Dads in Real Life Podcast

Today we continue Part 2 of our Youth Sports series.
In the first episode, Travis shared that his kids are still a little young for competitive sports, while Robert opened up about navigating the world of club sports in Southern California.
This week, we widen the lens and welcome Travis’s cousin Ben from New Zealand, a father of two teenagers deeply involved in after-school activities and sports.
Together we discuss:
🏉 The importance of team sports at a young age🎯 Why play and fun matter more than early specialization📈 When training programs help — and when they may hurt🧠 The difference between what parents think is happening and what’s actually going on in a student athlete’s head⚖️ How mixed signals between effort, pressure, and expectations can affect kids
This episode is about learning how to be the best support system possible — at home, on the sidelines, and in the car ride after the game.
Whether you’re just entering the world of youth sports or raising teenagers already in it, this conversation offers perspective from different stages of fatherhood — and even from different parts of the world.
Another honest, thoughtful episode about raising resilient, confident kids both on and off the field.

In today’s episode, Travis hits the ground running with a question no one expected… involving bowel movements and public pools. Yes, we go there.
From there, it’s classic dad-life riffing—current family happenings, what we’re watching during the Winter Olympics, and how the vibe of the big event feels different as adults (and especially as parents).
We talk about:
❄️ What the Olympics feel like now vs. when we were kids👨‍👧‍👦 What dads actually look forward to in this season of life🚫 What we try to avoid now that we’re older✝️ What Travis might give up for Lent⏱️ And all the random thoughts that fit between nap time and school pickup
It’s another short, real, unscripted episode—just two dads squeezing in conversation before the chaos resumes.
If you like honest dad talk with a little humor and a little perspective, this one’s for you.

In today’s episode, we kick off a two-part series on Youth Sports—but first, Travis opens with the intro question:“What hasn’t changed?”
From the smell of Play-Doh instantly transporting us back to childhood to the simple things that stay consistent over time, Travis and Robert reflect on what still feels the same… even as life moves fast.
Then the conversation shifts to Youth Sports.
Travis isn’t quite in the thick of it yet with little kids—but he knows the day is coming when club teams start knocking. Robert, already in the world of competitive sports with his kids, shares what it’s really like navigating year-round athletics in California, where “seasonal” sports often feel like all-season commitments.
In this episode, they unpack:
🏀 The pros and cons of youth sports — then vs. now🏀 How family life changes once competitive sports enter the picture🏀 Setting up your home and communication to support busy seasons🏀 The agreements and expectations for both athletes and parents🏀 The life lessons sports teach beyond the court — resilience, adversity, and character
Whether you're already juggling tournaments or just anticipating that season of life, this episode offers honest reflection and practical insight from two dads at different stages of the journey.
👉 Part 2 coming soon.

In today’s episode, Travis and Robert talk about tools for dads—but not just the kind you keep in the garage.
Before jumping into the main topic, Travis kicks things off with a few quick product reviews, including a drink from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, black sesame balls, and a sweet snack from a local spot.
From there, the conversation widens into:
DIY home improvement tools
Tools to protect and care for your home
And the most important tools of all—the ones needed for the job of being a dad
They explore the idea that you can own every tool imaginable, but if you don’t practice using them, they won’t be there for you when it counts. Whether it’s fixing something around the house, protecting your family, or showing up emotionally as a dad, tools only work if they’re used regularly.
This episode is about being prepared, staying sharp, and practicing the skills that matter most—long before you actually need them. 🛠️👨‍👧‍👦

In today’s episode, Travis brings a question to the table that feels both futuristic and uncomfortably close to home: What happens when robots take over the world?
The conversation was sparked by comments from Elon Musk suggesting that in the near future, humanoid robots could be in every home, helping care for the elderly and even watching our kids. From there, Travis and Robert unpack the idea from a dad’s perspective—exploring both the promise and the concern surrounding artificial intelligence and robotics.
They talk through:
The pros and cons of AI and humanoid robots
Where we are right now vs. where technology seems to be headed
How to shepherd kids in a rapidly advancing tech world
The myth that technology would mean less work, not more
And the bigger question: If robots do everything… what’s our purpose?
This episode isn’t about fear-mongering—it’s about awareness, intentional parenting, and wrestling with what it means to be human, present, and purposeful in a world shaped by AI.
🤖 A thoughtful conversation for dads navigating the future—one algorithm at a time.

