The Life of Dad Show

Tommy Riles and Art Eddy talk everything sports in this week's show. From football to baseball to UFC, the guys discuss offseason trades, how good the New York Mets look in Spring Training, and about UFC fighter Johny Hendricks' fight with Matt Brown at the UFC 185 on March 14th, 2015. The guys then talk with Johny about training, fatherhood, and which are his favorite Reebok kicks. Johny Hendricks has definitely made a name for himself in the octagon fighting in the UFC. He is a mixed martial artist and an accomplished former collegiate wrestler. Thanks to Reebok, we were able to chat with Johny about training for the fight in March, what he is doing differently for this match, fatherhood, and how the Reebok "Be More Human" campaign has helped him train for UFC 185. Reebok "Be More Human" campaign -- To all the athletes out there who spend their days bloody, muddy, and sore, not for bright lights or money, but to simply be the best version of themselves: This is for you. The guys also bring on Tommy's nephew Kevin to talk about movies and hopefully will convince Tommy to finally watch Star Wars.

Tommy Riles and Art Eddy and the entire Life of Dad crew dedicate this show to Oren Miller, the man behind A Blogger and a Father who has made a major and everlasting impact on the dad blogging community. Oren was a great friend who passed on February 28, 2015. If you haven't read Oren's work, you should. Read this one he titled "Cancer" first. Tommy and Art also welcome actor Terry Crews onto the show. From the gridiron to Hollywood, Terry Crews always seems to be fully committed to the task at hand when he looks to accomplish a goal. The always energetic Crews looks to share his positive outlook on life with anyone who will listen. He even wrote a book called "Manhood: How to Be a Better Man-or Just Live with One" where he shares his insight on what he has learned so far in his life. Currently, Terry stars in the FOX hit show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine". We had the great fortune to chat with Terry about fatherhood, acting, who he would love to work with on his next project, and how he seems to always be able to put a positive spin on things no matter the situation.

Tom Riles and Art Eddy recap a bit on the Life of Dad crew's experience at Dad 2.0 Summit in San Francisco. They also bring on film director, Jorge Gutierrez. Jorge Gutierrez is the director of the wildly popular film "The Book of Life". Since he was a young boy he would borrow his father's video cameras to make his own movies. Now as a father himself, Jorge looks to work with his son once he gets a bit older on making their own cartoons. Gutierrez worked with producer Guillermo del Toro on "The Book of Life". The film follows the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, "The Book of Life" encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future. The film stars Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Danny Trejo, Ron Perlman, Christian Applegate, Ice Cube, Diego Luna, Ana de la Reguera. We had the great pleasure of talking with Jorge Gutierrez about the film and fatherhood as well.If you are looking for a family friendly and entertaining movie I would strongly suggest that you pick up "The Book of Life". Click here to purchase the "The Book of Life".

Tommy Riles and Art Eddy talk a bit on the NBA, Dad 2.0 Summit, and what sneakers Art will wear for the conference. They also have the distinct pleasure to bring on NBA Champion David Robinson. San Antonio Spurs star center, David Robinson was a team leader and helped lead the Spurs win two NBA Championships. Not only was he an outstanding player on the court, he was a role model as well. David has started up many programs to help out communities in need. Besides winning two NBA titles Robinson is a 10-time NBA All-Star, the 1995 NBA MVP, a two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner, a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and a two-time U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame inductee. With these accolades and so many more he was a lock to be selected as part of the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. We talk with David about his time in the NBA, playing on "The Dream Team," his favorite kicks, and fatherhood.

This week, Tommy Riles tells Art Eddy about his work over the weekend at an event that honored the doctor that saved Tom's daughter Barbara's life. Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes is widely known for the fantastic work that he does to help save children's lives. The guys also bring on Fox News Chief Political Anchor & Executive Editor, Bret Baier. Since this week is CHD Awareness Week, we here at Life of Dad make it point to help raise that awareness. One way we do that is by talking with other dads who have experienced CHD in one way or another. This year Tommy and Art spoke with Bret. Bret Baier's son Paul has CHD. In his book, "Special Heart: A Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage and Love". Bret chronicles the journey of his son Paul, and the remarkable medical advances that have helped him overcome congenital heart defects he's faced since birth. Plus 100% of the proceeds Bret receives from the sale of the book will go to various non-profit pediatric heart causes. For more information and to purchase the book you can visit SpecialHeartFamily.com. We here at Life of Dad want to thank Bret for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk about his family and the journey they are on with having a child with a congenital heart defect. Follow Bret Baier on Twitter: @BretBaier Learn more about Saving Tiny Hearts.

