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Fatherhood Field Notes

Fatherhood Field Notes

Written by: Ned Schaut
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About this listen

Fatherhood Field Notes is where we hear real stories from real men living real lives every week. Fatherhood is not only about being a dad, it incorporates providing and serving a home, loving and serving a spouse, engaging and serving in a community, as well as intentionally serving your children. Fatherhood is an adventure, one full of fun, wild, and messy stories. In this podcast, we will hear stories from real men who have found themselves living the Adventure of Fatherhood. The Craft of Fatherhood episodes are 5-10 minute episodes where your guide Ned Schaut shares stories on his own fatherhood journey.© 2024 Fatherhood Field Notes Parenting Relationships Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Ep. 546 Blake Casteel: The Validation Your Kids Desperately Need From You
    Jan 16 2026

    Blake Casteel opens up about his journey from a fear-driven father repeating generational patterns to becoming a man committed to authentic connection with his six children. Blake shares the pivotal moment when he realized his older kids weren't getting the best of him, and how he's been intentionally changing the "menu" of his fatherhood over the past six years. He challenges dads to stop blaming their wives and kids, to validate their children's identity rather than just correct behavior, and to rebel against the convenience culture that's weakening families. With raw honesty, Blake discusses his work with Youth With a Mission, using fitness as a tool for discipleship, and the life-changing impact of bringing everything hidden into the light. This episode will convict you, encourage you, and equip you to show up differently for your family starting today.

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    1. Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK Fitness
    2. This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
    3. Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
    4. Check out the TEDx

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    1. Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?
    2. https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
    3. 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: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
    2. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
    3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Ep. 454 Sean Bothelio: How One Dad Built a Home Kids Never Wanted to Leave
    Jan 6 2026

    Sean Bothelio shares how he transformed from a scared 23-year-old father into a man who raised two confident sons who followed him into military service. After 30 years in the Air Force, Sean reveals the intentional decisions he and his wife Kim made to create a home where their sons' friends felt so safe that over 100 teenagers gathered there during a tragedy. He discusses the critical role of building confidence in children, why he encourages young men to consider military service, how to raise kids who can be "dropped anywhere in the world and thrive," and the profound difference between being a father and a grandfather. Sean's story proves that fatherhood isn't just about your own kids—it's a posture that impacts every young person who enters your home.

    Guest Links:

    LinkedIn

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    1. Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK Fitness
    2. This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
    3. Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
    4. Check out the TEDx

    ----------

    1. Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?
    2. https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
    3. 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: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
    2. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
    3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Ep. 544 Jeremiah Cooper: Why Your Kids Don't Need a Perfect Father
    Dec 30 2025

    Jeremiah Cooper opens up about his journey through divorce, remarriage, and learning what it truly means to be a father. After eight years of marriage, separation, and four years divorced, Jeremiah and his wife Wendy remarried in 2013—a story that proves hope exists even in the darkest moments. He shares the hard-won lessons about unconditional love, the difference between happiness and joy, and why trust must be rebuilt through consistent behavior over time. Jeremiah discusses how he started an intentional Bible study in his living room that grew into a weekly gathering for teens searching for father figures. He wrestles with the balance between work and family, the importance of teaching wisdom over religion, and why the role of a father is to help kids discover their true identity in Christ. This conversation challenges men to fight for their marriages, be present for their children, and understand that righteousness isn't about perfection—it's about saying yes to God's transformation in our lives.

    ---------

    1. Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK Fitness
    2. This episode is sponsored by The Adventure of Fatherhood
    3. Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
    4. Check out the TEDx

    ----------

    1. Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?
    2. https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/
    3. 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: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotes
    2. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fatherhoodfieldnotes
    3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
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