Dads in Real Life Podcast

In this Thanksgiving special, Travis kicks things off with a fun game called “Chain Link”—something he picked up from another podcast and wants to try with family over the holidays. He and Robert try it live on the show, and it quickly sets the tone for a warm, reflective episode. 
(If you want to get straight to the good stuff, skip to 20:03)
From there, the guys dive into gratitude, sharing what they’re thankful for this season. Travis asks Robert about his unique Thanksgiving experiences growing up overseas—very different from the traditional American holiday Travis knew as a kid. Robert explains how being a transplant made Friendsgiving a central tradition, while Travis shares what a “classic” Thanksgiving looked like in his home.
Then comes the big question:Honey Baked Ham or Turkey—who wins Thanksgiving?
The conversation moves into how each of them approaches the tradition of saying what you're thankful for: what feels natural, what feels awkward, and what really matters. They each open up about the small moments that have shaped their gratitude this year and the life experiences that add perspective.
To wrap things up, Robert and Travis explore the idea of the “get to” list versus the “to-do” list—how shifting your mindset can bring more gratitude, joy, and intention to everyday life.
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving episode filled with humor, perspective, and heartfelt reflection, this one’s for you. 🦃🍂
 

Today’s episode starts with Travis’s favorite opener: “I was today years old when I found out…” From surprising discoveries to everyday dad revelations, both Travis and Robert share some fun (and slightly embarrassing) truths.
But the real conversation?Why does the holiday season now start… in September?
Travis brings a full list of complaints — Christmas ornaments the day after Halloween, holiday catalogs before fall even arrives, and Black Friday somehow turning into Black Friday month. Are we losing the magic of the holidays by pushing the season earlier every year?
Robert and Travis dive into big questions:
Is Christmas less special when we prep two months early?
Has delayed gratification been replaced by instant dopamine hits?
Has thoughtful gift-giving been reduced to Amazon carts and Pinterest lists?
What behaviors are we modeling for our kids around holidays, waiting, and meaning?
They explore the pros and cons of the extended holiday season, how convenience has changed family rituals, and what dads can do to bring connection, presence, and tradition back into the holidays.
The episode wraps up with the simple, intentional practices Travis and Robert are trying in their own homes to rebuild the magic of the season — without the overwhelm.
If you’ve ever felt like the holidays are starting too early and meaning less, this one’s for you. 🎁✨

In today’s episode, Travis and Robert dive deep into something every dad can relate to — the never-ending to-do list and the mental load that comes with it.
Robert shares his secret to staying on top of it all, from daily routines to the habits that make or break productivity. He talks about what actually makes the list, what doesn’t, and how saying no can sometimes be the most powerful tool. You’ll also hear how he keeps his spouse in the loop so both parents stay aligned on priorities and scheduling.
Travis jumps in with his “rocks and sand” analogy for prioritizing life’s biggest tasks — and opens up about what it looks like to tackle the list as a recovering lazy person. Together, they talk about finding balance, building systems that work, and lowering stress at home by getting organized (without losing your mind).
🧠 In this episode:
How to manage the mental load as a dad
The power of saying no and setting priorities
Tools and systems for staying organized
Partner communication around schedules and expectations
Why small routines create massive relief
If you’ve ever felt buried under your to-do list or mentally fried by daily tasks, this episode will help you breathe easier — and take back control of your time.

In today’s episode, Travis admits something shocking… he hasn’t seen a lot of the big-name movies most of us grew up with! 🎞️
Robert and Travis dive into their must-watch movie lists, sharing everything from the classics they loved as kids to the films they now enjoy with their own families. Then, they wrap things up with a lightning round of the Top 50 Movies of All Time — debating which ones they’ve seen, which are overrated, and which every dad has to watch at least once.
🍿 In this episode:
Travis’s surprising movie confessions
Robert’s must-watch favorites
Movies that shaped our childhoods
Family-friendly picks for movie night
The Top 50 movies of all time — dad edition
Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for your next family movie night pick, this one’s full of laughs, nostalgia, and honest dad talk.

