Ambitious Dads

Elliot Blodgett, performance coach and father of two adopted children, shares his unique journey into fatherhood and how intentionality shapes every aspect of his parenting. From creating family value songs to navigating the complexities of raising Black children as a white father, Elliot offers profound insights on letting go of ego, redefining success, and building authentic connections with our kids.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:01:30] - The Non-Traditional Path to Fatherhood

• Elliot shares his adoption journey and letting go of the ego around biological children
• Key quote: "I finally lost my ego. My wife was always for adoption. I always thought we would have children of our own if we did. And I stripped that away and said yes to family."

[00:03:13] - Parenting with Intentionality

• Discussion on how adoption creates intentional parenting and community choices
• Key quote: "The community is by choice. Both of my kids are not white. So we've moved houses, made some intentional financial decisions to make sure that we're in a community where families look like ours."

[00:06:41] - Stripping Away Ego in Fatherhood

• How traditional upbringing shaped his ego and how fatherhood transformed his perspective
• Key quote: "That ego was really disappearing because it wasn't about me anymore. It was about something so much bigger. It was about my wife and caring for her, it was about my kids and caring for them."

[00:11:26] - Redefining Success for the Next Generation

• Moving from results-oriented expectations to exposure and discovery-based parenting
• Key quote: "I want my kids to do well, and I put resources towards the opportunities that make the most sense for them... It's just exposure, not necessarily the pressure of be the best at it."

[00:18:05] - Teaching Kids to Do Hard Things

• Strategies for helping children push through challenges and build resilience
• Key quote: "Hard things are worth doing, and we use that all the time. It is okay to do a hard thing and we have to learn how to do a hard thing because in school and in life, you're going to run into those situations."

[00:29:25] - The Family Values Song

• Creative approach to instilling family values through music and storytelling
• Key quote: "We have a song. I had a song created... our family value song is something that we play on a regular basis in our house, so they get to hear those things."

[00:32:15] - What Keeps Him Up at Night

• Honest discussion about the unique challenges of raising Black children as a white father
• Key quote: "My kids will not grow up the same way that I grew up, oblivious to the world around them, and that world around them continues to change and shift and become divided, and I worry about that."

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

Paul Millard, author of "The Pathless Path" and "Good Work," shares his journey from high-powered consultant to self-employed writer and father. He explores how becoming a dad to a 2.5-year-old has reshaped his understanding of ambition - moving from external markers of success to inner fire and authentic connection. This conversation dives deep into emotional regulation as a parent, building a life around your values, and why the best thing we can do for our kids is model the life we actually want to live.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:03:23] - Learning Ambition from a Toddler

• Paul describes how his 2.5-year-old daughter embodies pure inner ambition - dancing with complete abandon and zero concern for others' opinions
• Key quote: "She is incredibly ambitious exactly about what she wants to do to the most extreme degree possible... This is sort of what I'm calling inner ambition, which is just this natural fire that humans have"

[00:05:30] - Modeling vs. Worrying About Kids

• Discussion on how parents can influence children through their own behavior rather than constant worry about rules and guidelines
• Key quote: "If I'm actually doing the things I care about, that's going to be a powerful example... I can be not a negative influence"

[00:13:11] - Emotional Work Before Parenthood

• Paul explains how he deliberately worked on emotional resilience and capacity before having children, viewing these as more valuable skills than making money
• Key quote: "This is what I worked on before I had a kid. I was spending all my time not working, developing emotional resilience, developing capacity"

[00:19:36] - Understanding Triggers as a Parent

• Deep dive into what triggers are and how to handle them when children are having meltdowns
• Key quote: "When your child is crying and you want them to stop, you've been triggered"

[00:22:24] - The Power of Emotional Validation

• Paul shares techniques for validating children's emotions rather than dismissing them
• Key quote: "If all your feelings are valid... just being seen and accepted for what you're feeling is such a powerful thing because few people ever experience that"

[00:35:19] - The Reality of Creativity After Kids

• Honest discussion about how having children has actually made Paul's work more challenging, not easier
• Key quote: "I hear all these dads that are like, oh, I had a kid and I'm doing better than ever. I don't know. This has not been the case for me"

[00:39:27] - Redefining Success as a Father

• Paul's vision of success: spending abundant time with his daughter while maintaining creative work
• Key quote: "If I can spend a lot of time with my kids, I feel like that's going to be super fun, satisfying and not something I'll regret when I'm older"

[00:41:51] - True Ambition Feels Light

• Reading from his book about what authentic ambition actually feels like
• Key quote: "Following your own true path does not feel like we might expect ambition to feel. It does not come with pain, contraction, or endless suffering. Instead, it feels light, it feels natural"

[00:56:39] - Rejecting Traditional Dad Expectations

• Critique of the cultural expectation that dads should just "grind" for their families
• Key quote: "Separate yourself from your kids at the most fun years possible and go earn a paycheck and shut up about your emotions. It's dumb, it's stupid"

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

In this episode of Ambitious Dads, host Jeff Hittner sits down with Maurice Philogene, a multifaceted professional whose resume spans federal agent, police officer, real estate investor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world traveler. But beyond all those titles, Maurice shares his most meaningful role: being a father to two sons. 

