Fatherhood Field Notes

Ned Schaut
  • 4.9 (74)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    Ep. 529 Marriage Retreat Part 1 of 4 + Complimenting My Son

    In Craft of Fatherhood, Marriage Retreat Part 1 of 4 + Complimenting My Son, Ned Schaut shares the first installment of a four-part series inspired by a recent marriage retreat. He asks dads to wrestle with a critical question: If the enemy could pick you off, where would it be? With a focus on guardrails, accountability, and the hidden blind spots in family life, Ned opens up about a powerful moment with his teenage son. By choosing affirmation—“You’re a hard worker”—over correction, Ned witnessed his son respond with an unprompted “I love you, Dad.” This episode lays the foundation for a series on building stronger marriages, affirming our kids, and leading with integrity in fatherhood. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Craft of Fatherhood Podcast 00:00:24 - New four-part marriage series announced 00:01:36 - First lesson: Identify your weak spots 00:03:10 - The need for male accountability partners 00:03:55 - Setting up "guardrails" for protection 00:04:46 - Story: Praising a son's hard work 00:05:40 - The impact of a father's positive words 00:06:49 - A marriage affirmation for fathers Links and Resources: 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

    8 min
  2. Ep. 528 Jake Stemo: Living A Bold, All-In Life as a Family and Resurrecting the Meaning of the American Dream

    6D AGO

    Ep. 528 Jake Stemo: Living A Bold, All-In Life as a Family and Resurrecting the Meaning of the American Dream

    In this heartfelt episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, host Ned Schaut sits down with Jake Stemo, Leader at NewSpring Church and Founder of Presence Worship, to explore what it truly means to embrace fatherhood. From raising four kids—including a 15-year-old entrepreneur launching her own thrift shop—to navigating loss, adoption challenges, and faith-driven parenting, Jake shares how presence, hard work, and an “all in” mindset shape his role as a dad. Together, Ned and Jake tackle cultural expectations and the pressures of the modern American dream, challenging fathers to rediscover what success truly means for their families. They discuss multi-generational living, marriage that requires dying to self, and the beauty of raising resilient kids who say yes to risk and creativity. This episode is about rejecting passivity, leading with integrity, and resurrecting a vision of the American dream that is rooted in faith, family, and legacy. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Fatherhood Field Notes00:01:23 - Jake's "Dad Moment": Launching his daughter's shop00:03:44 - The story behind their large age gap00:05:55 - Jake's Vocation: Running a worship nonprofit00:08:26 - Fostering his daughter's entrepreneurial dream00:11:35 - Defining the role of a father00:12:48 - When Jake embraced fatherhood00:15:28 - A father's perspective on young marriage00:17:44 - The "adventurously expected" mindset from Romans 8:1500:21:49 - Guiding a daughter's ambitions and dreams00:24:05 - The tension between God's plan and taking action00:29:19 - Navigating conversations about dating and early marriage00:32:04 - Redefining "hard" in marriage as dying to self00:35:37 - Lessons learned from his own father00:39:57 - Rebelling against the "American dream" status quo00:44:02 - Creating a new example for families on mission00:47:08 - Passing down faith through legacy songs00:52:40 - A final blessing for fathers and their unseen sacrifices Guest Link: Jake Stemo LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/jake-stemo-b8944a28Jake Stemo X (Twitter) – x.com/jakestemoNewSpring Church – newspring.org Presence Worship (Jake and wife’s nonprofit equipping young worship leaders) – presenceworship.org Heaven Sent Vintage (Jake’s daughter’s curated thrift shop) – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavensentvintageks/ Links and Resources: 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 thea href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3cr-W8BGo&t=1s"...

    55 min

  3. SEP 19

    Ep. 527 New Approach to Disciplining Your Kiddos

    In this solo episode, host Ned Schaut takes listeners inside a real-life story of frustration with his son and how it reshaped his approach to discipline. Drawing on wisdom from seasoned fathers and his own reflections, Ned unpacks the difference between reacting in anger and responding with intention. He challenges dads to ask not, “What punishment does my kid deserve?” but rather, “What does my child need?” From counting actual actions instead of repeated asks, to owning your discipline choices without hiding behind God or your spouse, this episode provides raw, relatable insights every father can apply. Stick around until the end for a powerful affirmation to anchor your identity as the CEO of your family. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Craft of Fatherhood Podcast.00:00:21 - A new discipline approach from a 72-year-old guest.00:01:14 - Pause, don't react, and ask, "What does this kid need?".00:03:00 - A warning to own your decisions and not blame God or your spouse.00:04:11 - A personal story about reacting poorly to a son's comment on fairness.00:05:12 - A child's perception of working "all the time" vs. the reality.00:06:44 - Kids count the number of "asks," not the completed actions.00:07:45 - "I am the CEO... of this family Links and Resources: 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

    9 min
  4. Ep. 526 Eric Rogell : Drop the Nice Guy Routine and Stop Trying So Hard to be Liked

