What a Hell of a Way to Dad

Francis and Nate bring you weekly dad chats, plotting the growth of their daughters and themselves. Episodes are interspersed with interviews with various authors and journalists. The hosts are both veterans, so also expect a lot of meandering stories

Zoo Crew News Hour: The Globalist takedown of Alex Jones *Preview* 11/26/2024

Zoo Crew News Hour: The Globalist takedown of Alex Jones *Preview* The Deep State's formost news site The Onion bought Infowars in attempt to bring journalistic integrity to the site. No word yet on who gets the Infowars MRAP This is a preview episode. Get this and years of bonus content by signing up for the patreon - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/34155760

Across the Darien Gap with James Stout 11/21/2024

Across the Darien Gap with James Stout James Stout from the It Could Happen Here podcast tells Francis about visiting the Darien Gap and speaking to the migrants braving the jungle for an opportunity at a better life. You can listen to James' show and interviews with the people of the Darien Gap here - Support James' travels and reporting on his Patreon - And us too I suppose - See more at /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/34078556

Zoo Crew Movie Night: Accepted (2006) Preview 11/18/2024

Zoo Crew Movie Night: Accepted (2006) Preview The Zoo Crew goes back to College with Justin Long and Jonah Hill in the college movie Accepted. One of the last of the Great American College movies made before the economy collapsed and no one could afford school any more This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes this month. For the full episode sign up at the $5 level on Patreon - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33972062

DadChat: Log off, read a book 11/14/2024

DadChat: Log off, read a book This week Francis and Nate are logging off, reading books, and hoping for Kirkland branded apartments above the local Costco If you like this and want more episodes and other exclusive content, consider the Patreon - Find yourself something new in the store. Pins, art, handmade, stickers, and more - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33928637

DadChat: Sit down Sport, we need to talk politics (with Jack Forman) 11/07/2024

DadChat: Sit down Sport, we need to talk politics (with Jack Forman) It's been a...not great week for many of us online. Jack Forman, a dad, a former teacher, radio host, and kid indie music artist joins Francis to talk about how to talk about Presidential Elections with your kids Support us on Patreon - Check out the store - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33828832

DadChat: Fisher Price Jam Session 11/04/2024

DadChat: Fisher Price Jam Session This week Nate is still in Geneva Housing limbo, but he's getting closer. The two talk about finding new hobbies in middle age, spreading artistic wings, and how to rock out baby style If you like this and want more, we release three bonus episodes a month on Patreon. You can get even more Dad content such as MASHCast, Deadliest Warrior, and a lot more - Take a look at the store, find some of that art we're talking about - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33774407

MASHcast - Crisis and George *Preview* 10/31/2024

MASHcast - Crisis and George *Preview* This month's MASH episodes are right in our wheelhouse. Crisis sees the 4077th dealing with supply line cuts as best they can. George tackles homosexuality in the Military, and it's surprisingly well done and not super offensive. Get the entire episode, and eight years of bonus content for just $5 a month on Patreon - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33703207

The Black Box of Doom with Jason Pargin 10/28/2024

The Black Box of Doom with Jason Pargin This week Jason Pargin joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, I'm Beginning to Worry About this Black Box of Doom. We discuss the impact of social media, the desire to follow breaking news regardless of what is true or not, and the KILLDOZER Pick up the book - Follow Jason on your preferred social media here - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33639397

Deadliest Warrior: William Wallace vs Shaka Zulu (Feat November Kelly) *PREVIEW* 10/24/2024

Deadliest Warrior: William Wallace vs Shaka Zulu (Feat November Kelly) *PREVIEW* This month Francis is joined by November to talk discuss the matchup of two men of legend, the Highland hero William Wallace vs the king of Africa Shaka Zulu. It's an episode full of wallet chains and uncomfortable Scottish shit talking. Listen to November's many podcasts , , , This is a preview episode from our Patreon. Sign up got $5 a month and get access to this and eight years of bonus content - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33593817

Dadchat: Hoosier Daddy 10/22/2024

Dadchat: Hoosier Daddy Francis discovers there are cities that will pay for you to move to them, mostly in Indiana. Nate does his best to dissuade him This is an unlocked bonus episode. If you like this, you'll get lots more on our Patreon. Eight years of bonus content at the $5 level - Check out the new store, find a new collectable. Stickers, patches, pins, trading cards and more - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33571212

The Zoo Crew goes on Vacation 10/17/2024

The Zoo Crew goes on Vacation This week the Zoo Crew talks vacations. Where we've been, where we're going, and a lot more. Get the whole episode, and more, on Patreon. Five bucks a month gets you access to all of our bonus content - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33498342

DadChat: How to own a home (Don't) 10/15/2024

DadChat: How to own a home (Don't) This week Nate and Francis talk about the downsides to home ownership (not having any money) and renting (also not having any money). We discuss Francis' recent trip to Hawaii, Nate finally escaping Normal Island for good, and joining strike lines If you like this and want more, you can get it on Patreon. $5 a month gets you three bonus episodes, videos, and all kinds of other exclusive dad content - We have a store! Stickers, patches, pins and more. Check the Podcast attic for new arrivals - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33463452

