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Sam and Cole open this one honoring Chad Gilbert, who passed away just two days before recording. Sam shares what it was like knowing him for over a decade, touring together, and working on music with him, and what Chad taught him.

From there it's a full listener Q&A. Financial planning before a baby arrives, why job security means having options now more than a pension, and why housing and debt decisions made pre-kids can wreck you post-kids. Cole gets into how to handle a family member who's all vanity and no real presence with his own kids, and talks through repressed grief when you have to be strong for everyone else while you're falling apart.

They also cover advice for a guy stuck falling for anyone who shows him attention, tips for someone wanting to start their own podcast, and how they stay on the same page in their marriages with money and scheduling.

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Sam breaks down the six biggest mistakes he sees dads make when it comes to fitness after having kids. Waiting for the perfect time to start, acting like you're already old at 40, copying a program built for someone with zero family obligations, all or nothing thinking, refusing to adjust for where your body actually is now versus ten years ago, and making the whole thing way more complicated than it needs to be.

Cole gets honest about which of these he still struggles with, and they get into why consistency beats perfection every time. Simple stuff works. Squat rack, some dumbbells, the basic lifts, done consistently for years, beats any fancy program you found on Instagram.

They also talk about why physical fitness opens doors with your kids, whether that's snowboarding, backpack hunting, or just having the energy to keep up, and why waiting until conditions are perfect means you'll never start.

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Blake Kasemeier (@blakeoftoday) joins Sam and Cole this week — content creator, BJJ black belt, garage gym owner, dad of two, and friend of the show.

A long awaited conversation with Blake after two failed attempts (our fault, not his)! We cover Blake's transition into fatherhood, what he had to give up, and what he gained in the process. We compare notes on home gym setups, alternative music backgrounds, screen time, and how to construct a life that fits your unique skills and aligns with your values as a family. We talk about how depression in his 20s and the loss of his mother led him to be more vocal about his emotions in a way that ultimately reduced the power they had over him.

We are big fans of Blake and highly recommend following him on IG/YouTube.

Thanks for listening!