Front Row Dads with Jon Vroman

One of the hardest things for a man to do just might be to show how strong they really are by allowing themselves to be vulnerable, let their guard down and talk about their own fears and weaknesses. By allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, we give permission for others to talk openly about the things that are usually too uncomfortable to talk about. In part two of my conversation with Doug Phillips, we're going to dig into that theme and talk about the things we can accomplish if we can just let go of our pride and be honest with ourselves so that we can learn and grow to be better husbands and fathers to our families. You'll hear how the pandemic forced Doug's hand to find a new way to provide for his family and how a band of brothers were able to help him get over his fears and take that first step in his entrepreneurial journey. We also talk about how it's so important, maybe even more than ever, to check in on our friends and family because you never really know how someone is doing. Just because someone's life seems bright and near-perfect from the outside, that doesn't mean that they don't feel alone in the darkness with their own thoughts. And if you haven't listened to part one of my conversation with Doug, I highly recommend that you go back and check that out here. Hearing about the affirmation traditions that his family uses was awesome, and I know you'll get a lot of value from hearing him talk about it. Doug Phillips Podcast Highlights How Covid impacted Doug’s livelihood and how he found a new path to provide for his family. Having a support system to challenge you and help to overcome the fear of the unknown can lead to huge successes. Why being in a band with the right mix of people makes a big difference and can lead to deeper conversations. Being vulnerable gives permission to others to join the conversation and talk about the things that are usually too uncomfortable to open up about. How we need to check in with each other, because you never know if someone is having dark moments even though their life looks very bright on the outside. If we’re willing to be honest and open with each other with our dark thoughts, oftentimes we quickly realize that we’re not alone. 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/320 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

When was the last time somebody wrote you a letter? Not a text message, or a quick email, but something that was a complete surprise to tell you how much they care about you, and how much you mean to them. I’m sure most of us do our very best to tell the ones we love how much we appreciate them. But there’s just something about having that message written or typed out on paper that makes it really special. On that note, I want to talk about creating a culture of encouragement. And how we can get better at celebrating the big moments in our kids’ lives to make sure that on their day, it’s all about them. In this conversation, I’m joined by my good friend and fellow Front Row Dad, Doug Phillips. I can’t wait for you to hear about the awesome tradition that he has with his family. I won’t even lie, I am totally going to use this concept with my family and I’m sure a lot of you out there listening probably will too. To give you a quick glimpse, when Doug was planning for his son’s 13th birthday, he reached out to a bunch of people who were influential in his son’s life with the goal of getting 13 responses. And he asked them if they would write a letter (or email) to his son. In the letter, each person was asked to answer two very simple questions: What character qualities do you appreciate about him? Since you know what it’s like to be a 13 year old, what advice would you give him? And to hear about his son reading these letters from teachers, friends, coaches and other parents was beyond profound. It’s such an amazing and unique gift. And the best part is that it’s something that everyone can do with their family. So join me, as we dig in for part one of my chat with Doug as we talk about how we can find and create mentors for our kids, how this tradition has created deeper connections with the people in his life, and the impact that these affirmation traditions are having in their lives. One last thing, we are a few weeks away from our next online summit which is happening on March 24th. The next pillar that we’ll be talking about is on the topic of Vibrant Health. If you want some more information on this, go to FrontRowDads.com/Summit. Doug Phillips Podcast Highlights The incredible tradition that Doug’s family has created by asking for letters from other people who were influential in his kids' lives. How these letters created such a unique, personalized and impactful gift. What advice would you give to a 13 year old that you wished you had when you were their age? How children with divorced parents often struggle to find mentors. The importance of celebrating your child's birthdays, and making sure they feel loved, appreciated and experience gratitude. The weekly tradition that Doug’s family has with other parents at their kids school where they meet and plan an activity for the whole group. How the family affirmation traditions help to not only send, but receive gratitude from others. It’s great to have these routines and rituals, but it’s very easy to get away from them. 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/319 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

