In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, we sit down with Ryan Miller—a man whose joyful demeanor belies a journey through significant trials and transformation. Ryan opens up about his 24-year marriage, raising two daughters, and how embracing suffering has shaped him into the father and husband he is today. He shares vulnerable stories about his own mistakes, including a near-infidelity experience, surviving the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, and how these moments became catalysts for growth rather than destruction. Ryan discusses the importance of physical and spiritual health, intentional presence with our children, and how fathers can balance ambition with family priorities. He offers practical wisdom on passing faith to our children and extending fatherly influence beyond biological connections. This conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to embrace both strength and vulnerability in your fatherhood journey.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction and first impressions
00:01:06 - Finding joy through suffering and Ryan's transformative experiences
00:05:30 - Discussing suffering with children and embracing life's challenges
00:09:09 - Ryan's background and focus on health
00:11:19 - Life in California and creating family memories
00:13:00 - Building relationships with daughters and potential sons-in-law
00:22:38 - Ryan's central message to men about purpose and responsibility
00:25:01 - Men of Greatness Brotherhood community and resources
00:26:43 - Understanding discipline as alignment rather than control
00:29:18 - Discussing God's purpose versus individual choices
00:35:52 - Balancing career aspirations with family priorities
00:40:17 - Rebelling against the idea that vulnerability is weakness
00:45:45 - The father's role as provider and protector
00:48:10 - Passing faith to children through modeling and conversation
00:56:53 - Envisioning the future as a grandfather
Links and Resources
Ryan's Community: Skool.com/men-of-greatness
Ryan on YouTube: YouTube.com/RyanJamesMiller
Ryan's Website: RyanJamesMiller.com
Wounds: How Hurt, Heartache, and Tragedy Become the Keys to Unlocking Greatness:
