Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood

In this episode we talk to the hosts of the Modern Dadhood podcast, Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket about their fatherhood journey, unique friendship, and the unexpected isolation that can impact a father when they become parents.

A fun part of this show happened when Adam and Marc started asking questions of us, which made it feel like we were guests on their show. Their comfort with discussing real topics but also injecting their unique personality and partnership inspired Ed and Drew.

Talking to Adam and Marc was an honest, thoughtful, and enlightening conversation about the fatherhood journey. In their podcast they've explored fatherhood from so many angles and opened themselves to all types of perspectives in the process of learning to be a dad. This growth mindset comes through and inspired a great conversation.

We explored:

• Marc's journey with IVF and becoming a father almost 20 years into his established career
• Adam's passion and curiosity that startled Marc and inspired him to get involved in the podcast
• The reality that our parents really impact our own parenting
• The truth about recognizing our own flaws, but not being trapped by them
• Plus much more...

About Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket

Adam Flaherty is a commercial director, editor, podcaster, and creator of meaningful content. He founded Anchor Line, a full service video production and animation company in 2011. Over the next few years, Anchor Line became the premier production company in New Hampshire and was recognized by Google in their "Grow With Google" initiative. In 2019, Anchor Line combined forces with Saltwater Collective, a digital agency where Flaherty serves as Executive Producer and continues to direct commercials, industrial videos, brand anthems, and more. He's a husband to an inspiring wife, and a dad to two powerful young daughters. Marc Checket is a dad to twins, Art Director at a Boston area marketing agency, and a podcaster who spends his spare time creating music. Having cut his teeth in the New York City film advertising industry, Marc eventually migrated to New England and shifted his focus to the marketing and communications world. His discipline ranges from building brand identities to conceiving and creating powerful campaigns and digital experiences. In addition, Marc loves a good brainstorming session and finds inspiration in making authentic connections between brands and audiences. About The Dad Central Show Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help. The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family. Links for Dad Central:

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected] The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

This week Drew talks to Amar Lohana, who founded the Toronto City Dads Group in 2017 when he became a stay-at-home dad. Amar's journey to fatherhood gave him a few surprises, while prompting him to explore how he wanted to define his fatherhood experience.

Prior to becoming a stay-at-home dad Amar worked in New York at Goldman Sachs - one of the world's most prestigious investment banks. The transitions he's experieinced in going from a career in finance and technology to being a stay at home dad, growing his family, and now, being the founder of a media company haven't been easy, but he's learned a few lessons along the way that have helped him.

Highlights from this conversation include:

• How Amar fathers very differently than his father parented him
• Why communication with his wife was so critical to working through the transitions they faced as parents
• The most important step he took to support himself through his various transitions

About Amar Lohana

Amar Lohana founded the Toronto Dads Group in 2017 when he became a stay-at-home dad. From one stay-at-home dad looking to connect to other dads, it has grown to a community of over 500 fathers who network, socialize, have fun, learn, and support each other as they navigate parenthood. The group is part of the larger City Dads Group network, which has chapters in most major metropolitan areas in the United States and eastern Canada.

In addition to his work with the Toronto Dads Group, Amar founded Akelo Media, a documentary film production company, in 2020. Through Akelo Media, he creates thought-provoking films that explore important social and cultural issues. Prior to moving to Toronto, Amar worked for 15 years in technology and finance in New York City. He is a father of two.

City Dads Group: https://citydadsgroup.com

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

In this shorter episode Ed and Drew talk about the research that identifies mental health and bullying as the top two concerns for parents.

PEW Research published a report titled Parenting in America on January 24, 2023. This report highlighted many current and real issues related to parenting, and will be the subject of further conversations on the show this season.

This conversation stays focussed on the general findings on the first page of the six page report. Some of these findings include parent's top concerns, what parents prioritize for their children, and how hard parents find parenting.

Full Article About the Study:

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/01/24/parenting-in-america-today/

About PEW Research Centre:

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. They conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. They do not take policy positions.

https://www.pewresearch.org/

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

This week Ed and Drew talk with Australian entrepreneur award winner, international speaker and author, Ralph Anania. Ralph is an authority on business transformation as well as a business coach, in addition to being a father of three children.

In this conversation we learn about Ralph's family beginnings and the lessons he learned from his father. The son of Italian immigrants, he grew up watching his dad work hard but also have a strong sense of community and family. Those lessons are the ones that proelled him to his own entrepreneurial success.

We also learn about Ralph's divorce, the difficult bullying he experienced as a child, and the unique and powerful relatioship he has with all three of his children. Ralph gets honest and real about the life challenges he's faced and what he's focussed on to move through them successfully. When he hear Ralph speak, you get timeless wisdom that has helped him achieve results in every area of his life.

Despite having back surgery only a few days before this conversation, Ralph delivers his best in this conversation. We know you'll have lots to take away, so listen closely and take notes!

About Ralph Anania

With over 35 years of business experience, an Australian entrepreneur award winner, international speaker and author, I am regarded as an authority in business transformation.

I've successfully transformed my own businesses into highly efficient enterprises, enabling me to share real business experience with thousands of clients in a variety of industries, in 13 different countries around the globe.

My mission is to enrich the small business community by encouraging 'sustainable' change, not just in the organisation but most importantly where it all stems from; it's leaders.

My talented team of experts and I, work closely with clients to achieve targeted behavioural shifts with a focus on making the most of their talents, experience and opportunities whilst delivering favourable results.

I'm driven by results and gain the most satisfaction when watching my clients evolve and grow to a place they initially thought was impossible.

I am passionate about guiding our next generation of young adults in finding their passion and achieving their dreams. And thoroughly enjoy watching them evolve and grow as they go through my young adult programs and become leaders in their own rights.

I'm a family man with 3 amazing children who keep me inspired to continue doing what I love best; making a difference in peoples lives.

Link for Ralph Anania: https://ralphanania.com/

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

In this unique conversation we sit down with world record holder Connor Emeny and his dad, Steve Emeny for an inside look into their relationship.

Connor Emeny is the youngest person to complete an iron man triathlon on six different continents, a feat he achieved at only 26 years old - six years younger than the previous world-record holder.

This conversation explores Connor's early years and the power of his fathers influence in shaping his perspective on success. Hearing both a father and son's perspectives, the conversation brings to life to the power of a father-child relationship and what it can mean for helping children develop into the best version of themselves.

Connor identifies the fundamental principles that his father taught him and how it impacts him today. Steve shares the goals he had for his children and the messages he communicated to them as they grew up. Combining stories and memories from their lives, we get an inside look into the simple actions that dads can take to help build healthy relationship and instill good qualities in their children.

Key insights you'll get from the conversation:

• The two most important lessons Connor learned from his dad
• The main priority Steve focussed on while teaching his children
• The "Fourth Discipline" that Connor uses to master goal setting

About Connor and Steve Emeny

Connor Emeny holds the World Record as the youngest person in the world to complete an Ironman on 6 continents. His next goal is to complete an iron man distance race in Antarctica. When he achieves that, he will be the only person to complete an ironman on seven continents. You can learn more and follow his journey at:

https://www.instagram.com/connor.emeny/

Steve Emeny is a husband, father of three adult boys and entrepreneur who lives in Toronto, Ontario.

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

Ed and Drew speak briefly about two ideas that may lead into season 2's content. This is a short but informative conversation that shares personal experiences, past guests and foreshadows future guests.

Ed introduces the concept of plan ahead that his father held as an important priority in their home. He talks about how planning ahead has made a difference in his life, and how relevant it is for today. He also encourages dads to look at the long term impact of not planning and how it can impact your family. He ends with the first steps he took to begin planning more in his life.

Drew offers insight into the transition he's experienced the past few years and how transitions in fatherhood are a constant challenge. His goal is to help support dads through the many transitions they experience. He's focussing on guests who have successfully gone through transition so the audience can take the lessons learned and apply them to their own fatherhood.

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

In this conversation Ed and Drew talk with Mike Whitla, the founder of Howdytoons Productions. Mike is a father of two adult boys who lost his wife to suicide in 2019.

In this honest and authentic conversation Mike shares about the family experiences before and after his wife's untimely death. There are moments in this conversation that may be difficult for some listeners, so please use discretion.

Mike explores and reflects on his current relationship with his father, which has been a source of strength and support as he recovered. He shares about the importance of talking about difficult topics and exploring how people are feeling so they can get the support needed. His example to his sons and the relationship he has with both of them hold significance for any father who wants to help his family overcome loss.

Mike courageously and humbly reveals the challenges that a "lone parent" must go through when parenting after the loss of a spouse. This episode touches on important truths about mental health, and Mike hopes that his story can be the catalyst to remove the stigma and replace it with real support.

About Mike Whitla

Mike Whitla is the founder of Howdytoons Productions Inc, a children's music video company based in Toronto. Springing from the success of Mike's standout award-winning 2005 children's album, Dinostory: The Ultimate Dinosaur Rock Opera, Howdytoons now distributes on many platforms, including Youtube and Spotify, in three languages. At time of writing, the Howdytoons suite of Youtube channels has 1.6 million subscribers and 1.3 billion views. Mike continues to develop new musical cartoon series, including Prehistorica - a show about favourite extinct creatures, and Mythologica - a series about incredible myths told around the world, co-written with his son, musician Jake Django. Additionally, Mike is the founder & Director of Rainbow Songs, the most successful preschool family music program in Canada. Since 1999, more than fifty thousand families have participated in Rainbow Songs classes, sharing the joy of music. Including Dinostory, Mike has produced 12 award-winning children's music CDs, all of which feature Rainbow Songs staff past and present, as well as talented musician friends from Canada and around the world. (Check 'em out on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music!) Mike co-founded the Rainbow Songs Foundation, a charity that brings the same high-quality Rainbow Songs musical programs to vulnerable families using shelters and drop-in centres throughout Toronto. When he isn't making music, Mike is a passionate cyclist, environmentalist and the father of two boys, Jake and Kyle.

