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.
Podcast Description
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


Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
58 min
SUBSCRIBE for real conversations on fatherhood, personal growth, accountability, and becoming a more antifragile man for your family. No fluff-just lessons learned the hard way. In this engaging conversation, The Fathers Guild and Here For The Dads explore the multifaceted journey of fatherhood, touching on emotional regulation, communication, and the importance of being present. They discuss the challenges and uncertainties of parenting, the significance of grace in learning from mistakes, and the value of community in navigating these experiences. The dialogue emphasizes the need for intentionality in parenting and personal growth, encouraging fathers to take actionable steps towards improvement and connection with their children.
Takeaways :
There is no blueprint for fatherhood; it's a journey of learning.
Emotional regulation is crucial in responding to children's needs.
Grace for oneself and recognizing children's grace is important.
Communication with partners can enhance parenting effectiveness.
Assuming positive intent in relationships fosters better communication.
Being present in the moment is essential for parenting success.
The importance of community and shared experiences in parenting. Coaching is about guiding others to find their own answers.
Parenting is less about specific outcomes and more about being a good person.
Execution of intentions is key to personal and parenting growth. Keywords : fatherhood, parenting, coaching, emotional regulation, communication, uncertainty, conscious parenting, personal growth, relationships, community


Feb 20, 2026
When Purpose Collapses, What Remains Jack Noefel
Feb 20, 2026
Feb 20, 2026
1hr 23 min
In this episode of the Fathers Guild podcast, host Pat engages in a deep conversation with Jack Nofel, a father and podcaster known for his nature-based parenting approach. Jack shares his journey from a challenging childhood without a father to becoming a military medic and eventually a father himself. The discussion explores themes of masculinity, the impact of role models, the importance of self-reflection, and the evolution of parenting in modern times. Jack reflects on his experiences in the military, the lessons learned about leadership, and the shift towards a more emotionally aware and present fatherhood. The conversation also delves into Jack's exploration of spirituality and esoteric beliefs, highlighting the importance of personal growth and understanding in the journey of fatherhood. In this conversation, Jack Nofel and The Fathers Guild delve into various themes surrounding personal growth, leadership, and the metaphysical. They discuss the importance of trying new things, the balance between stress and recovery for growth, and the role of plant medicine in healing. The conversation also touches on parenting, the significance of presence, and the responsibilities of masculinity. They emphasize the need for self-discovery through journaling and the importance of living with purpose and truth.
Keywords
fatherhood, masculinity, military, parenting, spirituality, personal growth, leadership, esoteric, self-reflection, life choices, personal growth, leadership, metaphysical, energy, parenting, plant medicine, masculinity, journaling, self-discovery, truth


Feb 2, 2026
Feb 2, 2026
1hr 19 min
Summary
In this episode, The Fathers Guild hosts Tate Wright, who shares his transformative journey over the past decade, focusing on weight loss, personal growth, and the importance of honesty and data in achieving fitness goals. Tate discusses the impact of his religious upbringing on his values and how he navigates the complexities of faith and personal development. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intentional living, the process of repentance, and the journey of becoming a better version of oneself. In this conversation, Tate Wright and The Fathers Guild delve into the complexities of repentance, judgment, and personal growth. They explore how societal perceptions of repentance can carry negative connotations, likening it to dieting, and emphasize the importance of viewing it as an opportunity for transformation. The discussion shifts to the role of judgment in personal development, highlighting that judgment can be a necessary tool for making informed decisions. They also tackle the topic of pornography, discussing personal experiences and the impact of shame and honesty on relationships. The conversation concludes with reflections on how to foster open discussions about sexuality and intimacy, aiming to break down the stigma surrounding these topics.
Keywords
fitness, weight loss, personal growth, honesty, religion, self-improvement, data-driven, motivation, body composition, mental health, repentance, transformation, judgment, personal growth, pornography, shame, honesty, intimacy, relationships, self-improvement
Takeaways
Tate's weight loss journey has spanned over a decade, with significant changes in the last year.Tracking food intake and understanding body composition were key to Tate's success.Honesty with oneself is crucial for personal growth and fitness.The turning point for Tate was realizing he needed to take control of his health.Tate emphasizes the importance of role models in shaping values and character.Repentance is about transformation and becoming a new person, not just stopping bad habits.The journey of self-improvement requires consistent effort and introspection.Tate's religious background has influenced his values and approach to life.It's essential to merge personal beliefs with everyday life for true fulfillment.Success in fitness and life is about the process of becoming, not just the actions taken. Repentance should be viewed as an opportunity for transformation.Judgment can be a necessary tool for personal growth.Fear of judgment often stems from a fear of truth.Shame is often taught and can create moral hierarchies.Pornography can complicate intimate relationships but is not inherently negative.Open discussions about sexuality can help break down stigma.Honesty in relationships is crucial for intimacy.Personal experiences shape our views on topics like pornography.Understanding the complexities of our desires is important for growth.Creating a safe space for discussions about sexuality is essential.
Titles
Transforming Through Fitness: Tate Wright's JourneyThe Power of Honesty in Personal Growth
Sound bites
"Honesty is a huge piece of that.""The journey of becoming is the key.""Shame in any sense is taught."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tate Wright and His Journey02:00 Tate's Weight Loss Journey: A Decade of Change05:09 The Importance of Tracking and Data in Fitness08:59 The Turning Point: From Inaction to Action16:00 Exploring Values: The Impact of Religion on Personal Growth21:57 Service and Self-Discovery: Lessons from a Mission Trip26:05 The Role of Introspection and Honesty in Personal Development28:36 The Power of Honesty in Personal Growth32:19 Finding Your Truth: Navigating Faith and Personal Beliefs36:45 The Journey of Repentance and Transformation40:20 Understanding Judgment: A Necessary Tool for Growth51:10 Exploring Relationships with Pornography and Shame52:30 Understanding Primal Instincts and Shame54:28 Navigating Sexuality in a Religious Context56:55 The Complexity of Sexuality and Honesty in Relationships01:00:50 The Impact of Pornography on Marriage01:03:32 Transforming Perspectives on Sexuality and Intimacy01:08:23 Reevaluating Relationships with Pornography01:09:55 Shame, Morality, and the Complexity of Sexuality01:15:42 The Role of Unconditional Love in Parenting


Jan 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
10 min
Taz Barber (my wife) hops into a chat with me and explains how she does our sons homeschooling.


Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026
56 min
In this episode we engage in a meaningful conversation with Megan from Birds and Bees about the importance of sex education for children. We discuss the evolving role of fathers in parenting, the outdated notion of 'the talk' about sex, and the necessity of ongoing conversations about sexuality. Megan emphasizes the need for parents to create a family message regarding their values about sex, navigate their own hangups, and model healthy attitudes towards intimacy. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology on children's exposure to sexual content and the importance of fostering open communication to build trust between parents and children.


Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
57 min
In this episode, Kyle Meloy and Pat Barber explore the profound impact of parenting on self-discovery. They discuss how observing their own behaviors and language reflected in their children can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of family dynamics.
You can find Kyle on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/kyle.meloy/


Dec 16, 2025
There Are No Rules - Michael Dalton
Dec 16, 2025
Dec 16, 2025
57 min
In this episode of the Fathers Guild podcast, Pat Barber sits down with Michael Dalton, a multifaceted creative and father. They explore Michael's journey from a kid to a successful videographer, discussing the emotional depth in his work, the impact of losing his father, and the challenges of parenthood. The conversation delves into the importance of not giving up on creative pursuits, understanding emotions like anger and sadness, and the role of counseling in personal growth. Michael shares his philosophy on joy, creativity, and the necessity of being present in the moment, all while navigating the complexities of life and fatherhood.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michael Dalton02:57 The Journey to Coolness05:56 Exploring Depth and Emotion in Art08:53 Breaking Free from Religious Constraints11:54 The Impact of Loss and Grief14:56 Fatherhood and Legacy18:00 The Journey to Parenthood20:47 Navigating Parenting Challenges23:50 Emotional Intelligence in Parenting28:45 Navigating Big Emotions31:57 The Complexity of Anger36:29 Understanding Offense and Anger42:15 Finding Joy in Discipline47:41 Breaking Free from Rules50:43 Perseverance in Creative Endeavors


Nov 22, 2025
Don't Bubble Wrap Your Kids - Erich Leidums
Nov 22, 2025
Nov 22, 2025
55 min
In this episode of the Fathers Guild podcast, Pat Barber interviews Eric Leidums, an unschooling father of three who embraces RV living and homesteading. They discuss Eric's journey from a traditional upbringing to a lifestyle centered around adventure, nature, and family. The conversation delves into the importance of fatherhood, the impact of marriage on personal growth, and the philosophy of unschooling. Eric shares insights on encouraging risky play in children, the balance of luck and choice in life, and the evolution of his social media presence through That Mountain Life. The episode concludes with a powerful message about taking action and embracing imperfection in parenting and life.




