Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician and authority on child-father relationships with over 35 years of experience, sheds light on the crucial impact of fathers in child development. She discusses how a father's attention shapes self-esteem and emotional growth, especially in daughters. The conversation highlights the challenges dads face balancing work and family while stressing the importance of intentional connections. With insights on nurturing relationships and the role of faith, Meeker empowers fathers to engage deeply in their children's lives.

Geoff Woods, author of 'The AI-Driven Leader' and founder of AI Leadership, joins the discussion to reveal how leaders can leverage AI for better decision-making and increased productivity. He reframes AI from a threat to a tool for growth, emphasizing its role in enhancing human strengths. Geoff shares misconceptions about AI, practical strategies for its effective use in businesses, and insights into integrating AI within leadership. He also highlights how AI can transform relationships and community engagement, making it an essential resource for future leaders.

Jem Fuller, a dedicated father, coach, and communication expert, discusses the transformative power of conscious communication. He emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness and the benefits of pausing during conversations to foster deeper connections. Jem shares practical tools for managing triggers and navigating emotional challenges in family dynamics. He explores the role of mindfulness in enhancing daily interactions and advocates for emotional openness among men, highlighting its importance for healthier relationships.

Hey fellas, I wanna thank you for listening to this interview today. It's a very special one, a conversation I had that originally aired back in 2021 with my amazing friend John Ruhlin. Many of you in this community, and many in the entrepreneurial and business world, will know that name, and you likely know that we lost John a month ago suddenly. I've been sitting here at my desk, staring at this microphone, thinking about how I might truly honor this man, what I could say about him, the impact he's had on my life and the lives of so many, how great of a father and husband he was. And honestly, I could be talking for hours. I'll tell you that I knew this man for decades. I was a groomsman in his wedding. He was one of my best friends. A couple of weeks ago, I went back and I was looking at my text messages and emails with him, and every single exchange was him lifting me up, encouraging me, introducing me to somebody. John was at the very first ever Front Row Dads retreat. He's always been there by my side, in my corner. He's such a giver. That's the thing — John was such a giver. He was an incredibly talented businessman, but he's probably an even better family man, a better human. When I was at his funeral, I just walked away realizing how much of a better person I want to be because of this man. I want you to listen to his heart in this conversation. We're sharing stories, talking about our failures and our wins, and that’s how it was with John — always the real story. I love his perspective on life. I love his perspective on giving. I'm sharing this interview for a couple of reasons: one, I just want you to know my friend. I want you to hear his message. I think his impact will continue to grow, his legacy will continue to grow. One thing happened recently that I want to share with you. John’s business partner of 18 years, a wonderful human named Rod, pledged a commitment to the family to remain business partners with John for the next 18 years. So as Giftology continues to grow, Rod will take care of John's wife and children as 50/50 business partners for the next 18 years. So, friends of John's and people in the entrepreneurial space, we wanted to share John's story with all of you in hopes that, yeah, you know, not only are people going to just use Gift because it's an amazing company, read the book because it's an amazing book, but maybe as a little extra nudge today, in honor of John, go pick up a copy, pick up 100 copies, go visit the website, check it out, because when you engage with the Giftology team, with their services, with the products, you're ultimately supporting John's family. And I wanted to get that message out to all of you. John's work has had a massive impact. If you went to YouTube and typed in his name, you’d see interview after interview after interview. You’ll love the essence of John, the heart of John. He was a deep man of faith, a good human. I think about my friend Cameron Harold talking about how he kept trying to bribe John to say a curse word, and he just would never do it. He never said anything bad about anybody. He was the type of person who always led with his heart. He gave so much of himself at all times. Story after story at his funeral was about how many lives he touched and how so many people felt that John was such a good friend to them. And that's what it felt like to be in John's company — you were the only one that mattered in the room. He was all in with you, an incredible presence. I think that was his biggest gift to the world: his presence, his energy, and his spirit. He also taught some really great business principles that you can practice, and you'll know that these are rooted in an extremely high-quality human — John Ruhlin. Again, I don't know what to say, guys. There's so much. But I just want to say thank you for listening today. This has been a very emotional month for me. I left his funeral saying I want to be such a better person. At the same time, over the last several weeks, I found myself being short-tempered with people, maybe angrier than normal. I didn’t even know where that came from, but I've experienced all the emotions on any given day. And I question sometimes if I'm doing enough to love on John and his legacy and to support his family. Sometimes I stumble and don't know what to text or email or say in a recording like this because it never feels like enough. But I just want to tell you that this man, someone I love, I hope you enjoy this interview, I hope you laugh, as we do and as we did so many times. And if you feel called or moved, his team put together a document, which you can see at giftologygroup.com/rwa, if you wanted to support the family somehow. There are various ways to do that. But also, if you're a business person, one of the greatest ways you can help is by helping your company and learning some business skills that are going to help accelerate your message in the world, which is what John would want. You'll also be helping his family. So, you can go to giftologygroup.com/rwa, which stands for Referrals Without Asking. That is a program that we want to keep calling attention to right now to honor John and his work, and he wanted this work to be out in the world. So we want to support that. Thank you. I hope you enjoy this conversation. And again, please go give giftologygroup.com and give a look. Some of my favorite moments of the conversation: Why gifting alone can’t save a sucky business and adds insult to injury in a struggling marriage. Why the bar is so low in business gift giving - and how to give much more intentional gifts in every area of life. The value of facilitating gift-giving within your family. Childhood wounds that stick with us into adulthood. Get the Full Show Notes Want access to the full show notes, including links to all resources mentioned during today's conversation? Visit FrontRowDads.com/456 More About Front Row Dads Connect with us @ FrontRowDads.com & Instagram  Want to hang out with other FRDs in Austin? Watch this 3-min video from our last Front Row Dads Live event. Tickets avail now for December's event.  Not able to travel? We got you. Join our next online event, built just for kickass dads who know there’s more to learn. FrontRowDads.com/summit  FRD is solving a huge problem for dads. Our culture has turned “Dad” into a joke. Go ahead, google Dad and you’ll find Dad Bod, Dad Jokes, Dad Weed, etc. Culturally, it’s a Homer Simpson mentality, and it’s BS.   Our community is built for solid men. Men with range. Those who are badass, and know there’s still more to learn, together.   Most guys find it hard to find “their crew.” Finding other committed men, who are successful in life, and want to put family first – these guys are rare. Is this you? In FRD, hundreds of men from all over the world show up for each other, to share resources and raise the bar of fatherhood (our core values) If you’re reading this, you want to grow.  Podcasts are great, but guys… when you’re ready to stop just listening to content, and want to JOIN the conversations – the FRD brotherhood is ready for you.   One more thing…  Has this podcast helped you? If so, please tell us how we’re doing. Please take a minute and leave a review. Seriously, they matter. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.  Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

