Unhinged Dads Podcast

Dada. Daddy. Dad. Bruh. That is not your kid getting lazy with your name. That is the job title changing out loud. Brian and Dave talk about how a dad's role has to change as kids grow: caretaker, teacher, coach, mentor. The fights usually start when you keep doing last year's job after the kid has already left it. In this episode: What "Dada," "Daddy," "Dad," and "Bruh" actually mean as job descriptions Why pouring cereal for a kid who can do it starts the day on fire The packing test: check the bag, hand them the list, or answer the text from the road Why child two will ignore everything you learned on child one The quiet grief of the last time they fell asleep on you How to stay close in the Bruh years without grabbing the wheel back Not a childhood-development lecture. Just what the work looks like when the title changes and you still have to show up. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Substack, Instagram, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. www.unhingeddadspod.com

Some weeks you do not get the perfect version. You get the version that keeps the house standing and the kids fed. Brian and Dave talk about the trap of chasing perfect as dads, husbands, and homeowners. A repaired machete that works instead of looking pretty. Drywall you could sand for another week. A conversation with a hurting kid that cannot wait until you find the perfect words. Also in this one: When good enough is not good enough (electricity, safety, the stuff that can kill you) Why inaction is usually worse than an imperfect move Stocked-pond fishing vs the dream trip Leaving the dishes, skipping the side quests, and still being a decent dad Why Unhinged Dads itself is a side quest compared to the actual job We are not lowering the bar. We are refusing to let perfect keep the work from getting done. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Substack, Instagram, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. www.unhingeddadspod.com What did "good enough" look like at your house this week? Drop it in the comments. #UnhingedDads #DadLife #Fatherhood #Parenting #GoodEnough #DoneIsBetterThanPerfect #DadPodcast

Most parents try to protect their kids from failure. We step in early, soften the landing, or prevent the crash altogether. It feels like love. Too often it quietly builds fragility instead of strength. In this episode Brian and Dave talk about why failure is one of the most important teachers your kids will ever have, and how constant rescuing trains the opposite of what you actually want. We cover: Why humans learn best through adversity The difference between supporting your kid and rescuing them Building real distress tolerance through graduated, age-appropriate failure Why GPA is not a social credit score Letting kids fail at school, sports, jobs, friendships, and social situations How to run an after-action review with your kid after things go wrong Teaching them that the world is often unfair and they still have to function in it. This is not about being cold or hands-off. It's about staying present, empathizing, and then helping them pick up the pieces so they actually grow. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, Kick, BitChute, and Substack. When was the last time you deliberately let your kid fail at something and stayed in the background to support them instead of fixing it? Drop it in the comments. Full episodes and more at www.unhingeddadspod.com

A lot of the work modern dads do is abstract. Screens, systems, emails, processes. It's real work, but it's hard for a kid to see or understand. In this episode Brian and Dave talk about why tangible skills still matter, and why letting your kids watch you learn, struggle, and figure things out is one of the more valuable things you can model. We get into: • Why physical competence gives kids something concrete to point to • The difference between abstract work and work they can actually see • Practical skills every dad should have around the house and the car • Stories from drywall, tool repair, AC maintenance, electrical mishaps, and more • Why continuous learning beats the idea that you should already know everything This one is about staying useful, staying curious, and showing your kids that competence is built, not assumed. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Substack, Instagram, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. Full episodes and more at www.unhingeddadspod.com What's one physical skill you've learned (or re-learned) as a dad that your kids have actually noticed? Drop it in the comments. #UnhingedDads #Fatherhood #DadLife #RealSkills #Parenting #HandymanDad #RaisingKids #ContinuousLearning

This week we sat down with Dave and Andres from In the Garage with Dave and Andres (also known as the Men's Mental Health Podcast) for a long, unscripted conversation. We covered a lot of ground: The old military "suck it up and drive on" mindset and what it costs men long-term The identity shift and isolation that come with being a stay-at-home dad Failure to launch, emerging adulthood, and kids who never learn how to do hard things Helicopter parenting vs actually preparing kids for the real world Why being real with your kids (admitting mistakes, showing vulnerability the right way) is a major generational change from the old "Dad as The Enforcer" model The need for actual male friendship and community instead of just grinding in silence No polished advice. Just four dads talking through the messy reality of trying to show up better than the generation before us. Check out Dave and Andres here Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, BitChute, and Substack. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