After hearing about Front Row Dads, several guys have shared with me that they’re just not having important conversations around family, parenting, marriage, sex, health, money, etc.   They all have buddies, but they’re basically shooting the shit around things that are topical and typical. It’s weather, sports and with some “How are the kids?” questions, and then the boring “Kids are great” responses.   After guys join FRD, I’ll often hear some version of, “I had a deeper conversation in the first few hours of being here than I’ve had with any of my friends over the past few years.”   What makes FRD work is a simple formula. It’s first relationships, then resources, then results.   We’re not interested in BS relationships, but want to form real connections rooted in trust and transparency.   While many men might have lots of “facebook friends” we believe in building a true brotherhood. And this is done with great intention.    After the REAL relationships are formed, the deep conversations naturally lead to resources and results.  Recently, a few FRD brothers organized a trip to the mountains, and the discussion today will give you an inside look into that adventure and why it was so powerful for the guys involved.    We’ll share how they sparked killer conversations, tackled some outdoor adventures and created a bond that will forever alter their lives (and the lives of their families).   When was the last time you got out of your comfort zone with other people, allowed yourself to be vulnerable, unplugged, recharged and connected with others in nature?  Joining me today are legendary FRD members Chris Emick, Michael Wagner, and Ali Jafarian. They recently got together with a group of 8 dads and went off the grid for a few days on a mountain adventure of exploration and discovery. You’ll hear the breakthrough conversations they had while melting snow to make coffee at 5am, the tales of pushing their limits, and those sweet spots in time when your body is in tune with nature.  I hope this show encourages you to have your own experiences with people you want to do life with.   I hope that by hearing this conversation today, you’ll find a way to have a miniature version of this retreat and connect with others in your neck of the woods. Podcast Highlights The simple One Word exercise that kicked things off  Witnessing the disempowerment of shame when guys share things that they normally wouldn’t. Forcing yourself into an environment that grounds you. How exposing your soul to new things reflects in your family life. How your need to impress others can weigh down on you. The fear that comes with insecurity.  How to pick the path that connects you to other people.  Overcoming your fears and testing your boundaries. Dealing with Imposter Syndrome and how you can overcome it.  Creativity vs. Fear and how to let yourself thrive as a father. The ways your family can feel the benefits of your health. Regain your perspective by disrupting your comfort. The benefits that come from unplugging and recharging. Get grounded and feel what’s true to you.  How to become more present and patient for your family. 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/318 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

For a lot of men, there can be a lot of societal pressure to “man up.” Bury your emotions, or look weak. The problem is, those feelings of pain don’t just go away. Instead, they manifest in unhealthy and unexpected ways. And not just in the moment, but potentially years into the future. That pressure to suppress our emotions is not always obvious either. I’ve only recently realized that I’ve been subconsciously doing this for years. Instead of leaning into my emotions, I developed coping strategies: I abused alcohol… I ran ultramarathons… I went through phases of acting selfishly… I started a charity that focused on making moments for others… Looking back, I can tell these were attempts to mask my real pain. Instead of feeling more, I was just trying to feel better. As a result, the pain piled up. And today, my emotions sometimes get the better of me. My anger can boil over uncontrollably, and unfortunately, my wife and kids are the ones who suffer. I never truly understood how to master my emotions or feel my feelings all the way through—until now! So, let me ask you, do your emotions ever manifest into an overwhelming amount of anger, fear, anxiety, despair, depression, or something else? Wouldn’t it be great to uncover what’s really going on and then have a system in place that allows you to have complete control over your feelings? Gentlemen, if you can relate to the above, you’re going to love today’s episode with Charles Clay. Charles is a Men’s Empowerment Coach, Inner Peace Coach, Neurokinetic Pain Relief Specialist, and Founder of Freedom From Pain. His unique and powerful tools will empower you to uncover the source of your pain, so you can turn it into purpose. Sweeping your feelings under the rug stops here. If you’re ready to feel more, and not just better, don’t miss this episode—it’s one of my favorites to date on the subject of emotional mastery!  Charles Clay Podcast Highlights Learning to channel your primal rage. Helping his Dad battle stage 4 Cancer—and the positive moments Charles took from that experience. Why feeling more is the key to healing from grief. Are you paying your pain forward to your kids? Using the Inner Peace Process to deal with emotional pain—and how Charles gracefully handled a hacker who was holding his private information hostage! How your issues can affect your tissues. Why is guilt always followed by self-punishment? Improving your relationship with anger. What is “re-parenting” and how can you use it to develop a better relationship with a younger version of yourself? Why being hard on yourself is never the answer to dealing with emotional pain. Realizing that your kids can be your greatest teachers! 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/317 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