We talk honestly about what it takes to balance ambitious careers with being a present and intentional parent — the conscious choices, the

challenges of deployment, and the moments that test you in ways no job description ever could. Maurice opens up about raising kids across

continents, fostering independence, and instilling values like resilience, happiness, and financial literacy. What stood out most is Maurice’s belief that life should be experienced fully — and that parenting is about preparing kids for the world, not shielding them from it. This conversation is a reminder that ambition and fatherhood aren’t opposites; they can coexist with intention and purpose.

If you’ve ever wondered how to chase big goals without losing sight of what matters most... you’re not alone.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

Balancing ambition with intentional fatherhood

Raising kids across continents and cultures

Instilling resilience, independence, and financial literacy

Navigating fear and modern parenting challenges

Why happiness and purpose matter more than success

How intentional experiences shape family life

About My Guest

Maurice is a father of two and a seasoned professional with experience as a federal agent, police officer, real estate investor, entrepreneur,

philanthropist, and world traveler. His greatest ambition? Raising his sons to be independent, resilient, and good human beings.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Ambitious Dads Podcast

00:46 Meet Maurice: A Man of Many Lives

01:38 Balancing Ambition and Fatherhood

02:07 Maurice's Career Journey

04:54 Raising Kids Across Continents

09:59 Instilling Values and Resilience

12:06 Navigating Fear and Independence

16:33 The Importance of Happiness and Purpose

21:18 Balancing Free Time and Intentional Parenting

22:05 Challenges of Deployment and Parenting

23:14 Evolving Communication with Kids

24:41 Managing Personal and Parental Challenges

27:01 Listening to Your Kids' Voices

28:04 Navigating Modern Parenting Issues

35:29 Intentional Travel and Experiences

40:11 Expanding Intentionally in Life and Parenting

41:25 Conclusion and Reflections on Fatherhood

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Join the Conversation

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

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Licensed clinical social worker and parenting coach Braxton Storm shares his powerful journey from growing up in California's foster care system to becoming a father of three (soon to be four) children. In this vulnerable conversation, Braxton explores how his childhood experiences shape his approach to helping parents build calmer, more connected homes, the importance of emotional regulation, and why "messy is normal" when it comes to raising emotionally healthy kids.

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

James Boddy, a Harvard-trained leadership consultant and former UK barrister, shares his transformative journey from viewing ambition as a "dirty word" to embracing authentic success while being a present father. This honest conversation explores the challenges of leading a growing company while raising two children, the importance of self-awareness in breaking generational patterns, and practical strategies for achieving work-life harmony rather than balance.

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner welcomes Khe Hy, a former Wall Street Managing Director who left behind a lucrative career to focus on creativity, presence, and fatherhood. Khe shares his journey of evolving through three distinct chapters of life: his pre-fatherhood years, the transformative period of active parenting, and his current entrepreneurial pursuits in AI. He discusses the emotional complexities of watching his children grow and the bittersweet nature of the "magic window" of early childhood, where he felt most needed.

Khe reflects on the challenges of balancing ambition with the desire to foster intrinsic motivation in his daughters, as well as the importance of modeling emotional growth and resilience. He delves into the concept of internal family systems and how it has influenced his understanding of emotions and relationships. The conversation touches on fears surrounding modern parenting, including issues like cyberbullying and societal pressures related to body image. Khe emphasizes the significance of living authentically and following one's passions, rather than seeking validation through external achievements. The episode concludes with a humorous anecdote about a chaotic flight experience with his young daughter, highlighting the messy realities of parenthood.

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner welcomes his friend and neighbor, Dave Inglis, a Canadian executive and couples coach living in Valencia, Spain. The conversation delves into the complexities of blended family dynamics, as Dave shares his journey of becoming a stepdad to two teenagers while also welcoming a biological son, Will. He reflects on the challenges and joys of navigating relationships with his wife Jen and her ex-husband, Aaron, emphasizing the importance of non-attachment and flexibility in parenting. The discussion also touches on the significance of solitude and self-inquiry in personal growth, as Dave reveals his unique practices inspired by shamanism. Throughout the episode, the two dads explore the messy realities of fatherhood, including humorous anecdotes and the ongoing evolution of their roles as parents.

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner welcomes Bob Glazer, the founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a leader in partnership marketing. Bob, a serial entrepreneur and author of seven books, shares his insights on fatherhood, parenting challenges, and the importance of instilling values in children. With three kids nearing adulthood, he discusses his concerns about their preparedness for the realities of the world, particularly in a tech-driven society. 

Bob emphasizes the significance of work ethic, responsibility, and the need for children to experience struggle to develop resilience. He also reflects on his own parenting journey, sharing personal anecdotes about balancing career ambitions with family life and the lessons learned from his experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and allowing children to learn from their mistakes. Throughout the episode, Bob advocates for intentional parenting and the value of leading by example, encouraging fathers to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about success and personal growth.

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

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.

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads

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.

On June 17th, I’m hosting a free, live workshop, Become a Better Leader By Becoming a Better Dad, for fathers who are tired of living a divided life. We’ll explore how “Default Dad” shows up when you’re tired, overloaded, or distracted, and how those same patterns affect your leadership at home and at work. Register here: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/better-dad-better-leader

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

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

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8?si=46654ba2a0654099

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads