The Athlete Dad

#14: Josiah Middaugh (Professional Triathlete) - The path to going pro and parenting athletes

Josiah Middaugh (@josiahmiddaugh [https://www.instagram.com/josiahmiddaugh/?hl=en]) is a multi-sport athlete of all seasons, though primarily an extremely accomplished professional triathlete competing in Xterra triathlons (off-road triathlons). You'll discover Josiah's thoughtful strategies for integrating rigorous training schedules with his roles as a husband and father, all while maintaining peak performance. Josiah opens up about his unique upbringing in a northern Michigan commune, where a close-knit community and outdoor adventures laid the foundation for his love of sports. He shares personal stories of growing up with athletic parents and the significant impact of his wife's unwavering support as we journey through Josiah’s path from amateur enthusiast to professional athlete. Discover why he champions the benefits of sport sampling over early specialization, encouraging children to explore diverse athletic opportunities. Josiah’s experiences as both a coach and father shed light on the joy of shared athletic adventures, emphasizing the importance of raising well-rounded individuals who find their passion organically. Tune in for an inspiring discussion filled with actionable insights for balancing ambitious pursuits in both sports and parenting. Episode Resources: * Middaugh Coaching (Josiah's coaching business) [https://middaughcoaching.com/] * XTERRA Triathlons [https://www.xterraplanet.com/2025-world-tour] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2142627/support] The Athlete Dad Resources: * www.theathletedad.com [https://theathletedad.com/] * Ben's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bengibson/] * The Athlete Dad's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theathletedad/] * The Athlete Dad YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCazdsvsi9M7HDuGGLPlqb9w]

#13: Andrew "Cotty" Cotton (Big Wave Surfer) - Riding the Highs and Lows of Surfing and Fatherhood

Imagine straddling the line between the ferocious power of the ocean's biggest waves and the gentle, yet perpetual, tug of fatherhood. This episode takes you on an epic journey with Andrew Cotton, a titan of big wave surfing, as he shares the deeply personal narrative of his life's adventures and tribulations. From his humble beginnings in North Devon to the breath-taking swells of Nazaré, we traverse Cotty's path to a professional surfing career, his friendship and collaboration with surfing legend Garrett McNamara, and the indelible mark of fatherhood that propels his every move. This compelling conversation reveals the intricacies of balancing a life chasing thrills with the grounding force of family. We peel back the layers of Andrew's career highs and lows, including his daunting recovery from a devastating back injury and the emotional resilience required to navigate personal hardships like divorce. Listen as Cotty offers a masterclass in adaptability and determination, discussing the pressures of aligning family moments with the capricious nature of professional surfing and how these challenges are emblematic of a universal struggle faced by many. As we wrap up, Andrew Cotton's insights transform this discussion into a profound reflection on humility, the psychological hurdles of an athlete's journey, and the fine line between pushing one's children in sports and letting them find their own way. It's a story that transcends surfing, touching on the heart of what it means to relentlessly pursue one's passions while maintaining the delicate balance that family life demands. Tune in for an episode that promises to stir the soul and inspire the brave pursuit of dreams amidst life's ebb and flow. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2142627/support] The Athlete Dad Resources: * www.theathletedad.com [https://theathletedad.com/] * Ben's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bengibson/] * The Athlete Dad's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theathletedad/] * The Athlete Dad YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCazdsvsi9M7HDuGGLPlqb9w]

#12: Olen Netteberg (Long Distance Hiking Dad) - The Adventure of Fatherhood on the Triple Crown Trails

Embark on an adventure with Olen Netteberg (@olennetteburg [https://www.instagram.com/olennetteburg/?hl=en]) as he recounts the trials, triumphs, and trails of his family's awe-inspiring quest to conquer the Triple Crown of hiking. Together with his wife, Denae, and their intrepid children, Olen weaves a tale of resilience that defies the conventions of both parenting and exploration. Their journey is not just about the paths traveled but also the life lessons gathered among the wilds of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. As a father and doctor, Olen reveals how he's woven the fabric of his family's bond with threads of nature and nurture, challenging their children to push past perceived limits and partake in a once-in-a-lifetime type childhood. The anecdotes shared in this episode offer a glimpse into the laughter and learning that come from a life lived unconventionally. From homeschooling on the trails to fostering a spirit of teamwork within the family, the Nettebergs' story presents an alternative blueprint for education and growth that extends far beyond the classroom walls. Step off the beaten path with us and embrace the chaos of parenting as Olen imparts wisdom on integrating professional and personal passions. Whether you're a parent seeking inspiration or an adventurer at heart, this episode promises a fresh perspective on raising children who are as confident on the trails as they are traversing cultural divides. So lace up your boots and let the Netteberg family's odyssey inspire your next step, whether it leads to the mountains or simply a closer connection with those you call family. Resources: * Olen's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/olennetteburg/?hl=en] * Denae's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/danae.netteburg/?hl=en] * Family Hiking Blog [https://thetrek.co/authors/olen-and-danae-netteburg] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2142627/support] The Athlete Dad Resources: * www.theathletedad.com [https://theathletedad.com/] * Ben's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bengibson/] * The Athlete Dad's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theathletedad/] * The Athlete Dad YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCazdsvsi9M7HDuGGLPlqb9w]

