Big Dad Energy

#168 –Teaching independent play

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Turns out Joe is just an old man. Jared is adjusting to life with 3 and is having troubles convincing his middle kid to play by himself. Check out ou...

#167 –New lives in 2025

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After 1/3 of a calendar year we are back! Joe and Jared give an update on everything wild and crazy happening in their lives this year. New baby, new ...

#166 –2024 was a hell of a year

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared chat about their year, discuss the holidays, and Jared has some big news Check out our website for merchandise and membership tiers! Big...

#165 –Big Life Changes

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jared's got some old man feelings about Arizona Iced Tea. The kids are still doing kid things. Joe opens up about a major change going on in the Lopez...

#164 –Just 2 dads trying to stay sane

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared catch up on how their busy lives have been. They also chat about the Detroit Lions and the kids new stages. Check out our website for me...

#163 –Busy schedules, Break-ins, and Books

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The guys talk about how much their kids have changed recently. Their crazy schedules. And Jared talks about a scary incident that happened last week. ...

#162 –Feelin that fall energy

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared discuss the weather around here, then chat about everything they're looking forward to doing with the fam this fall Check out our websit...

#161 –We're back! (And a rant on cable)

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After 84 years we're back! We chat about the kids starting school, football, and we both have a real problem with cable. Check out our website for mer...

Feed Drop: Best Song Ever - Dad Rock Summer Ft. Joe

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

FeIn a brand new episode, Kevin is joined by Joe Lopez from the Big Dad Energy Podcast, to discuss 6 brand-new entries to the 2024 Dad Rock Summer pla...

Feed Drop: Best Song Ever - Dad Rock Summer Ft. Jared

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Best Song Ever - Dad Rock Summer | You got Brats; You got Dogs In this summer Minisode, Kevin is joined by Jared Szymanksi from the Big Dad Energy pod...

#160 –Will's goin to daycare!

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jared got carded at a bar. Joe tells a funny Kora story. Jared talks about picking out a daycare for Will. Check out our website for merchandise and m...

#159 –Road Trip!

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jared's back home from his 10 year long road trip! Joe has the vid.... Check out our website for merchandise and membership tiers! Bigdadenergypod.com...

#158 –The (almost) full life story of Jared Szymanski

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After checking in, Joe interviews Jared about everything in his life that has led him to be where he is today Check out our website for merchandise an...

#157 –Feeling some Feelings

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jared was giving a very fun Father's day present. He also wanted to got on here and talk about his mental health and how he has been feeling lately. W...

#156 –Awareness Parenting

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe went on an adventure and Jared learns Ben may be having a 2 year old existential crisis. The guys catch up and talk about teaching our older kids ...

#155 –Patience and the things they don't tell you about parenting

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After a few weeks off we are back and still exhausted! Joe and Jared catch up on the last weeks, commiserate on our kids testing our patience, and tel...

#154 –Big Pukies

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trigger warning: We do discuss vomit starting about halfway through Jared got Joe riled up about Batman and comics right off the bat. The guys chat ab...

#153 –Bluey: The Sign

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry about the audio on this one, Joe recorded from his phone! The guys talk about their week so far. Jared got a dog, Joe went to the NFL Draft, you...

#152 –Empathizing and supporting our parent friends

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The guys hung out this weekend! Jared and Joe get into the little treats they get when they go shopping. They also chat about ways they support and e...

Sorry, no episode this week!

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

No new episode this week! Life got a little busy. BUT we were guests on The Dad Central Show and you should go check out the links to that here! https...

#151 –What's for dinner?

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jared's face is so bald. Joe was really thrown off by that. The guys also discuss life with 3 & 4 year olds and how we settle down from butting he...

#150 –How to potty train Grayson

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jared declares it corned beef season! We went off the rails on this one a bit but hey we had a Guiness ya know? Joe also asks Jared for advice on how ...

#149 –Top 5 saddest Disney/Pixar moments

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared talk about the greatness of Dune Part 2! They also have a quick check in on the kiddos. Then they really start to feel feelings when the...

#148 –Talking twins with Matt & Alisha Baugh!

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a good one today! Matt and Alisha Baugh join us to talk about their life raising their 2 year old twin daughters! Tune in to learn about how...

#147 –Superbowls and Valentines Days

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a shorter one for ya today. The guys talk about the EXCITEMENT of the Superbowl! They also chat about their Valentines days with the familie...

#146 –Connecting with your partner can be tough

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared had to take some time to talk about their feelings with the Lions. The kids are getting older and the little ones are trying to be the b...

#145 –Being cooped up due to snow days

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How about those Lions, huh???? Jared and Joe talk about what it's like being a fan in this moment. The guys talk about the oldest kids fighting bedtim...

#144 –Parenting the second kid

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jared's Lions anxiety is at a all time high and Joe is very excited to watch some football. The guys talk about the differences in raising their secon...

#143 –New year same chaos

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

IT'S 2024 BABY!!! Joe and Jared missed each other very much. The guys talk about sickness, recount their holidays, and the Lions. (Decker reported) Y...

#142 –Chaos of the Holidays

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared's family has the plague again. Joe's had a very busy week. The guys talk about all the chaos surrounding the holidays and how they prep for it. ...

#141 –Thanksgiving and bottle cleaning

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared chat about their Thanksgivings, but Jared won. He got to see the Lions play! The guys also answer a question they got about bottle clean...

#140 –Diaper Rash: A pain in the ass

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Poor Jared just needs some sleep and his kids won't let it happen. Joe's family said goodbye to fall and Halloween very quick. Grayson has a gnarly di...

#139 –Halloween 2023: Hell Freezes Over

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared talk about their wildly busy last 2 weeks. Halloween was this week and it snowed, and Joe was not thrilled. You can find us on Instagram...

#138 –A good ol vent sesh

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared catch up and then end up venting about their kids. Sometimes a good ol vent sesh is called for You can find us on Instagram @Bigdadenerg...

#137 –Kora and The Raven

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a short one for ya! The guys couldn't meet this week, but Joe attempted to sit down and interview Kora! Joe reads The Raven You can find us ...

#136 –A birthday, a vacation, and a dad's frozen panic

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and his family took their first vacation! Jared recaps Will's birthday. Joe talks to Jared about freezing instead of using Dad reflexes. You can ...

#135 –Another 1st birthday!

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will's first birthday is tomorrow! Jared and Katy have been busy getting ready. Jared also has a bone to pick with the internet company. You can find ...

#134 –Labor Day Week: Football & Preschool

09 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two big things started this week, preschool and football! The Lions are here to play and the guys are DRINKING that Kool Aid. The kids had their first...

#133 –The kids are starting preschool!

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared had a very eventful weekend involving a bachelor party and hot wings. Ben and Kora are about to start preschool so the guys look back at...

#132 –Special Days Camp!

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared has finally given in to spooky season. Joe and his family were at their favorite place in the world all last week Special Days Camp, and he tell...

#131 –Transitioning activities is tough

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared and the boys adventured through Traverse City! Joe gave himself a big ol ouchie. The guys talk about transitioning from one activity to the next...

#130 –5 favorite grilled foods!

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Turns out summer continues to be so busy, and hot, and rainy that Jared hasn't grilled much! To help inspire him the guys talk about their 5 favorite ...

#129 –Fore Fathers apparel with founder and CEO Nick Scrivens!

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Scrivens joins us to chat all about his company Fore Fathers! Nick talks about what it's like being a dad and running a business, and what led hi...

#128 –The World we leave them

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared's had a couple days alone and the quiet is getting to him. The Lopezes have been very busy, and may or may not be Halloween shopping. The guys t...

#127 –New floors and hips

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's been quite a while since we've recorded but life has been WILD. Joe had a family emergency, Jared's work has been nuts. The kids, they have been ...

Big Dad Contest!

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hey folks! Joe here with an announcement about a special contest! You can find us on Instagram @Bigdadenergypodcast, on Twitter and Facebook @Bigdade...

#126 –Saying "Yes" and giving them wins

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared catch up a bit after being apart for so so long. The guys talk about saying "Yes" and how giving the kids little wins can be a...

