Welcome back to Dadville! Today, we’re sitting down with our incredibly learned friend, Ian Morgan Cron. We usually try to keep things light and funny, but Ian brought some serious “strings on the bridge” energy to this one. As an author, psychotherapist, former priest, and Dove Award-winning songwriter, he’s basically a vocational tossed salad.

We dive deep into his complicated childhood with an alcoholic father, how we all inevitably screw up our kids, and why we need to let everyone—and ourselves—out of the penalty box. Jon got to geek out over being a fellow Enneagram Four, and Dave sat up a little straighter to show off his youthful “vigor”. Truly, Ian reminded us that we’re just growing up alongside our kids, and that at the end of the day, we’re in good hands. Enjoy this episode with the lovely man of permission himself!

Visit Ian Morgan Cron: ⁠https://ianmorgancron.com

This is a tricky one - I’m recommending this only because I just bought it but I haven’t used it yet - but it looks SO AWESOME BECAUSE I LOVE THESE SORTS OF THINGS.

I also paid for the plan where you can forward the email with the baseball/gymnastics/church/school schedule and it AUTOMATICALLY PUTS IT IN THE CALENDAR!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Back soon with actual usage thoughts but I bet it’s gonna be awesome.

Also, if you work for skylight, let’s talk about a Dadville sponsorship.

The end.

Amen.

The fam & I went to Ireland for a wedding a few weeks ago (absolutely love Ireland now btw) and we went into this little bookstore in Greystones. Amy was chatting with the worker there and she asked if she would recommend some books by local authors. The worker made a few recommendations and Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These was one of them. It's a very short book (maybe just over 100 pages). I read it last week knowing absolutely zero about the story going in (which is my favorite way to go into a book but it rarely happens) and I really loved it. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say that up until maybe the last 10 pages I had no idea where it was going and the way it ended was so absolutely beautiful.

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In this episode, the fellas welcome financial expert Rachel Cruze to discuss the intersection of money, mindset, and family. As the daughter of Dave Ramsey, Cruze shares insights on growing up with a “money guy” and how she has carved her own path through best-selling books and speaking.

Rachel talks about how money is less about math and more about behaviour, focusing on intentional parenting through “commissions” rather than allowances and the “half-car rule”. The trio delves into the struggle of navigating social media pressure and defining a family’s financial “baseline” in a world of “infinity pools”. Cruze also provides tactical advice for marriages, urging couples to align on shared goals and use budgeting to find permission to spend. This deep dive offers a roadmap for families to build a legacy of contentment and financial peace.

Follow Rachel: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze

I just played Chasing Mississippi in it’s entirety as a celebration of it being TWENTY YEARS OLD! WHAT!?!!?

It was such a fun show and so nostalgic. I had numerous times on stage where I thanked the Lord for his kindness and letting me play these songs for all these years and for this AMAZING band!

Planning on doing another album in it’s entirety next year - any guesses?

My pick this week is not for me, ok? I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing it for you. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I laid my head on my pillow knowing I kept this news from you. So maybe I am doing it for me a little bit.

I’m hitting the road and playing some music with my piano (& my band - some will be solo, some will be band) this November/December and I would LOVE IT IF YOU CAME!! Hopefully I’m coming somewhere near your neck of the woods!

Tickets are on sale rn (right now) for all the shows (except Plymouth MA will be on sale Friday)

Merry Christmas -j-

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In this episode, the fellas sit down with Charlie Worsham, the CMA’s reigning Musician of the Year and a true “multihyphenate” talent. Charlie shares his incredible trajectory, from winning national banjo titles at age 12 to playing in the bands of legends like Vince Gill. He dives deep into his “13-year-old self rule,” a mental practice that helps him maintain gratitude for his career, even on the hardest days.

The trio then chats about the “hard shift” of returning home from the road and the intentional ways he is showing up for his children through heartfelt journaling and obsessive financial planning. Whether discussing his new independent record, Once Upon a Second Time Around, or the sociology of corporate gigs, Charlie offers a masterclass in humility, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful musical community.

