DADHOOD

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In this powerful episode of the DADHOOD Podcast, host's Thomas McMinn and Frankie Corrigan dive into a heartfelt and honest conversation about fatherhood, pregnancy, and the emotional journey of welcoming a new child into the world. This episode offers a real, unfiltered look at what it means to step into fatherhood — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.

Through personal stories and lived experience, the conversation explores the ups and downs of pregnancy, the intensity of the birthing process, and the often-overlooked role fathers play during this life-changing season. From navigating uncertainty and fear to embracing excitement and responsibility, this episode highlights how becoming a dad is as much an inner transformation as it is a milestone event.

Listeners will gain insight into how to support their partner during pregnancy, show up with intention during labor and delivery, and remain grounded through one of life’s most pivotal moments. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of presence, emotional awareness, and partnership, reminding dads that their energy, support, and mindset deeply impact both mother and child.

Whether you’re an expecting father, a new dad, or someone preparing for parenthood, this episode delivers relatable experiences, practical perspective, and meaningful encouragement for navigating the journey into fatherhood with confidence and purpose.

In this episode, we cover:

•  The emotional realities of becoming a father 
•  Supporting your partner through pregnancy and childbirth 
•  What dads can expect during labor and delivery 
•  Managing fear, stress, and uncertainty as a new parent 
•  The importance of presence during life’s biggest moments 
•  Building a strong foundation for your growing family 

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for men stepping into fatherhood, couples preparing for a new baby, and anyone looking to better understand the emotional side of parenting and family life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:10 Discussing the Upcoming Baby and Name Choices
00:55 The Importance of Naming and Hospital Procedures
01:52 Choosing Liam as the Baby's Name
03:04 Reflecting on the Baby Shower Experience
03:50 Dealing with Miscarriage and Emotional Impact
04:48 The Moment of Birth and First Impressions
06:54 The Reality of Labor and Delivery Challenges
09:50 Medical Interventions and Support During Birth
12:37 Health and Age Considerations for Parenthood
14:34 The Birth of Liam: A Detailed Birth Story
19:12 Emotional Reflections and Support from Family
24:00 Post-Birth Moments and First Days at Home
28:49 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Fathers

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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In this episode Frankie and Thomas explore the psychology behind celebrating wins, the challenges men face in fully embracing success, and practical ways to shift mindset for greater fulfillment.

Key  topics

• The emotional disconnect after achieving big wins
• The societal and self-imposed barriers to celebration
• Practical strategies to embrace and celebrate success
• The impact of mindset on happiness and fulfillment

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:03 Exploring the Nature of Celebrating Wins
03:44 Understanding Emotional Responses to Success
06:36 The Challenge of Celebrating Personal Achievements
09:17 Defining Celebration and Its Importance
12:23 Setting Up Future Generations for Success
14:07 Celebrating Children's Achievements
17:00 The Importance of Internal Validation
18:19 Downplaying Personal Achievements
20:50 The Pressure of Performance
24:52 Discipline and Consistency in Life
28:58 Overcoming Personal Hurdles
32:45 The Drive to Succeed

Resources

Therapist Melissa
Child Therapist Tommy Ash
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle 

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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This episode explores managing life's moving parts, stress, relationships, and parenting with practical insights and personal stories. It emphasizes perspective, control, and the importance of emotional intelligence in everyday life.

key  topics

• Managing life's moving parts and stress
• The importance of perspective and control
• Parenting insights and family dynamics

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Life's Moving Parts
• 01:50 Understanding Toxic Stress vs. Manageable Challenges
• 04:18 Humor and Patience in Customer Service Experiences
• 06:23 The Frustration of Service and Contract Challenges
• 08:43 Dealing with Technology Failures and Service Disruptions
• 11:57 The Complexity of Mobile Service and Contract Negotiations
• 14:49 The Reality of Customer Service and Organizational Records
• 17:46 The Concept of Acting as if You're Divorced to Reset Mindset
• 19:28 Adjusting Perceptions in Relationships and Illness
• 21:22 Reflecting on Appreciation and Family Dynamics
• 23:56 The Importance of Emotional Connection and Support
• 26:44 Building Relationships with Children and Supporting Their Interests
• 29:29 The Power of Listening and Being Present with Kids
• 32:24 Teaching Kids Appreciation and Perspective Through Experience
• 35:23 Parenting Challenges and Teaching Values to Children
• 37:32 Handling Disappointment and Conflict with Calmness
• 39:55 The Significance of Perspective and Gratitude in Family Life
• 43:03 The Value of Giving and Teaching Generosity
• 45:54 Financial Lessons and the Importance of Self-Care
• 46:49 Conclusion: Embracing Life's Lessons and Moving Forward
  
  

Resources

Mastering Stress and Emotions: A Guide to Personal Resilience
Emotional Intelligence in Family Life - Article
Effective Customer Service Techniques - YouTube
Control and Perspective in Life - TED Talk - 

