The Detroit Dadcast

By Rory Hughes

Welcome to The Detroit Dadcast. I’m your host, regular dad, Rory Hughes. I started this podcast with a simple goal: to have authentic conversations with other dads about fatherhood. Nothing more, nothing less. In my experience, real discussions among men about anything other than money and sports are hard to come by. Hearing stories of these other dads might spark an insight for you. Or perhaps you’ll just nod your head and say, “Yeah, I can totally relate.”

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#21. Joe Rogan As The New Bowling League, Letting Your Kid Make Swords, And What Toilet Interactions Teach Us About Manhood (with Aaron Boylan)

The Detroit DadcastJul 07, 2023

00:00

01:14:04

#21. Joe Rogan As The New Bowling League, Letting Your Kid Make Swords, And What Toilet Interactions Teach Us About Manhood (with Aaron Boylan)

For this episode I sat down with Aaron Boylan, a a good friend and colleague whose gigs include teaching, acting, selling loans, and building houses. He was also an All-State football player and could take my life in an instant with his Brazilian Jujitsu expertise. Aaron was the most interesting man in the world before the Dos Equis ad campaign. In this wide-ranging discussion, Aaron uses public restroom behavior as a metaphor for manhood, explains the real reason guys love Joe Rogan, defends his decision to let his son build real swords, and reflects on the magic of physical (albeit platonic) touch. And much more. Enjoy.

Jul 07, 202301:14:04

#20. Why It's Your Fault When Your Kid's Acting Up, Marriage Counseling As Maintenance, And Why Being "Busy" Is A Poor Excuse For Poor Fitness (with Craig Oliver)

For Episode 20 I sat down with Craig Oliver, a guy I had known primarily from pick-up basketball courts and karaoke stages. He's a father of three girls, an Army vet, a fitness guru, and someone who doesn't believe in chairs. Craig has some hot takes on parenting, marriage, personal development. If you're not willing to question some of your assumptions about and approaches to being a dad, you might want to skip this one. On the other hand, if you're like me and like to be challenged, tune in for every second. Enjoy.

Apr 01, 202201:03:57

#19. Sam and James Take On The Environment

For Episode 19, an innocent negotiation with the boys about getting rid of a television morphs into a full-blown whiteboard session about energy conservation. I wasn't planning to record this, but after listening back, I was reminded of Albert Einstein's famous quote: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Spoiler alert: Dragons might be the solution.

Mar 01, 202219:10

#18. The Unique Bond Between Father and Daughter, Bidets, And Why Your Dad Dying Means So Much (with Phil Zaroo)

For Episode 18, I sat down with Phil Zaroo, a close friend and one of my favorite people to talk to, mostly because we disagree a lot. He's a father of three, an ex-liberal, ex-journalist, hater of all things U of M, and bearer of brutal honesty. We've had countless yelling matches over the years about social and political issues, but in this fatherhood-focused conversation we keep it mostly civil. Phil offers some unconventional takes on parenting, shares the raw experience of losing a parent, breaks down the delusion of the archetypal U of M fan, riffs on the burgeoning bidet market, chokes up when talking about his daughters, and talks old-school discipline. Enjoy.

Feb 01, 202255:57

#17. The Upside of Video Games, Flint Basketball, and Why You’ll Never Understand What It Means to Be - Or Raise - a Black Man (with Moses Price)

For Episode 17, I sat down with Moses Price, a man I don’t know well enough to call a close friend, but one who I feel like I’ve known my whole life. Among our similarities, he's a Flint native, a father of two boys, an educator, a huge sports fan, and the proud head chef in his home. In this wide-ranging conversation we explore, among other topics, the YouTube basement, raising black boys, his Flint roots, why video games get a bad rap, and the evolution of teen problems. With a name like Moses Price, it’s a wonder he’s not a pastor. But don't worry, the man can preach. Enjoy.

Jan 01, 202248:43

#16. Collaborating with Taye Diggs, Why a Urethroscope is Less Painful Than Watching Michigan Football, and The Future of Education (with Brian Galvin)

For this episode I sat down with Brian Galvin (BG), a a good friend who looks like Matt Damon and also happens to be wicked smart. No seriously, he has a photographic memory. In this heady discussion, BG reveals the dude’s side of the in vitro saga, goes full Bezos on his predictions about K-12 education, presents an interesting thesis on why Michigan weather is a source of unity, and reflects on collaborations with the likes of Taye Diggs and Common. And a lot more. Some of you may recognize BG's voice from our critically acclaimed 2005 single, "Manifesto," back when being a middle-class white rapper was actually considered ironic. Enjoy.