This week’s episode kicks off with story time — and trust us, you don’t want to miss the “poop-copter” story. 😅
Travis and Robert catch up on dad life highlights from the week, including Robert’s experience with club sports in Southern California and Travis’s latest parenting adventure. Then, the guys dive into the main topic: Halloween!
They share childhood Halloween memories, what’s changed now that they’re dads, and their best tips for parents trick-or-treating with kids — from costume chaos to candy negotiations.
👻 In this episode:
Club sports & parenting updates
The hilarious “poop-copter” story
Halloween memories growing up
Tips for first-time trick-or-treating parents
How to make Halloween fun (and less stressful) for everyone
🎧 Grab your favorite candy, hit play, and join us for another real, funny, and relatable dad chat.

In today’s episode, Travis and Rob kick things off by talking about what it’s like to listen to their own podcast (spoiler: it’s weirdly insightful). Rob then shares a playground mishap on the monkey bars and what his daughter learned from it—What do we do when we fall down...
After a quick round of Travis’s word game, the guys dive into a growing dad trend: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They chat about how they each got introduced to the sport, what keeps them hooked, and why it’s become such a meaningful outlet for so many dads today.
From playground lessons to personal growth on the mat, this episode is all about learning, laughing, and rolling with life—literally.
👉 Have you ever tried BJJ or another “dad hobby”? Let us know in the comments!

Today’s episode is short, sweet, and a little different. Between busy schedules and school pick-up lines, Robert and Travis pause to reflect on what it really means for dads to rest and recover.
In this episode:
🎙️ A quick word association game with U.S. states
🔥 The quote that sparked it all: “Sometimes men need to sit and stare at a fire for a reset.”
👨‍👦 How dads can recharge mentally, emotionally, and physically
🌙 Why rest isn’t wasted time—it’s an investment in being present for family
Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from slowing down and letting yourself reset.
👉 How do YOU hit the reset button when dad life gets overwhelming?

This week’s episode starts with a simple question: “Why do we still drink soda with so much sugar when there are so many alternatives?” But before we can finish the debate, Travis’s car mechanic calls with some bad (and expensive) news.
From there, we dive into:
🚘 Travis’s current truck troubles and dealing with the local mechanic
🤔 The hidden cost of decision-making as dads (time, money, energy)
💡 Rob’s take on “decision fatigue” and why even small choices can feel heavy
🧠 The mental load of fatherhood and how it shows up in daily life
🔥 Hot take of the week: “Guys shouldn’t pee standing up at home” (yep, we went there)
Being a dad means balancing car repairs, soda debates, family dynamics, and the constant stream of choices. At the end of the day, doing your best and moving forward with intention matters most.
👉 Stick around for a preview of next week’s episode on the mental load for dads.👉 Share in the comments: What’s a decision you’ve overthought recently as a parent?

Today’s episode is all about catching up—and it’s a fun one!
Travis kicks things off with his segment “Shower Thoughts with Travis,” sharing his tip of the day, which leads into a bigger conversation about supplements, health, and the importance of getting regular blood work. Travis also shares stories from his time working in the health insurance field and offers practical advice for anyone looking to get their labs done.
From there, it’s a true catch-up episode as we dive into:
Travis’s fantasy football season updates 🏈
His ongoing journey through 75 Hard 💪
Robert’s struggles transitioning the kids from summer freedom to school routines 📚
The role of rest and recovery as a dad who loves to exercise daily
If you’re into health, fitness, family life, or just want some relatable dad talk, this one’s for you.
👉 Question of the Day: Do you prioritize supplements and blood work in your health routine? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
#DadLife #Fitness #75Hard #FantasyFootball #Supplements #FatherhoodPodcast

Big milestone—our first guest is here! 🎉
Today, Travis and Robert sit down with Jake from Home Loans to talk about the balancing act of becoming a dad while starting a business. Jake opens up about the challenges of breaking into the home loans industry at the same time he was learning how to be a new father, and the valuable lessons he’s picked up along the way.
In this episode, we cover:
Dad life + running a business: the wins and struggles
What Jake learned as a new father and entrepreneur
Key questions every first-time home buyer should be asking
Insider tips (shared exclusively with our Patreon members) on what to ask your loan officer
Whether you’re a dad navigating work-life balance or someone thinking about buying your first home, this conversation is packed with practical insights and encouragement.
👉 Question of the Day: What’s been your biggest challenge—buying a home or balancing family with career? Let us know in the comments!
Have questions for Jake? Reach out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jakefromhomeloans
or instagram @jake_fromhomeloans 
#DadLife #Fatherhood #Entrepreneurship #HomeLoans #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #ParentingPodcast