#11: Karl Egloff (Mountain Athlete) - Balancing family with racing up the world's tallest peaks

Karl Egloff (@karl.egloff [https://www.instagram.com/karl.egloff]) is a professional mountain guide and athlete, most well known for his world record speed ascents of some of the world's tallest peaks, including Makalu (27,838') and Denali (20,310'). In this episode, Karl discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with his passion for mountain climbing. He shares how his early exposure to the mountains and his father's influence shaped his love for climbing. He emphasizes the importance of teaching his children discipline, independence, and the ability to take risks. He also discusses the need for efficiency and adaptability as a parent-athlete. Karl reflects on the impact of life's challenges on his strength and ambition, and how he manages risk while running up and down the tallest peaks on earth.  Chapters 01:09 Life Inside and Outside the Home 02:36 Balancing Family and Mountain Climbing 06:01 Early Exposure to Mountains and Climbing 07:48 The Influence of Father's Mentality 09:34 Teaching Kids to Take Risks and Push Themselves 10:59 Being Patient and Letting Kids Decide 12:41 Being Flexible and Efficient as a Parent-Athlete 18:04 Teaching Discipline and Balance 20:34 Managing Risk and Prioritizing Family 26:30 The Influence of Life's Challenges on Strength and Ambition 32:24 Managing Risk as a Parent-Athlete 41:30 Setting Goals and Balancing Family Life 46:40 Constant Pursuit of Balance 47:08 Finding Balance in Life 50:21 Prioritizing and Organizing 51:59 Balancing Training and Family Time 56:24 Running a Guiding Business 59:51Upcoming Goals and Changes 01:01:35 Parting Wisdom Resources: * Cumbre Tours [https://www.cumbretours.com/] (Karl's trekking and mountain guide company) * karlegloff.com [https://www.karlegloff.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2142627/support] The Athlete Dad Resources: * www.theathletedad.com [https://theathletedad.com/] * Ben's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bengibson/] * The Athlete Dad's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theathletedad/] * The Athlete Dad YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCazdsvsi9M7HDuGGLPlqb9w]

#10: Chris Larsen (Competitive Cyclist and Entrepreneur) - Raising Athlete Kids and Approaching Fatherhood with Intention

Chris Larsen (@christopheralarsen [https://www.instagram.com/christopheralarsen/?img_index=3]) is a former competitive cyclist, entrepreneur, and father of two who joins us on a captivating exploration the unique challenges of being an athlete dad raising athlete kids. The exhilarating journey from his days as a competitive cyclist to a dedicated father provides a fresh perspective packed with practical tools and frameworks for how to approach parenting. In our conversation, we discuss everything from the ups and downs of nurturing children's passions, the importance of fostering resilience, tp the necessity for balance. Enjoy this insightful conversation that offers a fresh perspective on parenting, sports, and the pursuit of balance. As a free gift, you can get a free copy of Chris' book, "Next-Level Income" from their website here [https://nextlevelincome.com/book/]. More Resources: * www.nextlevelincome.com [https://nextlevelincome.com/] * Angela Duckworth's book GRIT [https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/] * Outliers: The Story of Success: Gladwell, Malcolm [https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930] * David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants [https://www.amazon.com/David-Goliath-Underdogs-Misfits-Battling/dp/0316204374] * Jim Sheils' The Family Board Meeting [https://www.amazon.com/Family-Board-Meeting-Connection-Children/dp/1636801692] * Die With Zero By Bill Perkins [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=die+with+zero+by+bill+perkins&hvadid=598656813559&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9033152&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5028766705813956601&hvtargid=kwd-1834690199912&hydadcr=15529_13558536&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_35cp9t5ce_e] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2142627/support] The Athlete Dad Resources: * www.theathletedad.com [https://theathletedad.com/] * Ben's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bengibson/] * The Athlete Dad's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theathletedad/] * The Athlete Dad YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCazdsvsi9M7HDuGGLPlqb9w]