Startup Dad

Chris Miller is the VP of Product at Hubspot focused on Growth and AI where he has worked for nearly 8 years. I consider Chris to be one of the most forward thinking leaders on AI, monetization and growth. Prior to Hubspot he built product at companies like Runkeeper and Roam. Chris is a loving husband and the father of a two-year-old son. In our conversation today we discussed:

* His personal and professional background, including how he got into AI

* The influence of Chris' upbringing in New York

* Managing a family with culturally diverse backgrounds

* The unique challenges of modern fatherhood

* How family background influences differences in parenting approaches

* What is and isn't worth spending money on as a parent

* How we think about the relationship we want our kids to have with technology, especially as technology professionals

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Chris Miller

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwilliammiller/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millsyjoeyoung/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.fishmanafnewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:41] Welcome

[2:09] Professional background

[3:13] AI in product

[4:28] Chris’ personal background

[6:07] Family now - how he met his partner

[9:20] Consumer psychology

[10:39] Decision to start a family

[13:16] Different background than his wife

[17:38] Earliest memory of being a dad

[19:49] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[21:49] Advice for younger Chris

[25:26] Advice to ignore

[28:16] Feedback

[30:24] Parenting frameworks

[38:02] What did you give up to be a dad?

[40:30] Did you make it to midnight on New Years?

[41:12] A mistake as a dad?

[44:53] His thoughts on his son’s relationship w/ tech and the influence of AI

[51:10] Where to find Chris

[51:54] Rapid fire round

[1:02:32] Thank you—

Show references:

Hubspot: https://www.hubspot.com/

The Simpsons: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/

Runkeeper: https://runkeeper.com/

ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/

Venn Diagram: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Venn-diagram

WWE: https://www.wwe.com/

Vince McMahon: https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/?sh=43ccfd5d1b89

The Rock: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0425005/

Hulk Hogan: https://hulkhogan.com/

The Undertaker: https://www.wwe.com/superstars/undertaker

Snoo: https://www.amazon.com/stores/HappiestBaby/SNOO/page/A2A1C062-DFCD-44F1-8503-61E8E39896F5

Doona Trike: https://www.doona.com/en-us/trike/discover-liki

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney: https://www.amazon.com/Llama-Red-Pajama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0451474570

Piggy by Maya Pasari: https://www.amazon.com/Piggy-MAYA-PASARI/dp/0960072500

Bluey: https://www.bluey.tv/

My Man by Adonis (Drake’s son): Video

Batman with Adam West: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059968/

—

For sponsorship inquiries email [email protected].

Editing for Startup Dad provided by Tommy Harron.

Darin Swanson has been a technical advisor to founders and CEOs for the last 7 years at companies like Pipefy, Outreach, Kite, Edify, and Gatsby. Prior to that he was the VP of Engineering for New Relic and led engineering teams there for 6+ years. In many ways, Darin is a glimpse into the future for a lot of listeners to this show. He is a father of two kids (now adults) and a loving husband to his wife. In our conversation today we discussed:

* Darin's transition into advisory work after a long, full-time career

* His childhood growing up in Northern Canada

* Your spouse as a barometer for your balance and decisions

* What it's like having adult-aged kids who no longer have to listen to you

* Watching your adult children make their own decisions

* How his relationship with work changed at the different stages of his kids' lives

* The worst piece of parenting advice he's ever received

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Darin Swanson

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinswanson/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:26] Welcome to the show[2:06] Darin's professional background[3:28] Was it hard to figure out next steps after New Relic[4:57] Darin's Childhood[5:53] What did his parents do for work?[7:44] The makeup of his family[9:36] Marriage[14:09] Their decision to have kids[15:21] Your spouse as barometer for balance and decisions[19:57] Having adult kids who don't have to listen to you[22:44] Biggest mistake you've made as a parent[24:32] Being infallible[27:33] Watching adult kids make their own decisions[31:40] Earliest memories of being a dad[34:20] Most surprising thing about being a dad[35:41] Frameworks for parenthood[38:29] Where he and his spouse don't see eye to eye[41:34] Biggest mistake as a dad?[44:21] His relationship with work at different stages of his kids' lives[49:17] Worst parenting advice ever received?[50:34] Where you can follow along with Darin's journey[52:48] Rapid fire—

Show references:

New Relic - https://newrelic.com/IBM - https://www.ibm.com/Nintendo - https://www.nintendo.com/Blue’s Clues - https://www.nickjr.com/shows/blues-clues-and-you

—

For sponsorship inquiries email [email protected].

Editing for Startup Dad provided by Tommy Harron.

Matt Ragland focuses on the intersection of productivity and the creator economy. He started an online community for creative Dads called Digital Dads. Matt was the 5th employee at ConvertKit, ran Creator Success at Podia, and has built an audience of over 100,000 fans across his newsletter, YouTube channel, and social media channels. He lives in Nashville with his wife of 17 years and 3 (almost 4) kids.

In our conversation today we discussed:

* Matt's childhood as the son of a pastor

* The importance of community - and building community for fathers

* Homeschooling

* Outward expressions of love

* Taking your kids on adventures

* Helping your kids have a vision greater than themselves

* Pursuing self-employment as a means to better balance work, health and family

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Matt Ragland

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattragland/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/mattragland

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MattRagland/videos

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: www.startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[00:30] Intro

[1:52] Welcome

[2:15] Matt's professional background

[8:06] Matt's childhood and parents

[13:10] His partner and kids

[16:34] Homeschooling

[21:46] Outward expressions of love

[25:34] The importance of community and Digital Dads

[32:05] Taking kids on adventures

[37:05] Most surprising thing as a dad

[39:50] Demonstrating good habits

[47:21] Vision greater than yourself

[52:07] What don’t you and your wife align on?

[55:33] Mistakes made as a father

[59:50] Where to follow along with Matt's journey

[1:00:57] Rapid fire

[1:09:18] Thank you

—

Show references:

Matt’s Website - https://mattragland.com/

Buffer - https://buffer.com/

Backcountry - https://www.backcountry.com/

APPSumo - https://appsumo.com/

ConvertKit - https://convertkit.com/

Nashville, TN - https://www.visitmusiccity.com/

Podia  - https://www.podia.com/

Jiu jitsu - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jujutsu

Nose Frida - https://frida.com/

Nintendo switch - https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/

Lululemon (joggers or ABC pants) - https://shop.lululemon.com/

10,000 (shirts) - https://www.tenthousand.cc/

Smart wool (socks) - https://www.smartwool.com/

Duer (jeans) - https://shopduer.com/

Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five - https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Rules-Baby-Updated-Expanded/dp/0983263388

Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Radically Engaged with Nature - https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Kids-Inside-World-Radically/dp/0593129660

Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans - https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Gather-Parent-Ancient-Cultures/dp/198214968X

The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children - https://www.amazon.com/Gardener-Carpenter-Development-Relationship-Children/dp/1250132258

Inside Out - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/

—

For sponsorship inquiries email [email protected].

Editing support by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/.

Welcome to the last Startup Dad episode of 2023! It has been one hell of a year. Starting in June I released a show a week for the entire rest of the year; 27 episodes in total. Talking parenthood with dozens of startup dads and a few startup moms blew away all of my expectations. For this episode I pulled together the best of over two dozen conversations covering everything from mistakes made to frameworks for parenting success. At the end I asked many of my guests what they're most looking forward to in 2024.

This episode includes excerpts from nearly every one of my conversations from this past year.

Guests include:

Nick Soman, Buster Benson, George Arison, Guy Yalif, Jake Wood, Gaurav Vohra, Tobi Emonts-Holley, Ben Williams, Lloyed Lobo, Ryan Johnson, Mike Duboe, Sara and Eric Mauskopf, Trae and Michelle Stephens, Aaron Huey, Will Rocklin, Tom Willerer, Darius Contractor, Adam Grenier, Alex Cohen, Brian Balfour, Josh Herzig-Marx and Carla Naumburg, Casey Woo, Fareed Mosavat, and Matt Greenberg.

