The Life of Dad Show

Art Eddy interviews Tom Riles on a wide range of topics. Art asks Tom about his childhood, high school, moving from New Jersey to California, and more. The guys also welcome sports writer Rick Reilly to the show. Rick Reilly's columns in "Sports Illustrated" and ESPN.com have become a staple in sports journalism. Rick has a way of telling a story that perfectly intertwines sports and life. Rick has been voted NSSA National Sportswriter of the Year eleven times. He currently writes for ESPN, but will be stepping down from that role on July 1st. On May 13 you can get his new book, "Tiger Meet My Sister: And Other Things I Probably Shouldn't Have Said". This book is a collection of his work that even has a postscript section after each story to let the reader know if anything has changed since he posted each story. We had the pleasure to chat with Rick about his new book, fatherhood, how Muhammad Ali played many pranks on him, best and worst interviews, sports, and more.

Tom Riles and Art Eddy talk about their Easter, how Tom's son can't get enough chocolate, and they try to come up with a slogan for the show. Plus the guys bring on NASCAR Champion Jeff Gordon. We talk with the four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion about the new Pepsi Max ad, racing, fatherhood, and which ride in his garage is his favorite. For those who don't know last year when Pepsi Max released a commercial that featured Jeff Gordon wearing a disguise to pull a fast one (literally) on an unsuspecting car salesman, many thought that ad was staged. Jalopnik writer Travis Okulski was making his voice heard saying that the commercial was fake. Well Jeff and Pepsi Max were listening. They teamed up with Okulski's friend to show the writer that these commercials are real. The new Pepsi Max ad has Gordon in the role of an ex-con, now taxi driver. When Gordon gets pulled over by the cops he gets nervous and tries to out run the police officer. Next a high speed chase ensues. The ad is priceless and it is a moment that Okulski will never forget.

Tom Riles whispers and Art Eddy talks about being quiet in the morning to not wake up the rest of the family to be able to get some work down around the house. They also have Hall of Fame MLB player Cal Ripken Jr. on the show. There are those athletes who talk the talk and then there are those athletes who use their actions to do all the talking. One of the best players to step on the diamond has to be Cal Ripken Jr., The Hall of Famer who played 21 season all with the Baltimore Orioles is a two time Gold Glove winner, a 19 time All-Star, and won the American League MVP award twice. Oh, there is the other small thing where he passed Lou Gehrig's 56-year-old record for consecutive games played. That is when he got the nickname of "Iron Man" for never missing a game. The first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 2007 has even won the Home Run Derby in 1991. Now since retiring from the game Cal is still showing his love for baseball as he is teaming up with Kellogg's for their "Never Miss a Game" promotion. Kellogg's and Cal are encouraging fans to love every moment this baseball season, and share the lengths they've gone to never miss a game. Tweet them at @Kelloggs_US, @Ricekrispies or @Cheezit using the hashtag #nevermissagame. You can win some great prizes by sharing your story. We chat with Cal about this campaign, baseball, fatherhood, and who he now enjoys watching play in the big leagues.

Tom Riles interviews Art Eddy on what a typical day for him is like as a stay at home dad. Tom even learns some new things about Art. The guys also have the honor to bring on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the show. We all know that NFL players are tough. To me some are tougher than others. One guy that sticks out to me is San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, Anquan Boldin. He is one of the toughest both mentally and physically in the game today. Boldin started his NFL career in 2003 when the Arizona Cardinals drafted him from Florida State. In his first year he made an impact by winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Not one for personal accolades though, Boldin wasn't satisfied until he helped the Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII. The three time Pro Bowler is even more impressive off the field. In 2004 Boldin started up The Anquan Boldin Foundation to help those in need here in the United States and around the world. Anquan has a caring heart and it shows with the many programs his foundation provides for the youth. We chat with Anquan about playing in the NFL, fatherhood, his foundation, and how it feels to be called a Super Bowl champion.

This week on The Life of Dad Show, Tom Riles and Art Eddy talk about a wide range of topics. They talk about Opening Day in Major League Baseball, the respect for Derek Jeter, hockey, family trips versus vacations, throwback beer cans, and more. Plus the guys bring on Minnesota Wild star Zach Parise. Zach Parise followed his father's footsteps by playing in the NHL. Zach was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2003 as the 17th overall pick. Parise then signed a 13 year contact with the Minnesota Wild where he currently plays the position of left wing. This move was sort of a homecoming for Zach since his dad, J.P. Parise played there and was the captain for the team who at the time was called the Minnesota North Stars. Just recently Zach was named the captain for the 2014 U.S. Men's Hockey team for the Winter Olympics in Sochi. He and his fellow teammates came up short winning a medal, but he will always remember his time in Sochi. We chat with Zach about the NHL, fatherhood, his Olympic experience including shooting a commercial with Chobani Greek Yogurt, and what lessons he learned from his dad before entering the league.

