#281
October 12 · 25 min
DS
Dad Space Podcast - for Dads by Dads
Dave Campbell
DadSpace - A Podcast for Dads by Dads. Dad Space is a safe space to ask questions, learn from other Dads and grow in community! We equip Dads with how to tips, marriage tips, family insights and even the occasional Dad Joke! Great guests will join us to share their Dad journey with you. Whether you are a new Dad, a Step-Dad, an empty nester or Grandparent! Dad Space is a safe space for Dads to connect and do life together! Visit DadSpace.ca for all things Dad!
- 26 episodes
- weekly
- Avg 27 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- DS#280October 5 · 17 min
The Power of An Apology - 3 Things An Apology Will Do For Others and For You
Episode 280 - The Power of An Apology - 3 Things An Apology Will Do For Others and For You The Power of an Apology An apology can change the direction of a relationship. For dads, saying “I’m sorry” may feel difficult because it requires honesty, responsibility, and the willingness to face the damage caused by words or actions. Yet someone comes to mind when you think about an apology you still owe. You already know who it is. Restoring Trust and Dignity A sincere apology acknowledges that harm occurred. It shows the other person that their feelings matter and that you accept responsibility for your part in the situation. Dave reflects on moments when he acted immaturely toward his children, allowed hurt to control his response, and caused damage within relationships he valued deeply. Those moments cannot disappear, but an apology can begin the work of restoring trust and dignity. It gives both people a place to start again. Reducing Conflict and Resentment Unspoken hurt grows over time. Avoiding the issue allows anger and resentment to settle into the relationship, while a genuine apology can lower defensiveness and create room for a calmer conversation. Apologizing does not erase what happened. It shows that you recognize the impact of your actions and want to address the problem instead of pretending it never occurred. That honesty can bring peace and interrupt the cycle of blame. Rebuilding the Relationship An apology creates a path toward reconnection. Once both people feel heard and respected, they can discuss what went wrong, establish clearer boundaries, and consider how they might handle similar situations differently in the future. Dave encourages dads to think about the relationships that have grown distant because of an unresolved hurt. A missed call, a broken connection, or an awkward silence may point toward the apology that still needs to happen. Making that effort takes courage. It can also free you from guilt and give the relationship a chance to heal. Think about the person who immediately comes to mind when you hear that someone needs to apologize. Then take responsibility and make the first move. A thoughtful apology may not return the relationship to its former state, but it can open the door to trust, peace, and reconnection. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#279September 28 · 19 min
Celebrating 33 Years of Marriage - 3 Free Things That You Can Do With Your Partner to Celebrate Your Anniversary
Episode 279 - Celebrating 33 Years of Marriage - 3 Free Things That You Can Do With Your Partner to Celebrate Your Anniversary Celebrating 33 Years of Marriage Dave marks his 33rd wedding anniversary on October 2 and shares three free, meaningful ways couples can celebrate their anniversary without spending money. He reflects on his own journey from a nervous groom to a husband of three decades, then offers practical ideas that prioritize thoughtfulness, memory, and presence over expensive gestures. Why anniversaries matter Dave admits he often loses track of dates because he works night shifts, and he has missed moments he wished he had honored. He encourages listeners to be intentional, plan ahead, and protect these milestones so they do not slip by unnoticed. He frames anniversaries as chances to remember the hard seasons and the joyful ones, and to strengthen the bond that has carried a couple through years of life together. Write a one page letter to your partner The first idea is simple yet powerful. Sit with a pen and paper and write a sincere one page letter to your partner. Reflect on the past year or the span since your last anniversary. Name what it meant to you. Share your hopes, your dreams, and the ways you want to show up better in the relationship. Then read the letters aloud to each other or exchange them and read in silence. Dave recalls leaving handwritten notes on his wife’s car and mailing letters back in 1993, and he says the act of writing unlocked feelings that casual words often miss. This creates a keepsake and deepens connection without costing anything. Take a memory walk to a meaningful place The second idea is to revisit a place that holds story. For Dave, that spot is the pier at Port Dalhousie on Lake Ontario, where he proposed. He suggests walking that same ground again, or returning to where you first met, got engaged, or shared a turning point. If you cannot travel to that exact location, still carve out time to talk through those memories together. He notes that partners often remember details differently, and those conversations spark laughter, tenderness, and renewed appreciation. A coffee along the way is optional. The core value is the shared journey back to your beginning. Host an at home celebration night The third idea is an at home celebration night. Transform your living space into something romantic and focused on the two of you. Play your favorite music or movie. Prepare a meal that carries meaning, perhaps a dish tied to a memory you both love. Let food, music, and film serve as connective tissue that draws out new stories and old joys. Dave stresses that you do not need an extravagant restaurant, expensive champagne, or a grand trip. The most meaningful moments come from undivided time and deliberate attention to the person who has stood with you through illness, financial stress, and life’s toughest trials. Anniversaries thrive on intention, not expense. Choose one of these free practices, put it on your calendar now, and let it rekindle joy in your relationship. Your family will feel the ripple effect when you honor the person who has walked with you through three decades of life. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#278September 21 · 12 min
At Your Next Parent Teacher Meeting - Ask These 7 Questions and Get A Better Understanding of Your Kid
Episode 278 - At Your Next Parent Teacher Meeting - Ask These 7 Questions and Get A Better Understanding of Your Kid Parent teacher night offers a rare chance to see your child’s world through their teacher’s eyes. Most parents ask generic questions about grades or behavior. This episode gives you seven specific questions that reveal how your child learns, connects, and handles challenges. Use these questions to build a stronger partnership with your teacher and support your child more effectively at home. Why These Questions Work Teachers spend hours observing your child in social and academic settings. They notice patterns you cannot see from home. These seven questions tap into that frontline knowledge. Each question targets a different aspect of your child’s school experience. The answers help you understand your child’s friendships, stress responses, daily rhythms, and willingness to help others. You also learn how to support both your child and their teacher more effectively. The Seven Questions to Ask Start by asking who your child likes to sit with. Teachers see which kids naturally pair up during class, recess, and group projects. Get specific names so you can talk about those friendships at home. Next, ask what your child does when work gets too hard. Do they ask for help, shut down, or act out? This reveals how they handle obstacles and where they might need extra support. Find out who your child goes to when upset. This shows you how they process stress and whether they have trusted adults or peers they turn to in tough moments. Ask when your child is most settled during the day. Kids have natural energy rhythms. Knowing their peak focus times helps you schedule homework, conversations, or activities at home when they are most receptive. Learn what your child does when they get something wrong. Do they shrug it off, argue, hide their work, or spiral? Their response to mistakes shapes their learning mindset. Ask if the teacher has seen your child help someone else. Teachers notice kindness and collaboration. This question often unlocks a positive story you have not heard before. End by asking what you can do at home to help your child and support the teacher. Write the answer down in front of them. This simple act shows you value their input and builds trust. Parent teacher night is not just about grades. It is about understanding your child as a whole person. These seven questions give you a clearer picture of their social world, emotional responses, and learning habits. Use the answers to tailor your support at home and strengthen your partnership with their teacher. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#277September 14 · 1 hr
