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Startup Dad

Adam Fishman

Adam Fishman (author of a top business newsletter on Substack with 11K+ subscribers) interviews executives, entrepreneurs, and company leaders in technology companies who are also fathers. They discuss the tough aspects of work, parenting, family, the mistakes made and lessons learned along the way. All episodes at www.startupdadpod.com.

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  • 23 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 3 min
  • English

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  • Thursday · 1 hr 8 min

    Your Kids Are Smarter Than You. Let Them Govern Themselves. | Matt Fairbanks (Dad of 4, CMO at Island)

    Matt Fairbanks is the Chief Marketing Officer of the enterprise browser and platform company, Island. He built a highly successful career as a tech executive in Silicon Valley, navigating the demanding, fast-paced culture of the tech industry before making the bold decision to pull up roots and relocate his family to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for a much-needed reset. He’s married to Trish, and together they have raised four children and are now proud grandparents. His parenting journey has included walking away from the height of his Silicon Valley career to help his kids thrive, codifying his family values into a living family constitution, navigating a terrifying, cliff-diving car accident that deeply shifted his perspective on gratitude, and learning how to intentionally step back from being a people-pleaser to prioritize what truly matters. We discussed: The Silicon Valley exit: What it takes to walk away from a high-powered tech career when you realize the environment is living you, instead of the other way around. The Fairbanks Family Rules: The origin story behind codifying six core family values, starting with the non-negotiable rule to "be unoffendable," and how they emerged one dinner table conversation at a time. The power of environment: A humbling lesson in child development, how a school system can misjudge a child's potential, and the radical move that completely unlocked his son's academic future. The concept of "Type Two Fun": Why introducing kids to challenges that are miserable in the moment but rewarding in retrospect is a vital tool for instilling a lifelong craving for hard work. Radical gratitude in a crisis: The terrifying reality of learning your 13-year-old daughter was in a 200-foot cliff-side car crash while you are trapped on a tech business flight, and how a miracle survival reshaped their family perspective. Technology as a tool, not the master: Practical frameworks for embracing new tech like AI to advance your family mission without letting your kids become passive passengers to digital screens. Where to find Matt Fairbanks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattfairbanks/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Matt Fairbanks, Chief Marketing Officer at Island (03:22) When Silicon Valley is living you instead of the other way around (05:04) The radical decision to shift environments to unlock children’s potential (07:44) The origin story of the Fairbanks Family Constitution (08:44) Rule number one: Stopping generational family drama at the dinner table (11:04) Why trust must be earned every single day (13:58) Teaching kids how to add value (19:43) Introducing kids to the magic of "Type Two Fun" (24:26) Prioritizing the "big rocks" over endless hours (38:42) Finding radical gratitude in the wake of a family crisis (45:14) Unpacking marital alignment: Pink tasks, blue tasks, and windshield intimacy (01:01:38) Lightning round: Dishwasher throwing mechanics, Tupperware software, and super vans Resources From This Episode: Island: https://www.island.io/ Roth IRA: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras The Fun Scale: https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/fun-scale Mary Poppins (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/ Argo (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1024648/ Moneyball (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210166/ The Big Short (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • August 20 · 1 hr 15 min

    The New Fatherhood: What Modern Dads Need Instead | Kevin Maguire (Dad of 2, Author)

    Kevin Maguire is the former Head of Strategy for Consumer Apps at Google and is now the author of The New Fatherhood and creator of the newsletter of the same name, a community read by over 23,000 dads. Before writing the book Kevin moved his family from the UK to San Francisco and eventually left the Bay Area for Barcelona, where he now lives with his wife, an and their two kids. He's also a coach who works with CEOs and CMOs at companies like Amazon and Netflix on the intersection of career and family. Together Kevin and his wife have built an intentional, rotating co-parenting structure at home while both pursuing careers outside the traditional nine-to-five. Kevin also runs a direct-action giving fund that covers therapy costs for dads struggling with paternal postpartum depression, something he experienced firsthand after the birth of his son. We discussed: Rewriting fatherhood: Why Kevin wrote a book arguing that fatherhood isn't something to endure, but the most enriching, joyful experience of his life. Retiring the three Ps: How protect, provide, and preside became outdated anchors, and what replaces them for modern dads raising kids in a different world. Managing yourself, not your kids: Why the real work of parenting is closing the gap between the dad you are and the dad you want to be. Building a Dadvisory Board: How Kevin coaches dads to find five men they admire, lean on the vulnerability loop, and build courage to ask for help. Surviving postpartum depression: Kevin's own descent into numbness after his son was born, and the Google search that finally gave his experience a name. Redefining success after Google: Why leaving the Bay Area rat race and moving to Barcelona helped Kevin trade validation for a life built around family. Where to find Kevin Maguire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevmaguire/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newfatherhood/ X: https://x.com/kevmaguire Substack: https://www.thenewfatherhood.org/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Kevin Maguire, Father-In-Chief at The New Fatherhood (03:29) Why the work is on you, not your kids (05:17) The old model: protect, provide, preside, and why it's busted (10:16) Managing your own feelings when mornings go sideways (13:35) The Dadvisory Board: treating fatherhood like a career (18:19) Building deeper friendships: courage and the vulnerability loop (21:36) Why dads struggle to ask for help (27:10) Paternal postpartum depression: Kevin's own story (34:37) Designing a life around family first (38:21) Work-life "fried egg" instead of work-life balance (44:09) Managing the mental load and the 80/20 co-parenting rule (49:39) Three eras of scarcity: money, time, and health (1:00:07) Shark Vader: using AI to spark kids' imagination (1:04:51) Lightning round: Yoto players, Home Alone, and minivans Resources From This Episode: The New Fatherhood: https://www.newfatherhood.com/ Bluey (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7846844/ Modern Family (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1442437/ The Simpsons (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/ Little House on the Prairie (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071007/ Waking Up App (Sam Harris): https://www.wakingup.com/ Yoto Player: https://us.yotoplay.com/ Huckleberry App: https://huckleberrycare.com/ Star Wars: Rogue One (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3748528/ Home Alone (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/ Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103064/ Avengers: Endgame (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • August 13 · 53 min

    AI Has Changed The Summer Job Playbook | Ghazi Masood (Dad of 2, CRO of Replit)

