DAD Talks: Recent Episodes
JT Zahradnik
The podcast where we bring dads togehter to share stories in order to encourage and inspire other dads to be better everyday. Hosted by JT Zahradnik
Intro music credit: Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
Any time I would share my story about my relationship with my dad or my divorce, afterwards people would say, "Oh I am sorry about that."
I then would say this phrase but I have had an epiphany and realized that this phrase is not helpful at all.
Here's what led me to this conclusion.
On this episode of DADtalks, Andy Schoepf joins the show to share his story and insights from being a dad.
We discuss
How this idea that we are not called to be comfortable has:
Led him to leave his job of 18 years to step into a field he knew little about
Serve the other parents while their child was in the NICU
And why he has a heart for the church, especially the youth
"There is more to 'time heals...'"
On this episode of DADtalks, Daniel Novak joins the show to share his story and insights from being a dad.
We discuss
-Daniel's childhood as a pastor's kid
-His career as a firefighter
-Dealing with the loss of their son
Make sure to listen to the end for bonus content!
"How can I make an impact like my dad did." -Caleb Mann
On this episode of DADtalks, Caleb Mann joins the show to share his story and insights from being a new dad.
In this episode:
-Caleb shares what he has learned as a new dad
-Building community through Pinball competitions
-The amazing legacy of his dad and how it impacts Caleb now as a dad
"If it (suffering) is avoidable, the meaningful thing to do is remove its cause...If, on the other hand, one cannot change a situation that causes his suffering, he can still choose his attitude." -Viktor E. Frankl
We can't always control what happens to us but we can control how we will respond.
"I wasn’t getting to their heart because I hadn’t logged enough quality time to earn the collateral to discipline." -Jamie Hopkins
On this episode of DADtalks, Jamie Hopkins joins the show to share his story and insights from raising 3 kids to entering the next stage of being a grandpa.
In this episode:
-Jamie shares his struggles of being a dad at 18 which included losing their first child to SIDS
-Working to improve as a husband and dad continually
-Life lessons from his love of drumming
S4 #006
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Drew Burkamper. I brought Drew on to talk about fostering kids and the story behind "One More Arrow." We also discuss the need for dads to be in community with other dads and what the numbers on your toaster mean.
S4 #005
"Whatever standard you set for them, they will follow."
On this episode of DADtalks, I am joined by Nick Martin. As you listen you will begin to pick up on the theme of intentionality as we talk about how to be intentional with your spouse, kids, and in life.
S4 #004
On this episode I share some on insight from Jordan Peterson's book 12 Rules of Life on how to effectively yet lovingly discipline our kids.
S4 #003
When I was young and first married I thought sex was synonymous with intimacy (let's be honest I thought this most of my marriage). Now as a single man, I am trying to figure out what intimacy looks like apart from the physical act of sex. How can I cultivate intimacy in my friendships? How can you cultivate deeper intimacy with your spouse?
S4 #002
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Taylor Miles.
Taylor and I discuss a variety of topics covering dealing with our anger, the messiness that is parenting, and finding the balance of helping our kids mature but also letting them be kids.
Taylor shares how the pandemic and his wife's health struggle brought the family closer together as well as insights from going to counseling as a couple.
S4 #001
Loneliness is something we all struggle with at some point in our life. I reflect on my loneliness in light of Easter Weekend. Holy Saturday was a dark and lonely day for the followers of Jesus because they did not understand the work Jesus was doing in preparation for Resurrection Sunday. Don't quit on Saturday and miss what's to come on Sunday. There is HOPE.
S3 #011
This season as I reviewed each episode, one theme continued to emerge which was that "Communication is key." I realized that each guest spoke to a different aspect of communication that is vital in our everyday relationships.
Some of the different aspects discussed were being vulnerable with your spouse or kids, surrounding yourself with wise friends, and having clear expectations.
Thanks again for listening to this season of DADtalks!
S3 #010
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Mike Jones.
This was a fun episode to record since Mike is a good friend so lots of laughs throughout but also some serious discussions. Mike shares some wisdom on keeping the romance alive with your spouse, the negative impact his father had on his body image, and how he processed that. We also discuss the need to surround yourself with positive friendships.
S3 #009
There is a story from the Bible that is found in Numbers 11 that begins with the Israelites complaining to Moses about wanting to have meat to eat instead of just manna. It ends with a severe plague and the place being called Kibroth Hattaavah or "graves of craving."
Even though this story took place thousands of years ago, it can teach us a very valuable lesson on contentment that is applicable to us today.
S3 #008
Brenton Laidler and I became friends after connecting on the LiveFree App when we realized we share the same humor. We begin to call each other and share our latest parenting wins regularly...or usually our failures.