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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Join us for a humorous and heartfelt collection of stories about family, cars, and childhood misadventures. From getting stuck in Moab's soft sand to childhood pranks, these tales highlight the importance of honesty, learning from mistakes, and the joy of shared experiences.

key  topics

• Family stories and lessons
• Childhood misadventures and humor
• The importance of honesty and learning from mistakes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Roxy’s Spay Schedule
00:25 A Moab Trip and the Sand Trap Mishap
02:15 Getting Stuck in Soft Sand with a Front-Wheel Drive Car
03:59 Dog Mode and Car Rescue Stories
06:29 Childhood Adventures and Car Mishaps
09:17 Teenage Car Stories and Lessons Learned
13:31 First Car and Beach Adventures
17:57 Teenage Car Accidents and Honesty
22:48 Confession Time: Car Mishaps and Lessons
27:32 Parenting, Honesty, and Growing Up
34:46 Reflections on Childhood and Parenting
43:27 The Power of Honesty and Sharing Stories

Resources

Moab Trip Planning Guide
Tesla Dog Mode
Childhood Car Mishaps and Lessons -

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Frankie and Thomas get deep about the everyday moments that reveal who we really are.

From the tension around tipping culture to navigating pet behavior, parenting challenges, and personal growth, this episode unpacks the subtle decisions that shape our character. What does it mean to stand up for your values in small social moments? How do we model empathy for our kids? And how do we stay present in a world that constantly pulls us toward distraction?

Frankie and Thomas share candid stories, real-life reflections, and vulnerable insights about fatherhood, integrity, and growth. This is a conversation about being intentional — about choosing presence over autopilot, empathy over ego, and values over convenience.

If you’ve ever questioned how to lead your family with strength and compassion in today’s world, this episode is for you.

Because DADHOOD isn’t just about raising kids — it’s about raising yourself.

key topics

• Tipping culture and its evolution
• Parenting strategies and emotional intelligence
• Pet behavior and training insights

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Coffee Tipping Trends

01:24
The Hidden Costs of Tipping and Service Quality

03:11
Automatic Gratuity and Transparency in Restaurants

04:19
Cultural Differences in Tipping Practices

05:44
Margins in the Coffee Industry and Business Opportunities

07:22
The Impact of Screen Payments and Digital Tipping

08:53
Pet Behavior, Crate Training, and Sleeping Arrangements

10:40
Dogs and Their Connection to Our Roots

12:50
Managing Pets on the Couch and Boundaries

14:37
Weather, Snow, and Pet Safety

16:38
Dog Running Away and Safety Concerns

18:28
Understanding Kids' Behavior and Emotional Triggers

20:24
Parenting with Patience and Empathy

22:23
The Value of Presence and Quality Time with Kids

24:29
Reflecting on Childhood and Parental Relationships

26:07
Hugging Kids and Emotional Connection

28:02
Expressing Love and Emotional Openness

29:09
Balancing Communication and Space with Teens

31:06
Questions and Curiosity in Parenting

32:16
Handling Bullying and Empathy in Kids

34:00
Teaching Kids to Stand Up for Themselves

36:05
Dealing with Siblings and Family Dynamics

38:00
The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Life

39:53
Standing Up for Values and Character

41:38
Final Thoughts and Personal Growth Insights

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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Join us for a deep and honest conversation about the responsibilities of pet ownership, the evolving roles within a family, and the importance of living intentionally. We explore personal stories, societal expectations, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Chapters

00:00 The Decision to Get a Dog
02:35 Navigating Responsibilities of Pet Ownership
05:39 Family Dynamics and Dog Ownership
08:26 Reflections on Past Pet Experiences
11:29 Understanding Dog Behavior and Training
14:38 The Emotional Impact of Pet Ownership
17:21 Final Thoughts on Dog Ownership
20:46 Redefining Leadership in Family Dynamics
24:34 Navigating Gender Roles and Financial Contributions
28:12 The Quest for Personal Identity Beyond Parenting
32:20 Chasing Authenticity Over Ego in Career
38:10 Embracing Nature and Its Healing Powers

Check out more DADHOOD content on our Instagram page: dadhood.co 

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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In this engaging conversation, Thomas and Frankie reconnect after a break, sharing personal stories about parenting, sibling dynamics, and the challenges of communication. They reflect on a humorous yet insightful incident involving tinsel and bunk beds, exploring the emotional triggers that arise in family interactions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of awareness in parenting, the need for open communication, and the value of allowing children to navigate their own relationships. Through their anecdotes, they highlight the lessons learned from both successes and mistakes in their parenting journeys.

Takeaways

• It's important to create memories with your children.
• Sibling dynamics can be complex and require patience.
• Recognizing emotional triggers can help in parenting.
• Taking a moment to cool off can prevent escalation.
• Children need space to navigate their own relationships.
• Communication is key in resolving conflicts.
• Calmness can influence children's behavior positively.
• Parents often mirror their children's behaviors and emotions.
• Effort in learning is crucial for children's growth.
• Reflecting on past experiences can inform better parenting.

