Ambitious Dads

Ambitious Dads

By Jeff HittnerArts
Download on the App Store

Ambitious Dads episodes

  • Navigating Parenthood's Emotional Journey: Prakash Raman

    In this episode, our special guest, Prakash Raman—a dedicated coach and father—shares his personal journey of defining family values and fostering a supportive community. We explore the delicate dance of nurturing family bonds while pursuing professional goals, and how tools like the emotions wheel can help modern dads navigate this complex landscape.


    We dive deep into understanding children's emotions and behaviors, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of candid feedback from family. Prakash and Jeff share strategies for managing emotional regulation, especially during high-stress moments, and reflect on the emotional growth that arises from parenting challenges.


    Tune in as we discuss reconciling past experiences with our children's unique paths and crafting a realistic vision of success that balances career and family commitments. This episode is packed with insights and practical strategies for ambitious dads striving to be present and intentional in their parenting journey.


    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

    47 min
  • Anthony Trucks of American Ninja Warrior & the NFL on His Biggest Lessons in Fatherhood 🏈💪

    In this episode, former NFL athlete and American Ninja Warrior, Anthony Trucks, shares his incredible journey through fatherhood, business, and personal growth. Anthony opens up about his commitment to being a role model for his children and the importance of authenticity and integrity in parenting.


    Join us as we delve into:

    • The concept of "dark work" and setting boundaries as a cornerstone of effective parenting.
    • The challenges and strategies of raising children with unique needs, like ADHD.
    • Balancing guidance and allowing children to discover their own paths.
    • The humor and heart in the chaos of fatherhood, creating cherished family memories.
    • Instilling life skills over mere athletic achievements and nurturing a culture of effort and discipline.
    • Anthony's family's upcoming travel adventures across Asia, embracing experiences that broaden horizons and deepen connections. ✈️🌏

    Don't miss out on this heartfelt and insightful conversation that highlights the profound impact of example-setting on the next generation. Whether you're a parent or aspiring to be one, Anthony's wisdom is sure to resonate with you.


    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

    48 min
  • Balancing Ambitions: A Roundtable Discussion on Modern Fatherhood: Chase Friedman & Ramphis Castro

    In this episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast, we delve into the heart of modern fatherhood. Join us as Chase Friedman and Ramphis Castro, two inspiring dads from our Founding Fathers program, share their honest journeys of juggling professional dreams with family responsibilities.


    🌟 In this episode, we explore:

    🔹 The constant tug-of-war between work obligations and family life.🔹 How fatherhood has reshaped career paths and priorities.

    🔹The rarity and necessity of open, vulnerable conversations among fathers.🔹The importance of supportive communities in navigating fatherhood.

    Chase and Ramphis open up about their experiences in California and Puerto Rico, offering insights into the complexities of being a dad today. From the guilt of missed opportunities to the joy of precious family moments, they share it all.


    👨‍👧‍👦 Whether you're a dad, a parent, or someone navigating work-life balance, this episode is for you. Discover the metaphorical roles we play in our children's lives and the impact of our upbringing on our parenting styles.


    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

    56 min
  • The Art of Fatherhood: Balancing Leadership, Embracing Emotions, & Raising Brave Children: Robert Mulhall

    Navigating the intricate dance between leadership and fatherhood? This week on Ambitious Dads, I'm thrilled to have an insightful conversation with Robert Mulhall, CEO of Kripalu. Together, we delve into the challenges and joys of balancing high-pressure leadership roles with the unpredictable demands of fatherhood.


    🔹 Discover how Robert manages co-parenting his spirited seven-and-a-half-year-old son amidst work deadlines and snow days. He shares personal stories and valuable lessons on flexibility, emotional intelligence, and the power of apologies in parenting.

    🔹 Learn about the evolving role of fathers as emotionally intelligent role models and the importance of self-affirmation. Inspired by Glennon Doyle’s "Untamed," we explore how nurturing our children's instincts and embracing their wild side can foster courage and emotional awareness.

    🔹 Parenting is a journey filled with humorous twists and turns. We discuss the balance between guiding our children and allowing them the freedom to express themselves. Open dialogue can help break stigmas, fostering a more emotionally aware generation.


    Join us for this enriching discussion on the art of fatherhood, where laughter and wisdom go hand in hand. 🎧


    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

    44 min
  • Trailer - Welcome to the Ambitious Dads Podcast!

    I didn’t start the Ambitious Dads Podcast because I had all the answers. I started it because I was asking the same questions most dads are. How do I show up better at home when work pulls me in a thousand directions? How do I break cycles I swore I wouldn’t repeat? How do I stay patient when I feel anything but? After a surprising infertility journey into fatherhood — and a lot of late-night doubts — I realized I couldn’t figure this out alone. So I started having conversations with other dads who were trying to live, lead, and love more intentionally. This podcast is an extension of those real talks. No posturing. No pretending. Just honest stories, lessons, struggles, and maybe a little hope that we’re all doing better than we think.


    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

    5 min

About Ambitious Dads

From the publisher's feed

Fatherhood cracked me open in ways I never expected — and showed me how unprepared most of us are for the emotional work it demands. After learning I couldn’t be a biological father, I wrestled early with the fear that I might screw up my kids before they even existed — a feeling every dad, in one way or another, eventually comes to know. The Ambitious Dads Podcast is where we stop winging it and start talking — about balancing endless competing priorities like work, kids, partners (sex — yeah, right!), self-care, and finances; about the emotions that hit daily — guilt, stress, fear, fatigue, love — and about the quiet doubts that keep us up at night. We’ll get vulnerable. We’ll get honest. And yes, we’ll end every episode with a ridiculous poop story, because if fatherhood teaches you anything, it’s how to laugh while cleaning up disasters.