In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss their journey as fathers, the launch of an exciting new event called 'Built for More', and the challenges and joys of parenting. Adam shares his recent experience of welcoming a new baby girl, while Ben prepares for his upcoming fatherhood journey. They also touch on the transition to minivan life and share their Super Bowl predictions and favorite game day snacks.

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Guys Being Dads, Adam and Ben talk about the power of community and why the people you surround yourself with matter more than you think especially as a dad.

From early podcast momentum to listener feedback to real conversations about loneliness and connection, this one is about putting yourself out there and choosing the right rooms.

What We Cover:

• Hitting early momentum with the podcast and why episode consistency matters
• Morning routines, small joys, and how little habits set the tone for the day
• A listener review from Henry and why quiet support means more than you realize
• The launch of Go West and spotlighting dads doing things their own way
• Why so many dads feel isolated and how community changes everything
• How shared interests make connection easier than you think
• Modeling effort, curiosity, and courage for your kids

The Big Idea:
You don’t have to do fatherhood alone. The rooms you choose and the people you run with shape not just your life, but the example you’re setting for your kids.

Key Takeaways:

• Community doesn’t happen by accident, you have to show up
• Shared interests create easy entry points to real connection
• Your kids notice who you spend time with
• Putting yourself in the room is the first step

Follow Along:
Listen to the podcast, check out Go West, and stay plugged into what’s coming next including in-person events.

Links:
-Subscribe to the Dad Day Newsletter
-Watch Episode 1 of 'Go West'

Summary

In this episode of Guys Being Dads, hosts Adam Kunes and Ben Petchel discuss their experiences and insights on fatherhood, including the challenges of school drop-offs, the concept of babymoons, and the launch of the Go West series. They explore the unknowns of parenting, the importance of being calm during childbirth, and the need to shed old habits as they embrace their new roles as fathers. The conversation highlights the emotional journey of becoming a parent and the growth that comes with it, while also engaging with their community of dads.

Takeaways:

• You don't know what you don't know until you're a parent.
• School drop-off etiquette can be frustrating.
• Babymoons are a unique experience, especially with in-laws.
• Launching the Go West series showcases dads doing things differently.
• Parenting is a journey filled with unknowns and surprises.
• It's important to be calm during childbirth and support your partner.
• Shedding old habits is necessary when becoming a dad.
• Building a connection with your child takes time and patience.
• Parenting forces you to reflect on your own behaviors.

Community support is vital for dads navigating fatherhood.

Links:

-Sign up for Dad Day newsletter

-Go West: Episode 1 - A Dad, an El Camino and Coffee. Watch here.

-Follow us on Instagram

In this episode, Adam and Ben reflect on their experiences from 2025 and discuss their goals for 2026, focusing on fitness, accountability, and intentional living. 

They emphasize the importance of in-person connections and the need to reduce digital consumption. The conversation also highlights the significance of community and support among fathers as they navigate their personal growth journeys.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings

03:04 Setting Goals for 2026

06:02 Fitness and Accountability Challenges

09:03 Intentional Living and Slowing Down

12:08 The Importance of In-Person Connections

15:12 Embracing Experiences and Hitting Send

18:06 Conclusion and Looking Ahead to 2026

Links:

Dad Day: www.dadday.co
Dad Lab: A Blood Panel Crash Course for Dads with Tyler Nicholson
Join the Dad Day Community: www.dadday.co/community

In this inaugural episode of 'Guys Being Dads', hosts Adam Kunes and Ben Petchel share their journey into fatherhood, the origins of their friendship, and the creation of the Dad Day community. 

They discuss the challenges and joys of being dads, the importance of building a supportive community, and their goals for the podcast moving forward. 

The conversation is light-hearted and authentic, reflecting their experiences and aspirations as fathers.

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