In this first episode of Becoming Dads, host Tanner shares his candid experience of stepping into fatherhood at age 40. With no guest this week, Tanner reflects on the dramatic changes of that year—relocating from the U.S. to the U.K., getting married, and becoming a dad for the first time.

Tanner opens up about:

• The shock of the first six to eight months of parenting
• Struggling to bond with his son early on—and why that’s normal for many dads
• The physical and emotional challenges of caring for a newborn
• The hormonal and emotional changes that often surprise new fathers
• Lessons learned about expectations, sleep, diapers, and surviving the early days

He also shares the importance of accepting your emotions, why “dad mode” might take time to kick in, and what he wishes he’d known before becoming a parent.

If you’re an expectant father or navigating the early months of parenthood, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges and growth that come with the journey.

Next Episode: Tanner sits down with his friend Eric, a dad of two daughters, to compare experiences and lessons learned.

👉 Interested in sharing your story on Becoming Dads? Reach out: [email protected]

In this trailer episode of Becoming Dads, host Tanner Campbell introduces his vision for a new podcast that explores the realities of fatherhood in the earliest years. With a 17-month-old son of his own, Tanner shares the challenges, surprises, and deep changes that come with becoming a dad for the first time. The show aims to create honest, down-to-earth conversations with other new fathers—free of guru talk or tough-guy posturing—to provide support, connection, and real stories for dads navigating the same stage of life.