Dad Space Podcast - for Dads by Dads

Episode 217 - Movember, A Birthday, Some Coffee and a Huge Thank you to You

Hey, thanks for pressing play! It is Nov 13th - Dave's birthday, we share a coffee together, we talk Movember and why this is important and we say thanks to you - thanks for being apart of this podcast and for making this your home for all things Dad - this space is for you!

If this podcast has brought value to you - please consider sending some coffee back to the show with our buy me a coffee link

https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 216 - Another Great Dad Podcast - The All Pro Dad Podcast

The All Pro Dad Podcast is a weekly show dedicated to helping fathers navigate the challenges of parenting with intention, humility, and love. Created by Family First, the nonprofit behind the All Pro Dad movement founded by Mark Merrill and Coach Tony Dungy, the podcast extends the mission of helping dads “love and lead their families well” into modern, relatable conversations.

Each episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast focuses on one central parenting question, tackling real-life topics with humor, wisdom, and compassion. Hosted by Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and BJ Foster, the show explores the joys and struggles of being an engaged father in today’s world. The tone is honest and approachable — designed for dads who don’t have all the answers but genuinely want to get better.

The podcast aims to create a space where dads can laugh, learn, and feel less alone in their parenting journey. Episodes blend personal stories, expert insights, and “Pro Moves” — actionable takeaways dads can apply right away at home.

Episodes cover a wide range of fatherhood and family subjects, including:

• Parenting and communication — Building trust and emotional connection with kids.
• Marriage and teamwork — Strengthening partnership and balance at home.
• Discipline and encouragement — Finding the right blend of correction and care.
• Modern challenges — Navigating social media, technology, and the "manosphere."
• Character and resilience — Raising emotionally strong, respectful children.
• Mental health for dads — Encouraging emotional openness, reflection, and community support.

Recent and fan-favorite episodes include:

• How Can I Improve as a Dad? – Knowing when to ask for feedback from your kids, spouse, or mentors.​​
• Should Dads Be Worried About the Manosphere? – Discussing how media messages shape young men's views.​
• Building Resilience in Children – Featuring insights from Dr. Chinwé Williams on helping kids handle adversity.​
• What’s the Best Part About Being a Girl Dad? – Celebrating father-daughter bonds.​
• 5 Ways Dads Cause Family Tension and 4 Things You Must Do After Yelling at Your Kids – Honest reflections on mistakes and growth.

• Approachable Format: Simple, 15–20-minute conversations centered on real-life parenting questions.
• Rooted in Faith & Practicality: Blends Christian values with relatable, modern advice.
• Diverse Guest Input: Features experts, coaches, and dads from various backgrounds.
• Actionable Takeaways: Each episode ends with a “Pro Move” — a small, tangible way to improve family life that week.

New episodes of the All Pro Dad Podcast release weekly and are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and AllProDad.com/podcast.​

In short, the All Pro Dad Podcast is built for men who want to be intentional about fatherhood — not perfect dads, but all-pro dads who keep showing up, learning, and growing every day.

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 215 - Jennifer Celeste Briggs - Parenting Differently, Autism, Finding Balance and Being Enough

Jennifer Celeste Briggs has a BA in English Literature from Swarthmore college. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two daughters. Her daughter Sarah has a genetic anomaly and autism. When Sarah was four, Jenny decided to run a Son-Rise Program for her, calling it Sarah-Rise, and training at the Autism Treatment Center of America.

The Son-Rise Program is a loving child-centered approach to helping those with autism and other challenges connect socially, verbally, and through increased eye contact. Organizing hundreds of hours of therapeutic play time for Sarah, Jenny trained and coordinated multiple volunteers who contributed their love and creativity to the venture. Jenny started a blog to share the experience of Sarah-Rise and has heard multiple times that her words were helpful to others dealing with life struggles.

Jenny wants to help parents feel understood and to spread the word about The Son-Rise Program. She hopes that her words bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to readers whatever their challenges and journeys may be.

Sarah is a feisty and determined four-year-old with autism and a unique genetic blueprint. Her mom Jenny is equally feisty and determined, which leads to clashes and strife but also leads to phenomenal connection and progress as Jenny runs a Son-Rise Program for her, calling it Sarah-Rise.