Tommy Riles is SUPER excited to talk about his New England Patriots winning Super Bowl XLIX. He and Art Eddy discuss the game, the commericals, and they bring on Emmy-nominated writer and producer, Sascha Paladino. Sascha is the creator and executive producer of Disney Junior's "Miles from Tomorrowland", an intergalactic animated series that follows the outer space voyages of young adventurer Miles and his family as they help connect the universe on behalf of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. An accomplished children's television writer, Paladino was most recently story editor and consulting producer on Disney Junior's "Henry Hugglemonster". Paladino developed and served as head writer and producer for Nickelodeon's "Ni Hao, Kai-lan". His additional writing credits include Disney Junior's acclaimed "Doc McStuffins", "Team Umizoomi", "Wonder Pets", "Winx Club", "Tickety Toc", "Blue's Clues" and "Sid the Science Kid". Paladino also wrote the theme song lyrics for "Henry Hugglemonster" and "Ni Hao, Kai-lan", among many songs for other series. Paladino has also worked on a number of arts education projects, including teaching Shakespeare and acting in public schools and prisons. An award-winning film director, his most recent documentary feature, "Throw Down Your Heart", about American banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck, won the Audience Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival, Best Music Documentary at AFI Docs and the Audience Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival. In addition, Paladino has created a variety of documentary shorts that have garnered accolades at Woodstock Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and Mill Valley Film Festival. A New York City native, Paladino is a graduate of The High School of Performing Arts (aka the "Fame" school) and Wesleyan University. He recently spent two years living and working in Ireland, and currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, author Erin Torneo, and their five-year-old twin boys. Tommy and Art got to chat with Sascha about his new show, the process of getting the show from an idea to on TV, and fatherhood. Follow Sascha on Twitter. @saschapaladino Check out "Miles from Tomorrowland" HERE!

We are one week away from the Super Bowl and Tommy Riles can't wait. He and Art Eddy give their predictions and they bring on actor, director, producer, and father Tim Matheson. Tim is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the smooth talking Eric "Otter" Stratton in the 1978 comedy "Animal House", but has had a variety of other well-known roles both before and since including critical accolades for his playing Vice President John Hoynes on the television series, "The West Wing", which garnered him two Primetime Emmy award nominations for Best Guest Star in a Drama Series. Having now entertained audiences over the last 50 years, Tim Matheson is a luminary in the business and currently stars as Dr. Brick Breeland in The CW series, "Hart of Dixie", opposite Rachel Bilson. He has and continues to direct several episodes each season throughout the series. Not limited to "Hart of Dixie", Matheson has made a career of directing an array of episodic projects on some of television's most prominent shows, including "The Last Ship", "Burn Notice", "Criminal Minds", "Without a Trace", "Cold Case", "Numbers", "Drop Dead Diva", "Suits", "Eureka" and "White Collar", as well as pilots for Fox's "The Good Guys" and the USA Network successful original series "Covert Affairs". In 1996, Matheson took on the role of a con man who claims to be Carol Brady's thought-to-be-dead husband in "A Very Brady Sequel". Matheson was seen opposite Ryan Reynolds in the feature comedy "Van Wilder" in 2002, playing the father of the title character, who was inspired by his own character in "Animal House" as a nod to the original film. Tim was born in Glendale, California and has three wonderful children from former wife, Megan Murphy. We had the pleasure of talking with Tim about acting, directing, and fatherhood. Follow Tim Matheson on Twitter: @Tim_Matheson

Tommy Riles is SUPER excited that his New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl. Tom and Art Eddy talk about the Championship games and welcome former Patriots QB, Steve Grogan on the show. When you talk to former New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan you realize how much you miss the way football was played from back in the day. Steve played for New England from 1975 to 1990. He has thrown for over 26,000 yards. He threw for 182 touchdowns and had 36 rushing touchdowns. Steve is still busy after his playing days. He runs Grogan-Marciano, which is a sporting goods store in Massachusetts. Grogan and his wife raised three boys, who are now out of the house and perusing their own careers. Tommy Riles and Art Eddy got to chat with the former Patriots quarterback on his playing days, social media, and fatherhood.

