Missed Monday’s send as I was deep in dad duty, making the 11-hour solo drive back from Pennsylvania with my two boys. No major meltdowns, no emergency stops… proud dad moment if I’m being honest.

Let’s get into it.

📕 DAD WISDOM 

You Were A Kid Too

Spent the last five days in my hometown, and it’s wild how much it makes you reflect. The good, the bad, the awkward teen years; it all bubbles up.

It made me realize something: your childhood is more than just nostalgia, it’s a playbook.

The moments that shaped you (good and bad) are valuable lessons. Not because your kids are carbon copies of you, but because remembering how you felt can help you show up with more empathy, patience, and perspective.

You were a kid once too. Don’t forget that.

RAD DAD 

Jared Veldheer

After 12 seasons in the NFL, Jared Veldheer walked away from football and into something most parents never saw coming: running the lunch program at his kids’ school. Every day, he’s cooking scratch-made meals for 200+ students — think carnitas, chicken tikka masala, and chimichurri flank steak.

“I’ve always liked cooking,” he says. “I’m around my kids. So I just kind of went for it.”

Jared’s goal is simple but powerful: nourish growing kids and make school food something they actually look forward to. He shows up in lederhosen for German food day, takes student feedback seriously, and brings the same discipline from his playing days into every shift behind the kitchen line.

“A lot of kids just eat crap… if I can just make it my goal to give them one nourishing meal, then that’s good.”

Why he’s a Rad Dad: Because he traded the NFL spotlight for something even bigger; time with his family, purpose in the everyday, and proof that leadership doesn’t always look like a huddle. Sometimes it looks like lunch trays and second helpings.

DAD TOYS 

Golden Tee in Your Garage? Say Less.

Do you need this? No. Is it awesome to have in your garage or man cave? Absolutely.

The ARCADE1UP Golden Tee 3D Deluxe stands over 5 feet tall and comes loaded with 8 classic games. Perfect for dads who want to relive the glory days without leaving the house.

Get it here.

DAD BOD 

Dumbbell-Only Strength Fix

No gym? No problem. This full-body dumbbell circuit hits all the major muscle groups. It’s perfect for trying to squeeze in strength work without overhauling your routine.

Here’s your go-to:

• Walking Lunges – 3 sets of 8–12 reps

• Dumbbell Rows – 3x8–12

• Chest Press – 3x8–12

• Shoulder Press – 3x8–12

• Alternating Bicep Curls – 3x8–12

• Tricep Extensions – 3x8–12

⏱ Rest 60 seconds between sets. 🔥 Want to spice it up? Add 3 rounds of 60-second planks for that core burn. Watch video here.

JUNK DRAWER 

• Shoutout to the Strava crew - Dylan, Zac, and Luke topped the leaderboard last week. If you're logging miles, join the club here and chase 'em down.

• We’re dropping a new partnership next week that we’re fired up about. Should be a great one to rally a bunch of dads around. Stay tuned.

• The new website is almost here and we’re looking for a few dad contributors. If that’s you, hit reply and let’s jam.

• If you’re looking to connect with other dads, don’t sleep on our private Slack. It’s free (just fill out a quick form) and full of good guys doing the dad thing together.

DAD HUMOR