Radio Dad with Mike Austin

Hondo Carpenter is an award winning sports writer and host of the "Las Vegas Raiders Insider" podcast as well as Spartannation.com. While traveling the country and covering sports for Sports Illustrated, Hondo has remained a devoted husband and DAD! Enjoy this hour long conversation as Hondo brings you stories of legendary coaches whom he knows personally and tales of his life as a dad.

In this episode of "Radio Dad with Mike Austin", I talk with Josephine Nicholas about the family business that she and her siblings run, Published Daily We chat about the dynamics of working with your family and the challenges and rewards. Josephine also describes how you can build a business that includes your family so that you are all on the same page. Hint.....keep the bigger goal in mind and sometimes you have to humble yourself.

Next, I talk with an energetic dude I was recently introduced to by a mutual friend. Imagine two, hyper, enthusiastic guys having a conversation. Tom Matt is my guest and Tom is into a lot of things. He's a personal trainer/fitness coach, a Dad (of course), an author, public speaker and host of "The Tom Matt Show" online. Tom and I talk about navigating the part of your life, as Dad, known as "The Empty Nest Years". It's important that you and your wife have something, more than the kids, that holds you together! That sounds weird to say, but, once the kids move out and begin their own life, you have to still have each other and a common goal/interest. Tom and his wife started a company!

ENJOY!

Everyone seems to be enthralled by the railroad. When it comes to dads and kids and the railroad, it's hard to beat the joy of building a model railroad! I grew up in a small, railroad town (Savanna, Illinois). The Milwaukee Road and The Burlington Northern were both very prominent in Savanna. I lived right between the 2 railroads and have always loved trains. My first guest is Michael Frezell and he is part of a model railroading club and we chat about the magic of the railroad, how to get started in the hobby of building a model railroad, the types of scale (from G to HO) and a bunch more! By the way, if you ever get to Savanna, Illinois, make sure to visit the scale model railroad of the entire town and area, at the Savanna Cultural Museum!

NEXT....

There's a teen mental health crisis in America and our own Surgeon General says that social media plays a big part is bringing on depression in our teens. Dad! This is totally in your wheelhouse! We HAVE to take control of devices and social media postings. I talk with Laine Lawson Craft, author of: "The Parent's Battle Plan- Strategies To Win Back Your Prodigal"

Do you or would you charge your adult kids, rent?  Some parents are giving their adult children 3 times as much money as they're putting into their own retirement accounts!  Helping our kids morph into the adulting world is filled with financial, moral, ethical and sometimes even spiritual landmines!  How do we help without overstepping or enabling to the point of making our adult kids incapable of making their own decisions and carving their own path?  I talk with Ed Butowsky, financial strategist and expert in wealth management.

Next, do you like your job?  While there are NO perfect jobs and, these days, everyone has some kind of side hustle...if not a full on business on the side, employee satisfaction is an all time high!  Credit sign on bonuses, paid time off, a tighter labor market and work-from-home flex to name just a few reasons.  Darin Kidd is a corporate trainer and author of "I Will Until: Unlock Your Limitless Power".  We chat about the job market, owning a business and being dad.  ENJOY!

Everybody LOVES "Tator Tots"!  The story behind the original Ore Ida "Tator Tots" is a tale of ingenuity, entrepreneurism and FAMILY!  First up today, I chat with Les Grigg, the Grand-Nephew of the guys who came up with the original Tator Tots.  We'll discover the why cows played an important role in the beginning.  Also, we will learn just what the "HOLY BOARD" is or was!

Next, I talk with Alison Bogle, from Austin Family Magazine (NO, I don't own it), about "Are We Bubble Wrapping Our Kids?"  Life is full of ups and downs and we can tend to want to protect our kids too much.  Dealing with setbacks and disappointments is part of life and sometimes those lessons are best learned "the hard way".

Do you have a bucket list, a list of things you want to do or accomplish before you die?  Laura Carney's dad was a dreamer, an idea guy and he had a secret bucket list.  After Laura's dad passed away, she found her dad's list and decided to perform and make happen, each of the things on her dad's list!  Originally at 60 things, there were 54 things on that list left to do and it ranged from difficult to seemingly, mundane.  From meeting a President to growing a watermelon.  Laura's dad, Mick, put his list together in 1978 and unfortunately, he was killed by a distracted driver in 2003 and so had never gotten to ALL of the things on his list.  It took Laura almost 6 years to finish her dad's list, but once she finished, she wrote a book about her experience and her dad.  Laura's book is called "My Father's List".  Laura told me that before she found her dad's list, she thought she was more like her mom...but as she performed his list, she came to understand him better and realized that she is very much like her dad.  ENJOY!

Today, as we recorded this show leading up to St. Patrick's Day, my friend, Mike O'Brien stopped by and told me a story about how his son invited him to make beer together....it became a tradition and Mike tells the story.  Next it's Dr. Charlotte Resnick on tapping into your child's imagination and using imagination to do better at school, sports, hobbies....EVERYTHING!  With today's imagination basically being handed to our kids for them, it's important to help them develop their OWN imagination.  As always, hit up our sponsor, beerescued.com as well.  THANKS!

Are you stressed out?  Is your phone always by your side?  Do you feel guilty if you don't "produce" or make some kind of headway?  Can you just sit and watch your kids play?  These are all questions to be answered if you want to know if your are a workaholic.  The thing is...most dads who ARE workaholics, don't usually see their flaw or realize they are workaholics.  We can even get a sense of pride when someone comments about how much we work!  Rich Bracken was one of those dads.  Rich is a business consultant and even spent time traveling the world as a DJ!  He now helps high achievers and even some celebrities change for the better when it comes to work and life.  Rich is also a dad and we talk about getting over workaholism, balancing work and family and "being THERE".  Enjoy!

WELCOME BACK!  Today I chat with Shawn Meyer about the importance of taking a kid hunting and the lessons of life that can be learned....even if you've NEVER been hunting (or fishing) before.  Shawn will talk about his own experience and how to get started.  Shawn's website is huntwithakid.com

Next...do you have a kid who is just not quite as good at sports as other kids and is that causing some problems within your child's own mind and tension within your family?  Dr. John Braccio talks about "Sports Performance Anxiety" and how to deal with it.  ENJOY!

The importance of a strong, loving dad, in the lives of children is important, even essential.  We dads are important while NOT be perfect....that's OK.  Dads are not meant to just be another "mom" or the guy who says "whatever your mother says", to the children.  We are meant to lead mentally, morally, logically and spiritually.  My first guest, today, is Dr. John Braccio, clinical psychologist with a discussion about family and dad's importance and Doc will give us some stats that should wake us up!

Next, Roy Paul, Executive Director at Cents Ability will talk with us about dads as the financial leader in the family.  Do we teach our kids how to be frugal, how to budget, how to save...and what about CRYPTO?!  Cents Ability seeks to get into schools on an academic level while working with families to help them understand the financial world.  ENJOY!

If you are about to become a Dad, for the first time, you might be...and probably SHOULD be a bit anxious.  I talk with Wayne Parker from "Power Dads", for some practical advice on dealing with becoming a brand new Dad.  Several words come to the surface, when thinking about being a Dad....words like Sacrifice, Commitment, Love, Humility.  Wayne goes through some questions a young man should ask himself.

Next up, Dr. David Swanson talks about the ways in which our kids learn to manipulate to try to get what they want....YOU DID IT TOO!  Kids learn to play Mom against Dad, especially if the parents aren't on the same page when it comes to discipline, etc.  ENJOY!

Sudden-first time heart attacks claim the lives of many dads who are healthy with no apparent risk factors!  if you have low cholesterol, normal blood pressure and are active and even your doctor says 'you're healthy"...you could suffer "The Widow Maker".  Victoria Dupuy lost her husband to a sudden heart attack, in 2013, at the age of 46.!  He was healthy, active, a runner and hockey player.  Victoria tells us about a simple, noninvasive test that can detect heart disease in it's earliest and most treatable stages.  It's called a Coronary Artery Calcium Scan (CACS) and it detects calcium buildup in arteries.  

IN THIS EPISODE:

What is CACS and why don't doctors order it done?

