Front Row Dads - The Show For Dads Who Want To Level Up Their Dad Game

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Robert Glover. Robert is a therapist, coach, speaker, and author of the groundbreaking book, No More Mr. Nice Guy. This is a must-read for men who struggle with expressing their needs and setting healthy boundaries without feeling guilty or shame. In our conversation, we explored how our childhood traumas set the stage for how we manage emotions and interact in our relationships and how to ditch those "covert contracts" we make with people, assuming they should read our minds and know what we want without us having to say it. Robert shares practical advice on how to set boundaries in a way that doesn't alienate others and instead draws them in. You'll also hear about the 3 covert contracts that nice guys make with themselves that cause anger and frustration. We also bonded a bit by talking openly about how we handled disagreements in our own marriages, how easily we get triggered, and how to approach these moments with love the next time. Enjoy! A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… E

Fellas, today's episode is near and dear to my heart because I'm here with my very own Front Row Dad, Rick Vroman. Many of you are likely aware of my father's impact in shaping the man I am today, but we're digging a little deeper here and going back to my father's childhood and taking a peek into our own evolution as fathers. You'll hear what it was like for my father to grow up with a pretty demanding dad and his experiences and importance of hard work and providing for his family. But we'll also get into some fun stuff like fishing trips, where our athletic bloodlines and my entrepreneurial spirit come from, and some family traditions that go way back. We talked about the bond we share of never feeling pressured to follow in our father's footsteps, why my Dad never tried to nudge me toward a specific career or path in sports, and how the best parts of moving around so much as a child allowed me to explore and reinvent myself.  Finally, we talked about our Family Cornerstones document that my Dad created wh

Gentlemen, I am here with real estate mogul Brandon Turner. Brandon is a real estate investor, podcaster, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of Open Door Capital LLC. He's built a world-class real estate empire closing on a billion AUM, he's recognized as one of the foremost experts in real estate and led the BiggerPockets podcast to 100 million downloads—just an all-around legend. We talked about how he balances his time between business and family and how his faith and religion have shaped him into the amazing Dad he is today. Brandon explained how his success skyrocketed by not letting indecision become the decision, learning how to trust and manage risk, and also how to delegate instead of abdicating. And perhaps surprisingly, could his love of playing Monopoly have revealed the billion-dollar secret to success in real estate at a young age? You'll hear his thoughts on involving your kids in real estate deals, the importance of scheduling some "no kids connection time" with his wife, and what h

We're very fortunate to have so many legends in the FRD Brotherhood, and today's guest, Dr. Kelly Flanagan, is definitely one of them. Kelly is a psychologist, consultant, speaker, and author of several books that profoundly transformed my views on marriage, family, relationships, and friendship. In our conversation, we talked about how easy it is for couples to get triggered by seemingly minor things. Even after decades of expertise in understanding the human psyche, he still deals with this in his relationship. You'll hear how he's become aware of when his heart is closing and how the key to managing marital conflict is to keep your heart open. You'll also hear what Dr. Kelly is doing with his Humaning Substack and how you can join 14,000 other subscribers. He's using his platform to share inspiring stories of how we can improve our reaction to stress and crisis by not fighting against the current but instead being present enough to find the updraft as an easier way to reach our destination. One last thing,

I'm joined by fellow FRD Brotherhood member Ray Bayat. Ray founded NetCo Investments, Inc. along with Mitch Bayat in 2002. But if there's one thing you should know about Ray, it's his dedication to being an amazing Dad and husband, always striving to improve in every role he plays. Today's conversation is all about growth. Ray shares his journey growing up in Iran during the revolution, his family's sacrifices (especially his Dad, who was tough-as-nails), and how that experience molded him into a more understanding and evolved parent and loving husband.  Ray believes real growth happens when we're uncomfortable, and he's making sure his children learn that lesson early. Despite being teenagers, his kids have traveled to dozens of countries, exposing themselves to different cultures, ideas, and ways of life.  Ray also talks about how grateful he is for his amazing wife, Katrin. From parenting to business, she always pushes him to be better and has been invaluable in helping him achieve his goals and stay groun