Tommy Riles and Art Eddy talk all things NFL Playoffs. See why Tommy cried during the Patriots games. Find out who they have going to the Super Bowl. To continue with the football theme, the guys bring on Super Bowl Champ and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers great, Mike Alstott. Mike Alstott was known as a powerful runner who made career of gaining tough yards between the tackles. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1996. The six time Pro Bowler helped the Bucs win Super Bowl XXXVII over the Oakland Raiders. He ranks second all-time on Tampa Bay's rushing list with 5,088 yards, while his 305 career receptions place him third in team history. Alstott is also a member of the Purdue University Hall of Fame. Mike created the Mike Alstott Family Foundation to assist others in uplifting the minds, hearts and spirits of families and children on their way to realizing their full potential through various events, assistance programs, and celebrations. Mike and I talk about his playing days, fatherhood, his work as the head football coach for a local high school in Florida, winning the Super Bowl with the Buccaneers, and what inspired him to start up his foundation. Follow Mike Alstott on Twitter and learn more about the Mike Alstott Family Foundation here.

This week on the first Life of Dad Show for 2015 Tommy Riles and Art Eddy talk NFL playoffs, New Year's parties, and what is the most extreme thing they did so far in their lives. They also bring on former US Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, Brian Dickinson, on the show. Author, Motivational Speaker, Adventurer, former US Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, Brian Dickinson, has experienced a lot of adventure in his life. One memory that will always stay with him was when he was alone and snow blind while on the summit of Mount Everest. Brian was alone because his Sherpa became ill and had to turn back. Brian made the choice to keep climbing to the summit on his own. Dickinson, who is a skilled climber, knew all the risks going in. After a few hours Brian made it to the top of the highest peak in the world. But one of his greatest achievements was short-lived. Right after he took a few pictures to document his climb his vision became blurry, his eyes started to burn, and within seconds, he was rendered almost completely blind. Brian started to make his way back down the mountain using the survival training he learned while in the Navy. Plus he relied on his intuition as well as his faith. Brian recalls his story in the book, "Blind Descent". We got to talk with Brian about his near death experience, how his faith in God helped him survive, and a bit on fatherhood. Follow Brian Dickinson on Twitter, visit him on BrianDickinson.net, and definitely purchase his book, "Blind Descent".

This week Tommy Riles and Art Eddy wrap up 2014 on The Life of Dad Show. They talk New Year's resolutions and they bring on lead guitarist of Train -- Jimmy Stafford. On the heels of their seventh studio album and first new album in two years, Train will be headlining a free show in New Orleans on December 31st prior to the 2015 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Train has a rich musical legacy including the hits "Meet Virginia", "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" and "Hey, Soul Sister". We were able to chat with Jimmy Stafford on the free concert where he and Train band mates are performing on New Year's Eve courtesy of Allstate. We also talk about his band, coming up with songs, football, fatherhood, and more.

The Life of Dad Christmas Show with 6-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson This week on the Life of Dad Show, Tommy Riles and Art Eddy talk about their plans for Christmas, favorite holiday films, and traditions. They also bring on NASCAR driver, Jimmie Johnson. Jimmie Johnson is a 6-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion. He is the only driver in NASCAR's history to earn five consecutive Sprint Cup titles. He is a 4-time ESPY winner for Driver of the Year. He was the 2009 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. Jimmie has been the driver of the Lowe's No. 48 car since 2001. Still with all that he has accomplished I am guessing that he is most proud of being a husband to his wife Chandra and a father to his two lovely daughters, Genevieve and Lydia. Even with the long hours each year that Johnson and the rest of Team 48 puts in to win another championship, Jimmie helps those in need. He has done this by creating the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. His foundation looks to assist children, families and communities in need. The Foundation currently focuses on supporting K-12 public education. They currently support the Champions Grant Program in partnership with Lowe's Toolbox for Education, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Project L.I.F.T. as their partner programs. A leader both on and off the racetrack we had the fantastic opportunity to chat with Jimmie about racing, his foundation, and fatherhood. We want to thank Hendrick Motorsports for setting this interview up! Follow Jimmie Johnson on Twitter. Check out his foundation HERE! For more on Hendrick Motorsports click HERE!

Tom Riles and Art Eddy talk about Christmas traditions, football, and bring on New York Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion, Victor Cruz. A few seasons ago I remember watching some of the New York Giants preseason football games. One guy caught my attention. That guy was Victor Cruz. He was a fast wide receiver with great hands. I drafted him in the late rounds of my fantasy football draft. I remember one of my friends joking with me about selecting a guy no one has ever heard of and why waste a draft pick. Well people soon started to know who Victor Cruz was. Fans of the New York Giants were happy to have a player of his ability and skill on the team they cheer for on Sundays. Not only did the fans take notice, but the team did too. Cruz started climbing the depth chart and became a key player in their offense. Needless to say Giants QB Eli Manning is happy to have a reliable target on his team. Cruz helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLVI and aided many fantasy football owners to win their championships as well. Victor Cruz does a lot off the field too. He has dedicated his time to several causes and is always giving back to the community. He created the Victor Cruz Foundation in 2012 to help aid kids achieve success in the workforce and in life. He and the foundations looks to focus on the "STEAM" education method. That is where science, technology, engineering, art and math all come together to help these kids get ready for college, have financial literacy and live a healthy lifestyle. We had the great honor to chat with Victor about his foundation, playing in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl, sneakers, music, and fatherhood. Follow Victor on Twitter. Check out The Victor Cruz Foundation here!

