Good Men Great Dads

Many parents today are feeling the mounting social pressures to get children their own smartphones. My guest today says she was astounded when she saw some kids in her community as young as 1st or 2nd grade with their own smartphones. When she spoke to the other parents in her community, they agreed it was a good idea to delay, but they knew they’d be fighting the norm. They set out to make the choice easier on both parents, and their children by using peer pressure in a positive way.Brooke Shannon and that group of parents from her daughter’s school banded together to form Wait Until 8th. The organization urges parents to wait until at least 8th grade to give their children their own smartphones.  In our discussion, Brooke explains how the pledge works, and why it empowers parents. We also speak about the potential dangers of social media and geotagging and go in depth on some of the downfalls of excessive screen time. We also touch on the psychological reasons wait to give your children smartphones and the research that supports the decision. As we wrap up,  Brooke outlines some great resources to help parents and children fulfill the pledge.My hope is that our discussion will arm you with some talking points for your conversations with other parents in your community. These are not issues our parents had to deal with and resources are somewhat limited. Wait Until 8th provides the tools you need to make an informed decision. Please enjoy.HighlightsHow does the pledge work?What sparked the idea for a pledge?How many families have signed the pledge so far?Why 8th Grade?Research to support why parents should  wait to give their children smartphonesLack of basic social skillsstrategies on talking to your children about itWhat if your kid already has a smartphone?How to talk to your children about responsible smartphone useTips for reducing or even eliminating screen time? LinksFind out more about Wait Until 8th and take the pledge at: waituntil8th.orgConnect with Wait Until 8th on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,If you haven’t yet, request to join the Good Men Great Dads Facebook Group at www.goodmengreatdads.com/communitySign up for our Great Dads Academy newsletter at www.goodmengreatdads.com/newsletterFor more information click on www.goodmengreatdads.com/podcast/012 

My guest this week is "The Worlds Toughest Life Long Learner". He's a coach and public speaker, delivering relentless motivation five days a week as the host of the AM Excellence (AMX) and Spaniard 101 podcasts. Using his experiences as a former UFC fighter, 2 time Pennsylvania high school wrestling state runner up, and the winner of season 1 of Spike TV's Joes vs. Pros (among a ridiculously long list of other accomplishments) he offers insight on how to convey excellence in whatever you do. Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman left his job as a middle school Spanish teacher to pursue a career as an MMA fighter with only two qualifications- a pretty impressive wresting background, and a will to succeed. Not only did he attain his goal of reaching the "big-time" in the UFC, but he fought the best of the best, including Rick Story, Johnny Hendricks, and Erick Silva.Today we discuss his book, "Driven: My Unlikely Journey from Classroom to Cage", as Charlie shares his story and talks about being the best husband and father he could be while training and developing a career in the UFC. We also discuss the role of family and community in his success, and how he is able to stay true to himself throughout the process. Everything Charlie does is the epitome of hard work and enthusiasm and I think you'll find this interview to be no different.HighlightsHard work is learnedLead by exampleFitness and continuous learningObsess about excellenceMorals and values make decision making easyChanging your mindsetBuilding relationshipsFailure is inevitable- don't run from itIs love more important than money?What are your non-negotiables?Shifting your perspectiveLearning as the antidote to your baggageDon't call it a comeback LinksConnect with Charlie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or at charliespaniard.com/Pick up a copy of Charlie's book, Driven: My Unlikely Journey from Classroom to Cage on AmazonSubscribe to Charlie's Podcast If you haven’t yet, request to join the Good Men Great Dads Facebook Group at www.goodmengreatdads.com/communitySign up for our Great Dads Academy newsletter at www.goodmengreatdads.com/newsletterFor more information click on www.goodmengreatdads.com/podcast/011

My guest today has a humbling and inspiring story about love, loss and regrowth.  He and his wife, Gina, co- authored the NY Times bestselling book, “The Color of Rain” and co-founded the New Day Foundation for Families (503c) which has raised money to offer financial assistance and emotional support programs to cancer patients and their families.  Michael Spehn and family have lived through enough tragedy for 3 lifetimes, and somehow they continue to find ways to turn this heartache into opportunity. Michael and Gina’s story is brutal and uncomfortable, but somehow comforting and encouraging.Today Michael and I discuss the book “The Color of Rain” and his experiences with death and grief, and how he was able to find the light in the darkness of his experiences. Michael explains that his focus is, and always will be his kids. We discuss dealing with grief, and helping others grieve, how to move forward after a tragedy, and how God is at the center of everything he does. As you'll see from our conversation Michael is a very kind and generous man. I think whatever your relationship with grief and tragedy may be you'll find this discussion is enlightening and thought provoking.Highlights17 days after diagnosisConnect with other people- don’t try to go it aloneLetting the kids know that they’re not aloneHumility to put your energy into serving othersProviding families with support from people who understandKeep your eyes and your heart openA fathers job is to lead by exampleMark Twain- “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”"I want you to make your own mistakes- I just don’t want you to repeat mine!"We all have our personal 9-11’sEarthquakes of lifeCare for your family- get things doneAfter tragedy, you can’t “go back to normal”Keep moving forwardI don’t know what I’m going to do, but I do know what I’m not going to do.This kids are the singular focusHowever you feel, that’s OKAffirmation is keyGrief is not linearEveryone needs a neighbor like EdAlways ask their name“Love your neighbor as yourself”Give your kids a backyard“Move Along”*Producers Note: On November 12th, 2017 Michael's son was diagnosed with brain cancer- Michael and his family thank everyone for their outpouring of prayers. They've placed their hope and strength in Christ.  Please keep the prayers coming!*LinksConnect with Michael on Facebook or through the New Day Foundation for Families"The Color of Rain" Pray for Sam KellTo make a donation to the New Day Foundation for Families, please visit https://www.foundationforfamilies.org/donate-now/If you haven’t yet, request to join the Good Men Great Dads Facebook Group at www.goodmengreatdads.com/communitySign up for our Great Dads Academy newsletter at www.goodmengreatdads.com/newsletterFor more information click on www.goodmengreatdads.com/podcast/010 

Surrounding yourself with a network of strong individuals is not a new concept. For centuries leaders, dignitaries, and politicians have held this practice in high regards.  Why then, is this not common practice with everyday men like you and I? My guest today contends that every many should build a community around himself not only for his own good. But for the good of his family.In this episode I speak with Founder and Managing Editor of Stand Magazine, Dwayne Hayes.  In his work at Stand, Dwayne has written many articles that outline the skills of building a network. We discuss in depth, how to develop a network of strong individuals who can help you thrive both personally and professionally.  We discuss perpetuating healthy communities, we disprove the lone wolf misconception and learn how to recognize the strengths of others, even when they annoy you.  As we wrap up we’ll discuss how this ties in to growing as a husband and a father and finally, what to do, and what not to do, when you’re looking to expand your network.Highlights"Men Who Give A Damn"Think about your legacyPerpetuating healthy communitiesBreaking the Lone Wolf MisconceptionWe are what we consumeEveryone can teach you somethingHow to recognize the strengths in othersHow to expand your networkLinksConnect with Dwayne and Stand magazine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or at Stand-Magazine.comIf you haven’t yet, request to join the Good Men Great Dads Facebook Group at www.goodmengreatdads.com/communitySign up for our Great Dads Academy newsletter at www.goodmengreatdads.com/newsletterFor more information click on www.goodmengreatdads.com/podcast/009

Have you had your share of dealing with disrespectful, unmotivated, irresponsible, or untruthful kids? Are you wondering why you’re navigating through a relationship that is less than it used to be with your wife? My guest today has made his living for the past 20 years as an authority in the field of parenting and relationships. He and his son have educated over 600,000 families how to take control of their home and regain the respect of their children and spouses. Today I speak with Kirk Martin, Founder of Celebrate Calm.  In my discussion with Kirk, we talk about his parenting wake up call, breaking the generational cycle of ineffective parenting, growing in to your leadership position within your home, and a lot more.  Kirk goes further in-depth on the three questions most asked by men, and shares some practical knowledge regarding connecting with your kids and wife. Kirk also provides examples and strategies for dealing with many of parentings inconveniences.   I think you’ll find his sense of humor and no drama approach are a welcome departure from stuffy relationship experts. Get ready for a healthy dose of truth as you enjoy this weeks episode of the Good Men Great Dads Podcast!HighlightsOnly when you can control yourself will you be able to control your kidsJust lay downKirk’s wake up callBreak the cycleAsk, "Whats my part in this?"Releasing the victim mentalityIs your eight year old son managing your emotions?Putting your energy into building relationships vs. your careerInstilling “what it takes to be successful” in your six year old is not necessaryWhy you need to put away your parental expectationsKids learn from making mistakes- don’t rob them of thatParental pressure is a mythSchedule fewer commitmentsFocus on the positive things your kids do, not the negativeDo you want your kids friends playing at your house?You ARE a leader in your home whether you realize it or notChoose your language carefullyBe “the quarterback” of your home“How Do I get calm?”How do I get my kids to listen?How do I connect with my wife?How to blow your wife awayYour wife is probably overwhelmedStop proving your pointOne thing your wife will never say It is not your job to fix her problems- it is your job to listenConnecting with your kidsInstituting Agenda-free timeBuilding a connection around something they’re interested in“Enjoy your child”Dads are irreplaceable in your homeLinksConnect with on Kirk on Facebook or at CelebrateCalm.comIf you haven’t yet request to join the Good Men Great Dads Facebook Group at www.goodmengreatdads.com/communitySign up for our Great Dads Academy newsletter at www.goodmengreatdads.com/newsletterFor more information click on www.goodmengreatdads.com/podcast/008