The Need for More Spaces Dedicated to Men and Boys, Teenage Suicide and a Parent's Regrets with Paul Darling
Episode 277 - The Need for More Spaces Dedicated to Men and Boys, Teenage Suicide and a Parent's Regrets with Paul Darling In this episode, the guest shares a deeply personal reflection on fatherhood, family, grief, and the lessons he has carried through a military life and a long season of loss. Speaking from the Cumberland Plateau in East Tennessee, he talks about raising three adult children across different places and seasons of service, and how constant moving shaped his family while also making it hard to build lasting roots. At the center of the conversation is the death of his youngest son, which he describes as the event that changed his family forever. He opens up about the pain, the guilt, and the questions that still remain, especially around whether a different environment, more support, or stronger peer connections might have changed the outcome. He also reflects on the warning signs of suicide, the limits of what parents can see, and the lasting impact tragedy has on a marriage and the rest of the family. The episode also explores broader ideas about boys, men, discipline, responsibility, and the value of all male spaces, sports, scouting, and other environments where young people can be challenged and learn resilience. He argues that boys need opportunities to fail, grow, and earn confidence through effort rather than praise alone, and he connects that belief to his own regrets about where he feels he fell short as a father. Throughout the discussion, he returns to themes of stoicism, truth telling, gratitude, and the danger of teaching envy, anger, and empty comparison instead of thankfulness and perseverance. He also speaks about marriage, faith, family, and the belief that real happiness is found in commitment, responsibility, and working through hardship rather than escaping it. This episode is a candid and emotional reminder that children need both love and challenge, and that helping boys grow into healthy men means teaching them how to face difficulty, accept truth, and keep going when life gets hard. Paul's book: https://www.amazon.com/Taliban-Safari-One-Surkhagan-Valley-ebook/dp/B07QW32VZ5?ref_=ast_author_mpb ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#276September 7 · 30 min
Feed Drop - Dr. Liz, Nutrition For the Early Years - 7 Mistakes NOT to Make in Feeding Your Toddler
Episode 276 - Feed Drop - Dr. Liz, Nutrition For the Early Years - 7 Mistakes NOT to Make in Feeding Your Toddler 7 Mistakes NOT to Make in Feeding Your Toddler What if the nutrition choices you worry about most are not the ones that matter most? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels shares seven common feeding mistakes parents make during the baby and toddler years. With warmth and honesty, she explains why multivitamins are not always the answer for picky eaters, how kid-friendly leftovers can add to parent guilt, and why oral care should start as soon as teeth come in. She also talks about juice, flavored drinks, salt fears, food labels, and the need for parents to care for their own health, too. This episode gives parents simple, guilt-free guidance to focus on what truly helps kids grow strong and build healthy habits from the start. What You’ll Learn: Why food matters more than most supplements How to reduce guilt around leftovers When to start brushing your baby’s teeth Why juice does not need to be a daily habit How to focus on the big picture instead of stressing over every label detail Why caring for your own health is one of the best ways to support your child’s nutrition Episode highlights: Mistake 1: Relying on multivitamins for picky eaters Mistake 2: Letting food waste and leftovers create guilt Mistake 3: Skipping early oral hygiene Mistake 4: Offering juice and flavored drinks too often Mistake 5: Worrying too much about salt in home cooking Mistake 6: Focusing too much on tiny label details Mistake 7: Forgetting parent health matters too Nutrition for the Early Years is a pediatric nutrition podcast for parents seeking evidence-based guidance on infant feeding, toddler nutrition, and child health. Hosted by dual pediatrician + registered dietitian Dr. Liz Daniels, this show explores newborn and infant nutrition, introducing solids, baby-led weaning, complementary feeding, formula feeding, multivitamins for kids, growth and development, and picky eating solutions—all through the lens of real pediatric nutrition science. From feeding anxiety and selective eating to questions about appetite, supplements, and healthy eating habits, this podcast helps parents build a confident, guilt-free feeding mindset. You’ll learn how to support your child’s relationship with food in ways that nourish growth, protect early childhood nutrition, and align with your values—without fear-based messaging or all-or-none thinking. Food goes deep. It’s often not until we begin feeding our own children that we revisit our childhood nutrition experiences—comments that shaped us, arbitrary rules, pressure around healthy eating, and the quiet guilt many of us carry. Feeding kids has a way of surfacing old narratives and challenging us to rethink what child nutrition really means. This is where the conversation begins—supporting families through toddler feeding, early childhood feeding, and raising children with a strong, positive relationship with food. Because nourishing your family isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, confidence, and understanding what truly matters in the early years. https://www.newstorynutrition.com/ Listen here: https://pod.link/1865258075 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@drliznewstorynutrition ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#275August 31 · 18 min
Four Months Left - What Kind of Dad Will You Be by December
Episode 275 - Four Months Left - What Kind of Dad Will You Be by December The Intentional Final Four Four months remain in 2026. This window offers dads a chance to finish the year with purpose instead of letting time slip away. The episode lays out a simple monthly focus for September through December. Each theme builds connection, presence, self awareness, and gratitude without requiring a complete life overhaul. September: Reset the Family Rhythm September brings new school schedules and a return to routine after summer. Use this shift to reset the family rhythm. Choose one recurring weekly moment to protect on your calendar. It could be a family meal, Saturday morning coffee, a walk, or a short evening check in. Keep it simple and consistent. The goal is reliable connection, not complexity. Guard this time like a non negotiable appointment. October: Show Up Fully Present October asks dads to be fully present. Put your phone away for one intentional block of time every day. Aim for at least fifteen minutes. During that time, give your full attention to your kids, your partner, or the whole family. Listen without fixing. Ask follow up questions. Stay in the moment. Kids copy what they see. If they mimic you holding a phone to your ear, they learned that from you. Presence communicates value before you say a word. November: Check In With Yourself November centers on men’s mental health and self awareness. This is your month to be selfish in a healthy way. Name what you feel and tell someone your truth. Write one sentence each day about your emotional state. Share honestly with your partner, a friend, a doctor, or a counselor. Ask yourself what you have carried silently that deserves a conversation. Do not wait until stress becomes a crisis. You do not need to walk this path alone. December: Celebrate What Matters December often brings pressure around spending, travel, and traditions. Shift the focus to creating one meaningful family memory that costs nothing. Cook together. Take a drive to see lights. Play a game. Share stories. Record a short family conversation where each person names a moment from the year they want to remember. Finish the year by noticing the people, experiences, and choices that gave your family meaning in 2026. One intentional choice each month can change how a dad finishes the year. Restore connection in September. Strengthen presence in October. Support honest self awareness in November. Preserve gratitude and family memories in December. Pick up this four month challenge and make the final stretch of 2026 count. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#274August 24 · 13 min