In this episode, Travis and Robert pick up right where they left off, continuing the conversation around habits and systems for 2026.
Travis starts things off with a few shout-outs—including a very important one to the man who invented a tool that cuts butter (respect where it’s due 🧈). Rob briefly addresses the elephant in the room… yes, the black eye.
From there, the guys finally dig into the real topic of the day: why new habits are so hard to keep. Travis opens up about struggling to maintain a new cooking habit, and together they break down what isn’t working, why it keeps falling apart, and what systems might actually help it stick this month.
If you’ve ever set a new habit with good intentions—only to watch it slowly fade—this episode offers honest reflection, practical ideas, and realistic solutions for busy dads heading into a new year.
🎧 Real talk, real systems, and a reminder that habits don’t fail… systems do.

Welcome to the first episode of 2026 🎉—and it was such a good conversation we had to split it into two sessions.
Travis kicks things off with some classic dad-level questions:
What is the proper way to eat a Bagel Bite?
Can a Hot Pocket actually be cooked all the way through?
And… do you have a plan if your Christmas tree catches fire? 😅
After warming up with a little humor, Travis and Robert shift gears and reflect on 2025—the successes, the failures, and the lessons learned along the way. From personal growth to family life, they talk honestly about what worked, what didn’t, and what they’re carrying forward into the new year.
This episode is a mix of laughs, perspective, and reflection—perfect for kicking off 2026 with intention while remembering that sometimes the best conversations start with the simplest (and strangest) questions.
👉 Part two coming soon.

In today’s Christmas episode, Travis surprises Robert—and the listeners—by inviting a Secret Santa guest onto the podcast. 🎅
Meet Johnny, a dad of four and a firefighter living in Australia. Together, we explore what it’s like celebrating Christmas when it’s cold and cozy versus sunny and hot, and how holiday traditions change when the seasons are flipped upside down.
Johnny shares his experience of fatherhood while balancing life as a firefighter, raising four kids, and celebrating the holidays far from the classic “winter Christmas” many of us grew up with. The conversation turns reflective as we talk about what we’re thankful for this season and what we’re most looking forward to when celebrating Christmas with our families.
And just when you think the episode is wrapping up…🎁 A very special elf makes an appearance, so be sure to listen all the way to the end.
This episode is full of laughter, perspective, gratitude, and a reminder that no matter where you are in the world, the heart of Christmas stays the same.

Travis kicks off today’s episode with a hot take no one asked for: salads should include leaves. From there, things take a hard left when he asks the question of the day—
👉 “Do you have a throw-up bowl?” (Yes, Robert had to clarify what he heard.)
After some classic dad banter—testing spoiled food, catching up, and the realities of parenting—Travis shifts the conversation into a more reflective topic: what does “’Tis the season” actually mean now?
Growing up, “’Tis the season” meant joy, celebration, and anticipation. As parents, it often sounds more like: sick kids, exhaustion, and survival mode.
Travis and Robert unpack how that phrase has evolved over time, what it brings up emotionally, and whether it still represents joy—or simply another tough season to get through.
This episode blends humor, honesty, and reflection as two dads explore how language, seasons, and perspective shift once you’re responsible for more than just yourself.
🎄 What comes to mind when you hear “’Tis the season”? Joy… or chaos?

Today, Travis and Robert welcome a special guest—Jesse from Ten Mile Brewing—for the first episode of this series. Jesse takes us behind the scenes of how he went from brewing beer in his garage to running multiple locations across Southern California.
In this episode, Jesse shares:
🍺 How homebrewing became a passion🏭 What it took to open a microbrewery from scratch📈 The challenges of scaling from one location to many⚙️ The realities of launching a business in the craft beer world🤔 The questions Travis and Robert have always wanted to ask about beer
And the best part? We haven’t even touched the dad-life side of his journey yet—that’s coming in part two.
Whether you're a craft beer fan, a business-minded dad, or just love a good origin story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and behind-the-scenes brewing knowledge.
Looking for more ways to connect with Jesse and Ten Mile Brewing?
Check out these links:
https://www.tenmilebrewing.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tenmilebrewing/