Former Seattle Seahawks legend and Super Bowl XLVIII Champion Cliff Avril has accomplished almost everything on the football field, but in this episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, he shares why being a father is the achievement he's most proud of. Cliff opens up about raising two boys, balancing life after the NFL, parenting teenagers, teaching respect, building character, and why becoming a dad completely changed his perspective on success.

Beyond football, Cliff discusses the lessons he learned from his Haitian immigrant parents, why serving your community matters, how sports build resilience, and the importance of showing your children what love, hard work, and humility look like every day. Whether you're a dad, an NFL fan, raising sons, or simply trying to become a better parent, this conversation is packed with wisdom you'll carry long after the episode ends.

🚀 In this episode Cliff opens up about:

✅Life after winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks

✅Raising teenage boys with respect and discipline

✅The parenting lessons Cliff learned from his own father

✅Why adversity is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children

✅Balancing business, philanthropy, marriage, and fatherhood

✅Teaching kids gratitude, service, and humility

✅Balancing work and family without sacrificing either

In this candid episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin DelRo sits down with Phil Bailey — media agency owner, restaurateur, former basketball player, and father of three (Quincy, 2; Kobe, 1; Jaxxon, 14). Phil shares a raw and hopeful fatherhood journey: becoming a dad at 22, stepping into recovery, learning co‑parenting, and building intentional daily rituals (cooking nightly, bedtime whispers of “Daddy loves you”) while running multiple businesses.

🚀 In this episode Phil opens up about:

✅ The shock and growth of early fatherhood — having a son at 22

✅ Co‑parenting Jackson and turning a rocky start into a strong relationship

✅ Raising two under two: routines, discipline, and finding peace in chaos

✅ Choosing recovery and refocusing priorities after a life‑changing arrest

✅ Practical strategies for balance: schedule intimacy, intentional parenting, and “show up” mentality

✅ The long game — what he hopes his kids will say about him in 20 years This episode blends vulnerability, practical tactics, and real examples for dads navigating messy, meaningful lives.

In this episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin DelRo talks with Pat Barber, the creator of the Fathers Guild, CrossFit coach‑trainer, and father of four boys (13, 10, 7, 3). Pat breaks down his middle‑ground approach to modern fatherhood: personal development first, practical rituals second. He shares experiments he runs on himself (the “no‑yelling” month, daily 10‑second hugs), his take on boundaries vs. softness, and how to meaningfully show love to kids through all love languages. Pat also explains why he stepped into social media despite hating the platform and how to “play the game” without selling out.

🚀 In this episode Pat shares:

✅ Why personal development is the foundation of great parenting

✅ Practical rituals: daily hugs, intentional challenges, and coaching tactics

✅ Balancing strength/boundaries with warmth and touch

✅ How to handle internet backlash and use social media strategically

✅ What dads can do to stay present, healthy, and effective

In this thoughtful episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro sits down with his neighbor Bharath — a Seattle-based product manager, Mumbai native, and father of two daughters (Sahana, 6, and Sameera, 3). Bharath opens up about growing up in India, his relationship with his dad, navigating grief while raising young kids, and the intentional practices he uses to build connection and resilience in his family.

🚀 In this episode Bharath shares candid, practical, and emotional insights on:

✅ How his dad’s silence taught him to be vocal about love and pride

✅ Simple daily rituals that build closeness (movie nights, pancake mornings)

✅ Balancing ambition and kindness when raising kids across cultures

✅ Letting kids see you sad — and how that creates empathy

✅ Keeping the “magic” alive despite adult stress and busy routines

✅ Funny, real parenting moments (Trader Joe’s banana incident!) This episode blends vulnerability, cultural perspective, and actionable parenting ideas — great for any dad trying to be intentional and present.

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 #riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #MindfulParenting #Dads #GriefAndParenting #CulturalParenting #IntentionalParenting #Kids #Family #Empathy

In this episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro talks with David Kaplan — founder of Death & Co., hospitality leader, and dad to six-year-old Aria. David opens up about blending leadership and parenting, the power of bringing kids into your work life, how therapy strengthened his marriage and fathering, and practical ways he stays present for his daughter even while running a growing company.

