Daring to Dad

What does it actually mean to become a father in a world where expectations have changed, but support hasn’t always caught up? In this episode of Daring to Dad, Ryan sits down with therapist, writer, and father Eli Weinstein for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about modern fatherhood, masculinity, and the emotional realities men often carry quietly. Together, they explore why dads so often fe...

This one’s personal. In this special episode of Daring to Dad, Ryan reconnects with longtime friend and author Cara Meredith to talk about a place that shaped—and complicated—both of their lives: church camp. They dive deep into Cara’s new book Church Camp, exploring the tension between beauty and harm in white evangelical youth culture. Together, they unpack formative experiences like Cry Night,...

In this powerful episode of Daring to Dad, Ryan sits down with licensed clinical social worker Tisheila Justice to unpack the silent struggles of men in the postpartum period. From hormonal changes in fathers to the emotional toll of feeling like the “B parent,” Tisheila shares clinical insights and personal wisdom on why dads need just as much support as moms after birth. They talk openly about m...

What happens when the title, the paycheck, or the role you’ve always played no longer feels like enough? In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with therapist John Shearer, founder of Kickstart Men’s Therapy in Ontario. John shares his powerful story of leaving behind a successful corporate career to find something more real, more honest—and more connected to who he truly is. We talk about t...

What’s really holding men back from living the life they want? And how can we start to break free from feeling stuck? In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with Ryan Olufson, a certified Primal Question coach who helps men uncover the deep, often hidden questions that shape their identity, relationships, and decisions. We talk about how childhood experiences influence our search for purpose...

Why do so many men struggle to connect with their emotions? And what does it really take to break free from the pressures of hypermasculinity? In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with therapist Patch McCormick to explore the journey from emotional disconnection to deeper self-awareness and relational strength. Patch shares how his high-stakes career in advertising led him to a personal cr...

Men’s mental health is often overlooked, misunderstood, and full of misconceptions. Why do so many men hesitate to seek therapy? And how can we create spaces where they actually feel supported? In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with Dr. Audra Horney, a licensed psychologist who specializes in therapy for men. We break down the real barriers keeping men from getting the help they deserve...

What does it truly mean to be a man today? In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with Ludo Gabriele, writer, thought leader, and founder of WokeDaddy.com, to explore the complexities of masculinity, fatherhood, and personal growth. Ludo shares his deeply personal journey and how missing his son’s first steps led him to question everything, why fatherhood changed the way he saw himself, and...

Welcome back to season 2 of the Daring to Dad podcast! I'm kicking of the season with Zack Alexander, a spiritual and leadership mentor whose transformative journey is reshaping conversations around trauma, masculinity, and personal growth. From leaving a full scholarship at a top law school to diving deep into the worlds of trauma integration and grounded spirituality, Zack shares how he’s helpin...

In this episode of Daring to Dad, Ryan sits down with Joshua Harris to explore the profound journey of personal transformation and self-discovery. Many will recognize Josh from his years as a prominent voice within a certain faith community, but today, he is forging a new path as a seeker, creative, and advocate for personal growth. Josh shares his story of stepping away from a rigid, fear-based r...

Summary: This week's guest is Ryan Meeks. Ryan, along with his wife Michelle, has dedicated his life to guiding others toward healing, self-discovery, and deeper connection. With a background that spans 20 years as an ordained minister, Ryan now offers what he calls '(UN)Spiritual Direction'—a pragmatic, heart-centered approach to cultivating a sacred way of living beyond traditional religious fra...

In this episode of the Daring to Dad podcast, Ryan reconnects with seasoned coach, Travis Streb, who shares insights on his work with men and couples, the emotional complexities of parenting, and the importance of integration in life. They discuss the fears parents face in today's world, the significance of community, and practical steps for men to reconnect with themselves and others. Travis emph...

What is the impact of growing up without a father? What impact does it have on the families that come next? In this conversation, Ryan Rucker shares his journey of navigating fatherhood without a father figure in his life. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, the lessons learned from his mother and grandmother, and how he strives to be a present and involved father. The conversation explores...

In this heart-to-heart episode, we chat with Zack Kasabo, the amazing school counselor who's taken social media by storm with his down-to-earth advice on managing kids' behavior. Zack opens up about his own mental health journey and how it inspired him to help kids and parents navigate the ups and downs of life. Zack's genuine and practical tips have struck a chord with many, and it's easy to see...

    In this heartfelt conversation, Ryan and Ben Webster open up about their deeply personal journeys of self-discovery and growth. They share their experiences with playing certain roles in life, such as the 'nice guy,' and how these roles have often kept them from fully expressing their true selves. The discussion delves into the struggles of shedding these limiting roles and embracing authentic...

CJ Casciotta is an award-winning media producer of kids & family entertainment trusted by Forbes, Tech Crunch, Sesame Studios, and MGM. He's the author of 2 books, Get Weird and The Forgotten Art of Being Ordinary, both hopeful manifestos for the next generation. Most importantly, he's a dad figuring out how to raise thoughtful, creative humans in the 21st century.  CJ and Ryan discuss the imp...

Ryan is joined this week by his brother, Reid Walton, LMFT. They share their experiences as fathers and the influences that shaped their ideas of fatherhood. They also discuss the qualities of a good father and the challenges and joys of being a parent. They touch on topics such as gender roles, grief, and self-reflection as a parent. The conversation explores the challenges of dealing with grief...

In this conversation, Ryan Walton speaks with renowned writer coach and men's leader, Dan Doty. They discuss the evolving role of men and fathers in today's society and the challenges they face. Dan shares his personal journey and the impact of his work with men and fathers. They explore topics such as vulnerability, masculinity, and the importance of being present. Dan provides insights on how to...

How do we navigate raising kids while experiencing shifts and evolution in our own understanding of the world? Brian Recker shares his upbringing in Christian fundamentalism and how it shaped his idea of masculinity and fatherhood, and how the authoritarian parenting style he experienced defined gender roles within his community. Brian reflects on his struggle to fit into the masculine stereotype...

Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski is a researcher and educator, specializing in the social emotional development and well-being of boys and men. He discusses his own influences and beliefs about masculinity, including the church, his father, and Lord of the Rings. He shares how his PhD research on masculinity has led to personal healing and a desire to guide and support young men. Brendan emphasizes the com...

In this conversation, Ryan Walton interviews NYT Best-Selling author, Dallas Hartwig, about the importance of conversations around masculinity and men's mental and emotional health. Dallas shares his personal experiences and the societal challenges that men face in today's world. They discuss the concept of masculine initiation and the need for men to go through a transformative process to transit...