This week Chris Dinote, Editor-in-Chief of the Boys Adventure division at Raconteur Press, joins Brian and Dave. We talk about why classic boys adventure stories largely disappeared, what boys actually want to read (and have wanted for over a century), and why "stories of men doing dangerous things far from home" still matter. Chris shares how Raconteur Press is deliberately bringing that tradition back, what they're seeing from young readers, and why good fiction is one of the best tools parents have for building resilience, virtue, and real literacy in their kids. We also wander into Tolkien, Samwise vs Conan, rites of passage, and why most modern kids' books fall short. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com Find Raconteur Press: https://raconteurpress.com Follow their Substack for open calls and new releases. #BoysAdventure #RaisingBoys #Fatherhood #RaconteurPress #DadLife #UnhingedDads #ChildrensLiterature

Screens aren't going away. The real question isn't just how much time kids spend on them, it's what they're doing and whether we're actually involved. In this episode, Brian and Dave dig into the quality vs quantity debate around screen time. We talk about why rigid limits often fail, why "just ban it" doesn't work in the real world, and what actually helps: being present, curating better content, and balancing screens with real life. We get into: • Why quality matters more than raw hours • The reality of secret phones and workarounds • How to explain limits without defaulting to "because I said so" • Why involvement beats restriction alone • Personal stories about hiking, drywall, and trying to raise kids who choose real life This one is practical, honest, and a little messy, just like parenting. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Substack, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com #ScreenTime #Parenting #DadLife #RaisingKids #UnhingedDads #QualityOverQuantity

If family trips often feel more stressful than relaxing, you're not alone. Brian and Dave share their real experiences with road trips, flights, and vacations with kids, the good, the bad, and the "never again" moments. In this episode we discuss: Why you should travel with your kids anyway (even when it's hard) Brian's "6 P's" of travel planning and other strategies to reduce chaos What actually matters most — and what doesn't Stories of trips that went great, trips that went sideways, and the unexpected moments that became core memories Special considerations for families with young kids, multiple children, or special needs Whether you're planning a big summer road trip or just dreaming of one, this episode is full of honest, practical advice from two dads who have been there (and survived).   Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

After 5 weeks apart, Brian and Dave finally catch up on all the beautiful chaos of real dad life. Brian's deep in summer dad mode, kids out of school, summer orchestra, daily exercise bootcamp, drafting the kids as work assistants, and pushing everyone with weekly mountain hikes + a big family road trip to Oregon. Dave and family just moved back into their house (repairs still in progress), survived everybody getting sick, and squeezed in a road trip to Libertycon. No scripts. No experts. Just two dads talking about the wins, the exhaustion, the ridiculous moments, and what they're learning along the way. If your summer feels like controlled chaos, you're not alone. Dads what's the biggest chaos happening in your house right now? Drop it in the comments 👇 We read every one. Unhinged Dads Podcast — Real Talk. Zero Filter. #Fatherhood #DadLife #Parenting #SummerDad #UnhingedDads #FamilyChaos #CatchingUp

Why have fewer men and boys been reading fiction over the last century? Brian sits down with Malory — PhD researcher studying men's reading habits and author of gritty, action-packed stories like Psycho Marine and Morgan & Merlin — for a wide-ranging conversation. They discuss: • How fiction became culturally "unmasculine" and what that's done to boys • Why LitRPG and progression fantasy are pulling men back into reading • The power of verbs, adventure, and stories that actually hook boys • Raising readers in a screen-dominated world • The importance of letting kids be bored and struggle productively Raw, honest, and full of real-talk dad insights — plus plenty of tangents about fatherhood, skill-building, and what it means to raise capable sons. Guest: Malory | maloryauthor.com 🔴 Unhinged Dads Podcast – Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Most parents think they're rewarding good behavior…but what if they're actually training their kids to lie, sneak, and hide problems instead? In this episode, Brian and Dave break down how "well-intentioned" rules and rewards often create the exact opposite of what we want. From the famous Cobra Effect in British India to Brian's real-life experience as a safety manager, we explore Goodhart's Law and why your parenting "program" might be backfiring. We discuss: • Why zero-tolerance rules often train kids to become excellent liars • How reward systems can destroy trust and honesty • The difference between controlling your kids and designing better incentives • Practical ways to reward honesty, early problem-reporting, and real responsibility If you've ever wondered why your rules aren't working the way you expected, this episode will make you rethink everything.  What's one rule or reward in your house that might be creating a perverse incentive?  New episodes every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time. 👉 All Episodes & Show Notes: https://www.unhingeddadspod.org/video... 👉 Support the Show: https://ko-fi.com/unhingeddadspodcast #UnhingedDads #Fatherhood #Parenting #PerverseIncentives #GoodhartLaw #DadLife

