In today’s Christmas episode, Travis surprises Robert—and the listeners—by inviting a Secret Santa guest onto the podcast. 🎅 Meet Johnny, a dad of four and a firefighter living in Australia. Together, we explore what it’s like celebrating Christmas when it’s cold and cozy versus sunny and hot, and how holiday traditions change when the seasons are flipped upside down. Johnny shares his experience of fatherhood while balancing life as a firefighter, raising four kids, and celebrating the holidays far from the classic “winter Christmas” many of us grew up with. The conversation turns reflective as we talk about what we’re thankful for this season and what we’re most looking forward to when celebrating Christmas with our families. And just when you think the episode is wrapping up…🎁 A very special elf makes an appearance, so be sure to listen all the way to the end. This episode is full of laughter, perspective, gratitude, and a reminder that no matter where you are in the world, the heart of Christmas stays the same.

Travis kicks off today’s episode with a hot take no one asked for: salads should include leaves. From there, things take a hard left when he asks the question of the day— 👉 “Do you have a throw-up bowl?” (Yes, Robert had to clarify what he heard.) After some classic dad banter—testing spoiled food, catching up, and the realities of parenting—Travis shifts the conversation into a more reflective topic: what does “’Tis the season” actually mean now? Growing up, “’Tis the season” meant joy, celebration, and anticipation. As parents, it often sounds more like: sick kids, exhaustion, and survival mode. Travis and Robert unpack how that phrase has evolved over time, what it brings up emotionally, and whether it still represents joy—or simply another tough season to get through. This episode blends humor, honesty, and reflection as two dads explore how language, seasons, and perspective shift once you’re responsible for more than just yourself. 🎄 What comes to mind when you hear “’Tis the season”? Joy… or chaos?

Today, Travis and Robert welcome a special guest—Jesse from Ten Mile Brewing—for the first episode of this series. Jesse takes us behind the scenes of how he went from brewing beer in his garage to running multiple locations across Southern California. In this episode, Jesse shares: 🍺 How homebrewing became a passion🏭 What it took to open a microbrewery from scratch📈 The challenges of scaling from one location to many⚙️ The realities of launching a business in the craft beer world🤔 The questions Travis and Robert have always wanted to ask about beer And the best part? We haven’t even touched the dad-life side of his journey yet—that’s coming in part two. Whether you're a craft beer fan, a business-minded dad, or just love a good origin story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and behind-the-scenes brewing knowledge. Looking for more ways to connect with Jesse and Ten Mile Brewing? Check out these links: https://www.tenmilebrewing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tenmilebrewing/  

In this Thanksgiving special, Travis kicks things off with a fun game called “Chain Link”—something he picked up from another podcast and wants to try with family over the holidays. He and Robert try it live on the show, and it quickly sets the tone for a warm, reflective episode.  (If you want to get straight to the good stuff, skip to 20:03) From there, the guys dive into gratitude, sharing what they’re thankful for this season. Travis asks Robert about his unique Thanksgiving experiences growing up overseas—very different from the traditional American holiday Travis knew as a kid. Robert explains how being a transplant made Friendsgiving a central tradition, while Travis shares what a “classic” Thanksgiving looked like in his home. Then comes the big question:Honey Baked Ham or Turkey—who wins Thanksgiving? The conversation moves into how each of them approaches the tradition of saying what you're thankful for: what feels natural, what feels awkward, and what really matters. They each open up about the small moments that have shaped their gratitude this year and the life experiences that add perspective. To wrap things up, Robert and Travis explore the idea of the “get to” list versus the “to-do” list—how shifting your mindset can bring more gratitude, joy, and intention to everyday life. If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving episode filled with humor, perspective, and heartfelt reflection, this one’s for you. 🦃🍂  

Today’s episode starts with Travis’s favorite opener: “I was today years old when I found out…” From surprising discoveries to everyday dad revelations, both Travis and Robert share some fun (and slightly embarrassing) truths. But the real conversation?Why does the holiday season now start… in September? Travis brings a full list of complaints — Christmas ornaments the day after Halloween, holiday catalogs before fall even arrives, and Black Friday somehow turning into Black Friday month. Are we losing the magic of the holidays by pushing the season earlier every year? Robert and Travis dive into big questions: Is Christmas less special when we prep two months early? Has delayed gratification been replaced by instant dopamine hits? Has thoughtful gift-giving been reduced to Amazon carts and Pinterest lists? What behaviors are we modeling for our kids around holidays, waiting, and meaning? They explore the pros and cons of the extended holiday season, how convenience has changed family rituals, and what dads can do to bring connection, presence, and tradition back into the holidays. The episode wraps up with the simple, intentional practices Travis and Robert are trying in their own homes to rebuild the magic of the season — without the overwhelm. If you’ve ever felt like the holidays are starting too early and meaning less, this one’s for you. 🎁✨

In today’s episode, Travis and Robert dive deep into something every dad can relate to — the never-ending to-do list and the mental load that comes with it. Robert shares his secret to staying on top of it all, from daily routines to the habits that make or break productivity. He talks about what actually makes the list, what doesn’t, and how saying no can sometimes be the most powerful tool. You’ll also hear how he keeps his spouse in the loop so both parents stay aligned on priorities and scheduling. Travis jumps in with his “rocks and sand” analogy for prioritizing life’s biggest tasks — and opens up about what it looks like to tackle the list as a recovering lazy person. Together, they talk about finding balance, building systems that work, and lowering stress at home by getting organized (without losing your mind). 🧠 In this episode: How to manage the mental load as a dad The power of saying no and setting priorities Tools and systems for staying organized Partner communication around schedules and expectations Why small routines create massive relief If you’ve ever felt buried under your to-do list or mentally fried by daily tasks, this episode will help you breathe easier — and take back control of your time.

In today’s episode, Travis admits something shocking… he hasn’t seen a lot of the big-name movies most of us grew up with! 🎞️ Robert and Travis dive into their must-watch movie lists, sharing everything from the classics they loved as kids to the films they now enjoy with their own families. Then, they wrap things up with a lightning round of the Top 50 Movies of All Time — debating which ones they’ve seen, which are overrated, and which every dad has to watch at least once. 🍿 In this episode: Travis’s surprising movie confessions Robert’s must-watch favorites Movies that shaped our childhoods Family-friendly picks for movie night The Top 50 movies of all time — dad edition Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for your next family movie night pick, this one’s full of laughs, nostalgia, and honest dad talk.

This week’s episode kicks off with story time — and trust us, you don’t want to miss the “poop-copter” story. 😅 Travis and Robert catch up on dad life highlights from the week, including Robert’s experience with club sports in Southern California and Travis’s latest parenting adventure. Then, the guys dive into the main topic: Halloween! They share childhood Halloween memories, what’s changed now that they’re dads, and their best tips for parents trick-or-treating with kids — from costume chaos to candy negotiations. 👻 In this episode: Club sports & parenting updates The hilarious “poop-copter” story Halloween memories growing up Tips for first-time trick-or-treating parents How to make Halloween fun (and less stressful) for everyone 🎧 Grab your favorite candy, hit play, and join us for another real, funny, and relatable dad chat.

In today’s episode, Travis and Rob kick things off by talking about what it’s like to listen to their own podcast (spoiler: it’s weirdly insightful). Rob then shares a playground mishap on the monkey bars and what his daughter learned from it—What do we do when we fall down... After a quick round of Travis’s word game, the guys dive into a growing dad trend: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They chat about how they each got introduced to the sport, what keeps them hooked, and why it’s become such a meaningful outlet for so many dads today. From playground lessons to personal growth on the mat, this episode is all about learning, laughing, and rolling with life—literally. 👉 Have you ever tried BJJ or another “dad hobby”? Let us know in the comments!

Today’s episode is short, sweet, and a little different. Between busy schedules and school pick-up lines, Robert and Travis pause to reflect on what it really means for dads to rest and recover. In this episode: 🎙️ A quick word association game with U.S. states 🔥 The quote that sparked it all: “Sometimes men need to sit and stare at a fire for a reset.” 👨‍👦 How dads can recharge mentally, emotionally, and physically 🌙 Why rest isn’t wasted time—it’s an investment in being present for family Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from slowing down and letting yourself reset. 👉 How do YOU hit the reset button when dad life gets overwhelming?

This week’s episode starts with a simple question: “Why do we still drink soda with so much sugar when there are so many alternatives?” But before we can finish the debate, Travis’s car mechanic calls with some bad (and expensive) news. From there, we dive into: 🚘 Travis’s current truck troubles and dealing with the local mechanic 🤔 The hidden cost of decision-making as dads (time, money, energy) 💡 Rob’s take on “decision fatigue” and why even small choices can feel heavy 🧠 The mental load of fatherhood and how it shows up in daily life 🔥 Hot take of the week: “Guys shouldn’t pee standing up at home” (yep, we went there) Being a dad means balancing car repairs, soda debates, family dynamics, and the constant stream of choices. At the end of the day, doing your best and moving forward with intention matters most. 👉 Stick around for a preview of next week’s episode on the mental load for dads.👉 Share in the comments: What’s a decision you’ve overthought recently as a parent?

Today’s episode is all about catching up—and it’s a fun one! Travis kicks things off with his segment “Shower Thoughts with Travis,” sharing his tip of the day, which leads into a bigger conversation about supplements, health, and the importance of getting regular blood work. Travis also shares stories from his time working in the health insurance field and offers practical advice for anyone looking to get their labs done. From there, it’s a true catch-up episode as we dive into: Travis’s fantasy football season updates 🏈 His ongoing journey through 75 Hard 💪 Robert’s struggles transitioning the kids from summer freedom to school routines 📚 The role of rest and recovery as a dad who loves to exercise daily If you’re into health, fitness, family life, or just want some relatable dad talk, this one’s for you. 👉 Question of the Day: Do you prioritize supplements and blood work in your health routine? Drop your thoughts in the comments! #DadLife #Fitness #75Hard #FantasyFootball #Supplements #FatherhoodPodcast

Big milestone—our first guest is here! 🎉 Today, Travis and Robert sit down with Jake from Home Loans to talk about the balancing act of becoming a dad while starting a business. Jake opens up about the challenges of breaking into the home loans industry at the same time he was learning how to be a new father, and the valuable lessons he’s picked up along the way. In this episode, we cover: Dad life + running a business: the wins and struggles What Jake learned as a new father and entrepreneur Key questions every first-time home buyer should be asking Insider tips (shared exclusively with our Patreon members) on what to ask your loan officer Whether you’re a dad navigating work-life balance or someone thinking about buying your first home, this conversation is packed with practical insights and encouragement. 👉 Question of the Day: What’s been your biggest challenge—buying a home or balancing family with career? Let us know in the comments! Have questions for Jake? Reach out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jakefromhomeloans or instagram @jake_fromhomeloans  #DadLife #Fatherhood #Entrepreneurship #HomeLoans #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #ParentingPodcast

It’s back-to-school season—and with it comes drop-off line drama, emotional first days, and plenty of lessons learned along the way. 🎒✏️ This week, Travis kicks things off with a home-related question that stumps Robert for a bit before we dive into the heart of the episode: navigating the start of a new school year as dads. In this episode, we cover: - The ups and downs of the first week back to school- Drop-off & pick-up line struggles (parents, you know the pain 🚗🚦)- Wins worth celebrating & lessons learned along the way- How dads can help the whole family transition smoothly Whether you’re in the trenches of back-to-school yourself or just love a good dad perspective, this episode is for you. 👉 Comment below: What’s been your biggest back-to-school win (or fail) this year? 💪🏻 Join our community at patreon.com/DadsInRealLife- Behind the scenes- Extended Cuts- Interviews- Live streams- How-to'sand more... #DadLife #BackToSchool #ParentingPodcast #Fatherhood #FamilyLife #SchoolDropOff

Sometimes you just hit record while the baby naps—and that’s exactly what we did today. 👶🎙️ In this episode, we kick things off with Travis’s question of the day inspired by a social media quote:👉 “Life is actually easier after 4 kids.” Do we agree or call nonsense? From there, we dive into a bigger conversation on success: What does success look like for us as dads and podcasters? How do we define success in a way that actually matters? What might that mean for you as a listener in your own life? This one is raw, real, and recorded in the cracks of dad life. Drop your thoughts in the comments: What does success look like for you right now? #DadLife #SuccessMindset #ParentingPodcast #Fatherhood #DefiningSuccess #RealDadTalk    

In this episode, we kick things off by catching up after summer break and celebrating the big win—the kids are back in school! 🎉 Robert asks Travis if he’s marking the occasion, and Travis shares why August has been a month full of reasons to celebrate. We talk:🛒 Costco trips that feel like international travel prep🛍️ What kind of shopper are you—peruser or planner? (Take your guess for us!)🥣 Our obsession with Trader Joe’s corn flakes, chocolate & a poll on their black sesame mochi Then, we dive into the big topic of the day: How has your identity shifted through different chapters of life?Robert reflects on three defining seasons:1️⃣ High school2️⃣ His 20s-30s as an entrepreneur (pre-kids)3️⃣ Fatherhood today Travis shares the experiences and influences that have shaped who he is now. Join the conversation in the comments—how has your identity evolved over the years? #DadLife #IdentityShift #ParentingPodcast #CostcoLife #TraderJoes #FatherhoodJourney #SelfDiscovery    

