In this episode of The Anthony Thomas Podcast, we dive deep into breathwork, personal growth, and living with purpose with Jon Paul Crimi. 🌬️💪❤️

Jon Paul Crimi:

Breathewithjp.com

Anthony's Watchband Story Recap

From mastering breathwork and earning a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu to navigating life’s highs and lows, Jon Paul shares how combining discipline, vulnerability, and everyday experiences can transform your mind and body. We cover everything from virtual classes and simplifying breathwork for everyone, to using it for grief, trauma, and self-discovery.

This episode is packed with real talk on integrity, continuous growth, gratitude, and building a life full of purpose. Tune in for insights on how to work hard on yourself, live with an open heart, and truly appreciate every moment.

0:00 - Intro

0:29 - Breathwork: Mastery and Challenges

1:30 - Integrity in Business

2:07 - Celebrating Milestones

4:15 - Journey to Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu

5:09 - Unique Breathwork Experience

6:05 - Disclaimer for Smartwatches During Breathwork

6:42 - Breathwork as a Black Belt Experience

7:22 - Combining Life Experiences into Breathwork

8:19 - Repackaging Breathwork for the Masses

11:06 - Vulnerability in Breathwork Classes

12:38 - Impact of Virtual Breathwork Sessions

13:59 - Differentiating from Woo-Woo Practices

15:04 - Real Talk in Breathwork

16:18 - Guiding Others Through Personal Experience

18:09 - Life Journey from Boston to Oregon

19:11 - Authenticity in Breathwork Approach

21:17 - Bridging Woo-Woo and Everyday Life

22:15 - Simplifying Breathwork for Everyone

23:23 - Purpose and Fulfillment in Breathwork

24:24 - The Value of Paid Classes

34:24 - Seeking Scientific Explanations

37:52 - The Science Behind Breathwork's Impact

39:05 - The Importance of an Open Mind

44:09 - The Journey to Personal Growth

47:23 - The Journey in Jiu-Jitsu

51:21 - The Yin and Yang of Life

54:28 - Owning and Letting Go of Your Story

1:00:06 - Dealing with Trauma in Everyday Life

1:01:31 - Breathwork for Grieving

1:02:25 - Personal Experiences with Grief

1:03:43 - Gratitude for Shared Moments

1:05:44 - The Impact of Breathwork on Life

1:07:12 - Sharing Life with Loved Ones

1:11:48 - The Power of Gratitude

1:15:28 - The Reminder of Mortality

1:16:53 - Working Hard on Yourself

1:17:55 - Learning to Love Yourself

In this episode I sit down with Matt Lindsey for a raw conversation on fatherhood, faith, and redefining masculinity.

Links:
Matt's Website

Anthony's Golf Group

I share how becoming a dad helped me drop the armor—becoming more emotionally open while stepping into leadership with greater strength and clarity. We talk about trauma from Matt’s nonprofit work in Ciudad Juárez, rebuilding faith after burnout and PTSD, and why solitude, mentorship, and marriage have shaped this “summer season” of Matt's purpose at 47.

This episode is about alignment—doing the inner work so you can rise into who you were created to be.

Tune in for an honest conversation on resilience, growth, and building a life that actually matters.

00:00 - Intro

02:11 - Dropping the Armor: Why Openness Can Look Stronger

04:12 - Quick Guest Intro

05:21 - Purpose, Business Risk & Faith in This Chapter

09:30 - Bigger Questions, Deeper Faith: What “Belief Without Proof” Means

11:53 - Juárez, Trauma & the Dark Night of Faith

17:36 - Why Going Anywhere Matters

21:19 - How He Got Here

25:37 - The Coach Who Changed Everything: Purpose Work with Jeff Fraser

30:03 - Commitment Over Certainty

33:44 - Marriage as the Biggest Investment

38:41 - Using Humor After Conflict

42:20 - Using Humor to Defuse Arguments

44:11 - Learning Self-Compassion and More Laughter

46:17 - Rules for Playful Banter + The ‘Silly Nickname’ Trick

48:51 - A Self-Love Reframe

53:47 - Guiding People Into Alignment and Calling

57:52 - The Real Inner Question

01:04:02 - Perspective Reset: Losing Everything, Mortality, and What Actually Matters

01:09:31 - Where to Find Matt

01:17:03 - Final Wrap

Today’s episode is an excerpt from a spontaneous IG live session with film maker, Kenny Hamlett. Apologies in advance for the inferior sound quality—I hope it doesn’t take too much focus off the conversation for you. If you’re a creative, or someone who’s simply wanting to learn new skills, you’ll find this episode relatable. We talk about making use of free resources versus paying for professional guidance, how to prioritize goals, seeking mentorship, and continuing to push yourself to “what’s next.”

