Which leads me to the other half of the show: discussing Tommy Jordan’s tirade against his own daughter that lead to him shooting her laptop with his 45 handgun. Was he right? Was he wrong? What did he miss in this opportunity that was handed to him? Was his daughter just trying to reach out for help? It’s all discussed on this episode of Dads Unplugged.

Ultimately this lead to the discussion of Tommy Jordan’s video in response to his daughter’s very mean Facebook post. He shot her laptop 7 times. His reaction has been praised and lauded all over the country but from our small broadcast booth, I felt it wasn’t our job to judge him, too much, but it was our job to ask whether or not he is willing to take responsibility for putting himself in this position with his daughter. Too many parents don’t want the blame, they only want the accolades. Why? We discuss.

Are you a giver? Or, are you an OVER giver? Do you give too much and forget to keep some for yourself? Cathy and Todd discuss Cathy’s latest blog about giving, resentment, the need for self care, and somehow they end up talking about Twilight (Edward can be worked into any conversation…)

I could see it all so clearly. My mom was in the kitchen preparing dinner. I was over in the corner of the living room banging hard on the piano because I hated the song I was told to practice and I didn’t want to do it anymore. I was yelling at my mom and getting angrier by the second. My mom was getting upset as well, and when she would, she went to that “sweet” voice that pissed me off even more. I recall this day so vividly because it was that day I gave up on playing the piano. Do I regret it as my parents have so often said I would? No. Do I wish I knew how to play the piano better? Maybe…ok yes, but that’s not the point. I can play it. I know notes. I can assist my child if they need it, though he never likes it when I do.

Back to 2012, as I sat there and watched my son get so frustrated all I could do was laugh at myself. What an ass I must have looked like throwing a tantrum over practicing my piano. I also laughed at my wife and I as parents, thinking it was so crucial to practice the piano over and over. Why must we as parents be so adamant about practicing? Did our son sign up for piano? Or did we sign him up because we thought it was a good idea? Well, he actually brought it up first but still, will it make a huge difference in his life if he continues to play the piano? No. It will teach him that if he throws big enough tantrums he can get out of anything. That’s what I learned as a kid. I just want to tell him that if he wants to get good at something, it takes practice. If he doesn’t to be good at something, then he can choose not to do it. Then I will play some Billy Joel and Elton John while cooking dinner.

How can posting on Facebook enhance ticks or Tourette’s Syndrome ? Some Doctor’s in upstate New York are proclaiming their research shows kids are having more issues.

As for wanting Social Media connection more than sexual connection? That’s can’t be true, but again research says it is. Todd and Kent debate that.

Regarding the kid from Philomath, it wasn’t time to stand on the soapbox, it was time for something else. Find out exactly how Todd reacted in this episode.

They also rehash a Valentine’s Day without chocolate, Roses or sex. Then why was it such a great night? Something magical did happen.

On today’s show Todd talks about how love is an ACTION. It may start as a feeling, but then love becomes a VERB. Are you “loving” the ones you love? Are you truly demonstrating how you feel? Instead of focusing on the gifts today, share your love through long hugs, listening, smiling, and holding hands. Allow the ones that matter most to FEEL your love…now that’s a gift! Happy Valentine’s Day

The Co-Founders of Mother Earth School, Kelly Hogan and April Blair joined Todd to talk about what everyone has been linking to on Facebook. Kids don’t need longer hours in the classroom. They need their classrooms to be outdoors. There is scientific evidence now backing these theories. These two women don’t need those theories though they admit they help. They see children flourish right in front of their eyes everyday in the middle of a huge forest within minutes of downtown Portland.

Whether it’s Movement Based Education, (not being stuck behind a desk), Preventative Discipline (not being stuck behind a desk) or Alternative Education (get out from being behind the desk!), something needs to change and these women are doing it.

Interested? Tired of seeing your kid only enjoy recess at school or struggle to get out the door in the morning? Give a listen. Get involved. Something different is happening here and these women tell you all why.

Todd and Cathy discuss the book Bringing up Bebe: One Mother Discusses the Wisdom of French Parenting and why the author believes American parents “overparent”.  They also discuss Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog about finding your magic and seeing and validating your child’s magic.

This is a stream of consciousness speech that I just wrote. I have been a coach but usually I use a softer approach because I am dealing with teenagers and dealing with young kids. But this tie I am dealing with lethargic Americans who think their stuff don’t stink. I am speaking about America in general. This may not apply to you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it to heart.

“Hey America, it’s halftime. In the first half, you started the game strong, with that great 100 return on the opening kickoff for a touchdown, but then you started to think the game was going to be easy. You got lazy. You haven’t scored since. You stopped tackling with any sense of passion. You started going for the highlight reel hit up high and stopped going for the knees and legs. If you are going to stop your opponent, then get back to basics. Tackle like I taught you.  Right now, we are getting our asses kicked. They scored every time they touched the ball. We are down 6 touchdowns and you are embarrassing yourself out there. Why don’t you just go get in your cars and go home. Why even show up? Seriously, why? You think are better than that? Personally, I think you are. I think you have it somewhere inside of you to stand up to this challenge and play the game with some passion.  But can you? Will you? It’s up to you. If you don’t start playing with some smarts and pull your heads out, you are going to go back out there and be made to look like a bunch of pansies. The Indianapolis Colts could beat you the way you are playing right now. It’s not up to me any more. It’s up to you. You need to look deep down inside yourselves and figure out what you want. Only then can we as a country get out from this hole. Stop relying on the guy next to you to get the job done. If each of you put forth 100%, if all of you put forth that effort, then and only then  can we take back the lead and run away with this and be crowned Champions. Can you do it? I said, can you do it?… Let’s go!