Thoughts and Feelings That Flood My Mind After Spending Time with my Adult Kids
Episode 274 - Thoughts and Feelings That Flood My Mind After Spending Time with my Adult Kids Thoughts and Feelings After Spending Time with Adult Kids Spending time with adult kids can stir deep emotions for an empty nest dad. Dave reflects on the strange feeling that follows a visit, when he drives home wishing he could return to the years when his children lived under the same roof. Dad Space explores the emotional shift that happens when adult kids build lives of their own. When Home Changes Two major floods forced Dave and Jen to sort through years of family memories. The damage made them decide what mattered, what they could release, and what they had kept through habit. Their children helped when they could, even as busy adult lives limited their availability. The experience pushed Dave to think about family connection. His children still need their parents, yet they now need them on their own terms. They seek advice, approval, encouragement, and a response to a message. They also make independent choices, including choices their parents may question. That shift can challenge any parent. Dave remembers the mistakes he made before parenthood and worries when his children follow paths that resemble his past regrets. He wants to protect them from pain, though he knows experience often teaches lessons that advice cannot. A New Role for Parents Adult kids no longer live under their parents' rules. They create their own homes, routines, relationships, and priorities. Parents lose direct influence, yet they can still offer support, honest guidance, and emotional safety. Dave recognizes the value of staying present without overreaching. Parents can answer the phone, respond to messages, respect boundaries, and remain available when their children need help. Their adult kids may choose a different path, yet the values and care from home can continue shaping their decisions. The episode also encourages young dads to slow down and enjoy ordinary family moments. Summer evenings, walks, conversations, and shared time can become powerful memories. Children grow quickly, and parents often understand the value of those moments after they pass. Keeping Home Open Dave and Jen gave their children keys to the house. The keys represent a promise. Their children can return without asking permission, find food in the fridge, and feel that home still welcomes them. Wherever life takes them, they have a place to land. Parenting changes when children leave home, yet love continues through presence, trust, and an open door. Give children room to build their lives while reminding them that home remains available whenever they need it. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#273August 17 · 26 min
When the Water Rises - 3 Life Lessons for Dads About What Really Matters
Episode 273 - When the Water Rises - 3 Life Lessons for Dads About What Really Matters A crisis like a flood has a way of stripping life down to its essentials. The things that seemed urgent yesterday—possessions, schedules, status, unfinished projects—can suddenly become irrelevant. What remains is often much simpler: people, safety, presence, and the choices we make when control disappears. For dads, a crisis can expose the difference between being busy and being useful. It can remind us that providing for our families is not only about earning money or maintaining a home; it is also about staying calm, making wise decisions, offering reassurance, and helping our children feel safe when the world feels uncertain. The three life lessons 1. People matter more than possessions A flood can destroy furniture, electronics, photographs, tools, toys, and carefully accumulated belongings. That loss can be painful, but it also clarifies something important: most possessions are replaceable; people are not. Dads often carry the pressure to build, fix, protect, and provide. But in an emergency, the most valuable thing we can provide may be our attention and presence. Questions to explore: What possessions do we spend too much energy protecting? Are our children more likely to remember what we owned or how we made them feel? How can dads teach gratitude without pretending that loss does not hurt? Protect what is irreplaceable first: your family, your relationships, and your ability to be present. 2. “Urgent” is not always important Before a crisis, life can be dominated by notifications, deadlines, chores, errands, and work demands. Everything appears to require immediate attention. Then a genuine emergency arrives, and the hierarchy changes instantly. A flood can reveal that some of the things consuming our energy were never truly important. It invites dads to ask whether their calendars reflect their values—or merely other people’s demands. Questions to explore: What currently feels urgent but would not matter a year from now? What important relationship or responsibility keeps being postponed? If your normal routine disappeared tomorrow, what would you wish you had made more time for? Do not wait for a crisis to tell you what deserves your time. 3. Control is limited, but responsibility remains A dad cannot control the weather, the damage, the timing, or every outcome. But he can control how he responds. He can communicate clearly, ask for help, make the next practical decision, and acknowledge fear without allowing fear to lead. This is an important lesson for children. They do not need a father who acts as though nothing is wrong. They need a father who can say, “This is difficult, and we are going to handle the next step together.” Questions to explore: What does calm leadership look like when you are scared too? How can dads be honest with their children without transferring adult panic onto them? When is asking for help an act of strength rather than failure? You may not control the crisis, but you can influence the atmosphere your family experiences inside it. A crisis does not always give us new priorities. Sometimes it removes the distractions that kept us from seeing our real ones. The house may need to be rebuilt. The belongings may need to be replaced. But the deeper question is this: when life gets stripped back to the essentials, are we already spending our time on what matters most? Listener challenge Ask listeners to complete these three sentences: I want my children to remember that I… The thing I keep treating as urgent but need to release is… The relationship or priority I will make more room for is… ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#272August 10 · 55 min
The Awkward Dad Conversation, Building in Public, Personal Identity and Regrets with Guest Andy Vargo
