A new year doesn’t require a new you—but it does require intention.In this New Year episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, we’re speaking directly to dads who want to show up better this year—not perfectly, but consistently.This episode is a challenge for fathers to stop drifting, stop waiting for the “right time,” and start building presence, legacy, and intentional rhythms at home. No hype. No fluff. Just real talk for real dads.We also introduce Fatherhood Academy, a space built for men who want to grow in faith, fatherhood, and leadership—together.And in the middle of the episode, we talk about protecting our kids in a digital world with Bark, a tool every parent should know about
👇 LINKS & RESOURCES• Join Fatherhood Academy: https://www.skool.com/rooted-in-brotherhood-3957
• Get 15% off Bark with code UNSCRIPTED: https://www.bark.us/
• Subscribe for weekly episodes and encouragement for dads
This year will pass no matter what.
The question is—who will you become as a father while it does?
What happens when men finally stop pretending everything is fine?In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with Joe Speredon to talk honestly about men’s mental health, community, identity, faith, and the moments that bring us to our breaking point—and what actually helps us heal.Joe shares his personal journey through isolation, men’s groups, faith struggles, and purpose-driven work. This conversation is for dads who feel alone, burned out, or stuck carrying everything in silence.If you’ve ever done everything “right” and still felt empty—this episode is for you.🛡️ PROTECT YOUR KIDS ONLINEIf you’re a parent, keeping your kids safe online matters more than ever.Bark helps parents monitor texts, social media, and online activity for things like cyberbullying, explicit content, self-harm, and online predators—so you can step in early and have real conversations.👉 Get 15% off Bark with code UNSCRIPTED🔗 Click here: https://www.bark.us/?discount=UNSCRIPTED👥 CONNECT WITH JOEInstagram: @joesperedonWebsite / Coaching: https://coachgrid.com
Being a dad is hard. Being a girl dad comes with a whole different set of challenges.
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, I sit down with Russell Kimura, founder of Fathers With Daughters and father of three teenage girls. Russ shares what he’s learned about connection, presence, emotional leadership, and why dads must intentionally pursue relationships with their daughters—especially as they grow older.
We talk about:
Why dating your daughter matters
How dads can become a safe space for their girls
The difference between being present vs. being intentional
Why fathers were never meant to do this alone
How community and mentorship shape better dads
Russ also shares the heart behind Father–Daughter Proms, coaching, and building environments where dads and daughters can connect in meaningful ways.
If you’re a dad raising daughters—or preparing for what’s ahead—this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
👉 Fatherhood Academy
If you’ve ever felt the weight of leading your family and wished you had a clear roadmap, Fatherhood Academy was built for you. It’s a space where men grow spiritually, emotionally, and practically—together.
Click the link below to learn more.
In today’s episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with Bryan Hurd, founder of The Evolution Project, to talk about men’s work, brotherhood, faith, and the power of saying yes to the life God is calling you into.
Bryan shares how retreats, adventure, service, and honest conversations can completely transform a man’s life — not because he’s “broken,” but because every man is invited into becoming more than he is today. From horseback trips in Wyoming, to father–son humanitarian projects in Mexico, to soul-level conversations around a fire, Bryan explains why men change when they finally step out of isolation and into community.
If you’re a dad, a husband, or a man who feels that nudge in your spirit that something needs to shift — this episode is for you.
👉 Connect with Bryan:
Website: myevolutionproject.com
IG: @theevolutionproject
👉 Protect your kids online with Bark (Code: UNSCRIPTED for 15% off)
If this conversation speaks to you, consider joining our community of faith-filled dads walking out purpose, growth, and fatherhood together.
Today on Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with men’s relationship coach Noel Cappelletti, a dad helping men stop reacting in anger and start leading their families with calm, grounded presence.If you’ve ever come home from work already at an 8 out of 10, snapped at your kids, shut down with your wife, or felt like your emotions were running you — this episode is going to hit home.Noel breaks down:Why dads get overwhelmed so easilyHow our nervous system shapes our tone, patience, and reactionsWhy your kids borrow your prefrontal cortexHow to regulate your emotions before you walk in the doorThe truth about generational fatherhood patternsWhy presence is greater than perfectionHow to rebuild your relationship with your kids at ANY ageThis one is PACKED with practical tools, real vulnerability, and hope for every dad who wants to do better — not perfectly, but presently.
