Fatherhood Field Notes

Former NFL player turned real estate developer and advocate, Corey Parchman, sits down with Ned to share his deeply personal journey through loss, perseverance, and purpose. From building the first all-boys preschool in America to writing The IVF Playbook for Men, Corey opens up about the challenges of navigating infertility, the lessons of “no free lunch” learned from childhood, and the importance of filling the gaps as the CEO of...

As summer winds down, Ned invites fathers to take ownership of this pivotal moment — the start of a new school year. In this short, impactful solo episode of Craft of Fatherhood, Ned breaks down how this seasonal transition offers a unique opportunity for leadership in the home. Whether it’s adjusting bedtime, introducing morning devotions, or revising the family chore chart, this is your moment to lead with intention, structure, a...

In this heartfelt episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned sits down with Jaz Yglesias—a passionate music teacher, jiu-jitsu coach, and lifelong contributor to his family and community. Jaz opens up about raising a blended family, grieving the loss of his daughter, and how martial arts isn’t just self-defense—it’s soul development. From his belief in honoring seven generations to his insistence on work ethic, contribution, and love o...

Ned gets raw and real about something every father needs to hear—the fleeting number of summers we get with our kids. With one child in college and others growing up fast, Ned shares the emotional shift that happens as your family dynamic changes.

He reminds us that while the to-do list will never be done, the moments we have left with our children are limited—and precious. Thi...

In this deeply candid conversation, FloWater CEO and visionary entrepreneur Raz Razgaitis sits down with Ned Schaut to explore how fatherhood—not business—became his greatest teacher. From scaling tech companies to navigating divorce, Raz shares how his definition of success radically shifted when he chose presence over performance and connection over control. With heartfelt honesty, he unpacks the painful lessons and powerful brea...

Ned peels back the curtain on the messy, sacred, and often hilarious real-life moments that define fatherhood. From rescuing his daughter in a parking lot to navigating tough conversations with his son about dirt bikes and responsibility, Ned invites us into the daily decisions that shape our kids—and ourselves. He reflects on presence, parenting with integrity, and the subtle power of being interruptible. This episode reminds ever...

In this raw and revealing episode, Army and law enforcement veteran Bill Marr opens up about his journey from homeless at 17 to becoming a devoted father of three and founder of Breeze Benefits Group. With Ned, Bill dives deep into the realities of overcoming anxiety, breaking generational cycles, and the relentless work it takes to be present—not perfect—for your children. He shares hard-earned insights...

Ned challenges fathers to recognize sex as sacred and to communicate its true meaning and value at home, not just let culture define it for their kids. He shares real ways he and his wife approach open, shame-free conversations about sex, urging dads to align their beliefs, lead with grace, and clean up their own struggles so they can model healthy intimacy for the next generation.

Links and Resources:

• Transform Your Body with Ne...

Griff Erickson — former pro baseball player turned father of three — shares how he’s learning to “keep it simple” and “stay approachable” while raising kids who know what real love, hard work, and character look like. From life’s unexpected curveballs to messy garages and fatherhood’s hidden gift of leaning into the hard, Griff opens up about what it means to “love the suck,” show up for your kids, and build a solid foundation at h...

Ned dives deep into the importance of treating words and thoughts as sacred tools in fatherhood. He highlights the profound influence a father can have in shaping his family’s environment simply by mastering self-control and being intentional with the words he speaks. Through personal reflection, Ned explores the idea that fatherhood is about influence, not control, and how managing thoughts and actions ...

Ned Schaut and Amber Vilhauer unpack what it means to raise kids who trust their authentic voice. Amber shares how deep conversations, co-parenting with respect, and being fully present can help fathers break generational cycles and guide their kids with awareness and integrity. From her journey as a single mom to reconnecting with her own dad, Amber’s story reminds every father: It’s never too late to show up and lead by example.

G...

Ned continues the "What is Sacred?" series by turning the focus inward—to the very space we call home. With heartfelt storytelling and real-life reflections, Ned challenges fathers to consider: Is your house just a building, or is it a sacred space where peace is cultivated? Through vivid anecdotes—like helping his son buy a first car instead of insisting on a clean garage—Ned explores how the tone we set, the stress we carry, and ...

In this powerful and convicting episode, John D. Gillespie shares his remarkable journey from American seminary halls to planting churches in rural England. With a voice forged through decades of ministry, fatherhood, and spiritual battle, John invites fathers to reject comfort culture and embrace the calling of servant leadership. He unpacks why the home is not your castle—it’s your Calvary, and how the...

Ned Schaut continues the What Is Sacred? mini-series by diving deep into the often-overlooked gift of the human body. Through candid storytelling (including the discovery of a dead rat in his garage gym), Ned challenges fathers to reflect on how they’re treating their physical health—and what message that sends to their kids. This episode unpacks the idea that the body is sacred, meant to be honored, stewarded, and respected. From ...

In this heart-forward episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, host Ned Schaut sits down with Hawaii-born real estate pro and former touring musician, Chris Stimac, to unpack the power of presence, partnership, and purpose in fatherhood. From the stage lights of Europe to the ocean tides of Kona, Chris opens up about choosing intentional family life over fame—and how that one choice redefined his success. Together, Ned and Chris explore ...

Ned kicks off a powerful four-part series exploring what’s truly sacred in our homes. With candid, heartfelt reflection, Ned challenges fathers to think deeply about the values they’re passing down—intentionally or not. From the importance of respecting mom to evaluating whether we’ve made money or time too sacred, this episode urges dads to lead with integrity, honor, and self-awareness. Ned offers actionable wisdom drawn from rea...

In this raw and energizing episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, JD Denham shares the moment he realized he was “sick and tired of being sick and tired”—a pivotal shift that led him to reclaim his health, identity, and leadership as a father. JD opens up about transforming from a burned-out dad into a mission-driven man using discipline, faith, and fitness as his foundation. From leveraging peptides to spark vitality to the deeper wor...

Ned Schaut challenges dads to examine whether family is truly their top priority or simply something they say. Reflecting on a dirt bike outing with his son and insights from coaching and literature, he unpacks the tension between building success and being present at home. Through personal stories and striking metaphors—like climbing the ladder of success only to find it’s leaning against the wrong building—Ned urges fathers to al...

What does it mean to truly be present as a father? In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Levi Harris—CEO of Death Grip Wax and a professional mustache competitor—opens up about fatherhood, faith, and the fine art of grooming and guiding. From navigating deep grief through miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy to learning how to be mentally and emotionally present for his kids, Levi shares raw stories of struggle, surrender, and...