In this episode we discuss:

* Mistakes made as a Dad

* The successes and high points of parenting

* Frustrations and challenges with parenting

* Frameworks for success

* Advocacy and raising children with special needs

* Coping with loss

* Startup Dads' optimism for 2024

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: FishmanAFNewsletter.com

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[0:00] Hello & intro from Adam

[01:15] Mistakes made as a parent

[01:22] Ryan Johnson (CPO, CallRail) - thinking your kids are older than they are

[02:41] Tobi Emonts-Holley (CEO, Tiphereth) - losing your temper, recovering and learning to let go

[04:20] Nick Soman (CEO/founder, Decent) - when I felt like I was drowning

[05:45] Mike Duboe (General Partner, Greylock) - being too hard on yourself

[07:12] Lloyed Lobo (Co-founder, Boast.ai) - yelling at your kids

[07:54] Jake Wood (Founder, Groundswell and Team Rubicon) - avoiding mistakes of the heart

[08:42] Guy Yalif (Co-founder/CEO, Intellimize) - quality minutes with your kids vs. quantity of hours

[09:29] Gaurav Vohra (Founding team, Superhuman) - taking advice from other parents; not getting a crib

[11:50] Buster Benson (Product leader, Medium) - thinking your kids are more mature than they are

[14:27] George Arison (CEO, Grindr) - not explaining why to kids

[14:46] Ben Williams (PLG Advisor, PLGeek) - thinking it would be easy

[15:15] Parenting successes

[15:24] Will Rocklin (Product Advisor) - marriage and parenthood unlocking your best self

[17:25] Tom Willerer (COO, Reforge) - watching your kids be successful

[21:51] Trae and Michelle Stephens (Partner, Founders Fund, Co-founder Anduril, Co-founder Oathcare) - watching kids learning new things and experiencing the world

[22:53] Eric and Sara Mauskopf  (Product leader, Winnie; CEO/co-founder, Winnie) - rejoining the workforce and working with your spouse

[027:20] Guy Yalif - seeing your kids navigate transitions; college and high school

[28:06] Darius Contractor (CGO, Otter.ai) - helping your kids be centered and defining success with them

[28:59] George Arison - watching your kids learning

[29:28] Aaron Huey (Founder, National Geographic Photographer, 3rd Coolest Dad in America) - being named the 3rd coolest Dad in America

[31:07] Parenting frustrations and challenges

[31:19] Will Rocklin - conception struggles and a positive experience with IVF

[33:23] Alex Cohen (Product leader, Carbon Health) - not having family or a support network nearby

[34:25] Nick Soman - starting a company and becoming a husband and father at the same time

[35:13] Eric and Sara Mauskopf - navigating cancer; a dismembering experience; family planning with cancer

[42:28] Adam Grenier (VP Growth, Eventbrite) - having a child with special needs

[44:17] Buster Benson - navigating separation and divorce; talking to your kids about it; advice for others

[53:03] Tobi Emonts-Holley - getting intense feedback online and saying the wrong thing

[01:00:20] Best parenting frameworks

[01:00:30] Nick Soman - irrevocable guidelines

[01:00:59] Tobi Emonts-Holley - personal discipline equals freedom

[01:02:57] Mike Duboe - making time for date night

[01:04:04] Lloyed Lobo - positive discipline, rewarding the effort and trusting the process

[01:07:51] Jake Wood - making sure your kids know they're loved

[01:08:30] Guy Yalif - making sure your kids know they're loved and you only control how you show up

[01:09:29] Adam Grenier - tools from Brene Brown and understanding your couple capacity

[01:10:37] Gaurav Vohra - Delete, automate, delegate

[01:13:14] Casey Woo - the importance of routine

[01:13:50] Josh Herzig-Marx and Carla Naumburg (Product advisor, best-selling author) - prioritization and tradeoffs using mission and vision

[01:19:04] Buster Benson - creating a safe space and not trying to diagnose your kids

[01:21:37] Adam Grenier - special time with each kid

[01:22:50] Gaurav Vohra - full vertical responsibility management

[01:28:41] Brian Balfour (CEO/founder, Reforge) - defining your parenting values

[01:30:15] Ben Williams - making 1-on-1 time

[01:31:37] Alex Cohen - giving zero f***s and going with the flow

[01:32:15] Fareed Mosavat (Advisor) - remembering that you're the adult

[01:33:06] Advocating for your kids

[01:33:17] Ryan Johnson - getting difficult medical diagnoses and navigating that process

