I think that when you become a father, I think that you have to basically become more selfless. And has to be more about others than it does you. Welcome to the art of Father. A podcast that takes you on the journey of father. Now here's your host are eddie. This week's art Father podcast is being sponsored by Ken. Worried about what's lurking in your child's roblox games, Kin joe's got your back.
Say goodbye to the guest work and then say hello to a safer way to play while your kids are still having fun while learning. Ken can stop your kids from exploring roadblocks, but They can reward them from making smart choices and keep you in the loop, created by a team of educators, designers, engineers, kids, and parents, Kin joe's mission is to bring learning magic to children through the activities they love the most. Starting with the world's most popular gaming platforms, their vision is to
make learning fun for the whole family. Plus, your kids can still earn rewards while they play. They can earn Kin coins, which can be redeemed for real world rewards like V bucks or mind coins. Kin is like a magical guide for your Children's roblox world. It transforms their gaming time with a super supercharged learning experience while helping them choose the safest and best games. With Kin, your kids will be building brain power and you'll get time to relax.
Well, just for a little bit. Ken plus is your secret weapon for ensuring that your kids roblox time is educational and safe without you having to become a gaming detective or a helicopter parent. As we're in this digital age, as parents, we wanna make sure that our kids can learn through technology, but also wanna safeguard them from the dangers around them that come from these platforms. So to learn more, make sure you go to the website at ken dot com That's KINJ0
dot com, ken dot com. Use the code father hood 10, and that code will give you 10 percent off a monthly or annual Kin plus subscription that's father 10 to receive 10 percent off a monthly or annual Ken plus subscription. What's going on everybody already already here for another addition of the Art Father had podcast. I'm really Lucky fortunate to have some time with this very, very busy guy, none other than Espn Adam Chef. Thanks for taking the time to chat me, sir. How you doing?
Hello. There Art. How are you doing? Doing really well, man. You definitely have a a unique father story, and I'm very glad that you're were able to share with my audience. When you were holding your daughter for the first time, was going through months sir. That's never been the first question in an interview before, and I appreciate the question and obviously, the details that day were pretty vivid. Actually, to be perfectly frank. I don't think I held her right away because she was born.
We went out and were celebrating in filling and family, and the next man I knew is I was told that she was in the Nicu because, basically, my wife is type 1 diabetic, and my daughter was born at 11 pounds, 10 ounces, 11:10. And so she was john just. She was our sugars were a little bit out of whack. And so she spent about a week in Nikki when she's was born. So It was, like, you come back and, like, Yeah, your daughter's in the na intensive care unit. You're like, what
what way way away with? Like, and all of a sudden, it's real. So it wasn't like, We had this moment where she's born, the hand, a hug, and and you go take her home like that. It was not like that, not for me. So when you asked about the first time that I held her, III don't think of that.
I think of the fact that the first time you hear how she's doing, you hear that basically she's not doing great and that she's in the Nicu unit, and that was obviously something that was certainly very problematic. Yeah, man. And again, thank you very much for sharing that. I know dads and moms listen to this. Have probably experienced something similar along those lines. You definitely have a unique father Joy not just from that, but also to the book that you wrote, the man
never met a memoir. You married Sherry, who lost, her first husband during 09:11. Highly suggest people to pick up the book that haven't checked out yet. Can you talk about how you bonded with, your steps on Devon over the years? You know, I think parenting is hard. No matter who it is. And I think it becomes even more challenging when you're the step adding, you're not the biological father. And I also think it was hard that my wife has always had such high
expectations. And I always feel like I've been a good dad, but it it always was a struggle to get it done. It she always had very high expectations, Very high expectations. And so it was not a simple thing for me. Like, if I was a really good dad. It probably wasn't enough because she had a certain idea of how her first husband would have raised his son. So it creates a whole new set of issues that makes, I think parenting and father even more challenging than it ordinarily would be.
Like I said, are think parenting is hard. I think it has another set of challenges when you're the step at. Although, I really never consider myself to step add because with all the respect, Joel tragically lost his life, and it wasn't like it was a divorce and both parents still in the picture. Unfortunately, he was not here. You know, we wish he were, but he wasn't. Yeah. And so
it it... It's a different set of circumstances, different challenge But I think that, you know, she always wanted the best and she felt like Devon was cheated of his biological father, and so she wanted things for him to be exceptional. And because of that, you know, I think she wanted as, you know, so much for me as much as I could give in, And I've
always tried to do my best... And I think my relationship with Devin over the years is evolved to where some of the discipline and advice and counsel that Tried to instill in him work ethic. I don't think he liked that right away. Gotcha and I think now, now that he's 24, I think he looks at it in a different light and is appreciative of it now. But not not as much then. And and she didn't like, like, why are you telling him we can only get 1 toy in the toy store. Why can't he get whatever
you? No. That, you know, that I don't agree with that. I don't think that's how it should be. Well, you know, he's my baby, and I want him to be happy. Yeah. Well, again, we can disagree on that. You know? Yeah. But it there were challenges like that all along, and it was not simple It was, you know, re outlined some of that in the book too, but that's always the way it's been. But to bring it back to modern day, I...
