Today, we have Marcus Higgs, a seasoned educator and life coach, on the podcast to discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting preteens. As a father himself, Cam seeks Marcus' expertise in maintaining open lines of communication during these critical years of a child's development. Their conversation offers valuable insights for any parent navigating the often tricky transition from childhood to adolescence.

"Start with a strong identity. And what I mean by that is speaking to their virtues and values." — Marcus Higgs

In this episode, you will:

• Understand the developmental changes preteens face and how they affect communication.
• Learn strategies to build and maintain trust with your child during their formative years.
• Discover the power of virtues and values in shaping a strong family identity.
• Gain practical tactics, like the letter-writing exercise, to encourage open dialogue.
• Find out how to support your child in making healthy peer choices without pushing them away.

Tune in to this episode to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to foster a supportive and communicative relationship with your preteen. Listen now and make a difference in your parenting journey!

Resources:

• Barefoot to Boardroom by Dr Leon Higgs
• The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens by Ellen Galinsky
• The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion Phil Stutz, Barry Michels
• Lessons for Living: What Only Adversity Can Teach You by Phil Stutz
• What Are the 24 Character Strengths? by Sherri Gordon

Connect with Marcus Higgs:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Dads Making a Difference podcast. Today, we have a special guest who's been making waves in the fatherhood community for years—Paul Banas. Paul is the founder of GreatDad.com and the host of the Great Dad Talks podcast.

In this episode, we dive deep into Paul's journey, from growing up with a single mom and lacking a father figure to transforming into a dedicated father who embraced fatherhood at the age of 42. We explore the inspirations behind his mission to support fathers, the creation of his invaluable online resource for dads, and his transition from a successful marketing career to becoming a stay-at-home father. Paul also shares insights on the shifting perceptions of fatherhood, the power of intentional parenting, and the unique challenges faced by modern dads.

So, grab a seat and join us as we dive into Paul Banas' journey of fatherhood and his efforts to make a difference in the lives of dads everywhere.

“It is a masculine role to also take care of your kids, not a uniquely feminine thing.” - Paul Banas

In this episode, you will:

• Discover how Paul's childhood experiences shaped his mission to support and empower fathers.
• Learn about the challenges and rewards Paul faced when he decided to step away from a thriving career to focus on fatherhood.
• Understand the importance of intentional parenting and how to create meaningful family traditions and rituals.
• Explore the evolution of the portrayal of dads in media and why it's crucial to redefine masculinity in parenting.
• Get practical tips on how to stay engaged and active in your children's lives, from pregnancy through their teenage years.

Connect with Paul Banas:

• Website

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

Are you raising a neurodivergent child? Tune in to this eye-opening episode of Dads Making a Difference as Cam Hall interviews Andrea Pollack, founder of Autism Parent Solutions. Andrea shares her journey from corporate lawyer to homeschooling mom, and how she's now helping parents navigate the complex world of raising children with autism and ADHD.

“You don't have to be wrong, you don't have to be the problem to be part of the solution.” - Andrea Pollack

In this episode, you will:

• Explore the crucial principles of self-regulation for both parents and children
• Uncover strategies to set your child up for success, moving beyond punishment-based parenting
• Learn how to identify unmet needs driving challenging behaviors
• Discover techniques for breaking down overwhelming situations into manageable pieces
• Understand the unique sensory and cognitive experiences of children with autism

Grab your headphones and listen to this game-changing conversation. Whether you're a parent of a neurodivergent child or simply looking to expand your parenting toolkit, this episode offers valuable insights for all. Don't miss out on Andrea's practical advice and heartfelt wisdom – press play now!

Key Questions to Ask Yourself in a Debrief:

• What went well?
• What went wrong?
• What’s different?
• Why did this situation happen?
• What did I miss along the way that I might have been able to address?
• What skills do I need to learn to help my child?

Connect with Andrea Pollack:

• Website
• Email

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

Are you struggling to connect with your kids or feeling overwhelmed by parenting challenges? In this episode, we are joined by Dan Peterson, a seasoned counselor and parent coach. With over 30 years of experience working with children and families, Dan shares his unique approach to building stronger relationships and nurturing character development in kids.

"The people that have the most impact are usually the least trained. And the people that have the most impact are their parents." - Dan Peterson

In this episode, you will:

• Explore the power of positive reinforcement and how to use your relationship as the ultimate tool for change
• Learn why traditional discipline methods often fall short and discover a more effective alternative
• Understand the impact of childhood experiences on parenting styles and how to break negative cycles
• Uncover strategies for connecting with older children as they become more independent
• Gain practical tips for identifying and cultivating important character qualities in your kids

Join us in this conversation and arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to transform your parenting approach. Whether you're a new dad or a seasoned parent, this episode offers valuable insights that can help you make a lasting difference in your children's lives.