Visit Charlie Worsham: ⁠https://www.charlieworsham.com

I have a show this Saturday here in Nashville at 3rd and Lindsley! To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chasing Mississippi, we are playing the album front to back with a full band - gonna be fun! And MATTY WERTZ is opening the show!

Click on my face below to buy tickets!

I am a massive, massive Elton John fan. I have been literally my entire life. There is just something about him and his showmanship, and his musicianship, and his artistry that is so unique. I saw this last week and loved it. One of his most iconic songs being heard in little bits for the very first time ever.

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In this episode, the fellas interview Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of The Familiar Stranger: (Re)Introducing the Holy Spirit to Those in Search of an Experiential Spirituality. Tyler shares his journey from a middle-school prayer revival in Nashville to navigating faith in New York and Portland. He offers a profound look at contemplative prayer, which he defines as sitting “naked and unashamed” before God to settle the inner “snow globe” of surface-level wants.

Moving into fatherhood, Tyler details his hands-on discipleship with his three sons, including a 10% pastry “dad tax” and using jelly beans to encourage emotional honesty. The episode highlights Tyler’s pursuit of being a more “interruptible” and playful father, revealing how daily Nerf wars became his most formative spiritual practice of the year. Balancing humor with depth, they also discuss the “Angel of Light” temptation to do good things for the wrong reasons.

I’m here to highly recommend the Martin Short documentary.

I was so moved by a few things about Marty. Yes, Marty. That’s what his friends call him, so that’s what I’m calling him, because in my heart and mind we’re friends.

1. His friends. I can’t imagine how hard it is to have friends in Hollywood, and he doesn’t just have friends, he has a lot of them, and they’ve stayed friends. His community is so inspiring. I feel like it’s rare you see “stars” of any industry with really robust long time friendships. So great and inspiring to see.

2. His marriage. It’s so beautiful seeing how much he and his wife love each other and how inspiring they are to their friends.

3. His bravery. In his comedy, his acting, his life. Hearing him talk about failure in a way that’s so resilient was so encouraging. It’s crazy to see how for so long he really didn’t have a “hit” movie, but he kept going nonetheless. There’s something about his joy - it’s so all encompassing. 4. His love for his family. He talks some about decisions in his career to make sure he had time with his family. I loved hearing him talk about that.

Can’t recommend the doc enough.

And man oh man, is he funny. Just so naturally funny. Even when it’s just for his friends and family.

Also, he’s probably the one guest I want to have on Dadville the most. Or top 3, at least.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

I recently watched Martin Short’s documentary and I absolutely loved it. I already loved that guy, but the documentary just made me love him more. Dave beat me to the punch, so my pick is this gem of a compilation of maybe my favorite Martin Short character, Jiminy Glick.

I’m jealous of anyone who hasn’t seen these yet.

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Musician Eric Hutchinson makes history on Dadville by doing the impossible: arriving early. From the massive independent success of his album Sounds Like This to the “soul-crushing” reality of playing early college gigs next to loud smoothie machines, Hutchinson joins Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin for a deep dive into a career built outside the typical “big machine” path.

Now a New York City dad, Eric discusses the “vast amount of humanity” found in raising his daughter, Zelda—navigating everything from sophisticated Monday night jazz shows to encounters with subway crack smokers. It is a candid conversation about the importance of modeling passion for your kids, the creative challenge of making music that stays fresh after twenty years, and the bittersweet reality of the fatherhood musical: “Long Days, Short Years.”

Toy Story 5.

Go see it. It’s so fun and cute. And it’s always weird when grown men say cute, but it’s true.

I laughed really hard, I teared up - it’s such a wonderful classic Pixar movie. And Conan O’Brien really steals the show.

So if you’re in need of killing some time on a rainy day this summer, I’d suggest it!

I don't know how many of you are tennis fans, but I think you have to be to enjoy this doc. I am a huge tennis fan and have been a big fan of Rafael Nadal for years now. If you don't follow tennis, Rafa just retired after one of the most successful careers in history and Netflix just put this documentary out about his life and career. It made me love him even more than I already did. Such an interesting case of insane determination and overcoming physical and mental battles. Check it out!