Most modern parenting says "give kids more freedom." But what if taking away structure is actually making everyone more anxious, exhausted, and miserable? In this episode, Brian and Dave make the case that clear, reasonable, and consistently enforced boundaries are one of the greatest gifts we can give our children — and ourselves. Real freedom isn't the absence of rules. It's knowing exactly where the lines are so you can actually relax and thrive inside them. We cover: • Why vague household rules create chaos and resentment • How structured screen time can save your family's peace and attention spans • The difference between controlling kids and giving them healthy structure • Why many dads are afraid to set strong boundaries (and why we must) Structure isn't the enemy of freedom — it's the foundation of it. What's one boundary you know you need to set (or strengthen) this week? Shoot us an email [email protected] we read comments live on air! 👇 New episodes every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time. 👉 Full episodes & show notes: https://www.unhingeddadspod.org/video-episodes 👉 Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/unhingeddadspodcast #UnhingedDads #Fatherhood #Parenting #Boundaries #DadLife

Brian and Dave take a hard look at the popular phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" — and how it's increasingly being used to justify forced collectivization, government overreach, and the erosion of parental responsibility. We break down: • The difference between a voluntary "village" (the kind that actually works) and forced community • Why scattered families and modern life make chosen tribes more important than ever • How we've intentionally built our own real village despite living far away from blood relatives and chosen family • The dangers of outsourcing parenting to the state or society This episode gets honest about community, freedom, and what real masculine responsibility looks like in 2026. What does "village" mean to you — chosen family or something else? Drop your thoughts in an email and we'll read them on the next show!  [email protected]  Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

There are lines that stick with us: - "Gordy's gone man. I'll be outside." -Black Hawk Down - "Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie" -Simonedes of Ceos - "Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! ... Ride now, ride now! Ride to ruin and the world's ending! Death! Death! Death! Forth Eorlingas!" -The Return of the King What's the real male fantasy? Charging into battle with your brothers, shields locked, screaming as you make one glorious last stand? It sure as hell isn't surviving another day of diapers, tantrums, bills, and never-ending dad duties. In this episode, Brian and Dave get to unleash their inner history nerd, unpack our cultural addiction to the tragic romance of the "last stand" — Thermopylae, the Alamo, Stamford Bridge, you name it — and why so many men secretly (or not so secretly) find that fantasy more appealing than the quiet, grinding endurance required to actually be a good father and husband. We talk about: • Why the "die gloriously" fantasy hits so hard • How it messes with our ability to show up for the daily grind • What real masculine strength looks like when no one's watching and there's no dramatic music • Shield walls vs. changing another diaper at 3 AM This one gets honest, a little dark, and very relatable. What's your version of the "ultimate male fantasy"? Shoot us an email, we read them on air! [email protected]  👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Mrs. Dave dropped a not-so-subtle callout on us: stop selling yourself short and actually give credit where it's due — starting with yourself. In this episode, Brian and Dave get uncomfortably honest about why acknowledging our own accomplishments feels so weird (and why we're quick to do it for our friends but never for ourselves). We dig into the mental blocks, the dad guilt, the fear of sounding arrogant, and how learning to celebrate your wins can make you a better father, husband, and man. There was  plenty of squirming, dark humor, and zero filter — just like always. If you've ever downplayed your achievements or felt guilty for feeling proud, this one's for you. What's one win you've been brushing off lately? Email it to Brian [email protected] and we'll read it on the next episode! 🔗 www.unhingeddadsPod.com

Join Brian and Dave as they tackle the ultimate goal of parenting: raising happy, healthy, and independent adults in a rapidly changing world. In this episode, they break down the shifting landscape of higher education, career paths, trade schools, and occupational licensing — and why the old "college at all costs" script might be failing our kids.   Side quests include: Why Caillou (and a lot of modern kids' programming) is terrible How Futurama might actually be better for kids than most "educational" shows Brian's disdain for HR drones The episode ends with an honest conversation about the real reason behind Unhinged Dads: Brian gets very frank about the mistakes he's made as a dad and his hope that this podcast helps other fathers avoid the same pitfalls. If you're a dad trying to raise capable kids in today's world, this one hits hard. What was your biggest takeaway? Drop it in the comments or shoot us an email [email protected] — we read them on the show! 📅 Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time 🔗 www.unhingeddadsPod.com

Hold onto your hats — this episode is pure, unfiltered chaos! Brian and Dave were joined by Ian McMurtrie (better known online as LawDog) for an absolute riot of a show. Growing up in West Africa, Ian turned "childhood" into something completely next-level. In this episode he shares: How he helped found the (short-lived) Nigerian Space Agency The time 12-year-old Ian accidentally became a minor warlord Accidentally declaring war on the Nigerian Army with a homemade trebuchet and a 16 lb bowling ball Learning to make black powder…from his mom The headache of trying to dispose of an unwanted rocket launcher in Beirut and Lagos in 1977 If you think your kids are chaos gremlins, Ian is about to redefine the term.  We also got an update from Ian on his work as head of Raconteur Press, where they're bringing back classic-style boys' adventure novels in the spirit of Heinlein. Grab The Africa Files (and more of LawDog's stories) here: https://www.amazon.com/Africa-Files-LawDog-Book-ebook/dp/B0C3PCN3VS  Check out all the new adventure books from Raconteur Press: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=raconteur+press  Ian will be back soon to share stories from his 27-year law enforcement career — you will NOT want to miss that one.  What was your favorite story from this episode? The trebuchet? The warlord origin? Mom's lessons in "applied chemistry"? Drop it in the comments below or use the contact form at https://www.unhingeddadspod.com — we read them on air! 👍 Like | 🛎 Subscribe | Turn on notifications so you never miss the chaos! #LawDog #UnhingedDads #WildChildhood #africastories #Dadhumor #storytime #BoysAdventure #RaconteurPress #AccidentalWarlord #Podcast 

When your "free time" finally starts at 9:00pm… but you're already exhausted. Sound familiar? In Episode 10 of Unhinged Dads, Brian, and Dave get real about how hard it is to maintain friendships as middle-aged dads with kids, marriages, and zero energy left by the end of the day. We talk about: • Why adult friendships slowly fade after kids come along • The 9pm "trauma bonding" window most dads live in • How military moves, deployments, and daily chaos make it even harder • Practical (and sometimes funny) ways we're trying to keep our friendships alive If you're a dad who's ever texted "we should grab a beer" and then never actually did it… this one's for you. What's your biggest struggle with maintaining dad friendships right now?  Email Brian [email protected] and we'll discuss on-air!  more unhinged dad talk → unhingeddadspod.com Follow us on Instagram @unhingeddadspod

Ever feel like you're raising kids in the wrong decade? Brian and Dave discuss the strange reality of being a modern dad — trying to hold onto old-school values while navigating technology overload, rapidly changing social norms, and a world that feels completely alien compared to the one we grew up in.  We talk about: • The challenges of parenting with 90s/early 2000s values in 2026 • Technology, screens, and social media • How not to screw up the next generation while feeling like a stranger in your own time • The humor and frustration of being a time traveler in your own family If you've ever thought "This isn't how I was raised…" — this episode is for you. What's the biggest difference you've noticed between how you were raised and how you're raising your kids?  Drop it in the comments. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Why does it feel like every other dad has parenting figured out? Brian and Dave dive deep into the toxic habit of comparing your behind-the-scenes reality to everyone else's perfectly curated highlight reel. They talk about how social media warps our view of fatherhood, why comparison steals our joy, and how to break free from it. We discuss: • The dangers of "tripping on brainrot" and comparison culture • How to practice radical self-compassion as a dad • Giving yourself the same grace you freely give to others • Staying grounded and focused on continuous self-improvement This episode is honest, a little vulnerable, and full of the real-talk dad advice you've come to expect — plus some bad dad jokes along the way. If you've ever felt like you're failing while everyone else is winning, this one's for you. What's something you've been comparing yourself on lately? Drop it in the comments. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Sleep? What sleep? Brian and Dave go deep on one of the hardest parts of parenting — chronic sleep deprivation while raising toddlers in your 40s. From failed sleep training attempts and brutal night wakings to the long-term effects of never getting enough rest, this episode covers the reality most parenting podcasts won't touch. We discuss: • Why sleep feels impossible once you hit your 40s with kids • Practical (and not-so-practical) strategies for better sleep • The mental and physical toll of constant exhaustion • How to survive the toddler years without losing your mind If you're a tired dad running on coffee and sheer willpower, this one's for you. What's your worst sleep deprivation story? Shoot us an email and we'll read it on the next show. Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Every family's favorite never-ending battle: CHORES. Brian and Dave go beyond the surface and discuss the real reason we make our kids do chores. It's not just about getting the dishes done or the house looking decent — it's about teaching responsibility, pride in your space, accountability, and real-life skills that will serve them as adults. In this episode we cover: • The deeper purpose behind assigning chores • Why chores matter more than most parents realize • Practical systems that actually work to keep everyone accountable • How to build habits of ownership instead of constant nagging If your house feels like a war zone of laundry, toys, and arguments about whose turn it is… this one's for you. We sure as hell don't have all the answers, but we have figured out a few things. What's your biggest chore struggle right now? Drop it in an email and we'll read it on the next show! [email protected]  Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Brian and Dave talk about what they've learned over the last 20 years about building a strong, functional marriage that actually works as a true team. From navigating Navy deployments and multiple life disasters to the everyday work of staying partners, this episode is packed with honest lessons — especially from Dave and Mrs. Dave as they approach their 19th anniversary. We discuss: • What "team" really looks like in a marriage • How to stay partners when life gets hard • The small habits that make a huge difference • Why a strong marriage makes you a better father This episode also features a special guest appearance by Dave's 16-month-old son using his dad as a jungle gym. What's one thing that's helped your marriage stay strong through the chaos? Tell us in an email and we'll read it on the next show!  [email protected] Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Join Brian and Dave as they talk about one of the hardest parts of being a dad — building real discipline in yourself and teaching it to your kids by example. We discuss: • Why self-discipline is so difficult for many dads • How to stop judging yourself so harshly when you mess up • Practical ways to instill discipline in your children without being a drill sergeant • Leading by example instead of just "do as I say" We also respond to a live viewer question and share our thoughts on holiday traditions. What's your biggest struggle with discipline — for yourself or your kids? Send us an email and we'll read it on the next show! [email protected]  Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Brian and Dave discuss one of the loudest (and most common) parts of parenting — when kids throw massive tantrums and have big emotional meltdowns. We also talk about other loud forms of emotional expression and, most importantly, our responsibility as parents to regulate our own emotions — especially when our kids can't. In this episode: • Why kids have tantrums and what they're really trying to say • How to respond without escalating the situation • The power of modeling emotional regulation • Handling your own anger and frustration in the heat of the moment If you've ever felt yourself losing it right alongside your kid, this one's for you. What's your biggest tantrum or emotional regulation challenge? Tell us in an email and we'll read it on the next episode!  [email protected] Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Join Brian, Dave, and special guest Tom Knighton as they ramble about what self care actually looks like for responsible adults — not the fluffy Instagram version. This episode is full of honest conversation and plenty of side quests as they discuss: • Why self care feels foreign (or ridiculous) to a lot of dads • Practical ways to take care of yourself without guilt • The difference between real self care and just being selfish • How to actually recharge when you're constantly running on empty If you've ever thought "self care" was something that would make you go blind… this one's for you. What does real self care look like in your life?  Live every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and BitChute. 👉 www.unhingeddadspod.com

Join us for our very first episode!  Meet Brian, Dave, and Nik as they talk about where they are as fathers, how they came together as friends, and where they are now.  Hear some crazy history, like Brian's emergency liver transplant 21 years ago, Nik's devastating spinal injury, and Dave and Mrs. Dave's cross country PCS from hell.   We closed by introducing the segment that we'll be starting each show with from now on, which is 3 questions:  1.  What have you done to improve yourself as a person and father this week?  2.  What have you screwed up?  3.  What did you do well this week? This being our first episode, there were some technical SNAFUs that we will have fixed in the future.

We'll be doing our first LIVE episode on Thurdsday January 22 at 9:00pm central time on Youtube.  Come roast us in the comments!