In today’s solo episode, Robert dives deep into a question so many parents—and especially dads—face:Is work-life balance even real… or just something we chase? Robert gets personal, sharing stories from the early days of launching a business and starting a family, and the struggles that came with trying to balance both. From long hours to mounting pressure, he reveals the signs and symptoms that forced him to pause and question the path he was on. In this episode:🧠 The hard lessons learned from burnout📉 What poor work-life balance really looks like in everyday life🧭 10 powerful questions to assess your own balance🛠️ Practical solutions to shift your routine and reclaim your time Whether you're an entrepreneur, a working parent, or just trying to juggle it all—this episode will help you build awareness, set boundaries, and define success on your own terms. Like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations on fatherhood, business, and building a life that works for you—not against you. #WorkLifeBalance #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #EntrepreneurDad #BurnoutRecovery #RealTalkDads #FatherhoodAndBusiness

We’re back with a fresh episode—and a homemade podcast jingle to prove it! 🎶 Travis kicks us off with the usual dad banter, mic checks, and desk comparisons before jumping into a fun new segment:👉 "What Does This Word Mean?" inspired by his recent run-in with a chimney sweep 😂 But the heart of today’s episode?How do we help our kids do hard things—especially when they’re scared? We explore:💬 The fine line between pushing your kids vs. supporting them🏞️ Travis’s cliff-jumping moment in Hawaii and what it taught him as a dad🎤 Navigating those early “hard things” like school presentations or trying new skills🧠 Why doing hard things as a family builds courage, confidence, and character Plus, we share personal experiences and reflect on:• How to gauge readiness vs. resistance in your child• Tools for building trust through tough moments• How your own story with fear shapes the way you parent This one’s a mix of fun, real talk, and honest reflection—just how we like it around here. 🔥 Drop a comment and let us know: What’s one hard thing you helped your kid through recently? Like, comment, and subscribe for more dad-centered conversations, goofy moments, and meaningful insight every week. #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #DoingHardThings #Fatherhood #CourageInParenting #RealDadTalk

We’re leveling up—Travis finally upgraded his mic! 🎙️ (One step closer to looking professional… or at least sounding like it.) In this episode, we kick things off with some light banter about gear, headphones, and what’s next. Then we invite YOU, our community, to jump in the convo:💬 Got a question about dad life? Want us to riff on something random like is orange juice better than guava juice? Drop it in the comments! Here’s what else we get into:🔄 “By the way, another thing about me is…” — fill-in-the-blank fun👕 The mystery of finding a good quality shirt (Rob’s got tips)🧢 Travis’s "No List" — things that are a hard pass in this season of life❌ Skydiving? Scuba diving? Neti pots? New skills? Cannabis? Why some things are a yes and others a big no🏋️‍♂️ Travis joins a gym (with childcare!) and Rob gives him props🎉 And stick around for a big announcement at the end of the show! This one’s packed with fun, personality, practical wisdom, and a whole lot of dad energy. Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop—and don’t forget to drop your wild questions for a chance to be featured in a future episode! #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #NoList #NewMicWhoDis #RealTalkDads #FatherhoodFun

After a two-week break, we're back—and today’s episode is all about catching up, cracking up, and checking in on where we are in life, parenting, and priorities. 🎙️ Travis got a new podcast mic for Father’s Day✈️ Robert just returned from an overseas anniversary trip🎬 Travis is finally planning a rare date night at the movies🍞 And yes… we debate what to do with a butter knife after you’re done using it This week is a blend of fun, real-life updates, and reflective conversation. We talk about: Clean-as-you-go vs. clean-it-later personalities in the kitchen Prepping for summer travel, including Travis’s July 4th flight to Hawaii Fireworks till 2:45 AM and how parent life hits different on holidays 🎆 What to bring (and what to leave behind) when traveling with kids Seasons of life—knowing when it’s time to turn the page or let go How to steward your energy, time, and resources wisely We wrap with a question we’re asking ourselves—and you:👉 What season are you in? And is it time to shift gears, let go, or simplify? Like, comment, and subscribe for more honest convos about fatherhood, family, and figuring it all out—one episode at a time. #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #LettingGo #SeasonsOfLife #SummerTravel #RealDadTalk