The Dads Project Podcast

In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Nick Mann interviews Jonathan Sharp, a father of three boys, discussing the unique challenges and joys of parenting. They explore the importance of keeping kids engaged during summer break, the lessons fathers learn from their children, and the significance of repairing relationships. Jonathan shares his approach to exposing his boys to challenges,...

In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Adam Halberstadt shares his insights on the importance of prioritizing family over career success, the journey of personal transformation from corporate life to coaching, and the significance of building resilience in children. Adam emphasizes the need for fathers to reflect on their life choices, embrace change, and be present for their families....

In this episode of the Dad’s Project Podcast, Nick Mann sits down with Russ Kimura, founder of Fathers With Daughters and a dad to three girls. Russ shares the heart behind his mission to help dads build intentional, lasting connections with their daughters through events, coaching, and everyday presence. Topics: - Why Russ started Fathers With Daughters - The power of holding space instead of “fi...

In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Nick Mann is joined by Knight Campbell, Navy veteran, mountain guide, father of three, and founder of Cairn Leadership. Together, they explore the messy, beautiful terrain of fatherhood, leadership, and what it means to truly be present. Knight shares real, hard-earned lessons from guiding in the mountains and raising kids under one very active roo...

In this episode of the Dad’s Project Podcast, Nick sits down with Freeman Beals, a lifelong river guide, dad to a toddler, and certified NLP practitioner, to talk about real fatherhood, the kind that makes you face yourself. Freeman shares how growing up on the river taught him to adapt, how fatherhood reshaped his emotional reactions, and why breaking old patterns requires rewiring, not just will...

What if you treated “Dad” like the most important title on your LinkedIn profile? In this episode, Nick sits down with Warren Devarennes , co-founder of the rapidly growing Dadgood community, to unpack what it means to lead with love, live with purpose, and show up fully for your family. From the daily discipline of 75 Hard to middle-of-the-night snuggles with his daughters, Warren shares how fath...

Benji Donhardt’s life didn’t start easily, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a joyful, passionate, and powerful father. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Benji shares the story behind his energy, how trauma shaped his approach to parenting, and how he leads his blended family of five kids with discipline, resilience, and love. From hiding under his childhood home to now running a global...

In this episode, Nick sits down with Major John McCormack, USMC, to talk about living a life of service, how military leadership translates into fatherhood, and the emotional growth required to be present with your family. From tactical pauses to ice cream after hard days , John shares practical ways he’s learning to lead at home with the same intention he brings to his career. Topics Covered: Wha...

“You deserve better. Your family deserves better. And you deserve a guide who will help get you there.” — Miles Davis In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Nick is joined by Miles Davis , father of two daughters and successful fitness business owner, to explore what it truly means to lead at home . Miles shares wisdom on balancing career and fatherhood, the emotional growth required of moder...

In this episode, Nick explores a critical leadership insight: 👉 Your greatest strengths, when overused, can become your biggest weaknesses. Drawing from his personal leadership experience, Nick dives into how awareness, humility, and intentional adjustment are key to balancing your natural talents, both as an executive and as a dad. 🔑 Key Points from the Episode: 1️⃣ Overused Strengths Turn Into...

In this solo episode, Nick breaks down Leadership Principle #4 from the U.S. Marine Corps : “Keep your Marines informed” , reimagined for executive dads as “Keep your family and team informed.” Clarity and communication are essential whether you're leading a business or a household. Nick shares personal stories and tactical insights to help you lead with purpose, build trust , and create alignment...

In this episode of the podcast, Mycal Anders shares his multifaceted journey as a father, Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and author. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting, the lessons learned from military leadership, and the philosophy of 'Progress Always' in personal growth. Mycal emphasizes the significance of discipline over grades in children's ed...

In this episode of the Podcast, host Nick Mann explores the third principle of Marine Corps leadership: Knowing your Marines and looking out for their welfare. He emphasizes the importance of being present with family and team members, prioritizing self-care, and fostering an environment of trust and vulnerability. Nick shares personal anecdotes and offers practical advice on supporting loved ones...

In this episode of the Podcast, elementary school principal Mike Earnshaw shares insights into the complexities of educational leadership and parenting. He discusses the often misunderstood responsibilities of a principal, the challenges of raising teenagers, and the importance of authenticity and honesty in leadership and family life. Mike emphasizes the need for personal growth and the impact of...

In this episode of the podcast, Nick discusses the second leadership principle of the United States Marine Corps: being technically and tactically proficient. He emphasizes the importance of seeking a well-rounded education, learning from other leaders, and applying knowledge to create positive changes in both personal and professional life. The discussion encourages listeners to analyze their inp...

In this episode of the Executive Dad Podcast, Nick interviews Scot Poore, an executive and father of two, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with a demanding career. They explore themes of leadership, empathy, and the importance of being prepared, creating purpose, and having a plan in both parenting and professional life. Scot shares his personal experiences and insigh...

In this episode of the podcast, Nick introduces a solo episode series focused on the Marine Corps Leadership Principles, starting with Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses, seeking feedback from peers and family, learning from the successes and failures of others, and the critical role of accountability in personal gr...

I am honored to share this week's episode with Danny Frazer. Danny is a father of two boys and has been a leader in the outdoor behavioral health industry for more than 25 years. "Your attitude and behaviors at work are contagious but especially at home, so live a life you are comfortable with your kids emulating," - Danny Frazer 1️⃣ Leaders Define the What and Why, Not the How 2️⃣ S...

I am honored to introduce Mr. Jason Vonk as our guest on this week's episode. Jason is a father of 5 boys, a former collegiate gymnastics coach, and a certified Sherpa Executive Coach. Jason's 3 Dad Leadership Principles: 1: The Cop, Coach, & Consultant Paradigm 2: Feedback as a Conversation 3. Climbing Weakness Mountain Be sure to follow and support Jason at the following links: Jason...

*Name change post episode... 📢 Podcast Summary: High-performance leadership shouldn’t stop at the office. The Executive Dad Podcast is your playbook for excelling in both your career and your family life—without sacrificing one for the other. This podcast, hosted by  Nick Mann , executive coach, and high-performance dad, is for driven professionals who refuse to choose between  career success and...