In this conversation, Noah and Dave explore one of modern fatherhood's trickiest balancing acts: raising children who are empowered to navigate the world confidently, without tipping into entitlement or losing their humility.
They discuss the two dangerous extremes—kids with so much power they're scared (lacking boundaries) versus kids so controlled they lose their sense of agency—and what it means to "guide" children through that middle path. The conversation moves through building strong relationships as the foundation for open communication, teaching critical thinking skills without vilifying different perspectives, and helping children develop healthy skepticism without sliding into cynicism.
Dave and Noah share personal stories about vulnerable conversations, the challenges of protecting versus preparing kids for difficult influences, and why cultivating curiosity might be one of the most important skills we can model. The episode concludes with a powerful example of what empowerment actually looks like when a child chooses vulnerability over performance.
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In this conversation, Noah and Dave explore one of modern fatherhood's trickiest balancing acts: raising children who are empowered to navigate the world confidently, without tipping into entitlement or losing their humility.
They discuss the two dangerous extremes—kids with so much power they're scared (lacking boundaries) versus kids so controlled they lose their sense of agency—and what it means to "guide" children through that middle path. The conversation moves through building strong relationships as the foundation for open communication, teaching critical thinking skills without vilifying different perspectives, and helping children develop healthy skepticism without sliding into cynicism.
Dave and Noah share personal stories about vulnerable conversations, the challenges of protecting versus preparing kids for difficult influences, and why cultivating curiosity might be one of the most important skills we can model. The episode concludes with a powerful example of what empowerment actually looks like when a child chooses vulnerability over performance.
In this heartfelt return episode of the Council of Fathers Podcast, Noah and Dave dive deep into what it means to be a man—and a father—in today’s world. Drawing inspiration from Jungian analyst James Hollis, they unpack three forms of disconnection men often face: isolation from meaningful friendship, from their own inner guidance, and from a culture that values them only for productivity.
Through personal stories and rich reflection, they explore how men can reclaim connection—with themselves, with each other, and with something greater. Along the way, they share updates about upcoming Council of Fathers offerings, including the Sacred Fatherhood: Healing Triggers, Breaking Cycles workshop and the Fathering from the Heart 12-week online initiation beginning in January.
This conversation is a compass for men yearning to live with more authenticity, depth, and love.
Council of Fathers
In this conversation, Noah and Dave explore one of modern fatherhood's trickiest balancing acts: raising children who are empowered to navigate the world confidently, without tipping into entitlement or losing their humility.
They discuss the two dangerous extremes—kids with so much power they're scared (lacking boundaries) versus kids so controlled they lose their sense of agency—and what it means to "guide" children through that middle path. The conversation moves through building strong relationships as the foundation for open communication, teaching critical thinking skills without vilifying different perspectives, and helping children develop healthy skepticism without sliding into cynicism.
Dave and Noah share personal stories about vulnerable conversations, the challenges of protecting versus preparing kids for difficult influences, and why cultivating curiosity might be one of the most important skills we can model. The episode concludes with a powerful example of what empowerment actually looks like when a child chooses vulnerability over performance.