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In this episode of Dadville, the fellas dive into the chaos of summer parenting. Jon shares the “play-by-play” heartbreak of his daughter’s first sleep away camp experience, and Dave recounts a childhood “life of crime” involving a camp nurse and a missing stitch.

But it’s not all jokes—the guys get vulnerable about aging in the music industry. They discuss what success meant at 30 versus what it means now at 48, the “Blue Button” hypothetical involving Harry Styles, and how to find contentment without losing your ambition. Plus, a hilarious recap of their “glamping” trip in Yellowstone where temperatures dropped to the 40s in a tent.

Dave Barnes

I’m gonna risk it here. But as they say at Popeyes, you gotta risk it for the biscuit.

What have I been thinking about?

How much things change. WHOA. I know. Big thought.

Two things happened in the last couple of months that made me think about this.

1. Some friends of ours are moving out of our neighborhood, and they’re great and our kids play with their kids. And they’re moving to a better house for their fam that’s not that much further away, but it’s still a bummer.

2. One of our favorite restaurants on our block is closing.

As Sam Cooke reminded us so many moons ago, a change is indeed gonna come.

One way to think about this is how it sucks. Change can really suck. And these changes suck. I wish the friends were staying around here and I wish the restaurant wasn’t closing. (At two different intensities) But what I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older is to enjoy what is while it is, because things could always, and usually change.

SO - enjoy your day - enjoy your neighbors, enjoy your restaurants, enjoy the things you usually take for granted. Because they may not be there forever. But they’re there today.

Ok, my pick this week is from my friend Jeff Johnson who posted a legit hack every parent should know about (it kinda went viral so maybe every parent reading this does already know about it) - check it out and you’re welcome/thanks Jeff!

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We sat down with 4-time Grammy winner Sara Watkins to solve a problem every professional faces: How do you maintain a 30-year career without burning out or losing your creative edge? From founding Nickel Creek at age eight to touring with icons like Jackson Browne, Sara has mastered the “communal dance” of longevity.

In this session, we tackle the high-stakes pressure of performance anxiety. Sara reveals the counterintuitive secret that transformed her art: how motherhood taught her to stop “sweating the small stuff,” making her a more fearless performer. We break down her blueprint for navigating complex team dynamics, the power of “side-person” leadership, and why she treats music as an essential life skill—like math or cooking—to avoid the traps of forced practice. If you’re struggling to balance ego with collaborative success, Sara’s “osmotic” approach to learning will revolutionize your workflow. This is your masterclass in staying grounded while scaling your talent.

Check out Sara here: ⁠https://www.sarawatkins.com/⁠

This week we talked to Sara Watkins and it was such a treat - it’s crazy to realize how many bands she’s been in and how successful they have been. And HOW YOUNG SHE STARTED! Being a veteran of the music industry in your 20s is a crazy thought!

Having Sarah on also sent me on a Nickel Creek spiral - how good is this song!?

Hey guys, this is my 2nd time, I believe, sending a voice note pick.

Um, I like it.

I’m standing here in my closet.

It’s absolutely freezing because the AC is rocking. Because it’s not freezing outside because summer is rocking.

I hope your summer is going great.

This pick is already going off the rails.

Look, Sara Watkins.

She was awesome.

I really liked talking with her and what an incredibly talented musician and such a great career that she’s had.

I mean, I’ve been aware of her for 20 years, but in the last, you know, month or so, I’ve been listening to a lot of her stuff and it’s great.

I’m so not in the bluegrass world, but I genuinely love it.

Um, she has this song “Wild and Clear and Blue.”

It’s so good.

I mean, all of her stuff is great.

But I thought the the chat was really, um, was really great.

I loved hearing about her early days.

Like, she and her brother playing in like a pizzeria, I think it was.

I mean, just so great.

I just love how collaborative that world is.

Um, and she’s out there touring.

She’s out there.

So if you want to go see her.

Check out her tour dates.