Mike Kinner is the co-founder of Peak Play Performance and the creator of Air O Sport. This innovative game cleverly blends elements of your favorite sports and packs them into a fun backyard game that families (or literally anyone, even the military) can enjoy. Air O Sport is designed to unite people and ensure everyone, regardless of age, athleticism, or skill level, has a blast playing it.  In our conversation, Mike shares how his son, Samuel, is a legend who is bravely battling microcephaly, which is linked to several disorders, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, blindness, and others. You’ll hear how his son inspired Mike to create Air O Sport, the challenges his family has faced, and the important life lessons he’s learned.  Mike talks about how he balances being a dad to a special needs child while running a business, bootstrapping Air O Sport, and creating live events like the upcoming Sweet 16 Military Championship. Above all else, you’ll hear Mike emphasize the importance of active play as a means

As we countdown to International Mother’s Day, we’re shaking things up a bit because I’m joined by Angie MacDougall and Megan Corey. These two moms are incredible souls and successful businesswomen with families who co-lead the Front Row Moms community.  In our conversation, Angie and Megan share the joy and balancing act of modern motherhood. They dropped some great advice on how Dads can score some bonus points on Mother’s Day. And here’s a hint, fellas: If you ask her what she wants, she’ll probably tell you.

Today, I’m joined by Dane Johnson, Founder and CEO of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, the most successful Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) consulting firm worldwide, offering no-BS effective strategies for battling chronic illnesses.  Dane’s personal health journey is beyond inspirational. Having been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when he was 22 and there were times when Dane couldn’t walk and was hooked up to a feeding tube. Defying the odds, he completely transformed his health using holistic methods instead of relying on conventional heavy-duty antibiotics and medicines.  In our conversation, you’ll hear the routines, supplements, and life hacks he used to become the best version of himself. Dane’s philosophy is actually quite simple: forget about quick fixes. Real change requires a complete overhaul of your daily life. And sometimes that means re-evaluating the company you keep, and having the discipline to watch everything that you put into your body. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… Facing Crohn’s Coli

Hal Elrod is the author of The Miracle Morning, one of the most life-changing books ever written and has sold over 2 million copies. Hal has been a huge part of my life and a legend in the FRD community since the very beginning, and he has inspired so many people to be the best versions of themselves. So today, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to the beginning of Front Row Dads in 2016. Hal and I share how that gathering paved the way for a thriving global brotherhood of over 300+ incredible humans on a mission to better themselves in every possible way.  We dig into our experiences with our FRD bands and our favorite parts of how the Brotherhood at FRD has evolved. Hal talks about connecting with his kids and enjoying co-parenting, getting together with a buddy and the kids to show another side of himself, and being more than a Dad.  Last but certainly not least, we also share our thoughts on the future potential of the FRD community and some exciting stuff we have lined up. Enjoy! A Wide-Ranging Convers

Paul Austin is an entrepreneur, author, coach, and leading figure in the psychedelic space who has guided millions to safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences. He's the founder and CEO of Third Wave and Synthesis, companies leading the way to legal, mainstream access to psychedelic medicine. His work has been featured in the BBC, Forbes, WebMD, Business Insider, and Rolling Stone.  In our conversation, Paul will guide you through everything you need to know about microdosing, from common dosages for therapeutic uses, to the health benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to microdose safely without sacrificing sleep. You'll also learn why not all psychedelics are made equal and why some are a better fit than others in certain seasons of your life.  You’ll also learn the origins of psychedelic use and the microdosing protocol he credits with making him a more present, courageous, and just overall more rounded human being.  If you've ever thought about wading into the microdosing water, or you're just curious

Mike Brcic is an adventurer, writer, entrepreneur, father, and husband on a mission to guide entrepreneurs toward not just wealth but a deeply satisfying and meaningful existence packed with real adventures. Today, we're exploring what it means to live adventurously. Mike explains why adventure isn't just about scaling the tallest peaks. It's also found in the small journeys and getaways with family and friends that enrich our lives.  Mike reveals how adventures shape us into better partners, parents, and friends. He lays out a roadmap for those looking to break free from comfort, embrace risks, and shake off the monotony of daily life. As a mini cliffhanger (pardon the pun), you also won't want to miss his harrowing experience dealing with altitude sickness during a climb in Ecuador and his advice on ensuring everyone's safety while going on shared adventures. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… Kicking off a lifetime of adventure  Suffering altitude sickness on a mountain in Ecuador It’s more about the jo

Matt Drinkhahn is a business coach, strategist to growth-minded clients, a dear friend, and valued member of the FRD Brotherhood. He just released a fantastic book, The Eternal Optimist, which I'm excited to dig into and the impact that it's had on so many people. One of Matt's greatest gifts is that any time you spend with him always leaves you feeling loved, accepted, optimistic, and re-energized about your future. You can never have too many friends, especially when struggling with doubt, shame, and guilt. We'll talk about how it's never too late to make a change and be a friend to someone who feels that they're not enough. In our conversation, Matt opens up about his evolution as a parent and how he moved away from micromanaging his kids' lives to letting them carve their own paths. He also emphasizes the benefits of having a Brotherhood to lift you up and remind you that being perfectly imperfect is better than constantly striving for perfection. One last thing, we’re giving away a few copies of Matt’s b

Gentlemen, I’m chatting with my dear friend Ali Jafarian. Ali is an amazing husband, father, and legend in the Front Row Dads community.  If there’s one thing that the two of us have in common, it’s an appreciation for the outdoors. Whether we’re hosting a night with friends and family in the backyard around a firepit, taking the family on a hike, or creating epic adventures, we speak the same language. In our conversation, we dropped some teasers on what the upcoming FRD Summer Summit will look like and talked about how connecting with nature and the people we love creates stories and memories that last a lifetime.  We also shared ways we can sprinkle a healthy dose of uncertainty in our kids’ lives so they can be more resilient and talked about the importance of surrendering to play, get a little silly, and create memories they’ll never forget. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… The genesis of Front Row Dads Striving to be famous at home How humans are meant to be outside The recipe for connecting in nat

Mollie Eastman is the Founder of Sleep Is A Skill, a company she created after facing her own battles with sleep and insomnia that optimizes people's sleep through a unique blend of technology, accountability, and behavioral changes. You might be surprised to learn that roughly 33% of adults struggle with sleep. We dig into her expertise on issues like sleep apnea and the warning signs that both men and women should be aware of. We'll also talk about the benefit of naturally increasing melatonin to improve our overall wellness, in addition to a better sleep. Mollie also discusses some of the technology, tools, and wearables available, like Oura Rings, that can help us sort out our sleep issues and optimize our Circadian rhythms. Above all else, Mollie will help you understand that getting good sleep isn't something that just happens if we're lucky. It's a skill we can all learn and improve with the right tools and knowledge. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… Fine tuning your Circadian rhythms  How 1/3rd o

Scott Donnell is the brilliant and game-changing entrepreneur behind GravyStack, an app that teaches and empowers kids to be resilient and responsible with money. His mission? Inspire 50 million kids to be smarter with money so they go on to crush it in the real world.  Scott is the co-author of Value Creation Kid: The Healthy Struggles Your Children Need to Succeed. He's also the co-host of the Smart Money Parenting podcast. He's already made a tremendous impact with over 6 million kids across America, and there will undoubtedly be tens of millions more before his work is done. In our conversation, Scott opens up about his game plan for building resilience in kids through what he calls "healthy adversity," ensuring they grow up without falling into the pitfalls of entitlement and being spoiled. You'll also hear Scott's favorite ways of handling conflict and why giving allowances to your kids is actually a bad idea.  One last thing. You don’t miss our upcoming Vibrant Health Online Summit on March 21, 2024. Y