Dec 01, 202101:12:56

#15. Why We Deglaze the Pan, Forgetting the Diaper Bag, and Spiritual Death and Rebirth (with James Boardman)

For this episode I sat down with my great friend James Boardman, a man who single-handedly forced me to change the podcast's profanity policy. James riffs on the curiously poor dental health in England, the life of a stay-at-home dad, growing up in a cult, having a winless record in arguments against his badass lawyer wife, developing flavor in the kitchen, and his spiritual death and subsequent awakening after his sister Sarah's death. James is one of the most generous, reflective, and genuine people I know. He's also British, so that makes him more fun to listen to. I want to apologize for the ticking noise in the background - the Boardman family just got a dog. Don't worry, we won't talk about the dog.

Nov 01, 202143:15

#14. Being The Pastor's Kid, Chasing Adrenaline, and Why You Take Your Kid Outside No Matter How Cold It Is (with Ben Jacobs)

For Episode 14 I sat down with Ben Jacobs, whom I’ve known for 40 years. His folks have been second parents to me and though I can’t quite call him a brother he's definitely more than a cousin. We also share a man crush on Aaron Rodgers so I think that makes us related in some way. Ben has always been an adrenaline junkie, which explains why he was a nationally ranked gymnast and a stunt man at Disney for several years. A big kid himself, he has always loved kids and been a natural with them, which is why it was so much fun to listen to him talk about dad life with his two daughters. I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging chat with a guy who's developed one hell of a Wisconsin accent.

Oct 01, 202147:51

#13. Picking Your Own Trash, The Joy of Coaching Your Kids, and Why Quality Beats Quantity (with Joe Johnson)

For this episode I sat down with Joe Johnson, AKA MC Schlep, one of the two good friends I made in graduate school. Joe has always been just ahead of me in most life events--getting married, buying a house, having kids, becoming a functioning adult--so I feel lucky to have learned from him. In this chat we explore, among other topics: the mindset of an East Sider; how his experience at Warren De La Salle, an all-boys Catholic school, shaped him; trash picking; bargain grocery-shopping; coaching his kids; losing both parents relatively young; and the importance of low post position in a marriage. Enjoy.
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Sep 01, 202144:34

#12. A Wild Adoption Journey, Sleeping in Your In-Laws’ Bedroom, and How Child-Rearing Prepares You For Dealing with Politicians (with Senator Jim Ananich)

For Episode #13, I sat down with Michigan State Senator Jim Ananich, a friend of nearly three decades. Our relationship had been characterized by tennis and basketball, using my 50% discount at Bennigan’s when we weren’t hungry, and spontaneous explosions of Dayton Family rap sessions in public. Somehow we’ve become responsible adults with children, and Jim is now the highest ranking democrat in the Michigan Senate. Thankfully he has not lost his integrity or his sense of humor. In this chat we cover a lot: his harrowing adoption journey; losing both parents at a young age; and fatherhood as a catalyst for growth. Sit back, get ready to learn and to laugh.
Also: When your kid doesn't care that the governor is calling Peabo Bryson; Why dumb people shouldn't form education policy; Raising a biracial son Dragging days, flying weeks.
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Aug 01, 202155:41

#11. The Dangers of Free Range Parenting, Running a Business With Your Wife, and How a Syrian Father and Maltese Mother Realized the American Dream (with Sami Aljallad)

For this episode I sat down with Sami Aljallad, an old friend and and fellow father of only boys. Among other topics, Sami discusses the joys and challenges of running a business with your spouse, how being the son of immigrants informs his parenting, and why free-range doesn’t work for him. Sami’s life moves as quickly as his brain, but he’s a true family man with a relentless focus on making a better future for his kids. Enjoy this meandering chat with the one and only Sami the Bull.
Support this podcast: anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Jul 01, 202139:55

#10. Picking the Right Woman, Word-Up Magazine x 1000, and Why Pictures of Old-Ass Relatives in Parlors Still Matter (with Quentin Barrett)

For this episode I sat down with Quentin Barrett, a fellow thespian and father of two teenage girls. Among other topics, Quentin discusses raising girls in the age of social media, the importance of identity, and why making education a priority takes care of most problems. Quentin holds a rare combination of conviction and humility; listen to him talk and you wonder why he’s not a teacher or a preacher. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Support this podcast: anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Jun 01, 202147:31