Um, yeah, it was it was great chatting with her.

I’m really grateful that she was on the pod.

I’m grateful that you’re listening to this right now. Hope you’re having a great day.

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Welcome to a special video edition of Dadville! We’re kicking things off with Dave’s high-energy celebration of Arsenal’s Premier League victory and a deep dive into why sports culture feels like family.

Then, we pivot to the “frontal assault” of summer parenting. As school rhythms fade, we share our best survival “tips and tricks” to keep the chaos at bay. Discover the power of tangible bucket lists—featuring everything from Walmart trips to visiting local glass-blowing studios—and learn how to manage screen time by treating it as “capital” earned through reading or chores. We also discuss Jon’s $100 piano challenge and why local summer camps are a strategic win for every parent.

Dave snuck away during his family vacation to report from the road to talk about this week’s episode.

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Today we’re hanging out with the legendary Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. You’ve seen her viral “Nail Salon” bit and her iconic characters from Mad TV, but in this episode, we get into the nuts and bolts of her career and life as a mom. Anjelah shares her fascinating process for building a comedy hour, from recording every set to “cut the fat” to the daunting anxiety of starting a project from scratch.

We dive into her self-produced special, Ugly Baby, and how she “sleuthed” her own audio archives to find the perfect family footage. Beyond the stage, we talk about her husband Manuel’s “resplendent” hair and her daughter Rosie’s hilarious two-year-old sass. Most importantly, Anjelah offers a powerful perspective on parenting: Your child isn’t “giving you a hard time,” they’re going through a hard time.

One thing I loved about the episode is hearing how Anjelah works out her shows months before she records them. Hearing how much she works on her bits and stories is insane to me. I would never ever be comfortable enough to workshop songs that way - play half songs, etc. That’s insanity to me. But obviously it gets the bit down to the funniest parts.

Also, my daughter made a joke this morning about “you lie yo nayah? Creetah jayah?” If you’re wondering how much we’ve watched her Nail salon bit.

Here’s Jon straight from the streets of Kansas City:

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Today, we’re hanging out with our friend Erin Napier, who is busy saving Laurel, Mississippi, one 25,000-square-foot hotel at a time. We dive into the “unfortunate” (that’s code for ugly) projects and the heart behind her latest restoration, The Heirloom, which survived a “devastating” fire just weeks before opening.

Erin spills the tea on her first year as a homeschooling mom—turns out it only takes two hours a day, leaving plenty of time for her daughter to job-shadow a vet. We also discuss her strict “no-weekend-work” policy and why Ben is a nearly perfect husband, despite his chaotic habit of leaving every single cabinet door open.

From air-conditioned mattresses to dodging a massive Great Pyrenees puppy at the breakfast table, Erin reminds us that—no matter what the world says—not everything is an emergency. Come for the design tips, stay for the wisdom on building a life, not just a brand.

Follow Erin: ⁠https://erinandben.co

As always, talking to another Mississippian is always fun and somehow always feels so familiar. I so enjoyed Erin’s vulnerability and how freely she talks about their life—which I know is crazy and busy and full and hard at times.

The story about their dear friend losing their brand-new building to a fire particularly stuck with me. I can’t imagine how that feels.

I really enjoyed this episode with Erin Napier.

She was so fun and had such a fun spirit. We’ve had her and her husband on the podcast before so I was, once again, impressed with their work and their dedication to each other, their family and their town but here are the 2 things that stuck with me since the episode…

1. Her husband, Ben, writes notes- nay, TYPES notes to their kids all the time. Little notes of encouragement and love.

2. Putting fresh flowers in a vase is a quick and easy way to freshen up any room.

Hope y’all enjoy this chat with Erin!

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Welcome to Momville! In this episode, we’re hanging out with the legendary Lori McKenna, a three-time Grammy winner who somehow balanced raising five kids with a world-class songwriting career. We dive into her "internal rhythm" of 74 BPM and the hilarious reality of her early days showing up to open mics with a minivan and actual peanut butter on her guitar.

