Life of Dad

Life of Dad

Being a dad is the greatest job in the world. It's also the messiest, loudest, most humbling, and funniest one. Life of Dad is the podcast for every dad who's burned the pancakes, missed the instruction manual, and somehow still showed up. Hosted by Life of Dad founder Tom Riles alongside Nashville funny guys Lee Kimbrell and Mike James, each episode brings real talk, real laughs, and real stories from the frontlines of fatherhood. From the chaos of the school drop-off line to the big stuff that actually matters — we're covering it all. No judgment. No perfection. Just dads being dads. Produced by Nateland Entertainment — Nate Bargatze's company — Life of Dad is built for the world's greatest community of dads. And that community? They're basically the fourth host of the show. Keep the comments, stories, and laughs coming — because this podcast is nothing without the dads behind it.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Old Dad, New Worries with Brian Bates | Life of Dad Ep #12

    Comedian Brian Bates joins the guys this week to celebrate his brand-new Nateland comedy special, Worried (watch here: https://youtu.be/-LfFqaVj3uQ), before the conversation naturally turns into everything from becoming an older dad and the "resting worried face" of parenthood to teaching teenagers to drive, disastrous family photos, and why growing older changes the way you think about raising kids. They also swap stories about life on the road, whether 16 is too young to drive, the future of self-driving cars, the great Wendy's vs. McDonald's fries debate, butter storage, and plenty of the unexpected rabbit trails that make hanging out with dads so much fun.

  2. Jul 20

    Lawns, Camping & Chaos | Life of Dad Ep #11

    Episode #11 of Life of Dad finds hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James talking about the unexpected things that somehow become important as life and fatherhood move along. From mowing shoes, lawn care, and backyard projects to gardening, camping, and the little quirks that slowly become part of everyday life, the guys swap stories about the hobbies, habits, and routines they never saw coming. The episode also features stories and questions from the growing Life of Dad community, along with conversations about raising kids, family milestones, outdoor adventures, and the moments that remind you how quickly life changes. As always, the laughs come from the unexpected detours, relatable parenting moments, and the everyday experiences that every family seems to share. Funny, relatable, and full of the conversations that happen when friends get together, Episode #11 is a reminder that sometimes the smallest things—from a perfect lawn to an old pair of mowing shoes—end up carrying some of the best stories.

  3. Jul 13

    Hot Dad Summer | Life of Dad Ep #10

    Episode #10 of Life of Dad celebrates everything that comes with summertime as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James swap stories about family vacations, pool days, backyard adventures, beating the heat, and the unforgettable moments that seem to happen every summer. From the running joke of “Hot Dad Summer” to the little traditions that kids remember for years, the guys reflect on why this season feels different once you become a parent. The episode also features stories and questions from the growing Life of Dad community, along with conversations about summer travel, childhood memories, family routines, and making the most of the time kids are home from school. As always, the laughs come from the unexpected detours, relatable parenting moments, and the everyday experiences that turn into family stories. Funny, lighthearted, and full of summer nostalgia, Episode #10 is a reminder that some of the best memories aren’t the big vacations—they’re the simple moments that happen when everyone is together.

  4. Jul 6

    Stuff Guys Can't Toss | Life of Dad Ep #9

    Episode #9 of Life of Dad welcomes its first live studio audience as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James tackle one of the most relatable questions dads have ever submitted: What’s something you just can’t bring yourself to throw away? From boxes of old cables and random keepsakes to sentimental collections and “just in case” items, the guys share their own stories and hear plenty of hilarious responses from the Life of Dad community. The conversation also wanders into family traditions, parenting moments, growing kids, summer memories, and the everyday experiences that somehow turn into unforgettable stories. Along the way, the guys revisit Lee’s infamous dentist visit, answer listener questions, and enjoy the added energy of having a live audience in the room for the first time. Funny, relatable, and full of the kinds of conversations every dad has had at some point, Episode #9 is a reminder that sometimes the hardest thing to let go of isn’t the clutter—it’s the memories attached to it. Don't forget to Subscribe and Like to see more - https://bit.ly/NateYTSubscribe Hosts: - Tom Riles (https://www.instagram.com/lifeofdad/)- Mike James (https://www.instagram.com/funnymanmikejames/)- Lee Kimbrell (https://www.instagram.com/leekimbrellcomedy/) Podcast produced by Nateland EntertainmentRecording & Editing by Nateland Entertainmenthttps://www.nateland.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ https://www.lifeofdad.com

