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

Archives Episodes

Dad Shift: How Fatherhood Flipped my Parting Game

In this heartfelt episode of Call With Dads, hosts E.a. Maynard and Mr. Pancakes sit down with Aaron Calcagno, a single father and military reservist, to explore the realities of single fatherhood. Aaron shares his journey from envisioning a “perfect nuclear family” to embracing life as a single dad to his seven-year-old son. From navigating the challenges of the court system to balancing discipline and love, Aaron offers practical insights and emotional wisdom for dads facing similar paths. The conversation dives into the importance of emotional presence, the struggles of co-parenting, and the power of vulnerability in building a strong father-child bond. Aaron also discusses his YouTube channel, Boy Dad Life 612, where he uses humor and dad jokes to connect with and support other fathers.

Summary of the Discussion:

Guest Spotlight: Aaron Calcagno is a single dad, Air Force reservist, and the creator of Boy Dad Life 612 on YouTube. After transitioning from a challenging relationship and navigating the family court system, Aaron is dedicated to being an emotionally present father to his seven-year-old son. Through his platform, he shares dad jokes, parenting tips, and encouragement to help other single dads overcome obstacles and build meaningful connections with their children.

Hosts:

E.a. Maynard: A father and podcast host passionate about fostering conversations that support and inspire dads in their parenting journeys.

Mr. Pancakes: A father and co-host who brings humor and relatability to discussions about fatherhood, drawing from his own experiences growing up with a distant father.

Resources Mentioned:

Aaron’s YouTube Channel: Boy Dad Life 612

Aaron’s Twitter: @BoyDadLife612

Concept of “Zones of Emotions” for helping children articulate feelings

Connect With Us: Have a question for Aaron, E.a. Maynard, or Mr. Pancakes? Drop it below or reach out via the Call With Dads website! Follow Aaron on YouTube and Twitter at Boy Dad Life 612 for more dad-focused content and support. Stay connected with the podcast on YouTube, Rumble, and your favorite audio platforms for more inspiring conversations about fatherhood.

Grief as Dads: Family, Pets, and Public Tragedies

In this heartfelt episode of Call With Dads, hosts E.a. Maynard, Brandon Moore, Mr. Pancakes, and Tom (EarnHerRespect) dive into the complex topic of grief. From personal losses like pets and family members to the societal impact of public tragedies,… Continue Reading →

Raising Faithful Families with Pastor Ron Merritt

In this heartfelt episode of Call With Dads, hosts E.a. Maynard and Mr. Pancakes sit down with Pastor Ron Merritt of New Hope Wayne, Ohio, to discuss the challenges and joys of raising children with faith and purpose in today’s… Continue Reading →

Raising Strong Sons: Brandon Moore’s 100 Principles of Fatherhood 

In this engaging episode of Call With Dads, Brandon Moore joins Mr. Pancakes, Eric Maynard, and Tom to dive into the art of raising resilient sons in today’s world. Brandon shares the inspiration behind his viral X post, “100 Principles of Fatherhood,” derived from a century-old book series, The Boy’s Own Book. The conversation explores managing anger as a constructive force, teaching kids financial responsibility, and countering a culture that often prioritizes convenience over family. From heartfelt dad moments—like driveway hugs and bedtime “I love you”—to practical tips for fostering “developed masculinity,” this episode is packed with wisdom for dads striving to raise strong, principled men. The group also touches on societal challenges, like navigating social media algorithms and the decline of traditional parenting, while sharing laughs about first cars and bread-making kids. 

Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/100-principles-of-fatherhood-raising-strong-sons-in-a-modern-world/

Guest Spotlight:

Brandon Moore is a dedicated father and author whose 100 Principles of Fatherhood started as a viral X post and has grown into a guiding framework for raising sons. Drawing from historical wisdom in The Boy’s Own Book, Brandon focuses on developing physical, mental, spiritual, and social virtues in boys. His work on X (@PonderingMore) and his newsletter inspire dads to embrace responsibility and build stronger families. 

Hosts: 

Mr. Pancakes: Founder of PancakesWithYourDad.com and the American Liberty Foundation, Mr. Pancakes brings humor and heart to discussions on fatherhood and traditional values. 

Eric Maynard: A homeschooling dad, Eric shares practical insights on raising kids with purpose while balancing work and family life. 

Tom: A thoughtful voice on masculinity and family, Tom offers perspectives on responsibility and societal trends, with content at marriage-material.com.

Resources Mentioned: 

The Boy’s Own Book: A century-old book series that inspired Brandon’s 100 Principles of Fatherhood. 

Brandon Moore’s Newsletter: Sign up at Pondering More’s website for weekly insights. 

American Liberty Foundation: Learn more and donate at TraditionalSociety.com. 

Marriage-Material.com: Tom’s site for resources on marriage and masculinity. 

PancakesWithYourDad.com: Free woodworking plans and family-focused resources. 

Viome: Health-focused DNA testing mentioned by Brandon for dietary insights.

Connect With Us:

 Website: CallWithDads.com 

X: @CallWithDads Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok: @CallWithDads

 Brandon Moore: @PonderingMore on X 

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

Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com, TraditionalSociety.com

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

A Father’s Job: Clearing Out the Bad  Episode Summary

E.a. Maynard, Mr. Pancakes, and Tom (EarnHerRespect) dive into the challenges of modern fatherhood. Using the metaphor of diluting dirty water with clean, they explore how dads can protect their kids from negative societal influences—like unhealthy media, processed foods, and… Continue Reading →

Veterans, Dads, and Building Strong Foundations with Darryl Money

In this heartfelt episode of Call With Dad, hosts E.a. Maynard and Pancakes With Dad sit down with Darryl Money, founder of the American Warrior Foundation, to explore the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life. From losing the structure… Continue Reading →

Navigating Modern Fatherhood: Protecting Kids in a Digital Age

In this episode of Call with Dads, recorded on July 16, 2025, hosts Eric Maynard and Pancakes With Dad dive into the realities of parenting in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. They discuss the challenges of setting up their live stream and the American Liberty Foundation’s mission to promote traditional values through resources and media campaigns. The conversation explores how modern dads must balance shielding kids from inappropriate online content with fostering independence, contrasting nostalgic memories of free-range childhoods with the dangers of today’s internet. From monitoring media to addressing societal shifts like processed foods and declining trust, Eric and Pancakes share practical insights for dads striving to raise grounded kids. They also touch on political frustrations, including transparency issues, and emphasize the growing trend of involved fatherhood. Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating fatherhood with intention and purpose.

Show summary Article: https://callwithdads.com/navigating-modern-fatherhood-lessons-from-the-call-with-dads-podcast/

Guest Spotlight: 

No guest featured in this episode, but a future guest is scheduled for July 25, 2025, to discuss the effects of military life on families. Stay tuned for more details!

Hosts 

– Eric Maynard: A dedicated dad and podcast host passionate about equipping fathers with tools to navigate modern parenting challenges. 

– Pancakes With Dad: Founder of the American Liberty Foundation, advocating for traditional family values and community-oriented parenting through his platform, Pancakes With Your Dad.

Resources Mentioned 

– American Liberty Foundation: Learn more about their mission to promote traditional values at [traditionalsociety.com](https://traditionalsociety.com) or [american-liberty-foundation.org](https://american-liberty-foundation.org). 

– Pancakes With Your Dad: Access family-oriented resources, pancake recipes, and woodworking plans at [pancakeswithyourdad.com](https://pancakeswithyourdad.com). 

– Call with Dads Membership: Join for $3/month to access live streams or $6/month to support the show and ALF, including exclusive content and discount codes. Visit [callwithdads.com](https://callwithdads.com). 

– Social Cat: A platform connecting creators with micro-influencers for family-oriented promotions. 

– Tuttle Twins: Mentioned as a resource highlighting flawed yet impactful historical figures.

Connect With Us 

– Visit [callwithdads.com](https://callwithdads.com) for live streams, episode archives, and membership details. 

– Follow American Liberty Foundation on True Social, Facebook, Instagram, X (@AMLibertyFDN), and LinkedIn. 

– Check out Pancakes With Your Dad on True Social, Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for family-focused content. 

– Donate to support ALF’s mission at [traditionalsociety.com](https://traditionalsociety.com). 

