Unhinged Dads Podcast

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? Drop it in the comments. 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!