[01:36:07] Matt Greenberg (CTO, Handshake) - the process of diagnosing and advocating for your autistic child in the school system

[01:41:29] Adam Grenier - the tools for helping and advocating for your autistic child with caregivers

[1:46:01] Ben Williams - helping your child understand racism

[1:47:14] George Arison - navigating the surrogacy process as a gay man

[1:54:41] Matt Greenberg - more about advocating for your autistic child

[1:59:51] Startup dads & moms discuss loss

[2:00:02] Trae & Michelle Stephens - navigating miscarriage and advice for others 

[2:02:24] Brian Balfour - coping with the loss of a child at birth

[2:08:06] Lloyd Lobo - navigating the loss of a twin

[2:13:21] What are Startup Dads looking forward to in 2024?

[2:13:29] Matt Greenberg - looking forward to his four year old turning five

[2:13:47] Lloyd Lobo - my wife's 40th birthday

[2:14:13] Alex Cohen - side projects turning into real things

[2:14:48] George Arison - excited about building culture together and the transition to kindergarten

[2:15:58] Gaurav Vohra - traveling to exciting places as a family

[2:17:06] Ben Williams - taking a family holiday... somewhere warm

[2:18:05] Trae & Michelle Stephens - having an escape...

Welcome to another special Holiday Edition of Startup Dad! I went back and talked to many of my guests about their most memorable holiday traditions, the best and most secret family recipes, and most disastrous holiday memories as parents. No matter who you are or what you celebrate my hope is that hearing this helps to normalize just how different and hectic everyone's holidays can be.

You'll hear from past guests Alex Cohen, Gaurav Vohra, Nick Soman, Ryan Johnson, Trae and Michelle Stephens, Will Rocklin, George Arison, Matt Greenberg, Ben Williams, Lloyed Lobo, and Tobi Emonts-Holley.

In this episode we discuss:

* Favorite holiday traditions

* Best holiday meals

* Most disastrous holiday moments

* When the post office delivers you a gift from santa

* Latkes and honeybaked ham

* Homemade ornaments from Etsy

* Cancelled flights, endless drives, COVID

* Vomit. So much vomit.

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: FishmanAFNewsletter.com

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[0:00] Hello & intro

[1:00] Favorite holiday traditions

[1:05] Lloyed Lobo - Co-founder Boast.ai, Author

[1:32] Nick Soman - Founder/CEO Decent

[2:43] Trae and Michelle Stephens - Founders Fund, Anduril and OathCare

[3:54] Matt Greenberg, CTO at Handshake

[4:43] Alex Cohen - Sr. Director Product, Carbon Health

[5:08] George Arison - CEO, Grindr 

[7:39] Tobi Emonts-Holley - CEO, Tiphereth

[8:59] Will Rocklin - Product Advisor

[9:39] Ben Williams - PLGeek, fmr VP Product, Snyk

[11:02] Favorite holiday meals/recipes

[11:08] Gaurav Vohra - founding team, Superhuman

[11:53] Alex Cohen on Honeybaked Ham

[12:24] Nick Soman on Latkes

[13:40] Ryan Johnson on Turkey, Gravy and Green Bean Casserole; CPO at CallRail

[14:04] Ben Williams on Pigs in a Blanket

[14:47] Trae and Michelle Stephens on Chocolate Gravy, Buttermilk Pie, Pizelles and Panettone

[17:09] Most disastrous holiday moments

[17:14] Alex Cohen on 24-hour drives

[18:45] Lloyed Lobo on COVID at the Holidays

[19:06] Gaurav Vohra on food poisoning and plane flights

[20:32] Trae and Michelle Stephens on endless flight delays with toddlers and CPR on an airplane

[22:04] Tobi Emonts-Holley on Elsa dresses and vomit

[22:40] Thank you

—

Show references:

Roy's Pannetone - https://www.thisisfromroy.com/

Honeybaked Ham - https://www.honeybaked.com/home

Green Bean Casserole - https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/18379/best-green-bean-casserole/

Pizzelle Cookies - https://www.culinaryhill.com/pizzelle-italian-cookies/

Pigs in a Blanket - https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a58344/homemade-pigs-in-a-blanket-recipe/

—

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/

Lloyed Lobo is the co-founder of Boast.ai and the author of Wall Street Journal best-selling book From Grassroots to Greatness. After escaping the Gulf War as a child and seeing the power of community in helping navigate impossible situations he ended up on a path of entrepreneurship and community building. He is a husband and the father of three kids.

In this episode we discuss:

* His childhood as a Gulf War refugee

* His mother's influence on his entrepreneurship

* Losing one of his twins

* The power of community in raising a family

* Positive discipline and other parenting frameworks

* How his daughter helped him overcome depression

* Mistakes and sacrifices as a Dad

* Rapid fire!

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Lloyed Lobo

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyedlobo/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lloyedlobo

- His Book: https://FromGrassrootstoGreatness.com

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: http://www.startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: http://fishmanafnewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:30] Welcome and Introduction

[1:59] Professional background

[5:34] Childhood as a refugee

[12:23] Current family

[22:35] Decision to start a family

[31:32] Losing a twin child

[37:29] Most surprising thing about being a Dad?

[41:00] Which kid is like which parent?

[42:54] Most frustrating thing about being a Dad?

[43:43] Parenting Frameworks

[49:57] An area where Lloyed and his wife don’t align

[52:36] What is something you had to give up to be a Dad?

[54:35] What is one mistake you made as a Dad?

[1:00:11] Follow along with Lloyed

[1:02:38] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Lloyed’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lloyedlobo/

Task Rabbit: https://www.taskrabbit.com/

Lloyed’s book, From Grassroots to Greatness: https://FromGrassrootstoGreatness.com

Melatonin gummies: https://www.amazon.com/OLLY-Occasional-Melatonin-L-Theanine-Blackberry/dp/B07H8NZZJB/

Boast: https://boast.ai/

Traction: https://www.tractionconf.io/

Highway of death (Kuwait): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_of_Death

Gulf War: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War

Eye of the Tiger

Rambo: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462499/

Sylvester Stallone: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000230/

Arnold Schwarzenegger: https://www.schwarzenegger.com/

Cocomelon: https://cocomelon.com/

RRR soundtrack: https://music.apple.com/us/album/rrr-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1619745392

Tesla Model x: https://www.tesla.com/modelx

My Wife and Kids: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0273855/

CCRM: https://www.ccrmivf.com/colorado/ccrm-colorado-denver-office/

The Score Takes Care of Itself: https://www.amazon.com/Score-Takes-Care-Itself-Philosophy/dp/1591843472

—

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/

Welcome to a special Holiday Edition of Startup Dad! As parents we all need to go easy on ourselves at this time of the year. To bring a little holiday cheer to your lives I went back through 2023's roster of guests and highlighted their best and worst parenting purchases. You'll also hear a series of never-before-shared thoughts on the best and worst holiday presents they've ever given their spouse and the best and worst gifts they've ever received.

You'll hear from past guests: Adam Grenier, Alex Cohen, Casey Woo, Brian Balfour, Buster Benson, Gaurav Vohra, Aaron Huey, Darius Contractor, Eric and Sara Mauskopf, Mike Duboe, Nick Soman, Ryan Johnson, Trae and Michelle Stephens, Tom Willerer, Fareed Mosavat, Will Rocklin, Matt Greenberg, Ben Williams, Jake Wood, and Tobi Emonts-Holley.

