Dads Unplugged

Kevin Carroll is more than just a dad and grandfather. He is someone who is making sure he leaves a legacy of helping others who are less fortunate. Over the years he has inspired businesses, organizations and individuals to embrace their spirit of play and creativity to maximize their potential. Todd spoke with him today about growing up without a mother, being a single father and how we all can be better dads.

Every group wants an acronym. It kind of proves you have made it. However, this acronym is not helping any men, anywhere. SAHD (http://sahd.meetup.com) stands for Stay at Home Dads, but why should someone be SAHD if they are staying home with the kids? Kent and Todd try to come up with a new acronym, but with the help of Jeff Pugh from Man of the House.com (http://manofthehouse.com) they decide on using an old staple and it fits just perfectly.

Did you read Newsweek's "Man Up!" cover article? Men's Lib is the title of the article, and if you are more liberal you probably loved the article. If you are on the other side, not so much. Either side you fall on, you will want to listen in to Mr. Harvey Mansfield, one of the most distinguished Professors at Harvard. He feels men are meant to be Manly, while women are not. That they are made that way. Seems simple enough but he has rubbed some people the wrong way with his words. I don't know if he could exist in today's world as a 20 or 30-something. But he does exist in our world and has some very interesting beliefs. I loved interviewing him. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Michael Kimmel has written 12 books dealing with Men. One was recently referenced in a Newsweek Cover article titled "Man Up." It really defines where we men have come from and where we are going. This nationally renowned author and professor at Stony Brook University joined Todd and Kent to talk about what men are facing in this day and age. We answer the questions: Why do men have to Man Up and how can they? It's not as difficult as some men might think.

With Newsweek's article, Man Up, still being the focus, Todd brought in David Deida's book The Way of the Superior Man and they discussed some of it. This might be a book to share with your wife. Could lead to some interesting discussions about what she wants out of you as a man and a husband. Plus, full disclosure of The Social Network movie. Kent dangled a Spoiler Alert.

Kids today have enough to deal with, add on cyberbullying and how do they cope? A bunch of dads joined us to talk about the issue of cyberbullying and their own experiences. Oh, the burgers Kelly "burgerfaire.com" McNiece (our IT) cooked were unreal and the Sierra Nevada's were choice!

Newsweek (http://www.newsweek.com/2010/09/20/why-we-need-to-reimagine-masculinity.html) writes "Man Up!" on their cover. Todd and Kent react to the article. Does America and their men need to Man Up? What's wrong with us? What's right with Sweden, Germany, Japan and others? Would you as a father take 4 months off work to be with your newborn? Man needs to change, how is the question. We have many opinions.

James Curleigh, CEO of KEEN joined Dads Unplugged to talk about his role as a dad to three, and how he discovered something special about his son. Plus, Todd and Kent dive into the kids returning to school. Is there really such a thing as School Phobia? Some Docs say yes.

Todd and Kent addressed simple questions: What do you want for your kids future? What profession do you or don't you want them to go into? How does Lawrence Fishbourne talk to his daughter about her decision to enter the porn industry? How would you handle that? Also, two of the best food carts in Portland.

With over 300 responses to the airing of Spanking: A Generation Divide on Good Morning America it was time for Dads to speak out.  Dads are often the one dealing out harsh punishments so why not discuss. Todd and Kent stand in different places but not opposite sides of the fence. Most of the responses we got from the GM story were pro spanking. It made today's discussion interesting because Todd had the floor and set people straight.

Has your car ever broken down? Did you know it was going to? Has your body ever broken down? Did you know it was going to? Dads, it’s time we focus on preventative care and focus on how we can keep ourselves and our families healthy. It’s time to take charge. Dr. Jeff Devine of Devine Chiropractic joined us to talk men’s health.

The conversation was so good and so long, I had to break it up into a couple of parts. Here is part 2. It just picks up where we left off. Kent talks about how his employees break down and how he is concerned our society is breaking down because of a lack of discipline. Todd gives Kent some easy approaches to handle these employees and his own kids, who won't eat his macaroni. More passion, more responses, more answers and ideas. It can only be delivered like this on Dads Unplugged.