Front Row Dads with Jon Vroman

He built a badass business and “made it” financially. Now he helps busy professionals and entrepreneurs find true freedom to live their best life… Gents, as you know, one of the major pillars for Front Row Dads is Business Evolution—structuring our businesses so that we consciously choose to be family men with businesses, not businessmen with families. That’s why I wanted to invite Mike Ayala on the show. Mike has a ton of experience building companies, one of which scaled to more than 100 employees and sold at a $12 million valuation. I’ve also had the privilege of spending time with Mike. I’ve watched him engage with his wife and kids, and I can tell you that he’s one of the best dads out there. In other words, he knows the difficulty of running a business AND managing a family…. He also knows how to create generational wealth that gives him and his family the freedom to live life on their terms. I know this is important to Front Row Dads, but it brings up an interesting topic… What happens to our kids when they grow up in a wealthy household? Are they destined to be spoiled and entitled? That’s what we’re discussing in Part 1 of my conversation with Mike Ayala! Mike Ayala Podcast Highlights - Part 1 Will your kids be spoiled if they grow up with wealth? Why Mike’s kids weren’t allowed to work regular jobs before 18. How to create an environment where your kids aren’t entitled. Have you ever lost your sh*t at the kids? Be the thermostat, not the thermometer. Creating generational wealth and continuing to experience life with your kids (and their kids!) Why your kids need you more than ever as young adults. 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/330 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

There's a big difference between being rich and being wealthy. Rich people spend what they have. Wealthy people, however, leverage what they have to produce more wealth. But how much money is really enough? And what's driving our constant need for more? These are the types of financial questions I ask my good buddy, Michael Port, on today's podcast episode. More specifically, we're digging into money management as family men with businesses.     For context, he's written multiple bestselling books. He's also the co-founder of Heroic Public Speaking, a super successful company that he bootstrapped  and scaled with his wife, Amy. While there's more than one way to build wealth & legacy , I have a major appreciation for Michael's approach to financial freedom. Rather than follow the crowd, he constantly pursues the best path for him after spending years studying different approaches to creating financial independence.  We talk about what makes his business profitable, setting budgets with his wife, avoiding get-rich-quick schemes, and how he empowers his kids to manage their own finances. One of my favorite investment takeaways from our conversation - the ROI of "keeping it simple" = more bandwidth for my family!  Get a Free Book from Michael Port Step 1: Leave a review at FrontRowDads.com/review and tell me specifically what you liked about my conversation with Michael Port. Step 2: Take a screenshot of your review and send it to my team at info@frontrowdads.com and I’ll mail you one of Michael’s books for free (your choice of which book) Michael Port Podcast Highlights How Michael creates more free time for himself and his family Allowing your kids to track their finances and manage their money for things like school supplies, clothes, summer camp, and more Practical money management habits you and your family can use to achieve financial security and build long-term wealth Should you pay off your mortgage OR borrow against it to invest? Considering the investments that turn earned income into cashflow—and that also give you more bandwidth for the fam! 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/329 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

Of our three core values in FRD, Authentic Curiosity is at the top of the list. One thing I love about our community is that members have deep wisdom, while remaining wise enough to know there’s more to learn.  They have an insatiable appetite for resources that help them be more present and powerful at home.  When I learned about the questions my buddy Blake started asking about thriving in his marriage, and succeeding as a dad, I needed to have a longer conversation on the podcast.    Let’s rewind for a second and set the stage here… Before Blake even moved in with his wife, he started asking around, “How do you live with a woman?” Some answers were lackluster… Stuff like “Don’t leave the toilet seat up”, but he was looking for more than platitudes.   One day, a guy dropped some wisdom when he said… WAKE UP READY. Wake up with intention and positive anticipation so that you don’t miss a thing. Eventually the question evolved to “How do you love a woman?”  And then questions about fatherhood.  Our interview is fun, and filled with brilliance.  In this chat, we talk about “bro-countability” meetings, unexpected appreciation, how to accept and love your partner for who she is every day, and so much more!  Blake "Fly" Fleischacker Podcast Highlights: Life motivators: LIL (Location Independent Lifestyle), FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) and Family How to wake up ready and support your wife’s needs with the question, “Who are you today, my love?” Building a group of “paternity brothers” who will support you during early parenthood. Why every Dad needs a Bro-countability partner 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/328 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