    Ghazi Masood is the Chief Revenue Officer at Replit, where he leads revenue for one of the fastest growing AI coding platforms in the world. He’s also a father of two teenage boys, a husband of nearly 25 years, and a pilot who spends much of his free time flying on nonprofit humanitarian missions. I reached out to Ghazi after a LinkedIn post he wrote about why teenagers should spend more time building with AI tools instead of defaulting to traditional summer jobs went viral. The post sparked a big reaction, and in this conversation we unpacked the nuance behind it that the internet doesn’t typically allow. We discussed: Work-life integration: Why Ghazi believes rigid boundaries create stress and how he blends work, family, travel, and flying. Raising teenagers in the AI era: What young people are building with tools like Replit and why this generation has new opportunities. Building as a compounding skill: How AI experimentation helps teens develop technical fluency, creativity, problem solving, and entrepreneurial instincts. Preparing kids for an uncertain job market: How Ghazi and his wife are helping their sons balance technology, communication, and human-centered skills. Marriage through different seasons: What nearly 25 years of marriage has taught Ghazi about partnership, adaptation, and support. Flying as service and meditation: How humanitarian flying helps Ghazi serve others while finding a rare sense of peace. Where to find Ghazi Masood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghazi-masood-09195a2/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Ghazi Masood, CRO of Replit (02:41) Why work-life integration beats balance (05:56) Why rigid boundaries can create more stress (09:18) Building a marriage across distance and seasons (11:48) Preparing for the college launch (15:59) How parenting shapes leadership (17:38) What kids are building with AI (21:40) Guiding kids through an uncertain career path (24:05) Why teenagers should start building (27:00) How tech skills compound over time (28:57) Why communication still wins (33:42) The AI debate happening inside schools (38:34) Flying humanitarian missions with Angel Flight West (46:24) Lightning round: baby swings, teeth in pockets, and no minivans Resources From This Episode: Replit: https://replit.com/ Angel Flight West: https://angelflightwest.org/ University of Washington: https://www.washington.edu/ WisprFlow: https://wisprflow.ai/ Stripe: https://stripe.com/ Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ Cars (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/ Top Gun (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092099/ Volkswagen ID. Buzz (Vehicle): https://www.vw.com/en/models/id-buzz.html — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • August 6 · 1 hr 16 min

    We Drove Through the Night to Meet Our Daughter | Matt Korn (Dad of 4, Founder of Dad Esquire)

    Matt Korn is a Partner at Pierson Ferdinand LLP and the founder of Dad, Esquire, an online community dedicated to supporting fatherhood within the legal profession. He built the community after spending years in Big Law, navigating the demanding culture of corporate legal practice while striving to be an emotionally present father to his four children. He’s married to Haley, and together they are raising four kids; three biological sons and one adopted daughter. His parenting journey has included managing extreme sleep deprivation to build his practice, navigating a powerful wake-up call about work-life balance from his wife, expanding their definition of family through an emergency domestic adoption, and developing a deeply intentional approach to digital screen boundaries. We discussed: The isolation of the legal profession: Why law firm culture makes it particularly difficult for dads to build community and why Matt created Dad Esquire to ensure no father navigates law or parenthood alone. The cost of running on empty: How sleep deprivation became Matt's default strategy for balancing Big Law with a big family, and what that reactionary approach ultimately cost him over time. A marital crossroads: The exact moment Matt’s wife told him she felt like a single mom, and how that wake-up call forced him to radically renegotiate his career and prioritize his family. Physical presence vs. emotional presence: Humbling lessons on modern parenting, the reality of screen-time guilt, and how to stay truly engaged when your kids are competing for your attention. An unexpected adoption journey: The logistical, financial, and emotional realities of their family's short-notice domestic adoption, and what it taught them about bonding and loving unconditionally. Navigating the digital future at home: How Matt thinks about AI and technology as a tool for his kids' future success. Where to find Matthew Korn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkorn/ Dad, Esquire: https://dadesq.com/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Matt Korn, Partner at Pierson Ferdinand LLP and Founder of Dad, Esquire (02:28) Raising four distinct personalities from the same DNA (03:39) The isolation crisis among lawyer fathers (06:22) The physical and mental toll of chronic sleep deprivation (09:58) The wake-up call: When your wife feels like a single mom (12:48) Inside Dad, Esquire: Why you shouldn't do law or fatherhood alone (19:07) The diverse and unexpected members showing up to community gatherings (21:46) Finding a safe space for raw, judgment-free dad chat (26:59) Expanding the definition of family: The adoption decision (35:39) How a baby girl shifted the all-boy pool dynamic (36:47) Navigating a finalized home dynamic, foster care questions, and future biology talks (42:24) Career pivots, autonomous big law models, and making it home for dinner (47:16) True emotional presence versus zoning out on Minecraft stories (51:27) Caleb’s shower confrontation: The phone box reality check (54:16) Opening up a child’s eyes to the creative endeavor of Claude and ChatGPT (01:01:15) Generational shifts in federal parental leave and providing beyond financial means (01:04:45) Rewinding the clock to zero-to-one transitions and ignoring conventional advice (01:08:55) Lightning round: Desitin, organized dishwashers, and the truth about minivans Resources From This Episode: Dad, Esquire: https://dadesq.com/ Dad, Esquire Merch: https://dadesq.square.site/ Lead Dad of the Week (Paul Sullivan on Matt Korn): https://thecompanyofdads.com/why-making-a-difference-at-work-and-in-your-community-matters-matthew-korn/ Matthew’s Blog Post about Adoption: https://dadesq.substack.com/p/im-pretty-im-smart-im-specialim-madison Desitin: https://www.desitin.com/ Heavyweights (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110006/ Like Mike (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308506/ Moana (2026 Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27419466/ The Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/ Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30825738/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • July 30 · 1 hr 16 min

    Did I F*ck Up Already?” My First 24 Hours as a Dad | Zach Jaffe (Dad of 1, Create Music Group)

    Zach Jaffe is an M&A professional at Create Music Group, where he focuses on independent record label acquisitions. After years in the LA music industry and startup world, Zach became the first in his friend group to have a child, which meant navigating early fatherhood without much of a roadmap or many people around him who could truly relate. He’s also a dad to one three-year-old daughter and brings a candid, funny, and deeply thoughtful perspective on parenting, work, attention, and what really matters when life gets chaotic. We discussed: The first six months are brutal: Why Zach believes the early stage of parenting is harder than most dads expect and why more honest conversations are needed. Being first in your friend group to have kids: How Zach navigated isolation, shifting friendships, and a totally new version of availability. Parenting through real emergencies: What Zach learned from driving through a storm with a baby and evacuating during the Pasadena and Altadena fires. Parenting with ADHD: The systems Zach uses to manage distraction, hyperfocus, reminders, and the everyday chaos of family life. Protecting attention at home: Why Zach is intentional about slow media, screen time, and keeping dopamine loops away from his daughter. Parenting makes you better at work: How fatherhood made Zach calmer, more empathetic, and more solution-oriented as a colleague and manager. Where to find Zach Jaffe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-scott-jaffe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachscottjaffe/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Zach Jaffe, Create Music Group (02:39) The first terrifying moments of becoming a dad (04:13) Why the first months of parenting are brutally hard (08:41) Losing your old social life after becoming a parent (11:41) Building the village before you really need it (14:10) How fatherhood builds patience and empathy at work (19:13) Going into survival mode during the LA wildfires (23:02) Why sleep matters more than startup culture admits (30:19) Parenting with ADHD and building systems that work (35:58) Why slow media matters in a fast dopamine world (40:59) Why Zach keeps AI out of parenting (42:25) Why creativity needs friction and struggle (49:31) How parenting makes you better at work (53:57) Why attention is everything (01:08:40) Lightning round: butt spatulas, dark clothes, and sensible family cars Resources From This Episode: Create Music Group: http://www.createmusicgroup.com The Road (Book by Cormac McCarthy): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6288.The_Road Waking Up (Meditation App): https://www.wakingup.com/ Waking Up (Book by Sam Harris): https://www.samharris.org/books/waking-up Baby Diaper Spatula: https://a.co/d/04SZjxQc The Muppet Show (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074028/ My Neighbor Totoro (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096283/ Spirited Away (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/ Star Wars (Films): https://www.imdb.com/list/ls070150896/ Alien (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078748/ Top Gun: Maverick (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/ Honda CR-V (Car): https://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • July 23 · 1 hr 20 min

