#85 - Wayne's Walk: From San Quentin to Empowered Parenthood

In this episode of A Dad’s Path Podcast, host Will Braunstein chats with Carla Naumburg, parenting expert and author of How to Stop Losing Your Sht With Your Kids* and How to Stop Freaking Out. Carla breaks down practical strategies for dads to manage stress and model emotional regulation, all while injecting humor and real-life wisdom. Discover how to handle parental freak-outs, use effective calming techniques, and better connect with your kids. From understanding your triggers to repairing relationships after conflicts, Carla provides tools for navigating the chaos of parenting. Top 5 Takeaways: What a “freak-out” really means and how to recognize it in parents and kids. Carla’s F.A.R.T. acronym for understanding common freak-out patterns. Strategies to calm down and model emotional regulation for your kids. How to repair and strengthen your parent-child relationship after a meltdown. Practical techniques for managing anxiety and staying present as a dad.

For this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we speak with Dr. Kim Kimberling, a counselor with 40 years of experience and the co-founder of Awesome Marriage. Dr. Kim shares valuable insights into building and maintaining a strong marriage, especially for parents. The conversation dives into the challenges couples face after having kids, how to stay connected through different seasons of life, and the importance of communication. Dr. Kim provides practical advice on fighting fairly, prioritizing your relationship, and creating a home that serves as a refuge for your family. If you're a dad looking to strengthen your marriage and improve your family life, this episode offers wisdom on navigating everything from raising children to finding time for your partner. Dr. Kim also touches on how faith can anchor marriage and how to avoid feeling disconnected when life gets busy. Tune in to learn strategies to maintain a healthy, long-lasting relationship and create a strong family legacy.

In this episode of A Dad's Path, Will Braunstein welcomes Margot Machol Bisnow, author of Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams. Margot, a former FTC Commissioner and Presidential staffer, shares insights from her journey of interviewing 99 entrepreneuers about raising creative, resilient, and confident children. Together, they discuss what makes an entrepreneur, how failure is a stepping stone to success, and why fostering your child's passions is critical—even when it’s outside the traditional path. This conversation provides dads with practical advice on raising kids willing to take risks, embrace grit, and pursue their dreams, whether in business or any other passion. Tune in for invaluable lessons on how believing in your kids can empower them to reach their full potential in their careers and beyond.

In this episode of A Dad’s Path Podcast, we sit down with Jamil Zaki, author of the newly released book Hope for Cynics. Together, they dive into the fascinating concept of “hopeful skepticism” and why it’s a more effective mindset than blind optimism or deep cynicism, especially in parenting. Jamil explains why society often views cynicism as wisdom and how this perception can limit opportunities for connection and growth. They discuss how parents can foster hopeful skepticism in their kids, build trust, and avoid the pitfalls of “social shark attacks.” You’ll also learn practical strategies like implementing gratitude practices and identifying moments of social goodness to counter negativity. This conversation offers insightful, actionable tips for parents who want to raise resilient, empathetic children while maintaining a balanced worldview.📚 Get Jamil Zaki’s book, Hope for Cynics #Parenting #HopefulSkepticism #JamilZaki #ADadsPath #PositiveParenting #ParentingMindset #HopeForCynics

In this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we dive into fitness and nutrition for dads with Bryan Scudiere, founder of Unbreakable Dads. Bryan reveals why diet trumps exercise, busts fitness myths, and shares his FAST method—a four-phase plan for sustainable weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Learn how to hit your fitness goals with just 90 minutes of exercise a week, the power of "volume foods" to keep you full, and the surprising impact of alcohol on your progress. Bryan also offers practical tips to involve your family in healthier eating, turning your transformation into a benefit for the whole household. Whether you're battling the dad bod, struggling to find workout time, or aiming to set a positive example for your kids, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration. Tune in and start your journey to becoming an unbreakable dad today!

In this episode of A Dad’s Path, we’re joined by Dr. Jill Grimes, a nationally recognized medical expert, award-winning author, and proud mom of two collegiate daughters. With over two decades of experience in private practice, Dr. Grimes shares invaluable insights on how dads can navigate everyday health concerns their children might face. From identifying strep throat and understanding when a cough requires more attention to handling stomach bugs and bee stings, Dr. Grimes offers practical advice that every dad should know. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a well-stocked home first aid kit, understanding when an injury might need an x-ray and tips for promoting better sleep hygiene for both kids and parents. Whether your child is dealing with a minor scrape or a persistent cough, this episode equips you with the knowledge to respond confidently. Plus, Dr. Grimes shares tips on modeling healthy behavior, including handling alcohol consumption in front of your kids and tackling nail-biting habits.

