Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Episode 2592: Six Things Every Dad Should Do
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Hosts: Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews
Producer: Doug Egge

Introduction

In Episode 2592 of Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth, hosts Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, and Justin Andrews delve into essential responsibilities and actions every new father should embrace to foster a healthy, happy family environment. Drawing from over 40 years of combined experience and supported by data, the hosts outline six pivotal areas where dads can significantly impact their families positively.

1. Prioritize Physical Health and Fitness

Adam Schafer emphasizes the importance of fathers maintaining good physical health:

“If you have good health and you're strong, which means you don't have a lot of pain, you're going to have more energy, you're going to be less depressed, less anxious. You're going to also play more with your kids.”
(04:16)

Being fit isn't about achieving a bodybuilder physique but about being strong enough to engage actively with your children. Justin Andrews adds that physical fitness enables dads to seize bonding opportunities:

“Being out of shape and unhealthy... inhibits a lot of opportunities to bond and to do things with your kids.”
(06:51)

The hosts recommend strength training one to two days a week and incorporating cardiovascular activities to enhance energy levels and overall well-being.

2. Financial Responsibility as the Breadwinner

The role of the father as the primary breadwinner remains significant, though societal shifts have seen this percentage decrease from 90% to 70%. Adam Schafer underscores the necessity for dads to provide financial stability:

“You got to be responsible and you got to work hard. So that means you're consistent and you take it seriously.”
(13:58)

This responsibility ensures that families are financially secure and can avoid the pitfalls associated with sudden income loss. The hosts also discuss the importance of smart work practices, balancing effort with efficiency to support the family effectively.

3. Learn Self-Defense and Family Protection

Safety is a paramount concern, with Adam Schafer highlighting the importance of dads being prepared to defend their families:

“The odds that if something happens, you're the one that's going to have to defend your family are very high.”
(18:11)

While the likelihood of needing to use self-defense is low, being equipped with the skills can provide peace of mind. The discussion covers various self-defense methods, including martial arts and firearm safety, stressing that preparedness is a critical aspect of paternal responsibility.

4. Understand and Communicate with Your Partner

Effective communication within the family is crucial. Justin Andrews and Adam Schafer discuss the differences in how men and women communicate and perceive love and respect:

“Women need to feel safe to fall apart. They need to feel safe to emotionally tell you whatever they need to.”
(22:01)
“Men want to feel respected.”
(26:29)

They reference books like Love Languages and Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus to illustrate how understanding these differences can enhance marital relationships. The key takeaway is that dads should strive to understand their partners' emotional needs to create a supportive and harmonious household.

5. Pursue Faith for Family Well-being

Adam Schafer presents compelling data on the protective effects of regular faith practice on children’s mental health:

“Children who have a regular faith that they practice... seem to be unscathed.”
(30:48)

Faith provides children with a sense of purpose, community, and emotional stability, which can mitigate rising trends in anxiety and depression. The hosts discuss how fathers who lead their families in faith significantly influence their children's well-being, citing statistics such as:

“If a father follows a faith, there's a 93% chance that their children will continue afterwards on their own.”
(32:59)

This underscores the profound impact of a father's commitment to faith on family stability and children’s mental health.

6. Secure Financial Planning and Protection

Ensuring the family's financial future involves strategic planning. Adam Schafer advises new dads to invest in life insurance and establish a trust:

“You get life insurance and you get a trust. Very important to do this.”
(36:21)

Life insurance provides financial security in the event of an untimely demise, preventing the family from falling into poverty. Trusts help manage and protect assets, ensuring they are distributed according to the father's wishes without the complications of probate. The hosts highlight affordable options for young dads to secure these financial instruments early, emphasizing their long-term benefits.

Additional Recommendations

Adam Schafer and Justin Andrews also suggest supplementary strategies to support the outlined responsibilities:

• Strength Training Programs: Utilizing programs like MAPS 15 for efficient strength training tailored for busy dads.

• Nutrition and Supplements: Incorporating multivitamins, creatine, and protein powders to meet dietary needs and enhance physical performance.

• Educational Resources: Reading recommended books such as Love Languages, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, Whole Brainchild, and The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work to deepen understanding of family dynamics and improve relationships.

Conclusion

Episode 2592 of Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth delivers a comprehensive guide for new dads, emphasizing the significance of physical health, financial responsibility, safety preparedness, effective communication, faith, and financial planning. By focusing on these six areas, fathers can significantly enhance their family's well-being and foster a nurturing, stable environment for their children.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Schafer (04:16): “If you have good health and you're strong... you're going to also play more with your kids.”

• Justin Andrews (06:51): “Being out of shape and unhealthy... inhibits a lot of opportunities to bond and to do things with your kids.”

• Adam Schafer (13:58): “You got to be responsible and you got to work hard. So that means you're consistent and you take it seriously.”

• Adam Schafer (18:11): “The odds that if something happens, you're the one that's going to have to defend your family are very high.”

• Adam Schafer (22:01): “Women need to feel safe to fall apart. They need to feel safe to emotionally tell you whatever they need to.”

• Adam Schafer (26:29): “Men want to feel respected.”

• Adam Schafer (30:48): “Children who have a regular faith that they practice... seem to be unscathed.”

• Adam Schafer (32:59): “If a father follows a faith, there's a 93% chance that their children will continue afterwards on their own.”

• Adam Schafer (36:21): “You get life insurance and you get a trust. Very important to do this.”

For More Information:

• Follow Mind Pump on Instagram: @mindpumpmedia, @mindpumpsal, @mindpumpadam, @mindpumpjustin, @mindpumpdoug

• Visit: mindpumppodcast.com

• Training Protocols: mapsfitnessproducts.com