    From TBS’s My Boys to Stay-at-Home Dad | Jamie Kaler (Dad of 2, Actor and Comedian)

    Jamie Kaler is a former Naval Officer turned actor, stand-up comedian and stay-at-home dad. He is best known for his role on TBS's "My Boys" and decades of work across television and commercials, from Friends and Will & Grace to How I Met Your Mother and The Family Stone. He spent five years as a U.S. Navy officer before moving to LA at 30 with no connections to pursue acting, eventually becoming one of those guys everyone vaguely recognizes but can't quite place. He's also the father of two daughters, ages 11 and almost 13. When "My Boys" wrapped and his wife's career took off, Jamie stepped back from the road to become the primary caregiver, cooking, driving, coaching soccer, and homeschooling two kids on iPads for 18 months during the pandemic. That experience became the foundation of his stand-up comeback, his viral Soccer Dad persona on Instagram and TikTok, and a whole new chapter in his career at 60. We discussed: Becoming a stay-at-home dad at 50: How Jamie walked away from touring after "My Boys" wrapped and became the primary caregiver for two daughters. Applying military structure to parenting: Why Jamie runs his household like a ship, schedules, reveille at 6:30, and uniforms during pandemic Zoom school. Going viral as Soccer Dad: How a spontaneous sideline rant at his daughter's first club game launched a brand, a T-shirt army, and a touring stand-up act at 60. Why sideline parents have lost the plot: Jamie's take on delusional sports parents, the reclassing phenomenon, and why he got red-carded as a coach. Stand-up as therapy: How Jamie uses comedy to process fatherhood, and why he now asks his daughters' permission before telling stories about them on stage. Raising kids who can talk to people: Why Jamie runs improv and public speaking drills at home, and why he believes verbal communication will be the most valuable skill of the next generation. Where to find Jamie Kaler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-kaler-b6143452/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamiekaler/ Web: https://jamiekaler.com/ Who Needs Podcast: https://jamiekaler.com/who-needs/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Jamie Kaler, Actor and Standup Comedian (02:50) Breaking down Jamie's wild resume: Navy, bartender, improv, and Hollywood (03:07) Why he pivoted from naval officer to stand-up comedy (09:22) Moving to LA at 30 with no connections to become an actor (10:13) What his military family thought about leaving the Navy (11:27) Becoming famous as "that guy you vaguely recognize" (15:38) Transitioning from red carpets to stay-at-home dad at 50 (20:04) How he became a stay-at-home dad (24:23) The most lost he's felt as a dad and his "survive and advance" philosophy (26:54) The origin story of Soccer Dad going viral (38:16) Why parents on the sidelines are delusional and the re-classing phenomenon (38:21) Getting red-carded as a coach and the walk of shame (42:05) What pulled him back to stand-up and touring again (01:00:33) Rewatching "My Boys" 20 years later what he remembers (nothing) (01:04:29) Advice for new dads: accept that you don't know everything (01:08:28) Lightning round: dishwashers, dad wardrobes, minivans, and Full House Resources From This Episode: Who Needs (Podcast by Jamie Kaler & Mike Bunin rewatching "My Boys"): https://jamiekaler.com/who-needs/ Flappers Comedy Club (Burbank, CA): https://www.flapperscomedy.com/ Punch Line San Francisco: https://www.punchlinecomedyclub.com/ Homeschooled (Album by Jamie Kaler): https://music.apple.com/us/album/homeschooled/1582539985 Bringing Up Bébé (Book by Pamela Druckerman): https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Bebe-Pamela-Druckerman/dp/0143122967 Dad Is Fat (Book by Jim Gaffigan): https://www.amazon.com/Dad-Is-Fat-Jim-Gaffigan/dp/1451669747 My Boys (TBS Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758745/ The Family Stone (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356618/ Full House (Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092359/ American Housewife (Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5578850/ Tacoma FD (Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8242858/ Robot Chicken (Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437745/ The Loud House (Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4847782/ Olukai Slippers: https://www.olukai.com/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • July 9 · 48 min

    Cotopaxi Founder: How I Built A Values-First Company And Family | Davis Smith (Dad of 4)

    Davis Smith is the Founder and Chairman of Cotopaxi, an outdoor gear brand built around fighting poverty and doing good in the world. Before stepping back as CEO after a decade of leading the company, Davis grew Cotopaxi at 85% CAGR into one of the most purpose-driven brands in the outdoor industry. He left and moved with his wife and four kids to be a mission president for his church in Brazil, leading nearly 500 young missionaries from 24 countries over three years. He's a dad of four, married to his wife who studied family science and served as a court-appointed special advocate for foster children, and together they've raised their kids across Latin America, Brazil, and the United States with a family culture built around service, faith, intellect, travel, and hard work. We discussed: Leaving a dream job to serve others: Why Davis walked away from the CEO role at Cotopaxi at the peak of its growth to lead 500 young missionaries in Brazil for three years. Building intentional family culture: How Davis and his wife created five core values tied to the letters S-M-I-T-H, complete with rituals, traditions, and a weekly family meeting. Values as a compass, not a club: Why family values should guide behavior rather than be used as a weapon when kids fall short. Unconditional positive regard: How loving your kids and missionaries no matter what gets better results than demands, disappointment, or conditional approval. Raising kids with financial discipline: The Bank of Smith Savings, the 50/40/10 rule, and why Davis matches whatever his kids save by age 16 for a car. Letting kids go through hard things: What Davis learned watching his daughter struggle through a mission in the Philippines and why he believes difficulty is essential for growth. Where to find Davis Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davismsmith/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Davis Smith, Founder & Chairman at Cotopaxi (02:37) Why Davis walked away from his dream job as CEO (05:12) Moving the whole family to Brazil for three years (07:23) What almost broke him in the first year (09:36) Why stepping away from comfort at a young age is transformative (13:53) Survival trips with his daughters and the origin story (16:18) How Davis built intentional family culture at home (21:03) Breaking down the SMITH family values (24:08) Unconditional positive regard and how to lead with love (28:19) The Bank of Smith Savings and the 50/40/10 rule (32:06) The most surprising things he's discovered as a dad (33:32) What the teen years and adult kids have taught him (38:59) Advice for parents who are building companies (41:04) Frog Mouse bedtime stories and using AI as a dad (43:18) Lightning round: smoothies, Back to the Future, and minivans Resources From This Episode: Cotopaxi: https://www.cotopaxi.com/ H2O: Just Add Water (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814976/ Back to the Future (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/ Peace Corps: https://www.peacecorps.gov/ Brigham Young University (BYU): https://www.byu.edu/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • July 2 · 1 hr 7 min

