The Just Call Dad Podcast

Sean Patrick | Joe Bush
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

**The Just Call Dad Podcast** A podcast by dads, for dads. Just Call Dad exists to help dads become the kind of men their families, teams, and communities can count on. Through honest conversations and practical insights, we explore fatherhood, leadership, mental health, personal growth, coaching, teaching, and the everyday challenges of being present in the lives that matter most. 📖 Sean Patrick's book, Emotional Shoes https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Shoes-Designed-Compete/dp/B0F7Y95ZNW 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justcalldadpodcast

  1. Sep 22

    75 | Anthony The Real Ketchup Guy

    75 | Anthony The Real Ketchup Guy From the archives here is an unreleased episode we only dropped on YouTube last year! Loved this talk with my friend Anthony! Healthy ketchup, a comeback story, and the kind of conversation that reminds dads why they started trying in the first place. Coach Sean Patrick sits down with Anthony Martins, better known as The Real Ketchup Guy, for a surprisingly powerful conversation about food, purpose, and what it really takes to keep going when life gets hard. Anthony shares how a childhood love of ketchup turned into a partnership with True Made Foods, a brand built around hidden veggies, no added sugar, and condiments that actually make sense for families trying to make better choices. But this episode goes way beyond ketchup. You’ll hear how Anthony went from an underdog athlete, to a walk-on football player, to a boxer, stuntman, and eventually a creator who built a new career in his 40s after years of doubt, injuries, and financial grind. He opens up about the years he survived on almost nothing in Los Angeles, the moment one letter from a young person changed his mindset, and why his biggest lesson is simple: never give up, even when the path looks ridiculous to everyone else. Sean and Anthony also break down why kids books matter, why representation in reading matters, and how books can shape identity, emotional health, and confidence in kids who need to see themselves reflected on the page. From anxiety to boldness, from fatherhood to mental health, from content creation to building a life with purpose, the conversation keeps circling back to one thing: helping people live better today. Anthony also shares the mission behind True Made Foods, including their no-sugar ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauces, and seasonings, plus the values behind supporting veteran-owned, minority-owned, smaller businesses that are trying to do good in the world. Along the way, Sean and Anthony talk about creating positive media, being more intentional with time, and why joy, community, and a little bit of childlike fun still matter more than most of us admit. If you’re a dad, a creator, a parent, or just someone who needs a reminder that your story is still being written, this one will hit home. It’s funny, honest, unexpected, and packed with the kind of encouragement that can help you take the next step.

  2. Sep 21

    74 | BREWING BEHAVIORS

    Brewing Awareness: Cultivating Intentional Behaviors Exploring how our habits, like coffee, take time to develop. Did you know that the average cup of coffee takes anywhere from one to five minutes to brew? As Sean Patrick reflects on this, he invites us to consider how we can use that brief moment to reset our minds and cultivate intentional thinking. The Brew of Intentionality In today’s episode, Sean shares a personal story of feeling unmotivated at work. Instead of pushing through, he decided to step outside for a walk, drawing inspiration from the various brewing methods of coffee. Each method — from a quick espresso to a slow cold brew — represents different ways we can approach our tasks and lives, emphasizing that just like coffee, our thoughts and actions require time to develop. "It doesn’t take very long to make an improvement, but it takes a really long time to keep that improvement going." Observations from the Classroom While at school, Sean noticed the varying levels of focus among students. Some were hyper-aware, while others were blissfully unaware. This led him to reflect on the importance of being present and intentional as fathers. He emphasizes that, as men, we need to allow boys to express themselves, while also guiding them in understanding the consequences of their actions. Brewing Behaviors Sean connects the metaphor of brewing coffee to the behaviors we develop over time. He questions whether the struggles we face as adults might have started brewing in our youth. "Life is stress. It’s just a matter of what stress you’re stacking." He discusses how our behaviors, both good and bad, can take time to brew, and how we need to be aware of what we are cultivating in ourselves and our children. Key Takeaways 1. Awareness of Behaviors: Let's become more aware of the behaviors we're brewing in our lives. What emerges when we're stressed? 2. Modeling for Our Kids: While we can’t control our children’s choices, we can strive to model the best behaviors ourselves. As you brew your next cup of coffee, take a moment to reflect on your own behaviors and the impact they have on those around you. Life is about gradual improvement and understanding that mistakes are part of the journey. Let’s embrace the process and strive to be the best versions of ourselves, both for us and our children.