Episode 272 - The Awkward Dad Conversation, Building in Public, Personal Identity and Regrets with Guest Andy Vargo Fatherhood After Major Life Changes Andy Vargo shares a deeply personal look at fatherhood after divorce, major changes in personal identity, and the challenge of rebuilding relationships with children who have grown into adults. He describes the silence that followed leaving a busy family home and the struggle to understand his identity as a dad when he no longer lived with his children. Those everyday conversations can carry enormous value. A discussion in a parking lot, a late-night visit, or a quick phone call can create connections that planned conversations often miss. Building Relationships Through Honesty Andy reflects on coming out after years of trying to make a relationship work and the conversations that followed with his children. He focuses on taking responsibility for his own choices rather than placing blame elsewhere. He also discusses the lessons he wishes he had learned earlier, particularly around communicating with children after divorce. He learned to put the relationship with his children ahead of proving his own position. That shift helped him create more space for honest conversations and reduced the pressure he placed on himself when his children became busy with their own lives. Dads Need Support Too The conversation explores the difficulty many men face when they need emotional support. Andy encourages dads to build meaningful connections before a crisis arrives. Friends, family, community groups, and online communities can provide places where fathers can speak openly and find someone willing to listen. He also talks about the value of understanding how the brain responds to stress. Recognizing that fear and threat scanning can happen automatically helped him separate those feelings from the assumption that every feared outcome would actually happen. Learning From Your Kids Andy encourages fathers to remain curious about their children's interests, even when those interests fall outside their own experience. Asking a child to teach you something can strengthen the relationship while showing genuine respect for who they have become. Fatherhood continues as children become adults. Andy sees his role as staying connected, showing up, offering support, and building relationships that can grow at any stage of life. You cannot rewrite earlier moments of fatherhood. You can choose how you show up now. Honest conversations, vulnerability, asking for help, and consistent connection can strengthen relationships with your children at any age. https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#271August 3 · 24 min
Slow Down Dad, Look Around - You Are Going To Miss This - A Caution for New Dads from an Empty Nester
Episode 271 - Slow Down Dad, Look Around - You Are Going To Miss This - A Caution for New Dads from an Empty Nester This episode offers a reflective and heartfelt message to dads in the middle of raising young children, delivered from the perspective of an empty nester looking back. It begins with a light, relatable tone but quickly shifts into a meaningful reminder about how fast fatherhood moves and how easy it is to rush through it. At the center of the conversation is a simple but powerful caution: the constant desire to reach the next milestone can cause you to miss the moments that truly matter. From sleepless nights and endless questions to messy living rooms and repeated bedtime stories, these everyday experiences can feel exhausting in the moment. Yet, they are the very moments that will one day be missed the most. Drawing inspiration from a short clip about the silence that eventually replaces the chaos of a busy home, the episode highlights how being a Dad is not a repeatable journey. Each stage, each child, and each interaction is unique and fleeting. The host shares personal reflections on raising three children, acknowledging how much of those early years became a blur due to the pace of life, responsibilities, and lack of awareness in the moment. The episode emphasizes that missing these moments is not about a lack of care, but rather the result of being overwhelmed, distracted, and stretched thin. Life speeds up when you become a parent, and without intentional effort, the small but meaningful interactions can slip by unnoticed. Rather than suggesting perfection or unrealistic presence, the focus shifts to practical awareness. Slowing down does not mean doing less, it means being intentional. Simple actions like putting the phone away, listening fully, or giving undivided attention during one small moment each day can create lasting memories and deeper connections. A personal story about a rare family experience highlights how even meaningful events can pass without fully appreciating their significance at the time. Looking back, those moments carry more weight than they did in the moment, reinforcing the importance of awareness while living them. This episode is not about regret, but about perspective. It serves as a gentle reminder that the “good old days” are happening right now, even if they feel chaotic or tiring. Key takeaway: Slow down and be present for at least one moment each day, because the ordinary moments you rush through today are the ones your future self will miss the most. tiktok clip mentioned https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9tW5UqJ/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#270July 27 · 20 min
Eric Church, 6 Strings, 6 Life Lessons - Being in Tune and Playing Your Instrument
Episode 270 - Eric Church, 6 Strings, 6 Life Lessons - Being in Tune and Playing Your Instrument This episode of Dad Space takes inspiration from a powerful talk by Eric Church, where he uses the six strings of a guitar to share six life lessons. Dave brings that message into the world of fatherhood, translating each string into a meaningful reflection on how dads can live with intention, connection, and purpose. The conversation begins with a simple but striking idea: when a guitar is out of tune, you can hear it instantly. The same is true in life. When something is off in your relationships, your work, or within yourself, it shows. Living in tune means being aligned with what matters most and recognizing when something needs adjustment. Each string becomes a metaphor. The low E string represents your foundation, your faith or core belief system. It is the base everything else is built on, and without it, nothing holds together. The A string shifts focus to family, adding warmth and depth to life, reminding dads that family is not occasional, it is daily and intentional. At the center sits the D string, symbolizing your partner. This relationship shapes everything else, either strengthening your life or pulling it out of tune. Choosing and nurturing the right partnership is one of the most important decisions a dad can make. The G string introduces the need for constant attention. It reflects ambition and resilience, both pulling in different directions, requiring regular check-ins and adjustments. Dads are reminded to pause, reset, and stay grounded rather than pushing through on autopilot. Community comes through the B string, highlighting the importance of real connection in a world driven by digital noise. Dave emphasizes the value of showing up locally, building relationships, and creating spaces where dads can truly belong. Finally, the high E string represents your unique voice. It is easily influenced by outside pressure, comparison, and criticism. The message is clear: do not lose your individuality trying to match someone else’s expectations. Your role as a dad is to bring your own sound into the world. Key takeaway: A meaningful life, like great music, depends on staying in tune. When dads focus on their foundation, nurture their relationships, stay connected to community, and protect their unique voice, they create something lasting and impactful for their families. Eric Church Speech Clip Referenced https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSx6uVHDR/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#269July 20 · 39 min
Dr. Christopher Choukalas - Even the Darkest Night - journey through paternal depression—an often undiagnosed condition that affects millions of new fathers