    Science of Reading: Teach Any Kid to Read | Matt Pasternack (Dad of 3, Once)

    Matt Pasternack is the co-founder and CEO of Once, a science of reading-based software that teaches children ages three to seven how to read. He built the company after watching his wife teach their daughter to read in just 15 minutes a day during the pandemic, and realizing every parent could do the same. He's also a father of three, with kids ages six, eight, and ten. His parenting journey has included launching a startup while raising young children alongside his wife Becca, an OB-GYN, navigating the demands of her residency with a newborn at home, and developing a deeply intentional approach to raising independent, curious kids. We discussed: Building a reading company as a parent: How Matt launched Once during the pandemic while homeschooling his daughter and became his own proof of concept. Fixing a broken system from the inside: How years of classroom teaching shaped Matt's belief that schools alone can't solve the reading crisis. Keeping startup stress in perspective: Why Matt believes that teaching a child to read matters more than any company milestone he'll ever hit. Taking an evidence-based approach at home: How Matt and his wife Becca stay aligned on parenting decisions, from sleep training to screen limits to raising independent kids. Letting kids own their own lives: Why Matt believes in giving children real responsibility early, from making their own lunches to managing their own social calendars. Choosing books over screens in a distracted world: Why Matt limits devices, teaches reading as a daily ritual, and believes literacy is the greatest gift of independence a parent can give. Where to find Matt Pasternack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpasternack/ X: https://x.com/mattpasternack Web: https://tryonce.com/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Matt Pasternack, Co-founder/CEO of Once (02:17) What Once is and how it teaches kids to read (03:00) Is having a doctor spouse a blessing or a curse (04:14) The three parenting books every new parent needs (04:49) The Happiest Baby on the Block and the five S’s (05:31) The Good Sleeper and teaching babies to sleep (06:10) Oh Crap Potty Training and the one-day method (08:02) Raising autonomous kids and the Montessori mindset (12:45) Why where you live is your biggest parenting decision (18:31) What is the science of reading (25:46) Why every parent can teach their child to read (34:00) The US reading crisis and why it hasn’t moved in 50 years (49:30) Advice for founders starting a family (52:16) Finding the screen time sweet spot for kids (01:02:57) Lightning round: diapers, the SNOO, and Magic Tree House Resources From This Episode: Once (Reading App): https://tryonce.com/ The Happiest Baby on the Block (Book/Video): https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/baby/happiest-baby-on-the-block The Good Sleeper (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Good-Sleeper-Essential-Guide-Healthy/dp/0761177582 Oh Crap! Potty Training (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Oh-Crap-Potty-Training-Everything/dp/1501122983 SNOO Smart Bassinet: https://www.happiestbaby.com/products/snoo-smart-bassinet Tin Can Phone (Toy): https://tincan.kids/ Tin Can Founder on Startup Dad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MmdPkMhqe8 Skylight Calendar: https://www.skylightframe.com/ Sold a Story (Podcast): https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/ The Magic Tree House (Book Series): https://www.magictreehouse.com/ Ramona (Book Series): https://www.amazon.com/Ramona-Complete-Collection-Beverly-Cleary/dp/0062228641 Batteries Not Included (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092494/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • June 25 · 1 hr 14 min

    40 Kid Emails a Week. So I Built a Bot | David Reich (Dad of 3, Founder/CEO of Fambot)

    David Reich is the Founder and CEO of Fambot, an AI-powered assistant built to help parents manage the overwhelming admin work that comes with modern family life. Previously, David was President at UnitedMasters, a Director at Uber, and the founder of Assured Labor, a marketplace for blue collar jobs across Latin America. He’s also a dad of three, married to an executive at Airbnb, and together they’re raising their kids in San Francisco after family chapters in New York and Mexico City. We discussed: AI for overwhelmed parents: How AI helps parents cut through the chaos of emails, calendars, newsletters, and family logistics. Becoming a parent while building companies: Why David believes you should build life around family instead of waiting for the “perfect” time. Making work more human: How bringing kids into the office can build empathy across teams and help children understand their parents’ work. Raising kids across cultures: What David learned from parenting in New York, Mexico City, and San Francisco. Optimizing for presence: The systems David and his wife use to manage three kids, two demanding careers, and very limited time. Raising tech-ready kids: Why David wants his kids to use technology as a tool while still building independence, empathy, and critical thinking. Where to find David Reich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidreich1/ X: https://x.com/David_Reich Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming David Reich, Founder/CEO of Fambot (02:28) Why David built Fambot (03:07) How parenting became an admin job (05:48) Why AI needs to be proactive for parents (08:23) Solving the two parent inbox problem (09:39) The chaos of school newsletters (13:20) What AI still cannot solve for families (15:11) The future of carpools and community coordination (17:37) Why life comes before work (21:21) Becoming a parent while building a company (25:23) Why kids should spend more time at work (28:09) Raising kids in New York, Mexico City, and San Francisco (34:56) Teaching kids global empathy (38:48) The systems that keep family life moving (01:04:45) Lightning round: coffee, dad jokes, SpongeBob, and minivans Resources From This Episode: Fambot: https://fambot.com/ Fambot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fambotai/ Coffee Maker: https://a.co/d/0ia6XGaO SpongeBob SquarePants (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0206512/ Star Wars: A New Hope (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/ Percy Jackson & The Olympians (Book Series): https://rickriordan.com/series/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians/ The Lightning Thief (Audiobook): https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Lightning-Thief-Audiobook/B002V0JZOO — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • June 18 · 1 hr 11 min

    The Bar for 'Involved Dads' Is Embarrassingly Low | Richard Petts (Dad of 2, Associate Dean at Ball State University)

    Richard Petts is a Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities at Ball State University. He’s also the author of Father Involvement and Gender Equality in the United States, a book that explores how fatherhood is viewed today, why dads still aren’t more involved at home, and what it will take to change that. He’s a husband and father of two kids, ages 13 and 12. Richard’s research has been shaped deeply by his own experience as a dad, including a traumatic month-long NICU stay with his daughter that revealed just how little support exists for fathers during medical crises. We discussed: The new fatherhood ideal: Why dads are expected to be more nurturing than previous generations, but still face a very low bar for what “involved” actually means. Why dads still default to breadwinning: How cultural expectations keep men focused on work first, even when they want to be more present at home. The importance of paternity leave: Why the earliest days of parenting matter so much, and how leave helps dads build competence, confidence, and stronger family bonds. What startup founders should know about leave: Why paid parental leave needs to be real, supported by culture, and designed so dads actually feel permission to take it. Mental load and cognitive labor: What happens when fathers share more of the planning, managing, and invisible work that keeps a family running. Gatekeeping and trust at home: How couples can start small when handing off responsibilities and why delegation is not the same as truly sharing the load. Where to find Richard Petts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-j-petts/ X: https://x.com/pettsric Website: https://www.richardpetts.com/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Richard Petts, Associate Dean at Ball State University (02:47) Why father involvement became personal for Adam (07:14) The NICU crisis that shaped Richard’s research (10:21) Why dads are often overlooked in healthcare settings (15:26) What the new fatherhood ideal actually means (19:40) Why dads still struggle to be more involved at home (22:53) Why paternity leave is where parenting really starts (25:03) How paternity leave strengthens relationships (27:41) Why dads still fear taking leave (31:05) How startups should design better parental leave policies (39:20) Why sharing cognitive labor helps everyone (42:00) How Richard and Amy split the mental load (43:24) How couples can fix gatekeeping at home (50:21) How religion can support father involvement (01:07:12) Lightning round: sound machines, dishwasher rules, Caillou, and minivans Resources From This Episode: Father Involvement and Gender Equality in the United States (Book by Richard Petts): https://www.richardpetts.com/book.html Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men's Lives (Book by Darby Saxbe): https://a.co/d/07Vd3ih2 Fatherly: https://www.fatherly.com/ Sound Machine: https://a.co/d/04is55O1 Indiana Jones (Raiders of The Lost Ark) (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082971/ Back to the Future (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/ Caillou’s New Adventures (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0262153/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • June 11 · 55 min

    Everything Is Trivial After Infant CPR | Ben Norment (Dad of 3, Founder/CEO of Stork Exchange)

    Ben Norment is the Founder and CEO of Stork Exchange, a company helping parents access high quality baby gear at more affordable prices by working with retailers and manufacturers to resell returned products. He started building the company right as he and his wife, Cyndal, were expecting their first child. He’s also a father of three, with kids ages five, four, and seven months. His parenting journey has included the chaos of launching a startup while becoming a dad, moving states, and navigating an incredibly difficult NICU experience with his second child. We discussed: Starting a parenting company as a new dad: How Ben launched Stork Exchange while expecting his first child and became his own target customer. Surviving a traumatic NICU experience: How Ben’s second son’s medical complications and hospital stay changed his view of parenting. Keeping startup stress in perspective: Why performing CPR on his infant son made company problems feel more manageable. Taking a team first approach at home: How Ben and his wife stay aligned, support each other, and avoid being pitted against each other. Letting kids be bored: Why Ben believes boredom builds creativity, independence, and imagination. Choosing analog parenting in a tech heavy world: Why Ben limits screens, avoids outsourcing parenting to AI, and wants childhood to stay hands-on. Where to find Ben Norment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-norment-83425b50/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stork_exchange Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Ben Norment, Founder/CEO of Stork Exchange (02:57) How Stork Exchange helps parents save on baby gear (06:04) Starting a company while expecting his first child (10:19) Why nothing fully prepares you for dad life (11:43) Surviving the NICU and infant CPR (16:46) How trauma changed his view of parenting and startups (20:44) Advice for founders starting families (23:46) Why kids need to be bored (25:39) Letting go of perfect parenting frameworks (28:54) Why every parenting season eventually passes (32:38) How Ben and Cindel tag team hard moments (34:07) Building a unified front in marriage (36:52) Why kids need to see parents as people (39:06) Letting kids be kids instead of chasing achievement (48:50) Lightning round: BabyBjörn, Toy Story, rocks, and minivans Resources From This Episode: Stork Exchange: https://storkexchange.co/ SNOO: https://www.happiestbaby.com/products/snoo-smart-bassinet BabyBjörn Bouncer: https://www.babybjorn.com/products/baby-bouncers/ UPPAbaby Vista V3: https://uppababy.com/strollers/full-size/vista-v3/ Doona: https://www.doona.com/car-seat-stroller/discover-doona Toy Story (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/ Home Alone (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • June 4 · 1 hr 30 min

    Dad Bods, Brains and Testosterone | Darby Saxbe (Mom of 2, Author and Professor at USC)

    Darby Saxbe is a clinical psychologist, professor at USC, and one of the few researchers in the world studying how men’s brains change when they become fathers. She is also the author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives, a book that explores the neuroscience, hormones, mental health, relationships, and social shifts that come with becoming a dad. She’s also a mom of two teenagers and a returning guest on Startup Dad. We discussed: Understanding how fatherhood changes the brain: Why Darby believes becoming a parent is a major window of brain plasticity, similar to adolescence. Writing Dad Brain from both science and personal experience: How Darby’s own father, stepfather, husband, and kids shaped the story behind the book. Rethinking testosterone and masculinity: Why testosterone often drops in new dads and how that can support bonding, patience, and caregiving. Recognizing dad mental health risks: How depression and anxiety can show up differently in fathers and why dads are often invisible in postpartum care. Building confidence through hands-on parenting: Why dads need reps, trust, and real responsibility instead of being treated like backup caregivers. Making fatherhood more supported at work and at home: How better leave policies, dad communities, and cultural expectations can help men become more engaged parents. Where to find Darby Saxbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darbysaxbe Website: https://www.darbysaxbe.com/ Natalgazing Substack: https://darbysaxbe.substack.com/ X: https://x.com/darbysaxbe Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Darby Saxbe, Author and Professor at University of Southern California (02:19) Celebrating the launch of Dad Brain (05:17) How Darby’s dad shaped the book (11:19) Writing about stepfathers, grief, and family complexity (13:52) Why parenthood rewires the adult brain (18:17) The U-shaped curve of dad brain changes (22:07) Why fatherhood is both costly and rewarding (30:04) What testosterone changes reveal about fatherhood (38:50) Why the manosphere gets masculinity wrong (43:56) Rethinking oxytocin, cortisol, and hormone myths (47:14) Why dads’ postpartum depression gets missed (51:26) Why the NICU can feel like a no man’s land (53:48) Why the dad bod is real (57:10) Why bedtime dads help the whole family sleep (01:00:36) How rough and tumble play helps kids grow (01:02:48) Why dad brain belongs at work (01:14:43) Why paternity leave needs a better design (01:23:48) Lightning round: sea horses, Homer Simpson, sushi, and tiny cars Resources From This Episode: Pre-order Darby’s Book, Dad Brain: https://bookshop.org/p/books/dad-brain-the-new-science-of-fatherhood-and-how-it-shapes-men-s-lives-darby-saxbe-phd/0dec68c3d890e5a7 Darby’s Substack, Natal Gazing: https://darbysaxbe.substack.com/ Darby’s previous episode on Startup Dad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBvgqimMv6E What’s On Her Mind by Allison Daminger: https://www.allisondaminger.com/book Father Nature by James Rilling: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262048934/father-nature/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • May 28 · 1 hr 1 min