In this engaging discussion, Kasim Aslam, a father and successful entrepreneur, dives into the complexities of fatherhood. He reflects on how our own childhood influences our parenting styles and the importance of not raising our kids to simply survive. Kasim shares candid experiences with managing emotions and temper, emphasizing the need for presence and understanding in parent-child interactions. He also highlights the critical role of self-trust and belief in building children's confidence, showcasing the profound ripple effects of fatherhood.

Tobi Emonts-Holley, a dedicated husband, father of six, CEO, and author of The Hybrid Dad Blueprint, shares his insights on achieving balance in family life. He discusses the mental models that help fathers align their passions and principles while being present for their children. Tobi highlights the importance of resilience, emotional control, and nurturing kids' interests. He also emphasizes the critical role fathers play during childhood, encouraging quality time, setting boundaries, and fostering passion in their kids for long-term success.

Nik Hulewsky, an accomplished entrepreneur who has successfully sold multiple businesses, shares his journey and valuable insights. He discusses the strategic factors that guide his business acquisitions and how self-awareness can enhance personal relationships, especially parenting. Nik emphasizes the power of curiosity as his superpower, shaping his approach to business and family. Heartfelt stories about his upbringing and his father's influence highlight how he teaches his kids critical thinking. The conversation is an energizing mix of business and family wisdom.

Michael Franti, a dedicated father, husband, and singer/songwriter behind Soulshine Bali, shares his journey of balancing fame with family life. He opens up about the highs and lows of touring while raising kids, revealing heartfelt stories about his fathers and the impact of their relationships on his parenting. Michael also delves into overcoming anxiety and depression, and the transformative power of music. His son Cappy joins in to share their unique bond, illustrating the beauty and challenges of growing up with a creative dad.

In this engaging conversation, Greg Scheinman, a performance coach and author of The Midlife Male, explores the challenges of anxiety and sleeplessness during midlife. He shares strategies for improving sleep quality and managing anxiety, emphasizing the importance of finding balance between hustle and happiness. Greg discusses the significance of self-care routines, the need to connect with one’s body, and the joy found in everyday moments. With insights on fatherhood and personal limits, he advocates for embracing midlife with purpose and community support.

In this conversation, Eric Farewell, an entrepreneur committed to his community, teams up with Brent Perkins, a successful business leader focused on emotional connections. They dive into the power of small men's groups, revealing how vulnerability can redefine masculinity. Both discuss how their participation in these circles enriched their relationships, emphasizing that true strength lies in sharing struggles openly. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of diverse perspectives and accountability, making a compelling case for joining these transformative bands to spark meaningful change.