Fatherhood Field Notes

Ned Schaut

Fatherhood Field Notes is where we hear real stories from real men living real lives every week. Fatherhood is not only about being a dad, it incorporates providing and serving a home, loving and serving a spouse, engaging and serving in a community, as well as intentionally serving your children. Fatherhood is an adventure, one full of fun, wild, and messy stories. In this podcast, we will hear stories from real men who have found themselves living the Adventure of Fatherhood. The Craft of Fatherhood episodes are 5-10 minute episodes where your guide Ned Schaut shares stories on his own fatherhood journey.

  1. Ep. 551: Patton Dodd - Redeeming Absence for Presence and the Subtle Art of Windshield Time

    4D AGO

    Ep. 551: Patton Dodd - Redeeming Absence for Presence and the Subtle Art of Windshield Time

    In this engaging conversation, Patton Dodd, author of the recent book The Father You Get: And the Ones You Make, Believe In, and Become, shares his insights on fatherhood, personal growth, and the power of windshield time with your kids. Dodd reflects on his journey through the challenges of growing up with a removed and isolated father who created hurt and pain in most of his relationships and growing up to turn that into resolve. He emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and mere presence in building connections with his children, while also addressing his own insecurities. The discussion highlights the need for fathers to create safe spaces for open conversations and to rebel against the insecurities that can hinder their relationships with their kids. Order your copy of Patton's book here and be sure to leave a review: https://amzn.to/3ZvTrtk --------- This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up KingsOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?www.adventureoffatherhood.comwww.rebelandcreate.com Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis - a rite of passage experience for young men This episode was brought to you by Genesis - a rite of passage for boys becoming men - by Rise Up Kings.

    1h 2m
  2. FEB 14

    Ep. 550 The Death Hike - Friday Craft of Fatherhood

    In this Craft of Father episode of the Fatherhood Field Notes podcast, Ned tells about his "death hike" adventure led by his teenage daughter. He reflects on the evolving journey of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of legacy, family values, and the transition of children into independence. He shares his thoughts about his children's adventures and the challenges of homeschooling, while also discussing the significance of intentional fatherhood and mentorship. Takeaways: Adventures with our kids foster independence.Navigating independence is a key part of parenting.Intentional fatherhood requires active engagement.Rites of passage are ongoing throughout life.Teaching dependence on God is crucial.Building relationships with our children is essential.Fatherhood is a journey of personal growth and mentorship. --------- This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up KingsOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/ Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis - a rite of passage experience for young men This episode was brought to you by Genesis - a rite of passage for boys becoming men - by Rise Up Kings.

    14 min
  3. Ep. 549: Hosting an Epic Annual Family Meeting - Friday Craft of Fatherhood

    FEB 6

    Ep. 549: Hosting an Epic Annual Family Meeting - Friday Craft of Fatherhood

    In this episode of the Craft of Fatherhood Podcast, host Ned Schaut reflects on his journey as a father, sharing insights from his experiences and conversations over the past year. He emphasizes the importance of observation in parenting, how impactful it can be to have annual family meetings for reflection on the year and connection, and the sheer power of setting goals and dreams as a family. --------- Is your son coming of age as a man? He needs a rite of passage. Check out Genesis. www.riseupkings.com/ffn --------- Liked this episode? The Craft of Fatherhood is a weekly short reflection by Ned. For the full Fatherhood Field Notes podcast, check out the weekly releases on Tuesdays! --------- Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/ Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis - a rite of passage experience for young men This episode was brought to you by Genesis - a rite of passage for boys becoming men - by Rise Up Kings.

    14 min
  4. Ep. 548 Jim Morrison: Why This Father Never Stops Showing Up and Refuses to Be "Off the Hook" at 18

    JAN 30

    Ep. 548 Jim Morrison: Why This Father Never Stops Showing Up and Refuses to Be "Off the Hook" at 18

    Jim Morrison, a 26-year veteran of marriage and father of three (ages 24, 22, and 19), shares his unconventional approach to fatherhood that rebels against the idea that parenting ends at 18. As an insurance broker with 36 years of experience, Jim has learned to prioritize presence over perfection, building a family culture around travel, embracing failure as a gift, and maintaining deep relationships with his adult children. From coaching losing baseball seasons to picking his son up from LAX at 9 PM just to be the first face he sees, Jim demonstrates that fatherhood is a marathon requiring consistent showing up. He discusses the power of experiences over possessions, the importance of teaching financial literacy, how he and his wife navigated a five-year break before marriage, and why he believes surrounding your kids with the right community matters more than constant advice-giving. Jim's philosophy centers on making his children feel valued and important—not just loved—while preparing them for independence through international travel, mission trips, and letting them experience failure. This conversation will challenge fathers to think differently about their role beyond the teenage years and inspire them to create a family legacy built on experiences, presence, and unconditional relationship. Chapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction: Three Key Nuggets on Fatherhood (00:17:00) - The Role of a Father: Being Present (00:21:00) - When Did Fatherhood Click? (00:24:00) - The Gift of Failure: Book That Changed Everything (00:30:00) - Supporting Adult Kids Without Enabling Them (00:36:00) - Learning from His Own Father's Story (00:42:00) - Choosing Relationship Over Being Right (00:46:00) - Why Family Travel Became Their Foundation (00:50:00) - Favorite Family Vacations: Croatia and Africa (00:55:00) - Work Will Always Be There—Your Kids Won't (00:56:00) - Legacy: Making People Feel Valued and Important --------- Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/ Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    57 min
  5. Ep. 547 Garr Russell: Why Pain Is Your Kid's Best Teacher

