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Episode Summary: Part two of our three-part foundational assessment series! This episode focuses on emotional communication and self-reflection—skills that most men weren't taught growing up, but are absolutely critical for being an effective father and husband.

Sam and Cole walk you through six essential questions to assess your emotional health and capability. This is about developing real skills that prevent blind spots, divorce, and disconnection from your kids. If you can physically protect your family but can't emotionally connect with them, you're missing half the job.

THE 6 CRITICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS: 1. How present are you in the moment without seeking distraction? 2. How much emotional control do you have on a daily basis? 3. Can you identify when someone is communicating with you emotionally? 4. How comfortable are you with self-reflection? 5. How emotionally complete do you feel with your friends and family? 6. What are your energy levels throughout the day? (emotional component)

In this assessment episode, Sam and Cole tackle: * Why unresolved grief and emotional pain keep you stuck in the past or anxious about the future * How to recognize when your kid (or wife) is having an emotional experience vs. a problem-solving moment * The massive blind spot most men have: intellectualizing everything instead of just listening * Why self-reflection and self-disclosure build trust and prevent isolation * Phone usage as a distraction from uncomfortable emotions and present-moment awareness * How incomplete relationships create constant triggers and reactivity * The connection between physical energy and unresolved emotional baggage

Whether you're completely new to these topics or already doing the work, this episode gives you clear diagnostic questions to identify blind spots and areas for growth in 2026.

Cole's professional expertise in grief recovery shines through, while Sam models what it looks like to learn these skills in real-time. This is actionable content—not just another podcast to consume and move on from.

More assessment episodes coming soon. Part three covers additional foundational categories for fatherhood.

Referenced in this episode: Episode 6 - Emotional Communication deep dive

#FatherhoodPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #GriefRecovery #SelfReflection #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealth #IntentionalFatherhood #ParentingSkills #LeaveNoDoubt #BePresent

If you're enjoying the podcast, please leave us a 5-star rating and review! It takes just a few seconds and helps other dads find the show. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Episode Summary: Kicking off 2026 with the first episode in our three-part assessment series! This episode focuses on the physical fundamentals every father needs to have locked down—not the sexy 20%, but the core 80% that actually moves the needle.

THE 6 CRITICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:

1. Are you routinely doing resistance training?

2. What percentage of your meals are centered around protein?

3. How are your energy levels throughout the day until you fall asleep?

4. Can you get through the week without relying on drugs or alcohol?

5. If you had to physically defend your family, how confident would you be?

6. How physically present are you with your kids on a weekly basis?

In this assessment episode, Sam and Cole tackle: * Why resistance training is non-negotiable and how to scale from 1-5 * The protein-centered approach to nutrition that cuts through all the diet noise * Energy levels as a key indicator of overall health (caffeine, carbs, and circadian rhythm) * Real talk on sobriety—why zero drugs and alcohol might be the best option for fathers * Physical capability and your role as your family's security detail * Phone usage destroying your presence with your kids and how to fix it * Why all these fundamentals work together as a system Sam and Cole get honest about their own struggles—Cole's holiday carb binge, both of their phone usage challenges, and why they're between 3-4 on several metrics themselves.

They emphasize this is assessment, not judgment, and starting with just ONE area can cascade into improvements across all the others.

More assessment episodes coming soon covering other foundational categories for fatherhood. Looking ahead to 2026 with practical content on implementing real change in your life as a father and man.

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW! Help us reach more parents by subscribing and leaving a rating. Your support means everything!

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Jack Osbourne joins us for an incredible conversation about fatherhood, friendship, and finding balance in an unbalanced world.

Jack has been Cole's friend for 20+ years—they got sober together in their early twenties and have been through life's ups and downs side by side. We sit down to discuss what he's learned in his 13 years of parenting, what he learned from his parents, raising kids in rural vs. urban environments, and much more.

In this episode:

• Growing up as Ozzy Osbourne's son and the work ethic lessons that stuck
• Why Jack stopped yelling at his kids: "Anything that isn't nurturing is trauma"
• The stark differences between raising boys and girls
• Balancing Hollywood parties with grounded Idaho living
• Why male community is essential for fathers (and not talked about enough)
• Growing up on camera during "The Osbournes"
• Navigating grief and loss with children
• Letting kids rebel and individuate (even when it hurts)
• Why "we're gonna mess our kids up no matter what"

Jack shares honest stories—from getting his first tattoo on Hatebreed's tour bus at 16, to taking his 13-year-old daughter to a party where a shirtless Justin Bieber accidentally brushed against her, to watching his youngest daughters experience their grandfather's legacy for the first time.

This is raw, real talk from three dads who are trying their best to raise good humans in 2026.