#9. Checking the Tape at Day Care, Dad Power, and Being Right vs. Being Happy (with Jeff Beeler)

For Episode 9, I sat down with the rambling Jeff Beeler, a guy who defies all convention. He’s an East Tennessee boy who would feel equally comfortable freestyle rapping with Lil’ Wayne as singing a duet with Dierks Bentley. In fact there’s a good chance he’s done both. Jeff embodies one of my favorite Emerson quotes: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” He’s an adventurer, an explorer, a guy who “sucks the marrow out of life,” and for this conversation we zero in on the struggles and joys of being a father to his 18-month old daughter.
Support this podcast: anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

May 01, 202133:05

#8. Is Walt Disney The Antichrist?, The Baker Mayfield Workout, and Why Kids Share More DNA with Sharks Than With Chimps (with Peter Hughes)

For Episode 8, I sat down with my oldest brother, Peter Hughes, someone I've looked up to (literally and figuratively) for over four decades. Among topics covered: The real story on Disney, why moving weight at 4:45 am is the best way to start your day; parenting as a left-brainer, and why kids are more like sharks than monkeys. I've always admired Peter's analytical nature, his broad knowledge on a ridiculous number of subjects --we used to call him "The Peternet"-- and his unwavering love for and commitment to his family. It's been one of my greatest pleasures in life to see our relationship grow from physical and verbal abuse (he used to punch me, I used to call him "pizza face"), to watching our kids grow up together.
Support this podcast: anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Apr 01, 202137:52

#7. The Sensible Approach to Youth Sports, Why It's Okay to Ignore Your Wife Sometimes, and The Easy Choice Between Sleep and Exercise (with Paul Vance)

For Episode 7, I sat down with close friend, accomplished athlete, and equally accomplished attorney, Paul Vance. Among the topics he covers: the challenges of balancing family, work, and physical fitness; the evils of the iPad; the insanity of youth sports; why it's okay to just sit silently in the same room and not talk to your wife. As always, Paul is honest, insightful, and succinct. He also happens to be one of the most loyal, stand-up guys I know. I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I did.
Support this podcast: anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Mar 14, 201928:56

#6. The Limits of Archetypes, The Selfishness Paradox, and Why Zero Tolerance of Social Media is the Only Way (with David Hughes)

For Episode 6 I sat down with my brother, David, who I’ve known since I could breathe. He’s been a mentor, a protector, a coach, a confidant, and a best friend for over 40 years. In this conversation David discusses how parenting affected his marriage, the importance of taking care of himself first, and his zero tolerance policy on social media. David also explores the limits of modern definitions of manhood and offers insight on how not to be a victim of said definitions. David is one of the most thoughtful people I know and someone who is always searching for meaning, so whether you agree with him or not, this conversation will stretch your thinking.
Support this podcast: anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Mar 01, 201937:32

#5. The Importance of Creativity, The Courage to Seek Help, and Why Poop on Your Hand Beats Wine on Your Shirt (with TR Pearson)

For Episode 5, TR and I fight our juvenile instincts (we did write a book about bathroom graffiti) to have an honest conversation about parenting. TR reflects on what he's okay with his kids watching on TV, why hired help is worth every penny, and how having kids has made him become a child again, but in the best way possible.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Feb 10, 201942:16

#4. The 27-minute Bedtime Routine, Group Hugs, and The Beige Diet (with Matt Rudy)

For Episode 4, I interviewed high school principal and father of three boys, Matt Rudy, to discuss the ins and outs of co-running a household of three wild animals and a dog. Matt offers practical tips on surviving the dreaded witching hour, shares the origin of his parenting mantra: "Tie a knot and hang on," and underscores the importance of routine in order to maintain some semblance of decorum in his house. Even though he's a Georgia fan, I have a ton of respect for Matt as an educator, as a man, and as a dad. Listen to our conversation and you'll see why.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Jan 25, 201950:55

#3. Raising four kids, Aaron Rodgers, and Day Care for $25/week (with Jim Hughes)

