Fatherhood Unscripted: A Dad Life and Parenting Podcast

I stepped away from Fatherhood Unscripted… because something felt off. This episode is the reset—not just for the podcast, but for me as a dad. This isn’t just content anymore.This is a real-time archive for my kids—so one day they can see who their dad was, what he struggled with, and what he learned along the way.In this episode, I talk about:Why I took a breakWhat changed over the last 3 yearsWhy this podcast matters more now than everBringing real conversations with dads backThe vision behind Fatherhood AcademyIf you’re a dad trying to figure it out as you go… you’re not alone.Let’s build something that actually matters.👇 Subscribe and follow the journeyNew episodes every week.

The other day my kid came up to me and asked a question that every dad feels in his chest:“Dad… are you proud of me?”What he told me next stopped me in my tracks.He had been talking with a friend who was struggling with suicidal thoughts, and in that moment he chose to pray for him and remind him that those dark thoughts weren’t who he was.It was one of those moments that made me incredibly proud as a father — but it also forced me to face something deeper.Our kids are growing up in a world very different from the one many of us grew up in.They’re exposed to more.They’re carrying more.And they’re facing battles earlier than we ever did.In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, I talk about that moment, the reality many kids are facing today, and why the role of fathers matters more than ever.Protect your kids online with BarkGet 15% off at checkout using code UNSCRIPTED👉https://www.bark.us/

You can provide everything your kids need… and still be emotionally absent. In Episode 2 of Becoming the Man Your Kids Will Remember, we talk about the tension many driven dads feel — working hard, building stability, and chasing success — while slowly drifting from the moments that actually shape our children. Providing creates stability. presence creates security. If Episode 1 asked “Who are you becoming? ”Episode 2 asks “Are you really there?”🔒 Protect your kids online with BarkGet 15% off at checkout using code UNSCRIPTED👉 https://www.bark.us/

Being a dad isn’t just about providing or being around—it’s about who you’re becoming in the process.In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec speaks directly to dads about the man their kids are learning from every single day. This is an honest, faith-rooted conversation about presence, leadership, legacy, and the quiet moments of fatherhood that shape our children more than we realize.This episode is for dads who:Want to lead their families wellFeel the weight of responsibilityAre trying to grow spiritually and emotionallyDon’t want to coast through fatherhoodCare deeply about the legacy they’re leavingYou don’t have to be perfect—but you do have to be intentional.

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

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.comIG: @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 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 journeyAnd 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 fillIf this message hits home… share it with a dad who needs it.✨ Bark x UnscriptedProtect 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.

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 homeHow to regulate emotions and build capacity under stressWhy bottling up feelings backfires with kids and marriagePractical steps to stay calm in chaos (and stop yelling)How to break generational cycles and model strength for your kidsWhether 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

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 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 matterHow we’re keeping the podcast strong with new guests and conversationsFunny 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.

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-beliefIf 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 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 hereCurtis’s Next Recovery Cohort (Sept 24th):https://www.counterfeitemotions.com/recoveryhttp://recoverynotsobriety.com/