Feed Drop! Best Song Ever - Dad Rock Summer | How John Mellencamp Got His “Cougar”

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this minisode, Dad Rock Summer 2023 continues as Luke is joined by Joe Lopez of the Big Dad Energy Podcast to continue building the ultimate dad ro...

Big Best Energy: Summer TV and Movies

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

SPOILER WARNING: Succession Series Finale, Yellowjackets Season 2 The Big Dad Energy and Best Song Ever podcasts come together for another Big Best En...

#125 –So explain Golf to me

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared had a pretty good guys trip and is tan and beautiful now. Joe got out into the shop and knocked out a small wood project. Joe asks Jared all his...

#124 –Full time parenting and a colonoscopy

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared had 3 weeks at home being a stay at home parent. Was it tough? Absolutely. Joe had a colonoscopy. Was that tough? Well the not eating part was. ...

#123 –Kids toys and activities...There's so many

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The guys chat about the toys and activities their kids enjoy the most. It's mostly trucks and painting. Jared's on Funemployment so he's determined to...

#122 –Interviewing Jared about interviewing

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared got a new job!!! Joe went and saw Bluey's Big Play this past weekend. The guys discuss tips and practices they've used when interviewing for new...

#121 –The path to preschool

22 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared chat about sending their kids to preschool and how they are prepping for it! Thank goodness Katy teaches young kids....The boys rolled s...

#120 –Some advice for pre-kid us

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a weird vibe kind of week. Joe and Jared talk about the kids hitting some more milestones. The Lopezes had to say goodbye to their 14 year o...

#119 –Springs a comin

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Springs on it's way! Well...maybe. We live in Michigan so who knows. Regardless, the guys have some spring plans. Jared talks about his trip to his pa...

#118 –Other people's kids

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had to interact with a random kid while you were out in public and you didn't know how to handle it? Neither do we. But we chat about wh...

#117 –Follow the Leader

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a helluva couple weeks around here. Ice storms, covid, potty training. Joe talks to Jared about who leads the chaos in the house and how the...

#116 –Our Favorite Videogames!

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle up because this is a long one! Jared explains how Ben has become a treat ninja. Stomach bugs have hit the Lopez house. And we list our top 5 fa...

#115 –The Superbowl, Camp, and a new lock

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared discuss the upcoming big game! Joe went to Special Days Camp (the greatest place on Earth) this past weekend. It turns out Jared has the...

#114 –Being grateful as a parent

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hey sorry about last week, we're old and we forgot. Jared and Joe talk about how they stay grateful during some of the tough times parenting. You can...

#113 –Jared's sump pump education

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jared gives Joe a rundown of how to replace a sump pump. Joe talks about the new steps they are taking in Kora's potty training journey You can find u...

#112 –2022 was a heck of a year

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared take a look back at some of their favorite things that happened in 2022, spoiler alert - they both had babies. You can find us on Instag...

#111 –Jared and the great winter sicknesses

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jared is back after being taken down by the great winter plague. Joe's kid is also sick. What a great time for parenting! The guys chat about their ho...

#110 –HOLIDAY TRASH With Kayla

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Friends, family, loved ones. This episode surely is something. Kayla joins Joe to chat all about holiday nonsense and things get WILD. It took several...

#109 –VAMPIRE FINCHES

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Since spooky season is starting to wind down Joe tells Jared all about Vampire Finches. Joe talks about Grayson's new tricks. Jared chats about an att...

#108 –It's Pottying Time

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jared and Joe talk about their very busy weekends. They break down their list of top 5 Thanksgiving foods. Joe talks all about potty training and the ...

#107 –Pre-Thanksgiving Chattin'

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jared and Joe talk about their Thanksgiving and post-Thanksgiving plans. Spoiler: It involves Harry Potter and Christmas lights for one of them. The g...

#106 –Catching up, RSV, and Hosting Events

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jared and Joe do a little catching up. It's also sick season folks, so they chat about RSV and the signs and symptoms. They also talk about how they h...

#105 –Katy and the WILD birth of Will

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared catch up about the few weeks they had off. Some due to technical issues, some do to dadding. Katy gives Joe the run down all about how W...

#104 –Joe's big snip

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared talk about having two kids and how chaotic toddlers can be to their younger siblings. Joe gives Jared all the details on his vasectomy a...