Please enjoy!

What we discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:48 Use free resources or pay for someone’s expertise?

03:45 Staying in your financial lane

05:50 Warren Buffett’s 5/25 Rule to prioritize goals

06:40 Seek mentorship from someone that you vibe with

08:20 You learn in the process when you’re self-taught

10:18 How Kenny has never received ‘bad advice’

13:08 Protecting your work as if it’s a part of you

16:50 “Put the medal in your drawer; let’s get back to work.”

20:54 Celebrate, but you gotta remind yourself that you ain’t shit

Episode Resources:

• Kenny Hamlett | Instagram |Youtube | Website

I genuinely appreciate your time and support, whether it’s through listening, sharing, leaving an honest review, or donating. A special thanks to my partner in life, Jeannette, my fantastic editor, Phil, today’s guest, Kenny, and of course, YOU—the curious and thorough type that drives growth from an idea and dream into something massive that moves the world. Until next time…

Want to connect further? Follow me on Instagram!

Mentioned in this episode:

Better Dad Bulletin

Join Better Dad bulletin: https://better-dad-bulletin.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Subscribe to the Dynamic Daddy YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DynamicDaddy

In this episode of The podcast, things take an unexpected turn as my toddler crashes the mic for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud conversation. 👶🎙️😂

From gentle parenting to wild tales of trolls, zombies, and superheroes, this episode is pure imagination and innocence. It’s a reminder of why fatherhood is as unpredictable as it is rewarding.

Tune in for a heartwarming, hilarious glimpse into a toddler’s world—and a dad just trying to keep up.

00:00 - Intro

01:10 - Discussing Parenting Roles

02:05 - Silly Conversations and Imagination

03:47 - Halloween Troll and Monster Friends

07:22 - Zombie Talk and Mean Guys

09:56 - Conclusion

🎙️ Podcasting has literally never been easier for me now when I use Riverside.fm and I’ve setup a link for you to use as well if you want to make podcasting, editing, and constantly improving capabilities a part of your media creation. I use it not only to interview guests but I also use Riverside to record solo videos. If you’ve seen any of my videos since around March 2025 onward, you have surely noticed immense quality jump. That’s because of Riverside. Here’s your link:

https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=anthony-thomas

👉 And if you want to rep the mission, check out the Dynamic Daddy Store for gear built for dads who do more than “just show up.”

🛒 Dynamic Daddy Store:

https://dynamicdaddy.printify.me

#podcast #toddler #parenting #dynamicdaddy

Mentioned in this episode:

Better Dad Bulletin

Join Better Dad bulletin: https://better-dad-bulletin.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Subscribe to the Dynamic Daddy YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DynamicDaddy

This week, we’re diving into the calm, cuddly, no-yelling world of gentle parenting—and asking the real question: is it actually doable… or just social media fantasy?

We trace its roots from 1950s attachment theory all the way to your TikTok feed in 2025, where it’s all about empathy over punishment, and connection over correction. Sounds great on paper, right? But in real life—when you’re sleep-deprived, stepping on LEGOs, and your toddler just screamed “NO!” for the 9th time—does it hold up?

We get honest about the gap between theory and lived experience, why gentle parenting might be more of an overcorrection than a solution, and how it impacts emotional intelligence and boundary-setting in kids (and parents, honestly). 💬🧠💥

Not a takedown—just a real convo from the messy middle. We’re open to pushback, personal stories, and different angles. Hit play and let’s talk it out.

00:00 - Intro

00:08 - Origins and Evolution of Gentle Parenting

03:03 - The Theory vs. Reality of Gentle Parenting

04:27 - Critique of Gentle Parenting

07:23 - Emotional Intelligence and Parenting

12:04 - Setting Boundaries and Escalation of Force

18:25 - Personal Parenting Philosophy

21:38 - Invitation for Discussion

🎙️ Podcasting has literally never been easier for me now the I use Riverside.fm and I’ve setup a link for you to use as well if you want to make podcasting, editing, and constantly improving capabilities a part of your media creation. I use it not only to interview guests but I also use Riverside to record solo videos. If you’ve seen any of my videos since around March 2025 onward, you have surely noticed immense quality jump. That’s because of Riverside. Here’s your link:

https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=anthony-thomas

👉 And if you want to rep the mission, check out the Dynamic Daddy Store for gear built for dads who do more than “just show up.”

