Episode 521

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Published on:

19th Aug 2025

Ep. 521 Mike McCarthy: Raising Capable Adults: Flint, Kindling, and Legacy Parenting

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, entrepreneur and father Mike McCarthy returns to Fatherhood Field Notes to explore the deeper mission of raising strong, capable young adults. Drawing from his lived experience as a second-generation entrepreneur and co-founder of GoBundance, Mike shares why passing down more than just financial wealth matters. He dives into the importance of instilling core values, cultivating strong moral character, and transferring all forms of capital—intellectual, relational, spiritual, and cultural—across generations. You’ll hear why he believes in giving kids “flint and kindling, not the fire,” and how intentional family rhythms, estate planning, and meaningful connection prepare children to earn their legacy rather than inherit it by default. With raw insight into parenting teens, nurturing family culture, and building trust through connection over correction, this episode is a must-listen for any father committed to long-term impact and generational success.

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About the Podcast

Fatherhood Field Notes
Fatherhood Field Notes is where we hear real stories from real men living real lives every week. Fatherhood is not only about being a dad, it incorporates providing and serving a home, loving and serving a spouse, engaging and serving in a community, as well as intentionally serving your children. Fatherhood is an adventure, one full of fun, wild, and messy stories. In this podcast, we will hear stories from real men who have found themselves living the Adventure of Fatherhood. The Craft of Fatherhood episodes are 5-10 minute episodes where your guide Ned Schaut shares stories on his own fatherhood journey.

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Hector Santiesteban