The Son-Rise Program is an approach to working with people with autism to foster social connection. It provides intensely loving, focused one-on-one therapeutic play time, meeting Sarah where she is and never stopping her repetitive behaviors. Sarah’s language explodes, her eye contact intensifies, she plays games, plays imaginatively, uses the potty, eats healthily, reads, and writes.

Playing with Sarah is deeply rewarding for the volunteers who spend time in the Sarah-Rise room. While Jenny sometimes doubts herself and criticizes her parenting, she also explores new pathways to gentleness, joy, and laughter. She celebrates Sarah’s successes, marveling at the depth of love and creativity that her volunteers bring to the scene and stretching her own creative self. Accompany Jenny from Sarah’s birth through the decision to run Sarah-Rise, and follow the years of Sarah-Rise, pretending that markers are flowers and number flashcards are snowflakes. Have your heart warmed and your socks knocked off by this momentous journey.

“Watching Sarah Rise is equally informative as it is inspirational, gracious as it is gutsy. A beautifully written story filled with hope, integrity, and pure emotion, Briggs intimately invites her reader to experience the unique heartbreak and joy that comes with mothering a neurodivergent child.”

-Sherry Sidoti, author of A Smoke and a Song: A Memoir

https://www.watchingsarahrise.com/

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 214 - What Search Has Said About the Dad Space Podcast - Our Mission to Support Dads Continues

The Dad Space Podcast, hosted by Dave Campbell in Ontario, Canada, is a community-focused show created "for dads, by dads." Dave—himself a father of three adult children and an empty nester—aims to provide a welcoming space for fathers to connect, share stories, and support one another on their unique parenting journeys. The podcast recognizes the evolving challenges of fatherhood and the need for camaraderie, advice, and encouragement among dads of all backgrounds—whether you’re a new dad, stepdad, empty nester, or grandfather

Dad Space Podcast is dedicated to equipping dads with practical advice and inspiration for all aspects of parenting and family life. Episodes often feature guests who share their own "dad journeys," offering a mix of personal stories, actionable tips, and encouragement. The show covers how-to guidance, marriage and relationship insights, family bonding ideas, and, of course, the occasional classic “dad joke.” Dave’s mission is to make every dad feel less isolated and more empowered—think of it as a "play-date for dads" where questions are welcomed, and experiences are shared openly

• Fatherhood Advice: Navigating every stage, from new dads to empty nesters.
• Marriage & Relationships: Tips for strong partnerships and growing together.
• Family & Parenting: Insights into raising children, step-parenting, and grandparenting.
• Mental Wellness: Candid conversations about the emotional side of fatherhood.
• Community Building: Encouraging dads to help one another and find support.
• Practical Life Tips: Including health, work-life balance, humor, and occasional dad jokes.
• Inspiring Guest Stories: Featuring dads, experts, and advocates from diverse backgrounds

• Safe and judgment-free environment for dads to share and learn.
• Content relevant to all kinds of dads—new, step, single, empty nesters, or grandparents.
• Emphasis on authentic connection, not perfection.
• Ontario-based but featuring guests and stories with wide-reaching appeal

Listeners are encouraged to join the Dad Space community and visit DadSpace.ca for additional resources. The podcast is available on all major platforms and is frequently updated with fresh, relevant content.

In summary:

If you’re a dad in Canada—or anywhere—looking to connect, learn, and laugh with others who understand the unique journey of fatherhood, the Dad Space Podcast with Dave Campbell is your welcoming space to do just that.

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 213 - Why Friendships Matter - Making and Keeping Dad-Friends

Friendships are vital for mental health, emotional support, and overall well-being, especially for fathers who often face unique stresses and isolation. This episode explores why dads need trusted dad-friends, how friendships help us navigate fatherhood, and practical tips for making and maintaining these important connections.

The Importance of Dad Friendships for Mental Health

Fatherhood can be isolating and stressful, with many dads experiencing increased anxiety, loneliness, and mental health challenges during this life phase. Research shows that fathers without close friends report higher stress levels and depression risks. Having meaningful friendships acts as a protective factor and source of emotional support

Why Friendships Often Drift During Fatherhood

Life changes such as marriage, kids, and busy family schedules often mean dads spend less time maintaining friendships. Unlike moms, who tend to manage social calendars, dads may let friendships fade unintentionally. This episode can explore common reasons friendships drift and how dads can take ownership of reconnecting and nurturing those bonds.