For Episode 3 I sat down with my dad/next door neighbor to deconstruct his approach to fatherhood. I like this man so much I named my second son after him. My essential question: What were you intentional about when raising kids? He tends to default to the "I don't know what I did; l it was all luck" response, but I was determined to press him. Specifically, my dad talks about some of the routines and rituals he and my mom employed as well as their core values. You'll notice that although in context these aren't earth-shattering, they're damned hard to put into practice in 2019. As a good friend of mine once said, we are quick to blame our parents for the things we hate about ourselves, but we seldom credit them for the things we like. This conversation reintroduced me to the man I am proud to call my father, James Patrick Hughes.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Jan 18, 201935:18

#2. Stoicism, The Mount Rushmore of Dads, and Kid-naming with Bracketology (with Sean Galvin)

In Episode 2 my most legitimately stoic friend Sean Galvin, who introduced me to my wife (and married us by the powers vested in him by the internet) shares his hopes and fears about becoming a dad in about 8 weeks. The one question that keeps him up at night: Should I raise my kid to be a Lions fan? Sean also shares his meritocratic process for coming up with a name (Rory is a #6 seed in the girls bracket), and his appreciation for his own father, whom he insists is "in the conversation" for the greatest dad of all time.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Jan 11, 201931:08

#1. Being a good son, hyenas, and cleaning up toys (with Samuel Hughes)

In this episode, my son Samuel shares some of the keys to being a good dad, which include not doing dangerous things like stepping on dogs. He also delves into his ambitions to be a father himself and to become a bulldozer Rescue Bot.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support

Dec 23, 201805:11

Wings To Go

(produced 5/27/22)

Wings to Go

CHORUS

Scotty dubs is a man’s man

Likes smashburgers, beer, and jam bands

Drives a Tundra, not a minivan

Happy 40th, from your big fan

VERSE 1

Let me walk you through a typical day

Of Scott Alex Weinstein if I may

Wake up with a snort, yank the apneia tube

Rise, brew some coffee, and scroll through Youtube

Algorithm’s bumpin’ with Panic shows and food

Might check his texts if he’s in the mood

Ebs said Thai joint opened in the Lou

He’ll be there tomorrow with a cold road brew

Then it’s breakfast for the ladies, for Scott just Joe

Takes it black like a man, freshly ground like a pro

To the garage, in the back is an office

Flippin’ emails all day till he gets nauseous

Now lunch with my sis, sandwich with turkey

If it’s Monday he’s pissed, gonna be Tofurkey

Kiss the girls, head downstairs, time to sling a light

Molly’s mad about storage, he ain’t one to fight

CHORUS

Scotty dubs is a man’s man

Likes smashburgers, beer, and jam bands

Drives a Tundra, not a minivan

Happy 40th, from your big fan

VERSE 2 (funny)

If ya wanna know Scooter, hit him up on the Gram

Man of many images, though not himself a ham

New brewery opened up in an old gas station

Wing joint poppin’ from his last vacation

Keep on scrolling, Billy Strings with a fiddle

Whoops, there’s an ad, it’s the blackstone griddle

Action Bronson teased an album, Hot Ones new season dropped

Taco truck opened up, carnitas won’t stop

Head brewer buddy just had a kid

Scooter clicks “like” despite the name Sid

Billy Strings caught a bass in his new Kayak

Trey’s playin’ solo in Fon-Du-Lac

Some dude in west Texas sold a million dollar bong

Blew it outta glass shipped from Hong Kong

Little Janey on the hood of a black Bugatti

Or Fi-Fi on the hill, with a plate of manicotti

CHORUS

Scotty dubs is a man’s man

Likes smashburgers, beer, and jam bands

Drives a Tundra, not a minivan

Happy 40th, from your big fan

VERSE 3 (sincere)

When I met Scott he was still on hotmail

Blew glass, cut wood, snowboarded through trails

A chef, hockey player, an amateur craftsman

And get him loose, you’ll see, he’ll make ya laugh man

Generosity’s legendary, borderline offensive

Once cooked my wife a meal that made me defensive

Scallops, squash and bacon, even got her favorite wine

Wasn’t showing me up, just how the dude dines

Testament to Scott how many folks call him friend

He’ll sacrifice for others up to the end

Always one to ease your burden, called “The Sherpa” for a reason,

No matter the time, the place, or the season

So let’s all raise a glass to the one and only SAW

He deserves a celebration, from wherever you are

I hope you’re at The Village Scoot, chatting up an average Joe

Beer, burger, fries, and some wings to go

CHORUS

Scotty dubs is a man’s man

Likes smashburgers, beer, and jam bands

Drives a Tundra, not a minivan

Happy 40th, from your big fan

Dec 01, 201803:50