In this episode David shares:

✅ How leading a company informed his parenting (and vice versa)

✅ Why therapy and better communication transformed his relationship with his wife ✅ Practical tips for showing up fully (commit to the bit, involve your kids)

✅ The joy of one-on-one time and small rituals (daddy-daughter adventures, espresso mornings)

✅ Honest struggles: travel, burnout, and the daily challenge of being present 

🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real dad talk! #riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #KidsPerspective  #5YearOld #ParentingAdvice #Daughter #Family #Love #Inspiration

In this thoughtful episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro sits down with Michael Bartley — filmmaker, founder of creative agency 100%, SIFF board member, and father of identical 10-year-old twins Jack and Charlie. Michael opens up about being adopted and choosing his family name, how creativity and agency leadership shape his parenting, and the practical systems he uses to raise independent, accountable kids.

🚀 In this episode Michael shares candid, practical, and emotional insights on:

✅ Why structure and clear expectations help twins thrive (and reduce whining)

✅ Speaking to kids like adults — setting goals, finish lines, and autonomy

✅ Giving kids big assignments (kids plan a “fabulous day”) to teach execution

✅ Balancing intense creative work with being fully present at home

✅ Raising two distinct kids who are nonetheless each other’s built‑in best friend

✅ Long-term thinking: building a relationship your kids will want at 25 and beyond This episode mixes creative leadership, parenting strategy, and heart — perfect for dads raising multiples or any parent who wants kids who own their choices.

In this heartwarming and unprecedented episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, Kevin Del Ro interviews his own 5-year-old daughter, Rui! 👧 Hear fatherhood and parenting advice straight from the source as Rui shares her clear and insightful perspective on what it's like to be a kid, what dads should know, and the importance of love and connection.

🚀 In this episode, Rui provides surprisingly profound insights on:

✅ What makes kindergarten a little less scary

✅ How to handle tough emotions (the "snake breath" technique!)

✅ Why routines are so important to kids

✅ The power of a simple hug and "I love you"

✅ The best ways to connect with your kids, according to a kid! This is a truly unique experience you won't want to miss!

🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real dad talk! #riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #KidsPerspective #UniquePodcast #5YearOld #ParentingAdvice #Daughter #Family #Love #Inspiration

A dad that says 'I love you' is NOT the norm." 🤯 Prepare for a deeply REAL conversation on The Rise and Dad Podcast. Kevin Del Ro welcomes Lloyd, a Filipino dad, to discuss navigating fatherhood, from immigration and IVF struggles to the profound impact of being a truly seen parent.

🚀 In this episode, we explore:

✅ A powerful reminder of the importance of presence and emotional expression.

✅ Insights on redefining masculinity and embracing vulnerability.

✅ Honest discussion on the challenges of infertility and building a family.

✅ Inspiration for building a legacy of love and support for your children.

✅ Practical takeaways for showing up as your authentic self as a dad. Dads, if you're looking for a community and a reminder that you're not alone on this journey, this episode is for you.

🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real dad talk!

Forget the Scoreboard! 🏆 Discover a healthier way to approach youth sports in this episode of The Rise and Dad Podcast. Kevin welcomes Jonathan from Healthy Sports Parents to challenge the conventional wisdom and redefine success on and off the field.

🚀 In this episode, we explore:

✅ Why chasing wins can actually HURT your child's development

✅ The importance of teaching kids to compete against THEMSELVES, not others

✅ How to help your kids build resilience through failure

✅ Practical tips for handling pressure and emotions on the sidelines

✅ Why your child's worth should NEVER be tied to their athletic performance

✅ A powerful framework for building stronger relationships through sports

✅ The key ingredients of a healthy and supportive sports environment.

If you're a sports parent feeling the pressure, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN!

🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad!

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real dad talk!

#TheRiseAndDadPodcast #YouthSportsParenting #HealthySports #ParentingPodcast #SportsPsychology #Resilience #SuccessRedefined #RelationshipBuilding #HealthySportsParents

Dads, are you feeling overwhelmed by the grind? 🤔 Join Kevin Del Ro on The Rise and Dad Podcast as he speaks with Travis, a senior software engineer, business owner, and father of three boys, about his remarkable journey. From growing up with a single, legally blind mother to becoming a thriving and intentional father, Travis shares his hard-earned wisdom.

🚀 In this episode, we explore:

✅ How Travis's upbringing shaped his approach to fatherhood

✅ The importance of being present with your kids, even when it's tough

✅ Practical tips for establishing routines that bring calm to a chaotic household

✅ Why "the grind" is overrated and how to redefine success on your own terms

✅ How to balance work, family, and personal life (including owning a wedding venue!)

✅ The challenges of parenting through "the terrible twos" and beyond

✅ Why showing vulnerability and apologizing to your kids is crucial

✅ The power of open communication and intentional moments

Travis's story is a powerful reminder that any dad can create a loving and intentional family, regardless of their background. Tune in for an honest, relatable, and deeply inspiring conversation!