Episode 530

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Published on:

30th Sep 2025

Ep. 530 Tim Campbell: Raising Gifted and Disabled Children — A Father’s Honest Reflection

In this powerful conversation, Ned chats with Tim Campbell, an 82-year-old father with decades of hard-earned wisdom to share. As a husband of 50 years, Peace Corps veteran, and author of "Holding Up the Sky," Tim opens up about the challenges and triumphs of raising three children—including two with serious health challenges. This isn't just theory; it's battlefield-tested fatherhood advice from a man who's lived it. Tim introduces concepts like the "phantom captain" and reframes discipline as building trust rather than punishment. His stories will resonate with dads in the trenches of parenting, offering practical insights on embracing selflessness, developing resilience, and committing to the long game of fatherhood. Both vulnerable and encouraging, this episode reminds fathers that your daily investments—even when unseen or unappreciated—are creating a legacy that will shape generations long after you're gone.

Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 Introduction - The Journey of Fatherhood
  • 00:01:47 Tim at 82: Wisdom That Transcends Age
  • 00:03:03 Passing Down Fatherhood Lessons Between Generations
  • 00:04:45 Marriage as the Foundation: 50 Years of Partnership
  • 00:06:15 Supporting Your Spouse Through Family Crises
  • 00:08:19 How Challenges Can Strengthen Your Marriage
  • 00:12:41 Raising Children with Different Needs and Challenges
  • 00:27:05 Developing the Heart of a Father: Leading with Love
  • 00:39:36 How Our Fathers Shape Our Parenting Approach
  • 00:44:55 Building Your Legacy as a Dad

Links and Resources:

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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