In this episode we discuss:

* The best parenting product they've ever purchased

* The worst parenting product they've ever purchased

* The best or worst holiday gift they've ever given their spouse

* The best or worst holiday gift they've ever received

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: www.fishmanafnewsletter.com

- Newsletter: www.startupdadpod.substack.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[0:00] Intro and welcome

[1:32] Best parenting product ever purchased

[4:01] Worst parenting product ever purchased

[7:49] Best or worst gift they've ever given their spouse

[12:26] Best or worst gift they've ever received

—

Show references for Best Parenting Purchases:

Butt Cream - https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/best-diaper-rash-creams

Blackout Tent - https://www.amazon.com/SlumberPod-3-0-Portable-Blackout-Sleeping/dp/B0B7PBRZX5?th=1

Umbrella Stroller - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella-strollers/

Night Nanny - https://www.care.com/c/what-is-a-night-nanny/

White Noise Machine - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-noise-machine/

Kids Tower / Step Stool - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/g37342617/best-learning-towers/

Doona Stroller - https://www.doona.com/en-us/car-seat-stroller/discover-doona

Baby Gate - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-gate/

Travel Stroller - https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-travel-strollers-4177015

Nose Frida - https://frida.com/products/nosefrida

Sleep Expert - https://wellrestedmamas.com/sleep-training-consultant-coach/

Fellow Tea Kettle - https://fellowproducts.com/products/stagg-ekg-electric-pour-over-kettle

Onesies with Zippers - https://www.target.com/s/zipper+onesie+newborn

—

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/

In this special Startup Dad (and Mom) episode I interviewed husband and wife team Eric and Sara Mauskopf. Sara is the co-founder and CEO of Winnie, a platform that helps parents find much needed childcare and helps childcare providers find parents and run their business. She founded Winnie after a decade-plus career in product at Postmates, Twitter, and Google. Eric is a product leader at Winnie where he joined about 18 months ago after leaning in as a stay-at-home-Dad for 3.5 years. Prior to that he was a long-time product leader at Google and YouTube for over 10 years.

In this episode we discuss:

* Eric and Sara's personal and professional backgrounds including how their parents shaped them and how they met

* Their decision to start a family and whether three kids was the goal

* Eric's cancer diagnosis, treatment, recover and raising a young daughter during this process

* How to prepare for your family's future when you have a serious illness

* Eric's decision to step back from the workforce and why that is so hard for men

* Eric's transition back to work and what it's like to work with your spouse

* How to take your kids on exciting adventures

* Philadelphia sports (if you know Sara this is a requirement)

* Rapid fire!

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Eric Mauskopf:

- LinkedIn: https://twitter.com/mauskopf

- Twitter: https://linkedin.com/in/mauskopf

Where to find Sara Mauskopf

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/sm

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smausk/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: http://www.startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: http://fishmanafnewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[2:56] Professional backgrounds

[5:28] Personal backgrounds

[7:52] Their parent’s careers

[11:38] How did you meet?

[13:00] Tell me about the kids?

[15:29] Decision to start a family

[17:52] Was 3 kids ideal?

[18:52] Kids' interaction with each other

[20:26] Eric’s cancer/perspectives 

[24:23] Preparing for the future with cancer

[27:53] Family support 

[32:28] Earliest memory of being a dad

[33:54] Eric’s decision to step back/why is that hard for men?

[40:32] Transition back to work

[42:30] Eric’s Winnie interview

[46:10] Taking kids on adventures

[49:35] What has been the most fun adventure?

[53:10] Sharing your kids online

[56:02] Where Sara and Eric don’t align

[57:56] One mistake you made as a dad?

[59:11] Where can we follow along?

[1:00:01] Detroit Lions VS. Philadelphia Eagles

[1:01:05] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Winnie - https://winnie.com/

Kobe Bryant - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kobe-Bryant

Google - https://www.google.com/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/

Phil Simms - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Simms

Phillies - https://www.mlb.com/phillies

Giants - https://www.mlb.com/giants

Warriors - https://www.nba.com/warriors

Traveling Wilburys - https://www.travelingwilburys.com/

Bob Dylan - https://www.bobdylan.com/

Seahawks - https://www.seahawks.com/

—

Thanks to my sponsor for this episode: unitQ!

—

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/

Guy Yalif is the co-founder and CEO of Intellimize, a platform that helps optimize web experiences through testing, personalization and AI. He has been an ad tech and product leader at companies like Brightroll, Twitter and Yahoo. He is a husband and father of two teenagers. 