  3. Sep 19

    73 | DAD SPACE

    Finding Your Dad Space: Embracing the Journey Exploring the challenges and joys of fatherhood in today’s world. Sometimes, the best encouragement comes from the stories of others—not just their successes, but their struggles as well. This week, Sean Patrick dives into the often chaotic yet rewarding journey of fatherhood, sharing his own experiences and insights on finding balance in the dad space. The Importance of Connection Sean reflects on a conversation with his friend Ben Barker, who reminded him of the value in sharing not just achievements but also setbacks. This candidness can create a sense of normalcy for fathers navigating their own challenges. Sean wants to create a community where men can connect over their experiences, recognizing that being a dad is a crucial part of their identities. The Evolution of Dad Content Since Sean started this podcast in 2024, he has seen a significant rise in content geared towards dads. While some of this content is genuinely helpful, the saturation can also lead to confusion about what truly matters in the dad space. He emphasizes that the focus should not be on marketing or selling products but rather on fostering genuine connections among fathers. Three Steps Towards Clarity In today’s episode, Sean shares three personal steps he is taking to find clarity in his dad space: 1. Limit Podcast Consumption Reducing the number of podcasts he listens to daily has helped Sean focus on quality over quantity. Finding a few key voices to follow has made his listening experience more meaningful. 2. Identify Personal Needs Instead of trying to meet external expectations, Sean encourages dads to reflect on their own needs. Writing down daily necessities has helped him align his actions with his personal goals, whether it’s nourishing his body or ensuring he carves out time for reading. 3. Create Quiet Space Amidst the chaos of parenting, Sean emphasizes the importance of finding quiet moments for oneself. He acknowledges the challenge of establishing this space but believes it’s crucial for mental clarity and recovery. A Call to Reflection As Sean wraps up, he invites listeners to consider their own journeys in the dad space. It’s not about following every piece of advice or purchasing the latest products; it’s about finding what works for you and creating a supportive environment for yourself and your family. The dad years may be demanding, but with intention and community, they can also be incredibly fulfilling. Remember, it’s all about being the best version of yourself—today and every day. For more insights and stories, tune into the full episode!

  4. Sep 12

    72 | EDUCATORS

    What happens when structure becomes control—and teachers lose the freedom to truly teach? In this episode, Sean Patrick and Joe have an honest conversation about autonomy, creativity, collaboration, and perfectionism in education. They explore the tension between following a scripted curriculum and trusting teachers to use their experience, personality, and understanding of their students. Sean and Joe discuss why every classroom interprets learning differently, how fresh perspectives can reveal potential others may have missed, and why collaboration matters more than uniformity. Sean also shares a personal story about his daughter’s classroom experience and the pressure often placed on well-behaved students to lead, help, and hold everything together. As Sean explains, “You can’t see the picture when you’re standing inside the frame.” The conversation also moves beyond the classroom into parenting, leadership, and the importance of community. Both Sean and Joe reflect on releasing perfectionism, accepting that educators do not need to have every answer, and creating environments where teachers and students can bring their full selves to the work. This episode is for teachers, coaches, parents, and leaders trying to balance high expectations with creativity, compassion, and joy.

  5. Sep 7

    71 | RECHARGED

    71 | RECHARGED Recharge Your Battery: Finding Joy in Fatherhood Explore how to keep your energy up as a dad and find joy in everyday moments. In today’s episode, Sean Patrick shares his journey toward transforming the podcast into a platform for meaningful conversations rather than just content creation. This shift is aimed at fostering genuine connections, especially among fathers navigating the challenges of parenting. From Content to Conversations Sean reflects on the pressures of performing for an audience and highlights the importance of engaging in authentic dialogues. He emphasizes that the podcast will focus on keeping joy alive in various aspects of life, including parenting, work, and personal hobbies. The Importance of Recharging The central theme of this episode is about recharging our personal "batteries." Sean candidly discusses his experiences with fitness, particularly his struggles with aerobic capacity after a break from training. He draws parallels between physical and emotional energy, urging listeners to reflect on what recharges them in their daily lives. "I am the Ryobi mower, the battery. I forget to charge it. I think you know what? I don’t need a hobby or I don’t need the free time or I don’t need this. I’ll be fine. And then all of a sudden I’m like the Ryobi mower and I’m just done." What Charges You? He encourages listeners to identify their sources of energy. Is it podcasting, training, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee? Sean shares that while conversations energize him, they can also drain him, depending on the context. Finding Your Own Recharge Sean advises against adopting someone else’s method of recharging. Instead, he suggests being mindful and communicative about one’s own needs. He shares various activities that help him recharge, from podcasting to engaging in creative projects like music. Simple Takeaways - Engage in activities that genuinely recharge you. Whether it's exercising, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies, recognize what lifts your spirits. - Don’t let recharging become another performance. Enjoy the process for its own sake, rather than feeling pressured to meet external expectations. - Try new things. Whether it's a fitness program or a creative project, explore what works for you without the stress of competition. As Sean wraps up the episode, he reminds listeners that recharging doesn’t always mean taking a break; sometimes it’s about engaging in fulfilling activities. Reflecting on the journey ahead, he is committed to bringing more guests onto the podcast and fostering conversations that enrich our experiences as dads. Thanks for tuning in to this new chapter of the Just Call Dad podcast. Let’s keep the joy in our lives and recharge together!