How Strong Male Friendships Support Fatherhood

Authentic dad friendships provide accountability, advice, encouragement, and modeling of healthy adult behavior. They help dads acquire the skills needed to be present, emotionally available fathers and husbands. These friendships protect against the pressures that cause men to withdraw or become disconnected

The Power of Shared Experiences and Vulnerability

Discuss how sharing fatherhood struggles, parenting challenges, and life experiences deepens bonds between dad-friends. The episode can touch on creating safe spaces where dads feel comfortable opening up, asking for help, and supporting each other without judgment.

• Practical Tips for Making and Keeping Dad-Friends
• Schedule regular meetups or activities, such as sports, BBQs, or dad-child outings.
• Use technology to stay connected via calls, texts, or social media.
• Join community groups, parenting classes, or online dad networks.
• Be intentional about investing time and effort in friendships despite busy schedules.
• Encourage open communication and vulnerability among friends.

The Long-Term Benefits of Dad Friendships

Strong friendships improve emotional resilience, reduce stress, promote healthier relationships with spouses and children, and combat the loneliness many dads face now and later in life. Keeping close dad-friends helps fathers be better role models and maintain balance in life

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 212 - Navigating Work-Family Balance - Tools for Modern Fathers

In this episode of Dad's Space Podcast, host explores the real challenges dads face in balancing work and family life. Reflecting on long commutes, demanding jobs, and emotional disconnect, we question if true work-life balance exists or if "work-life harmony" is a more realistic goal.

The conversation dives into the struggles of transitioning from work mode to being fully present as a dad, redefining what it means to be a provider beyond just financial support, and the importance of embracing small daily moments at home to build meaningful connections with family.

Practical strategies, such as a simple five-minute mental shift to switch gears, are shared to help dads thrive both at work and at home.

• The myth of work-life balance versus the reality of work-life harmony
• The emotional toll of long commutes and being physically distant from family
• Redefining "provider" as presence and emotional availability, not just financial support
• Challenges in mentally transitioning from work responsibilities to being a present dad
• The importance of small, everyday moments for building trust and emotional closeness with kids
• Practical tools and mindset shifts to help modern dads manage stress and improve family connection
• Insights on the pressures and expectations faced by dads in 2025, including cultural shifts toward self-employment and work flexibility

• "I don't want to be a resource for my family. I want to be a provider."
• "There is no work-life balance when you're physically two hours away from home. It's just work, then family."
• "It's not about extravagant trips or toys. It's about being genuinely present in the little moments."

• Reflect on your own transition ritual from work mode to dad mode. What helps you switch gears?
• Commit to daily check-ins and being fully present with your family whenever you are home
• Share your work-life harmony tips with the host to foster a supportive community of dads

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 211 - From Dad to Grandpa - Graduating Into A New Role, Learning New Ways and Remembering the Old Days

In this heartfelt episode of Dad Space, host Dave Campbell explores the rewarding transition from fatherhood into grandparenthood. Whether you’re just becoming a grandpa or have been one for years, this episode dives into the identity shift, embracing the new role while honoring your past as a dad. Join us as we reflect on how to navigate this evolving relationship with adult kids and grandchildren—learning new ways to connect, respecting boundaries, and celebrating the joy of legacy.

• Graduating Into a New Role: The emotional journey of moving from being a dad to a grandpa — pride, joy, and finding your new place in the family.
• Learning New Ways: How modern grandparenting looks different, embracing today’s parenting styles, respecting grown children’s boundaries, and discovering fresh ways to bond with grandchildren.
• Remembering the Old Days: Reflecting on your fatherhood years, sharing family stories and values, and balancing nostalgia with acceptance of change.
• Navigating Challenges: Managing emotional complexities, feeling sidelined at times, and learning healthy communication and boundaries to keep family relationships strong.

• Grandparenthood is a new identity to embrace, filled with opportunity for love and connection.
• Flexibility and open-mindedness make it easier to support your family in today’s world.
• Passing down stories and traditions helps create lasting legacies.
• Boundaries between generations, when respected, strengthen family bonds.
• You’re not alone—many dads have walked this path and grown beautifully into this meaningful role.

