In this raw and unfiltered episode, Sam and Cole dive deep into one of the most important conversations for modern fathers: why going against mainstream culture isn't just okay—it's essential for your family's wellbeing.

Drawing from Sam's background in hardcore punk music, they explore how some of the defining features of punk music can directly translate to making better parenting decisions in 2025. They break down why the "norms" of modern parenting weren't necessarily designed with your family's best interests in mind.

KEY TOPICS:

• Why corporate interests, not your wellbeing, shape parenting "norms"

• The food pyramid, sugar studies, and other industry manipulation

• How Cole arrived at counter-culture parenting without the punk background

• Screen time, technology, and what tech companies know (but won't tell you)

• Education, home birth, homesteading, and other controversial choices

• The DIY mentality: doing it yourself while building real community

This isn't about being difficult for the sake of it—it's about protecting your kids from systems designed to profit from their confusion, sickness, and dependence. If you've ever felt like the "normal" way of raising kids doesn't sit right with you, this episode will give you the framework and courage to trust your instincts.

Chores aren't just about keeping the house clean—they're one of the most powerful tools for raising resilient, capable kids. In this practical episode of our new "Fatherhood Field Notes" series, we break down why chores matter and how to make them meaningful.

In this episode:

• Why outdoor chores are more fulfilling
• How chores build work ethic, responsibility, self-esteem, and grit
• The power of routine and age-appropriate expectations
• Making chores "mission-critical" so kids understand their purpose
• Teaching financial literacy through earned money and real spending decisions
• Being the example: modeling a positive attitude toward household contributions

Key takeaway: Kids desperately want purpose. When they can see how their work directly contributes to the family—whether it's keeping the yard clean or harvesting vegetables for dinner—they develop the backbone and work ethic that will serve them for life.

Perfect for dads navigating the practical, day-to-day challenges of raising kids who are capable, confident, and ready for the real world.

We dive into one of the most pressing questions for modern dads: how do we prepare our kids for a future dominated by AI and rapid technological change? In this episode, we challenge the traditional education playbook and explore the skills that will actually matter in 10-20 years.

We discuss why being personable and building strong people skills might be the ultimate competitive advantage, how athletics and team sports develop resilience that translates directly to career success, and why creativity and entrepreneurship are becoming more valuable than ever. We also tackle why traditional college degrees are becoming less relevant, the surprising value of trade skills over white-collar work, and how to raise kids who can think critically in a world of easy AI answers.

Drawing from our own experiences hiring, firing, and building teams, we share real insights about what makes people successful in the modern workplace. This isn't futurism or speculation—it's what we're seeing right now in our companies and industries.

Whether you're raising toddlers or teenagers, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your kids' education and development. We're not about raising office drones—we're about raising resilient, creative, personable humans who can thrive in whatever world they inherit.

Topics covered:

• Why people skills trump technical skills
• The hidden value of athletics and team sports
• Teaching critical thinking vs. AI dependency
• Trade skills vs. traditional college paths
• Building entrepreneurial mindsets early
• The importance of creativity and imagination

Join us for an honest conversation about preparing our kids for an uncertain—but exciting—future.