In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner engages in a heartfelt conversation with Morgan Rich, a coach and facilitator dedicated to supporting men in navigating their inner struggles and finding purpose. Morgan, a father of two adult children and author of the book "The Invitation Beyond: Reclaiming Healthy Masculinity," shares his insights on fatherhood, personal growth, and the complexities of modern parenting.

The discussion begins with Morgan reflecting on the challenges he faced during his journey as a father, particularly after his separation from his children's mother when they were in high school. He candidly discusses the emotional rift that developed between him and his daughter, who felt betrayed by his new relationship. Morgan emphasizes the importance of being present and navigating the ups and downs of fatherhood, highlighting how his own experiences with loss and trauma shaped his approach to parenting.

Morgan recounts the profound moments of connection he shared with his children, particularly the simple yet meaningful times spent reading bedtime stories. He expresses a deep appreciation for these fleeting moments and the love he felt for his children, acknowledging the unpredictability of life and the importance of savoring each experience.

As the conversation progresses, Morgan shares the deliberate process he undertook to mend his relationship with his daughter. He emphasizes the significance of patience and self-care, recognizing that his daughter's struggles were part of her journey into adulthood. Morgan's commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and offering unconditional love ultimately led to a reconciliation, demonstrating that fatherhood is not about perfection but about being present and learning from challenges.

The episode also delves into the dynamics of co-parenting, with Morgan reflecting on his experiences during and after his marriage. He acknowledges the difficulties of communication and the importance of being honest about one's feelings. Morgan's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, including participation in men's retreats and shadow work, has equipped him to show up as a better father and role model.

Throughout the episode, Morgan emphasizes the need for fathers to embrace vulnerability and the messiness of parenthood. He shares a humorous yet relatable story about being barfed on by his young son during a flight, illustrating the unpredictable nature of parenting and the importance of finding humor in challenging situations.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Kelly Flanagan, a clinical psychologist, author, and father of three. The discussion centers around the challenges and emotional complexities of fatherhood, particularly as children grow into young adults.

Jeff opens the episode by emphasizing the importance of honest conversations among fathers about their fears, ambitions, and the realities of parenting. He introduces Kelly, who shares insights from his experiences as a father and a mental health professional. Kelly reflects on his own parenting journey, noting that despite having a 22-year-old son, Aiden, who is pursuing a career in comedy, the challenges of parenting do not diminish but rather evolve over time. He discusses the emotional energy invested in each of his children, highlighting the need for balance and attention among them.

The conversation delves into the concept of emotional energy and how it varies among children. Kelly shares his realization that as his children grow older, the time spent with them becomes more precious, prompting him to prioritize their emotional needs over work commitments. He acknowledges the ongoing challenges of parenting, regardless of the children's ages, and the importance of being present in their lives.

As the discussion progresses, Kelly opens up about a pivotal moment in his marriage during a particularly stressful time in their lives. He recounts how the COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant stress and emotional turmoil, leading him to a transformative realization about the importance of keeping his heart open. Inspired by Michael Singer's book, "The Untethered Soul," Kelly adopted a New Year's resolution to notice when his heart was closing and to actively work on opening it back up. This practice has since become a cornerstone of his approach to relationships, including those with his wife and children.

Jeff and Kelly explore the nuances of emotional expression, particularly the cultural stigma surrounding sadness. They discuss how children naturally express their emotions and the importance of creating a safe space for them to do so. Kelly emphasizes that sadness is a natural emotion that should be embraced rather than suppressed, as it can lead to greater emotional openness and connection.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Grose, a prominent Australian parenting educator and author of twelve books on parenting. With a background as a former teacher, Michael shares his journey into parenting education, which began unexpectedly while pursuing a master's degree in education. He discusses how his experiences as a teacher and a father to three adult children have shaped his insights into parenting.

The episode delves into the evolving landscape of parenting, highlighting the shift from traditional discipline and behavior management to a focus on resilience, emotional regulation, and the challenges posed by the digital age. Michael emphasizes the importance of parents being aware of their own mental health and wellness, as it directly impacts their children. He advocates for the necessity of self-care and the establishment of personal time for parents, encouraging dads to prioritize their own needs alongside their parenting responsibilities.

Michael and Jeff explore the differences in parenting styles between mothers and fathers, noting that mothers often provide nurturing and emotional support, while fathers tend to encourage independence and problem-solving. This dynamic is crucial for children's development, as it allows them to learn from both parental figures. Michael also addresses the common fears fathers have regarding their children's adolescence, offering insights on how to maintain connections during this challenging phase.

Throughout the episode, Michael shares practical strategies for effective discipline, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about choices and consequences. He highlights the value of positive reinforcement and consistent communication, suggesting that parents should catch their children doing the right thing and guide them in resolving conflicts.

As the conversation unfolds, Michael reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health and development, noting the long-term effects of isolation and the need for parents to adapt their approaches to parenting in a post-pandemic world. The episode concludes with a call for fathers to embrace their unique roles and responsibilities, fostering a supportive environment for their children while also taking care of their own well-being.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Critchlow to delve into the art of juggling professional ambitions with the beautiful chaos of fatherhood.

In this episode, Tom shares his unique journey from being an independent consultant to transitioning back into the corporate world—all while taking his family on a year-and-a-half road trip during the COVID pandemic. 🚗🏞️ Discover how owning his schedule allowed him to be present for precious family moments, like bath time with his kids.

