Steve reconnects with Gary after more than 20 years—and the conversation gets real fast. Gary doesn’t sugarcoat anything: he became a dad in his mid-20s while serving in the Navy, spent long stretches away at sea, and later disappeared from his kids’ lives for years after a messy divorce. His words, not anyone else’s—“I was a crap dad.” No excuses.



They dig into what that actually feels like: guilt that never fully leaves, missed years you can’t get back, and the strange mix of pride and pain when you see your kids turn out well without you there. There’s a powerful moment where Gary talks about being pulled into the front row at his son’s wedding—feeling seen, but also carrying the weight of everything that came before.



The episode also hits hard on work and burnout. Gary shares how stress broke him to the point he’d get dressed for work… then spend the day hiding in the cinema. That moment forced a complete reset—he walked away from employment, built his own business, and started living on his terms.



Now? He’s softer. Kinder. More intentional. He talks about small things—making a proper cup of tea, watching birds, saying hello to strangers—and why they matter more than chasing status or money. His rule is simple: just be the nicest person in the room.



This is a raw conversation about masculinity, regret, and growth. About owning your mistakes without hiding. About aging without pretending you’ve got it all figured out. And about one honest hope:



That even if you got it wrong…

people might still say—you tried.

Pride and Guilt in the Same Room- Gary reflects. 

Injuries, aging, and the shift from intensity to longevity, it’s all here



This episode it sit down with two repeat guests—Steve and Franky—for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about how movement, training, and routine shape identity, mental health, and fatherhood.



From childhood sports to street-level gyms and midlife adjustments, this episode explores why people start, stop, and return to fitness—and what keeps them going long-term.



Frankie, originally from the Bronx, shares how weight training from age 15 became a powerful coping mechanism, offering structure, belonging, and focus during difficult times. He opens up about cycles of intense training, long breaks, injuries and a COVID-era health wake-up that forced him to rethink everything.



Steve reflects on a lifetime of sport—from football and karate to swimming and calisthenics—and how his approach has shifted toward longevity, injury prevention, and sustainable performance as he gets older.



Together, they break down practical training philosophies, including:



* Setting micro and macro goals

* Balancing progressive overload with recovery

* Building functional strength through calisthenics

* Avoiding injury while maintaining consistency



Beyond training, the conversation dives into identity, masculinity, family expectations, and how routine supports mental clarity—especially in the context of fatherhood.



Takeaway: Find your “why,” build sustainable habits, and use movement not just for performance—but for mental and emotional grounding.

The Long Game: Training for Life, Not Just Performance and finding the every changing WHY

What happens to a man when fatherhood doesn’t look anything like he imagined?



In this powerful episode, I sit down with Bo, a 33-year-old dad from Kansas City who has spent the last seven years living on high alert.

His son Elgin suffered a severe brain injury at birth and requires 24-hour care. Every day, Bo watches oxygen levels. Every night, he sleeps beside a monitor that could change everything in a second, keeping in mind this is after tragically losing his daughter 1 year before Elgin was born.



But this isn’t just a story about special needs parenting, it’s more than that.



It’s a story about identity. About losing a child and still choosing to love again. About radical acceptance when life doesn’t bend. About loneliness, exhaustion, fear — and the quiet, relentless decision to stay in the ring and fight



Bo speaks with brutal honesty about what it costs to keep showing up… and why he refuses to walk away from the ring.



There are times when I feel we forget the mic is on and Bo says ‘I need him more than he needs me’. It felt like something went off for me, he was right and I think so many parents would think the same, but not say out loud… such a brave dad on all levels.



This episode is for any dad who has ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or stretched to his limits. It’s about resilience, perspective, and the kind of strength that doesn’t shout — it just stays.