Hal Runkel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, registered conflict mediator, relationship coach, and internationally acclaimed speaker who’s helped thousands of people worldwide enjoy calmer, happier lives.  He’s the New York Times bestselling author of ScreamFree Parenting, ScreamFree Marriage, and the Founder and President of the ScreamFree Institute, and he’s figured out how to make parenting and marriage, you guessed it… scream-free zones.  You’ll hear Hal’s perspective on a topic that keeps many parents up at night: How do we keep our kids safe while also letting them learn from life’s tough lessons?  Hal shares some of his practical routines and strategies anyone can apply to become comfortable with relinquishing control in parenting scenarios without feeling like they’re setting a bad parenting example. You’ll also understand why having the ability to press the “pause button” is a superpower that works wonders to resolve conflicts with our kids and relationships. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Th

Rick Hupp is an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, specializing in helping people heal from trauma and build better relationships. If your life ever feels like a broken puzzle with a few missing pieces, we'll talk about how you can put it back together today. In our conversation, we'll explore a few big questions: why do so many guys struggle to create peaceful, loving relationships? How does our past factor into our present relationships and "Internal Family Systems"? And how can we manage conflict, triggers, and resentment in better and healthier ways for our families. Rick shares some practical tools for easing tension in relationships and choosing our partners in ways that aren't just repeating the same old patterns. We'll talk about meeting vulnerability with more vulnerability when we'd typically release our anger on our partners and create guilt and shame instead of repairing and resolving our issues. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… The relat

Chris Emick is the CEO of Go Bucket Yourself, a community dedicated to living a bucket list life full of adventure, connection, growth, and creativity. If you check him out on Instagram, you’ll definitely get the whole picture. Chris invested in real estate early with his corporate job and has created enough passive income to buy his time back by going on epic adventures (solo and with the family) and is also helping others create their own. In our conversation, we’ll talk about the rewards of going on solo adventures to work on our ego, test our endurance and mindset, and practice gratitude. And, of course, you’ll definitely want to hear about the incredible 30-day adventure, hiking over 500 miles and climbing 6,000 feet of elevation on the Camino Frances. You’ll also learn a valuable lesson from his rain gear story, how it’s a worthy investment when adventuring, what happens when you don’t have a good one, and how he solved the problem. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… Doing ego work on solo adventures

Today, I’m chatting with Jayson Gaddis. Jayson is an author, speaker, coach, and relationship expert with a knack for understanding human behavior. Jayson is the creator of the Interpersonal Intelligence® and Present Centered Relationship Coaching® and the Founder of The Relationship School, and has trained over 200 coaches in 11 countries.  In our conversation, we dig into the wounds that are created from conflict in our relationships and how to repair them. We share some facepalm moments with our family, the times when we lost it with our partners or kids and ended up making things worse. Jayson shares thoughtful insights on why that might happen, pointing to those unresolved issues from the past that sneak up on us.  You’ll also walk away with some practical advice and strategies on how we can change those patterns, connect more deeply with loved ones, and do it all without sacrificing our self-respect. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… Trauma, triggers and the silent treatment Getting to the root of r

Scott Burgett is a member of the FRD Brotherhood and the visionary behind Evolution Vegan Academy, an innovative online coaching program specifically tailored for vegans, empowering individuals to shed up to 20 pounds within four months.  Scott shares his journey from a meat-eating athlete to coaching as a high performing vegan. Most people know about Netflix and chill, but you’ll hear how Netflix and specifically documentaries led to a dramatic change in lifestyle for Scott and his wife.  Scott also talks about how prevalent online bullying is for vegans and he destroys the myth that “soy equals man boobs.” We’ll also get into the daily challenge all entrepreneurial Dads face by spending their phones, even when the goal is to be present at home. A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… Lessons from a childhood with divorced parents Greatness requires hard work Scott’s favorite things about his wife The struggle to be present at home is real When kids catch you on the phone Going from Netflix docs to a vegan lif