Devin and I now have a great relationship, You know, I'm proud of the man that he's become, the young man that he's become, and he's on a great path. To great success, and it gives us both great pride to see where he's at right now. Love, man. You know, talk a little bit, you know you mentioned the things you're looking to in sell to your kids. People know you are man. Hard work is 1 of your staples. Talk about some of the values you're looking to instill into them
as they're grown up. Well, you know, my my daughter... I had my daughter with me this morning. They were having an Adam shift day in Nassau County. And I brought her with me to meet the county commissioner and the judges and all these people not that she wanted to or aspire, but I drew I always think it's a good idea to expose her to as many successful people as possible, people who, shine to field people are examples in society.
And so she said in that meeting to the county to commissioner, Bruce Blake, she said my dad. I always told me every day and the way to school treat people the way you wanna be treated, which I always did. And I I was happy to see that she remembered that. And I've always talked to her and preached her about reading, which is a struggle because she's always on her phone. And today, the judges and account commissioner we're talking to about the importance. I'm like, I didn't tell him to say
that. See that. So you know, just little things like that. You know, you want your kids to work hard, be honorable, treat people. Right? Same kind of things that I think parents preached all their kids. No, doubt. 2 more question before we get into your great career. Let's talk a little bit about something that your kids have taught to you about yourself are about life that maybe you didn't know was there until he became a dad.
Well, III think that when you become a father, I think that you have to basically become more selfless, and has to be more about others than it does you. And, you know, I live my life as a single guy for a long period of time and only had to worry about me. And now, obviously, I have to you know, III try to put my family and my dogs in front of me. And that... That's the way I I think it should be. Yeah. And so you... I think you learned... That...
That's 1 of the biggest things you learn as you learn to put others in front of you, which which which, again, I think it's an adjustment sometimes for people? Nice, man. Dad hacker piece of advice you have for new dads, What would it be? Let's see what would that be? That advice. Again, I it it's it's a new language. It's a new job. It's a new challenge. The it... It's not all easy. There's learning curves, there's things you have to do and learn along the way.
Try to learn from that like a job. Like like, starting a new job. Right? Like, you you take over. It's like a new language, new skills, new people around you, new demands, becoming a father or becoming a mother becoming a parent is a new job. It's it's really not different. And sometimes it takes some patience to understand that and you know, some understanding some things like that. But It does take time to learn the language, but being a dad and doing that job.
No, doubt. And speaking of jobs, man, like Espn, you, I know that you were, rider also for different papers and outlets and covered in different stations and stuff, But there's no off season in the Nfl just because of the big business that it is. And I I know you said, like, when we were recording right now. You're like, breaking news. How do you what? There's never a downside. Right? Just like, there's never a downside for you. No. No. But, you know, that... That's
what it is. And again, you know, like, look, May and June in my world, and the first of July are quieter, then the rest of the in football football, it's as bad as wise as gets. But what I've noticed is recently, like, especially this all season. It's just gonna be busy. Like, today, you know, I was at these government offices, meeting with people. Last week, I was in Washington meeting with Congressman about raising awareness for type 1 diabetes.
That was, like, 2 full days. Monday. I was at in in New York City, moderating a panel discussion about type 1 diabetes Brooks shields and her daughter Rowan, and it was type 1 that are in a new film to teach people about what it's like to be type 1 diabetic. Again, my wife is, so that was a full day in your... And and so what I've learned is that it's just life is just busy, but it's busy for everybody. Not
just me. Everybody's busy. But the, you know, the issue is that, you know, my life is supposed to be a little quieter at this time of the year. And it's just not. And frankly, like every now and then, know you wanna do things with your family or see friends like, my high school friends are always asking to get together. And I and I don't do that. And so this week, I played golf 1 day later in the afternoon with them. Like, I most people
can do that regularly. I can't. You know, like, no. I can do this in marriage, but I can only do it in this day. I don't wanna this window. Like... So it's just... Life is just busy. But everybody's life is busy. I'm not any different than anybody else. And that's why I really appreciate you doing this interview because I know how freaking busy you are. Talk little about something you would... You would... If you go back in time, tell your younger self getting
into this business. What is, like, 1, like, piece of advice you'd be like, hey. This is like, this is a foundation for you to, like, excel this career. Well, again, they were asking me that question today. You know, career advice, and I think the world has changed so much auction. So... But I do think that the principles are the same. Right? It's hard work. It's treating people right. It's building relationships. It's doing right by people. I I think all those things are all
true to this day. And so I don't think that changes no matter how different the world is, and and that's kinda where we're at right now with things, you know, advice I give to people. It I really wouldn't be any different than I told these individuals today, like, you know, getting in the door of of a of an industry you wanna be in, of an organization you wanna work for, getting the door, find your way in. And then once you're there and make yourself indispensable. Like that's up
to you. And that takes a lot of sacrificing and commitment that may mean working holidays that may mean working weekends, that may mean working times when your friends are at parties that may mean doing things that are aren't uncomfortable that may mean things that, again, you're not really thrilled about, but that that's what it takes like to to try to get ahead in anybody's profession proficient. And if you want to do that, then you give
yourself a chance. 2 more questions before I finish off with the follow quick 5, for you. What is 1 of the most... Not... Not strange or weird, but like, the most uncommon, like, trade or news like that you cut that you broke you're like, I don't, is this for real? Like you're had a double tag a couple of times to make sure like, yeah. This is legit. Have you... I mean, I but I you come up across with so much news and information daily. Yeah. Because there 1 that, like, just, like, is this real?