Today is a soft relaunch of the podcast — because life changed, the schedule shifted, and this season is going to look a little different. DJ is taking a longer hiatus, so for now I’m taking the reins and bringing you honest, faith-driven conversations for dads who want to grow, lead, and be present.
In this solo episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from some of the incredible dads who’ve sat across from us:
• Shawn Finnegan — compassion through your kids
• Tyler McAdams — legacy and responsibility
• Logan & Tyson (DadBodsandBeards) — presence over perfection
• Joe from You Matter Dad — grace for the journey
And here’s the truth:
Your kids don’t need a perfect dad. They need a present one.
Not distracted. Not overwhelmed. Not silently struggling. Present.
In this episode we talk:
• Being overwhelmed & showing up anyway
• Breaking the “I’m fine” cycle
• How a distracted dad becomes an absent dad
• Taking ownership of your growth
• Faith, fatherhood, and the gaps only God can fill
If this message hits home… share it with a dad who needs it.
✨ Bark x Unscripted
Protect your kids online with Bark.
Use code unscripted for 15% off.
📌 Connect with me on Instagram
@fatherhood_unscripted
👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a rating — it helps more dads find this community.
Modern fatherhood looks a lot different — and The Dumb Dads are showing us why that’s a good thing.In this Fatherhood Unscripted episode, Alec sits down with Evan and Kevin, the creators of The Dumb Dads, to talk about:👨👧👦 Stay-at-home dad life and breaking stereotypes😂 Finding humor in parenting chaos💬 Why talking about your struggles makes you a better parent❤️ Teaching kids confidence without arrogance⚖️ Balancing identity, creativity, and familyWhether you’re a dad trying to figure it out or just need a laugh, this one’s for you.Watch till the end for their best advice for any dad—new or seasoned—who’s trying to do his best.📺 Subscribe for more conversations on fatherhood, faith, and real talk with Alec and DJ.Follow Fatherhood Unscripted: @fatherhoodunscripted👇 Connect with The Dumb Dads🎧 Podcast: https://linktr.ee/TheDumbDads📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedumbdads/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDumbDads🎭 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedumbdads🌐 Website: https://www.thedumbdads.com
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with men’s coach Jason Schnitzer to talk about one of the toughest struggles dads face: losing our cool at home.
We dive deep into emotional regulation, why dads often snap under pressure, and how to stay calm even when life feels chaotic. Jason breaks down the nervous system’s role in fatherhood, the generational patterns we pass down, and practical tools for being present with your wife and kids.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why dads succeed everywhere but struggle at home
How to regulate emotions and build capacity under stress
Why bottling up feelings backfires with kids and marriage
Practical steps to stay calm in chaos (and stop yelling)
How to break generational cycles and model strength for your kids
Whether you’re a dad in the thick of parenting struggles or just want to show up better for your family, this conversation is for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on faith, family, and fatherhood: [Your Channel Link]
📲 Connect with Jason Schnitzer: [Instagram link]
💬 Join our free dad community: Rooted in Brotherhood → [link]
🛡 Protect your kids online with Bark Phone — 15% OFF with code UNSCRIPTED
We’ve officially hit 100 episodes of Fatherhood Unscripted! 🎉
What started at “DJ’s Table” has grown into one of the top dad podcasts for men, faith, and fatherhood. In this milestone episode, Alec and DJ reflect on what it means to be fathers, friends, and men of faith who are chasing legacy.
✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why taking risks as a dad can change your life
The importance of faith in fatherhood and legacy-building
How community, values, and brotherhood strengthen men
Favorite moments and guests from the past 100 episodes
What’s next for Fatherhood Unscripted and our journey
👊 If you’re a dad looking for encouragement, growth, and a real conversation about the challenges and joys of fatherhood—this is for you.
📲 Don’t miss what’s next: Subscribe to Fatherhood Unscripted and join a growing brotherhood of fathers making an impact.