    I Use Hostage Negotiation Tactics With My Daughter | Walter Velazquez Taboada (Dad of 2, Architect at Winning by Design)

    Walter Velazquez Taboada is a consultant and former operations leader at Winning by Design, where he helps executive teams navigate complex decisions and organizational change. Originally from Cuba, Walter has lived across Spain, Mexico, and China, bringing a global perspective to both work and family life. He’s also a father of two, navigating parenting with an 8-year-old daughter and a seven-month-old son while balancing differing parenting styles, cultural perspectives, and the realities of modern technology. We discussed: Parenting without a playbook: Why Walter and his wife skipped the parenting books and learned by adapting in real time instead of following rigid frameworks. Having kids eight years apart: How becoming a dad again later in life completely changed Walter’s perspective on stress, presence, and enjoying the newborn stage. Letting kids find their own path: Why Walter believes children aren’t blank canvases and how he tries to guide his daughter without forcing his own ambitions onto her. Using FBI negotiation tactics in parenting: How Chris Voss’ “Black Swan” framework helped Walter uncover what his daughter was really feeling. Navigating parenting disagreements with your partner: How Walter and his wife work through different views on screen time, hygiene, and risk tolerance. Helping kids navigate technology and AI: Why Walter is delaying full internet access and thinking carefully about screens, AI, and digital habits. Where to find Walter Velazquez Taboada LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-velazquez-taboada-87244529 Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Walter Velazquez Taboada, Architect at Winning by Design (02:32) The Disney rollercoaster story that traumatized his daughter (04:56) Growing up across Cuba, Spain, and Mexico (07:32) Starting a family young and figuring it out as they went (08:33) Having kids eight years apart changes everything (13:44) Parenting without a playbook or parenting books (17:31) Screen time, hygiene, and parenting disagreements (19:43) Why Walter doesn’t believe in a perfectly unified parenting front (22:53) The crocodile soccer ball rescue mission (27:50) Why kids mirror everything their parents do (30:28) Letting kids find their own path in life (35:55) Using FBI negotiation tactics to understand his daughter (41:42) How fatherhood changed Walter’s leadership style (46:30) Helping kids navigate screens, AI, and the digital world (53:55) Lightning round: diaper genies, minivans, and terrifying Halloween costumes Resources From This Episode: Winning by Design: https://winningbydesign.com/ Never Split the Difference (Book by Chris Voss): https://a.co/d/0hv2cKv1 Diaper Genie: https://diapergenie.com/ Inside Out (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/ Alien: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078748/ Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (Book): https://a.co/d/0iZ25Y78 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067992/ Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005) (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367594/ Wonka (2023) (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6166392/ Electric Screwdriver: https://a.co/d/0881w1k7 — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • May 21 · 53 min

    What 7 Kids Taught Me About Letting Go | Nate Quigley (Dad of 7, Co-founder/CEO of Chatbooks)

    Nate Quigley is the co-founder of Chatbooks, the photo book company that helps families preserve their memories from Instagram photos. He started the company after a wave of nostalgia hit as his oldest child approached leaving home, only to spend years building a product nobody wanted. Then his wife Vanessa stepped in, suggested they simply print Instagram, and became the accidental co-founder who helped turn the company around. He’s also a father of seven, a grandfather of two, and officially the first Startup Dad guest to also be a Startup Granddad. Nate brings a rare perspective on what it means to build a company while raising a big family and then watching those kids grow into adults with lives of their own. He shares how parenting has taught him to release control, stay curious, and create family rituals that give kids a place to come back to. We discussed: Co-founding with your spouse: How Vanessa’s intervention saved Chatbooks and what it’s been like building a company together for more than a decade. Treating the company like a family farm: Farm families don't talk about work-life balance because work and life are the same thing. Parenting seven very different kids: How Nate’s approach changed from child one to child seven and why one parenting playbook never works for every child. Learning to let go: Why Nate believes the hardest parts of parenting and leadership come from guiding people without trying to control every outcome. Creating family rituals that stick: The traditions that helped Nate keep a household of nine connected. Helping kids navigate technology: How Nate thinks about phones, social media, AI, and using tools that create better conversations instead of just tighter controls. Where to find Nate Quigley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natequigley/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Nate Quigley, Co-Founder and CEO of Chatbooks (02:23) Raising seven kids and becoming an empty nester (04:13) How Vanessa became the accidental co-founder (05:39) The simple pivot that saved Chatbooks (10:05) Treating the startup like the family farm (12:47) How parenting changed from kid one to kid seven (14:39) Learning to let go as a dad and leader (17:36) Birding, curiosity, and observing your kids (21:51) Advice for founders who want to become dads (25:06) Family night and the Quigley Creed (28:50) Creating family rituals that actually stick (30:53) The 15-year-old adventure tradition (32:53) Why letting kids grow up is so hard (37:01) Parenting through phones, social media, and screen time (48:15) Lightning round: fly fishing, minivans, and dishwasher rules Resources From This Episode: Chatbooks: https://chatbooks.com/ Chatbooks’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatbooks/ Bark: https://www.bark.us/ Analog: https://goanalog.co/ Brick: https://getbrick.com/ A River Runs Through It (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105265/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • May 14 · 52 min

    “Kids Expose Wasted Motion” | Gabe Larsen (Dad of 5, CRO of Atonom)

    Gabe Larsen is the CRO of Atonom, an AI company building always-on AI agents. He has spent his career leading go-to-market teams at high-growth companies, including Kustomer, Meta, and InsideSales.com. He’s also a father of five boys, ranging from six months to 14 years old, along with his wife Carolyn. In this conversation, Gabe shares why he believes fatherhood doesn’t slow down ambition, it sharpens it. We talked about how raising kids has made him more focused, more empathetic, and more direct as a leader, and why the same skills that matter at home - prioritization, hard conversations, and presence - show up every day at work. We discussed: Fatherhood as leadership training: Why Gabe believes becoming a Dad can make you more focused, empathetic, and effective at work. Kids expose wasted motion fast: How parenting forced Gabe to cut through busy work and get clearer about what actually matters. Building a family operating system: The family mission, values, and quarterly goals Gabe uses to help his five boys grow. Monthly one-on-ones with each son: Why Gabe creates structured time for hard conversations, check-ins, and connections. Work-life integration: How Gabe thinks about ambition, presence, travel, marriage, and making the moments at home count. Raising AI-native kids: Why Gabe is cautious about phones and social media, but wants his kids to learn how to use AI productively. Where to find Gabe Larsen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabelarsen/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Gabe Larsen, CRO of Atonom (02:37) Why kids can make you a better leader (03:48) How family sharpens ambition and focus (04:57) The brief, mission, debrief rhythm (06:23) Why kids expose wasted motion fast (07:43) Building a family mission and quarterly goals (10:29) Having hard conversations at home and at work (14:17) How fatherhood shifted Gabe’s emotional center (16:53) Letting go of balance and finding integration (19:54) Gabe’s advice for founder parents (22:17) How Gabe and Carolyn made a career shift work (28:04) Marriage, pressure, and playing to your strengths (31:30) Choosing presence when your phone pulls you away (43:07) Lightning round with binkies, dad robes, Dora, and minivans Resources From This Episode: Atonom: https://atonom.ai/ Dora The Explorer (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0235917/ The Karate Kid (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/ Back To The Future (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/ Remember The Titans (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0210945/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • May 7 · 52 min