    SEP 12

    Ep. 526 Eric Rogell : Drop the Nice Guy Routine and Stop Trying So Hard to be Liked

    In this candid episode, host Ned Schaut sits down with author and speaker Eric Rogell to confront the trap many fathers fall into—trying to be the “nice guy” who’s always liked instead of the man who leads with courage and conviction. Eric shares why advice often misses the mark, and why children need fathers who live out wisdom through the Sacred Seven Core Values: courage, honesty, integrity, commitment, duty, honor, and love. From fatherhood and step-parenting to manhood at “Level 60,” Eric unpacks how dropping the need for approval allows dads to guide their kids with strength, presence, and authenticity. This conversation challenges men to stop chasing validation, embrace their role as mentors, and build a legacy rooted in love and honor. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Welcome to Fatherhood Field Notes Podcast00:01:19 – Meet Eric00:03:25 – Late 50s accomplishments: writing a book, producing a documentary00:04:24 – Turning point through meditation and taking command of life00:06:16 – No plans to retire from purposeful work00:07:28 – Untapped wisdom in older, retired men00:08:29 – Difference between advice (head) and wisdom (heart)00:09:47 – Using “wisdom, not advice” by sharing stories and mistakes00:14:25 – Value of letting kids make mistakes: “prepare the child for the road”00:16:35 – Creating healthy challenges, like running an excavator00:18:44 – The Sacred Seven Core Values: Courage, Honesty, Integrity, Commitment, Duty, Honor, Love00:22:26 – The “King and Kingdom” principle: care for yourself to care for family00:25:42 – Navy SEAL lesson on why most commitments fail after five days00:28:10 – Advice for men in the stepfather role00:28:34 –Don’t try to be liked; earn respect00:31:25 – Three Lights of Leadership: Friend, Guide, Guardian00:38:14 – What will your kids think of you at 60?00:38:58 – Complex relationship with father: once seen as villain, later as hero00:42:16 – Discovering father’s generosity through stories after his passing00:43:37 – Importance of a father’s attention, not just time00:46:28 – It’s okay to be the “villain” when acting as guardian Guest Link: Lions Raised as Lambs WebsiteEric’s WebsiteEric on Instagram Links and Resources: 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...

    48 min

  5. SEP 5

    Ep. 525 What Are You Modelling to Your Kiddos?

    In this Craft of Fatherhood episode, host Ned Schaut challenges fathers to reflect deeply on a pivotal question: What are you modeling for your kids? Drawing from candid stories and personal struggles, Ned explores how the way we speak about others, show up in marriage, approach work, and set the tone at home creates a lasting picture for our children. He invites listeners to evaluate whether their actions align with the values they hope to pass on and ends with a powerful affirmation about identity and intentional fatherhood. This episode is a call to lead by example—because what we model matters more than what we say. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Craft of Fatherhood Podcast 00:00:20 - Central Question: What are you modeling for your kids? 00:00:47 - Personal Reflection: Modeling marriage for growing daughters 00:01:21 - Anecdote: How a parental divorce influenced a daughter's view on marriage 00:02:22 - Self-Reflection Point 1: The words you model in your home 00:02:50 - Self-Reflection Point 2: The example you set in your marriage 00:03:12 - Self-Reflection Point 3: How you model work and approachability 00:03:51 - Self-Reflection Point 4: The values you model in your home environment 00:04:11 - A challenge: How would your kids describe what you value? 00:04:50 - Affirmation Prompt: Who do you say that you are? 00:05:10 - A Father's Affirmation: I am here to listen, provide, protect, and care Links and Resources: 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

    6 min
  6. Ep. 524 Gary Stache: Discipline, Step-Children, Years of Unconditional Love

    SEP 2

    Ep. 524 Gary Stache: Discipline, Step-Children, Years of Unconditional Love

    In this heartfelt conversation, host Ned Schaut sits down with Gary Stache— a husband, father of five, grandfather of seven, and Vice Chairman with CBRE Capital Markets, Investment Properties — to explore what it really means to love unconditionally as a dad. Gary shares raw stories of raising a blended family, guiding kids through rebellion, and embracing both tough love and tender moments. With wisdom from 40 years in business and 30 years of parenting, Gary reveals why he never plans to retire, how faith shaped his role as a father, and why being present matters more than perfection. Most importantly, he reflects on raising his children with values and ensuring those values are passed down as the true legacy. His insights on marriage, mentorship, and modeling love will encourage every dad to embrace the messy adventure of fatherhood. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Fatherhood Field Notes Podcast00:01:34 - Meet Gary00:02:10 - Family background and children00:02:46 - Career at CBRE and choosing not to retire00:04:47 - The father’s role: loving unconditionally00:04:58 - Story: a cherished memory with his young daughter in a special dress00:05:53 - Becoming a stepfather and raising a blended family00:07:10 - Story: disciplining a stepson by removing his bedroom door00:09:35 - Tip for fathers: praying before disciplining children00:11:16 - Leading with love: beginning every hard talk with “I love you”00:11:53 - Overcoming the past: growing up without hearing “I love you”00:12:22 - Story: a teenage son showing affection00:14:17 - A blended family’s honor: stepdaughter naming her child after him00:15:06 - Building unity: inviting his wife’s ex-husband to family gatherings00:19:32 - Balancing discipline with fun and engagement00:20:05 - A united decision: asking the kids for permission to propose00:20:40 - Lessons from his father: valuing the outdoors and family first00:22:17 - A moment of healing: asking his father to say “I love you”00:23:40 - Advice for single men: letting God define your future wife00:27:21 - Loving adult children: allowing them to learn their own lessons00:29:21 - Rebelling against distraction: turning off the phone and avoiding social media00:32:43 - Continuing family values Guest Link: Gary Stache on LinkedInGary Stache – CBRE Profile Links and Resources: 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...

