In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host ZachReeser welcomes Lee Eldridge, founder of The Cognitive Athlete, to discuss the challenges of balancing fatherhood and professional life. They explore thedifferences between elite athletes and corporate leaders, the importance ofwellbeing in performance, and the need for dads to celebrate their wins and have fun. Lee shares insights on developing consistent high performance habits, including sleep, breathing, and movement, while emphasizing the significance of creating a healthy family environment.

Learn more about what Lee is doing at The Cognitive Athlete

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In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, guest host Bryan Graff welcomes a special guest, Max Wimmer. A long-time friend and mentor, Max shares his insights and experiences on fatherhood, particularly about being a father to four daughters. The discussion delves into the unique challenges and rewards of raising daughters, the importance of staying engaged in your children's lives, and the crucial role of teamwork between spouses in parenting. Bryan and Max also touch on maintaining strong family bonds, the significance of humility and transparency in parenting, and the long-term impacts of being a consistent and loving presence in your children's lives. Whether you're a dad to daughters, sons, or both, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of parenthood and fostering strong familial relationships.

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, Zach sits down with leadership expert Paul Thornton to explore the intersection of leadership and parenting. They discuss various leadership styles, particularly the three D's: Directing, Discussing, and Delegating, and how these can be applied in both business and parenting contexts. Paul shares personal anecdotes and practical examples, emphasizing the importance of adapting leadership styles to the maturity and experience of children. The conversation also highlights the significance of feedback, self-reflection, and the emotional aspects of parenting and leadership. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for dads looking to enhance their leadership skills at home and in their professional lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Parenting

02:45 The Three Leadership Styles

05:45 Applying Leadership Styles in Parenting

08:39 Real-Life Examples of Directing

11:35 Discussion and Delegation in Parenting

14:41 The Importance of Feedback and Repetition

17:41 Navigating Challenges with Children

20:50 The Consequences of Over-Direction

23:40 Tools for Effective Parenting and Leadership

24:51 Leadership Lessons from Parenting

29:22 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

32:29 Feedback: A Two-Way Street

36:06 Practical Takeaways for Young Parents

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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