    My Mom Interviews Famous People; Dad Coaches Baseball | Jonathan Stull (Dad of 4, COO of Handshake)

    Jonathan Stull is the President and COO of Handshake, the career platform connecting students and recent grads with employers that recently made a massive pivot into scaling an AI product. He’s spent the last decade helping build the company from a seed stage startup working out of a house in Palo Alto into a massive platform serving millions of students, universities, and employers. He’s also a husband to Emmy-winning journalist Emily Chang and a dad of four kids, ages 13, 11, 9, and 6. At home, he’s juggling the beautiful chaos of school drop-offs, carpools, Little League, robotics, math enrichment, ski trips, and four very different schedules. In our conversation, we talked about how Jonathan and Emily rely on their nanny, grandparents, neighbors, and community to make it all work, the challenge of being present when work is still running in the background, why kids need agency and resilience more than ever, and how becoming a dad has made him a more direct and caring leader. We discussed: Building a life with four kids: How Jonathan and his wife manage the beautiful chaos of school, sports, activities, and constant logistics. Relying on your village: Why their nanny, grandparents, carpools, neighbors, and community are essential to making family life work. Staying present when startup life is intense: The challenge of being physically at a kid’s game while mentally pulled into Slack, AI agents, and company decisions. Raising kids with agency in the AI era: Why Jonathan believes resilience, adaptability, self-starting, and passion matter more than ever. Parenting through direct feedback: How being a dad helped Jonathan become a clearer, more direct, and more caring leader at work. Embracing adventure before the years disappear: Why Jonathan tries to say yes to family trips, backyard games, and small moments of connection. Where to find Jonathan Stull LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstull/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcome Jonathan Stull, President and COO of Handshake (and baseball coach) (02:14) Why Jonathan and Emily decided to have four kids (03:53) Managing the beautiful chaos of four schedules (05:51) Building the village that keeps family life moving (09:46) The first moment fatherhood really hit (10:42) Growing Handshake while learning to stay present at home (16:25) Why parents should not wait for the perfect time (19:36) What kids teach you about resilience (22:11) Showing up, saying yes, and protecting family time (24:35) How parenting made Jonathan a more direct leader (27:09) Navigating enrichment, ambition, and different parenting instincts (30:00) Raising kids to be ready for an AI shaped future (31:20) Why agency matters more than following a playbook (34:10) Using AI to plan trips, pranks, and Little League schedules (39:12) Lightning round: white noise, limericks, dad pranks, and minivans Resources From This Episode: Handshake: https://joinhandshake.com/ SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet: https://www.happiestbaby.com/products/snoo-smart-bassinet Bluey (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7678620/ The Lion King (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/ Billy Madison (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112508/ Braveheart (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/ Glory (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097441/ Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0357413/ Old School (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302886/ Wedding Crashers (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396269/ Chevrolet Suburban (Car): https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/suburban Chrysler Pacifica (Car): https://www.chrysler.com/pacifica.html — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • April 30 · 46 min

    “Stop Making Kids Your Trophy” | Ashish Kundra (Dad of 1, CEO of Conceptual)

    Ashish Kundra is the CEO of Conceptual, a growth agency that helps companies like Cursor, Perplexity, Superhuman, Fenty Beauty, GPTZero, and dozens more. Prior to that, he led growth at DuckDuckGo and founded two other companies. He’s also a husband and the father of a four-year-old son. In this episode, Ashish shares why starting a company when his son was one made sense for his family, how being married to a pediatrician shapes their parenting, and why he believes small falls prevent big falls. We discussed: Being married to a pediatrician and how that shapes parenting: Why Ashish sees it as a major advantage in handling health, nutrition, and everyday parenting decisions. Starting a company when his son was one: Why Ashish felt that early parenthood was still the right time to build something of his own. Avoiding over-parenting: How he gives his son more agency and lets natural consequences do some of the teaching. Why small falls prevent big falls: How Ashish thinks about struggle, discomfort, and building resilience early. Tracking happiness and contentment: Why he journals regularly and what he’s learned about sleep, exercise, and stress. Why your child is not your trophy: How he thinks about ambition, identity, and raising a son without ego. Where to find Ashish Kundra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashish-kundra-5a9b784/ X: https://x.com/akundra Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcome Ashish Kundra, CEO of Conceptual (02:57) What it is really like being married to a pediatrician (05:15) Nutrition, hydration, and diet hacks that actually help (08:31) Why he started a company when his son was a baby (12:38) Avoiding over-parenting and giving kids more agency (16:41) Why small falls can prevent bigger ones later (20:01) Tracking happiness, sleep, and stress in real time (24:13) The weekly one-on-one that keeps their marriage aligned (25:47) How he and his wife divide life at home (27:44) Grandparents, family planning, and designing life on purpose (29:34) Embracing imperfection as a parent and partner (31:15) Raising a kid without turning him into a trophy (34:33) The mistake he wishes he could redo as a dad (35:53) Navigating startup pressure and family time (37:59) Lightning round: strollers, quesadillas, Cocomelon, and minivans Resources From This Episode: Conceptual: https://conceptualhq.com/ Baby stroller: https://a.co/d/0aRvEiDH The Sound of Music (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/ The Lion King (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/ Mrs. Doubtfire (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • April 23 · 1 hr 1 min

    AI Is Failing Kids and This Founder Will Fix It | Robert Whitney (Dad of 1, Co-founder/CTO of Stickerbox)