Lori gets real about her 30-year marriage to Gene, their legendary four-degree thermostat war, and her self-described "underwhelming" mom status. From failing at selling Tupperware to writing hits for Taylor Swift, she shares how she won the lottery without ever buying a ticket. Whether you're obsessed with an empty kitchen sink or currently orbiting your adult children, join us for some funny thoughts and deep talks.

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Marriage.

Yes. Marriage is my pick for the week.

Annie and I just got back from the beach celebrating our 20th anniversary and it was so great. No kids (we love our kids), no work (I love my work), and zero plans (I sometimes love our plans).

I’m so grateful for Annie and her love for me our family. To get just time for both of us was so fun, easy, and a reminder of just how great a fit she is for me and how thankful I am for her love for me.

I can’t think of a vehicle the Lord has used to sanctify me more than marriage. It’s hard, it’s wonderful, it’s fun, it’s hard, it’s fascinating, it’s confusing, it’s a tremendous gift.

I should write a song or 50 about it.

Today’s pick is a gem of awesome nostalgia for me. You know when you’re having movie night and someone suggests a movie that is the perfect movie from your childhood or your college years that you absolutely love and you hadn’t watched in years and years? Well, the other day someone mentioned the artist Citizen Cope and I was like “ohhhhh man I love The Clarence Greenwood Recordings and I haven’t listened to that album in so long!” That’s an exact quote.

Maybe you know this album maybe you don’t but either way you should take a listen to it.

It’s so good.

NEW ALBUM!!!

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS HERE! The legendary Sissy Goff and David Thomas join us this week. Things get off to a wild start when host Dave realizes that a woman who changed his life decades ago is actually David’s sister. Once the shock wears off, the group discusses the duo’s new book about raising capable kids in a world that feels increasingly fragile.

They explore why today’s kids are hesitant to do hard things, like getting a driver’s license, and how the pandemic created a cocoon of safety. You will hear about the importance of practicing flexibility—even if it means causing a dinner table crisis by moving one seat to the left—and why parents must manage their own anxiety while watching their children struggle. From aggressive New York bagel shops to eighth-grade boys sleeping in a gas leak pose, this episode is all about trading protection for preparation.

Check out their new book: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/capablebook

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As of a couple of weeks ago, my album Chasing Mississippi is TWENTY YEARS OLD!!! Absolutely mind boggling.

To celebrate, I will be playing the album front to back with a band on August 1st here in Nashville at 3rd and Lindsley - I can’t WAIT!! We did this same thing with both “Brother, Bring the Sun” and “What We Want, What We Get” last year and it was so much fun.

Grab your tickets now! And there are VIP tickets if you really wanna party.

And C’mon. Who doesn’t want to party?

I chew gum often especially when I’m on the road playing shows. The gum keeps the vocal cords nice and smooth (at least I feel like it does). I recently was introduced to this brand of gum which doesn’t have any junk ingredients by Todd our sound guy. I’m chewing it at this very moment. So if you’re a big gum chewer and wanna chew stuff that’s good for you check this out!

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This episode features a "PowerPod" collaboration between the fellas and the creators of the 3% podcast, Jamie and Blake. The conversation explores radical honesty, specifically the "3% concept"—the practice of sharing the final, shame-filled layer of truth that individuals typically withhold from even their closest friends. The participants discuss the transition from childhood "proximity friendships" to the foundational intentionality required to sustain deep male connections amidst the busyness of fatherhood.

Drawing on therapeutic insights within the sources, they examine how children often sacrifice their authenticity for attachment, a pattern contributing to the modern loneliness epidemic. A significant focus is placed on intentional parenting, highlighting the transformative power of a father’s apology. By embracing vulnerability and "killing the fourth wall" of parental perfection, fathers foster genuine connection and freedom within their families.

Check out the 3% Podcast: https://threepercentco.com

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We just had Eric on Dadville and it reminded me just how stinking good his debut album is. I’ve been spinning it this morning - it’s such a fun, super-hooky album. I remember hearing this when it came out and being so jealous of how fun and lively it was.

It’s SO good - check it out!