In this episode we discuss:

* His mother's career as a banker in the 70's

* The unique experience of founding a company with good friends

* How his role as a father influences his professional decisions

* Founding a company with young kids

* Raising a daughter with ADHD

* The importance of communication and planning in family logistics

* Building a company culture that celebrates family

* Rapid fire!

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Guy Yalif:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gyalif/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gyalif

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: http://www.startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: http://fishmanafnewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[2:38] Welcome Guy

[3:10] Guy’s professional background

[4:10] Starting a company with friends

[5:56] Guy’s childhood

[7:56] His family and partner

[8:40] Kids' big new transitions

[10:38] Decision to start a family

[13:01] Making it work with no clan

[15:07] Rituals with his wife

[16:51] Earliest memory of being a dad

[18:33] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[19:48] Daughter’s strengths vs. where they need support

[21:01] Parenting frameworks

[25:35] Kids making their own decisions

[27:45] Areas where Guy and partner don’t align

[29:54] Anything Guy gave up to be a dad?

[31:33] Mistakes made as a dad

[34:12] Decision to create a company

[36:46] How did kids learn balance

[37:54] Follow Guy

[38:27] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Intellimize - https://www.intellimize.com/

BrightRoll - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrightRoll

Twitter - https://twitter.com

Yahoo - https://www.yahoo.com

Myers Briggs - https://www.myersbriggs.org/

The Enneagram Institute - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/

Frozen - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/

Inside Out - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

—

Thanks to my sponsor for this episode: unitQ!

—

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/

Jake Wood is a decorated Marine Veteran, the founder of Team Rubicon, and currently the founder and CEO of Groundswell. Jake served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine sniper, was the subject of the book "Charlie Mike" and also wrote a memoir called "Once a Warrior" about his experience founding Team Rubicon, one of America's leading nonprofits, after returning home from war. He is a husband and a father of two.

In this episode we discuss:

* Jake's experience in combat

* His transition to civilian life

* The intersection of his roles as a veteran, a father and a CEO/founder

* How to be truly present

* Finding a partner that understands and supports you (and vice versa)

* Where to find the hours in the day

* Rapid fire!

Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Jake Wood:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakewoodusa/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeWoodTR

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: http://startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: http://fishmanafnewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

—

In this episode, we cover:

[2:11] Welcome Jake!

[2:38] Jake's Professional background

[6:57] Founding Groundswell and philanthropy

[8:07] Wisconsin football

[9:26] Jake's Personal background

[12:22] His parent’s reaction to military service

[13:37] The pull to help others

[16:17] His Family

[18:24] Jake's Wife

[19:35] Their decision to start a family

[21:17] Being and finding a supportive partner

[22:45] How to be present when you are present

[25:34] His earliest memory of becoming a dad

[27:33] Starting his foundation/youngest daughter

[30:08] Most surprising thing about becoming a dad

[31:49] Favorite kids book

[32:41] Parenting Frameworks

[33:54] When you and your partner don’t align

[34:51] How to find the hours; what his schedule is like

[37:53] Something you gave up to be a dad

[39:31] Mistakes made as a dad

[40:55] Thoughts on hustle culture

[43:12] What if your kids want to join the military?

[44:27] Follow Jake

[45:56] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Jake Wood Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jakewoodtr

Groundswell - https://my.foundation/

University of Wisconsin - https://www.wisconsin.edu/

Marine Corps - https://www.marines.com/

Jake Wood Website (can purchase his book, Once A Warrior) - https://www.jakewood.co/

Charlie Mike: A True Story of Heroes Who Brought Their Mission Home - https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Mike-Heroes-Brought-Mission/dp/1451677316

Team Rubicon - https://teamrubiconusa.org/

Northwestern University - https://www.northwestern.edu/

Tickle Monster  by Josie Bissett - https://www.amazon.com/Tickle-Monster-Josie-Bissett/dp/1932319670

The Score Takes Care Of Itself by Bill Walsh - https://www.amazon.com/Score-Takes-Care-Itself-Philosophy/dp/1591843472

Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal  - https://www.amazon.com/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486

Cocomelon - https://cocomelon.com/

Bluey - https://www.bluey.tv/

—

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/