We used to be the remote. Now, if something takes effort, we skip it. In this episode, Bret and Josh unpack how technology—while making life more convenient—might be robbing us of something essential: our edge.

Physically, we move less. Mentally, we outsource thinking. Socially, we avoid discomfort. But the truth is: we need friction. Struggle builds strength. Challenge sharpens focus. Discomfort deepens connection.

So this Fourth of July, as we celebrate independence, we’re flipping the question:

Is convenience making helping us stay free and meet our full potential?

This week, Bret and Josh wrestle with a key dad identity crisis: Are we fun dads… or just walking rulebooks with snacks? From letting your kids skip chores to realizing you sound exactly like your own father, they break down the tension between structure and spontaneity—and what “fun” even looks like in 2025 dad life.

Spoiler: letting your kid stay up late while doing bedtime math in your head still counts.

Troy Ita joins Bret and Josh in the Treefort to talk Florida roots, raising kids with patience, and embracing the Gen X art of chilling out. From sounding like his own dad when laying down life lessons, to helping his kids learn real social skills in a tech-heavy world, Troy brings laughs and laid-back wisdom.

Plus, a Princess Bride moment reminds us all: parenting is mostly just trying not to lose your mind while staying mostly dead inside. Sort of.

For more wisdom, laughs and awesomeness from Troy, check out his viral posts on IG under "thedogfathertx"