7: Dads: Then Vs. Now with Stephen Bargatze | Life of Dad Ep #7

7: Dads: Then Vs. Now with Stephen Bargatze | Life of Dad Ep #7

Episode #7 of Life of Dad welcomes the show’s first guest, Stephen Bargatze, as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James take a trip down memory lane and compare what growing up looked like then versus now. From driving farm trucks as kids and disappearing for hours without anyone knowing where you were to the everyday responsibilities children used to have, the group shares stories that would be almost impossible to imagine today. The conversation also explores how parenting, grandparenting, and family life have changed over the years. Stephen reflects on lessons learned raising a family, while the guys compare childhood experiences across generations and laugh about the things that were once considered completely normal. Along the way, they swap stories about road trips, family memories, growing up in smaller communities, and the different expectations placed on kids then and now. Funny, nostalgic, and full of the kinds of stories families tell around the dinner table, Episode #7 is a reminder that while the world keeps changing, the memories that shape us—and the lessons we pass on—have a way of sticking around.

6: Backseat Birth Plan | Life of Dad Ep #6

Episode #6 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about the journey to fatherhood as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James focus on the final stretch before a baby arrives. From labor-inducing pizzas and Costco hot dogs to power walks, castor oil, and every other piece of advice expectant parents receive, the guys share stories about the strange lengths people will go to when they’re ready to meet their baby. The episode also features stories from the Life of Dad community about labor, delivery, and the moments parents knew it was finally time to head to the hospital. Along the way, the conversation drifts into learner’s permits, road trips with kids, grandparents, family traditions, hospital stories, and the realization that some of the biggest moments in parenting rarely go according to plan. Funny, honest, and full of the kinds of conversations dads have when nobody else is around, Episode #6 is a reminder that while every birth story is different, the anticipation, excitement, and uncertainty leading up to it are something parents everywhere can relate to.

5: The Bowflex, A Flamethrower & An Airplane | Life of Dad Ep #5

Episode #5 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about fatherhood with hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James as they talk about money, responsibility, and the many strange ways dads try to justify their purchases. From sleepless nights with a baby and life on the road to family movie nights, school drop-off autopilot, and old high school nicknames, the guys share more stories about the everyday chaos that comes with being a dad. The episode also features more comments and stories from the growing Life of Dad community, including diaper disasters, dad jingles, ridiculous “practical” purchases, and money-saving hacks that may or may not actually save any money. Along the way, the guys get sidetracked into Pierce Brosnan’s toaster, bidets, Chia Pets, flamethrowers, expired spices, and the difference between providing for your family and simply being present with them. Funny, honest, and heartfelt, Episode #5 ends with a powerful Dad of the Week story about Tim Frost and his son Odin, reminding us that fatherhood is about showing up, finding joy, and loving your family through whatever life brings.

4: SWEATY PALMS, BABY NAMES & CAR SEATS | Life of Dad Ep #4 - A Nateland Podcast

Episode #4 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about navigating fatherhood as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James settle into the second trimester and discuss the surprising confidence that can come with it. As the early panic and uncertainty begin to fade, the guys talk about how easy it is for new parents to feel like they’ve finally figured things out—just in time for parenthood to remind them otherwise. The episode also features stories from life on the road, traveling with a baby, leaning on grandparents, and the lessons learned from accidentally using a car seat the wrong way. Along the way, the conversation drifts into camping trips, family dynamics, memorable advice from previous generations, awkward handshakes, comedy careers, and the importance of being present as a dad. The guys also answer a listener voicemail about preparing for a second child and continue building the growing Life of Dad community through comments, stories, and shared experiences. Funny, relatable, and full of the kinds of conversations dads have when nobody else is around, Episode #4 is a reminder that confidence and parenthood don’t always arrive at the same time.

3: NEW BABY. NO SLEEP. NO CLUE. | Life of Dad Ep #3 - A Nateland Podcast

Episode #3 of Life of Dad continues the conversation about the early days of fatherhood as hosts Tom Riles, Lee Kimbrell, and Mike James dive into the fog of bringing a newborn home for the first time. From sleepless nights and 3 a.m. fears to figuring out shifts with your spouse and realizing “this baby is really ours now,” the guys share honest stories about the emotional blur of those first few days with a new baby. The episode also features updates from life at home, including Lee celebrating his daughter finally saying “Dada,” conversations about youth sports, parenting encouragement, and the moments dads remember years later. Along the way, the guys get sidetracked into Michael Jordan debates, late-night newborn paranoia, marriage growing stronger through parenting, and the strange mix of exhaustion, fear, and joy that comes with becoming a dad. Funny, heartfelt, and relatable, Episode #3 feels like the kind of conversation dads have after finally surviving the first few nights home with a baby.a