SkilledDad Podcast

In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host ZachReeser welcomes Lee Eldridge, founder of The Cognitive Athlete, to discuss the challenges of balancing fatherhood and professional life. They explore thedifferences between elite athletes and corporate leaders, the importance ofwellbeing in performance, and the need for dads to celebrate their wins and have fun. Lee shares insights on developing consistent high performance habits, including sleep, breathing, and movement, while emphasizing the significance of creating a healthy family environment.Learn more about what Lee is doing at The Cognitive AthleteFollow us on Instagram @SkilledDadLearn more at SkilledDad.com

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, guest host Bryan Graff welcomes a special guest, Max Wimmer. A long-time friend and mentor, Max shares his insights and experiences on fatherhood, particularly about being a father to four daughters. The discussion delves into the unique challenges and rewards of raising daughters, the importance of staying engaged in your children's lives, and the crucial role of teamwork between spouses in parenting. Bryan and Max also touch on maintaining strong family bonds, the significance of humility and transparency in parenting, and the long-term impacts of being a consistent and loving presence in your children's lives. Whether you're a dad to daughters, sons, or both, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of parenthood and fostering strong familial relationships.

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, Zach sits down with leadership expert Paul Thornton to explore the intersection of leadership and parenting. They discuss various leadership styles, particularly the three D's: Directing, Discussing, and Delegating, and how these can be applied in both business and parenting contexts. Paul shares personal anecdotes and practical examples, emphasizing the importance of adapting leadership styles to the maturity and experience of children. The conversation also highlights the significance of feedback, self-reflection, and the emotional aspects of parenting and leadership. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for dads looking to enhance their leadership skills at home and in their professional lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Parenting02:45 The Three Leadership Styles05:45 Applying Leadership Styles in Parenting08:39 Real-Life Examples of Directing11:35 Discussion and Delegation in Parenting14:41 The Importance of Feedback and Repetition17:41 Navigating Challenges with Children20:50 The Consequences of Over-Direction23:40 Tools for Effective Parenting and Leadership24:51 Leadership Lessons from Parenting29:22 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership32:29 Feedback: A Two-Way Street36:06 Practical Takeaways for Young Parents

SummaryIn this episode of the Skilled Dad podcast, Bryan Graf and David Kroll discuss the often-overlooked topic of mental health among fathers. They explore the concept of resilient leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and finding balance in life. David shares his personal journey of overcoming burnout and the lessons learned about prioritizing family and personal well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of taking time for rest and reflection, assessing life priorities, and fostering a growth mindset to navigate the challenges of fatherhood and leadership.

In this episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, Zach welcomes Matt Karam, an experienced parent and martial arts instructor, to discuss invaluable insights into parenting. Matt shares profound stories and lessons learned from his journey in raising four children and teaching thousands of kids martial arts. Key topics include the importance of setting clear expectations, the concept of a child's limited learning window, and the significance of tackling 'teaching moments' head-on. Tune in to learn how to instill discipline, respect, and leadership skills in your children, and hear about practical strategies to avoid common parenting pitfalls. Whether you're a coach, a dad, or simply looking to improve your parenting skills, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt stories to inspire and guide you on your journey.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Podcast Overview and Purpose02:12 Guest Introduction: Matt Karam02:27 Matt's Background and Family04:04 Martial Arts and Parenting Lessons06:25 Teaching Respect and Discipline13:02 The Importance of Setting Examples19:50 Learning Windows and Intentional Effort23:50 Winning Through Development24:07 The Truck Driver Analogy25:20 Parental Involvement and Expectations26:55 Building Confidence Through Responsibility29:44 The Story of Jacob33:36 Teaching Moments and Long-Term Impact43:24 The Importance of Coaches and Role Models47:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, host Zach Reeser and a SkilledDad podcast veteran guest, Bryan Graf, explore the question of what it is to be a SkilledDad, emphasizing the importance of connection, community, and the mindset required to be an effective dad. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges of parenting, and the significance of continuous growth and learning. The conversation highlights the impact of a father's presence in a child's life and encourages listeners to embrace their roles with confidence and resilience.The episode caps off with an exciting announcement about the future of SkilledDad.Follow SkilledDad on Instagram and YouTube. Learn more at SkilledDad.com

