Dads on a Mission: Helping Dads make a better future.

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Overcoming Fear and Learning from Mistakes as Dads

In this heartfelt episode of Call with Dads, hosts E.A. Maynard, Mr. Pancakes, and Tom dive into the universal fear of failing as a father. The trio shares candid stories from their own lives, exploring how past mistakes—from reckless youth to parenting missteps—have shaped their approach to raising resilient kids. They discuss the importance of presence over perfection, modeling emotional control, and teaching children to learn from mistakes without letting fear dictate their futures. From Mr. Pancakes’ “gorilla hugs” dad hack to E.A. Maynard’s memoir-writing journey and Tom’s “four stages of manhood,” this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice for dads navigating the challenges of fatherhood.

Show Article/Summary: https://callwithdads.com/4039-2/

Hosts:

E.A. Maynard: A dad reflecting on his past to guide his kids, sharing lessons from a life of mistakes and redemption.

Mr. Pancakes: A father working to overcome his own emotional challenges to raise a daughter with strength and faith.

Tom: A dad offering philosophical insights on manhood and parenting, emphasizing presence and learning from errors.

Resources Mentioned:

Call with Dads website: callwithdads.com

Mr. Pancakes’ website: pancakeswithyourdad.com

Tom’s website: marriage-material.com

American Liberty Foundation: Mentioned by Mr. Pancakes for future chaptering opportunities.

AI math tutor (Synthesis): Referenced by E.A. Maynard for his son’s education.

Connect With Us:

Visit callwithdads.com to catch up on episodes, find us on YouTube, or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow Mr. Pancakes at pancakeswithyourdad.com or on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Truth Social.

Connect with Tom on X at @EarnHerRespect or check out his merchandise at marriage-material.com.

Tell a friend, subscribe, and set alerts to never miss our dad-focused conversations!

Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

Father Forgets: Lessons in Patience and Presence for Dads

In this heartfelt episode, hosts E.a. Maynard, Mr. Pancakes (Eric), and Tom explore the timeless poem “Father Forgets” by W. Livingston Larned, featured in Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. The poem’s narrative of a father reflecting on his overly critical approach to his son sparks a deep discussion on fatherhood, presence, and personal growth. The hosts share personal stories—from E.a. Maynard’s journey bonding with his son over snakes to Mr. Pancakes’ insights on emotional control and Tom’s reflections on work-life integration. They emphasize the importance of meeting kids where they are, being present (even imperfectly), and learning from mistakes to become better dads. Packed with humor, vulnerability, and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for fathers seeking to grow in their roles.

Show Article/Summary: https://callwithdads.com/?p=4022

Guest Spotlight:

No guest featured in this episode, but the hosts bring their A-game! E.a. Maynard, Mr. Pancakes (revealed as Eric), and Tom share their experiences as fathers, offering relatable insights and candid reflections on the challenges and joys of parenting.

Hosts:

E.a. Maynard: A work-from-home dad balancing family, homeschooling, and a passion for helping dads improve through Call Your Dads.

Mr. Pancakes (Eric): A father and aerospace professional who’s stepping out from behind the blur to share his journey, including his upcoming nonprofit, American Liberty Foundation.

Tom: A dad of three daughters, creator of Marriage-Material.com, and advocate for fathers standing against cultural decay.

Resources Mentioned:

Poem: “Father Forgets” by W. Livingston Larned

Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Website: AmericanLiberty-Foundation.org (Mr. Pancakes’ nonprofit in progress)

Website: Marriage-Material.com (Tom J’s merchandise for fathers and husbands)

Website: PancakesWithYourDad.com (Mr. Pancakes’ hub with free woodworking resources, children’s books, and more)

Podcast: The Father Effect by John Finch (mentioned for its insights on fatherhood)

Connect With Us:

Website: CallWithDads.com (contact form and host profiles)

Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com, @PancakesWithYourDad on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TruthSocial

Tom: @EarnerRespect on X, Marriage-Material.com

Share the show, like our shorts, and reach out with questions or feedback via CallWithDads.com!

Have a question for Any or the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

Faith, Fatherhood, and Finding Purpose with Jonathan Jakubowski

Episode Summary:In this episode of Call with Dads, Jonathan Jakubowski joins the hosts to share his inspiring journey as a father, founder of Champions in Action, and advocate for faith-driven purpose. From launching a nonprofit that’s impacted over 3,500 kids… Continue Reading →

Older Dads Staying Healthy: Movement, Food, and Screens

In this episode, E.A. Maynard, Mr. Pancakes, and Tom sit down with Jeff, a sports chiropractor and dad, to tackle the challenges older dads face in staying healthy and active. E.a. Maynard, 45, opens up about his herniated disc and bad knees, sparking a deep dive into practical solutions. Jeff shares how gradual movement—like stretching or yoga—can rebuild joint health, while the 80/20 rule keeps food simple and stress-free. The conversation heats up on screen time, with Jeff citing its impact on kids’ brains and offering tips to cut back without chaos. From setting priorities to modeling resilience, the hosts and guest deliver actionable advice for dads who want to keep up with their kids—now and decades down the road. Expect humor, honesty, and a few wild tangents (looking at you, Mr. Pancakes).