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

Forgiveness as a Father: Letting Go Without Losing Yourself

In this heartfelt episode of Call With Dads, the hosts dive into the complex topic of forgiveness in fatherhood. They share personal stories of forgiving family and friends who let them down—one grappling with an absent biological father and a disloyal friend, the other uncovering the truth behind his dad’s absence due to a manipulative family dynamic. The conversation explores the difference between forgiving and forgetting, the power of setting boundaries, and how becoming a dad reshapes perspectives on past hurts. From resentment to release, they discuss how to let go for your own peace while protecting your family, offering relatable insights for every dad navigating these challenges.

Show summary Article: https://callwithdads.com/forgiveness-as-a-father-letting-go-without-losing-yourself/

Guest Spotlight:

No guests this episode—just the raw, real perspectives of our hosts sharing their journeys as dads.

Hosts:

E.a. Maynard: A dad, reflecting on forgiving his biological father and a former friend while focusing on breaking cycles for his family.

Mr. Pancakes: A father who learned the truth about his dad’s efforts to stay connected despite obstacles, sharing how fatherhood shifted his view on forgiveness and boundaries.

Resources Mentioned:

None mentioned in this episode, but check out past Call With Dads episodes for more on fatherhood, values, and community building.

Want to dive deeper? Consider exploring family therapy resources or books on forgiveness to reflect on your own journey.

Connect With Us:
Join the Call With Dads community! Follow us on X, Instagram, Linkedin, and facebook for updates, share your own forgiveness stories, or tune in to the next episode. Find us at callwithdads.com to stay connected and level up as a dad.Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!

Learning from Failure: Turning Setbacks into Strengths for Dads

Learning from Failure: Turning Setbacks into Strengths for Dads

In this episode of Call with Dads, hosts E.A. Maynard, Mr. Pancakes, and Tom dive into the topic of failure, exploring how personal and parenting missteps can become powerful lessons. With a nod to Home Improvement’s Wilson, they share raw stories of their own failures—from homelessness to military mishaps to parenting oversights—and how these experiences shaped their resilience and approach to fatherhood. The hosts discuss the importance of mentorship, breaking negative cycles, and carefully curating the influences around their kids. From Mr. Pancakes’ realization about his daughter’s unapproved TV watching to E.A. Maynard repurposing a failed project into a homeschooling co-op, this episode is packed with insights on turning setbacks into stepping stones. Tom even unveils a “Wilson GPT” for parenting advice, blending humor with wisdom. Tune in for practical tips on embracing failure, mentoring your kids, and building a stronger family.

Show summary Article: https://callwithdads.com/learning-from-failure-how-dads-can-turn-setbacks-into-strengths/
Guest Spotlight:

No guests this episode—just the Call with Dads trio bringing their unique perspectives! E.A. Maynard shares his journey of overcoming personal hardships, Mr. Pancakes draws on his military background, and Tom offers insights from his firefighting experience, all tied together with their passion for fatherhood and traditional values.
Hosts:

E.A. Maynard: A dad with a diverse background in sales and architectural design, dedicated to homeschooling his kids and learning from past failures to build a better future.
Mr. Pancakes: A military veteran and founder of the American Liberty Foundation, focused on rebuilding American culture through family values.
Tom: A firefighter and family man who brings humor and heart to discussions about parenting and personal growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Home Improvement TV show (inspiration for the episode’s Wilson references)
American Liberty Foundation (american-liberty-foundation.org)
Marriage Material (marriage-material.com) for family-oriented merchandise
Pancakes With Your Dad (pancakeswithyourdad.com) for blogs and resources
Wilson GPT (mentioned by Tom, in development)

Connect With Us:

Visit callwithdads.com for podcast episodes on YouTube, Rumble, and more.
Follow Tom on X (@EarnerRespect) or at marriage-material.com.
Connect with Mr. Pancakes on Facebook, Instagram, X, Truth Social, or LinkedIn as PancakesWithDad, or visit pancakeswithyourdad.com and american-liberty-foundation.org.
Reach out via callwithdads.com to ask questions or suggest platforms for the podcast!

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

Debunking Bad Advice: Marriage, Kids, and Life Lessons for Dads

Episode Summary:In this episode of Call With Dads, hosts E. A. Maynard and Mr. Pancakes dive into the worst advice they’ve received about marriage, parenting, and life—and the lessons they wish they’d learned sooner. They tackle the myth of “sowing… Continue Reading →

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