I’ve recently started using the phrase, “I make myself mad when…”   I used to say, “You make me so mad when….”  or “It triggers me when…”  Taking ownership of my emotions has been a journey.  Rather than giving the power to other forces, people, circumstances – I’m claiming ownership of my personal state.   I make myself angry, because of the story I tell myself about what happens.   When I live in a world of “If she would just talk to me differently, I’ll be happy” or “If they would just listen to me, I wouldn’t get so mad”  Angry, emotions and managing our hearts and minds is the topic of convo today with my great friend Josh Trent.   Josh is the Founder of Wellness Force Media and host of the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast.  During our chat we talk about how getting a grip on how your physical wellbeing impacts your emotional state.   We explore a concept borrowed from the AA community – the H.A.L.T. Theory (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired).  We dive into the journey of finding greater consciousness and shifting what’s in your control.  Josh talks about the benefits (and challenges) of tracking tools like the Oura ring and glucose monitors.   We also explore the process of Emotional Inventory, how to dive into feelings like anger to get to know yourself better and much more.  Josh Trent Podcast Highlights Explore what is draining your energy and/or pushing you to your edge. Learn how to deal with sleep deprivation and other challenges of being a new dad. How do you stop projecting your feelings on your partner? And how do you deal with them projecting theirs? Listen to your body’s H.A.L.T. queues and use breathwork as a regulator for stress. The secret to celebrating loneliness. 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/327 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

Do your kids know your rules of life?  Do you know your rules of life?  I’ve got the Vroman Family values, but I’ve never put pen to paper on what our “rules of life” really are.  My guest today, and FRD brother, Kasim Aslam has an unbelievable approach to sharing his rules of life with his boys (we go deep into this during the show, and you can see the rules of life below). Also, let’s talk about habits for a minute.  Yeah…you’ve probably read all the books, listened to all the shows, but most dads haven’t taken a deep dive into the habits they’ve stacked, to really know if those habits are serving their family in the best way possible.  During my chat with Kasim, we explore all elements of rules, values, habits  — and Kasim tells exactly how he’s approached this through written, spoken, and visual aids.  When I was 11 years old my dad inducted me into the “FHA”, a secret club he created that was meant to give me some important core life values. Now that it is almost my turn to initiate my own kids into the club, I’ve found myself reflecting on the values and habits I am instilling in them. I hope you find this show as insightful as I did.  Kasim Aslam Podcast Highlights How to create “Rules of Life” for your family Learn how to instill great habits in your kids, without forcing it on them. Help your kids use their cultural backgrounds as inspiration for the way they live, not as a limitation. Ending generational cycles of bad habits, and starting newer and healthier ones. Finding the unshakable core values you believe in and want your kids to believe in. 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/326 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

Wouldn’t it be nice to raise a child that goes on to be the next LeBron James, Serena Williams, or Peyton Manning? Of course! But isn’t that setting the bar too high? There’s so much more that our kids can learn from playing sports. If we teach them to focus on improving their skills, learn from their mistakes, and be good teammates, they’ll be successful no matter what they do. For this conversation, I’m thrilled to welcome back none other than Alan Stein, Jr. Alan is an author, keynote speaker, and a performance coach with a passion for helping others change their behaviors and maximize performance. His proven principles teach others how to utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level. For over 15 years, he’s worked with legends and superstars in the NBA, such as Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant. Alan talks about empowering our kids to give it their best, develop a positive attitude, and be good teammates. We also talk about winning graciously and losing gracefully because there are lessons to be learned, no matter the outcome. And if things aren’t going well, or if they miss a shot, teaching our kids to move on to the “Next Play” is such a great lesson in sports and in life. It’s okay if they fall or come up short. But if they learn to get up, shake it off, and move forward, they’ll have way more wins than losses in their life. If your kids are playing sports, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen a parent yelling and screaming from the sidelines and thinking they’re helping the situation when it’s actually having the opposite impact. Alan reminds us that if we stay in our lanes, let the players play, and the coaches coach, we can focus on being the parent and empowering our kids to be the best at whatever they want to do.  One last thing, if you enjoyed this conversation, please leave an honest review of the FRD podcast and mention this episode. Send a screenshot to our team at FrontRowDads.com, tell us which one of Alan’s books you want and we’ll mail you a copy for free. (USA/Canadian residents only) Alan Stein, Jr. Podcast Highlights Sports should be fun, and an avenue for development and teaching life lessons. Why coaches and parents should put a greater focus on kids being a greater teammate versus winning and losing. Why the “Next Play” mentality works not only in sports, but in all aspects of life. The negative impact that parents can have when attempting to “coach” from the sidelines. The best thing that parents can do at their kids’ games is cheer them on and provide encouragement. The importance of focusing on the process of having a good attitude and giving your best effort. Show our kids how to win graciously and lose gracefully. Why youth sports should not be about parents living vicariously through their kids' experiences. How to help our kids make the connection of how preparation factors into both winning and losing. The trilogy of behaviors that parents and coaches need to eradicate from youth sports. The positive impact that comes from telling our kids “I love to watch you play”. One simple rule: Let the players play and let the coaches coach. Everybody makes mistakes. Teach our kids not to talk to referees when something goes wrong, since the referees don’t say anything to them when they make mistakes or miss a shot during the game. Let’s also make sure that we check in on each other, especially if you know someone that could use a friendly voice or text right now. 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/325 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