Brenton shares some great parenting wisdom and addresses how to overcome parents' fear of their kids being influenced negatively by culture. We also talk about the need for community as an adult, raising strong kids and how showing your kids vulnerability will make your relationship stronger.
Connect with Brenton:
Where is Jesus
Refill Podcast
S3 #007
You ever find yourself in the middle of an argument asking yourself, "What is going on? How did we get here?"
That's where I found myself during a conversation with an unsatisfied customer. Later as I processed what happened, I realized the lessons I learned from dealing with these type customers are useful in everyday relationships as well.
S3 #006
"It was easier for me to stay busy than to face my inadequacies as a husband."
I brought Jeff onto DADtalks to talk about learning from our failures and how becoming a better man can lead to a better marriage.
Jeff is also the author of two books, host of Wife Magnet Radio, a marriage crisis coach, and monthly contributor at Live Free.
wifemagnet.me
Better Man, Better Marriage by Jeff Borkoski
Wife Magnet by Jeff Borkoski
You Control How You Play - Ryan Holiday
S3 #005
Overthinking -
Does the following describe you: Thinking too much about something, or putting too much time into thinking about or analyzing something, in a way that is more harmful than helpful? Did you just spend five minutes going back and forth in your mind trying to decide if this is true about you? Yeah, you definitely are an overthinker, then.
In this episode, JT shares his struggle with overthinking and how he pulls himself out of the overthinking loop.
S3 #004
Carl knows what it’s like to feel trapped by pornography, unwanted sexual behavior, and crushing shame. He’s a former porn addict who’s been helping others find freedom for over 10 years.
In 2019 he launched Live Free Ministries and created the Live Free Community App to provide a safe and supportive community for men who hunger for real freedom. He also launched Live Free Wives, a free support community for spouses.
Carl is an ordained pastor, published author, certified Neuro Health Coach, and the CEO of XXXchurch.com.
Carl and I talk about men overcoming sexual addictions, how to talk to your kids about sex and how to lead with transparency.
Connect with Carl:
XXXChurch.com
whenshamegetsreal.com
S3 #003
I once heard a guest talk about "creating the world he wanted his kids to live in" which got me thinking about doing the same especially given the season that I was in. I did not want to continue to live as the "victim" of my situation but how could I move forward? I found some help after reading the book, "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday. In this episode, I share the paradigm shift I had in how I viewed and handled obstacles.
The Obstacle is the Way - Ryan Holiday
S3 #001
"Graduate college, get a job, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after..." Wait, it's not that easy?!?
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Mark Galloway .
I asked Mark to come on DADtalks to discuss fatherhood and the unique challenges of adopting. We also talk about continually improving as a dad and the leader of your family, the complexity of the brain, and how kids raised in the same family environment can turn out completely different.
Enjoy my interview with Mark Galloway on this episode of DADtalks
S2 #008
In this final episode for Season #2 of DADtalks, JT shares what he has learned over the past season not just from his own life but from each of the guys interviewed this season.
S2 #007
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Ryan Dawson.
Ryan has been a friend of mine for several years. Even though he has lived in a different state or country most of the time, we have stayed connected over the years. Ryan works as a pilot for a missionary organization based in Peru.
Ryan and his wife, Genevieve, are some of the coolest people you will meet. Both were raised in the jungles of Venezula, and now are raising their family of 4 in Peru where they swim in a lake with piranhas. And if you think that’s crazy just wait to hear some of the stories Ryan shares from his own childhood.
Ryan has faced loss in his life so I brought him on to talk about those losses and how he processed through them. The first was the loss of his mother at an early age. The second was the recent loss of their child after Genevieve suffered a miscarriage.
Here is my interview with Ryan Dawson on this episode of DADtalks.
S2 #005 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Reid Gossen. Reid is another friend of mine from good ol Corn Bible Academy. As you will hear in the interview we did some crazy stuff together in HS and just like most of you question how we are still alive today. Reid is Fire Fighter at Norman Fire Dept in Norman, Oklahoma, and is also the owner of Gossen Homes and Construction. He is married to Morgan and together they have Maverick and Vera. I asked Reid to come on DADtalks to catch up on life and hear how things are going for him as well have him share their story of struggling with infertility and how God worked for them to adopt Vera. We also talk about growing up in a Christian bubble and navigating life coming out of that, and how our faith has grown as we processed through this. Enjoy my interview with Reid Gossen on this episode of DADtalks.
S2 #006
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Matt Miller.
Matt is a guy I met a few years ago through a mutual friend and I never would have thought I would be interviewing him to hear his advice or input on divorce and blended families. It is pretty awesome to see how God has worked in his life over the years.