This week’s pick is a salad recipe.

That’ll be a first for me.

This is a salad that, at the behest of my wife, I am about to make. How will it go? Idk. But here it is so y’all can make it as well and we can find out together how good it is…

Ingredients:

• 1/2 green cabbage shredded

• 1 fennel bulb sliced thin

• 4 celery ribs chopped (leaves included if available)

• 3 green onions chopped

• 1 green apple sliced thinly and into strips

• optional for a kick 2 Serrano chilies with seeds

• 1/2 bunch chopped fresh mint

• 1/2 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp. salt

Chop, slice, toss, and enjoy

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The fellas are back with our dear friend Ben Rector. It’s a classic dad-session—think driveway-wine-in-camping-chairs vibes. Ben drops some hilarious truth bombs, like his daughter's most accurate description of what he's like. He also breaks down his quest to look less like an accountant with his new robust beard and a legendary sock shootout method to find the perfect pair.

But it’s not all oatmeal-sifting rituals and badminton losses. The guys get into the "real" stuff, too. Ben talks about his career shift—choosing depth over scale so he can actually be present for his kids' math homework. It’s a funny, deep, and totally relatable look at suburban fatherhood.

Go see Ben (and Jon) on tour: https://www.benrectormusic.com

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How could this NOT be my pick of the week? Just started this a couple of nights ago and I’m so excited.

I’m only 5 minutes in, but the thing the doc is already doing, which I hoped it would, is to show the humanity of that moment for Paul. (and yes, i can call him Paul now that we’ve exchanged messages. more on that here):

I can’t imagine how hard this would have been. To be 27 and to have seen your band - the thing you had worked so hard for and loved so much - come to a pretty brutal end - heartbreaking!

To be blamed for it, as Paul was, which was not true - but that didn’t come out until decades later.

And then to push on and make some of the most amazing music of his career is such a feat.

Maybe i’m amazed.

My pick this week is Devon Palmer’s Instagram.
I think this guy is absolutely hilarious and I have no idea how he comes up with the stuff he comes up with. Check him out!

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How quickly could you get a horse to downtown Boston?

Well, today's guest McKittrick Simmons posed that very question to Dave and it really framed their 20+ friendship in a new way. After meeting his new friend, Jon McLaughlin, McKittrick breaks down the "neutron bomb" of intentional friendship and why "no theologians allowed" Bible studies are the secret to growth. Whether navigating the "beta test" of parenting, escaping the "shadow world," or bearing witness to friends, this deep dive is for you.

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This one might come out of nowhere.

Yes. DMB’s Crash. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say this might be one of the most incredible/impressive albums of the 1990s. Now, some of you might be rolling your eyes and saying - “Dave MATTHEWS Band? Really?”

Yes. Really.

What I need you to do is to put aside your biases (which I assume are because you see them as a glorified frat band or maybe a “silly” band) and pick up a guitar/slide up to a piano and try to learn these songs. It’s then you’ll feel the full weight of what they were doing.

They have that thing that the Beatles had - I know, wait a second before you double eye roll and scroll past this - it was about 1. Key changes 2. And scene changes. SO many of these songs go to crazy weird chords you don’t see coming, and then have DRASTIC vibe changes halfway through a song. This is very very very unconventional.

Not to mention just how amazing and bizarre Dave’s guitar parts were.

He is a 1 of 1. Nobody has or will ever write guitar parts or songs like him. Just look at popular music since them. No one has done it again.

Some might say it’s because nobody wanted to, but I would say it’s because no one could.

If you’ve been following the Dadville email chain for long you know that half the books I read are recommendations from my wife. She’s always reading, in multiple book clubs, and so when she finishes a book that she thinks I’ll like she passes it along.

So I just started reading Virginia Evans’ The Correspondent and I’m flying through it. I’m 100+ pages in after only picking it up twice. That never happens to me as I’m a very slow reader.

The entire book consists of letters. The whole thing. So you have to piece things together. So far it’s pretty great.

Check it out!

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This week the fellas join up with former world number one tennis player and US Open champion Andy Roddick to discuss his legendary career and the transition into fatherhood. Jon is very excited!