NO MORE BROKEN HEARTS is Victoria's organization to raise awareness of CACS

What is "The Widow Maker"?

"The Widow Maker" Documentary

In this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, I chat with Ralph Heath, author of "Celebrating Failure, The Power of Taking Risk, Making Mistakes & Thinking Big".  Ralph and I talk about the power of "failing" in a task as just a the first of many steps to success!  If you know failure is just a first step, then you're not "scared" to fail...and if you're not scared to fail, it frees you up to think outside the box.  Ralph describes a story of when he went hiking with his daughters and how he taught them to take the lead and be motivated.  We talk about using all these "business" skills in being a good dad!

Next up, Marty Nemko, author of "Cool Careers For Dummies"!   With Summer looming, it's a great time to teach your younger kids about business with a LEMONADE STAND!  However, Marty suggests going above and beyond in service and product....just like any other business.  Marty points out that dads have an enormous effect on how the lemonade stand looks and runs by NOT getting too involved.  he says dads just need to ask the right questions....listen to find out what those questions are.  Marty also tells a cool story about doing security for his dad's store...when he was just a kid!   ENJOY!

Porn is more than just fake sex observed for ones own pleasure...."it doesn't hurt anyone".  Porn is the elephant in the room, when talking about being a good dad and husband.  About 200,000 Americans are classified as “porn addicts.” 40 million Americans regularly visit porn sites. 35% of all internet downloads are related to pornography. 34% of internet users have experienced unwanted exposure to pornographic content through ads, pop up ads, misdirected links or emails.  The societal costs of pornography are staggering. The financial cost to business productivity in the U.S. alone is estimated at $16.9 Billion annually; but the human toll, particularly among our youth and in our families, is far greater.  Dr. David Kipper explains the cause of porn, and other addictions and what to do about it.

Next, we have some fun with Michael Goudeau.  Michael is a professional juggler, magician and "the Pancake King"!  Michael is really an artist when it comes to making pictures with pancake batter!  Listen to Michael's story of how he got started in this interesting hobby and how YOU can make fun pictures with pancake batter....YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE IT!!!

Jes'us Angel Miguel Garcia is an award winning educator, a fine gentleman, etiquette expert and my friend.  Jes'us teaches through his website:  www.spanishinstitute.ca .  He has been heralded by the Winnipeg Free Press as “internationally recognized as a premier linguistic instructor”, “the leading Spanish-language specialist in Winnipeg”!  In this episode of Radio Dad, Jes'us tells us, not only what a dad should be teaching his son on clothing and manners (through words and example), but WHY.  If we understand the meaning and purpose of looking and acting our best, then we are more likely to put it into practice.  We all have seen people, in the store, IN PAJAMAS!!!!

In this episode we cover:

The 3 things to consider when choosing clothing.

Those same things work well when you have a guest in your home.

Style isn't about how much money you spend, but HOW you do it.

Heirlooms, handed down, are a great way to keep up classic style.

"Semantics" ( the meaning behind) in everything...architecture, language and clothing.

WHY should we even want to wear stylish clothing? (it's not about you).

You are an ambassador of your family.

...and more!

I have an eclectic show for you this time.  I found these two interviews, from a few years ago, in my archives.  First, I have a talk about your NUTS!  Now, before you jump to conclusions...N.U.T.S. stands for:  Non-negotiable, Un-alterable, Terms.  These are the things that you are willing to commit to and stand for.  The things that define you and if you compromise your NUTS, you can become angry, miserable and hard to like.  Wayne Levine joins us to talk about his book, "Hold Onto Your N.U.T.S."!

Next....

I'm joined by Keya Morgan, who owns the world's largest collection of photos and artifacts of General Ulysses S. Grant.  I ask him about what General Grant was like as a husband and father.  Wait until you hear about the heroic effort he put forth...ON HIS DEATHBED!  Thanks for listening, subscribing and sharing. Enjoy!

Two different subjects in this episode.  First, I talk with Greg Keer from Family Man Online, about being the leader your kids need, in the face of disaster.  We are in tumultuous times.  War, disease, the economy....bad vibes are everywhere!  Greg says that dads are "built" to protect and provide.  We need to put on our super hero cape and wrap our kids up in it.  What about the "24 hour news cycle", how much...IF ANY...should they be exposed to?  Greg also touches on an important part of being a leader and that is teaching your kids to be leaders and how to help others.

