Be A Real Man Dad

Have You Ever Wondered Why It’s So Hard To Connect With Your Spouse and Children? If you’re like most adults, spending quality time with family members can seem like an impossibility at times, can’t it? Yet the importance of family time is more valuable than all that overtime you’re working. It’s more vital than your hobby or latest infatuation. It beats the approval of your boss hands down every time. So why are so many people so bad at connecting with the most important people in their lives? Why is finding quality family time – and I’m talking genuine, rich moments – such a difficult thing to execute? What I Mean By “Quality Family Time” Playing the Wii bowling for the thousandth time with your twelve year old is great. Going to a movie with your spouse is great. But what else ya got for them? When I say “quality family time,” I mean those times where you break through to another level, even if it’s just a little bit. In our culture, we gravitate towards what’s easy. Easy usually means entertainment. We share meals and watch TV and play video games, but are we really getting after each other? Do we shatter that space and distance and fill it with authentic, enriching moments? Or do we skim the surface without ever really getting to know the heart of those we’re sharing that time with? We share meals and watch TV and play video games, but are we really getting after each other? It always pains me when I hear stories of divorce or strained relationships among people who are supposed to love each other. It hurts me to hear the stories of people who “had no idea my wife was thinking of leaving me.” How much of that heartache and distance can be cured by slowing down and really getting after those hearts that matter? Learning to Be Present When It Matters In this sixth episode of the Be A Real Man Dad podcast, Eric Hammond and I discuss exactly this…how to be present and genuine in a world that’s pulling us in so many directions. This is such an important discussion, and we talk about ways to be more effective in the discipline of “being present” that, if put into practice, can radically change the way your spouse and kids treat you…and the way that you see them. To Your Success, Brian Herr

What Do You Do When You’ve Just Found Out Your Child Has Been Diagnosed With Cancer? This is part two of our interview with Jay Mitlo, father, husband, and pastor at Faith Community Church in Penn Hills, PA. He and his family have one of the most bittersweet stories of child cancer, faith, suffering, triumph and tragedy that you may ever hear. In 2010, Jay and his wife Rachel found out on Christmas eve that their youngest son, Trey (who was two at the time), had neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. Needless to say, their entire world was turned upside down in a matter of moments. Where do you go, within and without? All of a sudden every vestige of control and certainty is shattered. Every illusion of normal and safe flies out the window. The future is forever altered. The present suddenly becomes much more loaded and weighty. And you feel very, very small. In this extraordinary and honest Be A Real Man Dad podcast, you’ll hear a story that’s as heart-wrenching as it is unique. The strength, faith, and vulnerability that Jay and Rachel show – and share – with the world is truly something supernatural. This battle for them may be complete, but it’s not meant to be forgotten. If you’ve been struggling with your own faith… If YOUR trials are threatening to consume you… If you’re contemplating giving up… PLEASE allow this story to fill you with hope, inspiration, and a new side of faith.

How Do You Forgive The People Who You Love But Hurt You The Most? Guest: Jay Mitlo Jay Mitlo is a unique man. He’s a husband, father, and pastor in the Penn Hills, PA area. Recently, Jay lost his youngest son, Trey, to neuroblastoma. You can read all about the Milto family journey at Jay’s blog, jaymitlo.com In this episode, Jay talks about his dad. More specifically, Jay talk about how his dad was unreliable, unfaithful, and generally not the best role model a kid could have. At one point he suspected his dad might be plotting to have him killed. But he also talks about how, in spite of the immense failings of his father, he has managed to heal and love. Through the Center For Relational Care in Austin, Texas, Jay was able to “rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and mourn with those who mourn.” If you have issues with your own dad or mom, this is a great interview to hear. If you’re struggling to forgive or to love your parents, make sure you listen to this one all the way to the end. This is part one of a multi-part series. In the next podcast, Jay discusses his journey through losing a child to cancer, and it’s so incredibly powerful.

Where do you go when life falls apart and lands on you – HARD? How did this divorced father of five go from heartbroken to healing? How would you deal with the pressure of knowing the business you’ve just sunk your heart, soul, and money into was going to be forcefully dissolved? What would you do if your wife and mother to three of your kids suddenly told you “we’re done” when you walked through the door after work? In this amazing podcast interview, Brian interviews Ralph Wagner who gives answers to these questions while providing valuable insight and wisdom for those who may be struggling with some of these same issues. Ralph is currently working hard to put things back together in his life, but there are several secrets and timeless principles that he is putting into practice which, without these, would be impossible. Be sure to listen to every word all the way to the end, because there is so much good stuff, especially towards the latter part. And lastly, be sure to share this with five people you know! Resources from the show: Fireproof The Love Dare  

Video Games Are Here To Stay… Is it OK for your kids to play video games? How much should you let them play,  and how can you guard them from the depravity online? In this 45 minute conversation, Brian and Eric discuss the pros and cons of gaming, the internet, and the intersection of fun and safety.  Show Notes: Playstation Parental Controls Xbox Parental Controls 3 Day Respawn

We’ve arrived! Episode one! We are excited to bring to you the introductory first show of the Be A Real Man, Dad Podcast! In this episode Eric interviews Brian who talks about how he got to where he is today and why he wanted to start this network.