward—to the very space we call home. With heartfelt storytelling and real-life reflections, Ned challenges fathers to consider: Is your house just a building, or is it a sacred space where peace is cultivated? Through vivid anecdotes—like helping his son buy a first car instead of insisting on a clean garage—Ned explores how the tone we set, the stress we carry, and the way we treat each other inside our homes shapes legacy. This episode dives into practical wisdom on sibling relationships, modeling respect, and creating an atmosphere that feels like rest. If someone looked into your home today, would they know what really matters to you?Links and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this powerful and convicting episode, John D. Gillespie shares his remarkable journey from American seminary halls to planting churches in rural England. With a voice forged through decades of ministry, fatherhood, and spiritual battle, John invites fathers to reject comfort culture and embrace the calling of servant leadership. He unpacks why the home is not your castle—it’s your Calvary, and how the Western mind has often become a wall to God's work. With seven children, 22 grandchildren, and over 25 years shepherding others, John speaks with grace and urgency on what it means to father with eternal purpose. This conversation is a call to action for Christian dads to stop outsourcing leadership and instead become the shepherds of their homes.Links and Resources:This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

Ned Schaut continues the What Is Sacred? mini-series by diving deep into the often-overlooked gift of the human body. Through candid storytelling (including the discovery of a dead rat in his garage gym), Ned challenges fathers to reflect on how they’re treating their physical health—and what message that sends to their kids. This episode unpacks the idea that the body is sacred, meant to be honored, stewarded, and respected. From making school lunches to squeezing in a workout, Ned asks, “Would your kids say their dad cares about his body?” With heartfelt insight and everyday dad grit, this conversation equips fathers to lead by example—building legacy through discipline, self-care, and intentional living. If you're ready to shift from survival mode to sacred stewardship, this one's for you.Links and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this heart-forward episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, host Ned Schaut sits down with Hawaii-born real estate pro and former touring musician, Chris Stimac, to unpack the power of presence, partnership, and purpose in fatherhood. From the stage lights of Europe to the ocean tides of Kona, Chris opens up about choosing intentional family life over fame—and how that one choice redefined his success. Together, Ned and Chris explore how fatherhood calls men to show up, lead by example, and invite their kids into their world, not hide work from them. With wisdom rooted in real-life, this conversation hits on the joys of raising curious, adventurous kids, the sacred rhythm of communication with your spouse, and why letting your kids watch you work might be one of the most powerful things a dad can do. Whether you’re balancing business, beach days, or bedtime stories, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lean all the way in.Links and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

Ned kicks off a powerful four-part series exploring what’s truly sacred in our homes. With candid, heartfelt reflection, Ned challenges fathers to think deeply about the values they’re passing down—intentionally or not. From the importance of respecting mom to evaluating whether we’ve made money or time too sacred, this episode urges dads to lead with integrity, honor, and self-awareness. Ned offers actionable wisdom drawn from real-life parenting moments, biblical insight, and a clear call: raise your children in a home where what truly matters is respected and upheld. This is not just about discipline—it’s about modeling the life you want your kids to emulate.Links and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

In this raw and energizing episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, JD Denham shares the moment he realized he was “sick and tired of being sick and tired”—a pivotal shift that led him to reclaim his health, identity, and leadership as a father. JD opens up about transforming from a burned-out dad into a mission-driven man using discipline, faith, and fitness as his foundation. From leveraging peptides to spark vitality to the deeper work of emotional and spiritual alignment, this conversation is packed with truth, challenge, and inspiration for any man who wants to lead his family well.“You can’t lead your family if you’re falling apart inside.” —JD DenhamGuest Resources:JD Denham’s Fitness Coaching: https://www.jddenhamfit.comJD Denham’s Peptide Optimization: https://www.warrior-makers.comJD Denham’s on Instagram: @jd_denham_fitLinks and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

Ned Schaut challenges dads to examine whether family is truly their top priority or simply something they say. Reflecting on a dirt bike outing with his son and insights from coaching and literature, he unpacks the tension between building success and being present at home. Through personal stories and striking metaphors—like climbing the ladder of success only to find it’s leaning against the wrong building—Ned urges fathers to align their actions with their values and invest intentionally in what matters most: their children, their marriage, and a legacy built on love and presence.Links and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate