Daring to Dad

Ryan Meeks on Embracing Death as a Life Guide

Summary:
This week's guest is Ryan Meeks. Ryan, along with his wife Michelle, has dedicated his life to guiding others toward healing, self-discovery, and deeper connection. With a background that spans 20 years as an ordained minister, Ryan now offers what he calls '(UN)Spiritual Direction'—a pragmatic, heart-centered approach to cultivating a sacred way of living beyond traditional religious frameworks. In this conversation he shares his journey through masculinity, fatherhood, and the transformative experiences that shaped his identity. He reflects on the influence of his grandfather, the impact of death on his perspective, and his departure from traditional faith. Ryan discusses the lessons learned from his battle with cancer and how psychedelics have played a role in his personal growth and understanding of emotional health.Podcast Moments: 
00:00 Exploring Masculinity and Fatherhood
06:39 The Impact of Death on Life Perspective
11:24 Navigating Faith and Identity
18:42 Lessons from Cancer
34:30 Psychedelics and Personal Transformation
Learn more about Ryan's work at www.loveisthepoint.com 

Embodied Leadership with Travis Streb

In this episode of the Daring to Dad podcast, Ryan reconnects with seasoned coach, Travis Streb, who shares insights on his work with men and couples, the emotional complexities of parenting, and the importance of integration in life. They discuss the fears parents face in today's world, the significance of community, and practical steps for men to reconnect with themselves and others. Travis emphasizes the need for men to engage with nature, spirituality, and their bodies to achieve a sense of wholeness and connection.
 
Connect with Travis at travisstreb.com 

Breaking the Cycle with Ryan Rucker

What is the impact of growing up without a father? What impact does it have on the families that come next? In this conversation, Ryan Rucker shares his journey of navigating fatherhood without a father figure in his life. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, the lessons learned from his mother and grandmother, and how he strives to be a present and involved father. The conversation explores themes of masculinity, the importance of community, and the need for empathy in understanding the complexities of fatherhood. Rucker also reflects on his reconnection with his biological father and the insights gained from that experience, emphasizing the importance of breaking generational patterns and fostering emotional intelligence in parenting.

Zack Kasabo on Embracing Imperfection and Overcoming Parental Overwhelm

In this heart-to-heart episode, we chat with Zack Kasabo, the amazing school counselor who's taken social media by storm with his down-to-earth advice on managing kids' behavior. Zack opens up about his own mental health journey and how it inspired him to help kids and parents navigate the ups and downs of life.
Zack's genuine and practical tips have struck a chord with many, and it's easy to see why. He breaks down the need for clear expectations and boundaries in a way that's easy to understand and apply. We dive into the crucial role male role models play in schools and how dads are stepping up in today's world.
Parenting can be overwhelming, and Zack gets that. He talks about the importance of empathy and limits, setting rules, and backing them up with consequences. We explore how parents can align their values and expectations through open and honest communication. And yes, we touch on the pressure to be perfect and how embracing imperfection can make all the difference.
Zack shares some golden tools for handling tough situations with kids, like anticipation, acceptance, and decisiveness. Tune in for a warm, insightful conversation that's sure to leave you feeling empowered and understood.

Ben Webster on Starting Over Again

 
 
In this heartfelt conversation, Ryan and Ben Webster open up about their deeply personal journeys of self-discovery and growth. They share their experiences with playing certain roles in life, such as the 'nice guy,' and how these roles have often kept them from fully expressing their true selves. The discussion delves into the struggles of shedding these limiting roles and embracing authenticity. Topics like divorce, co-parenting, and the crucial importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions are explored with raw honesty.
This conversation goes beyond surface-level discussions, diving into the complexities of personal growth and the longing to live authentically. Ryan and Ben candidly talk about the difficulties of being a 'nice guy,' the pressures of seeking external validation, and the transformative power of letting go. They highlight the journey of rebuilding trust and self-belief through consistent, daily actions.
The significance of men's groups and retreats is also brought to light, showcasing how these spaces foster vulnerability and genuine connection. The power of sharing one’s story and being truly seen by other men is emphasized, along with the importance of allowing oneself to feel and express emotions freely.
As the conversation draws to a close, listeners are reminded of the profound importance of stepping out of isolation and into meaningful relationships and connections.
 