The Weight of Fatherhood dives deep with Kevin Clevenger, better known as Iron Sanctuary, in one of the most powerful and raw conversations we’ve had on Fatherhood Unscripted. Kevin opens up about his journey from addiction to redemption, how becoming a dad changed everything, and the constant battle between providing for your family and being present with them. This episode explores: The mental weight fathers carry in silence The struggle to balance success, family, and purpose The power of transparency in men’s mental health How fitness, faith, and fatherhood intersect in Kevin’s life Why vulnerability might be a dad’s greatest strength🎙️ Guest: Kevin “Iron Sanctuary” Clevenger📍 Follow Kevin: TikTok / Instagram: @ironsanctuaryCoaching: ironsanctuaryfit.com Apparel: ironsanctuaryshop.com
In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with Curtis J. Morley (Counterfeit Emotions Podcast) to dive into faith, peace, and the struggles dads face in today’s world.
We talk about:
How tragedy sparked revival and renewed faith across communities
The difference between surrender and resignation—and why true peace can’t be counterfeited
The impact of church hurt, shame, and how to guide kids through tough seasons
Conversations dads need to have with their children about faith, fear, and even tough topics like pornography
Finding healing through Christ and how to pass that peace on to our families
This episode is raw, real, and filled with encouragement for dads and men of faith.
👥 Connect with Curtis J. Morley
Website: counterfeitemotions.com
Podcast: Counterfeit Emotions (Apple, Spotify, Amazon)
Pornography Recovery Program: counterfeitemotions.com/recovery
📌 Don’t forget—next week is our 100th episode with DJ back in the studio!
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ sit down to share some big updates with the community. 🎙️
DJ opens up about entering a busy season with his family—three kids in sports, weekends packed with games, and the reality of balancing fatherhood with creative projects. After much thought (and prayer), DJ is stepping back for a few weeks to focus on his family.
But don’t worry—the podcast isn’t going anywhere. Alec has exciting guests lined up, including Curtis Morley, and momentum is only growing as we approach our 100th episode. 🚀
We also talk about:
The reality of busy seasons as dads 👨👧👦
Why rest and reprioritizing matter
How we’re keeping the podcast strong with new guests and conversations
Funny behind-the-scenes moments you won’t want to miss
👕 Sponsored by Bark — keeping your kids safe online. Use code UNSCRIPTED for 15% off for life.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming. And if our podcast has impacted you, share it with another dad—it might impact him too.
Marine → LAPD → Quest Nutrition → Legendary Foods. Bruce Cardenas breaks down side hustles, sampling, customer obsession, listening, culture, and why you can’t out-market a bad product. Chapters below. Join our dad community—click the link below.🔗 BruceIG: @brucee_cardenasSite: brucecardenas.comBook (working title): Lead With ValueIf this helped, hit 👍 and share it with one entrepreneur who needs the nudge.
Today on Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ sit down again with Shawn Finnegan to kick off our month of entrepreneurship for dads. We talk about the recent tragedy that’s weighed on many families, the importance of showing up for our kids even when life and business get heavy, and how to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams without sacrificing your family.
Shawn shares:
• What he wishes he’d done differently as a young dad starting his business
• The Tony Robbins firewalk story he experienced with his daughter
• How to juggle “glass balls” (family, health, faith) while building a business
• Why including your kids in your work builds their confidence and self-belief
If you’re a father thinking about starting a business—or you’re in the grind right now—this conversation will give you perspective, practical advice, and hope.
🔔 Subscribe to Fatherhood Unscripted for more real conversations about modern fatherhood, faith, and personal growth.
Connect with Shawn Finnegan: Search “Finnegan Shawn” on social (he’s not the fitness model 😉).
