Your mindset isn't fixed — it's a skill you can develop, and it might be the biggest lever you have as a father. This week Sam and Cole dig into one of the most overlooked tools in a dad's arsenal: the ability to consciously shape how you perceive and respond to the world around you.

From the Serenity Prayer to Marcus Aurelius, from cold plunges to Atomic Habits — they get into what's actually worked for them over 20+ years of doing the work, and how the physical, mental, and emotional are more connected than most people realize.

You'll hear about:

• Why your perception of events is not "the truth" — and how to use that to your advantage
• The role your physical body plays in your mindset (and which levers to pull when life gets busy)
• How gratitude, present-moment awareness, and sobriety have been game changers
• Why the goal isn't just mindset for you — it's the filter you're modeling for your kids every single day

No hacks. No silver bullets. Just two dads being honest about the ongoing practice of getting out of your own way.

If you're enjoying the podcast, please leave us a 5-star rating and review! It takes just a few seconds and helps other dads find the show. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Episode Summary:
Part three (and finale) of our three-part foundational assessment series! This episode focuses on preparedness, legacy planning, and being ready for the unexpected. Sam and Cole tackle the uncomfortable but critical topics most dads avoid.

THE 5 ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
1. How prepared are you for the unexpected death of you and/or your partner?
2. If you lost your job today, could you make it 3-6 months covering expenses?
3. How prepared are you to cover your family for a week in case of emergency?
4. Have you effectively communicated or memorialized the values you want to pass on to your kids?
5. How prepared are you to assist aging parents?

In this assessment episode, Sam and Cole tackle:
* Estate planning basics—wills, trusts, guardianship appointments (and why foster care is a real risk without them)
* Life insurance for young families and why it matters
* The 72-hour rule: food, water, shelter, and basic emergency supplies
* Why your kids will get a counterfeit identity from the world if you don't give them the real one
* Multi-generational living and caring for aging parents
* How to actually document your family values before it's too late

Sam gets brutally honest about the costs of raising kids in 2025, the housing market being "hosed," and why his neighbor's 30-year-old paid-off vehicle beats a new SUV. Cole shares insights on instilling values in kids, the danger of chasing external things for happiness, and why one in four adults is estranged from family members.

Whether you're completely unprepared (many of us are) or already have some boxes checked, this episode gives you clear next steps to protect your family and leave a legacy worth passing on.

Sam offers to answer DMs about estate planning specifics, and both hosts emphasize that while these topics are uncomfortable, they're absolutely critical to get sorted out this year.

Looking ahead: More actionable content throughout 2026, plus potential in-person gathering.

#FatherhoodPodcast #EstatePlanning #EmergencyPreparedness #LifeInsurance #LegacyPlanning #FamilyValues #IntentionalFatherhood #Preparedness #LeaveNoDoubt #ProtectYourFamily

If you're enjoying the podcast, please leave us a 5-star rating and review! It takes just a few seconds and helps other dads find the show. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Episode Summary:
Part two of our three-part foundational assessment series! This episode focuses on emotional communication and self-reflection—skills that most men weren't taught growing up, but are absolutely critical for being an effective father and husband.

Sam and Cole walk you through six essential questions to assess your emotional health and capability. This is about developing real skills that prevent blind spots, divorce, and disconnection from your kids. If you can physically protect your family but can't emotionally connect with them, you're missing half the job.

THE 6 CRITICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
1. How present are you in the moment without seeking distraction?
2. How much emotional control do you have on a daily basis?
3. Can you identify when someone is communicating with you emotionally?
4. How comfortable are you with self-reflection?
5. How emotionally complete do you feel with your friends and family?
6. What are your energy levels throughout the day? (emotional component)

In this assessment episode, Sam and Cole tackle:
* Why unresolved grief and emotional pain keep you stuck in the past or anxious about the future
* How to recognize when your kid (or wife) is having an emotional experience vs. a problem-solving moment
* The massive blind spot most men have: intellectualizing everything instead of just listening
* Why self-reflection and self-disclosure build trust and prevent isolation
* Phone usage as a distraction from uncomfortable emotions and present-moment awareness
* How incomplete relationships create constant triggers and reactivity
* The connection between physical energy and unresolved emotional baggage

Whether you're completely new to these topics or already doing the work, this episode gives you clear diagnostic questions to identify blind spots and areas for growth in 2026.

Cole's professional expertise in grief recovery shines through, while Sam models what it looks like to learn these skills in real-time. This is actionable content—not just another podcast to consume and move on from.

More assessment episodes coming soon. Part three covers additional foundational categories for fatherhood.

Referenced in this episode: Episode 6 - Emotional Communication deep dive

#FatherhoodPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #GriefRecovery #SelfReflection #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealth #IntentionalFatherhood #ParentingSkills #LeaveNoDoubt #BePresent