In this episode of Daring to Dad, Ryan sits down with Joshua Harris to explore the profound journey of personal transformation and self-discovery. Many will recognize Josh from his years as a prominent voice within a certain faith community, but today, he is forging a new path as a seeker, creative, and advocate for personal growth. Josh shares his story of stepping away from a rigid, fear-based religious framework and embracing a life filled with exploration, creativity, and connection.

Together, Ryan and Josh dive into the complexities of life transitions and the courage it takes to redefine one’s identity. They explore the ways in which our beliefs—especially around manhood, parenting, and community—evolve over time and how that evolution is essential to personal growth. Josh reflects on the impact of public persona and the challenges he’s faced navigating life after leaving a faith-based environment, highlighting the importance of fostering genuine community and compassion.

This conversation emphasizes the need to understand generational differences, the role of curiosity and empathy in building strong relationships, and the significance of staying open to change, both in ourselves and in those around us. Josh’s insights offer listeners a fresh perspective on navigating the ever-evolving journey of identity and purpose.

Whether you’re questioning long-held beliefs or simply seeking inspiration on personal growth, this episode with Joshua Harris is a thought-provoking listen that sheds light on the value of connection, curiosity, and the freedom to grow.

Summary:

This week's guest is Ryan Meeks. Ryan, along with his wife Michelle, has dedicated his life to guiding others toward healing, self-discovery, and deeper connection. With a background that spans 20 years as an ordained minister, Ryan now offers what he calls '(UN)Spiritual Direction'—a pragmatic, heart-centered approach to cultivating a sacred way of living beyond traditional religious frameworks. In this conversation he shares his journey through masculinity, fatherhood, and the transformative experiences that shaped his identity. He reflects on the influence of his grandfather, the impact of death on his perspective, and his departure from traditional faith. Ryan discusses the lessons learned from his battle with cancer and how psychedelics have played a role in his personal growth and understanding of emotional health. Podcast Moments:

Learn more about Ryan's work at www.loveisthepoint.com

What is the impact of growing up without a father? What impact does it have on the families that come next? In this conversation, Ryan Rucker shares his journey of navigating fatherhood without a father figure in his life. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, the lessons learned from his mother and grandmother, and how he strives to be a present and involved father. The conversation explores themes of masculinity, the importance of community, and the need for empathy in understanding the complexities of fatherhood. Rucker also reflects on his reconnection with his biological father and the insights gained from that experience, emphasizing the importance of breaking generational patterns and fostering emotional intelligence in parenting.

In this heart-to-heart episode, we chat with Zack Kasabo, the amazing school counselor who's taken social media by storm with his down-to-earth advice on managing kids' behavior. Zack opens up about his own mental health journey and how it inspired him to help kids and parents navigate the ups and downs of life.

Zack's genuine and practical tips have struck a chord with many, and it's easy to see why. He breaks down the need for clear expectations and boundaries in a way that's easy to understand and apply. We dive into the crucial role male role models play in schools and how dads are stepping up in today's world.

Parenting can be overwhelming, and Zack gets that. He talks about the importance of empathy and limits, setting rules, and backing them up with consequences. We explore how parents can align their values and expectations through open and honest communication. And yes, we touch on the pressure to be perfect and how embracing imperfection can make all the difference.

Zack shares some golden tools for handling tough situations with kids, like anticipation, acceptance, and decisiveness. Tune in for a warm, insightful conversation that's sure to leave you feeling empowered and understood.

In this heartfelt conversation, Ryan and Ben Webster open up about their deeply personal journeys of self-discovery and growth. They share their experiences with playing certain roles in life, such as the 'nice guy,' and how these roles have often kept them from fully expressing their true selves. The discussion delves into the struggles of shedding these limiting roles and embracing authenticity. Topics like divorce, co-parenting, and the crucial importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions are explored with raw honesty.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level discussions, diving into the complexities of personal growth and the longing to live authentically. Ryan and Ben candidly talk about the difficulties of being a 'nice guy,' the pressures of seeking external validation, and the transformative power of letting go. They highlight the journey of rebuilding trust and self-belief through consistent, daily actions.

The significance of men's groups and retreats is also brought to light, showcasing how these spaces foster vulnerability and genuine connection. The power of sharing one’s story and being truly seen by other men is emphasized, along with the importance of allowing oneself to feel and express emotions freely.

As the conversation draws to a close, listeners are reminded of the profound importance of stepping out of isolation and into meaningful relationships and connections.

CJ Casciotta is an award-winning media producer of kids & family entertainment trusted by Forbes, Tech Crunch, Sesame Studios, and MGM. He's the author of 2 books, Get Weird and The Forgotten Art of Being Ordinary, both hopeful manifestos for the next generation. Most importantly, he's a dad figuring out how to raise thoughtful, creative humans in the 21st century.

CJ and Ryan discuss the importance of using creativity and storytelling as a force for good in the world. They explore the concept of the collective journey, where individuals come together to challenge and reimagine systems and ideals. They also discuss the role of parents in fostering creativity and purpose in their children, emphasizing the need for intention and purpose in using technology. CJ shares his personal experiences as a father and the challenges and joys of raising creative children. The conversation highlights the importance of finding community and connection as fathers and embracing our unique perspectives and passions.

Learn more about CJ's work at bycj.co.

Ryan is joined this week by his brother, Reid Walton, LMFT. They share their experiences as fathers and the influences that shaped their ideas of fatherhood. They also discuss the qualities of a good father and the challenges and joys of being a parent. They touch on topics such as gender roles, grief, and self-reflection as a parent. The conversation explores the challenges of dealing with grief and loss, particularly when it involves children. The speakers discuss the sadness and difficulty of facing questions without good answers and the importance of finding support and connection in times of pain. They also highlight the beauty and gratitude that can be found in memories and moments shared with loved ones. The conversation then shifts to the topic of Reid's book, 'Finding Our Way Again,' which aims to help couples rediscover their relationship through poems and conversations. The book encourages curiosity, acceptance, and self-reflection as key ingredients for maintaining a fulfilling and meaningful relationship.