We explore the evolving landscape of parenting in a tech-saturated era, where explaining abstract job roles to young minds requires creativity and patience. From the humorous side of parenting—think projectile vomiting—to the importance of unstructured play, this episode is packed with candid insights and personal stories.

Tom opens up about the unexpected joys and challenges of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of real conversations about these experiences. Whether you're an ambitious dad striving to nurture meaningful family connections or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is for you.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Join us as we dive into the unique experience of navigating parenthood while leading a startup.

When Jean-Luc Zehnder founded his company, Virtido, in the same month his first child was born, he found himself nurturing two newborns: a business and a baby. In this episode, Jean-Luc opens up about the raw challenges of managing a growing family alongside a budding enterprise.

Here’s what you can expect:

🔹 Jean-Luc’s insights into balancing the financial uncertainties and lifestyle adjustments necessary for work-life harmony, including downsizing their home for stability.
🔹 A candid look at the dynamics of raising three boys and the importance of recognizing each child's unique role within the family.
🔹 Strategies for building a supportive work culture and the significance of mental fitness in personal and professional realms.
🔹 Reflections on maintaining a healthy partnership and the struggles of letting go as a parent.

Jean-Luc's personal stories provide encouragement and valuable insights for entrepreneurial dads, especially those navigating parenthood without local family support.

🎧 Tune in now to gain heartfelt parenting insights and learn how to thrive with both a newborn and a new business.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this heartfelt episode, we feature Kelly Griego, an endurance athlete, leadership professional, and devoted family man. Kelly opens up about his experience as a bonus dad to three teenagers and shares valuable insights on building strong family bonds while managing a demanding professional life. He emphasizes the importance of stability, open communication, and the mantra of "no surprises" in creating a harmonious home.

Key highlights include:

• The journey of merging families and becoming a bonus dad.
• Redefining success beyond the workplace.
• Navigating the challenges of parenting teenagers in the digital age.
• Building lasting family traditions and values.

Whether you're a father, a professional, or both, this episode offers practical advice for realigning ambitions with family values and maintaining balance in today's fast-paced world. Tune in to explore how therapy, personal hobbies, and shared experiences can play a crucial role in achieving harmony between career and family.

🎧 Listen now to gain inspiration and practical tips for navigating fatherhood and career ambitions!

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode, Joshua Gillow opens up about his journey from working in his family's garden center to building successful landscaping businesses. He candidly shares his struggles with aligning professional goals with core family values, emphasizing the importance of introspection and emotional presence.

Key highlights include:

• The transformative realization that led Joshua to align his ambitions with his true values.
• Embracing emotional intelligence to connect deeply with family and raise empathetically grounded young men.
• Touching stories of fostering responsibility and independence in his children through real-life lessons.
• The significance of leading by example and practicing self-forgiveness in parenting.

Join us as Joshua shares valuable insights and personal anecdotes that underscore the importance of being present and allowing children to navigate life's challenges. Remember, every tomorrow offers a fresh start.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode, Carl Manlan offers a refreshing perspective on how he and his wife, both thriving in the finance industry, manage to expose their children to diverse professional environments. Through storytelling, Carl reveals how he incorporates lessons from his work into his parenting, enriching his children's understanding of the world's complexities.

Key Highlights:

• Discover how Carl guided his daughter in finding her voice and redefining success beyond traditional norms through exposure to inspiring individuals.
• Learn about the importance of emotional expression and understanding within family dynamics, and how shared experiences like family road trips can forge deeper connections.
• Gain insights into maintaining private time and managing emotions effectively, both at work and at home.

This episode is a thoughtful exploration of modern fatherhood and emotional intelligence, offering valuable lessons on balancing career ambition with family life. Whether you're a parent or a leader, Carl's journey will inspire you to craft unique paths for the next generation.

🎧 Tune in now and join us in redefining success in modern parenting!

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with two incredible dads, Shantanu, a soon-to-be CFO in Chicago, and Greg, a strategy director in Denver. They share their candid experiences of navigating fatherhood alongside demanding careers, offering insights into setting boundaries and cherishing family time.

Topics we cover:
🔹 The art of co-parenting and personal growth in fatherhood.
🔹 The role of therapy in navigating emotional complexities.
🔹 Intentional parenting in a multicultural family setting.
🔹 The importance of community support and our Founding Fathers program.

Through humorous and honest anecdotes, Shantanu and Greg shine a light on the realities of parenting, celebrating the growth and fulfillment that come from embracing every chaotic and heartwarming moment.

Whether you're a new dad or seasoned parent, this episode is packed with relatable stories and valuable insights. Tune in on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube for laughter, lessons, and fatherhood tales.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this compelling episode, guest Mitchell Osmond of The Dad Nation shares his transformative journey from feeling lost at home to finding balance between his career ambitions and family life. After a pivotal fight with his wife and a profound experience at a funeral, Mitchell was inspired to reassess the legacy he was leaving behind.

Join us as Mitchell discusses:

• His struggle with depression, debt, and a dysfunctional upbringing.
• The development of the "Iron Five" mentorship framework, emphasizing the power of community and mutual growth.
• Strategies for balancing professional success with being a present and engaged father and husband.
• Practical tools for emotional regulation and resilience in managing relationship conflicts.
• The importance of meaningful connections and strategic conversations with loved ones.

Mitchell also shares a free resource to help deepen emotional connections with your partner through carefully crafted questions.

Don't miss this heartfelt exploration of reclaiming your home, health, and happiness. Tune in now and be inspired to create a meaningful legacy for your family.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!