In this special Mother’s Day edition of The SkilledDad Podcast, Zach Reeser sits down with Jessica Etting—founder of the Jam Family Calendar—and his wife, Sonya, for a real conversation about something many families quietly carry: the mental load.They unpack how the unseen weight of planning, managing, and remembering it all affects moms in particular—and what dads can do to step up and lead with intention. From shared calendars to structured routines, Jessica shares how her app helps families get organized and reduce daily stress. The episode also covers practical systems for household management, why clear communication matters more than ever, and how a little planning around the dinner table can change the whole week.Whether you're a dad working to be more present, a mom carrying the invisible weight, or just trying to build a smoother home life—this one’s for you.

Episode SummaryNOTE: This episode discusses some difficult topics and is not intended to be listened to with the kids. In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Scott Stewart, who shares his powerful story of overcoming a traumatic childhood marked by anger and abuse. Scott discusses the importance of personal growth and the journey of healing through forgiveness. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continuous process that can lead to freedom and a better life as a father. The conversation explores the impact of family dynamics, the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment, and the steps necessary to break the cycle of trauma and become an intentional dad.You can learn more about what Scott is doing by visiting ScottStewartSpeaking.comChapters00:00 Introduction to the Skilled Dad Podcast02:10 Scott's Background and Early Life05:27 Growing Up with an Abusive Father09:03 The Impact of Adoption and Family Dynamics12:02 Escaping the Cycle of Abuse15:10 Life After Leaving Home17:27 The Night That Changed Everything21:01 Confronting the Past25:55 The Aftermath of Trauma28:30 Finding Healing and Moving Forward29:58 The Turning Point: Seeking Help34:19 The Journey of Self-Discovery35:29 Becoming an Intentional Father40:32 The Power of Forgiveness47:16 Forgiveness as a Continuous Process53:16 Encouragement for Dads: Start Your JourneyLearn more about SkilledDad or Join usSkilleddad.comInstagram : @SkilledDadFacebook: @SkilledDadYoutube: Youtubefordads.com

In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Warren Miles-Pickup, a father of three and founder of Pixel True. They discuss the challenges of parenting, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from Warren's podcast, The Flawed Dad's Guide to Parenting. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity tied to career success, the tipping points for personal change, and the parallels between business strategies and parenting. Warren shares insights on motivation, inspiration, and the importance of allowing children to face challenges to foster their growth. The episode wraps with Warren's goals for the year ahead, emphasizing the significance of quality time with his daughters.Learn more about Warren and what he is doing at PixelTrue.com.

In this in-depth episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, hostZach Reeser welcomes Dr. Larry Waldman, a clinical child forensic psychologist with nearly 50 years of experience, to discuss effective parenting strategies. Dr. Waldman emphasizes the importance of reinforcing good behavior, providing quality time, and setting logical consequences for misbehavior. They also touch on the necessity of consistent parenting, the impact of parental modeling, and how to adapt parenting techniques for teenagers. This episode is filled with practical advice for both new and seasoned parents aiming to raise independent and responsible young adults.Learn more at SkilledDad.com and follow us @SkilledDad 00:00 Introduction to The Skilled Dad Podcast01:13 Meet Dr. Larry Waldman: A Parenting Expert01:56 The Role of Parents in Child Psychology04:48 The Importance of Quality Time with Children09:18 Practical Parenting Tips and Reinforcement12:18 Teaching Kids Through Everyday Activities18:52 Consistency and Specificity in Parenting23:13 Addressing Minor Misbehaviors24:30 Effective Parenting Strategies25:13 Handling Misbehavior in Public29:40 Logical Consequences for Older Kids32:46 Preparing Kids for Real World Consequences34:23 Advice for New and Expecting Dads35:16 The Importance of Parental Modeling36:52 Reinforcement Over Punishment38:10 Teamwork in Parenting39:48 Conclusion and Contact Information