In this episode of A Dad's Path, we speak with JoAnn Schauf, a seasoned parenting coach and expert in family dynamics, about navigating the challenges of parenthood with confidence and clarity. JoAnn shares her wealth of knowledge on how parents can build strong, supportive relationships with their children and manage common parenting challenges effectively. Key Takeaways: Building Strong Relationships: Learn strategies for creating and maintaining strong, supportive relationships with your children, fostering a positive family dynamic. Effective Communication: Learn about the importance of clear and compassionate communication in parenting and how it can help resolve conflicts and strengthen bonds. Setting Boundaries: Explore practical techniques for setting healthy boundaries with your children, helping them understand limits while promoting mutual respect. Managing Stress: Gain insights into managing parental stress and maintaining your well-being, ensuring you can be the best parent possible for your children. Positive Discipline: Understand the principles of positive discipline, focusing on teaching and guiding your children rather than resorting to punitive measures. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for parents looking to navigate the complexities of raising children with confidence and grace.

In this episode, we speak with Yshai Boussi, a licensed professional counselor and author of "Staying Connected with Your Teen," about the transformative strategies of polyvagal parenting. Polyvagal parenting is based on the polyvagal theory, which helps parents understand their children's nervous system states to promote better emotional regulation and connection. Yshai shares his expertise on how parents can build authentic connections with their kids by understanding their nervous systems and applying practical techniques to reduce reactivity and set healthy boundaries. Key Takeaways: Polyvagal Parenting: Learn about the polyvagal theory and how it can help parents understand their children's nervous system states, promoting better emotional regulation and connection. Connection Before Correction: Discover the importance of connecting with your child on an emotional level before addressing behavioral issues, fostering a more compassionate and effective parenting approach. Co-Regulation Strategies: Explore various co-regulation techniques, such as slow breathing, nature time, and creative activities, to help both parents and children achieve a calm and regulated state. Setting Clear Expectations: Understand the "Five C's" of setting effective expectations—core values, clarity, consistency, capacity, and collaboration—to guide children in meeting behavioral and household standards. Accountability vs. Punishment: Gain insights into implementing accountability measures that focus on teaching and learning rather than punitive punishment, helping children grow and self-reflect. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for navigating parenting challenges and finding ways to deepen one's connection with one's children.

In this episode, we speak with Vince Shorb, the Founder and CEO of the National Financial Educators Council, about the essential topic of financial literacy for kids. Vince is on a mission to equip today's youth with the practical financial skills they need to navigate life's challenges and lead secure, fulfilling lives. Key Takeaways: Core Financial Skills: Discover the fundamental financial skills every child should learn, from earning money to managing expenses and saving. Role of Parents: Learn how parents can play a crucial role in their children's financial education, including the best age to start teaching about money. Chore Systems: Explore the benefits of implementing a comprehensive chore system that instills a strong work ethic and financial understanding from a young age. Financial Challenges: Understand the external influences that impact children's financial behaviors and how parents can counteract consumerism. Fun Financial Education: Get tips on making financial education engaging and fun, with ideas for monthly family finance meetings and interactive learning activities. Whether you want to start early with your kids' financial education or refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in and empower your children with the knowledge they need for a financially secure future!

Join us for an insightful episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, where host Will Braunstein interviews Michelle Icard, a renowned educator and author. Michelle's practical insights and compassionate approach provide invaluable guidance for dads striving to support their children through various stages of growth, from young kids to adolescents. Michelle shares her extensive experience working with parents, children, and teachers and discusses her books "8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success," "14 Talks by Age 14," and "Middle School Makeover." Highlights include: Turning Failures into Success: Exploring how common setbacks can be transformed into character-building opportunities for children, applicable to young kids and those approaching adolescence. Essential Conversations: Key topics parents need to discuss with their kids before they enter high school, fostering open communication and strong relationships from a young age. Exiting Toxic Friendships and Media Influence: Teaching kids to recognize and exit unhealthy friendships and critically analyze media influence in today's digital age, starting from an early age. Redefining Leadership: Encouraging children to think independently and lead their own lives confidently, with tips for instilling these values in young children and teenagers. Take advantage of this engaging conversation filled with actionable tips and heartfelt stories. Learn more about Michelle Icard and her work at michelleicard.com. Tune in and empower your parenting journey with expert advice from Michelle Icard on A Dad's Path Podcast.