Chapters

00:00
Reconnecting After a Break

02:41
The Tinsel Town Incident

05:47
Navigating Sibling Dynamics

08:40
Reflections on Parenting Patterns

11:24
The Bunk Bed Decision

14:37
Sibling Relationships and Growth

17:33
Lessons in Communication

20:13
The Power of Calmness

23:23
Observations and Realizations

26:06
The Importance of Effort in Learning

29:12
Final Thoughts and Reflections

🎧 Whether you’re a new dad or deep into the journey, this episode offers practical insight and honest encouragement for becoming the father your kids need — not the flawless one you think you should be.

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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In this episode of the Dadhood podcast, host Thomas McMinn engages with Houston Merrill, a single dad and musician, discussing the intertwining of fatherhood and personal growth. They explore the challenges of balancing a music career with parenting, the importance of quality time with children, and the necessity of owning up to mistakes as a parent. Houston shares his journey through divorce, the lessons learned, and how he aims to leave a legacy of resilience and connection for his daughters. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-care for dads and the impact of relationships on parenting.

Takeaways

• Being a dad is central to my identity.
• Quality time with kids is more valuable than quantity.
• Apologizing to your kids is crucial for healthy relationships.
• Navigating divorce can be challenging but offers growth opportunities.
• It's important to model healthy relationships for your children.
• Legacy is built through deep connections with your kids.
• Self-care is essential for being a good parent.
• You can still be a good dad while pursuing your passions.
• Every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth.
• It's okay to feel lonely during tough times, but keep pushing forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dadhood and Music
02:30 The Journey of a Single Dad
05:11 Balancing Career and Fatherhood
07:50 Quality Time vs. Quantity of Time
10:15 The Importance of Apologies in Parenting
13:06 Navigating Relationships as a Dad
15:47 Legacy Building Through Connection
18:20 The Impact of Divorce on Parenting
21:12 Creating Music from Life Experiences
23:37 Advice for Dads Going Through Divorce

Make sure to check out more episode and visit the website for more dad resources. https://www.dadhood.co/

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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In this episode, Thomas McMinn introduces the concept of 'McTruths'—a safe space for family members to express their feelings without judgment. He shares personal anecdotes about his parenting journey, focusing on the importance of communication, the pitfalls of over-explaining, and the need for awareness in fostering strong relationships with children. The conversation emphasizes the value of creating a supportive environment where family members can openly share their thoughts and feelings, ultimately leading to deeper connections and understanding.

Takeaways

• A McTruth is a safe space for open communication.
• Creating a judgment-free environment fosters vulnerability.
• Over-explaining can hinder effective communication with kids.
• Listening to children's feedback is crucial for growth.
• Awareness of body language can improve interactions.
• Gentle reminders are more effective than nagging.
• Building relationships requires understanding and patience.
• Parenting is a journey of self-improvement.
• Legacy is built on love and lasting relationships.
• Encouraging open dialogue strengthens family bonds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to McTruths
00:50 Understanding McTruths in Family Dynamics
03:09 Over-Explaining: A Common Parenting Pitfall
05:48 The Importance of Communication in Parenting
08:06 Creating Lasting Relationships Through Awareness

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.

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In this engaging roundtable discussion on the Dadhood podcast, the hosts and guests explore the importance of community, relationships, and vulnerability. They share personal experiences and insights on building connections, empowering women, and the evolution of media in fostering local engagement. The conversation highlights the challenges of introversion, the significance of tangible interactions, and the necessity of setting boundaries for self-respect. Ultimately, the group emphasizes the power of authenticity and the need for deeper connections in today's fast-paced world.

Takeaways

Community engagement is essential for building relationships.
Vulnerability is a strength that fosters deeper connections.
Tangible interactions are increasingly important in a digital age.
Empowering women through platforms like Ember Women is crucial.
Introversion can be a barrier, but it can be overcome.
Setting boundaries is vital for self-respect and healthy relationships.
Friendships require effort and cultivation over time.
Men often struggle with vulnerability and forming deep connections.
Authenticity is key to building meaningful relationships.
The importance of belonging to a community cannot be overstated.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Dadhood: A Roundtable Introduction
02:47 Community Engagement and Building Relationships
05:57 The Evolution of Media and Local Connections
08:36 Empowering Women Through Ember Women
11:27 The Importance of Tangible Connections
14:37 Navigating Male Friendships and Vulnerability
17:17 The Challenge of Building Deeper Connections
20:17 Overcoming Introversion and Social Anxiety
23:00 The Role of Vulnerability in Friendships
26:10 Setting Boundaries and Self-Respect
29:02 The Power of Community and Authenticity

Check out our website DADHOOD and YouTube channel for more insights on showing up as a stronger dad.

Thanks for listening to the DADHOOD Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dad who’s figuring it out one day at a time.