Episode 269 - Dr. Christopher Choukalas - Even the Darkest Night - journey through paternal depression—an often undiagnosed condition that affects millions of new fathers This episode features Dr. Christopher Choukalas, an anesthesiologist and critical care physician, sharing a deeply personal and professional perspective on fatherhood, mental health, and the often unspoken reality of paternal postpartum depression. Drawing from his years in high intensity medical environments, Dr. Choukalas reflects on what it means to support people during their most vulnerable moments. Whether in the operating room or the delivery ward, he highlights the importance of quickly building trust, leading with empathy, and embracing human connection. Over time, he discovered that vulnerability, once perceived as a weakness, became one of his greatest strengths in both patient care and personal growth. The conversation shifts into his own experience as a new father during the early days of the pandemic. Facing isolation, fear, and the trauma of a complicated birth involving his wife, he found himself overwhelmed, anxious, and struggling for control. Despite his extensive medical and psychological training, he did not recognize what he was experiencing. Without a clear label or framework, the emotional weight became isolating and difficult to process. Dr. Choukalas opens up about the turning point in his journey, seeking therapy. With support from his wife, he began to understand that his symptoms were not simply personal failings but part of a broader, underrecognized experience among fathers. He emphasizes that while maternal postpartum depression is acknowledged, paternal mental health remains largely undefined and underdiagnosed, even though research suggests many fathers experience similar symptoms. Through his healing process, he has become more open, more present, and more connected both at home and in his work. He now approaches relationships with patients and family from a place of authenticity and emotional availability. This episode also highlights the need for systemic change. From healthcare providers to policymakers, there is a call to recognize and support fathers in the postpartum period, ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported. Key takeaway: You do not have to suffer in silence. Naming what you are experiencing is the first step toward getting help, and with the right support, it is possible to move from overwhelm to connection and joy. https://www.christopherchoukalas.com/ Even the Darkest Night A father's harrowing journey through paternal depression, and how he came through it to the other side. After a traumatic birth nearly claimed his wife's life, anesthesiologist and intensive care physician Christopher Choukalas should have felt grateful. His twin daughters were healthy, his wife had survived, and they had started a family. But instead of joy, Choukalas found himself spiraling, spending long evenings in the garage, unable to face the chaos and emotional strain inside his home. Caught between caring for his wife, deciphering the needs of his newborns, and confronting painful childhood memories, his world began to unravel. Despite clear signs, racing thoughts, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, and emotional distance from his children, Choukalas failed to recognize he was suffering from a serious condition. Like many men, he internalized his pain, hoping it was just the "baby blues" and would fade with time. His turning point came when his wife, exhausted with his behavior and "checked-outness," urged him to seek help. Even though he's a doctor, he had missed the fact that he ticked off every symptom of paternal depression. Through intensive therapy, medication, and the support of a fathers' group, Choukalas began to understand his need for control and the lingering hurt from his own father's absence. Slowly, he rebuilt his connection with his wife and children and found healing. Even the Darkest Night, Choukalas's powerful memoir, sheds light on the hidden struggles of fatherhood. With raw honesty and emotional insight, it challenges the silence and stigma surrounding men's mental health, especially in the early years of parenting. A much-needed voice and new understanding for fathers navigating love, identity, and healing in the shadows of expectation. https://www.christopherchoukalas.com/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#268July 13 · 17 min
Dad Rules - Rest, Recovery, and Real Life - Teaching Kids to Listen to Their Bodies
Episode 268 - Dad Rules - Rest, Recovery, and Real Life - Teaching Kids to Listen to Their Bodies In this episode of Dad Space, Dave introduces the first installment of a new series called Dad Rules, exploring practical household guidelines that help families thrive rather than simply control behavior. The focus is on rest, recovery, and teaching children how to listen to their bodies in a world that often pushes everyone to keep going no matter what. Using examples from sports and everyday life, Dave explains why rules matter. Without structure, families can easily drift into chaos. The goal is not to create a rigid household, but to establish simple principles that support health, honesty, and balance. One of the featured rules is straightforward: if you're too sick for school, you're too sick for screens. By removing the reward of unlimited screen time, this approach encourages children to be honest about how they feel and helps shift the focus back to genuine recovery. The conversation then turns to sleep, emphasizing that adequate rest should be a non-negotiable part of family life. Dave discusses how consistent sleep routines influence mood, focus, behavior, and overall family harmony. He also challenges dads to model healthy sleep habits themselves, recognizing that children learn more from what they see than what they are told. Another rule encourages every member of the family, including parents, to have dedicated quiet time. Rather than viewing stillness as wasted time, Dave highlights the value of slowing down, recharging, and becoming comfortable with moments of reflection in an increasingly busy and connected world. The episode concludes with a discussion about mental health days. Dave encourages families to create space for honest conversations about feeling overwhelmed and to recognize that taking a break when needed is a healthy response, not a weakness. By openly demonstrating healthy coping strategies, dads can equip their children with tools they'll rely on throughout life. These four simple rules are presented as starting points for creating a healthier family culture, one that values rest, self-awareness, and honest communication. Children learn how to care for themselves by watching the adults around them. When dads prioritize rest, recovery, quiet time, and mental well-being, they teach their kids lifelong skills for navigating stress, maintaining balance, and living healthier lives. If you’re too sick for school, you’re too sick for screens This rule sets a clean boundary between genuine recovery and comfort-seeking habits. It removes the incentive to “game the system” while reinforcing that being sick means slowing down. You can talk about what “rest” actually looks like in your home—books, naps, low stimulation—and how consistency from parents is what makes this rule stick. Also worth exploring: how to handle gray areas (lingering colds, mental fatigue, etc.). Sleep is non-negotiable on school/work nights; routines beat exceptions Sleep becomes a family value, not just a suggestion. This rule emphasizes predictable wind-down routines, consistent bedtimes, and the idea that tomorrow’s performance starts the night before. You can expand into how sleep impacts mood, school performance, and even parent patience. A strong angle here is modeling—if parents stay up scrolling, the rule loses weight. Everyone gets “quiet time” each week (even parents) This is less about punishment and more about reset. Quiet time creates space for reflection, creativity, and decompression—especially in busy households. It teaches kids how to be alone without being bored in a negative way. You can frame this as a “family recharge system” and share different ways quiet time might look depending on age (reading, drawing, music, journaling). Mental health days are allowed—but must be communicated honestly This rule balances compassion with accountability. It acknowledges that not all hard days are physical, while still requiring kids to express what’s going on. You can explore how to teach kids the language to describe stress, anxiety, or overwhelm—and how dads can respond without immediately trying to “fix” everything. This is also a great entry point into modeling emotional honesty as a parent. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#267July 6 · 29 min
Not All Dads Are Broken - Healthy Dads, Help a Dad That is Struggling and Share Your Strength
