Fatherhood Field Notes

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

What does it mean to truly be present as a father? In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Levi Harris—CEO of Death Grip Wax and a professional mustache competitor—opens up about fatherhood, faith, and the fine art of grooming and guiding. From navigating deep grief through miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy to learning how to be mentally and emotionally present for his kids, Levi shares raw stories of struggle, surrender, and spiritual growth. He talks about the importance of modeling healthy marriage, seeing the world through your children’s eyes, and why fatherhood is like being a multi-tool—you’ve got to be the protector, guide, coach, and safe place all in one. With wisdom forged through hardship and an unwavering belief that parenting is a divine gift, Levi offers powerful reminders that the greatest legacy we leave isn’t our career or possessions—it’s how we love, lead, and show up.This episode is for any dad who wants to live with more intention, embrace the mess, and lead with both strength and heart.Website: https://deathgripwax.comInstagram: @deathgripwaxAmazon: Search for “Death Grip Wax” or “Sudden Death Mustache Wax”----------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 leans all the way into the calling of fatherhood by reflecting on the intentional steps he's taking with his 16-year-old son. With a heart full of purpose and a mindset of mentorship, Ned shares his real-time journey of helping his son build a life roadmap—one rooted in clarity, values, and vision. He opens up about fasting, family conversations, and creating opportunities for exploration beyond the traditional classroom. Ned also touches on the delicate dance between giving our kids freedom to be who they are and guiding them toward becoming who they’re meant to be. Whether you're navigating your child's next steps or still figuring out your own foundation, this episode is a rally cry for dads to be present, proactive, and profoundly engaged. The world needs fathers who show up—and it starts with 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 deeply personal and milestone 500th episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut sits down with a guest unlike any other—his own father, Richard Schaut. Together, they reflect on the profound journey of fatherhood, from the chaos of raising young kids to the quieter, legacy-focused years of grandparenting. Through honest storytelling and gentle humor, they explore the simple but powerful truth that the role of a father is unconditional love.Richard shares insights from his years as a teacher, mentor, and dad—emphasizing stability, presence, and leading by example. The two unpack generational values, family names like “Wolfgang” and “Schaut,” and what it means to raise strong, independent kids in a world full of distractions. ----------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 shares a simple but profound realization: the morning drive to school with his 15-year-old son is a fleeting opportunity—one that won’t last forever. As Ned steps into the Uber Dad life while his wife is away, he uncovers a powerful truth about fatherhood: sometimes the most impactful connections are forged not through epic moments, but in the quiet rhythm of everyday life.Through authentic storytelling and heartfelt reflection, Ned invites fathers to examine the season they're in, asking: What might be ending soon, and are you fully present for it? This episode is a must-listen for dads who want to maximize meaningful connection in the midst of life’s busyness and embrace their fatherhood role with intention, presence, and purpose.Link 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

Ben Kormanik, a dedicated father and CEO of K-Construction, shares his insights on fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of being a supportive ally to children. He reflects on navigating tough conversations, like discussing pornography, with grace and understanding. Kormanik advocates for allowing kids to learn from their mistakes while teaching them to manage their freedom responsibly. With his involvement in the Men’s Encounter ministry, he underscores the transformative power of faith in parenting, fostering trust, and creating a lasting legacy.

Ned dives deep into a powerful lesson that emerged from the everyday chaos of fatherhood: when something matters most, pause. Juggling a busy week of parenting, workouts, and time-blocking, Ned reflects on two moments where choosing presence over productivity reminded him what truly matters. He challenges listeners to be interruptible, to listen to the cues from their children, and to embrace the tension between being driven and being present. This short but impactful episode offers a relatable, actionable reminder for dads committed to showing up with intention.Link 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 sits down with Johnny Gillespie to unpack what it means to heal generational wounds and shape a legacy. Johnny reflects on the impact of being raised by a good father, shares how that foundation influenced his own journey into fatherhood, and invites us into the sacred and messy moments of parenting teenagers. With raw honesty and spiritual insight, Johnny reminds us that trauma must be either transformed or transferred—and as dads, we have the power to break the cycle. This episode is a must-listen for any father striving to raise resilient, emotionally grounded children while becoming a better man himself.Johnny is a husband to the lovely Jenni for 16 years. They have 6 amazing kids, and are never bored! Johnny has served with Youth With a Mission based from Kona, Hawaii for 18 years, predominantly working with Millenials and GenZ in their journey of discovering God. Johnny is the Director of Outcomes for The Send, a global missions mobilization movement. He is also the publisher of a Kona Coast City Lifestyle, a local luxury lifestyle magazine that seeks to tell the best stories about the people, places, history, and culture that make Kona such a great place to call home. Guest Links:Johnny Gillespie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gillespie-49797726/Link 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 opens up about a critical and deeply personal question: What belief system am I passing down to my children? Reflecting on his teenage son’s transition into manhood, Ned wrestles with the profound responsibility of fatherhood—not just in the early years, but throughout the lifelong journey of guiding a young man into adulthood. Through powerful storytelling and introspective insight, he explores how we as fathers can intentionally shape the belief systems our children carry into the world. This episode challenges you to think beyond the here and now, daring you to consider the legacy you're building—one decision, one conversation, one moment at a time.Link 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 sits down with Joe Carr, Co-Founder of Serenity Kids, to dive deep into the powerful intersection of fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and nurturing the next generation—starting with what we feed our babies. Joe shares how embracing his inner free spirit, fostering emotional awareness in his home, and addressing major gaps in the baby food market led to building a thriving business rooted in love and purpose. Together, they explore practical ways to help kids feel their emotions while still holding family boundaries, the role of adventurous play in strengthening father-child bonds, and why what goes into your child’s body matters from the very beginning. This episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and actionable insights for every dad committed to raising resilient, healthy children.Links and Resources:Serenity Kids WebsiteJoe Carr on LinkedInSerenity Kids on InstagramJoe Carr’s Articles and Thought Leadership---------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