The Fathers Guild
A deep dive into the beautiful chaos of fatherhood.
Fatherhood. It’s the one job that doesn’t come with a manual, but also comes with 10,000 opinions. we’re tring to cut through the noise with real talk, goods laughs, and the occasional “oh man, same” moment.
Each episode, we dive into the beautifully messy world of being a dad. Along the way, we bring in guests. guys who are in, or have been in the trenches, learning, failing, and winning just like the rest of us.
This isn’t a lecture series. It’s a series of conversations. The kind you’d have around a backyard fire pit with a cold beer in hand. It’s honest, unfiltered, and full of those “I thought I was the only one!” stories.
If you’re a dad (or just curious about what makes dads tick), consider this a dose of encouragement, humor, and a run back of real-life applications. Fatherhood is challenging. It might be exhausting, but it’s also the best thing you’ll ever do.
A deep dive into the beautiful chaos of fatherhood.
Fatherhood. It’s the one job that doesn’t come with a manual, but also comes with 10,000 opinions. we’re tring to cut through the noise with real talk, goods laughs, and the occasional “oh man, same” moment.
Each episode, we dive into the beautifully messy world of being a dad. Along the way, we bring in guests. guys who are in, or have been in the trenches, learning, failing, and winning just like the rest of us.
This isn’t a lecture series. It’s a series of conversations. The kind you’d have around a backyard fire pit with a cold beer in hand. It’s honest, unfiltered, and full of those “I thought I was the only one!” stories.
If you’re a dad (or just curious about what makes dads tick), consider this a dose of encouragement, humor, and a run back of real-life applications. Fatherhood is challenging. It might be exhausting, but it’s also the best thing you’ll ever do.
Episodes
Episodes



Oct 16, 2026
Oct 16, 2026
52 min
In this episode, Pat Barber and Brennan Fawkes explore the principles of personal growth, biblical lifestyle, and effective parenting. They discuss how to live authentically, avoid common mistakes, and raise resilient children.
Keywordspersonal development, biblical lifestyle, parenting, honesty, discipline, nutrition, growth mindset, emotional regulation
Key topicsThe importance of living according to principles, not just rulesHow honesty and self-awareness drive personal growthBiblical dietary laws and their relevance todayDiscipline as teaching self-control, not punishmentParenting strategies for emotional regulation and boundariesThe significance of modeling behavior for childrenThe impact of overstimulation and technology on kidsThe value of humility and continuous learning in life
Sound bites"Mistakes are part of learning""Honesty reveals the gaps between words and actions""Humility and repair strengthen relationships"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Pat's Purpose03:31 The role of pain and change in personal development06:39 Common pains and mistakes in personal and parenting life10:55 Biblical dietary laws and their application15:54 Balancing wisdom and modern living19:28 Living a lifestyle aligned with beliefs23:34 Rules versus principles in life and parenting27:33 The process of changing beliefs and practices31:16 The art of communication and perception in relationships32:14 The importance of tone and delivery in coaching33:41 Tools and emotional regulation in parenting35:11 Self-sculpting and continuous personal growth36:20 Parenting and childhood development insights37:14 Parenting mistakes and societal influences38:51 Common parenting pitfalls and biblical perspectives39:54 Discipline, authority, and natural consequences44:24 Handling extreme child behaviors with patience45:43 The importance of repair and humility in relationships55:20 The ongoing journey of personal and parenting growth56:41 Final thoughts and encouragement for listeners
Oct 16, 2026
52 min


Oct 1, 2026
Oct 1, 2026
56 min
In this episode, Michael Mahoney shares insights on parenting, mindset, emotional regulation, and the importance of self-awareness for personal growth and effective fatherhood. Pat Barber and Michael explore practical tools for managing emotions and building a resilient family life.
