Fatherhood Field Notes

Ned Schaut
  • 4.9 (76)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    Ep. 575: Who has the power to give identity? | Craft of Fatherhood

    This Friday Craft of Fatherhood short is finds Ned thinking through the epic role that Zechariah played in the identify and name of John the Baptist. Do we have the same responsibility as modern dads? What about getting our kids to do things with us... like go to the gym? Do we ask them to, or do we tell them they're going and bring them along? Chew on these things with us on this short episode. Best takeaway: As a father you have influence and the responsibility leave and give your kids a name, and even reveal to them their identity. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    9 min
  2. Ep. 574: How to Build a Legacy in a Huge Blended Family w/Mark Stiles

    4D AGO

    Ep. 574: How to Build a Legacy in a Huge Blended Family w/Mark Stiles

    Mark Stiles joins Ned Schaut for a grounded, honest conversation about raising a large blended family, building intentional family culture, and redefining what strong fatherhood really looks like. Mark and his wife are raising eight children ranging from ages 3 to 19—including biological, step, adopted, and special-needs children. What unfolds in this episode is not polished parenting theory. It’s real-life fatherhood: chaotic dinners, Sunday family traditions, hard conversations with teenagers, caring for a daughter with Down syndrome, and learning how to stay deeply present through it all. At the center of Mark’s philosophy is a simple but powerful goal: Raise kids who are happy, healthy, and productive. But as this conversation unfolds, those words become much deeper than surface-level comfort or success. Mark and Ned unpack: Why involvement matters more than perfectionHow dads can break unhealthy generational cyclesWhy boys need intentional preparation for adulthoodThe importance of one-on-one time with older kidsHow adoption and special-needs parenting can reshape an entire family cultureWhy the goal isn’t controlling your kids—but creating a home they’ll still want to come back to This episode is especially powerful for: Fathers in blended familiesDads raising teenagersMen navigating busy, high-demand family lifeFathers trying to be more present than the example they received One of the strongest moments in the episode: When Mark says his greatest hope is simple: “I want my kids to want to come to family dinner when they’re adults.” That’s legacy. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    59 min

  3. MAY 8

    Ep. 573 | How to Impart Identity to Your Children

    This Friday Craft of Fatherhood short is a solid quick listen if you want something deeper than generic parenting hacks. Ned tackles a question almost every dad thinks about but rarely says out loud: How much influence do I really have over who my kids become? The episode is really about this idea: A father’s job isn’t just protecting and providing — it’s helping shape a child’s identity. He talks about: how to guide your kids without controlling them,why kids need direction instead of “just figure it out,”and how fathers shape confidence, purpose, and character through everyday words and example. It’s thoughtful, honest, practical, and unscripted. Best takeaway: Your kids become who they are in large part through the things you consistently call out, encourage, and model to them. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    15 min
  4. Ep. 572: Playing it Safe is the Riskiest Way to Live w/Nate Burkhalter

    MAY 5

    Ep. 572: Playing it Safe is the Riskiest Way to Live w/Nate Burkhalter

    "Failure is measured in ounces, regret is measured in tons." Nate Burkhalter—seven-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior—joins Ned Schaut for a raw, grounded conversation about identity, risk, and what it actually means to lead as a husband and father. Nate’s story isn’t polished—it’s forged. From a career in oil and gas engineering to chasing a his calling through failure, rejection, injury, and breakthrough, he unpacks a revelation he heard from God, a hard truth most men avoid: playing it safe is the riskiest way to live. But now, as a new father of twins, the game has changed. The arena isn’t just competition—it’s the home. This episode hits the tension every driven man feels: Build something meaningful… without sacrificing your familyTake risks… without being recklessLead spiritually… without hiding behind religion Nate brings clarity: your primary ministry isn’t your platform—it’s your family. And if you get that wrong, nothing else matters. Why fathers should listen: You’re ambitious but don’t want to wake up at 55 with regretYou feel the pull between grind and presenceYou want to raise kids who actually know God—not just perform religionYou’ve failed, and you’re wondering if you should keep going Key takeaways: Identity shift → risk tolerance → real impactFailure isn’t the enemy—regret isDiscipline creates freedom in both work and family lifeStewardship beats control in fatherhoodThe first 8–12 years with your kids are foundational—don’t outsource them --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    1h 4m