#103 –Jared's back and he has something to say!

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jared has something to tell the world! Something about his family :D .... Joe gives some spooky updates about the ongoings of his house. You can find ...

Dad Talks w/Kayla! 5 scariest movies and shows for parents

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#102 –Life with the Lopezes

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla comes on and chats with Joe about what's been going on with the kids recently. Both are going through lots of changes and getting bigger. Big en...

#101 –2 weeks until a new baby

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Szymanskis have 2 weeks left until their new little one comes into the world. Do they have any concerns? Are they ready to go? Will he be a red-he...

Dad talks! Top 5 sports movies!

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#100 –100th Episode Live Stream!

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Big Dad Energy has made it 100 episodes! They did a live stream last week to look back at everything they've talked about and the guests they've had a...

#99 –The Szymanksis are getting close!

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ben got his big boy bed! Jared and Katy are getting in the final stretch before baby comes. Also House of Dragon premiered on HBO and Joe and Jared ha...

#98 –Traveling for work has its ups and downs

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jared recounts his work travel expertise for Joe. Joe went to his first NASCAR race, and it was something. Jared's family pictures got cancelled and h...

#97 –Toddlers don't take "no" very well

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The guys chat about how toddlers don't always understand rules very well. Joe talks about Kora's first trip to the ER. Jared gets Joe pumped for fanta...

#96 –2 kids, 1 dad, and a weekend

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can Oreo's be too stuffed? Joe asks Jared the tough question. Joe also had the kids over the weekend solo, and breaks down all the break downs, and wh...

#95 –Screen time: The good, the bad, and the ugly

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared rolled some dice this weekend and one of them forget all their D&D essentials. They then talk about screen time and the pros and con...

#94 –The Dads are back!

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The dads are back from their break and Jared's got a new look! And it's something..... They catch up and chat about everything they did over their tim...

#93 –A prelude to Summer vacation

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Well the Lopezes caught the Vid...again. Joe talks about what the family did during their weekend locked in. Jared talks about a new experience, clean...

Dad talks! Record players and vinyl

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#92 –Kayla let's us know about breast pumping

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla joins us to talk about some tips and pros and cons of pumping. She also chats about what led her to pump and how it has affected the kids overal...

Dad talks! The Nain Rouge

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#91 –Another year married!

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Happy anniversary Jared and Katy!!!! Joe and Jared talk about their past anniversaries, gifts they've given, and what really stands out to them as the...

Dad talks! Top 5 TV and Movie Moms

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#90 –Let's talk about school shootings

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trigger warning!!! This episode we chat about school shootings and how they affect us now as parents. We grew up with shootings happening often and it...

Dad talks! Chesapeake Bay

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#89 –Beducation

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe saw Heaven this weekend. It. Was. BEAUTIFUL. Jared golfed one of the best courses in Michigan. The guys also give you a run down all about beds fo...

#88 –Rolling over and ripping ass

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jared and Joe did it. They forgot to hit record....But then they did. They chat about their long weekends, their lawns, and do an overall check in abo...

Big Best Energy: Moon Knight and In The Multiverse of Madness

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The boys of Big Dad Energy and Best Song Ever come together in a major cross over event to discuss all things nerd! SPOILERS FOR MOONKNIGHT AND DOCTO...

#87 –The one with the secret

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Breaking news: The weather is finally nice! Jared let's Joe in on a VERY big secret he has been keeping. You can find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Fa...

Dad talks! The history of Faygo

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#86 –Life with 2 kids

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Jared talk about the decent weather that has been going on. Joe touches on Infertility Awareness week. Jared also asks Joe about their life wi...

#84 –Jake Sizer talks about Parenting in Australia

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jake Sizer, our listeners may know him as Jake from Australia, joins us to chat about his family and parenting in Australia! Jake talks about some of ...

Dad talks! The NFL draft

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Dad Talks! Where we send you some knowledge to digest. Could be conspiracies, could be recipes, could be movie summaries, could be life les...

#83 –Raising kids with information overload

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Well Joe's sick. Sorry he sounds like garbage. Jared and Joe talk about their Easter weekends. They talk about some new shows Joe and Kayla have been ...