Link for Howdytoons Productions: https://linktr.ee/howdytoons

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

In this, our final episode of 2022 we talk with Geoff Girvitz, the owner of Bang Fitness and creator of the Dad Strength Podcast. He's married and has a six-year-old son.

At the age of 45 Geoff was diagnosed with ADHD. Since that time, he's been working closely with men with ADHD to maximize their potential – recognizing that neurodiversity can give you a "superpower" when used well.

In the conversation we explore his early experiences with a father who hated noise and the adaptations it created in him, his fatherhood journey, the diagnosis of ADHD, and the creation of Dad Strength. Geoff approaches life by devising systems that simplify the complex into workable actions. His goals are to achieve a healthy balance of mind, body and soul.

Takeaways from the conversation include:

• How to navigate challenges without losing the ability to stay present
• How being diagnosed with ADHD freed him to recognize his true strengths
• Why autonomy, a sense of mastery and feelings of belonging are crucial to the role of fathers

About Geoff Girvitz

Geoff Girtivz is a movement and behaviour change expert who helps people improve their mental wellbeing and physical health through mindful exercise and lifestyle coaching.

He is the founder of Bang Personal Training—an innovative gym space in downtown Toronto—and Dad Strength—a resource for fathers to take better care of themselves so that they can take better care of the people they love.

Movement Is Meditation represents Geoff's vision to leverage the tremendous power of exercise for mood, focus, and overall mental wellbeing. Geoff is married and has a six year old son.

Links for Geoff:

• Website: https://dadstrength.com/
• Website: https://www.bangpersonaltraining.com/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/geoffgirvitz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geoffgirvitz/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffgirvitz/

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

This week we speak with Paul Sullivan, a journalist for 25 years, author of two books and founder of The Company of Dads. Paul left his dream job as a NY Times columnist to create The Company of Dads.

A gifted storyteller and passionate father of three, Paul explores the journey from having divorced parents to his own family crisis – all experiences that helped him learn and apply the right mindset to master his fatherhood.

His research into what makes people perform under pressure and desire for finding solutions are evident in the conversation. With practical and doable steps, Paul addresses the reality dads face and gives great actions steps to get a lot out of every part of life.

Key takeaways from this conversation:

• Perspective is a big part of mastering fatherhood
• Accepting difficulties and focussing on solutions are essential skills
• The highest performers have learned to adapt, and dads need to master this skill

About Paul Sullivan

Paul is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating a community for Lead Dads. Its mission is to help Lead Dads feel less isolated and more confident that they have made the correct choice to take on the bulk of the parenting and family duties - or at the very least not embrace stereotypes around who does what at home.

As a Lead Dad himself, Paul understands intimately the joys, frustrations, isolation and reticence around talking about being a Lead Dad. It's a role that is growing in numbers but is far from normalized.

Before starting The Company of Dads in 2021, Paul wrote the Wealth Matters column in The New York Times for 13 years. He also created the Money Game column in GOLF Magazine.

Paul lives in New Canaan, Connecticut, with his wife and their three daughters and three dogs. He received degrees in history from Trinity College and the University of Chicago. When not running The Company of Dads or being a Lead Dad, he is an obsessive golfer.

Links for The Company of Dads

• Website: https://thecompanyofdads.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/companyofdads/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/companyofdads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecompanyofdads/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-company-of-dads/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcD2VxX7JyWzvcxZqwE8-WA

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.

Most dads want to see their kids build confidence and succeed in their lives. Research also confirms that positively involved dads have a big impact on the social, emotional, and psychological development of children.

But sometimes we get so focused on the end result that we miss how to actually get there. Especially when we're fighting through the daily ups and downs of parenting life.

In this eposide Ed and Drew talk about Drew's experiences that led him to identify and apply these 7 actions on a daily basis. By doing them consistently he's built a rock solid connection with his kids. From recognizing the impact stress was having on how he interacted at home, to shifting the focus to his kids through listening, his small actions began to make a big difference. The more he looked into what was happening, the more research confirmed the importance of these powerful actions to helping his children grow confident and secure.

Every dad feels stretched at times, but even in the most difficult circumstances every dad can do these 7 things to help their kids grow into succsssful adults. The added benefit is the relationship between dads and kids grows stronger and provides more opportunities for fun, laughter and joy. Which ultimately means that kids listen better, respect you more and follow your guidance. Isn't that what every dad wants?

Link to article referenced in the conversation:

• https://dadcentral.ca/daily-actions-to-help-your-kids-build-confidence/

About The Dad Central Show

Dads love to see their kids grow into confident and successful adults. The problem is most dads feel unsure how to get there and have nowhere to turn for help.

The Dad Central Show coaches you to be your best, while bringing out the best in your family.

Links for Dad Central

• Website: https://dadcentral.ca
• The Dad Central Show: https://dadcentral.ca/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dadcentral
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dadcentral_ont
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadcentralontario
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dadcentral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2HyxB9nOLxyHvBMSo4TQQ

Contact us at [email protected]

The Dad Central Show is sponsored by Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care believes care is the best of a man, because when men care for themselves and others, there is a positive impact.