 

CJ Casciotta and The Power of the Collective Journey

CJ Casciotta is an award-winning media producer of kids & family entertainment trusted by Forbes, Tech Crunch, Sesame Studios, and MGM. He's the author of 2 books, Get Weird and The Forgotten Art of Being Ordinary, both hopeful manifestos for the next generation. Most importantly, he's a dad figuring out how to raise thoughtful, creative humans in the 21st century. 
CJ and Ryan discuss the importance of using creativity and storytelling as a force for good in the world. They explore the concept of the collective journey, where individuals come together to challenge and reimagine systems and ideals. They also discuss the role of parents in fostering creativity and purpose in their children, emphasizing the need for intention and purpose in using technology. CJ shares his personal experiences as a father and the challenges and joys of raising creative children. The conversation highlights the importance of finding community and connection as fathers and embracing our unique perspectives and passions.
Learn more about CJ's work at bycj.co.

Reid Walton and Shaping Values and Beliefs as Fathers

Ryan is joined this week by his brother, Reid Walton, LMFT. They share their experiences as fathers and the influences that shaped their ideas of fatherhood. They also discuss the qualities of a good father and the challenges and joys of being a parent. They touch on topics such as gender roles, grief, and self-reflection as a parent. The conversation explores the challenges of dealing with grief and loss, particularly when it involves children. The speakers discuss the sadness and difficulty of facing questions without good answers and the importance of finding support and connection in times of pain. They also highlight the beauty and gratitude that can be found in memories and moments shared with loved ones. The conversation then shifts to the topic of Reid's book, 'Finding Our Way Again,' which aims to help couples rediscover their relationship through poems and conversations. The book encourages curiosity, acceptance, and self-reflection as key ingredients for maintaining a fulfilling and meaningful relationship.

Dan Doty and the Power of Presence in Fatherhood

In this conversation, Ryan Walton speaks with renowned writer coach and men's leader, Dan Doty. They discuss the evolving role of men and fathers in today's society and the challenges they face. Dan shares his personal journey and the impact of his work with men and fathers. They explore topics such as vulnerability, masculinity, and the importance of being present. Dan provides insights on how to navigate the changing expectations of modern fatherhood and offers suggestions for managing anger and setting boundaries. Overall, the conversation highlights the potential for growth and healing in embracing a more holistic and authentic approach to fatherhood.
 
 
 
 

Brian Recker on Navigating Fatherhood Amidst Shifting Beliefs

How do we navigate raising kids while experiencing shifts and evolution in our own understanding of the world? Brian Recker shares his upbringing in Christian fundamentalism and how it shaped his idea of masculinity and fatherhood, and how the authoritarian parenting style he experienced defined gender roles within his community. Brian reflects on his struggle to fit into the masculine stereotype and his desire to please his father and the challenges of stepping away from the church and the loss of community and purpose. He discusses the impact of these changes on his identity and how he navigates fatherhood in the midst of shifting beliefs. Brian Recker shares his approach to parenting and faith after leaving evangelical Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of allowing his children to explore and discover their own beliefs and identities. He creates a safe space for them to be honest about their thoughts and feelings, including their questions about God and sexuality. Brian also discusses his evolving understanding of Christianity and the labels he uses to describe his beliefs. He expresses hope in the next generation and their passion for justice and inclusivity. Brian strives to be a humble and open-minded person, constantly willing to learn and change.

Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski on Beautiful and Complex Masculinity

Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski is a researcher and educator, specializing in the social emotional development and well-being of boys and men. He discusses his own influences and beliefs about masculinity, including the church, his father, and Lord of the Rings. He shares how his PhD research on masculinity has led to personal healing and a desire to guide and support young men. Brendan emphasizes the complexity of masculinity and the harmful aspects of emotional suppression, self-reliance, and dominance. He also highlights the importance of understanding context and adaptive responses. The conversation explores the complexities of teenage boys' emotional experiences and the impacts of overlooking their challenges. It emphasizes the need for understanding and empathy in our conversations around masculinity and the importance of creating space for emotional expression. The conversation also discusses the expanding definition of safety and the role of fathers and parents in supporting the thriving of young boys. It concludes with a reflection on hope for the future of men and boys and the importance of face-to-face interactions.
 
Learn more about Brendan: https://remasculine.com/ EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Guest's Background
02:24 Influences on Beliefs about Masculinity
03:55 Exploring Masculinity and Emotional Expression
10:07 Restrictive Masculinity and Shame around Dancing
19:44 The Power of Positive Masculinity
23:03 Complexity and Contradictions in Boys and Men
24:25 Harmful Aspects of Masculinity: Emotional Suppression, Self-Reliance, and Dominance
25:22 Understanding Context and Adaptive Responses
26:20 Guidance and Support for Young Men
27:47The Need for Complexity in Conversations around Masculinity
28:46 The Impacts of Overlooking Boys' Challenges
35:12 Expanding the Definition of Safety
41:54 Supporting the Thriving of Young Boys
43:53 Hope for the Future of Men and Boys
44:51 Practical Strategies for Parents
 
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