Fatherhood Field Notes

Ep. 574: How to Build a Legacy in a Huge Blended Family w/Mark Stiles

Mark Stiles joins Ned Schaut for a grounded, honest conversation about raising a large blended family, building intentional family culture, and redefining what strong fatherhood really looks like. Mark and his wife are raising eight children ranging from ages 3 to 19—including biological, step, adopted, and special-needs children. What unfolds in this episode is not polished parenting theory. It’s real-life fatherhood: chaotic dinners, Sunday family traditions, hard conversations with teenagers, caring for a daughter with Down syndrome, and learning how to stay deeply present through it all. At the center of Mark’s philosophy is a simple but powerful goal: Raise kids who are happy, healthy, and productive. But as this conversation unfolds, those words become much deeper than surface-level comfort or success. Mark and Ned unpack: * Why involvement matters more than perfection * How dads can break unhealthy generational cycles * Why boys need intentional preparation for adulthood * The importance of one-on-one time with older kids * How adoption and special-needs parenting can reshape an entire family culture * Why the goal isn’t controlling your kids—but creating a home they’ll still want to come back to This episode is especially powerful for: * Fathers in blended families * Dads raising teenagers * Men navigating busy, high-demand family life * Fathers trying to be more present than the example they received One of the strongest moments in the episode: When Mark says his greatest hope is simple: “I want my kids to want to come to family dinner when they’re adults.” That’s legacy. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings * This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up Kings [https://www.riseupkings.com/ffn] * Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/product-page/adventure-of-fatherhood-book] * Check out the TEDx [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3cr-W8BGo&t=1s] ---------- * Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood? * www.adventureoffatherhood.com [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/] * www.rebelandcreate.com [https://www.rebelandcreate.com/] Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: * Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes/] * YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes] * Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate [https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate/] Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis [https://fatherhood-field-notes.captivate.fm/genesis]

Ep. 573 | How to Impart Identity to Your Children

This Friday Craft of Fatherhood short is a solid quick listen if you want something deeper than generic parenting hacks. Ned tackles a question almost every dad thinks about but rarely says out loud: How much influence do I really have over who my kids become? The episode is really about this idea: A father’s job isn’t just protecting and providing — it’s helping shape a child’s identity. He talks about: 1. how to guide your kids without controlling them, 2. why kids need direction instead of “just figure it out,” 3. and how fathers shape confidence, purpose, and character through everyday words and example. It’s thoughtful, honest, practical, and unscripted. Best takeaway: Your kids become who they are in large part through the things you consistently call out, encourage, and model to them. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 1. This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up Kings [https://www.riseupkings.com/ffn] 2. Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/product-page/adventure-of-fatherhood-book] 3. Check out the TEDx [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3cr-W8BGo&t=1s] ---------- 1. Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood? 2. www.adventureoffatherhood.com [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/] 3. www.rebelandcreate.com [https://www.rebelandcreate.com/] Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: 1. Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes/] 2. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes] 3. Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate [https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate/] Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis [https://fatherhood-field-notes.captivate.fm/genesis]

Ep. 572: Playing it Safe is the Riskiest Way to Live w/Nate Burkhalter

"Failure is measured in ounces, regret is measured in tons." Nate Burkhalter—seven-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior—joins Ned Schaut for a raw, grounded conversation about identity, risk, and what it actually means to lead as a husband and father. Nate’s story isn’t polished—it’s forged. From a career in oil and gas engineering to chasing a his calling through failure, rejection, injury, and breakthrough, he unpacks a revelation he heard from God, a hard truth most men avoid: playing it safe is the riskiest way to live. But now, as a new father of twins, the game has changed. The arena isn’t just competition—it’s the home. This episode hits the tension every driven man feels: 1. Build something meaningful… without sacrificing your family 2. Take risks… without being reckless 3. Lead spiritually… without hiding behind religion Nate brings clarity: your primary ministry isn’t your platform—it’s your family. And if you get that wrong, nothing else matters. Why fathers should listen: 1. You’re ambitious but don’t want to wake up at 55 with regret 2. You feel the pull between grind and presence 3. You want to raise kids who actually know God—not just perform religion 4. You’ve failed, and you’re wondering if you should keep going Key takeaways: 1. Identity shift → risk tolerance → real impact 2. Failure isn’t the enemy—regret is 3. Discipline creates freedom in both work and family life 4. Stewardship beats control in fatherhood 5. The first 8–12 years with your kids are foundational—don’t outsource them --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings 1. This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up Kings [https://www.riseupkings.com/ffn] 2. Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/product-page/adventure-of-fatherhood-book] 3. Check out the TEDx [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3cr-W8BGo&t=1s] ---------- 1. Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood? 2. www.adventureoffatherhood.com [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/] 3. www.rebelandcreate.com [https://www.rebelandcreate.com/] Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: 1. Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes/] 2. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes] 3. Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate [https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate/] Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis [https://fatherhood-field-notes.captivate.fm/genesis]

Ep. 571: Listen to Your Kid, Chores and Curfews

In this straight-shooting Craft of Fatherhood episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut calls fathers back to two lost arts of manhood: listening well and leading with purpose. Ned challenges dads to stop being the constant lecturer, fixer, and rule-enforcer—and instead become the trusted voice and steady ear their children actually want to come to. He shares how some of the deepest moments with his daughters came not through speeches, but through quiet conversations in the car, in the hot tub, and in everyday life. His warning is blunt: if a father won’t listen to his daughter, some immature boy eventually will. The second half of the episode pushes fathers to rethink discipline, chores, curfews, and household rules. Ned argues that great dads don’t enforce rules just for control—they connect expectations to character formation. Curfews become lessons in respect and communication. Chores become lessons in responsibility. Family standards become training ground for adulthood. This is a practical, masculine reminder that fatherhood is not passive—it is leadership, stewardship, and sacrifice. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings * This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up Kings [https://www.riseupkings.com/ffn] * Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/product-page/adventure-of-fatherhood-book] * Check out the TEDx [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3cr-W8BGo&t=1s] ---------- * Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood? * www.adventureoffatherhood.com [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/] * www.rebelandcreate.com [https://www.rebelandcreate.com/] Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: * Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes/] * YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes] * Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate [https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate/] Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis [https://fatherhood-field-notes.captivate.fm/genesis]

Ep. 570: True Manhood Begins When... w/Eugene Johnson, Jr.

In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned Schaut sits down with Eugene Johnson Jr. for a bold, no-nonsense conversation on biblical manhood, fatherhood, marriage, and spiritual leadership. Eugene shares wisdom forged through 25 years of marriage, raising two children, mentoring men in courts and prisons, and leading fathers back to God’s design. He challenges modern labels like “provider,” “protector,” and “alpha,” arguing that men are not gods of their homes—they are stewards under God’s authority. This episode calls fathers higher: stop chasing image, start pursuing obedience. Learn why your kids need more than money, why your wife needs leadership not passivity, and why true masculinity begins with submission to Christ. Key Takeaway: If you want conviction, clarity, and practical steps to lead your house well, you'll want to listen to what Eugene has to say. --------- Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings * This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up Kings [https://www.riseupkings.com/ffn] * Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/product-page/adventure-of-fatherhood-book] * Check out the TEDx [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3cr-W8BGo&t=1s] ---------- * Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood? * www.adventureoffatherhood.com [https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/] * www.rebelandcreate.com [https://www.rebelandcreate.com/] Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Follow us: * Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes/] * YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes [https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes] * Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate [https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate/] Mentioned in this episode: Rise Up Kings Genesis [https://fatherhood-field-notes.captivate.fm/genesis]