Show Article/Summary: https://callwithdads.com/how-older-dads-can-stay-healthy-and-active-insights-from-a-candid-conversation/

Guest Spotlight:
Jeff, 43, is a sports chiropractor and father of two (ages 11 and 9). After a workplace accident left him with a dislocated hip and broken pelvis, he switched from engineering to helping people move better. Passionate about family health, he’s active on X (@thriving__kids), where he shares insights on movement, nutrition, and reducing screen time for kids.

Links: https://payhip.com/b/K4HqI and https://x.com/thriving__kids

Hosts:

E.A. Maynard: A 45-year-old dad of two (7 and 3), navigating homeschooling, past injuries, and the quest to not be “crippled” at 80.

Profile:https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/eric-maynard/

Mr. Pancakes: The unpredictable co-host behind pancakeswithyourdad.com, blending humor with wisdom on family and community.

Profile:https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/mr-pancake/

Tom: A thoughtful dad of three (15, 8, and 9 months), focused on raising intentional, screen-light kids. Find him at @EarnHerRespect.

Profile: https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/earn-her-respect/

Resources Mentioned:

Swiped documentary (Channel 4) – A 21-day experiment on kids ditching phones.

Jeff’s X: @thriving__kids – Free community and newsletter for parents.

Tom’s X: @EarnHerRespect – Updates on his kids’ book and nonfiction work.

Mr. Pancakes’ site: pancakeswithyourdad.com – Woodworking plans, kids’ books, and merch supporting the American Liberty Foundation.

Call With Dads: callwithdads.com – Full episode archive and contact info.

Connect With Us:
Find us on X, Facebook, Truth, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @CallWithDads. Can’t find us on your podcast player? Let us know via callwithdads.com—we’re everywhere (except one stubborn Indian platform). Reach out to Jeff (@thriving__kids), Tom (@EarnHerRespect), or Mr. Pancakes (pancakeswithyourdad.com) for more.

Have a question for Andy or the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

Who We Support

The American Liberty Foundation, founded by Eric Sgarlata and his wife, is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the nation by revitalizing the Traditional American Family through strong values and founding principles. It offers practical, community-focused programs that teach financial independence, leadership, life skills, and educate participants on American exceptionalism and constitutional originalism. The Foundation aims to empower families to build stable, self-reliant households, fostering honorable living and strong bonds to restore national prosperity to a unified Nation.

Visit them at: www.american-liberty-foundation.org

Part 1: From Sterility to Fatherhood – A Raw Talk on Masculinity and Raising Kids

In this unfiltered episode of Call with Dads, hosts E.A. Maynard and Mr. Pancakes sit down with Walter Blau of Be Raw Podcast for a gritty, heartfelt dive into fatherhood. Walter shares his incredible journey from a life-altering accident that left him sterile to the miracle of welcoming his son, Logan, four years ago. The trio explores the highs and lows of parenting, from teaching kids to balance kindness with standing their ground to navigating modern masculinity. Expect raw stories—like Logan defending his go-kart at a play place—and plenty of laughs over dad fashion, spousal shenanigans, and the chaos of mixed-race kids. They also touch on raising confident kids, the evolution of masculinity from Vikings to CEOs, and keeping family life fun. This is part one of an ongoing convo—stay tuned for more!

Show Article/Summary: https://callwithdads.com/embracing-fatherhood-a-raw-conversation-on-masculinity-family-and-raising-kids/

Guest Spotlight: Walter Blau
Walter Blau is the host of Be Raw Podcast, where he brings unapologetic, no-nonsense takes on life, family, and everything in between. A self-proclaimed “trophy husband” and dad to four-year-old, Walter’s journey to fatherhood was anything but easy, marked by a decade of sterility before a surprising turnaround. At 50, he’s a cargo-shorts-wearing, disciplinarian dad who believes in kindness as a superpower—and occasionally letting a Mother****** know what’s up. Find him at berawpodcast.com or @BRawPodcast on Instagram.

Hosts

E.a. Maynard: The polite one (thanks to his son eavesdropping), E.a. Maynard brings a construction-guy grit and a knack for dad jokes—like his wife being “made in China.” Catch his takes on fatherhood and more at callwithdads.com.

Profile:https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/eric-maynard/

Mr. Pancakes: The mouthy, aggressive counterpart, Mr. Pancakes is a dad on a mission, from teaching his daughter confidence to launching the American Liberty Foundation. Check out his woodworking plans and merch at pancakeswithyourdad.com.

Profile:https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/mr-pancake/

Resources Mentioned

Be Raw Podcast: berawpodcast.com – Walter’s hub for raw, real content and links to his growing YouTube community.

Pancakes With Your Dad: pancakeswithyourdad.com – Free woodworking plans, kids’ books, and silly merch to support the show.

American Liberty Foundation: american-liberty-foundation.org – Mr. Pancakes’ nonprofit to rebuild traditional American family values (501c pending!).

Call With Dads: callwithdads.com – Show notes, summaries, and all things dad-related.

High Speed Daddy: Mentioned by Walter—a tactical diaper bag and gear for dads (no official link provided).

Connect With Us

Website: callwithdads.com

Socials: Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and X via the site!

Walter Blau: berawpodcast.com | @BeRawPodcast

Mr. Pancakes: pancakeswithyourdad.com | Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, True Social

Have a question for Walter or the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

College Myths, Money, and Homeschool Hacks with Andy Lockwood

In this episode of Call with Dads, we sit down with Andy Lockwood, a seasoned college advisor with over 24 years of experience helping families tackle the college process. From getting into the right schools to slashing those jaw-dropping tuition bills, Andy’s got the roadmap dads need. We dive into why college isn’t the only path, how to negotiate costs (yes, it’s possible!), and what parents should know to give their kids an edge. With personal stories—like E.A.’s guidance counselor flops and Tom’s shift from degrees to firefighting—plus Andy’s P4 system (Planning, Path, Position, Produce), this chat is packed with practical tips for every dad wondering, “What’s next for my kid?”

Key Highlights:

College Isn’t Mandatory: Andy debunks the myth that everyone needs a degree. Trades can shine too—just ask Tom, a firefighter with two bachelor’s degrees he doesn’t “use.”

Sticker Price? Negotiable: Private colleges discount over 56% on average. Andy shares how to fish in the right pond for need-based and merit-based aid.

Homeschool Advantage: Homeschooled kids often stand out with deep interests and maturity—focus on 9th grade up and ace those SATs/ACTs.

Guidance Counselor Caveats: Don’t rely solely on them—E.A.’s story of being steered to vocational school proves you’ve got to take the reins.

Optimize College: Reverse-engineer class choices by talking to career centers and department heads, not just tour guides.

Today’s Campus Vibe: Still fun (think tailgates), but pricier and with some ideological noise—Andy’s kids say it’s 95% normal life.

Show Article/Summary: https://callwithdads.com/navigating-the-college-maze-insights-from-andy-lockwood-for-dads/

Guest Spotlight: Andy Lockwood

Andy Lockwood runs Lockwood College Prep, blending college admissions savvy with financial aid expertise. A former lawyer turned advisor, he’s helped countless families (and his own four kids) navigate college. Find him at lockwoodcollegeprep.com, check his books like The College Myth on Amazon, or spot him in Netflix’s Operation Varsity Blues (53 seconds of fame!).

Hosts

E.A. Maynard: Homeschool dad, restaurant designer, and skeptic of his own business degree.

https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/eric-maynard/

Tom J: Firefighter paramedic with two degrees, homeschooling his younger girls. Follow him on X: @EarnHerRespect.

https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/earn-her-respect/

Resources Mentioned

Books by Andy: The Pocket Guide to Surviving Your Guidance Counselor’s Lack of Advice, The College Myth

Watch: Operation Varsity Blues (Netflix)

P4 System: Learn more at lockwoodcollegeprep.com

Connect With Us

Website: CallWithDads.com

Social: Links in the bios—E.A. Maynard, Tom J, and Mr. Pancakes

Past Episodes: Available on our site—replay this one to catch every nugget!

Final Thought: College can be a tool, not a trophy. Andy’s here to help you wield it smartly—share this episode with a dad who needs it!

Have a question for Andy or the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

Our Sponsor:

Homessor.com: The Homeschooling Marketplace

Searching for high-quality homeschooling courses crafted by experienced homeschoolers? Look no further than Homessor.com — the premier homeschooling marketplace where the community itself develops and shares courses tailored specifically for homeschoolers. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro, Homessor offers flexible, community-driven courses that can adapt to your family’s unique educational needs. Empower your homeschool journey with resources created by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers. Visit Homessor.com today to discover the difference of community-led learning.

Following the fathers of the past for the future.

In this engaging episode, we delve into the transformative journey of Brandon Moore, a father who redefines his role through the wisdom of antique books. After overcoming cancer and the initial prognosis of infertility, Brandon Moore shares how he and his son bonded over literature that emphasized duty and responsibility in fatherhood. We explore how he shifted from a militant to a collaborative parenting style, the impact of habit changes like curbing profanity, and the importance of fathers reclaiming their roles in education and spiritual guidance. Moore also discusses the modern challenges of comfort addiction and technology, advocating for a balanced approach to teaching children about life’s real rewards over temporary pleasures. This episode is a must-listen for fathers seeking inspiration to grow with their children in today’s complex world.