Episode 267 - Not All Dads Are Broken - Healthy Dads, Help a Dad That is Struggling and Share Your Strength Opening question: “Are men okay?” → Reality: many aren’t, but some are just better at hiding it. Pushback on narrative: Not every man is secretly broken, despite what social media suggests. Cultural exaggeration: Online messaging often paints all men as emotionally unstable or on the edge. Balanced truth: Some men are genuinely struggling and need help, therapy, and better communication skills. Core message: Not all men are broken—some are actually doing okay. Why some men are okay: They witnessed dysfunction (addiction, anger, chaos) and chose a different path. Reframing the past: That experience isn’t always trauma—it can be motivation. Society’s reaction to ambition: Hard-working men are often questioned (“Who hurt you?”) instead of respected. Alternative perspective: Maybe he’s driven by love, gratitude, and desire to build something better. Recognition gap: Healthy, stable, striving men don’t get enough acknowledgment. Mental load: Many men carry stress—finances, family, work, caregiving, expectations. Default response: “I’m fine” becomes habitual, even when it’s not fully true. Missing piece: Awareness isn’t enough—healing requires action. Hard truth: Repeatedly acknowledging problems without action becomes a choice. Small steps matter: Better sleep Physical activity Time outdoors Reducing unhealthy coping habits (e.g., drinking) Being present with family Effort matters: Trying, even imperfectly, is part of growth. Listening gap: People say “men should open up,” but often don’t truly listen when they do. What real listening looks like: Don’t compete Don’t turn it into content Don’t reinterpret—just hear them Honest admission: Men often feel unappreciated and misunderstood. Invisible effort: Many do things hoping to be noticed—but aren’t. Reality check: That doesn’t mean everything is broken—sometimes it’s just life and human distraction. What most men want: Peace Purpose Respect A reason to keep building Important balance: It’s okay to not be okay—but also okay to simply be okay. Normalcy matters: Enjoying life, family, work, and growth doesn’t mean hidden pain. Spectrum of men: Some broken Some healing Some learning Some struggling Some thriving Some surviving Shared goal: Most men are just trying to build a better life than they came from. Motivation vs negativity: Growth isn’t always driven by pain—it can come from vision. Pride factor: Wanting to do better is something men should be proud of. Brotherhood idea: Men trying to support those who aren’t okay while still showing up for family. Identity caution: Mental health struggles shouldn’t become someone’s entire identity. Final truth: Everyone struggles—but how you respond to it is what defines the outcome. This episode of Dad Space explores a powerful idea that pushes back against a growing narrative online: not all dads are struggling, and it is okay to be okay. Using a viral clip as a springboard, Dave reflects on how social media often amplifies the hardships of fatherhood to the point where it feels like every man is broken. While those struggles are real and deserve attention, the episode challenges the idea that they define every dad. Dave shares how constant exposure to “all men are struggling” messaging can create confusion for dads who are actually doing well. Instead of feeling confident, they may feel out of place or even question themselves. He reframes this by emphasizing that fatherhood is seasonal. There are highs, lows, and everything in between, and no single narrative fits everyone. The conversation also highlights the importance of balance. نعم, some dads need support, therapy, and community, and taking that step is essential. But for those who are in a good place, there is a responsibility to look outward and support other dads who may not be. Strength, when shared, becomes a powerful tool for lifting others. A key theme throughout the episode is growth. Trauma and hardship are real, but they are not meant to be permanent identities. Healing requires movement, often through small, practical steps like being present, building better habits, and genuinely listening to others. Dave reinforces that men are more than their struggles, and that purpose, peace, and respect are often what dads are truly seeking. The episode ultimately celebrates the full spectrum of fatherhood. Some dads are struggling, some are healing, and some are thriving. All are valid. What matters is continuing to move forward and supporting each other along the way. Key takeaway: It is okay to not be okay, but it is equally okay to be okay and when you are, use your strength to help another dad who needs it. Clip referenced in episode https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSQF8qkdN/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#266June 29 · 45 min
Navigating the Empty Nest with David Campbell Guesting on the Great Dad Podcast
Episode 266 - Navigating the Empty Nest with David Campbell Guesting on the Great Dad Podcast In this special Shared Mic Series episode of Dad Space, host Dave Campbell shares a conversation from his appearance on the GreatDad.com podcast with host Paul. The discussion centers on a topic that many fathers eventually face but few are prepared for: navigating the transition to an empty nest. Dave reflects on his own experience as a father of three children and the unexpected reality of watching his family dynamic change almost overnight. What began as a full and active household became a home for two, forcing both Dave and his wife to confront the emotional, relational, and personal challenges that accompany this major life transition. Their differing reactions highlight an important truth: no two parents experience an empty nest in exactly the same way. Throughout the conversation, Dave and Paul explore how fathers often tie their identity to their roles as providers, coaches, chauffeurs, and supporters of their children. When those responsibilities begin to fade, many dads are left wondering who they are beyond fatherhood. The discussion examines the importance of intentionally investing in personal interests, friendships, hobbies, and marital relationships long before children leave home. The episode also shines a light on the growing challenge of loneliness among men. Dave shares how many fathers gradually lose connections with friends and social circles as family responsibilities increase. As children grow up and move on, those missing relationships can leave a significant gap. Building community, creating meaningful friendships, and finding purpose outside of parenting become essential parts of maintaining emotional well-being. Listeners will also hear practical advice for dads approaching this season of life, including strengthening their relationship with their partner, making time for personal passions, and actively creating a support network. Dave encourages fathers to avoid living on autopilot and instead approach life with intention, purpose, and a commitment to personal growth. The conversation highlights the work being done by GreatDad.com, a platform dedicated to supporting fathers through resources, conversations, coaching, and discussions about modern fatherhood. Paul's mission of helping dads navigate challenges and build stronger families aligns closely with the themes explored throughout this episode. Key Takeaway Fatherhood is a lifelong journey, but it should not be your only identity. By investing in relationships, community, personal interests, and your own well-being, you can navigate major life transitions with greater purpose, resilience, and fulfillment. Feeling anxious about your kids leaving home? Wondering what comes next after the “full house” years? In this candid and insightful episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with fellow dad and podcast expert David Campbell to explore the emotional landscape of empty nesting. David shares his real-life experience going from a bustling house to a quiet home—for both him and his wife, this transition brought unexpected challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a stay-at-home dad, a working parent, or simply looking for wisdom as your family enters new phases, this episode offers reassurance, actionable tips, and relatable stories for every dad. https://greatdad.com/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#265June 22 · 19 min
Celebrating Father's Day - Dad, Embrace Your Day, You Have Earned This