Check out Bo’s social media and get into how he does life… it’s real unfiltered dad journeys.



https://youtube.com/@theimaginarydad?si=aULOBUacr8jJ02ON



https://www.tiktok.com/@theimaginarydadproject?_r=1&_t=ZS-93vvn5dMlYu



https://linktr.ee/theimaginarydadproject?utm_source=linktree_profile_share



https://tr.ee/EyFKkNDy0v







Bo-When the Dream Changes, But the Love Doesn’t.

In this episode of Real Unfiltered Dad Journeys, I sit down with my longtime friend Phil for one of the most open and honest conversations we’ve ever had. We explore how his understanding of fatherhood has shifted from “protector and provider” to “guide and guardrails,” and how walking, silence, and self-reflection have become essential tools for staying grounded. Phil speaks candidly about triggers, patience, the pressure to financially “ring-fence” his family, and the fear of not being around long enough for his kids. At the heart of our conversation is a powerful reminder: even the toughest moments of parenting are still a privilege.

Walking It Off: How Phil Stays Sane Enough to Be a Good Dad.

In this episode, I talk with Aaron — a devoted dad to his seven-year-old son, Noah, who is neurodiverse. Arran opens up about a social-media post he made after a school rejected a child with autism, sparking a powerful discussion on inclusion and the importance of understanding neurodiversity rather than labeling it.



He shares how fatherhood has transformed his outlook — teaching him patience, empathy, and the value of seeing the world through his son’s eyes. We discuss the pressures men face to meet expectations, and how true success as a dad isn’t about achievements but being emotionally present and consistent.



Arran also talks about the role of physical and mental health in showing up for family, challenging the stigma around therapy, and encouraging fathers to seek support. We close by reflecting on legacy, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep growing — for ourselves and for our kids.



Arran’s Podcast - Breaking the mask



https://open.spotify.com/show/0qzSSJxxkO8FkVYVMWzFjR?si=y1A-vBwjQueZRAUDhwY1-w





https://www.instagram.com/breaking_the_mask?igsh=MWQ0ZnhrYXFsdTNuZw==

Arran— Embracing Neurodiversity and Redefining Fatherhood

In this heartfelt conversation, Bryan opens up about his journey as a father of four—Virginia, Dexter, and twins Celia and Ben. From the earliest days of medical challenges, including cancer diagnoses, surgeries, and a liver transplant, to the sudden heartbreak of losing his wife and partner of 25 years, Bryan shares his story with honesty and vulnerability.



We talk about what it really means to be present for your kids, how grief reshapes the way you see life, and why expressing love—out loud and often—matters so much. Bryan also reflects on the weight of tough conversations about mortality, the importance of mental health support, and the need to give ourselves permission to heal at our own pace.



This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every family is a story of resilience, love, and struggle. Bryan’s words will leave you thinking about how we show up for the people we care about—and why empathy and connection matter more than ever.





This conversation with Bryan was had earlier this year and he has been battling like anything to keep going. Recently he has shared that he is really struggling, not only with finances but also his own demons - alcohol.





The following is a direct copy of his post on his social media



“I feel like a piece of crap for doing this and I wouldn't be doing it unless I was out of options.

Over the past 8 months we've gone through a lot of change, unwanted growth, trying to fit in, in our new world attempting to see a future without Leslie Paige. During this time normal day to day operations have for the most part halted.

Finding myself in a mountain of debt, medical bills, depression, anxiety, kids who need stronger support than their weak father and me buried under empty bottles of Gin. 95% of this is my fault. Leslie was always the money and insurance manager. I know I'm losing the prior because of my lack of knowledge of the latter.

Im taking the first step towards my recovery from alcohol, but it is costly. I also found out that we may be charged the full amount for Ben's tablet($18,000)

I know everyone is tired of hearing my sob stories (and i can't say that | blame you ), "woe is me" ( paraphrasing a relative ) but my family and I can use the help. Even if it's just good company and a meal together. I appreciate everything you all have already done and I feel like a schmuck asking for more. Share if you want. Thanks again.

Truly undeserved of you all's support and love .

