

Fatherhood Field Notes
Ned Schaut
Fatherhood Field Notes is where we hear real stories from real men living real lives every week. Fatherhood is not only about being a dad, it incorporates providing and serving a home, loving and serving a spouse, engaging and serving in a community, as well as intentionally serving your children. Fatherhood is an adventure, one full of fun, wild, and messy stories. In this podcast, we will hear stories from real men who have found themselves living the Adventure of Fatherhood. The Craft of Fatherhood episodes are 5-10 minute episodes where your guide Ned Schaut shares stories on his own fatherhood journey.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 27, 2024 • 9min
EP 453: The Power of ‘No’: Teaching Kids to Set Boundaries | Craft of Fatherhood
Ned is discussing insights from the book Lovable by Kelly Flanagan, focusing on the importance of teaching kids how to set boundaries and say no. Ned talks about his own experiences as a father and explores how giving children the space to say no helps them develop confidence and healthy relationships. He discusses the balance between discipline and letting kids have agency, especially as they grow older, and wants dads to think about how their parenting choices impact their children's ability to set boundaries in life.Links and Resources:Loveable: Embracing What Is Truest About You, So You Can Truly Embrace Your Life----------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.Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness

Sep 24, 2024 • 49min
EP 452 Gary Cucchi: Why Being There for Your Kids Matters More Than Anything Else
In this episode, Gary Cucchi shares his personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom on what it means to be a father. He talks about the importance of making time for your family, being fully present, and showing love through both words and actions. Gary also dives into the challenges of balancing work and family life, the value of setting a strong example for your kids, and the critical role fathers play in shaping their children's futures. With stories from his own fatherhood journey, including the adoption of several children, Gary offers practical insights for dads who want to lead their families with intention and love.Links and ResourcesGary on LinkedIn---------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/rebelandcreateMentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness

Sep 20, 2024 • 9min
EP 451: The Power of Blessing Your Kiddos | Craft of Fatherhood
Ned is discussing the practice of blessing your children, drawing from both his own experiences and traditions like Shabbat. He shares how simple, intentional words from a dad can deeply shape a child's sense of identity and confidence. Ned encourages fathers to create regular moments—whether at bedtime, during family dinners, or on car rides—to speak life into their kids, reminding them of their strengths and potential. Tune in to hear the importance of consistent, meaningful fatherhood habits and how they can have a lasting impact on children.----------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.Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

Sep 17, 2024 • 49min
EP 450 Dale Alexander: “The Talk” (about money) You must have with your Kiddos!
Dale Alexander is an employee benefits broker, Certified Financial Planner®, and founder of Alexander and Company. He and Ned talk about the very important role fathers play in teaching their kids about money and building lasting trust, even after they move out. Dale shares advice on how to become a trusted advisor to your children, why financial education is more important than ever, and how to make sure your kids develop healthy habits around money from an early age. He also opens up about his own father and the life lessons that shaped him. Tune in to hear how you can help your kids avoid financial stress and create a legacy that lasts.Links and ResourcesDale AlexanderDale on LinkedInThe Talk About Money “The Talk” (about money) by Dale Alexander“The Talk” 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

Sep 13, 2024 • 17min
EP 449: Training your Son to be a Man | Craft of Fatherhood
Ned shares how he’s teaching his teenage son responsibility and discipline. He talks about the tension between giving his son more freedom while also preparing him for the challenges of adulthood. Ned discusses the steps he’s taking, like assigning his son stewardship of the backyard and involving him in daily routines that encourage independence. He also touches on the importance of tough love, pushing his son to stick with uncomfortable tasks like Jiu-Jitsu, and balancing this with the support needed to help him grow. ----------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.Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness

Sep 10, 2024 • 56min
EP 448 Kevin Baker: Do You Know Your Kids?
Kevin Baker, a life coach for teens and tweens, shares advice for parents on how to better connect with their kids and guide them toward independence. Kevin talks about the importance of understanding who your kids are, rather than focusing on whether you're a "good" parent. He breaks down the difference between helicopter and lighthouse parenting and explains why it's essential to let kids make their own choices, even if they fail sometimes. Kevin offers insights on how to foster confidence, self-awareness, and responsibility in young people, while addressing the pressures of modern-day parenting.Links and ResourcesKevin BakerKevin on LinkedInEmpower Youth - Life Coaching for Teens and Tweens---------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/rebelandcreateMentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness

Sep 6, 2024 • 19min
EP 447: When You Have the Opportunity to Be the HERO | Craft of Fatherhood
The focus of this episode is on what it truly means to be a father beyond the spotlight moments. While society often celebrates the hero dad who swoops in to save the day, Ned goes into the real impact which he says comes from consistently showing up in the small, everyday tasks that go unnoticed. Dads, you are encouraged to think about how you can step up in the quiet moments that define long-lasting bonds with your kids. It's not about getting recognition; it's about being the steady presence that shapes the future. Tune in for fatherly advice about prioritizing what matters most when it counts.----------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.Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness

Sep 3, 2024 • 55min
EP 446 David Bonnet: A Father's Role, A Father's Love, & Effective Discipline
In this episode, David Bonnet shares his thoughts about the importance of being emotionally available and how fathers can better connect with their children, especially as they grow into adulthood. David discusses the challenges of earning the trust of adult children, the balance between guiding and allowing natural consequences, and the impact of showing empathy over strictness. He also talks about how to move from a stance of control to one of support, ultimately creating a stronger bond with your kids. This conversation is a powerful reminder that fatherhood is about more than just providing—it's about being there in a way that truly matters.Links and ResourcesDavid on LinkedInPastor’s Penny---------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/rebelandcreateMentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness

Aug 30, 2024 • 19min
EP 445: Sending your First Born to College | Craft of Fatherhood
Ned opens up about a deeply personal experience as he prepares to send his eldest daughter off to college. Through a heartfelt letter, he reflects on the significant role fathers play in guiding their children into adulthood, explaining the importance of intentional moments and honest communication. Ned touches on the emotional challenges and responsibilities that come with parenting during pivotal transitions, offering listeners a raw and honest glimpse into the journey of fatherhood.----------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.Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness

Aug 27, 2024 • 58min
EP 444 Joey Hahn: From 50+ Foster Homes to Navy Seal to Loving Father of Four Sons
Ned sits down with Joey Hahn, a former Navy SEAL and father of four boys. Joey shares his unique perspective on fatherhood, shaped by his challenging upbringing in foster care and his intense military career. He gets into the concept of fatherhood as both a duty and a choice, emphasizing the importance of working oneself out of a job as a parent. Joey discusses the delicate balance between being a strong protector and a gentle, approachable figure for his children. He also reflects on the significance of allowing children to navigate their conflicts independently, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills. This episode offers valuable insights for fathers striving to be both strong and emotionally available, preparing their children for the challenges of life.---------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/rebelandcreateMentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness