Summary

In this episode of the Skilled Dad podcast, Bryan Graf and David Kroll discuss the often-overlooked topic of mental health among fathers. They explore the concept of resilient leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and finding balance in life. David shares his personal journey of overcoming burnout and the lessons learned about prioritizing family and personal well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of taking time for rest and reflection, assessing life priorities, and fostering a growth mindset to navigate the challenges of fatherhood and leadership.

In this episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, Zach welcomes Matt Karam, an experienced parent and martial arts instructor, to discuss invaluable insights into parenting. Matt shares profound stories and lessons learned from his journey in raising four children and teaching thousands of kids martial arts. Key topics include the importance of setting clear expectations, the concept of a child's limited learning window, and the significance of tackling 'teaching moments' head-on. Tune in to learn how to instill discipline, respect, and leadership skills in your children, and hear about practical strategies to avoid common parenting pitfalls. Whether you're a coach, a dad, or simply looking to improve your parenting skills, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt stories to inspire and guide you on your journey.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:30 Podcast Overview and Purpose

02:12 Guest Introduction: Matt Karam

02:27 Matt's Background and Family

04:04 Martial Arts and Parenting Lessons

06:25 Teaching Respect and Discipline

13:02 The Importance of Setting Examples

19:50 Learning Windows and Intentional Effort

23:50 Winning Through Development

24:07 The Truck Driver Analogy

25:20 Parental Involvement and Expectations

26:55 Building Confidence Through Responsibility

29:44 The Story of Jacob

33:36 Teaching Moments and Long-Term Impact

43:24 The Importance of Coaches and Role Models

47:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, host Zach Reeser and a SkilledDad podcast veteran guest, Bryan Graf, explore the question of what it is to be a SkilledDad, emphasizing the importance of connection, community, and the mindset required to be an effective dad. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges of parenting, and the significance of continuous growth and learning. The conversation highlights the impact of a father's presence in a child's life and encourages listeners to embrace their roles with confidence and resilience.

The episode caps off with an exciting announcement about the future of SkilledDad.

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In this special Mother’s Day edition of The SkilledDad Podcast, Zach Reeser sits down with Jessica Etting—founder of the Jam Family Calendar—and his wife, Sonya, for a real conversation about something many families quietly carry: the mental load.

They unpack how the unseen weight of planning, managing, and remembering it all affects moms in particular—and what dads can do to step up and lead with intention. From shared calendars to structured routines, Jessica shares how her app helps families get organized and reduce daily stress. The episode also covers practical systems for household management, why clear communication matters more than ever, and how a little planning around the dinner table can change the whole week.

Whether you're a dad working to be more present, a mom carrying the invisible weight, or just trying to build a smoother home life—this one’s for you.

Episode Summary

NOTE: This episode discusses some difficult topics and is not intended to be listened to with the kids.

In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Scott Stewart, who shares his powerful story of overcoming a traumatic childhood marked by anger and abuse. Scott discusses the importance of personal growth and the journey of healing through forgiveness. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continuous process that can lead to freedom and a better life as a father. The conversation explores the impact of family dynamics, the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment, and the steps necessary to break the cycle of trauma and become an intentional dad.

You can learn more about what Scott is doing by visiting ScottStewartSpeaking.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Skilled Dad Podcast

02:10 Scott's Background and Early Life

05:27 Growing Up with an Abusive Father

09:03 The Impact of Adoption and Family Dynamics

12:02 Escaping the Cycle of Abuse

15:10 Life After Leaving Home

17:27 The Night That Changed Everything

21:01 Confronting the Past

25:55 The Aftermath of Trauma

28:30 Finding Healing and Moving Forward

29:58 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

34:19 The Journey of Self-Discovery

35:29 Becoming an Intentional Father

40:32 The Power of Forgiveness

47:16 Forgiveness as a Continuous Process

53:16 Encouragement for Dads: Start Your Journey

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Skilleddad.com

Instagram : @SkilledDad

Facebook: @SkilledDad

Youtube: Youtubefordads.com

In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Warren Miles-Pickup, a father of three and founder of Pixel True. They discuss the challenges of parenting, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from Warren's podcast, The Flawed Dad's Guide to Parenting.

The conversation delves into the complexities of identity tied to career success, the tipping points for personal change, and the parallels between business strategies and parenting. Warren shares insights on motivation, inspiration, and the importance of allowing children to face challenges to foster their growth.

The episode wraps with Warren's goals for the year ahead, emphasizing the significance of quality time with his daughters.

Learn more about Warren and what he is doing at PixelTrue.com.

In this in-depth episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, hostZach Reeser welcomes Dr. Larry Waldman, a clinical child forensic psychologist with nearly 50 years of experience, to discuss effective parenting strategies. Dr. Waldman emphasizes the importance of reinforcing good behavior, providing quality time, and setting logical consequences for misbehavior. They also touch on the necessity of consistent parenting, the impact of parental modeling, and how to adapt parenting techniques for teenagers. This episode is filled with practical advice for both new and seasoned parents aiming to raise independent and responsible young adults.

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00:00 Introduction to The Skilled Dad Podcast

01:13 Meet Dr. Larry Waldman: A Parenting Expert

01:56 The Role of Parents in Child Psychology

04:48 The Importance of Quality Time with Children

09:18 Practical Parenting Tips and Reinforcement

12:18 Teaching Kids Through Everyday Activities

18:52 Consistency and Specificity in Parenting

23:13 Addressing Minor Misbehaviors

24:30 Effective Parenting Strategies

25:13 Handling Misbehavior in Public

29:40 Logical Consequences for Older Kids

32:46 Preparing Kids for Real World Consequences

34:23 Advice for New and Expecting Dads

35:16 The Importance of Parental Modeling

36:52 Reinforcement Over Punishment

38:10 Teamwork in Parenting

39:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Skilled Dad podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Ryan Schneider, an expert in health and fitness, to discuss their nine elements of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how they all interconnect. Ryan shares insights into the importance of sleep, the challenges of maintaining a nutritious diet, and the necessity of building a strong community. He also delves into how fostering a playful and joyful environment can positively impact our lives.

Listen in for practical tips on how to optimize your health, build meaningful connections, and find joy in everyday moments. Don't miss Ryan's inspiring journey and actionable advice for becoming a more resilient and joyful parent.Learn more about what Ryan is doing at Thrive25.com

You can also follow them on IG @thrive25labs

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