  5. Jun 29

    Takin' Care of Dad's Bod | Life of Dad Ep #8

    Episode #8 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about one topic many dads tend to avoid: their own health. Hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James talk about everything from routine checkups and mental health to exercise, diet, sleep, and the challenge of taking care of yourself while trying to take care of everyone else. The episode also features stories and questions from the growing Life of Dad community, including dads who ignore injuries, put off doctor visits, and eventually realize that staying healthy isn’t just about them—it’s about being there for their families. Along the way, the guys swap stories about fitness goals, aging, stress, parenting, and the everyday habits that are easier to overlook than they should be. Funny, honest, and encouraging, Episode #8 is a reminder that one of the best things a dad can do for his family is take care of himself, too.

  6. Jun 22

    Dads: Then Vs. Now with Stephen Bargatze | Life of Dad Ep #7

    Episode #7 of Life of Dad welcomes the show’s first guest, Stephen Bargatze, as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James take a trip down memory lane and compare what growing up looked like then versus now. From driving farm trucks as kids and disappearing for hours without anyone knowing where you were to the everyday responsibilities children used to have, the group shares stories that would be almost impossible to imagine today. The conversation also explores how parenting, grandparenting, and family life have changed over the years. Stephen reflects on lessons learned raising a family, while the guys compare childhood experiences across generations and laugh about the things that were once considered completely normal. Along the way, they swap stories about road trips, family memories, growing up in smaller communities, and the different expectations placed on kids then and now. Funny, nostalgic, and full of the kinds of stories families tell around the dinner table, Episode #7 is a reminder that while the world keeps changing, the memories that shape us—and the lessons we pass on—have a way of sticking around.

  7. Jun 15

    Backseat Birth Plan | Life of Dad Ep #6

    Episode #6 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about the journey to fatherhood as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James focus on the final stretch before a baby arrives. From labor-inducing pizzas and Costco hot dogs to power walks, castor oil, and every other piece of advice expectant parents receive, the guys share stories about the strange lengths people will go to when they’re ready to meet their baby. The episode also features stories from the Life of Dad community about labor, delivery, and the moments parents knew it was finally time to head to the hospital. Along the way, the conversation drifts into learner’s permits, road trips with kids, grandparents, family traditions, hospital stories, and the realization that some of the biggest moments in parenting rarely go according to plan. Funny, honest, and full of the kinds of conversations dads have when nobody else is around, Episode #6 is a reminder that while every birth story is different, the anticipation, excitement, and uncertainty leading up to it are something parents everywhere can relate to.

  8. Jun 8

    The Bowflex, A Flamethrower & An Airplane | Life of Dad Ep #5

    Episode #5 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about fatherhood with hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James as they talk about money, responsibility, and the many strange ways dads try to justify their purchases. From sleepless nights with a baby and life on the road to family movie nights, school drop-off autopilot, and old high school nicknames, the guys share more stories about the everyday chaos that comes with being a dad. The episode also features more comments and stories from the growing Life of Dad community, including diaper disasters, dad jingles, ridiculous “practical” purchases, and money-saving hacks that may or may not actually save any money. Along the way, the guys get sidetracked into Pierce Brosnan’s toaster, bidets, Chia Pets, flamethrowers, expired spices, and the difference between providing for your family and simply being present with them. Funny, honest, and heartfelt, Episode #5 ends with a powerful Dad of the Week story about Tim Frost and his son Odin, reminding us that fatherhood is about showing up, finding joy, and loving your family through whatever life brings.

  9. Jun 1

    SWEATY PALMS, BABY NAMES & CAR SEATS | Life of Dad Ep #4 - A Nateland Podcast

    Episode #4 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about navigating fatherhood as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James settle into the second trimester and discuss the surprising confidence that can come with it. As the early panic and uncertainty begin to fade, the guys talk about how easy it is for new parents to feel like they’ve finally figured things out—just in time for parenthood to remind them otherwise. The episode also features stories from life on the road, traveling with a baby, leaning on grandparents, and the lessons learned from accidentally using a car seat the wrong way. Along the way, the conversation drifts into camping trips, family dynamics, memorable advice from previous generations, awkward handshakes, comedy careers, and the importance of being present as a dad. The guys also answer a listener voicemail about preparing for a second child and continue building the growing Life of Dad community through comments, stories, and shared experiences. Funny, relatable, and full of the kinds of conversations dads have when nobody else is around, Episode #4 is a reminder that confidence and parenthood don’t always arrive at the same time.

  10. May 25

    NEW BABY. NO SLEEP. NO CLUE. | Life of Dad Ep #3 - A Nateland Podcast

    Episode #3 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about the early days of fatherhood as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James dive into the fog of bringing a newborn home for the first time. From sleepless nights and 3 a.m. fears to figuring out shifts with your spouse and realizing “this baby is really ours now,” the guys share honest stories about the emotional blur of those first few days with a new baby.The episode also features updates from life at home, including Lee celebrating his daughter finally saying “Dada,” conversations about youth sports, parenting encouragement, and the moments dads remember years later. Along the way, the guys get sidetracked into Michael Jordan debates, late-night newborn paranoia, marriage growing stronger through parenting, and the strange mix of exhaustion, fear, and joy that comes with becoming a dad. Funny, heartfelt, and relatable, Episode #3 feels like the kind of conversation dads have after finally surviving the first few nights home with a baby.a

  11. May 18

    My Wife is Pregnant, Now What? | Life of Dad Ep #2 - A Nateland Podcast

    Episode #2 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about the early stages of fatherhood with hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James as they focus on the first trimester and everything that comes with it. Building off last week’s conversations about sleepless nights, newborn life, and adjusting to parenthood, the guys share more stories about pregnancy nerves, hiding the news early on, Mother’s Day as a new dad, and the mental games of marriage once kids enter the picture. The episode also features continued listener comments and voicemails from the growing Life of Dad community, including reactions to Lee’s legendary jean shorts and a hilarious parenting “hack” from Tom’s past. Along the way, the guys get sidetracked into parking lot debates, expectant-mother parking spots, Cybertrucks, school graduations, and the realization that while the days can feel long, the years really do fly by. Equal parts funny and honest, Episode #2 feels like the kind of conversation dads have when they finally get a minute to sit down and catch up.

  12. May 11

    BECOMING A DAD | Life of Dad Ep #1 | A Nateland Podcast

    Episode #1 of Life of Dad kicks off with hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James diving into the moment life changes forever: becoming a dad. From sleepless nights with newborns and surprise pregnancies to dad fashion, Costco runs, and learning how quickly kids grow up, the guys share hilarious and heartfelt stories from every stage of fatherhood. The episode also features community voicemails from dads and moms around the country, plus an emotional story from Tom about his daughter Barbara’s miraculous survival after a life-threatening diagnosis before birth. Equal parts funny, honest, and encouraging, this debut episode sets the tone for a podcast built around family, friendship, and the wild ride of being a dad. Don't forget to Subscribe and Like to see more - https://bit.ly/NateYTSubscribe Hosts: - Tom Riles (https://www.instagram.com/lifeofdad/)- Mike James (https://www.instagram.com/funnymanmikejames/)- Lee Kimbrell (https://www.instagram.com/leekimbrellcomedy/) Podcast produced by Nateland EntertainmentRecording & Editing by Nateland Entertainmenthttps://www.nateland.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ https://www.lifeofdad.com

  • 12 Episodes

4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Being a dad is the greatest job in the world. It's also the messiest, loudest, most humbling, and funniest one. Life of Dad is the podcast for every dad who's burned the pancakes, missed the instruction manual, and somehow still showed up. Hosted by Life of Dad founder Tom Riles alongside Nashville funny guys Lee Kimbrell and Mike James, each episode brings real talk, real laughs, and real stories from the frontlines of fatherhood. From the chaos of the school drop-off line to the big stuff that actually matters — we're covering it all. No judgment. No perfection. Just dads being dads. Produced by Nateland Entertainment — Nate Bargatze's company — Life of Dad is built for the world's greatest community of dads. And that community? They're basically the fourth host of the show. Keep the comments, stories, and laughs coming — because this podcast is nothing without the dads behind it.

Information

  • Creator
    Life of Dad
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Life of Dad

You Might Also Like