    JAN 23

    Ep. 547 Garr Russell: Why Pain Is Your Kid's Best Teacher

    Join Ned as he sits down with entrepreneur and father of four, Garr Russell, for a raw conversation about what really matters in fatherhood. Garr shares his unconventional approach to raising kids—from buying a restaurant so the whole family could work together, to full-time RVing for five years, to navigating his daughter's most vulnerable moment. They dive deep into the power of physical touch, why we need to stop rescuing our kids from pain, and the critical importance of maintaining heart connection above all else. Garr reveals how one word from his own father marked him for years, and why he's fighting to create a different legacy. This isn't your typical parenting advice—it's about building grit, hearing God's voice, and preparing your kids for their calling. Whether you homeschool or not, whether you work 12-hour days or own a restaurant, the principles Garr shares will challenge you to show up differently for your family. Guest Links: WebsiteLinkedIn --------- Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/ Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis - a rite of passage experience for young men This episode was brought to you by Genesis - a rite of...

    53 min
  6. Ep. 546 Blake Casteel: The Validation Your Kids Desperately Need From You

    JAN 16

    Ep. 546 Blake Casteel: The Validation Your Kids Desperately Need From You

    Blake Casteel opens up about his journey from a fear-driven father repeating generational patterns to becoming a man committed to authentic connection with his six children. Blake shares the pivotal moment when he realized his older kids weren't getting the best of him, and how he's been intentionally changing the "menu" of his fatherhood over the past six years. He challenges dads to stop blaming their wives and kids, to validate their children's identity rather than just correct behavior, and to rebel against the convenience culture that's weakening families. With raw honesty, Blake discusses his work with Youth With a Mission, using fitness as a tool for discipleship, and the life-changing impact of bringing everything hidden into the light. This episode will convict you, encourage you, and equip you to show up differently for your family starting today. --------- Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/ Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis - a rite of passage experience for young men This episode was brought to you by Genesis - a rite of passage for boys becoming men - by Rise Up Kings.

    1h 15m
  7. Ep. 545 Sean Bothelio: How One Dad Built a Home Kids Never Wanted to Leave

    JAN 6

    Ep. 545 Sean Bothelio: How One Dad Built a Home Kids Never Wanted to Leave

    Sean Bothelio shares how he transformed from a scared 23-year-old father into a man who raised two confident sons who followed him into military service. After 30 years in the Air Force, Sean reveals the intentional decisions he and his wife Kim made to create a home where their sons' friends felt so safe that over 100 teenagers gathered there during a tragedy. He discusses the critical role of building confidence in children, why he encourages young men to consider military service, how to raise kids who can be "dropped anywhere in the world and thrive," and the profound difference between being a father and a grandfather. Sean's story proves that fatherhood isn't just about your own kids—it's a posture that impacts every young person who enters your home. Guest Links: LinkedIn --------- Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/ Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

    52 min
  8. Ep. 544 Jeremiah Cooper: Why Your Kids Don't Need a Perfect Father

    12/30/2025

    Ep. 544 Jeremiah Cooper: Why Your Kids Don't Need a Perfect Father

    Jeremiah Cooper opens up about his journey through divorce, remarriage, and learning what it truly means to be a father. After eight years of marriage, separation, and four years divorced, Jeremiah and his wife Wendy remarried in 2013—a story that proves hope exists even in the darkest moments. He shares the hard-won lessons about unconditional love, the difference between happiness and joy, and why trust must be rebuilt through consistent behavior over time. Jeremiah discusses how he started an intentional Bible study in his living room that grew into a weekly gathering for teens searching for father figures. He wrestles with the balance between work and family, the importance of teaching wisdom over religion, and why the role of a father is to help kids discover their true identity in Christ. This conversation challenges men to fight for their marriages, be present for their children, and understand that righteousness isn't about perfection—it's about saying yes to God's transformation in our lives. --------- Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx ---------- Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/ Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

    47 min
4.9
out of 5
75 Ratings

About

Fatherhood Field Notes is where we hear real stories from real men living real lives every week. Fatherhood is not only about being a dad, it incorporates providing and serving a home, loving and serving a spouse, engaging and serving in a community, as well as intentionally serving your children. Fatherhood is an adventure, one full of fun, wild, and messy stories. In this podcast, we will hear stories from real men who have found themselves living the Adventure of Fatherhood. The Craft of Fatherhood episodes are 5-10 minute episodes where your guide Ned Schaut shares stories on his own fatherhood journey.