    36 min

  7. AUG 29

    Ep. 523 I Feel Like a Good Dad and a Shitty Parent

    In this episode of Fatherhood Field Notes: The Craft of Fatherhood, host Ned Schaut gets real about the tension between being a “fun dad” and a responsible parent. Reflecting on moments with his teens and college-aged kids, Ned shares how easy it is to say yes to dirt bikes, hangouts, and late-night drives—but how crucial it is to also enforce accountability, chores, and responsibility. Through candid stories about family dinners, devotions, and even shutting down screen time, he explores how fatherhood shifts with each season—from raising young kids to guiding adult children—and why dads must lead their homes with love, calm firmness, and consistency. At the heart of the conversation is learning when to hold the line and when to step back—when to enforce discipline and when to show mercy. Ned opens up about moments where he intentionally stayed quiet, choosing relationship over reaction, and how that practice can change the way kids respond. With practical tips, raw honesty, and affirmations like “I am the CEO of this house” and “I will not surrender my responsibility to lead this home,” this short but powerful episode challenges fathers to ask: Do I need to say yes more, no more—or show mercy more often? Chapters: 00:00:00 – Welcome to Fatherhood Field Notes00:01:32 – “Good Dad, S****y Parent”00:03:52 – Balancing fun dad vs. structured parent00:06:27 – Tip 1: Present a united front; don’t say “because mom wants it”00:07:14 – Tip 2: Know when to stay silent00:08:00 – Tip 3: Enforce consequences (screen time off for missed devotions)00:08:51 – Tip 4: Balance saying yes and no00:09:54 – Parenting beyond 18—shift into advisor role00:12:15 – Affirmation 1: “I am the CEO of this house”00:13:49 – Affirmation 2: “I will not surrender my responsibility to lead” Links and Resources: 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

    16 min
  8. Ep. 522 Daniel Lehmann: Authenticity, Stability, and Mercy: Fatherhood Lessons with Daniel Lehmann

    AUG 26

    Ep. 522 Daniel Lehmann: Authenticity, Stability, and Mercy: Fatherhood Lessons with Daniel Lehmann

    In this heartfelt episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, host Ned Schaut sits down with Daniel Lehmann — pastor, father of four, and leader at Living Stones Church — to unpack what it really means to raise kids with stability, authenticity, and truth. From defining the role of the father as one who “trains kids in the way of the Lord” to navigating teenage years with firmness and love, Daniel shares candid stories from 25 years of marriage and parenting. Together, Ned and Daniel discuss when to extend mercy, when to stand firm, and why your home should never be a place of performance. Daniel also opens up about a traumatic brain injury and how embracing weakness has reshaped his view of fatherhood, faith, and family. This episode will leave you encouraged, challenged, and equipped with real tools for leading your home with love, integrity, and courage. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Fatherhood Field Notes Podcast00:01:34 - Meet Daniel Lehmann00:02:40 - Daniel's Family Snapshot00:03:33 - Parenting Grown Children00:05:46 - Defining the Father's Role00:06:50 - How to Pass on Faith00:10:01 - Authenticity Over Performance00:11:45 - Three Pillars of Training Kids in the Lord00:18:20 - The Cell Phone Struggle00:20:30 - Learning from His Own Father00:22:25 - Connecting with Each Child Uniquely00:24:48 - Pivoting from Career to Family00:28:10 - Grace, Mercy, and Fatherhood00:29:45 - A Story of Misplaced Mercy00:34:00 - The Principle of Mercy vs. Enabling00:38:35 - A Life-Changing Health Scare00:40:55 - Embracing the Power of Weakness00:43:50 - Motivation Through Adversity00:46:40 - The Secret to 25 Years of Marriage00:48:40 - A Blessing for Fathers Guest Link: Daniel Lehmann on Instagram Links and Resources: 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: a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes"...

    53 min
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4.9
out of 5
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    530
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Fatherhood Field Notes
  • Show Website
    Fatherhood Field Notes

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