In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, we sit down with Ryan Miller—a man whose joyful demeanor belies a journey through significant trials and transformation. Ryan opens up about his 24-year marriage, raising two daughters, and how embracing suffering has shaped him into the father and husband he is today. He shares vulnerable stories about his own mistakes, including a near-infidelity experience, surviving the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, and how these moments became catalysts for growth rather than destruction. Ryan discusses the importance of physical and spiritual health, intentional presence with our children, and how fathers can balance ambition with family priorities. He offers practical wisdom on passing faith to our children and extending fatherly influence beyond biological connections. This conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to embrace both strength and vulnerability in your fatherhood journey.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and first impressions

00:01:06 - Finding joy through suffering and Ryan's transformative experiences

00:05:30 - Discussing suffering with children and embracing life's challenges

00:09:09 - Ryan's background and focus on health

00:11:19 - Life in California and creating family memories

00:13:00 - Building relationships with daughters and potential sons-in-law

00:22:38 - Ryan's central message to men about purpose and responsibility

00:25:01 - Men of Greatness Brotherhood community and resources

00:26:43 - Understanding discipline as alignment rather than control

00:29:18 - Discussing God's purpose versus individual choices

00:35:52 - Balancing career aspirations with family priorities

00:40:17 - Rebelling against the idea that vulnerability is weakness

00:45:45 - The father's role as provider and protector

00:48:10 - Passing faith to children through modeling and conversation

00:56:53 - Envisioning the future as a grandfather

Links and Resources

Ryan's Community: Skool.com/men-of-greatness

Ryan on YouTube: YouTube.com/RyanJamesMiller

Ryan's Website: RyanJamesMiller.com

Wounds: How Hurt, Heartache, and Tragedy Become the Keys to Unlocking Greatness: