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What does it take to raise confident, resilient children in today's complex world? Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu opens the playbook on his parenting journey in this compelling conversation about finding your path through adversity.

The 2005 second-round draft pick and three-time Pro Bowler takes us back to his childhood as the only Samoan kid in Massachusetts, where he faced bullying and struggled to fit in. These early challenges, alongside his parents' divorce and losing their family home, became the forge that tempered his character and fueled his football career. "It was just failure, rise, failure, rise, failure, rise," Tatupu reflects. "How are we going to overcome this hurdle? That's how we do it, let's go."

What makes this conversation particularly powerful is Tatupu's transparency about parenting his two sons, each with distinct personalities and passions. Despite his football pedigree (his father played 14 NFL seasons), Tatupu places no pressure on his children to follow that path. When his older son revealed his true passion for music at a family gathering, Tatupu embraced it completely: "I don't care if you pick up a basketball or football ever again in your life. What I saw tonight was your path and your calling."

Tatupu's parenting philosophy centers on staying present with your children, truly seeing situations from their perspective rather than imposing your own. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when your child "lights up" about something—that moment of genuine passion that signals their authentic path. His advice resonates whether you're raising future athletes, musicians, coders, or dreamers of any kind.

Discover how this NFL star is applying the lessons of mental toughness, resilience, and adaptability from football to the ultimate team sport—raising a family. Whether you're a sports fan or simply a parent looking for inspiration, this episode offers practical wisdom for helping your children find their way in an increasingly complex world.

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

Present in Every Moment: What Football Taught Lofa Tatupu About Fatherhood

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What happens when you raise children with both humility and fierce independence? Finance executive Chad Wall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wall-cepa-2211b715/] joins the Quarterback Dadcast to share the remarkable journeys of his three thriving adult children - an Air Force pilot's wife with a master's degree, a globe-trotting outdoor film editor, and a rising rock star whose band just landed major touring opportunities.

Chad reveals the parenting philosophy that shaped these success stories: being "deliberately present." This isn't just about showing up physically, but also about demonstrating genuine interest in your children's lives and making them feel inherently valuable, regardless of their pursuits. Drawing from lessons learned from his feisty, empathetic mother and his hardworking, loyal father, Chad and his wife Michelle created a home where their kids felt both supported and free to forge their own paths.

The conversation takes us through Chad's "life-altering conversations" with his son about pursuing music, his approach to maintaining close relationships with his adult children, and the core values that have become the foundation of his family. You'll hear how understanding multiple perspectives, fostering self-worth, and striking a balance between guidance and independence created the framework for his children's confidence and compassion.

Whether you're raising teenagers, launching young adults, or navigating empty-nest parenthood, Chad's practical wisdom offers a blueprint for developing character rather than controlling outcomes. 



His story reminds us that our children don't measure successful parenting by following our footsteps, but by the humans they become and the values they carry forward.

Stay tuned to the end for a special treat - a song from Chad's son Kellen's band Marfa, showcasing the talent that's taking them on tour with established acts across the country. This episode is a masterclass in raising children who are both humble and confident enough to pursue their wildest dreams.

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

From Wall Street to Rock Stars: A Dad's Journey with Chad Wall

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Today's episode only happens thanks to the team at Tri-State TechServe Alliance.  Roughly a year ago, I met Michael Papadakos [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpappadakos/]from RedStream Technology [https://www.linkedin.com/company/redstream-technology/], as he attended a keynote I delivered for sales professionals.  I also must thank Sioux Logan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sioux-logan/] for sending Michael to this event.

In this episode, he shares his journey from a Marine Corps veteran to intentional fatherhood, revealing how his extraordinary family history and global experiences shape his approach to raising grounded, resilient children.

• Mother was born in a Berlin bomb shelter in 1945 during wartime chaos
• Lost his father at age 4, navigated childhood with a single mother
• Joined the Marine Corps at 21, seeking structure and discipline
• Traveled extensively during military service, including France, Egypt, and Burundi
• Teaches his children kindness, gratitude, delayed gratification, and curiosity
• Balances high expectations with understanding what kids genuinely need
• Believes in showing compassion while not tolerating trivial complaints
• Values building connections through shared activities and open communication
• Coaches basketball despite not being an expert, emphasizing effort over outcomes
• Founder of Leathernecks in Tech, a networking group for Marines working in technology [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12956655/?highlightedUpdateUrn=urn%3Ali%3AgroupPost%3A12956655-7309964152322600963&q=highlightedFeedForGroups]




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Beyond Survival: How Childhood Adversity Shapes the Dads We Become - Michael Simmon-Pappadakos

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This episode only happened thanks to the annual TechServe Conference, [https://www.linkedin.com/company/techserve-alliance/posts/?feedView=all] where I met BridgeView's [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgeview/posts/?feedView=all] Managing Partner, Tim Glennie. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timglennie/]

In this vulnerable, wide-ranging conversation, Tim shares the intentional practices that have shaped his approach to fatherhood. From instituting daily gratitude exercises during school drop-offs to family dinner "highs and lows" discussions, he's created frameworks for meaningful connection with his three children. These seemingly simple rituals have transformed how his family communicates, especially during the challenging teenage years when one-word responses typically dominate.

When Tim notices his son offering to help plan family meals instead of complaining about mom's chicken dinners, he recognizes something profound: his parenting is working. Small moments like these reveal character development happening beneath the surface of daily family life.

Tim reflects thoughtfully on the contrast between his own latchkey childhood in 1970s New York and today's more protected parenting environment. He describes creative ways he's maintained his father's legacy of curiosity and hands-on learning while adapting these values for a new generation. His garage workshop has become a sacred space where his sons develop problem-solving skills and respect for tools—mirroring experiences from Tim's own childhood.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Tim opens up about his journey to becoming alcohol-free at age 50. After struggling with anxiety since age 17 and recognizing patterns of alcoholism in his family history, Tim made a life-changing decision that has transformed his mental health, physical wellbeing, and family relationships. His willingness to share this struggle offers hope and perspective for listeners facing their own challenges.

Beyond the practical parenting strategies, Tim articulates what matters most: raising children with personal responsibility, realistic expectations about life's inevitable struggles, and confidence in their ability to handle whatever comes their way. His authentic approach reminds us that effective parenting isn't about perfection—it's about creating meaningful connections that prepare children for their own journeys ahead.

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

Your children are watching everything you do, so make it count - Tim Glennie, Managing Partner - Bridgeview

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On this week's episode of the Quarterback Dadcast, Casey Jacox sits down with the talented Trent Cotton, the VP of Culture from Hatchworks AI. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/hatchworksai/]

Maintaining a meaningful connection with your child when physical distance separates you isn't just challenging—it can feel nearly impossible. Trent [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentcotton/]knows this struggle intimately. After separating from his wife when their daughter was only two and a half years old, with three hours of distance between them, Trent had to build his relationship through phone calls with a toddler who sometimes wasn't interested in talking.

"There were numerous nights that I would cry myself to sleep just thinking I'm not going to have the relationship that I've always wanted to have with my child," Trent reveals. Yet today, he and his daughter speak almost daily, discussing everything from fashion choices to profound conversations about physics, politics, and faith. How did he transform those tearful nights into this thriving relationship?

The cornerstone of Trent's approach came from advice that changed everything: "Never say anything negative about your child's other parent in front of them." Through years of co-parenting challenges, he maintained this principle, refusing to let family members speak poorly of his ex-wife in his daughter's presence. This commitment created a foundation of safety and respect that allows his daughter to have relationships with both parents without feeling caught in the middle.

Trent's philosophy of "excellence always" has guided both his career and his parenting. "Do things when people aren't looking and do them well," he explains, "and I promise you, it'll become such a habit that the world will start to notice." This value has taken root in his daughter, who was recently accepted into a master's program in civil engineering—something Trent speaks about with unmistakable pride.

Perhaps most powerful is Trent's advice to "lead people to where they need to be, but don't judge them for where they are." This compassionate approach recognizes that our children are on their own journey, and our role isn't to criticize their current position but to guide them toward their best future self.

Want to transform your parenting approach? Listen now to discover how playing the "long game" in parenting can help you navigate even the most challenging circumstances while building unbreakable bonds with your children. Your parenting North Star is waiting.

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

Navigating Co-Parenting with Grace and Purpose

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Today, we welcome former MLB manager and four-time Gold Glove winner Mike Matheny, who takes us on a profound journey through fatherhood, coaching philosophy, and his remarkable life experiences that shaped both. Drawing from his 13-year playing career and years managing the Cardinals and Royals, Matheny shares wisdom that transcends the baseball diamond.

Not only did he publish the amazing "Matheny Manifesto," but he has a new book out called "The Dad Coach," published by Crown Publishing Group, A Division of Penguin Random House! [https://www.amazon.com/Dad-Coach-Succeed-Baseball-Field/dp/0593442873] I got a copy and read it before it was recently released, and it is a book I wish I had had earlier when coaching my son in baseball.  Please pick up a copy if you're a youth coach!

The conversation reveals Matheny's counterintuitive approach to youth sports: "The goal is not trying to get college scholarships. The goal is instilling character through sports to help kids become successful in anything they do." Remarkably, all five of his children earned college athletic opportunities despite this philosophy—or perhaps because of it. Matheny credits his own upbringing with parents who demonstrated consistent love and discipline while never pressuring him in sports, describing himself as having "won the lottery at birth."

Particularly moving is Matheny's account of surviving a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2022—a condition with only a 1-in-6 survival rate. "I had a renewed sense of urgency," he explains. "What are we doing to make the most out of it and how are we going to make an impact with the days that we have?" This perspective infuses his new book "The Dad Coach," which provides practical guidance for parents coaching youth sports, complete with 75 QR codes linking to resources from former players and practical drills.

Beyond baseball strategy, Matheny offers transformative insights for parents navigating youth sports culture. His advice to let children drive their own athletic journeys while parents provide support without pressure resonates deeply in today's high-pressure youth sports environment. As we chase our own definition of success, Matheny reminds us that the most valuable trophy isn't made of metal—it's the character and resilience built through the journey.

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

From Major League Manager to Youth Sports Mentor: Mike Matheny's Parenting Journey

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What happens when an orthopedic surgeon raised by immigrant parents decides to redefine success on his own terms? Dr. Jessy Sekhon takes us on a remarkable journey from his father's humble beginnings in an Indian village without electricity to his own pivotal decision to restructure his thriving medical practice for the sake of his family.

Jessy's father studied under makeshift onion-string lights in cornfields, working tirelessly toward education as his only escape from poverty. This relentless work ethic carried through generations as Jesse's parents pushed academic excellence above all else. While this foundation propelled Jesse to Northwestern and UCLA and ultimately a successful surgical career, something was missing in his own approach to fatherhood.

The turning point came when Jesse's two-hour commute meant missing his son's baseball practice. When his wife offered to help warm up their son instead, the boy's response hit like a thunderbolt: "Sorry mom, it's just not the same." Those six words catalyzed a complete reassessment of priorities, leading Jessy to negotiate a new work arrangement that allowed him to be physically present for school drop-offs, pick-ups, and those irreplaceable moments of connection.

Through honest reflection, Jesse reveals his ongoing work to develop patience and acceptance as a father. He shares how he's learned to apologize to his children when he falls short, modeling accountability and emotional intelligence. His approach balances providing opportunities his immigrant parents couldn't afford him while ensuring his children remain grounded and grateful.

Whether you're balancing a demanding career with family life or wrestling with how your own upbringing shapes your parenting, Jessy's story demonstrates that fatherhood isn't defined by perfection but by presence. 

Join us for a conversation that bridges cultures, generations, and reminds us that sometimes our greatest success is simply being there when our children need us most.

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

An Eagles Fan, A Surgeon, and A Dad—Now Taking the Most Important Calls

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Casey Jacox welcomes Darren Mitchell, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sales-leadership-coach/] Australian sales leadership expert and father of two daughters, for a profound conversation about fatherhood, loss, and creating meaningful family connections across continents.

• Darren introduces his two adult daughters—a 25-year-old medical doctor with athletic ambitions and a 21-year-old creative interior designer
• Both men reflect on their upbringings and how parental examples shaped their approaches to leadership and fatherhood
• Discussion of the heartbreaking experience of losing a child, as Darren shares the story of his stillborn daughter Courtney
• Powerful insights about responding to life's challenges by focusing on what we can control rather than dwelling on what we cannot
• The importance of giving children undivided attention and being fully present rather than just providing "quality time"
• Core values that guide effective parenting: love, connection, integrity, work ethic, and acceptance

The biggest gift you can give this podcast is to share it with another dad who might benefit from these conversations. Please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other dads find this resource.




Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

From Sales to Fatherhood: Darren Mitchell's Leadership Journey

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What does it truly mean to support your children unconditionally in their athletic journeys and life paths? Former Pittsburgh Pirate and UC Davis Hall of Famer Rich Watts opens up about his philosophy of fatherhood that has guided his two Division I athlete children through both triumphs and challenges.

Rich takes us deep into his family story, sharing how his own upbringing by a tough-as-nails former college football player father and dedicated mother created the blueprint for his parenting approach. The parallels between his childhood sports experiences and watching his own children navigate their athletic careers reveal timeless truths about resilience, support, and knowing when to step back. "You never quit anything," Rich recalls as a fundamental rule from his youth – a value that would later help him guide his son through the challenging transition from high school sports to a junior college path during COVID and eventually to a national championship.

The conversation explores the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics with transfer portals and NIL deals, offering both cautionary perspectives and nuanced insights from someone who has experienced these systems from multiple angles. Rich thoughtfully examines how these developments affect not just the business of college sports, but the fundamental character-building aspects these institutions have traditionally provided.

What truly sets this episode apart is Rich's vulnerable reflection on what matters most in the parent-child relationship. "If you have to push your kid, then your kid doesn't love it enough," he observes, challenging listeners to reconsider how they support their children's passions. His stories of catching footballs with his son echo his own father's dedication, creating a generational thread of showing up rather than merely telling.

Whether you're raising athletes or simply seeking to be more present in your children's lives, Rich's perspective offers both practical wisdom and emotional resonance that will transform how you think about your role as a parent, mentor, and guide.

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

The Unconditional Dad: Rich Watts on Family, Sports, and Supporting Your Kids' Dreams

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In this enlightening episode of the Quarterback Dadcast, Casey Jacox sits down with Kenny Claytor [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-claytor-2972618/], a devoted father and US Army veteran, to explore the depths of fatherhood.  Kenny and I met at the amazing company where he works, Tier 4 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tier4group/posts/?feedView=all] Staffing and Consulting.

Kenny shares his journey as a father, discusses the values learned from his upbringing, and how those lessons guide him in parenting today. With heartfelt anecdotes, he emphasizes the significance of gratitude in the parent-child relationship and how open communication forms the foundation for resilience in his three children.

Throughout their conversation, Kenny reflects on a challenge his daughter faced with mental health, illustrating how sharing hardships can create strong bonds and inspire others. As they navigate the complexities of balancing work and family life, they highlight the evolving roles of parents in raising children with emotional intelligence and strong communication skills. His daughter, Kaci, would use this challenge to use her amazing singing talent, which is linked here. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBWarSloPd8]

The episode reminds us that vulnerability is a strength, encouraging fathers everywhere to share their experiences and learn from each other. It's a heartfelt dialogue between two dads, aiming to redefine what it means to lead a family and inspire listeners to become better versions of themselves. Join us as we delve deep into the essence of fatherhood, tackle important issues, and encourage dads to embrace their roles with authenticity. 

Additionally, we covered the following:

- Kenny’s background: from army veteran to family leader
- Discussing gratitude for family relationships
- Learning through struggles and parenting challenges
- Emphasizing the role of emotional intelligence in parenting
- Sharing his daughter’s inspirational journey through music
- The importance of open conversations about difficult topics
- Balancing traditional roles in parenting
- Encouraging fathers to be vulnerable and supportive
- A call to action for men to lead authentically and intentionally

If this episode resonates with you and your journey, be sure to share, subscribe, and leave a review!

Please don't forget to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarterback-dadcast/id1492347381] wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

US Army Veteran - Kenny Claytor -Vulnerability and Strength: A Dad’s Journey

I’m Casey Jacox….the host of the Quarterback Dadcast.   I want to take a minute to tell you why I started this podcast.  I did it so that I can be a better father myself.  I did it because I wanted to learn from dads, just like you.  Together, we will explore how you were raised.  and discuss what your current family life looks like?   Additionally, we will find out what did you learn from your parents?  What did you not learn from your parents?  How did your parents help you?    With all of that information, how are you using all of that experience to become that ultimate leader or Quarterback of your household? You will laugh.  You might even cry.   You will learn.  And I will guarantee that in each episode, you will walk away with actionable tasks that you can apply to your life right now to become that ultimate Quarterback and leader of your household.  Together, we will learn from the successes and failures of dads who do their best daily.  So, sit back, relax and subscribe to receive each episode weekly on The Quarterback Dadcast.

The Quarterback DadCast

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Each episode, we learn from a dad working hard to become the ultimate leader or QB of his household!  Listen now, and let's grow together!

Casey Jacox

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