Why, Dad?

Andrew Stolpestad, Paul Wandrey

Andrew, an aspiring dad, and Paul, a dad of two, dig deep to find out what it means to be/become the best dad possible, why it matters, and how to do so.

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55 episodes
Updated July 21
Explicit

Episodes55

Newest first

February 17 · 51 min
Are You Living Together… or Building Together?
In this episode of the Why, Dad? Podcast, Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad dive into teamwork and partnership in marriage and family life. Paul reflects on a week of solo parenting, the highs and lows of patience, and how stress can either divide or refine you. Together, they unpack the shift from living as a “lone wolf” to building a shared life with a spouse. They challenge the 50/50 myth, explore why communication is the foundation of strong partnership, and share practical tools like week
February 10 · 45 min
The Importance of Presence in Parenting with Oscar Peña
In this episode of the Why Dad? podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad sit down with Oscar Peña, host of the Daughtered podcast, for an honest conversation about fatherhood and raising daughters. Oscar shares his personal evolution as a dad, shaped by missed presence, hard self-reflection, and the wake-up call of being home during COVID. Together, they unpack what daughters truly need from their fathers: presence over perfection, dependability over independence, and intention instead
February 3 · 33 min
If You Want a Better Country, Start at Home
The world feels fractured, polarized, and increasingly disconnected. For dads, that raises a hard question: how do we raise kids with strong values, resilience, and empathy in the middle of all this? In this episode of Why Dad?, Paul and Andrew sit down with Chip Webster, father, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit Unity in Service. Chip shares lessons from raising two sons, decades of leadership experience, and his work rebuilding trust and unity through service. They talk about why un
January 27 · 35 min
Love Your Kids. Don’t Be a Dick. (with Rob Unger)
In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul and Andrew welcome Rob Unger, a father and community leader, to discuss the realities of fatherhood. Rob shares his experiences of parenting two daughters, the importance of honesty in building connections, and the challenges many dads face, including depression and co-parenting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication, the lessons learned from children, and the need for support among fathers. Rob offers practical advice fo
January 20 · 48 min
To Dad or Not to Dad: A Deep Dive
In this episode of the Why, Dad? podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad explore the profound question of whether to have children. They delve into the societal and personal implications of parenthood, discussing the joys and challenges of raising a family. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding one's motivations and the impact of children on personal growth and relationships. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, they aim to provide listeners w
January 13 · 53 min
The Road to Mediocre Fatherhood is Paved with Good Intentions with Larry Hagner
In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad engage in a deep conversation with Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood. Larry shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a dedicated father of four boys. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connection, community, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships in fatherhood. Larry provides practical advice for new dads, highlighting th
January 6 · 38 min
How the Partner You Choose Shapes Your Legacy
Who you choose to build a life with shapes far more than your present. It shapes your legacy. In this episode, Paul and Andrew have an honest, wide-ranging conversation about how choosing a partner influences the kind of family, values, and future you leave behind. They talk about commitment, alignment, communication, growth, and what it really means to build a legacy of love that extends beyond your own lifetime. From marriage and dating to parenting and long-term vision, this episode challen
Dec 30, 2025 · 42 min
Brotherhood, Discipline, Legacy: The Warrior Dad Formula with Jeff Wickersham
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Wickersham, dad of two, creator of the Warrior Dad Experience, and author of Warrior Dad: Love Your Children, Lead Your Family, Leave Your Legacy. Jeff shares the moments that shaped his mission, including the loss of his mom and the heartbreaking wake up call that pushed him to serve fathers. We talk about what’s really happening to dads today: isolation, overwhelm, ego, and the “librarian of the mind” problem where we consume nonstop but rarely take acti
Dec 16, 2025 · 41 min
The Missing Piece in Modern Fatherhood
In this episode, Paul and Andrew delve into the significance of community for men, particularly fathers. They discuss the paradox of being more connected yet feeling lonelier than ever, emphasizing the need for genuine relationships and support systems. The conversation explores what constitutes a healthy community, the importance of fraternity, and how men can benefit from surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals. They also share their vision for building a local community of dads an
Dec 4, 2025 · 48 min
From Addiction to Calling: Fatherhood, Faith, and a Smarter Way to Potty Train with Troy Fink
In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul Wondry and Andrew Stolpestad engage with Troy Fink, a father of three and CEO of Gametech, who shares his unconventional journey into fatherhood and entrepreneurship. Troy discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a teenage dad, the spiritual dimensions of fatherhood, and the importance of personal growth and transformation. He introduces Loovy, a smart potty training device designed to make parenting easier, and reflects on the balance of
Nov 24, 2025 · 57 min
Let's Stolp and Air Some Dirty Wandrey
In this episode of the Why Dad Podcast, hosts Andrew Stolpestad and Paul Wandrey delve into the complexities of family dynamics, discussing the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the role of chosen family. They share personal stories and insights on navigating family drama, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. The conversation also touches on the balance between supporting family members and prioritizing self-care, as well as the philosophical concepts of persona
Nov 5, 2025 · 39 min
Navigating Burnout with Marchem Pfeiffer: A Dad's Journey to Recovery
In this episode, Paul, Andrew, and Marchem Pfeiffer discuss the challenges of burnout and recovery for dads. Marchem shares his personal journey from military service to becoming a leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, healing, and accountability. They explore the impact of workplace PTSD, the overlap between leadership and parenting, and the necessity of building a supportive community. Marchem provides practical tools for navigating life's challenges and highlights the
Oct 21, 2025 · 54 min
Why Crucial Conversations Matter in Parenting
In this episode of the Why Dad Podcast, hosts Paul and Andrew delve into the significance of crucial conversations in parenting and relationships. They explore the definition of crucial conversations, the importance of having tough discussions, and the consequences of avoiding them. The hosts provide strategies for successful conversations, introduce the HEAR framework for effective communication, and discuss the benefits of engaging in these conversations for personal growth and family dynamics
Oct 7, 2025 · 40 min
Winning at Home First: Redefining Success with Cory Carlson
On this episode of Why Dad?, Paul and Andrew sit down with Cory Carlson — former corporate executive turned leadership coach, speaker, and author of Win at Home First and Rise and Go. Cory takes us through the pivotal moment that changed his definition of success: a dinner where status and material talk felt empty beside conversations about family. From there, he describes how he began rewriting his life around aligning priorities with purpose. Together, we dive into: The 5 P’s framework that
Sep 23, 2025 · 30 min
Andrew’s Boisterous Laughs and Paul’s Dad Lessons
Paul and Andrew kick back for a lighthearted “tweenisode.” From paternity leave lessons to lemonade stand drama to a father-son car project 15 years in the making, the guys share laughs, stories, and a few solid dad nuggets about patience, presence, and building unique bonds with your kids.
Sep 15, 2025 · 38 min
David Schatzkamer and Why Play Is the Most Underrated Parenting Tool
Licensed play therapist and serial entrepreneur David Schatzkamer joins Why, Dad? to unpack why play isn’t just for kids—it’s the native language of connection. David shares real-world stories and professional insights to show how dads (and moms) can build deeper relationships with their children by learning to slow down, listen, and engage through play. From bedtime stalling to dragon hunting on a hike, the episode explores how everyday parenting challenges become moments of growth and bonding
Aug 27, 2025 · 49 min
Fatherhood and The Art of Showing Up
Summary In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul and Andrew explore the concept of 'showing up' as a father, discussing the challenges and barriers that prevent parents from being present. They share personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, self-care, and connection with children. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling behavior for kids and the power of apologies in strengthening relat
Aug 12, 2025 · 47 min
Noémi Beres on Parenting, Creativity, and Making Space
In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Noémi Beres joins us to talk about creativity, parenting, and the quiet work of reconnecting with yourself while raising a family. From navigating the realities of parenting a teenager to returning to art after years of burnout, Noémi shares what it means to show up with honesty, softness, and a little space to breathe.
Jul 30, 2025 · 47 min
It Takes A Village But Who Makes Up That Village?
In this episode of Why, Dad?, Paul and Andrew dive into the role grandparents and extended family play in our kids' lives—and how those relationships shape not only our children, but our parenting too. From navigating mismatched parenting styles to embracing the “village” of support, the conversation is rich with real stories, honest reflection, and a good dose of humor. Paul shares both the beauty and the challenge of raising kids near involved grandparents, and Andrew brings the perspective of
Jul 15, 2025 · 50 min
Matt Edmundson: Fridge Rights, Kebab Vans, and Raising Great Kids
In this episode of Why, Dad?, we sit down with entrepreneur and father of three grown kids, Matt Edmundson, to explore what it looks like to parent with long-term perspective. Matt shares lessons from raising his kids into adulthood—what worked, what didn’t, and the small things that mattered most. From “Fridge Rights” to scheduled dinner at 6:00, his approach is thoughtful, intentional, and packed with practical wisdom for dads in the trenches. If you're trying to lead your family without los