Next, I chat with businessman, dad, writer and entrepreneur, Dan Steenerson, about being a dad with ideas.  Ideas are easy to come by, it's the implementation and fortitude of the dad behind those ideas, that makes the difference.  But, not every guy is cut out to be in business for himself.  We talk with Dan about the influx of "Wanna-preneurs".  These are dads who have LOTS of ideas, but just can't seem to get things off the ground.  We chat about why more people are starting businesses these days and what it takes...what are he qualities you need to look for within yourself.  Also, just what IS professional A.D.D.?  Plus, Dan says, if you can explain how to tie your shoes...in detail...you might have what it takes to stick to your plan.  If you DON'T have all it takes to own your own business, what can a dad do to fill in the gaps.

As always, our thanks to our sponsor:  Bee Rescued

My oldest son, David, is now a dad as well.  I'm very proud of my boys, as any dad is.  David is actually named after my own dad and David is a great dad himself!  That said, he is also a champion power lifter and, as such, is very healthy and aware of what goes in and what comes out.  In this show, I talk with David about his latest escapade.... THE RAW MEAT DIET!  I talk with David, who is, of course, at the gym woking out when I interview him, about this diet...the benefits and the risks.  He says some call it "The Ancestral Diet".  

Say what you will, my son IS passionate about whatever it is that he takes on!  I don't know that I will try this, but, it's interesting to hear about his journey.  ENJOY!

Next, Tim Myers is a storyteller and author.  We chat about the art of storytelling and how good it is for a dad to be able to weave a decent, interesting story for his kids.  Tim is the author of the book, "Glad To Be Dad" and we delve into his book jus a bit.  ENJOY!

Most people, especially when we're children, look at our dad as a sort of invincible, super hero.  But, later find out that he's got his flaws, his demons, his burdens, just like everyone else.  We still, hopefully, respect, admire and look up to our dad, but we realize he has a very human side.  Now what if you NEVER had a chance to meet your dad?  What if he passed away when you were young.  You never talked with him, he never held you in his arms, yet, you formed this same image of him and he is your perfect dad?  What if you could TALK with him, face to face?  This is the premise of a short film by my friend, Jim Lyke.  His film s called "Meeting Dad" and he is my guest on this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin.

We take another Radio Dad Road Trip, this time to just outside of Louisville, Kentucky and an old, family owned candy company, SCHIMPFF'S CANDIES!  Warren Schimpff is several generations down the line in this family business.  They make candy by hand, in the original building!  YUM!

Next, I bring you some of Colin Powell's "Rules of Leadership"...great for dad's to adopt and follow!

My final guest, today, is the proprietor of The Art of Manliness, a very popular website/resource for men in general, Bret McKay.  We chat about the need for classic manhood and dads....The Men-aissance.  Enjoy!

Welcome!  In this show I chat with an old friend and one dapper dude, Jes'us Angel Miguel Garcia!  Jes'us is the head of the Spanish Institute in Canada and also an etiquette and manners expert.  He consults diplomats on how to act in certain situations and he also does interpreting, teaches Spanish and Latin, and I have NEVER seen him not dressed in a suit with cufflinks!  

In today's society, we have a culture of casual.  We think nothing of going to the store in sweatpants or when was the last time you saw a guy remove his ball hat when sitting down to eat?  We may even see a family member dressed in shorts and flip flops at a funeral!  But, beyond how we dress, this casualness affects how we talk, how we carry ourselves, how we treat others and more!  Jes'us gives us tips, ideas and some mottos to live by in this episode.  C'mon men....we are setting the example for our kids and generations to come!