Episode 265 - Celebrating Father's Day - Dad, Embrace Your Day, You Have Earned This This Father’s Day episode of Dad Space is both a celebration and a reflection, marking four years of conversations dedicated to supporting dads around the world. Dave opens with gratitude, recognizing the growth of the podcast and the global community that has formed around a shared goal: becoming better fathers through connection, encouragement, and honest conversation. At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful message: celebrate Father’s Day your way. Rather than following expectations or pressure on how the day “should” look, dads are encouraged to take ownership of the day and shape it or what they truly need. For some, that might mean quiet time alone, a coffee before the house wakes up, or a moment to reflect. For others, it is about intentional time with family, creating memories through shared experiences, laughter, and presence. Dave highlights how fleeting these moments can be, especially as children grow older, reminding listeners to value and prioritize time with their kids while they can. He also encourages dads to reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been put aside, whether that is a hobby, a passion, or simply time to recharge. Fatherhood often centers on giving to others, but this day serves as a reminder that self-care matters too. The episode also acknowledges that Father’s Day can be complex. For some, it may be their first as a new dad, while others may be facing distance, loss, or difficult family circumstances. In those moments, the message is clear: you are not alone, and your impact as a father is not measured by one day, but by the consistent presence and effort you show every day. Dave reflects on the incredible reach of Dad Space, now heard in over 75 countries, emphasizing the universal nature of fatherhood. Despite different cultures and experiences, dads everywhere share the same desire to show up, grow, and support their families. The episode closes with appreciation for the listeners who make the show possible and an open invitation for dads to share their stories, connect, and be part of the community. Four years ago, Dad Space started with a simple idea: dads need space too. As we celebrate our fourth anniversary this Father's Day, I wanted to take a moment to recognize something pretty incredible. Dad Space may be recorded here in Canada, but this community of dads has become truly global. When I first hit record on that very first episode, I never imagined these conversations would travel around the world. Yet today, Dad Space has been downloaded by listeners in more than 75 countries and territories. Of course, our largest audience comes from the United States, followed by Canada. But then the map starts to get really interesting. We have dads and listeners joining us from Germany, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, India, China, Hong Kong, France, Norway, Italy, Brazil, Spain, New Zealand, Finland, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The conversations continue across Russia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Belgium, Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, the Cayman Islands, the Netherlands, Estonia, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Lithuania, Sweden, Switzerland, Indonesia, Ireland, Austria, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Qatar. And it doesn't stop there. Dad Space has reached listeners in Argentina, Bangladesh, Denmark, Guatemala, Iraq, Panama, Poland, Taiwan, Bahrain, Belize, Botswana, Colombia, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, Romania, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Think about that for a moment. Different languages. Different cultures. Different traditions. Different time zones. Yet we all share something in common. We're trying to become better dads. Whether you're listening during your morning commute in Toronto, sitting in traffic in Texas, walking through London, enjoying a coffee in Melbourne, relaxing in Singapore, or winding down after work in Germany, we're connected by a shared journey called fatherhood. The challenges may look different. The opportunities may look different. But the desire to show up for our families is universal. So on this Father's Day, and as Dad Space celebrates four years of conversations, I want to say thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for sharing episodes. Thank you for supporting the show. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your parenting journey. Most of all, thank you for proving that dads everywhere are looking for connection, encouragement, and community. From Canada to the world, thank you for making Dad Space part of your story. Happy Father's Day. And wherever you're listening from today, know that there's a seat for you here in Dad Space. Key takeaway: Fatherhood is not defined by a single day or grand gestures, but by the daily commitment to show up, grow, and care for yourself and your family. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#264June 15 · 29 min
The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About Fatherhood
Episode 264 - The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About Fatherhood In this Father’s Day month episode of Dad Space, Dave explores a simple but powerful idea: what if the rules of a library could guide how we show up as dads? Drawing from the quiet structure and shared expectations of a public library, he builds a thoughtful framework for fatherhood rooted in presence, respect, and growth. Libraries are calm, welcoming spaces where people come to learn without judgment, and Dave suggests our homes can reflect that same environment. Instead of reacting quickly or loudly, dads can create emotional “quiet spaces” where kids feel safe to think, process, and be heard. The focus shifts from having all the answers to offering a steady, calm presence. The episode also highlights the importance of reciprocity in relationships. Just like borrowed books must be returned, trust and respect within a family require ongoing investment. Time, encouragement, and even apologies are part of giving back and strengthening those bonds. Dave emphasizes creating a home where everyone feels they belong. Each child is different, and great dads make space for those differences rather than forcing sameness. He also reminds listeners that seeking help is not weakness. Like a librarian guiding you to the right resource, growth in fatherhood often comes from learning, asking questions, and leaning on others. There is a strong focus on being intentional with time. Childhood is filled with moments that do not last forever, and being present during those seasons matters. Alongside this is the need for consistency. Just as libraries rely on organization, families benefit from clear expectations, routines, and values that create stability. The episode also encourages dads to become storytellers, preserving family history and sharing life lessons that shape identity. At the same time, Dave acknowledges that there is no single “right way” to parent. Like the many books on a library shelf, different perspectives can help dads grow and adapt. Ultimately, a healthy family is built through shared contribution. Everyone has a role, and inviting kids to participate fosters ownership and connection. Key takeaway: Great fatherhood is not about having all the answers, but about how consistently you show up with presence, intention, and a willingness to learn and grow alongside your family. The Dad's Library Framework If libraries could give parenting advice, it might sound something like this: Stay calm when things get loud. Invest back into your relationships. Make everyone feel welcome. Ask for help when you need it. Handle hearts with care. Don't miss the season you're in. Keep learning. Create consistency. Be present. Share your story. Stay humble. Build a family culture where everyone contributes. A library isn't valuable because of the books on the shelves. It's valuable because of what happens when people engage with them. The same is true of fatherhood. Being a great dad isn't about what you own, what you earn, or what you know. It's about how you show up, day after day, helping the people around you learn, grow, and write the next chapter of their own story. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#263June 8 · 30 min
When a Dad Runs on Fumes - where life stops feeling manageable and starts feeling like survival