The Life of Dad Show hosts, Tommy Riles and Art Eddy, bring on Life of Dad co-founder Ryan Hamilton to chat about the interview we had with a true legend in the music and entertainment industry, and the self-proclaimed "King of Rock". This week, the guys bring on Darryl "DMC" McDaniels from RUN-DMC. Hip-Hop legend. Artist. Musician. Innovator. Father. There are many facets that make up Darryl McDaniels or as we know him as "DMC" from the beloved Rap group RUN-DMC. For over 30 years he, Run, and Jay's music has influenced so many people. From "Rock Box" to "Walk This Way" and countless other hits DMC help shape the music industry. Not only making a name in the music and entertainment industry Darryl works on an even more important cause. It is to help foster kids. He is the co-founder of the nonprofit, Felix Organization. DMC has been invited to the White House by President Obama to address youth groups on responsibility and he's appeared before Congress in support of adoptees and foster children. In my interview with DMC you will understand why President Obama sought out Darryl's help. Recently, Darryl's long love for comic books has come to the forefront in the entertainment industry. Working alongside his partner and collaborator Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, "DMC #1", the first full length graphic novel made its way to comic book shelves this past October. DMC received an impressive response when he debuted his book at the New York Comic Con. We were honored to have the opportunity to talk with a true Rap legend about creating his own comic book, his influence in the world of Hip-Hop, helping out foster kids, and fatherhood. Follow Darryl @TheKingDMC on Twitter and check out his comic book website -- Darryl Makes Comics!

The Life of Dad Show hosts, Tom Riles and Art Eddy, have an "NBA Jam" packed show. The bring on Boston Celtics power forward, Brandon Bass, and former Duke and NBA great, Christian Laettner. "I pride myself on attacking my fears and not being afraid of anything." That quote is from our interview with Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass. You might think he is talking about his mindset as he goes up against other NBA teams each night. Yet in this case he was referring to his fear of not knowing how to swim. Believe it or not Brandon's son was the first one in his family who was able to swim. Brandon knew that he had to learn as well. Bass wanted to make sure he could protect his family by learning how to swim. Now Brandon and his son can go into a pool and have fun in the water together. Bass learned to swim with 10 children at the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. Bass grew up in Baton Rouge and had no real place to swim. So naturally he, his friends, his brother, and parents didn't know how to swim. Sadly when he was a child, a neighbor his age drowned. That memory has stayed with him since that tragic event. So now that Bass is a father he wanted to protect his children every which way. Learning to swim was one of the ways he could do that. We applaud Brandon for his courage to let go of his fears and learn to swim. We were able to talk to Brandon about him learning how to swim, fatherhood, and playing in the NBA. For more fantastic stories like Brandon's make sure you follow NBA Cares on Twitter. Then we talk with Christian Laettner. Not only will Christian always be in the conversation of having one of the best moments in NCAA Final Four history, but he will be mentioned as one of the best to play the game at the collegiate level. Playing for legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, Christian was part of a team that was always in the hunt to win a championship. Laettner led Duke to consecutive NCAA titles in 1991 and 1992. He is the All-time NCAA Tournament career scoring leader with 407 points. He won the Wooden, Kodak/NABC and Naismith Awards as the National Player of the Year in 1992. Then his career at the pro level in the NBA got even better. He was a member of the 1992 U.S Men's Olympic Basketball Team better known as the Dream Team. He helped Team USA win the gold medal in Barcelona. Next he was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the third overall selection of 1992. With all of the experience and passion for the game Christian opened up his own basketball academy called the Christian Laettner Basketball Academy. His academy looks to provide training and instruction to both male and female players ages 6 and up. Coach Laettner, and his CLBA certified staff of coaches provide individual, team, high school, AAU and college level sessions throughout the country and are available to travel to the comfort of your home gym. They focus on strength training, ball handling skills, guard play and shooting, post offense and defense, team concepts, one on one concepts, rebounding, fundamentals of offensive cutting, movement without the ball, and other high level basketball skills. I had the great pleasure of talking with Christian about his basketball academy, his time at Duke and the NBA and fatherhood. I love hearing Christian's take on fatherhood. It was neat to learn that he and his kids play music together and that he loves to take on every challenge that fatherhood brings him.