Show Article/Summary: https://callwithdads.com/reviving-fatherhood-insights-from-brandon-moores-journey/

Hosts:

E.A. Maynard: https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/eric-maynard/

Tom(Earn Her Respect): https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/earn-her-respect/

Mr. Pancakes: https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/mr-pancake/

Guest Host:

Brandon Moore:

Twitter/X: https://x.com/PonderingMoore

Our Sponsor:

Homessor.com: The Homeschooling Marketplace

Searching for high-quality homeschooling courses crafted by experienced homeschoolers? Look no further than Homessor.com — the premier homeschooling marketplace where the community itself develops and shares courses tailored specifically for homeschoolers. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro, Homessor offers flexible, community-driven courses that can adapt to your family’s unique educational needs. Empower your homeschool journey with resources created by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers. Visit Homessor.com today to discover the difference of community-led learning.

A look back at being a Step Dad with Mista Yu

In this discussion, Mista Yu explores his journey as a stepfather to three daughters, sharing insights on navigating the complexities of non-biological fatherhood. He discusses his instant transition into family life after marrying in 1996, the importance of authenticity in earning respect, and the challenges of societal perceptions of stepfathers. Mista Yu also opens up about overcoming personal trust issues, the significance of showing love for the children’s mother, and his commitment to family stability. The conversation extends to his initiative, aimed at teaching life skills and traditional values to the next generation, alongside discussions with fellow fathers Mr. Pancakes and Tom J on the impact of parental unity.

Show Article/Summary: callwithdads.com/insights-from-a-stepfathers-journey/

Hosts:

E.A. Maynard: https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/eric-maynard/

Tom(Earn Her Respect): https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/earn-her-respect/

Mr. Pancakes: https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/mr-pancake/

Guest Host:

Mista Yu:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Theycallmemistayu

Twitter/X: twitter.com/theycallmemryu

Instagram: instagram.com/theycallmemistayu

Facebook: facebook.com/theycallmemistayu

Our Sponsor:

Homessor.com: The Homeschooling Marketplace

Searching for high-quality homeschooling courses crafted by experienced homeschoolers? Look no further than Homessor.com — the premier homeschooling marketplace where the community itself develops and shares courses tailored specifically for homeschoolers. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro, Homessor offers flexible, community-driven courses that can adapt to your family’s unique educational needs. Empower your homeschool journey with resources created by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers. Visit Homessor.com today to discover the difference of community-led learning.

School Shooters and what you don’t know with Daniel Dluzneski

In this episode, we explore the journey of Daniel Dluzneski, a former Secret Service agent with 24 years of experience, who has transitioned into a school safety manager in Florida. Daniel Dluzneski discusses his mission to improve school safety protocols… Continue Reading →

Fatherhood Reforged guides us on the start of “Raising Dragon Slayers”

In the latest episode, Alec from Fatherhood Reforged interviews with E.A. Maynard about his innovative father-son guided journal, designed for a 16-week course exploring masculinity. The curriculum aims to foster deeper connections between fathers and sons while addressing societal misconceptions surrounding manhood. Each week features a reading passage followed by reflective writing tasks and real-world activities focused on key themes like leadership, brotherhood, and emotional strength. Maynard emphasizes the importance of fathers being engaged in their sons’ lives, regardless of their educational choices, and invites feedback to enhance the dialogue on masculinity and parenting. The journal will be available as a book on Amazon and as a PDF on Ko-fi, making it accessible for all families interested in nurturing healthy masculinity.

Show Article/Summary: https://callwithdads.com/the-start-of-raising-dragon-slayers/

Hosts:

E.A. Maynard: https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/eric-maynard/

Tom(Earn Her Respect): https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/earn-her-respect/

Mr. Pancakes: https://callwithdads.com/call-with-dads/mr-pancake/

Guest Host:

Alec Griffiths (Fathers Reforged): https://x.com/fathersreforged

Raising Dragon Slayers: https://homessor.com/directory-homeschoolin/listing/raising-dragon-slayers-curriculum-community-2/

Our Sponsor:

Homessor.com: The Homeschooling Marketplace

Searching for high-quality homeschooling courses crafted by experienced homeschoolers? Look no further than Homessor.com — the premier homeschooling marketplace where the community itself develops and shares courses tailored specifically for homeschoolers. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro, Homessor offers flexible, community-driven courses that can adapt to your family’s unique educational needs. Empower your homeschool journey with resources created by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers. Visit Homessor.com today to discover the difference of community-led learning.

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