Matt and his wife Rochelle stay busy raising their blended family of 4 and if that is not exhausting enough they also do foster homes for misplaced dogs.
I asked Matt to come on DADtalks to discuss the challenges of divorce and raising kids in a blended family.
Enjoy my interview with Matt Miller on this episode of DADtalks.
S2 #004
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Carlin Day.
Carl and I talk about what it's like raising 4 boys with his wife, Angela. How dads can elevate their value by developing their character, vision, and skills. Carl also talks about the legacy his father passed down to him that gives him a solid foundation to raise his boys.
To connect with Carlin Day:
Go check out:
https://elevatingvalue.com/
https://twitter.com/elevatingvalue
S2 #004
Welcome to the first episode of our new segment titled DADisms
DADisms are characteristics that dads should have as stated by previous guests in their answers to the question: A DAD is ______.
The idea is to dig deeper into the answers that the dads give and how we can apply them to our everyday life.
The first DADism comes from the interview with, JC Zahradnik, A DAD is consistent.
S2 #003
On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Josiah Street.
We discuss raising girls specifically strong-willed independent girls, how to overcome overthinking, and what we can learn from difficult situations.
S2 #002
On this episode of DADtalks, JT interviews his older brother, JC Zahradnik.
JC and his favorite assistant coach aka his wife, Beth, work together to help their team of 4 "Work Hard. Be Tough. Be their best self."
We talk about our shared childhood experiences, how the skills needed to be a great dad transfer over to being a great coach, and why it takes courage to work on our own mental and emotional health.
S2#001
Dads have can many roles that they are trying to play and the struggle comes as they try to find the balance to perform all of them well.
Does balance just mean giving equal time to all roles so one is not neglected? Or is there a better way?
Bonus #001 - I asked the following question on Facebook, "Do you agree with this statement: "In order to grow you have to experience pain.'?”
I was amazed at the amount of responses I got from this question but even more at the insightful answers from a variety of people. In this bonus episode I respond to the comments and dig into them a little deeper.
I can't believe that the first season of DADTalks has come to a conclusion.
Here's what I learned from Season #1:
- "Be curious. Not judgemental." -Walt Whitman
- Practice gratitude.
- Be fully present where you are
- The "withness" of God
Thank you so much to everyone who has listened!
007 - In the first interview on DADTalks, JT talks to long-time friend and mentor, Toby McCarter. Toby and JT talk about growing up without a father present and the impact this has on a young man. The two also share some laughs from the crazy days of Toby's childhood as well as some insights on fatherhood.
006 - I think a lot of us dads live passively because we didn’t have a high standard set by our dads. Not saying all of our dads were bums but some our parents had the mindset of; you got the basics met, what more could you possibly need?
What if we lived with a different mindset? What if instead of just meeting the basic needs, we actively shaped the story our kids will tell their kids when we are gone?
005 - Part of our job as dad’s is to leave a legacy. Or I should say we leave a legacy regardless, so it’s up to us whether that legacy is good or bad. So how do we work on legacy especially if we have been handed down a not so great legacy or we feel like we are failing at the moment?
In this episode, I try to answer the question, “What is legacy?” and how we can begin to lay a foundation for our kids to build their lives upon.
004 - I have come to believe, you have to break down all the walls and get back to a solid foundation before you can rebuild. It will never work to simply paint or remodel all the while you have a faulty foundation.
God had to break me so I would give up my pride and control and this false idea we men have, “I have it all together. I don’t need help.”
If I am defined by my past then there is no future for me. There’s no hope.
If the past defines who I am, then what’s the point?
There is no redemption then. No second chance.
We can either shame ourselves into inaction for failing or accept that we have failed and decide to take action and learn from it.
003 What are your wounds? How do you even discover them? We as dads have to get healthy first so we can take care of our kids. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize our wounds and how to begin to heal from them.
002 Anybody else ever ask yourself, "Why do I act this way? Or where did that come from?" This is the idea of "legacy burden" which I will be discussing over the next several episodes starting by sharing my own personal legacy in Episode 2.
001 Since this is a podcast all about dads, it only makes sense that we first come up with a definition for who or what is a dad. We can't get better at being dads if we don't even know what we are aiming for. We talk about how a dad is like a coach.
“You have heard of Ted Talks, right? Well these are DadTalks. Unlike TedTalks where experts talk about how they have it all figured out, well these ain't that. DadTalks are just one dad talking about the issues dads face and how to respond to them so they can better love and lead their own kids.
Introducing the DadTalks podcast from JT Zahradnik, a dad trying to figure out what it means to be a dad, looking to help other and encourage other men in their roles as a dad.
In this introductory episode, JT shares the heart behind DadTalks and what he hopes to accomplish with this podcast.