Keywords
parenting, mindset, emotional regulation, self-awareness, personal development, fatherhood, mental performance, growth, resilience
Key topics
The music analogy for life and emotional regulationThe 'Come Back to Now' protocol for managing triggersThe importance of self-awareness and internal workParenting strategies for emotional resilienceThe role of exposure and diverse belief systems in child developmentThe impact of public education on thinking skillsThe importance of being proactive versus reactive in life and parentingThe influence of mentors and external role models
Sound bites
"Power of social media.""My family is my North Star.""Learning to direct the music in your head."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background02:25 Michael's fatherhood journey and family background04:23 Financial growth, gratitude, and evolving goals07:45 The importance of self-awareness and internal work12:00 Managing triggers and emotional responses19:01 The music analogy and conducting your inner orchestra22:08 Practical tools: Come Back to Now protocol28:08 Testing tools with children and personal development33:52 The education system and teaching how to think40:01 Balancing belief systems and exposure for children48:01 Mentors, influence, and the power of example55:03 Addressing societal systems and collective impact56:46 Final thoughts and resources
Oct 1, 2026
56 min


Sep 16, 2026
Sep 16, 2026
1 hr 48 min
In this episode, Pat Barber and Jamie Glowacki explore the deep roots of parenting, boundaries, and masculinity. They discuss how societal shifts have impacted authority in the home, the importance of understanding individual children, and practical approaches to effective parenting and self-growth. In this episode, Pat Barber and The Fathers Guild explore the nuances of effective communication, masculinity, and relationship dynamics. They share practical insights on emotional expression, mental load, and building trust in relationships.
Keywords
parenting, boundaries, masculinity, authority, social media, child development, personal growth, parenting strategies, mental health, societal change masculinity, communication, relationships, emotional intelligence, mental load, fatherhood, vulnerability, personal growth
Key topics
The history of mom authority and societal shifts since the 1950sThe impact of social media and short-form content on parentingUnderstanding boundaries as rules versus responsesThe importance of context in parenting decisionsThe role of personal responsibility and self-awareness in parentingThe balance between authority and autonomy in raising childrenMen's role in parenting and emotional expressionThe influence of cultural narratives on masculinity and parentingPractical strategies for setting and holding boundariesThe importance of community and in-person connection in parenting Effective communication and avoiding the four horsemen of poor communicationThe importance of honesty and transparency in relationshipsUnderstanding and managing the mental load and invisible laborThe role of masculinity and emotional expression in fatherhoodBuilding trust through vulnerability and effective boundariesThe impact of childhood stories and perceptions on adult behaviorThe significance of curiosity and ongoing self-improvement in relationshipsThe influence of stories and hero's journey in shaping masculine identity
Sound bites
"Honest communication is the foundation of trust""Boundaries are what you will do, not just rules."
Sep 16, 2026
1 hr 48 min


Sep 4, 2026
Sep 4, 2026
1 hr 41 min
In this episode, Jason Lewis shares his personal journey through childhood, the impact of therapy and the Hoffman Process, and his insights on parenting, emotional awareness, and personal growth. Discover practical lessons on raising resilient, curious children and the importance of self-awareness for fathers. In this episode, Jason Lewis and Pat Barber explore the complexities of parenting, the importance of self-awareness, and the value of stories and literature in understanding life and fatherhood. They share personal insights, challenges, and philosophies that can help parents and individuals grow.
Keywords
fatherhood, parenting, emotional intelligence, therapy, Hoffman Process, resilience, curiosity, personal growth, mental health, fatherhood journey parenting, self-awareness, fatherhood, literature, personal growth, mental models, stories, philosophy, relationships, emotional intelligence
Key Topics
Childhood and family background
Impact of therapy and the Hoffman Process
Parenting philosophies and practices
Emotional awareness and accountability
The importance of curiosity in growth
Modeling behavior for children
Balancing discipline and support The importance of understanding each child's unique personality
The role of self-awareness in effective parenting
Using stories and literature to teach life values
The challenges of co-parenting and separation
The significance of accountability and responsibility in fatherhood
The impact of personal history on parenting styles
The value of humility and continuous self-reflection
The influence of literature and fiction on understanding human nature
Sound Bites
"Trauma is an experience you can't process."
"Thinking alone can't heal trauma."
"Each of your kids is just that awareness."
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Beautiful Chaos
03:40 – Jason Lewis' Childhood & His Story
07:52 – Healing From Childhood Trauma
13:19 – The Hoffman Process & Somatic Healing
17:00 – The Anger Inside Men
22:57 – Why Men Struggle With Emotions
31:27 – Take What Works, Leave What Doesn't
35:16 – Why Curiosity Is Essential to Parenting
42:26 – Kids Never Asked to Be Here
47:00 – Toughness vs. Connection in Parenting
52:55 – Your Child Can't Be Your Only Source of Happiness
55:24 – Every Child Needs a Different Parent
1:06:16 – Why Jason and Huck's Mom Separated
1:15:01 – You Don't Have to Have Life Figured Out
1:22:26 – Why Fiction Can Teach Truth Better Than Facts
1:32:04 – What Makes a Good Father?
1:35:23 – The Hardest Part of Fatherhood: Letting Go
1:37:25 – Be Worthy of Your Child's Love
1:39:19 – Final Thoughts
Guest Links
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jason.c.lewis/?hl=en#
Sep 4, 2026
1 hr 41 min



Aug 12, 2026
Aug 12, 2026
1 hr 1 min
In this insightful conversation, Donovan Owens shares his philosophy on mastering masculinity through systems, principles, and daily routines. Discover how intentional practices and mindset shifts can elevate your life and unlock your full potential.
Keywords
masculinity, mastery, systems thinking, daily routines, personal development, leadership, self-improvement, masculinity frameworks, success principles, mental resilience
Key topics
Repetitive excellence produces success
Mastery morning routines for men
Principles vs rules in personal development
The energetic nature of masculinity
System thinking applied to life and growth
Sound bites
"Life is Reps, man."
"Repetitive excellence produces success."
"Masculinity is an energetic way of being."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Life is Reps
01:36 The Concept of Reps and Success
04:21 The Peaceful Rebellion for Men
09:48 Consumption: A Societal Downfall
13:55 The Complexity of Actions
20:26 Mastery and Masculinity
23:20 The Mastery Morning Routine
32:46 Morning Rituals and Intentional Living
35:04 Principles vs. Rules in Personal Development
37:21 The Reps Operating System
39:11 Implementation and Accountability in Coaching
44:39 The Balance of Providing Value and Financial Sustainability
46:40 Defining Masculinity: An Energetic Way of Being
56:49 The Importance of True Self and Purpose
Resources
Life Is Reps Website - https://www.lifeisreps.com
Steven Pressfield - The War of Art - https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creativity-Resistance/dp/1936891026
Guest links
Website - https://www.lifeisreps.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lifeisreps
lifeisreps.com
Life is REPS
amazon.com
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles: Pressfield, Steven, Coyne, Shawn: 8601420220232: Amazon.com: Books
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles [Pressfield, Steven, Coyne, Shawn] on Amazon.com. FREE shipping on qualifying offers. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
YouTube
Life is REPS
Men, it's time for a revival of the mastery of masculinity. This is where us freedom-driven men grow stronger, connect deeper, and create a life of success... on our own terms.
Join the Peaceful Rebellion against society's strategic system of traps. We're gonna make some noise, and the foundation of everything we do will be peace, truth, and love.
Life is REPS!
So, it's time to put the REPS in, because Repetitive Excellence Produces Success.
Aug 12, 2026
1 hr 1 min



Jul 31, 2026
Jul 31, 2026
53 min
In this engaging interview, Phil Tarling, a seasoned stylist and image consultant, shares insights on the psychology of appearance, the differences between being a parent and a grandparent, and practical advice for men to improve their style and confidence. Discover how first impressions are formed in seconds and the profound impact of dressing intentionally.
Keywords
style, perception, first impressions, grooming, fatherhood, grand fatherhood, confidence, image consulting, psychology of appearance, personal development
Key Topics
The impact of clothing on first impressions and trust
Differences between being a parent and a grandparent
The science behind style and perception
Practical tips for men to improve their wardrobe
The importance of being present with loved ones
Sound Bites
"The old banger gets tooted at first"
"Perception is someone else's issue"
"Style obsession is a red flag"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Phil Tarling and His Expertise
01:57 The Evolution of Image Consulting
04:41 The Science of First Impressions
11:36 Cultural Conditioning and Perception
18:51 The Importance of Dressing for Success
24:11 Personal Style and Subjectivity
29:16 The Swag Gap: Style and Relationships
32:11 Transitioning to Grandfatherhood
33:16 The Differences Between Parenting and Grandparenting
38:48 The Value of Time in Parenting
47:29 Parting Wisdom for Fathers
Resources
Phil Tarling's Website - https://www.philtarling.com
Instagram - Phil Tarling - https://www.instagram.com/phil_tarling/
Guest Links
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/phil_tarling/
Website - https://www.philtarling.com
Jul 31, 2026
53 min



Jul 15, 2026
Jul 15, 2026
1 hr 7 min
In this engaging conversation, Pat Barber and Stefanos Sifandos explore personal growth, self-reflection, maturity, and the importance of relational and spiritual development. They share insights from their journeys, practical tools for transformation, and discuss how to navigate life's initiations and challenges.
Keywords
self-reflection, maturity, personal growth, relationships, spiritual development, coaching, life transitions, emotional healing
Key topics
Self-reflection as a catalyst for growth
The difference between maturity and immaturity
Relational and spiritual healing practices
Life initiations and rites of passage
The role of honesty and vulnerability in transformation
Sound bites
"Self-reflection and action are key to growth"
"Grieve what was and what wasn't"
"Presence creates micro initiations"
Chapters
00:00 Reconnecting Through Shared History
03:05 Evolving Through Self-Reflection
06:00 Maturity and Immaturity in Life
08:53 Navigating Relationships and Growth
11:54 The Role of a Coach and Mirror
14:44 Empowerment and Control
17:52 Grieving and Healing Past Wounds
20:40 Initiation and Daily Practices
23:52 The Journey to Coaching
26:49 Self-Reflection and Codependency
29:45 The Shift from Aesthetics to Performance
32:51 The Importance of Presence in Parenting
39:08 The Chameleon Effect: Adapting to Fit In
40:30 The Importance of Honesty: A Core Value
40:59 The Struggle with Authenticity: Lies and Exaggerations
43:28 Childhood Experiences: The Roots of Insecurity
47:56 Navigating Emotions: Anger, Happiness, and Abandonment
51:34 Unpacking Loneliness: A Journey to Self-Discovery
56:50 The Role of Relationships: Co-dependence vs. Devotion
01:02:57 Tuned In and Turned On: The Book and Its Insights
Resources
Stefanos Sifandos' Book: Tuned In and Turned On - tunedinandturnedonbook.com
Coach with Stefanos Sifandos - coachwithstef.com
Stefanos Sifandos' Instagram - instagram.com/stefanos.sifandos
Stefanos Sifandos' YouTube Channel - youtube.com/stefanossifandos
Guest links
Instagram - instagram.com/stefanos.sifandos
Website - coachwithstef.com
Jul 15, 2026
1 hr 7 min


Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
1 hr 9 sec
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kathryn Hecht, a child psychologist and bravery coach, discusses her approach to helping children overcome anxiety and thrive. She emphasizes the importance of empowering children to handle their own challenges rather than relying on parents to solve their problems. The discussion covers the nature of anxiety, the role of avoidance, and the significance of building independence in children. Dr. Hecht shares insights from her professional journey and offers practical advice for parents on fostering resilience and confidence in their kids. In this conversation, Kathryn Hecht and Pat Barber explore the complexities of parenting, particularly in relation to building children's confidence and managing parental anxiety. They discuss the importance of allowing children to face age-appropriate challenges, the impact of parental anxiety on children's development, and effective communication strategies to support anxious kids. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to regulate their own anxiety and to avoid common pitfalls such as providing reassurance that can inadvertently reinforce anxiety in children.
Keywords
child psychology, bravery coaching, anxiety treatment, parenting tips, child development, mental health, coping strategies, emotional resilience, independence in children, overcoming fear parenting, anxiety, child development, confidence, emotional regulation, parenting mistakes, supportive communication, child psychology, parental anxiety, resilience
Takeaways
Empowering children to handle their own challenges is crucial.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that can be managed.
Avoidance is the primary factor that maintains anxiety.
Parents should model self-regulation for their children.
Building independence in children reduces anxiety.
Children are resilient and can thrive with the right support.
The goal is not to eliminate anxiety but to help children manage it.
Parental involvement is essential, especially with younger children.
Understanding the roots of anxiety can aid in treatment.
Creating a supportive environment fosters emotional resilience. It's the little things that build up confidence.
Parents often misjudge their child's capacity for responsibility.
Anxiety can lead parents to overprotect their children.
Supportive statements are more effective than reassurance.
Relaxation tools may not address the root of anxiety.
Children need to experience anxiety to learn safety.
Parental anxiety can manifest as a fear of judgment from others.
Building confidence in children requires allowing them to face challenges.
Effective communication involves empathy and validation.
Parents should focus on what they know, not just how they feel.
Sound bites
"I want kids to be really confident."
"The one thing that keeps anxiety around is avoidance."
"Anxiety is a primary human emotion."
"I want to help kids thrive."
"It's about living a long quality life."
"It's the little things that build up confidence."
"Parents misjudge their child's capacity."
"Anxiety is the search for certainty."
"Reassurance actually reinforces anxiety over time."
"Supportive statements are key for anxious kids."
"I could talk about this for hours."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bravery Coaching
03:07 The Importance of Empowering Children
06:04 Understanding Anxiety in Children
08:58 The Role of Avoidance in Anxiety
12:08 The Nature of Anxiety and Its Treatment
14:56 Parental Influence on Child Anxiety
18:02 The Journey to Becoming a Child Psychologist
21:01 Building Independence in Children
23:59 Common Parenting Mistakes
27:05 The Balance of Support and Independence
30:02 Conclusion and Future Insights
34:47 Building Confidence Through Small Challenges
39:41 Parental Anxiety and Its Impact on Children
45:31 Understanding and Regulating Parental Anxiety
49:07 Common Mistakes Parents Make with Anxious Kids
55:50 Effective Communication Strategies for Anxious Children Chapters00:00 Reconnecting Through Shared History03:05 Evolving Through Self-Reflection06:00 Maturity and Immaturity in Life08:53 Navigating Relationships and Growth11:54 The Role of a Coach and Mirror14:44 Empowerment and Control17:52 Grieving and Healing Past Wounds20:40 Initiation and Daily Practices23:52 The Journey to Coaching26:49 Self-Reflection and Codependency29:45 The Shift from Aesthetics to Performance32:51 The Importance of Presence in Parenting39:08 The Chameleon Effect: Adapting to Fit In40:30 The Importance of Honesty: A Core Value40:59 The Struggle with Authenticity: Lies and Exaggerations43:28 Childhood Experiences: The Roots of Insecurity47:56 Navigating Emotions: Anger, Happiness, and Abandonment51:34 Unpacking Loneliness: A Journey to Self-Discovery56:50 The Role of Relationships: Co-dependence vs. Devotion01:02:57 Tuned In and Turned On: The Book and Its InsightsresourcesStefanos Sifandos' Book: Tuned In and Turned On - https://tunedinandturnedonbook.comCoach with Stefanos Sifandos - https://coachwithstef.comStefanos Sifandos' Instagram - https://instagram.com/stefanos.sifandosStefanos Sifandos' YouTube Channel - https://youtube.com/stefanossifandosGuest linksInstagram - https://instagram.com/stefanos.sifandosWebsite - https://coachwithstef.com
Jun 30, 2026
1 hr 9 sec