Roddick reflects on holding the world’s fastest serve record, his humorous rivalry with Roger Federer, and the "light" feeling of retiring at age 30. He shares candid stories from the "School of Earth," including traveling the world alone at age twelve and why he believes parents must let their children fall sometimes to build resilience.

Roddick offers profound wisdom for sports parents, emphasizing the need to "control the controllables" and sharing Andre Agassi's advice on simplifying the path to excellence. From hosting Saturday Night Live to being the "third best player" on his high school team, Roddick brings his signature wit to a conversation about discipline, legacy, and the "white-knuckling" reality of parenting.

Visit Andy Roddick: https://www.youtube.com/@ServedPodcast

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I’m 10 pages into this book and it’s SO good. It’s a bit dated in its writing style, but the content is SO good.

It’s made me realize how little I hear “contentment” talked about in Christendom. I’ve been hugely convicted.

Go check it out!!

My pick this week is the January 14th episode of NPR’s Tiny Desk series. I LOOOOOVE the Tiny Desk series. They have had some of the best musicians in the world in their offices to perform and, in my opinion, I think this series gets the best version of these artists.

This particular episode features kids who are absolutely insane talents. It’s on the classical side of music which may not interest everyone but I urge you to check it out. If nothing else at least check out the middle performer, Alex Zhou who is absolutely ridiculous.

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The fellas talk to Jamie Winship, a former DC police officer and federal agent turned global peacemaker. Winship shares "absolutely bananas" stories, including the time he felt a divine prompt to "de-arrest" a suspect who committed two felonies, leading to a year-long partnership and a miraculous outcome for the man’s family.

Then, they explore the Identity Method, which teaches listeners how to distinguish God’s voice from the "radio static" of internal accusations. Winship explains that your true identity is a gift to the world and an "inexhaustible energy source" that remains intact even when professional roles fail. From practical steps for confession and repentance to a preview of his new book, The War of Worldviews, this episode challenges parents to stop "future-tripping" and lead their families with fearless joy.

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OF COURSE it has to be this!

NEW MCCARTNEY RECORD COMING!!

Last night, Amy and I went to dinner with the Pastor of Dadville, Mr. Elliott Cherry and his lovely wife, Britta. At dinner, they told us about this episode (or episodes I should say) of Malcom Gladwell’s Revisionist History podcast on the movie Zootopia 2. We saw Zootopia 1 and loved it. I haven’t seen Zootopia 2 but after listening to these episodes I think I can confidently say that I have never been more excited to see a movie in my life.

I don’t want to spoil anything here but I’m just gonna say - go see Zootopia 2 and listen to these 2 episodes of Revisionist History. I don’t even know if it matters what order you do those things in. It involves IP, a 7 year lawsuit with Disney and a mysterious benevolent message that the movie is explicitly making.

It’s so good. Hope you enjoy it!

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Whether you are currently on spring break or just trying not to be "spring broke," the struggle of dad guilt is a universal experience. The fellas dive into the work-versus-presence conundrum, exploring how early "husband guilt" evolves into a paternal fear of missing out on key milestones.

Then, they get honest about the triggers of feeling like a "warm body" while zoning out on soccer scores and the "comparison trap" sparked by other dads’ elaborate chore charts or "Spanish Wednesdays". From using a "brick" to battle phone distraction to the realization that most parenting is "caught, not taught," this conversation offers much-needed grace.

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The Barnes fam headed to London and Paris this week for spring break and were lucky enough to go to an Arsenal game - and not just any Arsenal game - but maybe one of the better games ever at the Emirates.

Not only did we win by scoring in the last few seconds, but the second goal to ice it was scored by Arsenal’s 16-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman, becoming the youngest ever goal scorer in the English Premier League. To say the place - and the Barnes family - went crazy would be an understatement. It’s really quite the experience being in a place like that where EVERYONE is going crazy - it’s a crazy form of euphoria.

Up the Arsenal!

It’s been a pretty wild stretch over here lately—in the best way.

