Why, Dad?

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, ov...

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...

In this episode, Paul and Andrew sit down with Troy Fink : husband, dad of three, pastor, founder, and CEO of Gammit Tech , the team behind Loovy , a smart potty training device built to make one of the toughest early parenting seasons a little more fun and a lot less chaotic. Troy shares his story of becoming a dad at 19, walking through addiction, and how surrendering his life to God reshaped ev...

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 su...

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 suppor...

Takeaways Crucial conversations are essential for personal growth and relationship building. Avoiding tough conversations can lead to resentment and miscommunication. The HEAR framework (Hedge, Empathize, Acknowledge, Reframe) is a useful tool for effective communication. It's important to prepare for crucial conversations to ensure they are productive. Emotions will always be present in tough con...

Cory Carlson — Links & Resources Website / About / Coaching & Books : Cory Carlson ( corymcarlson.com )  LinkedIn : Cory Carlson on LinkedIn LinkedIn Books :  • Win at Home First  • Rise and Go

In this episode of Why Dad? , Paul and Andrew slow things down and invite listeners into a casual conversation about what’s been going on in their lives. Topics include: 🌽 Surviving the Minnesota “corn sweats” 👶 Paul’s first weeks of paternity leave with both kids at home 🍋 Evie’s lemonade stand and the surprise competition that taught Paul a lesson in letting kids live in the moment 🚗 Andrew’...

Why play matters : Play is how kids communicate their inner world. It’s not just fun—it’s expressive, healing, and relational. Responding vs. reacting : How slowing down and tuning in builds trust and emotional regulation. Connection before correction : When children act out, it’s often a bid for connection—not defiance. Scheduled unstructured time : Just 15–30 minutes of fully present, screen-fre...

Takeaways Showing up means being present physically and mentally. It's important to take time for yourself before engaging with family. Micro moments of presence can be just as impactful as macro moments. Barriers to showing up include work stress and distractions. Creating routines can help facilitate being present. Apologizing to children strengthens the parent-child bond. Modeling behavior for...

What We Talk About: What parenting a teenager teaches you about emotional honesty Rebuilding your creative life as a form of self-care How small acts of art can create connection Giving your kids permission to see you as human Balancing business, boundaries, and being present Creating without pressure and parenting without perfection Resources & Mentions: PodcastConnections.co — Noémi’s podcast bo...

👵 Why involved grandparents can boost kids’ confidence, social skills, and emotional wellbeing 🎯 The gap between how you want to parent and how your parents might grandparent 🧁 The power of Sunday muffins, last-minute babysitting, and everyday grandparent magic 💬 What happens when expectations go unspoken and why clear communication is everything 🫱 Creating space for healthy boundaries with e...

🔗 Connect with Matt Edmundson Website & Full Bio mattedmundson.com LinkedIn Accessible via his site, but confirmed: linkedin.com/in/mattedmundson Instagram @mattedmundson The eCommerce Podcast (hosted by Matt) Also widely available on Spotify and other platforms

🧠 Topics Covered: What gentle parenting actually means The difference between permissive and respectful Why “being the adult” doesn’t mean being the boss Handling triggers without shame How we model emotional regulation Where we’ve gotten it wrong—and what we’ve learned Why connection gives your discipline more power 🎯 This episode is for: Dads trying to be intentional but overwhelmed Parents un...

🔑 What We Talk About: Why “being there” isn’t always easy, but it always matters How dads carry pressure to fix things instead of just be there The pilot-in-turbulence metaphor that redefined Nick’s parenting mindset Learning to shift from resentment to gratitude in daily chaos Accepting failure and showing your kids that love is consistent, not perfect 💥 This Week’s Challenge: Next time you wal...

What We Talk About: 🧠 Why mental health maintenance (not just crisis response) is essential 🥦 How nutrition, sleep, and blood sugar affect emotional regulation 🏋️ The connection between movement, play, and showing up well as a dad 🧃 Why your discipline slips when your energy does 💬 Modeling emotional health for your kids by doing your own inner work 🎯 Letting go of shame and starting small wh...

🔑 What We Talk About: 👴 Parenting for 40, not just for 18 ⚖️ Punishment vs. consequences — and why they're not the same 🧠 Why the best parenting moments happen after the meltdown 🎯 How to raise kids who love learning and trust their own reasoning 📚 What we get wrong about grades, homework, and school 🤐 Why discipline in the moment usually fails 💬 How to model curiosity and emotional regulat...

In this episode, Paul and Andrew dig into one of the most powerful (and often under-discussed) parenting skills: teaching our kids how to think . From silly moments like mistaking cows for horses to deeper reflections on autonomy and identity, they explore how critical thinking shows up in everyday parenting—and how easy it is to accidentally shut it down. You’ll hear personal stories, lots of que...

Disclaimer: Please don't close your eyes as instructed if you are driving or doing anything else dangerous. In this episode of the Why, Dad? Podcast, we explore the transformative power of gratitude and how it shapes us as fathers. "Putting the Gratitude in Attitude: The Power of a Gratitude Mindset" dives into the essential role gratitude plays in our lives, from strengthening our parenting to im...

Disclaimer: expect some minor audio issues due to one of our hosts calling in from a remote location. In this episode, Paul and Andrew dive into a thought-provoking clip from a popular parenting influencer, where the idea that parents shouldn’t teach their kids "what" to learn, but instead create an environment where they can discover "what they want to learn," is explored. This leads to a deep di...

What does it mean to prepare for fatherhood before it even begins? In this episode, Paul and Andrew explore the journey of an aspiring dad—Andrew's personal reflections on his desire to become a father, the challenges of preparing for that role, and the intentional steps he's taking to become the best version of himself. From discussing the influence of their own fathers to the values and habits t...

In this behind the scenes episode of 'Why, Dad?', Paul and Andrew dive into one of the biggest milestones in parenthood—welcoming a new child into the family. Paul opens up about the birth of his son, Liam, and reflects on the emotions, challenges, and joys of transitioning from a family of three to four. They discuss the mix of relief and excitement, the struggles of early parenthood, and how old...

Habits shape who we are, whether we realize it or not. In this episode, Paul and Andrew break down the science of habits, why they matter, and how to leverage them to take control of your life. From battling the 'whack-a-mole' cycle of self-improvement to stacking small wins for big success, they share practical tips for building better habits and breaking bad ones.

What separates those who thrive from those who are stuck drifting aimlessly or in an unending loop of failed habits? One word: Grit. In this episode, Paul and Andrew peel back the onion of resilience—what it is, why it matters, and how we can develop it in ourselves and our kids. Learn practical ways to help push through challenges, embrace failure, and build grit.

In this introspective and relatable episode of Why, Dad?, Paul and Andrew dive into a question that many of us have asked ourselves: What are you doing with your life? Through candid conversation and lighthearted banter, they explore what it means to find purpose, align your actions with your values, and navigate the chaos of life with intention. Whether you're feeling stuck, seeking direction, or...