We can be so busy with work, school, to-do-lists....TV/video games/social media, that we can become distracted and not available for our kids.  In this episode, I'm joined by my friend, Tim Meinholz.  Tim is a dad, public school teacher, hobby farmer and owns a lawn business...whew!  We talk about being so busy and "distracted", that we can become distant and not there for our kids.  When it comes to TV and video games, I mention the "nuclear option" and what that is.  We'll give some tips to disconnect from distractions and re-connect with our kids.  Then, we chat about giving kids chores to do.  How important is obedience? Age appropriate chores and we tackle the allowance question....should you or shouldn't you?  As always, a big "THANKS" to our sponsor:  Bee Rescued!

Next, while on our RV odyssey, we camped at the only RV campground along Route 66, in Illinois!  I set up equipment on a picnic table next to the RV and chatted with the owner of Double J Campground, Randy Greenman and his daughter, Abby.  He and his wife and their 2 daughters, decided to chuck it all (he was in banking) and buy an RV Campground to live the RV life 24/7!

Finally, we journey into the mountains of New Mexico.  Up into the Gila National Forrest to land at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery!  YUP....the long robes, the funny haircuts, Gregorian Chant....the works!  I talk with Brother Brendan about the works going on there.  They make money buy roasting and selling their own coffee, Abbey Roast Coffee and it is like no other I've ever tried!  We also talk about life at the Monastery.  It's not a fatherhood or dadly subject, as we always do on Radio DAD...but, it was part of our family trip and something to think about on your own family trip.  Try to get off the beaten path and visit at least one place that's not set up for tourism (although the monastery does accept visitors at certain times).

ENJOY our Radio Dad Road Trip!

I have a potpourri for you this episode.  First, Author, Bill Fawcett on his book "Oval Office Oddities" and our various Presidents as Dads.  Next, we are planning an Austin family "Radio Dad Road Trip"....3,000 miles in an RV!!!  So, I talk with Bonnie Hall who has a short little story about her mom's fear and how her dad fixed things so her mom could go camping.  Finally, on a different road trip, I met a guy named Dave.  Dave is a GREAT DAD!  He is also a traveling salesman with some good, dadly advice.  Enjoy and tell your friends!

I've been thinking about hobbies that Dads can do along with their kids.  Hiking/camping comes to mind, but not everyone is cut out for the great outdoors (although we should ALL love it).  I'm talking about screenless hobbies, those things that get us away from video gaming, phones, movie night...those things that make us interact, slow down and think.  Don't get me wrong, I'm all about family game night, which we'll cover in an upcoming episode.  But, I was wondering about a hobby I had, as a kid, and wondered if Slot car racing was still a thing, as well as building plastic car models.  Turns out the Revell company (the quintessential car model company from back in the day), STILL EXISTS AND IS THRIVING!

Joining me on this episode of Radio Dad, is the President of the Carrera Revell company of America, Frank Tiessen.  Frank is of German blood and remembers growing up with car models and racing sets.  He's spent over 20 years in the toy industry (COOL JOB!) and is proud to be associated with the famed Carrera name (I automatically think Porsche)!  Frank and I talk about hobbies, Dads and kids building models and racing.  ENJOY!

A couple of Radio Dad Road Trips this episode!  First I have a quick clip at a boat show with a lady who, along with her dad, take handicapped people out fishing!  It's called "Fishing Has No Boundaries" and it was started in Wisconsin.

Next, I chat with Tim Myer, story teller, song writer, poet and author of the book, "Glad To Be Dad".  With all it's challenges and life's bumps in the road, we need to remind ourselves that we should be GLAD TO BE DAD!  By recounting personal experiences, offering honest, sincere opinions, and including quizzes for fatherly-preparedness, Tim Myers emphasizes the importance of fatherly contribution and influence in the home.

Finally, it's another Radio Dad Road Trip.  This time to Biele Upholstery!  Curt Biele is a 3rd generation master at the craft of upholstery for furniture.  He's a very entertaining and gentle guy and I'm happy we ran into each other!  ENJOY!

What does it take to mold young boys into men?  Lot's of coaches, mentors and teachers use the same skills that it takes to be a good DAD!  My guest is a guy I knew in High School, Chuck Haas, who went on to become a celebrated, champion in football and wrestling.  Chuck has been a coach for many years and joins us, along with his 3 sons who also are champions and coaches right beside their Dad!  Wait til you hear how they respect and look up to their Dad.  Chuck and his boys talk about what it takes to be a great athlete AND a great Dad.