We kicked off the Symphonies Across America tour with Ben Rector in Minneapolis with two sold-out shows, then headed out to Portland to play with the Oregon Symphony, and I just got back from Costa Mesa where we did a couple shows with the Pacific Symphony. And honestly … playing with a full orchestra is one of those experiences that just doesn’t get old. Ben and I keep looking at each other backstage like, “Can you believe we get to do this?”

On top of that, the SCENARIOS shows are coming up in a few weeks, and I’m really excited about these. We’re kicking things off at the legendary Troubadour, which feels pretty surreal. If we’re coming anywhere near you, I’d love to see you there—seriously, come hang.

And one more thing … last week I got to play Carnegie Hall for the first time, honoring one of my all-time heroes, Billy Joel.

No big deal. Totally normal week. Definitely not still thinking about that constantly.

So I guess my “pick” for the week is to play music in front of your musical hero and if you can’t do that then play with an orchestra!

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Matt Maher is bringing more than just hit worship songs. Ever wondered what happens when you walk into a college radio station, pretend to be Dave Barnes, and realize mid-song that your XLR cables aren’t even plugged in? Or how to survive “The Talk” with a 10-year-old using only tacos and a very necessary, panicked swig of Topo Chico?

We’re diving into Matt’s Newfoundland roots—where the ocean is actively trying to kill you—and why he spent seven years as a “professional college student”. From “Star Wars cantina” radio vibes to the “golden carrot” of the music industry, Matt breaks down why restructuring life around family is the real win. Plus, we tackle the baffling physics of girls’ volleyball uniforms and why his daughter is basically a “method actor” for softball. It’s a masterclass in joy, resistance, and the visceral terror of letting go of your kid’s bike for the first time.

Catch up with Matt: https://mattmahermusic.com/

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Ok, my pick is coming from out of NOWHERE this week, but it’s …

Spiderman: No Way Home

Yep. You read that right.

I was on the plane today and watched it again and it’s up there as one of my favorite superhero movies. It’s so so good and so clever and funny. I want to say why, but for those who haven’t seen it, it would really mess up the whole thing.

Suffice to say, to me - at the risk of being cheesy - it’s really funny and really genuine. SO - if you’re if need of a really fun superhero movie, I highly suggest this one.

My pick this week is Billy Joel.

He’s pretty great.

I can remember the spot I was standing in when I was a little kid and saw/heard Billy Joel for the first time. I was transfixed.

In 2014, after loving and covering Billy’s music for years and years, he asked me to play some shows with him. It was a dream come true. He was kind and awesome. They say never meet your hero’s. But I don’t say that.

Then last night I was honored to be a part of a night honoring Billy Joel at Carnegie Hall. It was just absolutely a blast and I’m still a-buzz from it!

Here’s a pic my friend took at the end of my song (Billy’s song “everybody loves you now” - the house band was Billy’s band!)

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In this episode, the fellas sit down with Stephen Kellogg—singer, songwriter, author, and "professional road dog." He joins the show from a waterless hotel in Indianapolis with a "lumberjack" vibe and a "hot word shower" of career reflections and parenting wisdom.

As he approaches his milestone 3,000th show, Stephen reflects on a 28-year career built on connection and relentless hard work. The heart of the conversation explores the "clunky" but beautiful journey of raising four daughters, from navigating their unique personalities to learning that every child requires a tailored version of their father.

Visit Stephen: https://www.stephenkellogg.com

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The fam and I are about to do some traveling, and I wanted a phone charger for traveling and this thing is a DOOZY - gives you three charges for a phone, has two cords for charging, charges a Apple Watch and has double fast charging. Is that a thing? Well, it charges twice as fast. So. It’s really something.

This week is a bit of a whirlwind as the Symphonies Across America tour with my bearded friend Ben Rector kicked off last weekend. So, I’m taking Dave up on his challenge to me to just post whatever my last Amazon purchase was. No matter what the purchase was I have to post it.

So here goes....enjoy!

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at ⁠⁠http://betterhelp.com/dadville⁠

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