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ dive deep into one of the biggest struggles parents face today: technology overload and screen addiction in kids.We talk about what happens when you take away screens (yep—withdrawals and meltdowns are real), how ADHD and dopamine hits make it even tougher, and why creating tech-free zones is crucial for your family.We also share our personal stories—Alec’s son and Fortnite withdrawals, DJ’s kids navigating routine shifts, and how our own habits as dads set the tone for our families.Plus—we introduce our new partnership with Bark, a tool that helps parents monitor online activity, protect kids from bullying, explicit content, and online predators—without “spying.” Think of it as a digital seatbelt for your kids. 🚦👉 Use code “unscripted” for 15% off Bark for life: [link here]If you’re a dad (or mom) trying to figure out this tech-driven world, this conversation is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment on how you handle screen time at home.
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ sit down with Curtis Morley, founder of Counterfeit Emotions, to expose the lies behind counterfeit emotions like “nice,” “lust,” and “shame.”
Curtis explains why kindness is radically different than niceness, how dads can sit with emotions instead of stuffing them down, and why sobriety without recovery is a trap. He also shares practical steps for dads to guide their kids through emotional health, pornography exposure, and breaking free from shame.
👉 Special offer for our listeners: Protect your kids online with Bark parental controls. Use code UNSCRIPTED for 15% off.
🔗 Try Bark here
Curtis’s Next Recovery Cohort (Sept 24th):
https://www.counterfeitemotions.com/recovery
This is it—the finale of our Armor of God series.
In this episode, Alec unpacks the Sword of the Spirit from Ephesians 6:17—the only offensive weapon in the armor God gives us. You can’t fight lies with silence. You need the Word of God.
📖 Ephesians 6:17
“…take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
We’ll talk about:
Why you can’t outthink the enemy’s lies—you have to fight them
How Jesus used Scripture as His weapon in the wilderness
How dads can model fighting with truth for their families
Pick one verse that speaks against a lie you’ve been believing. Write it down. Memorize it. Speak it out loud when the lie comes.
That’s how you swing the sword.
If this series encouraged you, make sure to subscribe—so you don’t miss the new season of Father Like the Father on its own channel and podcast.
🧠 Weekly Challenge🔔 Subscribe CTA
Remember summer in the 90s? 🚲 We’d leave the house in the morning, ride bikes, explore, get dirty, and the only rule was: be home when the streetlights came on.
That’s what people today are calling a Feral Child Summer — and it’s trending. Parents are starting to ask: should we let our kids roam free like we did, or is the world too different now?
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ dive into:
What “Feral Child Summer” really means
Why boredom actually builds grit and creativity
The balance between freedom and safety for kids today
Real stories from their own feral summers (from sewer drains to LAN parties)
How dads can bring back a modern hybrid version of freedom for kids
👉 Question for you: Would you let your kids have a Feral Summer today? Drop your answer in the comments!
Your greatest battles don’t always happen around you—they happen inside your head.
In this episode of our Armor Up series, Alec unpacks the Helmet of Salvation from Ephesians 6:17 and why protecting your mind is one of the most critical parts of leading as a father.
📖 Ephesians 6:17
“Take the helmet of salvation…”
This episode is for dads who:
Struggle with negative thoughts or guilt
Feel like past mistakes disqualify them
Want to lead their family with confidence, not shame
This week, every time a negative or condemning thought hits, stop and say out loud:
“That’s not who I am—I’m saved, and I’m His.”
Write down 2–3 Scriptures on salvation (Romans 8:1, John 10:28, 2 Corinthians 5:17) and keep them visible as reminders.
If this encouraged you, make sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss next week’s episode—where we’ll close out the series with the Sword of the Spirit.
🧠 Weekly Challenge🔔 Subscribe CTA
Today we’re diving into the parenting trend that’s everywhere right now: FAFO Parenting — Find Out and Figure Out.
Instead of rescuing our kids from every mistake, FAFO is about letting them experience natural consequences so they grow stronger, more resilient, and more independent.
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ talk about:
What FAFO Parenting really is (and what it’s NOT)
The balance between freedom and safety for kids
Real stories from their own families (like touching a hot iron or sibling wrestling matches)
Why following through on consequences matters more than threats
How to avoid becoming a helicopter parent while still protecting your kids
If you’ve ever wondered how much freedom is too much or how to help your kids prepare for real life, this conversation is for you.
👉 Question for you: What’s a FAFO moment your kid has had that taught them a lesson? Drop it in the comments!