Thanks for tuning into Dad Space — a safe space for dads to learn, connect, and grow together. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review so we can bring more conversations just like this one to your ears.

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 210 - Talking to Sons About Masculinity and Healthy Manhood

Key Talking Points:

• Reflection on what “being a man” meant in your generation — toughness, stoicism, protection — and how that definition is shifting.
• Explores the myths of “boys don’t cry” and why they hold men back.
• Tell their sons: “You don’t have to be perfect, just be real.”

“So once we start redefining what masculinity looks like, the real work is helping our sons understand what’s going on in their hearts — and how to talk about it.”

Key Talking Points:

• Normalizing emotional literacy — teaching sons to name and express feelings.
• Talk side-by-side (in the car, on a walk, playing catch).
• Ask open-ended questions: “What made you proud today?” or “Was there anything that bugged you this week?”
• Use your own emotions as examples: “I got frustrated today, and here’s how I handled it.”
• Reinforce that emotional awareness builds real confidence and leadership.

“Emotional intelligence is key, but how we treat others — especially in the world our sons are growing up in — is another huge piece of healthy manhood.”

Key Talking Points:

• Discussed how respect is the foundation of modern masculinity — in friendships, dating, family, and online interactions.
• Talked about modeling respect at home — how you treat your partner, your own parents, waitstaff, coworkers, etc.
• Shared how to handle “boys being boys” moments — correcting gently and teaching instead of shaming.

“As dads, one of the biggest lessons we can pass down is that asking for help, showing emotion, and caring for others doesn’t make us weak — it makes us human.”

Key Talking Points:

• Addressed mental health as an everyday part of manhood conversations.
• Talked about the power of community — encouraging sons (and dads) to find supportive male friendships.
• Highlighted Movember’s initiatives and how listeners can get involved: grow a mustache, host a “Dad Chat,” or donate to men’s mental health programs.

A Dad Space Challenge:

• take the week’s Dad Space Challenge:
• Have one honest 10-minute conversation with your son about what being a man means — and listen more than you talk.
• Bonus: write down three traits you want your son to carry into adulthood and share them with him.

https://allprodad.com/podcast/

Episode mentioned: Should Dads Be Worried About the Manosphere?

https://pod.link/1718772295/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xNzgwODA0MA

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 209 - Marital Connections - Keys to Lasting Love as Parents

Hey Dads, welcome back to Dad Space, the weekly spot where we gather to talk about the heart of fatherhood — growth, connection, and everything in between. This November, we’re proud to be part of the Movember Movement, focusing not just on men’s physical health, but also on relationships, mental wellness, and emotional resilience.

Today, we’re diving into something that affects every dad at some stage — how to keep love alive once kids enter the picture. Our topic: Marital Connections – Keys to Lasting Love as Parents.

Because let’s be real — parenting changes love. It tests you, refines you, and if you handle it with care, it can deepen your marriage in ways you never expected.

When we become dads, it’s easy to slip into the mode of “fixer-in-chief.” We spend so much time correcting — the kids, the routines, the chaos — that connection can fade into the background.

But connection is the love fuel that keeps marriages alive. Try this tonight: before bed, take five minutes with your partner — and talk about anything except schedules, homework, or the kids. Just reconnect as two people who chose each other.

Another simple tip: use appreciation as a daily vitamin. Saying, “I noticed how patient you were with the kids today” goes miles further than “We need to talk about how you handled bedtime.”

And when tensions flare — which they will — practice curiosity instead of criticism. Ask, “What’s really going on for you right now?” Connection thrives on empathy, not defensiveness.

The healthiest marriages see parenting as a team sport, not a scoreboard. There’s no such thing as a perfect 50/50 split — some seasons you’ll give 70 while your partner gives 30, and that’s okay.

Here’s a simple exercise: create a “code word” both of you can use when you’re overwhelmed. Maybe it’s “tap out” or “time-in.” This keeps the peace before frustration boils over.

Celebrate the small wins together — like getting through a chaotic morning routine without anyone crying, including you! These moments remind both of you that you’re doing something extraordinary together.