What does it mean to be bold, and why is it such an important characteristic to have—not just for you, but for your kids? I don’t know about you, but I want my kids to grab life big. I want them to follow their dreams and seize all the opportunities that life has to offer. I want them to try new things, explore the world, start a new business, fall in love, and become the best possible versions of themselves.  But in order for that to happen, I need to set a good example AND create an environment where they can thrive! The problem is, being bold isn’t always easy—especially in today’s climate, where everyone has a different POV. It seems that speaking your truth or attempting to have an open dialogue around conflicting subjects is likely to get you into trouble. So, should we just stay silent? How do we speak up and act boldly with so much fear around being silenced or shunned? To explore this topic, I’m speaking with Fred Joyal, author of Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days, who is proof that boldness can be learned. Fred went from an extremely shy person (too timid to make a phone call) and transformed himself into someone who has done stand-up comedy, spoken to audiences of 5,000+, met dozens of celebrities, and, just by being bold, found love, joy, passion, and success. If that’s the type of life you imagine for your kids, don’t miss my conversation with Fred Joyal! Fred Joyal Podcast Highlights The TV appearance decision that cost Fred $250K—and why it ended up being a bold move for his business! How Fred transformed from a shy person, to founding the most successful dentist referral service in the country. Why is boldness a superpower? The difference between boldness and confidence. How fear gets in the way of acting bold and stifles opportunities. Create new realities by casting a vision of possibilities. To be interesting, be interested! Showing your kids how to be bold. Dealing with the fear of being silenced if you boldly speak your truth. Discovering your blind spots by embracing the opposite. Why you shouldn’t invalidate someone’s feelings about something. Cancel culture is completely out of control. What do we do about it? Why anyone can learn to be bold. 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/316 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

Welcome to part two of my conversation with my friend Kim Bilyk. We're going to pick up where we left off and talk about breathwork, sexual creative energy, and how you can better connect with your partner. Sex is something that I have explored on a deeper level in recent years, and I'm not just talking about how to find new porn online either. If we're honest with ourselves, most men could be doing a better job in this department. I'm a big believer in the benefits of breathwork, and I've practiced different forms of it, such as Wim Hof and Yoga in the past. Just a few weeks ago, I took a breathwork class with Tatyana, and I have to say, the experience was incredible. I am completely sold on the value of breathwork, but I have yet to really explore this in the bedroom. That is likely to change very soon. If you haven't listened to part 1, I'd highly recommend that you go back and listen to it and learn some ways to make better and deeper connections with the woman in your life. Check it out here⎯ it's a game-changer, trust me! Finally, the previous offer still stands. If you leave an honest review of the FRD podcast and mention Kim, send me a screenshot, and I'll mail you a copy of her Womb Wisdom Journal (USA/Canada citizens only, sorry international folks). Kim Bilyk Podcast Highlights What is cosmic breathing and Yomi Steaming? Can you get a multi orgasm as a man from breathwork? The three orgasms before penetration rule. How foreplay is going to make your sex life so much juicier. A reminder on where your lady gets most of her stimulation from. How to walk the edge of an orgasm! How can you be more open with your partner? How can you have a conversation with your partner about sex? Avoid playing the blame game and find ways to meet in the middle. Should men put more work into their ladies? Scheduled date nights! Do It! The connection that comes with being open with your 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/315 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

Guys, are you aware of what's going on with your lady's menstrual cycle? Yeah, me either! I know that sounds like an odd question. Maybe it's even a subject that makes you uncomfortable. But I gotta tell you, after my conversation with today's guest, I was inspired to learn more. As it turns out, understanding how your wife's cycle works is super empowering. And I don't just mean her period! I'm talking about getting to know her energy; how she ebbs and flows throughout the entire month. If I can learn that, I'll know how to support her. If I can become more in tune with her needs (and wants), I can become an even better husband and father. That's what today's episode with Kim Bilyk is all about. In case you’re wondering, Kim is a woman's empowerment and sexual health coach, helping women connect to their bodies and align their hormone health so they can be badasses in all areas of their life. She's a reiki master, yoga therapist, occupational therapist, and has a journal out called Womb Wisdom. She also hosts the podcast Power and Pleasure: All Things Women's Health Uncensored. So, if you want to learn from an expert, build a deeper connection with your wife, and connect with her in a whole new way, don't miss this episode with Kim Bilyk! Also, please leave an honest review of the FRD podcast and mention Kim. Send me a screenshot, and I'll mail you a copy of her Womb Wisdom Journal (USA/Canada citizens only, sorry international folks). Kim Bilyk Podcast Highlights What does it mean for a woman to check in with her womb? Kim’s passion for helping women connect to their bodies. How to create a deeper connection with your wife by understanding her menstrual cycle. Did you know her cycle isn't just when she has her period, it’s every single day of the month! How do we support our partners while they go through their monthly cycles? The biggest myths and misconceptions about a woman’s menstrual cycle. Why there should be no shame surrounding period sex—especially because it’s healthy! The healing power of orgasms. When is it appropriate to be inquisitive about talking about your partner’s cycle? The connection between sexual energy and creativity. 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/314 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