Episode 263 - When a Dad Runs on Fumes - where life stops feeling manageable and starts feeling like survival When a Dad Runs on Fumes There comes a point for a lot of fathers where life stops feeling manageable and starts feeling like survival. You wake up tired. You go to work tired. You come home mentally checked out. The bills keep coming, the expectations never seem to slow down, and somewhere along the way you stop recognizing yourself. You become short-tempered. Detached. Quiet. Angry at things that normally would not bother you. Sometimes you feel lonely even while sitting in a room full of people you love. A lot of dads carry this silently because they believe they are supposed to. You are supposed to be dependable. Stable. Strong. The problem is that strength without support eventually turns into exhaustion. Many fathers are wrestling with pressures they never fully talk about: Financial stress Fear about the future Feeling stuck in work that drains them Relationship tension Losing connection with friends Feeling invisible unless they are providing something Carrying responsibility without feeling appreciated Wondering if they are failing their family That emotional weight builds slowly. It does not usually explode overnight. It leaks out through frustration, numbness, anger, isolation, or shutting down emotionally. The dangerous part is that many dads normalize it. They tell themselves: “This is just adulthood.” “This is what being a father is.” “I just need to push harder.” But running on fumes is not sustainable. Eventually something gives. Your health, your relationships, your patience, or your sense of purpose. The Reality Most Dads Need to Hear You do not have to earn the right to rest. You do not have to completely fall apart before asking for help. And you are not weak for admitting that life feels heavy right now. A father who acknowledges he is struggling is not failing. He is being honest enough to stop the damage before it spreads further into his family, his marriage, and himself. How to Start Turning Things Around 1. Stop trying to solve your entire future at once When dads hit a low point, the future can feel terrifying. Career uncertainty. Aging parents. Kids growing up. Financial pressure. Retirement worries. Regret over missed opportunities. The mind starts sprinting years ahead while your body is barely surviving today. Instead of trying to solve the next ten years, focus on stabilizing the next few days. Get sleep where you can. Eat real meals. Go outside. Move your body. Reduce one source of chaos. Handle one overdue task. Small wins matter when your mind feels overwhelmed. Momentum returns slowly. 2. Talk to someone before resentment hardens Loneliness in fathers often comes from silence. Many men only talk about logistics: Work. Schedules. Repairs. Responsibilities. But very few talk honestly about fear, disappointment, exhaustion, or emotional burnout. That isolation becomes dangerous because unspoken pain usually transforms into anger. Find one trusted person: A friend A brother A counselor Another dad Your spouse Not to “fix” you. Just to hear you honestly. Sometimes saying “I’m not doing well right now” is the first real turning point. 3. Separate exhaustion from identity A bad season can convince a dad that he is a bad father, bad husband, or bad man. That is rarely true. Exhaustion distorts perspective. A burned out brain starts interpreting everything through failure: “I’m behind.” “I’m not enough.” “My family deserves better.” But often what your family actually needs is not perfection. They need presence. Patience. Connection. Honesty. Kids do not remember whether you had everything figured out. They remember whether you were emotionally available. 4. Rebuild something that belongs to you A lot of dads lose themselves completely inside responsibility. Every hour belongs to work, family, errands, or obligations. At some point you stop being a person and start feeling like a machine. You need something that reconnects you to yourself: Working out Reading Music Podcasting Writing Walking Fishing Building things Faith Creativity Not because it is productive. Because it reminds you that you still exist outside of stress. 5. Accept that life may not get easier overnight Some realities cannot be instantly fixed. Work may still be difficult. Money may still be tight. The future may still feel uncertain. But your ability to carry those realities changes when you stop carrying them alone and stop pretending you are invincible. Strength is not about never struggling. It is about refusing to stay buried in silence. A Message to Dads Sitting in the Dark Right Now If you are exhausted, angry, emotionally numb, or quietly losing hope, you are not the only father feeling this way. More dads are struggling than most people realize. The important thing is recognizing the difference between being tired and giving up. You may need rest. You may need support. You may need to make changes. You may need to forgive yourself for not being able to carry everything perfectly. But this low point does not have to become your permanent identity. Sometimes the strongest thing a father can do is admit: “I can’t keep living like this.” That honesty is not weakness. That is the beginning of rebuilding. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
- DS#262June 1 · 48 min
Learning from Your Kids, Strength for Weary Dads and Content Legacy - Jon Gustin - The Tired Dad
Episode 262 - Jon Gustin - The Tired Dad - Learning from Your Kids, Strength for Weary Dads and Content Legacy Helping dads navigate parenthood with perseverance, vulnerability, and self-compassion. He speaks openly about mental health, sobriety, and the need to include fathers in the parenting conversation. His message to all parents is clear, keep showing up. This episode of Dad Space features author and podcaster Jon Gustin, joining from Nashville, Tennessee, for a deeply honest conversation about fatherhood, identity, and the emotional realities many dads quietly carry. Blending personal stories with thoughtful reflection, Jon shares what it means to be a present, evolving parent while navigating marriage, mental load, and generational patterns. Jon opens up about his journey into fatherhood and how unprepared he felt for the emotional shifts that come with it. Without open conversations growing up about struggle or vulnerability, he and his wife found themselves learning in real time, especially through challenges like postpartum depression and the changing dynamics of marriage. What he needed most back then, he explains, was reassurance that what they were experiencing was normal. A powerful theme throughout the conversation is redefining what it means to be a dad. Jon reflects on the cultural image of fathers as distant providers and how becoming a parent challenged that narrative for him. Rather than relating to the disengaged dad stereotype, he felt a strong pull to be present, connected, and emotionally available. He emphasizes that modern fatherhood is shifting, and more dads are stepping into deeper roles within their families. Vulnerability stands at the core of Jon’s message. He shares a defining moment from his childhood when he saw his father not as invincible, but as human. That experience shaped his belief that showing emotion and imperfection is not weakness, but strength. By modeling how to handle adversity, apologize, and grow, fathers give their children permission to do the same. The conversation also highlights practical ways Jon stays connected with his kids, from intentional one on one time to meaningful daily routines like family dinners and quiet evenings. He stresses the importance of asking better questions, listening deeply, and being present for those end of day moments when kids are most open. Jon also explores the importance of effective communication in marriage, explaining how moving beyond ego and defensiveness helped him and his wife become true partners. Their shared openness now extends into their podcast, where they aim to model real, unfiltered conversations that help others feel less alone. At the heart of Jon’s work is a mission to bring fathers into deeper conversations about parenting, moving beyond surface level roles and into the emotional and mental experience of raising a family. He reminds listeners that while parenting is exhausting, that exhaustion often reflects deep investment and love. Key takeaway: You do not need to be perfect or have everything figured out to be a great dad. Being present, honest, and willing to grow through the hard moments is what truly shapes your impact on your children and the legacy you leave behind. https://tireddad.com/ The Tired Dad. 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270