Sometimes Dads can get the idea that they aren't needed much.  Mom did all the "pushing", she may be breast feeding, she has a close, physical bond with the baby.  So, what's a Dad to do with that useless feeling?  Also, we talk with Greg Keer, from Family Man Online, about older dads and the challenges there.  Next, I found an interview I did a few years ago with a gentleman who was an expert at the art of WHITTLING!  Lawrence Spinak has since passed away, but what a kind soul. we talk about being a dad and learning to whittle and his carving experience.  ENJOY!

In this episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin, I talk with the drummer for Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban and many others, Rich Redmond!  Rich and I talk about being a musician on the road, how his Dad supported him and his constant drumming in the house!  Also, we get into the benefits of drumming...focus, communication, coordination, timing, physical workout and on and on!  Drumming is good for ya!  Rich Redmond is also an author.  His book is "C.R.A.S.H. Course for Success: 5 Ways to Supercharge Your Personal and Professionsl Life".  C.R.A.S.H. stands for- Commitment, Relationships, Attitude, Skill and Hunger!  We talk about using those things in your own life and teaching those things to your own kids through your own example.  One of the things Rich said that is SOOO simple, yet how often do we try to do it...he said, "work at being someone really likes to be around".  Enjoy this episode with my friend and fellow drummer, Rich Redmond!

Welcome to our 10th episode of Radio Dad with Mike Austin!  "Leaders Eat Last", is the name of a book by Simon Sinek, in which he looks at great leaders and how they actually looked at their leadership as serving those they lead!  I talk with Ryan Sanders of The National Fatherhood Initiative, about dads, as leaders of the family, and the service they provide to the family....could we say essentially:  "Dads East Last"?  Hmmm.

Next, I'm so excited to chat with Christopher Knight!  As a kid, I wanted to be Peter Brady....I was in love with Marcia Brady, so that would have been kind of weird, but, Peter Brady and I were the same age and I felt his struggles, joys, etc.!  Christopher Knight is STILL Peter Brady in that  every where he goes, people recognize him as that character...and he's cool with that.  A real, down to earth cat, I really enjoyed talking with Chris...and you will enjoy this interview about his dad and the wacky thing his dad did when Chris was on the set of The Brady Bunch.  

Thanks for listening to Radio Dad with Mike Austin.

Welcome to the latest Radio Dad podcast.  In this show, an old friend stops by the studio.  Mike O'Brien is a great dad and when one of his sons came home from college, they ended up making beer together.  We talk about the experience (neither had ever tried it before) and the memories they made together.  Next, it's a "Dad-preneur".  Mark Apelt and his buddy were at a birthday party for a young child, during the Covid stuff.  When the child blew out the candles, they both wondered..."why are we OK with someone blowing and spitting on our food, when it's birthday cake?"  So they created the BLOWZEE!  It's a goovy device that allows the user to blow in one end and activate a small fan propeller on the other end.  We talk about the inventing process and how he "sold" the idea to his wife and family.  She thought he was nuts...at first.  Again, thanks for listening to the Radio Dad with Mike Austin!  Thanks to our sponsor too, www.beerescued.com Visit their site and tell your friends about Radio Dad with Mike Austin.

Welcome back to Radio Dad where we shine the spotlight on good dads, dadly deeds, ideas and the noble calling to be a dad!  Today's guests begin with a visit with a professional "Strong Man"...seriously, Eliott Hulse makes his living being strong and not just physically (although he IS)!  Elliot will talk about building your own "warehouse" type gym in your garage...on the cheap!  Also, Elliott gets into his dad and how growing up barefoot in the jungles of Belize, Elliot's dad became mentally & physically strong!  THEN....my second guest was a staple in our house as I was growing up.  "Happy Days" was a sitcom on TV from 1973 to 1984!  (remember Fonzie?  "AAAYYYYY").  I talk with "Potsie", Anson Williams about getting the "Happy Days" gig and his book, "Singing To A Bulldog", what that means and his unlikely mentor growing up with a less than amiable dad.  As always, TELL YOUR FRIENDS about Radio Dad with Mike Austin.