  5. MAY 1

    Ep. 571: Listen to Your Kid, Chores and Curfews

    In this straight-shooting Craft of Fatherhood episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut calls fathers back to two lost arts of manhood: listening well and leading with purpose. Ned challenges dads to stop being the constant lecturer, fixer, and rule-enforcer—and instead become the trusted voice and steady ear their children actually want to come to. He shares how some of the deepest moments with his daughters came not through speeches, but through quiet conversations in the car, in the hot tub, and in everyday life. His warning is blunt: if a father won’t listen to his daughter, some immature boy eventually will. The second half of the episode pushes fathers to rethink discipline, chores, curfews, and household rules. Ned argues that great dads don’t enforce rules just for control—they connect expectations to character formation. Curfews become lessons in respect and communication. Chores become lessons in responsibility. Family standards become training ground for adulthood. This is a practical, masculine reminder that fatherhood is not passive—it is leadership, stewardship, and sacrifice. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    11 min
  6. Ep. 570: True Manhood Begins When... w/Eugene Johnson, Jr.

    APR 28

    Ep. 570: True Manhood Begins When... w/Eugene Johnson, Jr.

    In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut sits down with Eugene Johnson Jr. for a bold, no-nonsense conversation on biblical manhood, fatherhood, marriage, and spiritual leadership. Eugene shares wisdom forged through 25 years of marriage, raising two children, mentoring men in courts and prisons, and leading fathers back to God’s design. He challenges modern labels like “provider,” “protector,” and “alpha,” arguing that men are not gods of their homes—they are stewards under God’s authority. This episode calls fathers higher: stop chasing image, start pursuing obedience. Learn why your kids need more than money, why your wife needs leadership not passivity, and why true masculinity begins with submission to Christ. Key Takeaway: If you want conviction, clarity, and practical steps to lead your house well, you'll want to listen to what Eugene has to say. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    1h 1m

  7. APR 24

    Ep. 569: Rate Our Relationship: Ask Your Kid, Then Do This

    On this Craft of Fatherhood short, Ned reflects on a recent conversation with Mondoe Davis where Mondoe gave us all a challenge: ask your kid to rate your relationship. Then smile and say "thank you". And get busy implementing their feedback! Listen to this episode for some thoughts on how to implement this and walk out changes and development with the help of some insights from your kids. After all, we rate everything... shampoo, albums, restaurants... and then we look for others' feedback. Why shouldn't we be seeking feedback from the ones we love the most, the ones we're responsible for? Yeah, it's vulnerable, but so is humility. Do it! Bottom line: find out ways that the ones you love think you could be loving them better and make it happen. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    10 min
  8. Ep. 568: Leading Thousand Year Families of Faith w/author Johann Kurtz

    APR 21

    Ep. 568: Leading Thousand Year Families of Faith w/author Johann Kurtz

    In this episode, Ned sits down with Johann Kurtz - a legacy adviser, former technology professional and author of Leaving a Legacy: Inheritance, Charity, and Thousand-Year Families. Kurtz's work focuses on the philosophy, theology, and practical structure of multi-generational family impact. Drawing from a deep engagement with Western intellectual and Christian traditions, he explores how families can steward wealth, culture, and responsibility across generations rather than defaulting to short-term or purely individual success models. His recent thought-provoking book challenges modern assumptions about inheritance, philanthropy, and family responsibility, arguing for a return to intentional, values-driven legacy building rooted in moral clarity and long-term vision. This episode is a wake-up call for fathers who want their life to mean something beyond just a career and a paycheck. Together, they challenge one of the biggest cultural assumptions today: that success is about building wealth for yourself—and in some persuasions, giving it away—rather than building something that lasts through your family. Johann makes a bold case—strong families, not institutions, have historically built the most meaningful, lasting impact. Multi-generational vision isn’t about hoarding wealth or entitlement; it’s about raising sons and daughters who are capable, virtuous stewards of what’s been built before them. The conversation gets practical fast. Fathers are challenged to rethink how they’re raising their kids—not just pushing them toward school and jobs, but intentionally shaping character, exposing them to real responsibility, surrounding them with strong men, and integrating them into meaningful work and relationships early. There’s also a hard truth: if your adult kids aren’t ready to carry something forward, that’s not a market problem—it’s a fatherhood problem. You had decades to prepare them. Key Takeaway: Stop thinking in terms of one lifetime. Start thinking in generations. Build something worth passing on—and raise the kind of men and women who can carry it. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 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

    1h 8m
See All (576)

4.9
out of 5
76 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ned Schaut
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    576
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Fatherhood Field Notes
  • Show Website
    Fatherhood Field Notes

You Might Also Like