Ep. 526 Eric Rogell : Drop the Nice Guy Routine and Stop Trying So Hard to be Liked

In this candid episode, host Ned Schaut sits down with author and speaker Eric Rogell to confront the trap many fathers fall into—trying to be the “nice guy” who’s always liked instead of the man who leads with courage and conviction. Eric shares why advice often misses the mark, and why children need fathers who live out wisdom through the Sacred Seven Core Values: courage, honesty, integrity, commitment, duty, honor, and love. From fatherhood and step-parenting to manhood at “Level 60,” Eric unpacks how dropping the need for approval allows dads to guide their kids with strength, presence, and authenticity. This conversation challenges men to stop chasing validation, embrace their role as mentors, and build a legacy rooted in love and honor.Chapters:00:00:00 – Welcome to Fatherhood Field Notes Podcast00:01:19 – Meet Eric00:03:25 – Late 50s accomplishments: writing a book, producing a documentary00:04:24 – Turning point through meditation and taking command of life00:06:16 – No plans to retire from purposeful work00:07:28 – Untapped wisdom in older, retired men00:08:29 – Difference between advice (head) and wisdom (heart)00:09:47 – Using “wisdom, not advice” by sharing stories and mistakes00:14:25 – Value of letting kids make mistakes: “prepare the child for the road”00:16:35 – Creating healthy challenges, like running an excavator00:18:44 – The Sacred Seven Core Values: Courage, Honesty, Integrity, Commitment, Duty, Honor, Love00:22:26 – The “King and Kingdom” principle: care for yourself to care for family00:25:42 – Navy SEAL lesson on why most commitments fail after five days00:28:10 – Advice for men in the stepfather role00:28:34 –Don’t try to be liked; earn respect00:31:25 – Three Lights of Leadership: Friend, Guide, Guardian00:38:14 – What will your kids think of you at 60?00:38:58 – Complex relationship with father: once seen as villain, later as hero00:42:16 – Discovering father’s generosity through stories after his passing00:43:37 – Importance of a father’s attention, not just time00:46:28 – It’s okay to be the “villain” when acting as guardianGuest Link:Lions Raised as Lambs WebsiteEric’s WebsiteEric on InstagramLinks and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/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:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate