The Cycling Dads Podcast

Season 3 - Episode 18 : Peripheral Damage

Episode Summary We're back! Aaron Thomas Smith and Devon Palmer recording from Devon's "estate" (fine, his house) in what may or may not be called an art room. Play-Doh, kinetic sand, bracelets - total state of chaos. Perfect. Big updates this episode. Devon's still run-focused - four times a week plus Zwift rides. Just did the Get in Gear Half Marathon (1:41:50), training for City of Lakes Half and Twin Cities Marathon again after last year's "unremarkable" performance. We talk about the London Marathon breaking two hours, running injuries from JV maneuvers, and why that 1.2 mile walk after the marathon was a disaster. Aaron's back. Down 11 pounds (223 to 222, goal is sub-200). Riding four times a week, weight training three times a week, 20-hour fasts. Less stress, more availability to do what he loves. Went on his first group ride in 2-3 years - the ACF Wednesday night ride - and had this revelation: he didn't know anyone, didn't have to lead anything, just got to enjoy riding a bike. Game changer. We get into the peripheral stuff that ruins hobbies, why comparison is the thief of joy, and how being responsible for everything everywhere crushes the fun. Aaron lost his Strava KOM to his former boss Martin Lacey. Devon's ten years sober from triathlon. And yes, we're moving from bi-annual to maybe monthly recordings. What You'll Get: * Devon's running updates and Twin Cities Marathon redemption arc * Aaron's cycling comeback story (and why group rides are saving him) * How being a "dad" everywhere in your life ruins your hobbies * The peripheral stuff that crushes joy in any sport * Why we're both avoiding committee responsibilities like the plague * Plans for more regular episodes (we'll see)

Season 3 - Episode 17 : The Golfing Dads Podcast

NO MORE BIKES JUST GOLF XOXO, AARON & BRIAN

Season 3 - Episode 16 : Operation Golf Club Entrapment Pt. 1

Episode Title: Operation Golf Club Entrapment Pt. 1 Episode Summary Aaron and Devin return with updates on their fitness journeys and an unexpected development: Aaron has actually ridden his bike to work twice (before school schedule changes made it impossible). Devin shares his calf injury saga from pushing too hard in marathon training, though he's recovered with just weeks before the big race. Both hosts continue their intermittent fasting journeys with surprising consistency. The episode takes a dramatic turn when Aaron and Brian Duncan execute "Operation Golf Club Entrapment" - leaving a complete set of clubs on Devin's patio while he's away. What follows is a spirited debate about whether Devin should take up golf for business development purposes, complete with counteroffers and negotiations. The conversation shifts to more serious territory as Aaron voices concerns about his son's school requiring iPad use for everything - homework, assignments, announcements - with zero paper alternatives. This sparks a broader discussion about technology addiction, the damage done to the "iPad generation," and whether schools are making things worse by mandating constant screen time while parents try to limit it at home. Episode Description When golf clubs appear on your patio and iPads dominate your kid's education. Join Aaron and Devin for an episode covering calf injuries, intermittent fasting wins, and the great golf club ambush of 2025. Plus, a thought-provoking discussion about whether schools are undermining parents' efforts to limit screen time. In this episode: * Aaron's bike commuting update (he did it twice!) * Devin's calf injury and recovery just weeks before marathon * Brian Duncan's golf club "gift" and the entrapment debate * Should Devin become a golf guy for business development? * Aaron's Boy Scout considerations and Civil Air Patrol history * Major parenting concern: Schools requiring iPads for everything * Technology addiction and setting limits for kids (and ourselves) * The damage we've done to the iPad generation * AI hype versus AI reality Perfect for: Parents concerned about screen time in schools, dads managing fitness setbacks, anyone who's ever been peer-pressured into a new hobby, and listeners who appreciate honest conversations about technology's impact on kids. "I don't want to send my kids to school after... I put a hard stop on all of our screens at home... and then sending them to school to be on the iPad all day." Connect with the Cycling Dads: * For golf business development strategies: Ask Aaron (but not Devon) * For real estate needs: Contact Devon at Remax Results * For technology parenting concerns: We're all struggling together Sponsors: * Remax Results (Devon's company and studio headquarters) * Brian Duncan's Golf Club Redistribution Program (apparently)

Season 3 - Episode 15 : Our most positive episode yet?

Episode Summary Aaron and Devin return with their most positive update episode yet. Devin shares his City of Lakes Half Marathon experience and final weeks of Twin Cities Marathon training, complete with his questionable fettuccine alfredo fueling strategy. Aaron brings encouraging health news - testosterone therapy is working, he's lifting weights consistently, practicing intermittent fasting, and actually got back on a mountain bike with witness Colin Jaworski. The conversation shifts to parenting philosophy as both navigate new school year challenges. Aaron's son August has maintained a 22-day fishing streak that's unexpectedly teaching patience and providing family reset time. Both hosts question whether modern parents are being too permissive, treating children like peers rather than kids who need guidance and structure. Episode Description Join Aaron and Devin for genuine progress reports and deep parenting philosophy discussions. Aaron shares his successful health turnaround while Devin preps for marathon glory with dubious nutrition choices. In this episode: * Devin's half marathon recap and marathon training finale * Aaron's health wins: testosterone therapy, consistent lifting, and intermittent fasting * The 22-day fishing obsession teaching life lessons * Parenting hot take: Are we treating kids too much like adults? * New school year scheduling nightmares and after-school care struggles * Cat fostering reality (down from 10 cats to 3!) * Brief cycling content (Vuelta gets a mention) * $8 million Sunfish Lake real estate opportunity Perfect for: Parents questioning their approach, dads on health improvement journeys, anyone managing complex family schedules, and listeners who appreciate honest conversations about midlife parenting challenges. "They're not adults. And I think we too often will defer to them as if they were." Connect with the Cycling Dads: * For marathon advice: Contact Devin (ignore his nutrition tips) * For real estate needs: Devin at Remax Results Sponsors: * Remax Results (Devin's company and studio headquarters) * Bitty Kitty Brigade (fostering kittens and sanity)

Season 3 - Episode 14 : The Land Yacht & Other Thoughts

Episode Summary In this honest and entertaining episode, the hosts tackle what happens when cycling takes a backseat to other life priorities. Aaron has fully embraced his golf obsession while dealing with some health challenges, while Devin shows off his new corporate Cannondale cargo e-bike and continues marathon training. Despite the lack of actual cycling talk, they manage a solid Tour de France recap covering Pogačar's fourth victory and the ongoing rivalry with Vingegaard. Family life features prominently with discussions about Trail Kids camp, North Country vacations, and the universal parenting struggle of sleep regression battles. What happens when a cycling dad chooses golf over bikes? Join Aaron and Devin for their most candid episode yet, covering everything from corporate cargo bikes to parenting victories and failures. Aaron explains his complete cycling hiatus and newfound golf addiction, while Devin tries to convince him that 20 minutes on Zwift isn't too much to ask. In this episode: * Devin's corporate "land yacht" cargo e-bike adventures * Tour de France recap: Pogačar's dominance and bike tech updates * The great golf vs. cycling debate (golf is currently winning) * Family vacation stories from Minnesota's North Country * Health reminders for busy dads * Sleep regression battles and parenting real talk Perfect for: Dads juggling priorities, cycling enthusiasts, parents in the trenches, and anyone who enjoys honest conversations about balancing hobbies, health, and family life. "You got to take care of yourself first before you're able to take care of others." Connect with the Cycling Dads: * Follow for more dad truths, cycling content, and the occasional golf roast Sponsors: * ReMax Results (Devin's company and studio sponsor) * Trail Kids Program (making work camps fun since... recently)