The average dude in their 20’s is usually still trying to figure a lot of things out. From finishing school, finding their passion or just figuring themselves out and being the man that they want to be. But for Kyle Jansen, he knew exactly what he wanted to do, he went for it, and now he’s totally crushing it. When Kyle was 20 years old, he had left his home and left school to pursue his passion in creating and developing a new braking system for bikes. Seven years later, he appeared on Shark Tank with his partner Brian Riley. They got an offer and some cash from Mark Cuban and the rest as they say, is history. Kyle is the Co-Founder of Guardian Bikes, which developed the Surestop® braking system, which is much safer (especially for kids) and helps prevent people from flipping over their handlebars on their bikes. He’s a father to two boys, a loving husband to his wife Megan and a member of the brotherhood here at Front Row Dads. In this conversation, Kyle shares his entrepreneurial journey that led to this groundbreaking (and head saving) technology. He talks about the challenges in finding that balance between traveling for work and being present for his wife, which is something that a lot of people can certainly relate to. We’ll also discuss how being a dad also means breaking the cycle and not repeating the mistakes of our fathers who didn’t or couldn’t spend time with us when we were young. We’ll also dig into the hypertrophy workout routine that we’ve been using that is so simple together, keeps us accountable to each other and is paying off with great results. Kyle Jansen Podcast Highlights The dividends from working out and staying in shape. How Kyle and Jon first met on a random bike ride with their kids. Why it’s so common for the relationships with our fathers is just a continuation of their relationship with their father. When we see the improvements that our fathers make in building a relationship with their kids, it motivates us to be present in our own families. How Kyle’s entrepreneurial journey started when he was 19, and how his father supported his decision to leave school to pursue his dream. The come to Jesus moment when Kyle’s wife was ready to have kids. How difficult it is to ask for help and delegate in our professional lives so that we can be a better husband and father. When the light switched when Kyle was in his late 20s on how to manage his family life. When things get chaotic at work and at home, it’s easy to stop taking care of ourselves. How Kyle found balance in his life. Starting your day with a workout sets the tone for the rest of the day and forces you to cut out bad habits the night before. The hypertrophy training system improves growth by focusing on the whole body more often, and not just leg day once per week. How the workouts are very simple over a 6 week period with a slow increase with the weights. Having someone to workout with and keep each other accountable makes a huge difference to stay motivated. The relationships that we make can develop into great resources to find referrals and recommendations. How the brake system works on a Guardian Bike and why it really is a safe and great bike for kids. 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/324 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

Ben said…  #1 – Be respectful  #2 – Stand up for what you believe in  I agree. Fully.   As a father, I’m often asking myself… Am I standing strong for my family right now, and for future generations?  What would it look like to act with courage and speak up when I feel called to express my heart?  How might I lead powerfully when engaging in controversial topics?  What SHOULD we be talking about with our kids when it comes to seemingly divisive global subjects?  For this interview, we committed to having a meaningful conversation, being honest, and talking about important issues.  During my time with Ben Pakulski, we discussed the following:   How much do you "strong arm" your kids vs giving them the power? The only way to help your kids stand up for what they believe in. The best way to encourage open dialogue and healthy conversations. How to teach your kids to consider opposing views and think critically. The Warrior VS Monk mentality  Understanding the importance of being present inside your body. PS.  If you haven’t listened yet, check out part 1 of my conversation with Ben → Raising Self Aware Humans, Building Strength At Home, & Dealing with Feelings of Guilt with Ben Pakulski.   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/323 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