Love, Bryan”

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-hughan-familys-journey-to-healing





Bryan’s Story: A Father’s Love Through Loss

This is Richie Hardcore….



Richie is a fight coach, personal trainer, and public speaker—but in this episode, he speaks as a dad. We talk about how fatherhood challenged and changed him, from learning patience and playfulness to navigating the mental and emotional weight of raising kids. He opens up about masculinity, the role of fathers in different cultures, and why support networks and honest conversations matter—especially for parents of children with unique needs. It’s a real, reflective, and inspiring chat about what it means to show up as a man and a father.



You can find Richie’s website and social media here.



https://www.richiehardcore.com/



https://www.instagram.com/richiehardcore/?hl=en

Leading with Love: Richie Hardcore on Fatherhood and Growth

Almost two years ago, Franky sat down with me for a deeply personal conversation about navigating life as a dad to a child with special needs. Now, he’s back—and a lot has changed.



In this follow-up episode, we pick up where we left off, diving even deeper into what it means to grow through fatherhood, not just as a parent, but as a man trying to hold everything together. Franky opens up about earning a cybersecurity certification with no previous IT background, balancing the pressures of work and home, and the role his wife’s support has played in helping him keep moving forward.



We talk about the emotional toll of caregiving, the quiet guilt and burnout that can build up over time, and the fear many special needs parents carry but rarely talk about: What happens when we’re no longer able to care for our children?



This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and learning to show up even when we feel like we’re running on empty. It’s real, unfiltered, and full of insight for any parent navigating the complex, ever-changing journey of raising a child with additional needs.



This episode is probably brought to you by ‘It Takes a Village NC



https://www.ittakesavillagenc.com



Franky’s podcast - The unfortunate privilege podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/7meEuAT7apvoxsCZWmqiXF?si=qEXH0kloSp-1PGjbHRIzug

Franky Returns: Fatherhood, Fear, and Finding Strength

I’m talking to Andrew and it’s 10pm for me in Osaka and 9am for him in the US…



We begin talking about the two words which he uses to describe his personal journey - ‘filling’ and ‘grateful’.



Andrew has a unique and lovely way with words which I could never do, we talk about his life as dad which is so special.



For the last 7 years as caretaker for his youngest, Hadley, it is hard to imagine sometimes how bloody hard it must be, but like most dads, he steps up to the plate, like I did and like most dads do when we have a child with extra needs.



Does that come at a mental and physical cost? Maybe it does, for me it has.



That’s when Andrew shares that in the last week he cried in the car on his own,, while listening to music LOUD, and while it was not planned (never is) it is most needed and allowed him to give himself some self love and self compassion, resulting in him to be able to do what he does all over again., hoping that the sun will always come up the next day.





THIS IS A REAL UNFILTERED DAD JOURNEY.

If you would like to share yours, please get in touch on realufdjpodcast@gmail.com



S4E4- Andrew with 3 very uniquely different kids , 1 who needs total care.

I have known Steve for over 16 years and in this episode he shares some really personal experiences. We discuss a very wide range of issues related to being dad which encompasses how he exposes his kids to as much as he can…. One word - bees! We both discuss how to broach the topic of sex education with our kids and how to engage with them about the changes they experience, after all we both never had that talk from our dads. We both get emotional after talking about if we do get emotional enough and he shares the darkest point in his life- losing his wife while fighting cancer. This is a real and honest conversation and I am so honored as I always am to be able to share his story. Thank you Steve and you are more than enough in my eyes.

2. Steve Coyle- a road less traveled by many. 

Dads who are the caregiver of their kids which have special needs or disabilities have a unique perspective of how we face the challenges. This is a safe space to hear those journeys. Send me a message! https://anchor.fm/lifewithjamieandmoreinjapan/message All podcast are on YouTube https://youtube.com/channel/UCgsUEiVd5iK78plbu0kQs9g

Stephen Sasaki-Samuels

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