Well, honestly, I I think the nature of the National football is such that a lot of times are like, what, you know, can this be like... There there there are a lot of stories like that. So it it... It's not like I just think of, you know, 1 particular story. You know, that's what's it's about, like, things that are interesting, Things that are news, things that are unexpected. And that it happens on a fairly
regular basis. So, there's nothing that jumps to my mine art that I think of and say, this is something that stands out, but it's just kind of a regular kind of thing to me to me. And then for you, like, are you... Is there ever, like, a super week, the week that you feel like you can enjoy the game most and No. No. No. No No. Oh, 0, Hold on. No. Now we really got breaking you. Hold on 1 second. Hold on. And or. There's a perfect example. We're taping this June twentieth. It's a
quiet day. And all that happened in the last 5 minutes is that the lakers higher jj and the patriot patriots signed Rem Stevenson into a 4 year 36000000 dollars extension. Other than that, it's been a quiet day so far, And I gotta get... Get ready for an Nfl live year shortly. So, you know, with that, I think, is the only person in the business that can, like, understand what you go through is aging Ward. Is that the only person?
No. There, you know, there's there's a lot of people that do this, but W is such a good friend of mine and so trusted and so good at what he does that I have great respect for him, and and I I love him. You know, III think that there's a lot of people do we. But but we understand our lives working in the place we do with the scrutiny that that comes with the jobs. I, you know, he understands my life and I understand his life as well as anybody
out there. Yeah. No doubt, ma'am. Alright. Well we'll get you out here on this 1 Father a quick 5. Favorite family movie in the shelter household, my wife loves watching, you know, the holiday and anything, like all, the period movies, you know, Yeah. The classics, is their favorite move. I don't know that we have a favorite family movie? Like, it's hard to get our whole family together to sit down to watch a movie. So I I don't know that it happens that way...
Okay. Favorite band musician or artist you can wait to just your kids too. How about Taylor Swift that to my daughter or Taylor swift show last year and we had an unbelievable time together. That was that was that was memorable and, had a great time with her and that that was awesome. Wife came daughter came and we we had we had... She's incredible performer. I mean, she's she's off the charts. She's she's really, really
good. If you could stop time just for a week for you and your family to enjoy vacation, describe the perfect family vacation, where would it be? You know, we so rarely do that because of our lives, my job. We have 5 dogs at home, A few of the dogs are sick. Oh, wow. You know? So so we don't like to leave the dogs. It's just not something that you know, is in the cards? Relevant of internal life. Yeah? No. Your fan of the Nba. Favorite Nba player of all time is who Well, I I grew up a big king
fan back in the day. Obviously, huge respect for Magic Johnson Larry Bird. Yeah. Michael Jordan, those guys and and my favorite player today would be whoever's is on my fantasy basketball team in the nfl. Like, I root for those guys like you have no idea. Nice. And lastly, child 3 words, you hope your kids would use to describe you as a dad, what would you want them to be? An example. Nice. Reliable trustworthy worthy.
Nice. Great 3 words right there. People check out his podcast, The Adam chef Podcast edition all of him. I've not doing this so already on Instagram and Twitter Adam Sc, wish you and your family continued success. And again, I know how busy you are. Thanks for the time, sir. Or, thank you for your time. Apologize for the interruptions and thank you for your patience. My pleasure. Why I give a big thanks to this week's art childhood podcast sponsor Ken. If your
kids are into online gaming especially roblox. This app is for you, make sure you check them out over at ken dot com. That's KINJ0 dot com. They got you back when it comes to your kids 1 play online and you want them to be safe. Go to ken dot com. And while you're on the Internet, make sure you go to the art father hood website over at auto father dot
net. You can check out podcast podcasts, game reviews, Articles on father, giveaways as well, and please support the art of father at podcast by rating, subscribing and reviewing wherever you get your podcast. I greatly appreciate it because that definitely spreads the word about this podcast in this parenting platform. So thank you very much. Always appreciate the support here at Art Father. Thanks for listening to the Art father podcast.
Leave a review wherever you listen to podcast and go to art of father hood dot net.