  6. Sep 1

    70 | SEMPTEMBER

    September 1st. There was something different in the air. Sitting outside early in the morning, I caught that familiar smell of fall—the kind that brings back memories and reminds you that seasons change whether you're ready for them or not. And it made me realize something: maybe the goal isn't to stop striving. Maybe it's to learn how to strive lighter. For the last two and a half years, Just Call Dad has been about making the call, starting conversations, and reminding dads that they don't have to figure everything out alone. But eventually, after you make the call, you have to get back to living. In this final episode of Just Call Dad, I reflect on Ecclesiastes, finding joy in the work, slowing down enough to notice what's already around us, my faith, fatherhood, and why chasing more isn't necessarily the answer. Sometimes we spend our lives chasing the next accomplishment, dollar, view, connection, or opportunity—striving after the wind—when some of the things that matter most are already sitting right in front of us. So this isn't really an ending. It's the next step. Just Call Dad taught me to make the call. Now it's time to take everything I've learned and Strive Light(er). Slow down, son. See the sunrise. Then get back to work.

  7. Aug 30

    69 | SIMPLE SUPERPOWERS

    summary Sean Patrick shares personal insights on perseverance, identity, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right support to overcome life's challenges. keywords motivation, perseverance, identity, support system, self-improvement, resilience, personal growth, mental toughness key topics The importance of perseverance and effort The role of self-identity in personal growth The significance of a supportive community Lessons learned from sports and life The concept of 'carry water' and doing small things well takeaways Persistence is key, even when outcomes are not immediately visible Your core identity is more than your achievements or failures Surround yourself with positive influences and a supportive crew Small consistent actions lead to meaningful progress Embrace challenges as opportunities to discover your superpower sound bites "Your core identity is more than your achievements" "Do the small things really well" "Surround yourself with the right crew" Chapters 00:00 The feeling of not being good enough after training 02:04 The importance of self-identity beyond achievements 03:54 The resilience of winners and the importance of persistence 05:04 The concept of 'carry water' and doing small things well 06:07 The power of surrounding yourself with the right people 07:05 Encouragement to rely on your support system and stay positive

  8. Aug 26

    68 | FIND YOUR CREW ft. Evan Bush

    68 | Find your crew ft. Evan Bush Evan Bush — More Than the Game What does professional sports teach you about being a dad? In this episode, I sit down with Columbus Crew goalkeeper Evan Bush to talk about much more than soccer. We talk about longevity, adversity, family, identity, leadership, and what happens when the game you’ve spent your life playing becomes something your kids get to watch you do. Evan’s career has taken him from Ohio to the University of Akron and through more than a decade of professional soccer. Along the way, he’s become a husband, a father, a veteran teammate, and someone younger players can look to for guidance. This conversation is about staying the course. It’s about learning that your value isn’t always determined by whether you’re the one getting the start. It’s about coming back when life knocks you down. And it’s about figuring out who you want your kids to see when they look past the uniform. In this conversation: • Fatherhood and professional sports • Separating performance from identity • Staying committed when the path gets difficult • Coming back from injury and adversity • Leadership when you’re not in the spotlight • Being a veteran and mentoring the next generation • What our kids learn from watching how we handle success and failure • Defining success beyond wins, statistics, and accomplishments Learn more about Evan: Columbus Crew — Evan Bush University of Akron — In Their Own Words: Evan Bush Columbus Crew — Evan’s return from injury A question worth thinking about after this episode: When the accomplishments, job titles, wins, and losses are stripped away — who do your kids know you to be? Because eventually the game ends. Being Dad doesn’t.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

**The Just Call Dad Podcast** A podcast by dads, for dads. Just Call Dad exists to help dads become the kind of men their families, teams, and communities can count on. Through honest conversations and practical insights, we explore fatherhood, leadership, mental health, personal growth, coaching, teaching, and the everyday challenges of being present in the lives that matter most. 📖 Sean Patrick's book, Emotional Shoes https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Shoes-Designed-Compete/dp/B0F7Y95ZNW 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justcalldadpodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Sean Patrick | Joe Bush
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sean Patrick | Joe Bush
  • Show Website
    The Just Call Dad Podcast