🛒 Dynamic Daddy Store:

https://dynamicdaddy.printify.me

#DynamicDaddy #Podcast14 #GentleParenting #ModernFatherhood #ParentingUnfiltered #RealTalkDad

Mentioned in this episode:

Better Dad Bulletin

Join Better Dad bulletin: https://better-dad-bulletin.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Subscribe to the Dynamic Daddy YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DynamicDaddy

In this fun episode, we welcome my longtime friend and former model Michael Petanaude to my podcast. We discuss the transition from modeling to working behind the camera in production, favorite places to spend money, memorable first dates, and the journey of finding one's passion. Michael shares insights on his new career path in production, addresses his…”questionable” spending habits, and talks about familial relationships and communication.

The episode is a blend of professional growth, personal anecdotes, and humorous stories about life in the world of modeling and beyond.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:28 Meet the Guest: Michael Patenaude

02:04 Transition from Modeling to Production

06:16 Spending Habits and First Date Stories

18:28 Work-Life Balance and Hobbies

25:46 Dating Advice and Relationship Goals

38:27 Deep Dive into Ruby Ridge and Waco

42:33 Ruby Ridge Reflections

43:37 Cold War Spy Stories

45:19 Movie and TV Recommendations

46:37 Military Influence and Personal History

50:33 Journey into Production

58:41 Commitment and Personal Growth

01:09:32 The Power of Consistency

01:18:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎙️ Podcasting has literally never been easier for me now the I use Riverside.fm and I’ve setup a link for you to use as well if you want to make podcasting, editing, and constantly improving capabilities a part of your media creation. I use it not only to interview guests but I also use Riverside to record solo videos. If you’ve seen any of my videos since around March 2025 onward, you have surely noticed immense quality jump. That’s because of Riverside. Here’s your link:

https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=anthony-thomas

#career #dating #DynamicDaddy #AnthonyThomasPodcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Better Dad Bulletin

Join Better Dad bulletin: https://better-dad-bulletin.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Subscribe to the Dynamic Daddy YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DynamicDaddy

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Crary, co-owner of Photon Studio, for a spontaneous podcast where they discuss the importance of knowing your 'why,' the phases of learning, earning, and returning in life, and the values that guide their entrepreneurial journeys. Chris shares his personal experiences from homeschooling, using the Montessori method, to establishing a production studio and podcast space at Photon Studio in Portland. The conversation delves into work-life harmony, the value of mentorship, and how to balance differing opinions in today's divisive climate. Tune in to gain insights on balancing professional success with family commitments and personal well-being.

Photon:

https://photon.studio

00:00 Introduction: Know Your Why

00:41 Meet the Host: Anthony Thomas

01:33 Guest Introduction: Chris Crary

02:07 Chris Crary's Background and Career

03:20 Photon Studio and Podcasting

06:25 The Importance of Mentorship

27:01 Homeschooling and Education Views

30:17 Homeschooling Benefits and Financial Education

30:55 Critique of the Public School System

32:06 The Flaws of 'No Child Left Behind'

33:19 Daily School Routine and Time Management

34:41 Balancing Homeschooling and Family Life

36:17 Challenges and Trade-offs of Homeschooling

37:58 Parenting Strategies and Child Development

45:36 Montessori and Alternative Education Methods

47:45 Philosophical Insights and Influences

55:08 Balancing Different Perspectives in Relationships

57:29 Navigating Political Differences in Friendships

58:05 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Disagreements

59:24 Impact of Social Movements on Personal Relationships

01:05:02 Balancing Work, Life, and Social Responsibilities

01:06:52 The Importance of Grace and Understanding

01:13:18 Protesting and Making a Real Impact

01:18:05 Parenting and Leading by Example

01:20:54 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

🎙️ Podcasting has literally never been easier for me now the I use Riverside.fm and I’ve setup a link for you to use as well if you want to make podcasting, editing, and constantly improving capabilities a part of your media creation. I use it not only to interview guests but I also use Riverside to record solo videos. If you’ve seen any of my videos since around March 2025 onward, you have surely noticed immense quality jump. That’s because of Riverside. Here’s your link:

https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=anthony-thomas

#fatherhood #parenting #DynamicDaddy #AnthonyThomasPodcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Better Dad Bulletin

If our intentions are good, why do we find ourselves in conflict?

How can I know that what I am doing is the right thing?

In this episode, we explore how perspective really does matter and our assumptions, and intentions can only take us so far.

Mentioned in this episode:

Better Dad Bulletin