#14: Josiah Middaugh (Professional Triathlete) - The path to going pro and parenting athletes
Josiah Middaugh (@josiahmiddaugh) is a multi-sport athlete of all seasons, though primarily an extremely accomplished professional triathlete competing in Xterra triathlons (off-road triathlons).You'll discover Josiah's thoughtful strategies for integrating rigorous training schedules with his roles as a husband and father, all while maintaining peak performance.Josiah opens up about his unique upbringing in a northern Michigan commune, where a close-knit community and outdoor adventures laid the foundation for his love of sports. He shares personal stories of growing up with athletic parents and the significant impact of his wife's unwavering support as we journey through Josiah’s path from amateur enthusiast to professional athlete.Discover why he champions the benefits of sport sampling over early specialization, encouraging children to explore diverse athletic opportunities. Josiah’s experiences as both a coach and father shed light on the joy of shared athletic adventures, emphasizing the importance of raising well-rounded individuals who find their passion organically. Tune in for an inspiring discussion filled with actionable insights for balancing ambitious pursuits in both sports and parenting.Episode Resources:Middaugh Coaching (Josiah's coaching business)XTERRA TriathlonsSupport the showThe Athlete Dad Resources: www.theathletedad.com Ben's Instagram The Athlete Dad's Instagram The Athlete Dad YouTube
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#13: Andrew "Cotty" Cotton (Big Wave Surfer) - Riding the Highs and Lows of Surfing and Fatherhood
#12: Olen Netteberg (Long Distance Hiking Dad) - The Adventure of Fatherhood on the Triple Crown Trails
Embark on an adventure with Olen Netteberg (@olennetteburg) as he recounts the trials, triumphs, and trails of his family's awe-inspiring quest to conquer the Triple Crown of hiking. Together with his wife, Denae, and their intrepid children, Olen weaves a tale of resilience that defies the conventions of both parenting and exploration. Their journey is not just about the paths traveled but also the life lessons gathered among the wilds of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail.As a father and doctor, Olen reveals how he's woven the fabric of his family's bond with threads of nature and nurture, challenging their children to push past perceived limits and partake in a once-in-a-lifetime type childhood. The anecdotes shared in this episode offer a glimpse into the laughter and learning that come from a life lived unconventionally. From homeschooling on the trails to fostering a spirit of teamwork within the family, the Nettebergs' story presents an alternative blueprint for education and growth that extends far beyond the classroom walls.Step off the beaten path with us and embrace the chaos of parenting as Olen imparts wisdom on integrating professional and personal passions. Whether you're a parent seeking inspiration or an adventurer at heart, this episode promises a fresh perspective on raising children who are as confident on the trails as they are traversing cultural divides. So lace up your boots and let the Netteberg family's odyssey inspire your next step, whether it leads to the mountains or simply a closer connection with those you call family.Resources:Olen's InstagramDenae's InstagramFamily Hiking BlogSupport the showThe Athlete Dad Resources: www.theathletedad.com Ben's Instagram The Athlete Dad's Instagram The Athlete Dad YouTube
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#11: Karl Egloff (Mountain Athlete) - Balancing family with racing up the world's tallest peaks
Karl Egloff (@karl.egloff) is a professional mountain guide and athlete, most well known for his world record speed ascents of some of the world's tallest peaks, including Makalu (27,838') and Denali (20,310').In this episode, Karl discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with his passion for mountain climbing. He shares how his early exposure to the mountains and his father's influence shaped his love for climbing. He emphasizes the importance of teaching his children discipline, independence, and the ability to take risks. He also discusses the need for efficiency and adaptability as a parent-athlete. Karl reflects on the impact of life's challenges on his strength and ambition, and how he manages risk while running up and down the tallest peaks on earth. Chapters01:09 Life Inside and Outside the Home02:36 Balancing Family and Mountain Climbing06:01 Early Exposure to Mountains and Climbing07:48 The Influence of Father's Mentality09:34 Teaching Kids to Take Risks and Push Themselves10:59 Being Patient and Letting Kids Decide12:41 Being Flexible and Efficient as a Parent-Athlete18:04 Teaching Discipline and Balance20:34 Managing Risk and Prioritizing Family26:30 The Influence of Life's Challenges on Strength and Ambition32:24 Managing Risk as a Parent-Athlete41:30 Setting Goals and Balancing Family Life46:40 Constant Pursuit of Balance47:08 Finding Balance in Life50:21 Prioritizing and Organizing51:59 Balancing Training and Family Time56:24 Running a Guiding Business59:51Upcoming Goals and Changes01:01:35 Parting WisdomResources:Cumbre Tours (Karl's trekking and mountain guide company)karlegloff.comSupport the showThe Athlete Dad Resources: www.theathletedad.com Ben's Instagram The Athlete Dad's Instagram The Athlete Dad YouTube
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#10: Chris Larsen (Competitive Cyclist and Entrepreneur) - Raising Athlete Kids and Approaching Fatherhood with Intention
Chris Larsen (@christopheralarsen) is a former competitive cyclist, entrepreneur, and father of two who joins us on a captivating exploration the unique challenges of being an athlete dad raising athlete kids. The exhilarating journey from his days as a competitive cyclist to a dedicated father provides a fresh perspective packed with practical tools and frameworks for how to approach parenting. In our conversation, we discuss everything from the ups and downs of nurturing children's passions, the importance of fostering resilience, tp the necessity for balance.Enjoy this insightful conversation that offers a fresh perspective on parenting, sports, and the pursuit of balance.As a free gift, you can get a free copy of Chris' book, "Next-Level Income" from their website here. More Resources:www.nextlevelincome.comAngela Duckworth's book GRITOutliers: The Story of Success: Gladwell, MalcolmDavid and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling GiantsJim Sheils' The Family Board MeetingDie With Zero By Bill PerkinsSupport the showThe Athlete Dad Resources: www.theathletedad.com Ben's Instagram The Athlete Dad's Instagram The Athlete Dad YouTube
The Athlete Dad is hosted by Ben Gibson, an outdoor adventure athlete turned Dad who explores the intersection of physical pursuits and fatherhood. The show follows the stories of Athlete Dads as they attempt to pursue their athletic dreams while balancing their family responsibilities. We hear wide-ranging stories from modeling ambition to integrating families into passions, triumphs, failures, harrowing adventures, and how high-performing athlete Dads also win at home.
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