Connect with Dan Peterson:

• Website
• Facebook

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

Are you a dad struggling to stay fit and active as you age? In this episode, we are joined by Allan Misner, a fitness expert dedicated to helping people over 40 transform their health. Allan shares his personal journey from being an overweight, unhappy corporate professional to becoming a fit, adventurous father capable of tackling obstacle course races with his daughter.

"The difference is that identity. The difference is the self-management." - Allan Misner



• Learn how Allan's relationship with his daughter sparked a life-changing fitness transformation
• Discover the concept of being "fit for task" and why it matters more than just looking good
• Explore how training needs evolve as we age and how to adapt our fitness routines accordingly
• Uncover the key factors beyond exercise that contribute to successful health transformations
• Find out how to build sustainable motivation for long-term fitness success

Whether you're aiming to elevate your current routine or seeking new inspiration, Allan's experience will equip you with tools to become a healthier, more active dad. Press play to reshape your approach to fitness and create a lasting impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Connect with Allan Misner:

• Website

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

Are you ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about education? In this eye-opening episode of Dads Making a Difference podcast, Cam sits down with Matt Beaudreau, a revolutionary educator and founder of Apogee Strong. Together, they unpack the flaws in traditional schooling and explore innovative approaches to learning that empower both children and adults.

"The game of school does not directly translate to the game of life." - Matt Beaudreau

In this episode, you will:

• Explore the concept of the "conveyor belt model" of education and why it may be holding our children back

• Learn how to create a home environment that nurtures natural curiosity and fosters self-directed learning

• Discover the power of making education relevant and engaging for today's youth

• Understand the importance of modeling continuous learning as a parent

• Uncover innovative leadership development programs that are changing lives and opening doors

Tune in to this transformative episode and gain the tools you need to reshape your family's educational journey. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone passionate about the future of learning, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire new possibilities.

Resources:

• John Taylor Gatto

Connect with Matt Beaudreau:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

In this episode of the Dads Making a Difference podcast, Cam sits down with Luke Fernandez, a man whose journey from darkness to light is nothing short of inspiring. With raw vulnerability, Luke shares his battles with depression, body image issues, and even suicidal thoughts, offering a poignant reminder that we all face struggles, no matter how perfect our lives may seem on the surface.

"Conquering self-created adversity leads to true self-mastery." - Luke Fernandez

In this episode, you will:

• Uncover the pivotal moment that sparked Luke's remarkable 140-pound weight loss and physical transformation, and the unexpected mental challenges that arose in its wake.
• Grasp the depths of Luke's lowest point, when he found himself driving towards a fateful end, and the divine intervention that ultimately saved his life.
• Explore Luke's mission through "Anomaly Coaching" to guide other men, especially fathers, towards becoming their best selves – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
• Understand the power of vulnerability, embracing discomfort, and aligning your intentions with your daily habits for true growth and self-mastery.
• Witness how fatherhood has become a driving force for Luke, fueling his excitement and passion to help others overcome their own battles.
• Dive into this raw, honest, and ultimately uplifting conversation as Luke Fernandez shares his extraordinary story of perseverance, redemption, and a relentless pursuit of becoming a "fitter father figure."

Connect with Luke Fernandez:

• Website
• Instagram

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

For men navigating the complex terrain of fatherhood and faith, Larry Hagner's journey to his new book, "The Spirit of Fatherhood," is a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability and divine intervention. In this conversation, Larry shares the unexpected twists and profound moments that shaped his writing process, offering a relatable perspective for dads seeking spiritual guidance.

"My nudge to faith really came when my kids started asking questions I don't know the answer to. And that nudge was I'm sitting there thinking like, if I don't know this stuff who are they going to learn it from or are they even going to learn it? So I better understand it myself so I can lead them." - Larry Hagner

In this episode, you will:

• Unravel the surprising origins of Hagner's faith-based fatherhood book and how a publisher's unconventional request set him on an 11-week writing sprint.
• Witness Hagner's raw honesty as he confronts imposter syndrome and the spiritual warfare that threatened to derail his mission.
• Gain insights into the trials that stripped away layers, allowing Hagner to pen the book from a place of authenticity and growth.
• Discover the powerful exchange between Hagner and his son that provided a glimpse into the faithful father his child may become.
• Understand how this book serves as an invitation for men uncertain about their spiritual journey or role as a family's spiritual leader.

Tune in to this episode as Larry Hagner shares the unexpected twists, personal triumphs, and profound moments that birthed "The Spirit of Fatherhood," a book poised to inspire and guide dads on their journey of faith and fatherhood.

Resources:

• How to Be a Legendary Dad with Larry Hagner, Founder of TheDadEdge
• The Spirit of Fatherhood Paperback by Larry Hagner

Connect with Larry Hagner:

• Website

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference