Building Brotherhood & Backyard Forts: Fatherhood, Faith & Woodworking with Austin Vanderveer

Most people fear failure—but what if failing is the very thing that helps you lead your family better, grow stronger in your faith, and build a body that reflects your discipline? In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, Ben shares why high-performing dads need to embrace failure, pursue audacious goals, and never settle for average. Inspired by a Duke professor’s $100 Jolly Rancher challenge, Ben breaks down 7 powerful reasons why learning to fail is essential for becoming the husband, father, and leader you're called to be.PS Get ready for my new workout plan I am launching on TrainHeroic!

Most dads are stuck doing the same bare minimum—and wondering why they’re not making progress. In this episode, I break down 9 underrated fitness tactics that actually build strength, muscle, and athleticism for real life. From plyometrics and higher-rep leg days to overlooked tools like creatine and sleep, this is your no-fluff guide to getting jacked, strong, and capable for your family.Be on the look out for my launch on a new workout platform.

2025 is shaping up to be the year of intentional training. In this episode, I break down the hottest trends in fitness—from high-tech wearables and hybrid competition training to blood testing, fasting, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re a dad looking to level up or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this episode will keep you sharp and in the know.

Alpha Dads, this one’s for you. In today’s episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, we’re talking about ownership — in your workouts, your marriage, your walk with God, and your finances. I share why I stopped telling my kids to have a good day and started challenging them to make it one. From crushing your gym goals with intentionality to cultivating stronger family relationships and taking control of your income, this episode is a firestarter for any dad ready to reject passivity and become the architect of your life.💪 Take ownership.🙏 Grow spiritually.❤️ Lead your family.💰 Build wealth.If you're coasting, it's time to get back on mission. Let's build.—🔗 Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this with another dad who needs to hear it.

In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, six of the fittest, busiest dads you’ll ever meet share their most effective fitness tips. From 20-minute EMOMs to backyard workouts with the kids, these men prove you don’t need hours in the gym to stay jacked and lead your family well. Learn about simple habits, high-testosterone routines, nutrient-dense eating, and the power of brotherhood.

In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Austin Vanderveer (@heritagewoodworkusa)—a husband, father, Believer, and professional woodworker—to talk about the power of community and craftsmanship. We discuss why every dad should have a group of strong men to push them forward and why knowing your way around a saw and hammer matters more than you think. Whether it’s building a fort for your kids or a foundation of faith and leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom for dads who refuse to settle for mediocrity.

Most dads settle for “better than most.” But better than most isn’t the standard—excellence is. If you want to be a strong leader for your family, you have to level up in fitness, marriage, fatherhood, and mindset—every single day.In this episode, I’m breaking down the daily non-negotiables that separate average dads from elite dads. From training like an athlete to pursuing your wife daily and leading with discipline, this is the blueprint to raising the standard and showing your kids what real leadership looks like.🚀 Time to reject mediocrity and lead from the front. Let’s go! 💪🔥👉 Listen now and start implementing these today!

Traveling can throw off even the most disciplined fitness routine—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, I’m sharing how I stay on track while traveling with my co-workers, even when workouts aren’t perfect and meals aren’t ideal. The key? Flexibility.I’ll break down how to fit in quick, effective workouts (even with limited time and equipment), make smarter nutrition choices on the go, and why adopting a something is better than nothing mindset keeps momentum strong. Plus, I’ll share how having fitness-focused co-workers helps keep me accountable and on track.Whether you're traveling for work or vacation, this episode will help you stay consistent without stressing about perfection. Let’s get after it!

Are you making the most of your time as a husband, father, and leader? In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, we break down five key areas—Marriage, Fatherhood, Career/Money, Fitness, and Fun—so you can dominate every aspect of life.We’ll cover:✅ How to pursue your wife and keep your marriage strong✅ Being an intentional, present dad✅ Winning in your career and securing your financial future✅ Building strength and fitness for longevity✅ Making time for fun so you don’t burn outEphesians 5:15-17 reminds us to live wisely and make the most of our time. This episode is packed with practical steps and challenges to help you reject mediocrity and level up.🎧 Listen now and take action!

Being a strong dad isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about leading your family with faith, integrity, and love. In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Kevin Little to discuss what it means to be a strong, godly husband and father in today’s world.We dive into practical ways dads can lead their families spiritually, pursue their wives like Christ loves the church, and balance faith, fitness, and fatherhood without compromise. If you want to raise strong kids, build a thriving marriage, and honor God in every area of your life, this conversation is for you.Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a dad who needs encouragement!