{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 2 - Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning","description":"In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian and J Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez, Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, to explore the role of curiosity, outdoor exploration, and lifelong learning in parenting. Rudy shares how his love for the outdoors influenced his parenting style and how exposing kids to nature sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The conversation highlights why hands-on experiences matter, how fathers can foster curiosity in their children, and simple ways to get outside\u2014even for families new to outdoor activities. Whether you\u2019re an avid outdoorsman or just looking for ways to connect with your child, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration for raising curious, resilient kids.   Episode Highlights [01:42] &quot;You can see in the eyes of your child when they learn something new\u2014from the moment they\u2019re born through their teens.&quot; [10:07] &quot;If you just provide the opportunity to be outside, people will start noticing things around them\u2014whether they realize it or not.&quot; [12:30] &quot;He got curious because he got to experience. That was the thing\u2014being experiential in nature led to his curiosity moving forward.&quot; [14:45] &quot;Children are like sponges\u2014they absorb everything from us. The way we react is the way they may react too.&quot; [22:15] &quot;In today\u2019s world, everything is preprogrammed. When you go camping, you\u2019re forced to slow down and figure things out\u2014how do we fill this time without screens?&quot; [29:34] &quot;We\u2019ve lost critical reasoning skills in today\u2019s society. When you're outdoors, you don\u2019t have Google to lean on\u2014you have to figure it out.&quot;   Resources  \ud83d\udce9 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!  \ud83c\udf10 Learn more at gooddads.com  \ud83d\udce7 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Good Dads Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.gooddads.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/35434115\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/185001565"}