Have Snakes, Need Birds with Travis Klempan 10/07/2024

Have Snakes, Need Birds with Travis Klempan Francis talks about the novel . Travis weaves a story of deployment boredom mixed with spiritual horror as Sgt. Mackinzie finds himself in the middle of a metaphysical war between two ancient spirits. All while trying to keep track of the physical war which threatens him and his team every day. PATREON If you like what you hear and want more, we have more content available on Patreon. If you don't like what you hear and still want to support us, you can also give us money on Patreon. THE STORE Stickers, patches, pins, and apparel. Have you ever wanted to wear a hat with the opening scroll of Master and Commander on it? Maybe a mashup of Jurassic Park and Starship Troopers. /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33186167

Deadliest Warrior: Shaolin Monk vs. Maori 10/02/2024

Deadliest Warrior: Shaolin Monk vs. Maori KD is back this month to pit steel against stone as the Shaolin Monks take on the Maori. Are there multiple Hakas? Yes. Is everything basically a club? Yes. Is someone oddly racist at a computer at the very end? You bet your ass. This is a preview of our most recent bonus episodes. You can listen to this, our previous episodes, and every future bonus at While you're here, check out our new store where you can get everything from stickers to t-shirts, to a new coffee mug you didn't know you needed /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33193082

The Thin Purple Line with Jasper Craven 09/30/2024

The Thin Purple Line with Jasper Craven Journalist and returning guest Jasper Craven recently went through security guard training and six months of employment to write about the experience. It's a mix of bad training, worse instructors, and a lot of people just trying to get a job. PATREON If you like what you hear and want more, we have more content available on Patreon. If you don't like what you hear and still want to support us, you can also give us money on Patreon. THE STORE Stickers, patches, pins, and apparel. Have you ever wanted to wear a hat with the opening scroll of Master and Commander on it? Maybe a mashup of Jurassic Park and Starship Troopers. /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33185967

Zoo Crew: News Roundup Preview 09/25/2024

Zoo Crew: News Roundup Preview We discuss the news up to September 20th. Any news happening after that we cannot be accountable for. This week, it's the first piece of "history" gun guys go for (because they're dirt cheap), the SKS. We also talk about the North Carolina governor race and a bailiff getting a little wild in the judges chambers. This is a preview episode of one of our many monthly bonus episodes. You can access this and more at the $5 level of Patreon - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33192922

DadChat: In Search of Mister Coffee 09/23/2024

DadChat: In Search of Mister Coffee It’s another DadChat featuring Nate and Francis, and in this week’s episode we’re talking all sorts of things: relocation expenses, pre-positioning supplies when changing babies, and the surprisingly varied ways in which people make coffee on the eastern side of the Atlantic. Which is to say, Francis has never actually had someone explain to him what espresso actually is. We also answer a lot of Ask A Dad questions! Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: You can follow the show on Twitter here: Follow Nate here: Follow Francis here: /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33169777

MASHCast: Schrödinger's virginity * Preview * 09/20/2024

MASHCast: Schrödinger's virginity * Preview * This week Francis and Carey watch two more episodes of MASH. We are nearly done with Season 2, and the characters really start to come out. Klinger is better dressed, Radar is getting some (theoretically), and Hawkeye's eyes have never been so blue. You can listen to this, our previous episodes, and every future bonus at While you're here, check out our new store where you can get everything from stickers to t-shirts, to a new coffee mug you didn't know you needed /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33140847

DadChat: Back to School Edition feat. Jack Forman 09/16/2024

DadChat: Back to School Edition feat. Jack Forman For this week’s DadChat, we have a special guest: Jack Forman, who’s been on before and who is now helping produce the show while Nate navigates the alpine labyrinth of Swiss bureaucracy. And in this episode, Jack discusses his experience as a former elementary school teacher, and what the oft-discussed ‘back to school’ period is like for teachers and school staff. We very much hope you enjoy it! Jack is a highly accomplished musician making music for kids, and he’s got a Patreon! Check it out here: Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: You can follow the show on Twitter here: Follow Nate here: Follow Francis here: /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/33069397

DadChat: Trains Across Cultures 09/10/2024

DadChat: Trains Across Cultures Francis has missed his train, or at least one of them, and Nate took a train to enjoy the air conditioning in the middle of a European heat wave. We discuss the travails of being an Amtrak passenger, the experience of riding in the jungle gym car on CFF trains, and much more. Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: You can follow the show on Twitter here: Follow Nate here: Follow Francis here: /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32982212

DadChat: Eurodad Chronicles 09/04/2024

DadChat: Eurodad Chronicles Nate’s finally moved to yet another country even further from Indiana, and for this week’s episode he and Francis discuss the travails of being the single member of your family who speaks the language of the country you’re in, the inevitability of your kids making fun of you for speaking that language badly, and much more. Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: You can follow the show on Twitter here: Follow Nate here: Follow Francis here: /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32895157

Deadliest Warrior: Green Berets vs Spetsnaz *Preview* 08/27/2024

Deadliest Warrior: Green Berets vs Spetsnaz *Preview* Get the entire episode for $5 a month here - The Zoo Crew is back for this month's Deadliest Warrior. It's our first group on group battle with modern weapons. Come for the ballistics knife and stay as we speculate how many war crimes each person did in Afghanistan. /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32760322

DadChat: The Grand National Park Experience 08/23/2024

DadChat: The Grand National Park Experience This week Jack Forman joins Francis to discuss a multi week trip to various National Parks on the western seaboard. There is also advice on how to get a cat (open your door, one will eventually walk in) and how much we love to BE in the outdoors but not SLEEP in it Check out the new store at Like what you're hearing and want more? For $5 a month you'll get extra bonus episodes you won't hear on the live feed - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32663252

M*A*S*HCast - Sometimes they don't hold up *PREVIEW* 08/20/2024

M*A*S*HCast - Sometimes they don't hold up *PREVIEW* Francis and Carey watch For Want of a Boot and Operation Noselift and learn sometimes fifty year old TV shows don't hold up very well. This is a preview episode. You can listen to the whole episode at any dollar amount on Patreon - Check out the new store at /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32663012

Guest Episode: Spycops Legacy, Part 2 (feat. Tom Fowler) 08/20/2024

Guest Episode: Spycops Legacy, Part 2 (feat. Tom Fowler) This is a special supplemental episode this week featuring friend of the show and investigative journalist Samantha Asumadu () This episode continues Sam Asumadu’s interview with Tom Fowler on the topic of the Spycops inquiry, and the degree to which the British state has attempted to scuttle any and all social justice protests, while at the same time ensuring the far right has a free pass. Tom is the host of the Spycops Info Podcast, which is available here: If you missed part 1, check it out here: Spycops may not be a familiar story to American listeners, but the summarized version is: the British state has recently admitted to using secret deep-cover police to infiltrate activist groups for over 30 years, using stolen identities and encouraging officers to enter into relationships with activists (to include fathering children) only to abandon them once their mission ended. As Sam describes in this episode, the surveillance (and sabotage of activist groups) is something still happening to this day. Check out Tom's work and social media posts here: Check out Sam's bio and newsletter here: For more of Sam's investigative work, check out the following links: /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32661792

DadChat: All This to Build A Table? 08/12/2024

DadChat: All This to Build A Table? For this week’s episode, we’re talking about big DIY projects and the immense feeling of accomplishment from something actually working the way it’s supposed to, especially if the process of getting there… involved some detours. Hope you enjoy! Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: You can follow the show on Twitter here: Follow Nate here: Follow Francis here: /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32545977

The Zoo Crew goes to The World Games 08/12/2024

The Zoo Crew goes to The World Games Sure you love the Olympics, but what about all the cool sports that don't get showcased? Like fan paragliding and Handball? That's what The World Games are for Get the whole episode at the $5 level - Check out the new Podcast store at /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32531052

Guest Episode: Spycops Legacy, Part 1 (feat. Tom Fowler) 08/10/2024

Guest Episode: Spycops Legacy, Part 1 (feat. Tom Fowler) This is a special supplemental episode this week featuring friend of the show and investigative journalist Samantha Asumadu () In part 1 of this interview series, Sam speaks with activist and reporter Tom Fowler, who's been documenting the Spycops inquiries in the UK—and who was himself part of a group infiltrated by Spycops in the 2000s. Tom is the host of the Spycops Info Podcast, which is available here: Spycops may not be a familiar story to American listeners, but the summarized version is: the British state has recently admitted to using secret deep-cover police to infiltrate activist groups for over 30 years, using stolen identities and encouraging officers to enter into relationships with activists (to include fathering children) only to abandon them once their mission ended. As Tom's interview reveals, the details are even more unsettling than what's summarized above. Part 2 will be out next week! Check out Tom's work and social media posts here: Check out Sam's bio and newsletter here: For more of Sam's investigative work, check out the following links: /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32524677

DadChat: The Voice of Youth feat. Keaton 08/05/2024

DadChat: The Voice of Youth feat. Keaton For this week's DadChat, Nate and Francis join former Trashfuture intern and friend of the show Keaton to discuss what it's actually like being 18 in 2024, and why the iron law of nostalgia means that kids are now playing 2000s music at parties under the guise of classic throwback jams. We come out of the experience feeling enlightened and very, very old. /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32435062

Disney's Mulan 1998 (Feat Eric of Soundtracker) *Preview* 08/01/2024

Disney's Mulan 1998 (Feat Eric of Soundtracker) *Preview* Eric Peacock from the podcast Soundtracker joins Francis to talk about the Disney movie Mulan. The Music! The violence! The talking dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy. Strap in and we'll make a man out of you! This is a preview of our bonus episodes. To get this and more sign up here - Listen to Eric's show about movie soundtracks here - /episode/index/show/hellofawaytodie/id/32384047

What a Hell of a Way to Dad

TOPICS