Tommy Riles and Art Eddy chat about how the movie Frozen has taken over each of their households, what funny games they play with their kids, Art as the element of water, and his sneaker collection. The guys also have the great pleasure to have former Duke and NBA great Grant Hill on this week's episode. If you are a fan of the game of basketball than you are probably a fan of Grant Hill. From his college days at Duke University to his time in the NBA, Hill always gave it his all on the court. If you don't believe just look at some of his accolades. In college he was a two time NCAA champion, the ACC Player of the Year, and NABC Defensive Player of the Year. In the NBA Hill made his presence known right away by winning the NBA Co-Rookie of the Year award. He was a seven time NBA All-Star and was part of the All-NBA First Team in 1997. Besides his great body of work on the court, Grant has helped just as much off the court with community service. Hill has been working with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and Allstate to promote the 2014 Allstate NABC Good Works Team. This is a team made up of 10 college basketball players who have been recognized for their community service and work off the court. Hill is a member of the voting panel with other former student-athletes, coaches and media members to select the team. Grant was able to chat about the NABC Good Works Team program, basketball, fatherhood, and his signature sneakers.

Tom Riles and Art Eddy talk college hoops, the #FrozenChefMadness, our Bracket Buster Challenge, we do Dick Vitale impressions and Tom tells Art about his first time at Fenway Park. To keep the sports theme going the guys welcome Villanova men's basketball head coach Jay Wright to the show. Villanova head coach Jay Wright hopes to see his team play for the NCAA National Championship for college basketball. This season for the Villanova Wildcats has been great so far. As fans of the tournament know anything goes in during March Madness. As a coach of the team, Wright needs to guide his players with poise and a sense of determination. As you will see in my interview with Jay, it looks like he is putting his players in the right direction. We chat with Jay about this year's team, fatherhood, Twitter, and the great work he is doing with Dove Men+Care. You will be able to see his commercials during March Madness.

Tom Riles talks about his wife's recent miscarriage. A topic that is rarely discussed in public, especially by a dad, Tom found it important to begin the conversation. The guys also discuss Tom's most recent column, "Dear Son: It Was An Honor To Hold You" and why they think it connected with such a large audience. For anybody that is going through a miscarriage or a stillbirth, know that you are not alone.

Art Eddy brings on fellow Life of Dad member Patrick Quinn. The guys talk about the fun new contest at Life of Dad. Picture the ideal college basketball game day scenario in your head. Chances are your vision doesn't involve you spending a ton of time in the kitchen. That's why March Frozen Food Month is the perfect time of year for you to discover Easy Home Meals. Frozen foods are the ideal solution for any college basketball fanatic during March. With endless options of easy to prepare, delicious and filling meals, you can ensure that your time is well spent watching the games and loving your courtside cuisine, without hours in the kitchen! Now is your chance to win a $800 Visa gift card by taking the #FrozenChefMadness Challenge! We challenge you to become a Frozen Foods Chef and create your very own winning sideline dish. Also, the guys bring on WWE Superstar David Otunga. David attended Harvard Law School and passed the Illinois bar exam. Next he joined the Sidley Austin law firm. Even though he loved his job something was missing. Deep down he still wanted to follow his dreams of becoming an actor and a WWE Superstar. Growing up Otunga was a huge fan of Hulk Hogan and had visions of one day stepping into the ring. Now he is living that dream and loving every minute of it. David spoke with us about his career path, the importance of Black History Month, fatherhood, and his favorite WWE moments.

Tom Riles and Art Eddy talk about birthday parties for their kids, warming up a crowd at the Kid's Choice Awards, and memory loss. They also are pleased to have Top UFC Welterweight Contender Johny Hendricks on this week's show. Johny Hendricks can't wait for March 15th. On that date he will look to win the Welterweight title when he goes up against Robbie Lawler in UFC 171. In his UFC career he has a record of 15-2. He has won eight of those fight by knocking out his opponent. Not that many people want to go into the octagon with Hendricks. You might have seen Johny in action on TV with his Reebok commercial with fellow athletes Knowshon Moreno and Aly Raisman. When Hendricks is not training he spends time with his family and also loves to go hunting and play golf. If you follow Johny on Twitter you know he is very proud dad and loves to spend time with his daughters. I was able to catch up with Johny while he was taking a break from training to talk about his upcoming fight, training, fatherhood, and the stereotypes of UFC fighters.