Gents, I’m talking with Ben Pakulski, who is considered the world’s best muscle expert and top authority on physique optimization and lifestyle integration for high-achieving men over 35. This may be hard to believe, but despite becoming one of the top 10 bodybuilders in the world, Ben never found true health & purpose until he became a Dad. In fact, he believes his kids are responsible for saving his life!  When they were born, his whole world shifted. He questioned everything he was doing as a bodybuilder and being as a man…  Instead of prioritizing getting big (like 310lbs of pure muscle big), he focused on how he could become the greatest Dad, leader, and role model for his kids.  He now spends his time optimizing his health from a physical, mental, and spiritual standpoint and helping other men step into their greatness. His goal is to become the best version of himself, so that his kids can learn to do the same.  In our talk, Ben and I hit on a bunch of topics surrounding family. We discuss core values, building strength in kids, words vs actions, what acceptance really looks like, and so much more.  You’ll also hear about a significant time when we both felt guilty as parents for our actions—and more importantly, how those misses can become opportunities to create a deeper connection with your kids.   Ben Pakulski Podcast Highlights - Part 1 How Ben’s views of health evolved over the years—especially since becoming a Dad. Find out why having kids saved his life! Why respect, honesty and integrity are the 3 biggest values in Ben’s family. The balance between pushing your kids to be great and accepting them for who they are. Turning misses as a Dad into opportunities to connect with your kids. Being proud of your kids AND encouraging them to see their own opportunities for improvement. How do you know if your child is receiving your love? Creating a deeper level of appreciation for who you are and the gifts you’ve been given. 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/322 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review

I realize that talking about guns can be a touchy subject for some people.  But the reality is, a lot of our kids are exposed to guns at a very young age, even if it’s just from video games.  And when you consider the fact that there are tons of new first-time gun owners over the past two years, I thought this was an important conversation to have. Some of you have probably thought about purchasing a gun for protection at some point, maybe you’re even thinking about it now. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this conversation that I just had with a legit badass and share his expertise about how to protect your family with gun ownership.  Clay Martin is a former Reconnaissance Marine, USMC Scout Sniper, and a retired Green Beret. By the end of his career, he finished as a Professional Gunner 3, which is basically at a triathlete level in the professional shooting world. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also coached a team in the SWAT Olympics.  Did you think I was kidding about the badass comment?  And while he wasn’t born with natural skills, by learning over a long period of time, it’s made him a better teacher.  You’ll learn that there is so much more that we need to think about before making that purchase, including teaching our kids that airsoft guns are not toys and how to be a responsible gun owner. We also run through a real-life scenario where Clay guides me through what we should and shouldn’t do. For those of you who might be considering purchasing a weapon for protection, Clay has a ton of great advice that is on point. We’ll talk about all things you need to know before you head to the store, the types of guns that he recommends (including airsoft guns), and how steep the learning curve really is to be effective and accurate with a gun in your hands. Clay Martin Podcast Highlights How Clay's experience with guns started at a young age, and how hard he worked to improve his skills as a Marine and in scout sniper school. How Clay developed his skills and became a great teacher since he wasn’t born with natural talent. The questions that a dad should ask when thinking about arming himself to protect his family. Why Clay recommends another weapon like a hatchet or an airsoft gun for someone who has zero experience with guns as the first option for home protection. How an airsoft gun is an excellent entry point to gun ownership to help learn the basic mechanisms and hold a gun. Never let your kids play with an airsoft gun. Make sure they understand that it’s a real weapon. Save the nerf guns for playtime. Why Clay recommends a concealed carry gun like an AR-15 pistol as a first purchase, and the other brands he’d recommend. How steep the learning curve is to fire a pistol effectively, and why a rifle or AR-15 pistol is much safer for accuracy. What you need to know about concealed carry. The things you can do to protect yourself in the event of a home invasion. A reminder the next Online Summit will take place on March 24, 2022 and when the next window will open for new memberships. 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/321 Want to learn more about Front Row Dads? We are in the business of building better families. While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them. We help Dads become family men with businesses, not businessmen who have families, so they can thrive personally AND professionally. Subscribe to the Front Row Dad podcast to learn about fatherhood, marriage and how to level up your game at home, or if you’re ready for the best coaching and true brothers to grow with, Join The Brotherhood! Are you getting all the shows? Subscribe today! Want to leave a review? THANK YOU! http://FrontRowDads.com/review