The Unhinged Father

In this week’s episode of TUF, Robbie gets real about one of the most important—and challenging—parts of parenting: raising kids to be genuinely good people. As his own children grow, he’s reflecting on how to instill values like kindness, character, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Rather than fixating on academic achievement or athletic success, Robbie dives into how he’s shaping a family identity root...

In this brutally honest solo episode of The Unhinged Father, Robbie returns from a brief hiatus to get real about the chaos of modern life, parenting, and the overwhelming pressure to keep up with social media perfection. From dad life to gym struggles, from toxic positivity to unrealistic influencer expectations—this episode is a raw, unfiltered reminder that life is hard, and that’s okay.

Robbie unpacks the frustrating world of pa...

In this episode of The Unhinged Father, we tackle the evolving conversation around mental health awareness, personal accountability, and the challenges within the mental health industry. While acknowledging the importance of recognizing anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles, I explore a growing concern: Has society swung too far in glorifying mental health labels rather than seeking real growth and solutions?

We als...

Are modern parenting styles actually making life harder for kids? In this episode of The Unhinged Father, we dive into The Anxious Generation and explore how overprotection in the real world—while leaving kids unguarded online—might be fueling anxiety, depression, and a lack of resilience.

🔹 Why kids need free play and real-world risks to grow strong

🔹 The hidden dangers of unsupervised screen time and social media

🔹 How parental a...

College: is it a golden ticket or an overpriced trap? In this episode of TUF I step away from my usual dad and parenting content to dive into a hot-button topic that affects millions—college, student loans, and the real value of higher education.

As a college graduate (who switched majors after burning out on pre-med), I share my personal experience navigating higher ed and my take on whether a degree is really necessary for success...

Every parent has a different approach—some lean toward caution and protection, while others believe in letting kids explore, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. In this episode of The Unhinged Father, I dive into the real-life balancing act between my wife’s cautious parenting style and my more hands-off, let-them-figure-it-out approach.

After a day at the park watching our kids climb, fall, and push their limits, I realized ...

Ever felt like you’re stuck on autopilot, coasting through life without making real progress? In this raw and unfiltered episode of The Unhinged Father, I open up about the tough years in my 20s—struggling with bad habits, unchecked mental health, and the toll it took on my marriage and personal growth. From drinking too much and avoiding responsibilities to learning how to take ownership of my life, I share my journey of self-impr...

In this episode of The Unhinged Father, we dive into the importance of showing love and affection in front of your kids. Inspired by a simple yet profound comment from my 5-year-old, I explore why kids feel safer and more secure when they see their parents genuinely like each other.

We break down:

✔️ How generational differences shape how we express love in front of our kids

✔️ The dangers of falling into a “business partnership” marr...

Are parents turning childhood milestones into unnecessary competitions? In this episode of The Unhinged Father, we dive into the unspoken rivalry among parents—who walked first, who talked first, and who’s already doing calculus at age two. 🤦‍♂️

I break down why comparing kids’ development is pointless, how it creates unnecessary stress, and why it’s time to stop tying our self-worth to how fast our kids hit milestones. Plus, a per...

In this episode of The Unhinged Father, we dive deep into the lasting effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns and how they shaped modern parenting, social interactions, and mental well-being. As a new dad in March 2020, I found myself navigating not just fatherhood but also a world shutting down around me. Now, years later, I question—have I (or any of us) truly recovered?

From the rise of remote work and social distancing to the struggle...

Caught in the whirlwind of parental conflict, a child's emotional safety hangs in the balance. Reflecting on a viral video that captures the heart-wrenching scene of a young boy torn between his feuding parents, I dive into the responsibilities we hold as guardians to shield our children from such chaos. This episode brings to light the grave impact these disputes can have on a child's development, highlighting the necess...

In this week’s episode of TUF, we explore the delicate balance of being a “safe space” for your children while maintaining boundaries and guiding them toward growth. Inspired by personal parenting moments—like late-night visits from scared little ones—we dive into the importance of providing emotional safety without over-validating irrational fears.

As a millennial dad, I share my thoughts on why it’s essential to support our kids t...

In this episode of The Unhinged Father, Robbie reflects on a heartfelt, wine-fueled conversation with his father-in-law about parenting philosophies. Dive into a candid exploration of balancing old-school toughness and discipline with new-school empathy and emotional intelligence when raising kids. Robbie shares personal anecdotes, insights from his upbringing, and his journey as a dad navigating the gray areas of parenting.

Discove...

In this heartfelt episode of The Unhinged Father, host Robbie dives into the bittersweet evolution of friendships as we grow older. Kicking things off with a hilarious (and slightly gross) parenting story featuring his two-year-old’s sass and a surprising request, Robbie transitions into a deeper exploration of how life changes—marriage, kids, careers—make maintaining old friendships challenging.

Through candid anecdotes, including ...

In the first episode of 2025, I reflect on a challenging yet transformative year for my family and the evolution of TUF.  This week, I dive deep into the nuanced topic of setting boundaries and parenting standards for my kids while navigating differing approaches from other families.

We explores the tension between being a strict, authoritative parent versus embracing a more empathetic, “gentle parenting” style. I shares personal ch...

In this pre-Christmas episode of The Unhinged Father, we reflect on the holiday hustle and explore the concept of “raising the bar” in parenting, relationships, and personal growth. Host Robbie opens up about his ongoing health journey, balancing calorie restrictions with holiday indulgences, and staying accountable despite the season’s challenges.

As the holiday magic unfolds, Robbie dives into the importance of dads stepping up th...

In this episode of TUF, Robbie dives into the modern misconceptions surrounding marriage and relationships, sparked by a viral video claiming, “If marriage feels hard, you’re with the wrong person.” Reflecting on (almost) 14 years of marriage, Robbie discusses the ups and downs, the importance of resilience, and why sticking through the tough times can lead to deeper connections.

From navigating life’s chaos as a parent to debunking...

In this reflective post-Thanksgiving episode, Robbie shares a candid update on the evolving direction of The Unhinged Father podcast, including changes to past episodes and the launch of “TUF Plus.” He opens up about the personal challenges of maintaining balance during the chaotic holiday season, from managing work frustrations to dealing with holiday prep stress.

Robbie dives into his struggle with anger, the importance of process...