Tom Riles and Art Eddy chat about going to the grocery store and that magic moment of picking up a tangerine. Plus the guys have the great pleasure to have actor Titus Welliver on the show. Titus Welliver is starring in one of the first Amazon Studio's series pilot called "Bosch". He plays the lead role of a Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective named Harry Bosch. The series is based on Michael Connelly's best-selling Harry Bosch book series. Welliver is no stranger to being in critically acclaimed films and television series. He was known as the "Man in Black" in the TV series "Lost". He also played the role of Glenn Childs in the TV show "The Good Wife". Last year, Welliver was in both films "ARGO" and "Promised Land". Titus didn't stop working hard this year either. He finished wrapping up the filming of "Transformers 4: Age of Existence" which is set to be out in theaters this summer. Titus was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about "Bosch", "Transformers 4: Age of Existence", fatherhood, "Lost", and more.

Tom Riles and Art Eddy talk about the importance of CHD Awareness Week. Tom's daughter, Barbara, was born with a congenital heart defect, and now, almost four years later, she is thriving. Former baseball player for the Reds, Yankees, and Astros, Aaron Boone joins the guys to talk about his heart condition. In the middle of a successful career, Boone had open-heart surgery in 2009 to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. Later that year, Boone returned to play for the Houston Astros, and currently he is a broadcaster for ESPN's Baseball Tonight. Next, Tom and Art welcome current Carolina Panthers tight end, Greg Olsen. One of the toughest players in the NFL, Olsen admits that the strongest member of his family is his 16 month old son, TJ, who was born with HLHS. TJ has already recovered from two open-heart surgeries, leading his parents to raise funds for other kids with CHDs with the HEARTest Yard Fund. Finally, the guys chat with Channing Frye, current member of the Phoenix Suns, who missed all of last season due to a heart defect. Frye has an enlarged heart via dilated cardiomypathy. Frye has started up the "One Heart" t-shirt campaign for his foundation, the Frye Family Foundation. *This show was recorded in memory of Holden Flynn, son of proud parents, Trey and Nicole Flynn.

Tom Riles and Art Eddy talk all things Super Bowl. Tom asks Art about his experience at the Super Bowl in New Jersey. Art talks about the pre game activities, the game, Bruno Mars, and what it was like to scratch something of his bucket list. Keeping with the football theme the guys invite former New York Jets and Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington on the show. Chad Pennington played in the NFL for eleven years. He was selected by the New York Jets in the first round in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played for the Jets then played for the Miami Dolphins. Chad won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award twice. He is the NFL's all-time leader in career completion percentage. He is currently a color analyst for NFL telecasts on FOX. Besides having a great career in the NFL, Chad and his wife, Robin, started up the 1st and 10 Foundation. That organization was created to build stronger communities by funding programs to help improve quality of life. They are also busy with their three sons, who love to play outdoors just like their dad. Chad talks about his time in the NFL, fatherhood, winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award, and his foundation.

Tom Riles & Art Eddy have the great pleasure to talk with Dad 2.0 Summit founders Doug French and John Pacini. Doug and John give some back story to how the summit came to be and what to expect this year in New Orleans on January 30th to February 1st. DAD 2.0 SUMMIT is an annual conference where marketers, social media leaders, and blogging parents connect to discuss the changing voice and perception of modern fatherhood. More men are defying stereotypes by taking active roles in their children's lives, making day-to-day household purchasing decisions regarding products and services, and chronicling these experiences online. The Dad 2.0 Summit is an open conversation about the commercial power of dads online, as well as an opportunity to learn the tools and tactics used by influential bloggers to create high-quality content, build personal brands, and develop viable business models.

Tom Riles, Art Eddy and Ryan Hamilton talk about the influence of Rap music and the effect it has had on them. The guys bring on a very special guest this week as well. The one and only Ice Cube talks with us about his new film with Kevin Hart -- "Ride Along" -- now out in theaters, fatherhood, and his journey in the entertainment industry.