Category Archives: Famous dads

Mario Andretti – Exclusive Interview



This story was contributed by racing legend, Mario Andretti.


bio_01Nothing for Granted

Part 1 of a 2-part exclusive interview

He is considered by most to be the greatest race car driver of all time.  It’s no wonder.  Mario Andretti is one of only two drivers in history to win races in Formula One, NASCAR, Indycar, and the World Sportscar Championship.  He is the only driver to be dubbed United States Driver of the Year in three different decades. READ MORE 

Million to ONE

“I’m a father, that’s what matters most. Nothing matters more.”

—Gordon Brown


Todays story is about Hunter Mahan.

Imagine for a moment…
You’re a professional golfer, leading one of the biggest tournaments in the world. Two days down, two to go. You have a 36 hole lead, first place, worth over a million bucks.

Saturday, Day 3. Practice Tee. Warming up.

Hunter Mahan

Hunter Mahan at work.

An unexpected call — your manager runs over, phone in hand. Kandi, your wife, has just gone into labor — three weeks early! What do you do? READ MORE 

Joe Bonsall & The Oak Ridge Boys – G.I.Joe

“I am not ashamed to admit that no man I ever met was my father’s equal, and I never loved any other man as much.”

—Hedy Lemarr


This story is courtesy of Joe Bonsall & The Oak Ridge Boys.

This story is told through melody and verse. Joe Bonsall and the Oak Ridge Boys have a special treat for you today as they perform “G.I. Joe and Lillie”.

It starts like this:

“He was a streetwise kid from Philly. Just 1944, joined up in Uncle’s army, hit the beach before the war. A decorated hero…”

Now, Joe Bonsall & The Oak Ridge Boys: READ MORE 

No Mulligans for Mickelson

Mulligan — a “do over” in golf.



Today’s story is about British Open winner Phil Mickelson.

Phil Mickelson just won the British Open. Some say it’s his most important win to date. But as a father, “Lefty” might disagree.

Reflect back 14 years…

It was the morning of June 17, 1999. Mickelson teed off in his first U.S. Open. If that’s not pressure enough…

His wife, Amy, back home in Arizona, was ready to deliver their first child. They had a deal — Amy would page Phil if she went into labor. He would walk off the course and fly home. Phil understood there would be other tournaments, but there would be no do over, no mulligan on the birth of their child.

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson

On the last day of the tournament, on the 18th green, Payne Stewart drained a fifteen footer for par, beating Mickelson by one stroke. In a memorable moment, Stewart promptly walked over to Mickelson, grabbed him by the cheeks and said, “You’re going to love being a father.”

Phil’s wife did go into labor during the Open, but she didn’t alert the soon to be dad! Fortunately, it was a slow labor, and Phil made it back in time.

His daughter, Amanda, was born the next day. READ MORE 

Earl Woods – Tiger Tough Dad

“How tough to be on a son? As strong as you want him to be.”

—Greg Hague


This story is about Tiger Woods’ dad, Earl Woods.

It’s been called “one of the greatest father-son relationships in the history of sport.” He was devoted and loving, but brutally tough. A friend at all times, but antagonist, too.

Tiger-Woods-Earl-Woods

Tiger with his dad, Earl

Earl Woods was no normal dad. He had a vision for Tiger, his boy. There would be no variance. His son would be great. Dad would make sure.

Training for hardships — in sports, in life — started when Tiger was a toddler. Through the years Earl tested him, prodded him, taunted him incessantly.

A retired Army Lt. Colonel, Earl commented, “I tried to break him down mentally, tried to intimidate him verbally, by saying, ‘Water on the right, OB (out of bounds) on the left,’ just before his downswing.” READ MORE 

Son Succeeds His Own Way — My Dad Harvey Mackay

“A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline.”

—Harvey Mackay


Father’s Day exclusive ‘Son Succeeds His Own Way — My Dad Harvey Mackay’, by David Mackay

#1 New York Times Bestseller

#1 New York Times Bestseller

Harvey Mackay, #1 New York Times best selling author, including ‘Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive.’ Founder, Mackay Mitchell Envelope Company, producing over 25 million envelopes a day. A personal friend… a remarkable guy.

David Mackay, Harvey’s son. Quite a success, too. Stanford grad. Accomplished film director. His credits include the recent Hallmark Channel hit ‘Naughty Or Nice,’ and the Disney Channel premiere movie, ‘Breaking Free.’ A personal friend… a remarkable guy.

In David’s words:

“Growing up, I realized that it just wouldn’t be right to follow in my dad’s footsteps. READ MORE 

‘Cats in the Cradle’ — Harry Chapin

“You should live every day like it’s your last day ‘cause one day you’re gonna be right.”

—Ray Charles


Savvy Dad recently interviewed musician, activist, and mom Jen Chapin.

“My child arrived just the other day.
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay.”

You know the song… “Cats in the Cradle.”

“Cats in the Cradle” was a #1 hit for Jen’s dad, Harry Chapin.

What few people know… It was a poem written by Jen’s mom, Sandy. “Mom and dad’s relationship was based on sharing poetry and ideas,” says Jen. READ MORE