Sailing Towards Success: The Making of a Thriving Charter Captain with Alden Sheils
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Release Date: 01/15/2025
Is Traditional Education Broken? Our Honest Thoughts on the School System
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
The debate around education is everywhere right now. With so many families championing a return to public school so children can "face adversity," we decided it was time to sit down and share our honest thoughts on the modern education system. In this episode, we explore the pros, cons, and missing elements of both traditional and alternative education. We discuss why the current school model often fails to teach practical life skills, like financial intelligence, and how the pressure to follow a traditional path can sometimes feel like a race to nowhere. We also talk about the influence of...
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Our Adoption Story: Foster Care, Private Open Adoption, and Blending a Family
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
There is not just one path to growing a family. In this episode of 18 Summers, we sit down to share our honest, firsthand experiences with the different types of adoption. From navigating the uncertain and beautiful mess of foster care to pursuing a private open adoption and completing a step-parent adoption, we are laying it all out there. We discuss how we built a standout adoption profile, the reality of unwrapping the "unknown present" of unexpected medical needs, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. We also tackle a deeply frustrating comment that blended and adoptive...
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The Parenting Beliefs We Need to Question
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Is the goal of parenting to keep our children happy? While it sounds like a noble objective, prioritizing constant happiness might actually be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we dive into the "happiness trap" and explore why a range of emotions, including disappointment and sadness is essential for a child’s development. We break down the danger of over-scheduling, the necessity of failure, and why treating your children "equally" might actually be unfair. We discuss: The Happiness Myth: Why setting a benchmark for constant happiness puts immense pressure on children and makes...
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Parenting in the Age of AI
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Imagine walking past your teen’s room and hearing them talk… but it’s not to a friend. It’s to AI. AI is not stealing our kids’ relationships. It’s doing something more subtle. It’s making it easier to avoid building them. In this episode, Jamie and Jim tackle one of the biggest parenting questions of the last year: how do we guide our kids in a world where AI is always available, always responsive, and never judging? They explore the real danger, not the tool itself, but emotional outsourcing, intimacy without risk, and replacing uncomfortable growth with instant feedback. AI...
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What Actually Builds Trust in a Blended Family
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Blending a family is not magical at first. It’s two entire worlds trying to share one kitchen, one routine, and one emotional landscape. In this episode, Jamie and Jim break down the biggest mistake blended families make: trying to force the “we’re one big happy family now” moment. They share the simple framework from The Family Board Meeting that helped them build trust, safety, and belonging inside their home. Blending does not happen through pressure. It happens through consistency, presence, and courage. If you’re navigating step-parenting, adoption, or remarriage, this...
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Why Family Trips Feel Exhausting and Why That’s Okay
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Family trips are supposed to be magical. So why do they sometimes feel messy, chaotic, and completely exhausting? In this episode, Jamie and Jim unpack the real reasons parents avoid traveling with their kids. From schedule disruptions and budget fears to airport meltdowns and unexpected emergencies, they share honest stories from years of traveling as a growing family of seven. The truth? Travel is rarely perfect. But it builds something far more valuable than comfort. It builds culture, resilience, perspective, and shared stories that shape your family for life. If you’ve ever wondered...
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What Every Parent Should Know Before Adopting
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Thinking about adoption? There are beautiful moments ahead, but there are also myths, pressure, and realities most people never talk about. In this deeply personal episode, Jamie and Jim Sheils share their own adoption journey as a blended family of five children, including adoption at birth and adoption at older ages. They break down the misconceptions, emotional pressures, bonding challenges, and hard conversations every couple needs to have before starting the process. Adoption is not a rescue mission. It is not a shortcut. It is a sacred commitment that requires alignment, preparation,...
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What School Will Never Teach Your Child
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Is school actually preparing your kids for real life… or just teaching them how to pass tests? In this episode, Jamie and Jim Sheils unpack the uncomfortable truth about modern education and why some of the most important life skills are never taught in a classroom. From emotional intelligence to financial literacy, they share the three core areas every child needs to thrive personally and professionally and how you can start teaching them at home right now. Key takeaways to listen for The three life skills schools ignore that shape long-term success Why discipline is overrated and devotion...
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Intentional Value Strengthening For Your Family with Lee Benson
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Want a family that thrives, not just survives? Lee Benson breaks down his game-changing formula to turn everyday moments into lasting bonds. Tune in to learn how intentional dinners, distraction-free hangouts, and simple rituals can transform your household into a powerhouse of love, growth, and community. Key takeaways to listen for Practical strategies for setting family goals and assigning meaningful roles The surprising influence of music and emotional energy on family and business success Growing impactful communities: from personal passion to global influence How to eliminate...
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Work-Life Harmony for Professional Parents with Scott Danner, AAMS®
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Balancing boardrooms and ball fields is no small feat. Scott Danner, AAMS®, demonstrates how he balances a high-octane career with parenting two teenage soccer players, navigating double-booked calendars, empty-nest moments, and home-based hacks. Learn about his four-pillar L.I.F.E. Model to stay aligned amid chaos and build a lasting legacy by tuning in! Key takeaways to listen for What unexpected parenting surprises teach about resilience A simple ritual that builds stronger family ties 4 healthy-risk opportunities that fuel teen development Reasons why a dedicated “home base”...
info_outlineFishing is more than a hobby for Alden Sheils—it’s a way of life. In this episode, we explore how he built his career from scratch, earning his captain’s license straight out of high school and learning from the best. Hear his insights on resilience, personal growth, and why choosing your own path is the ultimate key to success.
Key takeaways to listen for
- How Alden turned a love for fishing into a full-time career by age 21
- The value of mentorship and working to learn rather than for immediate financial gain
- Insights into overcoming challenges like seasickness and less-than-ideal role models
- Ultimate benefits of choosing your own career
- The importance of independence, self-discipline, and building trust in your industry
Resources
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki | Paperback and Kindle
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho | Paperback and Hardcover
- Napoleon Hill
About Alden Sheils
Alden began his fishing career at just 13 years old, working as a fishing mate in the Florida Keys. By the age of 15, he expanded his expertise to the waters of St. Augustine, exploring the backwaters independently and gaining experience on local boats. After graduating high school, Alden earned his captain’s license, becoming the youngest in his class to do so. Since then, he has been running his own charters while continuing to work with seasoned local captains to refine his skills and grow as a professional. For Alden, fishing is about more than just catching fish—it’s about connecting with nature, being present, and sharing meaningful experiences with others.
Connect with Alden
- Website: Hot Reels Inshore Charters
- Instagram: @hotreelsinshore
- Facebook: Hot Reels Inshore Charters
Connect with Us
To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here.
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Social Media Channels
- Facebook Group: 18 Summers
- LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils
- Instagram: @18summerstribe