In this episode, we’re talking about how we can make kids the heroes in their own stories and raise children that are learners and superhumans. Joining me for part two of our two part episode is Seth Dailey where he talks about how a community helps give wisdom to your kids, how you can become your child’s guide in their hero's journey, and how you can grow as a family. And if you missed out on the first half of this episode, click here to check it out! Seth Dailey Podcast Highlights Part 2 How the hardest parts about growing up shape you. The deep desire to see the family unit arrive. You’re never ready to be a dad. Trust in your community and your village to show up for you. The best way to gain wisdom around parenting. How can your kids become such inspirational and passionate learners? Be aligned with your partner's personal growth. The advantages of your kids being the youngest in the room. How can you let your kids thrive? Learn how to shape your kids without casting your blueprint on them. Be the guide in your children’s hero’s journey. Raising your kids so they’re the best they can be. 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/313 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

Gentleman, if you had to pick your One Word for the year, what would it be?  For those that aren’t aware, the One Word concept is from a book titled, One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page.  The idea is to pick a word for the year, write it down (or, even better, create a painting with it), and then simply pay attention to how the word shows up in your life throughout the year. The whole idea for this episode came about from the time I spent with my great friend and longtime brother of the FRD community, Seth Dailey. As an annual tradition, Seth and his family get together around the holidays, and they decide what their One Word will be for the year. I was very grateful that they invited my family to their beautiful home and allowed us to join them for this exercise. It was such a powerful experience, and I absolutely loved it. Seth is a husband, father of 4 amazing daughters, who are some of the most inspiring humans I’ve ever met. He’s the Co-Founder and the Operating Principal of the brokerage Keller Williams Gateway, and the team leader for the real estate company The Dailey Group, which he also co-founded with his wife, Alyce. In our conversation, Seth talks about how this exercise helps him find habits and rituals for his family and guides us to bring out the best in each other.  We’re talking about how to listen to our family’s rally cry, how to give your kids a community they can thrive in, and how to reassess being vulnerable so that we can grow as a family unit, all with the power of one word.  P.S. If you enjoyed this episode, shoot us a review and mention this episode, take a screenshot, send it to our team at info@frontrowdads.com, and I will mail you a copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life on the house as a thank you for all your amazing support! Seth Dailey Podcast Highlights Part 1 Finding habits and rituals for your family  Let your kids fully express and become who they are. Why is it so important to have a tribe? What can a visual representation mean for your word? How you can champion your kids' efforts and practice watching your kids create.  The impact of creating and holding space. Why should you have grace for how you hold this concept? Look at the different categories of your life and the words within those areas. Does the energy of your word matter? How journaling can help in so many ways. Why can your self doubt be a good thing? Be a student and feel your children’s perspective. When do we start to critique ourselves? What can help you breathe life and vitality into the future? 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/312 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

What does Wealth & Legacy mean to you? So many of us get trapped trying to get to that next level (in our business and careers), without thinking about the family values we say are so important to us. Are you building your family around your business, or is your business being built around your family? Because there’s a big difference!  At Front Row Dads, one of the 6 pillars we focus on is Wealth & Legacy— and to us, that means a lot more than just making money. Here’s how we define it… “Responsibly using our vast resources to create an abundant life for kids and generations to come.”  If that sounds like the type of wealth you want to build, then you won’t want to miss today’s episode. I’m speaking with Front Row Dad members, Steve Bouchard, Matthew Sprang, and Oliver Wolf about our Wealth & Legacy Online Summit happening on January 20th. Not only will this summit allow you to learn from world-class experts, but it’s a tremendous opportunity to create deep and meaningful relationships with like minded Dads. Learn more on today’s discussion! Podcast Highlights What is the Front Row Dads Online Summit? Why should someone participate? “Couldn’t I just Google it?” Learn what’s in store for the event, including guest speakers and the major topics we’ll be covering. The definition of Wealth & Legacy for Front Row Dads Building wealth that your kids will appreciate (and not take for granted) The tremendous impact past FRD online summits have had on our members. How is Front Row Dads different from any other group in the world? Why “I don’t have the time” is a bad excuse for not joining FRD. How to get involved in Front Row Dads. 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/311 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