And remember, teamwork isn’t just for you — your kids are watching. They’re learning how love cooperates, how support looks in action, and what respect sounds like.

Here’s the truth — communication isn’t just about talking. It’s about tuning in.

Dads, when we approach communication with empathy, we set the emotional temperature for the home.

Try this: schedule a weekly “connection conversation.” Phones away, kids settled, just a calm 30 minutes where you both check in — emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

And when disagreements happen, lead with “I feel” instead of “You always.”

That one language shift turns battles into conversations.

Also, acknowledge the unseen effort. Say things like, “I see how much you juggle every day.” Emotional recognition is one of the strongest antidotes to resentment.

Parenting can push romance to the backburner, but love doesn’t have to leave when diapers arrive — it just evolves.

Plan intentional date nights, even if that’s a movie on the couch after bedtime.

Keep the friendship alive — tease each other, laugh, and remember the spark that started it all.

Physical affection, small hugs, morning kisses, or even a gentle hand squeeze — they’re reminders that love still lives here.

And honor each other’s individuality. Let your partner have space for their passions — and keep your own. When both people grow, the marriage doesn’t stagnate — it flourishes.

Here’s your Dad Space Challenge for the week:

Every day, do one small act that communicates love and gratitude to your spouse. No expectations — just give. It could be a message, a coffee, a chore done without asking.

Then, at the end of the week, reflect on what shifted — the tone, the mood, the connection. You might be surprised how small moments can reignite closeness.

Movember reminds us that being a healthy man means caring for the whole self — body, mind, and relationships. When you nurture your marriage, you’re also supporting your mental and emotional health.

This November, let’s redefine what strength looks like: strong men love deeply, listen openly, and stay connected — not just for our kids, but for the people we chose to walk through life with.

Thanks for joining me today on Dad Space. If this episode spoke to you, share it with another dad who could use a little reminder that love, even in the chaos, is worth protecting.

Until next time — love your kids, love your partner, and keep showing up as the dad who leads

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 208 - What Every Dad Needs to Know About Mental Wellness - Movember on Dads Space

Episode Summary:

In this Movember edition of Dad Space, we dive deep into what every dad needs to know about mental wellness — from breaking stigmas to building habits that keep you grounded. Modern fatherhood brings its share of pressures, but it also offers an opportunity to redefine what real strength looks like. Join us as we discuss how vulnerability, balance, community, and self-awareness can transform the way we parent and live.

1. Redefining Strength — The Modern Dad’s Mindset

• Explore how traditional ideas of masculinity can hold dads back from seeking help.
• Learn why emotional honesty is an act of strength, not weakness.
• Hear personal stories of dads who became better partners and fathers by embracing vulnerability.
• Discover how emotional literacy strengthens relationships and helps your family thrive.

Key Takeaway: Real strength means showing up as your full self — emotions, imperfections, and all.

2. Managing the Mental Load

• Identify the “dad load” and how constant stress can drain your energy and patience.
• Learn simple, actionable techniques to manage daily pressure.
• Understand how small resets (like five quiet minutes before your phone turns on) can lower stress levels.
• Gain tools for recognizing and addressing burnout before it takes over.

Key Takeaway: You can’t pour from an empty cup — caring for your mind helps you care better for your family.

3. Connection is the Cure — Building Your Support Network

• Discover why loneliness is one of the biggest threats to men’s mental health.
• Learn how friendships and check-ins can protect against burnout.
• Hear from Movember ambassadors and dads who found strength in community.
• Get ideas for forming “dad circles” or accountability partners.

Key Takeaway: Brotherhood is a mental health strategy — connection keeps you balanced and grounded.

4. Modeling Wellness for the Next Generation

• Explore how your behaviors shape your kids’ emotional intelligence.
• See how dads can normalize conversations about feelings and resilience.
• Understand how breaking silence around men’s emotions builds healthier families.
• Learn small daily habits that show your kids what self-care really looks like.

Key Takeaway: Every time you model wellness, you teach your kids that emotional health is part of real strength.

Your 5-Minute Reset:

Before grabbing your phone tomorrow morning, take five quiet minutes to just breathe. No screens, no distractions — just space. You’d be amazed at what the pause does for your mindset.

https://movember.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270