    Robert Whitney is the Co-Founder and CTO of Hapiko, the company that invented Stickerbox, an AI powered product helping kids create and play in more imaginative ways. Before starting Stickerbox, he helped scale New York Times Games, Grailed and spent time at Anthropic thinking deeply about the future of AI and how it will shape the next generation. He’s also a co-parent to a four-and-a-half-year-old son in New York City. In this conversation, Robert shares how fatherhood changed the way he approaches work, decision-making, discipline, and presence. We also talk about co-parenting as a founder, his shift away from a hard-partying New York lifestyle, the parenting principles he’s developed, and why he believes most AI products are failing kids. We discussed: Why parenting is the ultimate life experience: How becoming a dad made Robert more grounded and less reactive. Co-parenting while building a startup: What it looks like to split time as a founder and a parent, and how Robert thinks about being fully present in each mode. Leaving behind a hard-partying New York lifestyle: Why Robert made a major life change years before becoming a dad, and how sobriety reshaped his priorities, energy, and sense of self. How loss changed his perspective on fatherhood: What losing his mom shortly after becoming a parent taught him about time and presence. What most AI products get wrong for kids: Why Robert believes kids need safer, simpler, more thoughtful tools. How Stickerbox started with his son: The rainy-day moment that turned into a company built around play and creativity. Where to find Robert Whitney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjwhitney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertjwhitney/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Robert Whitney, Co-Founder/CTO of Stickerbox (02:12) Why parenting is the ultimate life experience (06:11) Co-parenting while building a startup (09:46) Leaving behind his hard-partying New York lifestyle (13:56) The career shift that forced deeper self-reflection (16:09) Losing his mom and learning to value presence (18:18) Why he got pulled into AI for kids (22:13) The biggest AI risks facing children (27:16) Why safety matters more than being on the bleeding edge (32:20) Parenting principles that help him let most things go (34:38) Why he makes his son help with everything (38:27) Why slowing down and sleeping on things matters (43:07) Why discipline matters more than motivation (48:12) How Stickerbox was created with his son (52:58) Lightning round: Yoto wins, bowling obsession, and manual minivans Resources From This Episode: Stickerbox: https://stickerbox.com/ Hapiko: https://hapiko.com/ Yoto: https://www.yotoplay.com/ Moana (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/ My Neighbor Totoro (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096283/ Dodge Caravan (Car): https://www.dodge.com/grand-caravan.html — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • April 16 · 1 hr 2 min

    Either the Kids Suck or the Parents Suck | Caleb Avery (Dad of 3, Founder of Tilled)

    Caleb Avery is the Founder and CEO of Tilled. He started his first company at 19 and has spent the last seven years building Tilled while raising three kids with his wife, Kelsey. In this episode, Caleb shares what it really looks like to build a startup and a family at the same time. We talk about the trade-offs founders need to be honest about, his regrets around paternity leave with his first child, and why bedtime became his most important non-negotiable as a dad. We also get into the little-discussed challenge of making parent friends, what coaching his son’s T-ball team taught him, how he and his wife think about screen time and technology, and why he believes work-life balance is less useful than clear boundaries. We discussed: Starting a company while raising young kids: How Caleb thought about the trade-offs of building a startup and growing a family at the same time. Paternity leave regrets and what changed: Why Caleb still thinks about working from the hospital after his first child was born, and what changed with his second child. Why bedtime is his top parenting priority: How Caleb built his schedule around being home for bedtime and why it became his most important non-negotiable as a dad. Boundaries over balance: Why Caleb does not chase perfect work-life balance and focuses on a few clear non-negotiables instead. The little-discussed challenge of making parent friends: Why it is so hard to find families where both the kids and the parents actually click. Honest advice for founders thinking about kids: Caleb explains why aspiring startup parents need to be brutally honest about the trade-offs before signing up for both. Where to find Caleb Avery LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-avery/ Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcoming Caleb Avery, Founder/CEO of Tilled (02:50) Starting Tilled while raising young kids (05:12) The time and energy trade-offs of startups and parenting (07:53) Paternity leave regrets after his first child (10:53) How COVID unexpectedly gave him the leave he wanted (14:19) Why it is so hard to make parent friends (17:43) What fatherhood taught Caleb about nature versus nurture (19:19) Becoming an accidental T-ball coach (28:03) His advice to founders thinking about having kids (30:23) How becoming a dad made him a better CEO (32:22) Why bedtime is Caleb’s top parenting priority (35:04) Family time boundaries and being fully present (37:41) Redefining work-life balance as a startup dad (40:36) Kids, iPads, and setting screen time boundaries (48:15) Lightning round: Snoo wins, dishwasher rules, and a toy assembly nightmare Resources From This Episode: Tilled: https://www.tilled.com/ The Snoo: https://www.happiestbaby.com/products/snoo-smart-bassinet The Sandlot (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108037/ Diehard (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/ Golf Cart for Kids: https://a.co/d/0hVZwx85 iPad: https://www.apple.com/ph/ipad/ Lincoln Navigator (Car): https://www.lincoln.com/luxury-suvs/navigator/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com. For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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  • April 9 · 53 min

    How to Not Raise Entitled Kids | Sam Yagan (Dad of 3, OkCupid & Match Group)

    Sam Yagan is the founder of OKCupid and former CEO of Match Group. He’s also an investor, board member, married to a CEO, and a dad of three kids ages 12 to 18. In this episode, Sam shares how he and his wife think about raising kind, grounded kids while navigating success, wealth, and ambition. We talk about family values, philanthropy, work-life integration, the pressure kids can feel from high-achieving parents, and why Sam believes “normal” is overrated. We also get into the systems that shape their household, from weekly family meetings and value shout-outs to annual family reviews and intentionally making their home the place where all the kids want to hang out. We discussed: Raising grounded kids in a high-achievement household: How Sam and his wife work to keep their kids kind, self-aware, and unentitled despite growing up around success and wealth. Building family values into everyday life: How Sam’s family uses weekly meetings, value shout-outs, and annual reviews to make generosity, kindness, and self-awareness part of daily life. Introducing philanthropy before personal wealth: Why Sam wants his kids’ first understanding of money to center on giving, impact, and responsibility. Choosing the right partner for the long game: Why Sam believes ambitious founders need a spouse who shares their values and vision for family life. Creating a home that pulls people in: How Sam and his wife built a family environment where kids and friends naturally gather, creating more connection and shared memories. Bringing a founder mindset into parenting: Why Sam believes decisiveness, experimentation, flexibility, and comfort with failure matter at home too. Where to find Sam Yagan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyagan/ X: https://x.com/samyagan Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ X: https://x.com/fishmanaf In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcome Sam Yagan, Former Founder/CEO of OKCupid & Match Group (02:44) Raising kind kids in a world of privilege (04:59) Family values meetings that actually work (06:23) When your kids start asking about net worth (12:10) Why philanthropy comes before wealth (14:57) Work-life integration during the startup years (18:29) The tradeoffs that come with constant travel (20:59) The pressure kids feel from successful parents (22:27) Teaching a “fail forward” mindset at home (26:58) Why normal is boring (29:24) Why choosing the right partner matters (32:53) Putting your family values on the wall (36:27) The annual family review (38:47) Making your home the hangout house (48:01) Lightning round: Parenting products, dishwasher rules, and Sam’s hard no on minivans Resources From This Episode: OKCupid: https://www.okcupid.com/ Match Group: https://mtch.com/ Playing cards: https://a.co/d/05A9UUbF Basketball: https://a.co/d/0erx9ow0 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/ A Few Good Men (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104257/ Toyota Highlander (Car): https://www.toyota.com/highlander/ — Support Startup Dad For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.com. For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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