Startup Dad

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!

—

Where to find Jake Wood:

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

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

 

Where to find Adam Fishman

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

- Newsletter: https://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:

[2:11] Welcome

[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/

Gaurav Vohra is the Head of Growth at Superhuman, where he created the fastest email experience ever with his brother as part of the founding team nearly 9 years ago. Gaurav is the child of immigrant parents and decided not to follow in their footsteps at a young age. He is a husband and a father of one toddler!

In this episode we discuss:

* The influence of immigrant parents on his own work ethic and values

* Not following in your parents footsteps

* The challenge and reward of starting a family when each parent has a demanding career

* Starting a company with a sibling and balancing each other out

* Frameworks for days! Vertical Responsibility Management and Delete - Automate - Delegate

* Division of labor in their household using these frameworks

* Developing a system for getting great childcare

* Rapid fire!

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

—

Where to find Gaurav Vohra:

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/gauravvohra1

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

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:

[1:49] Welcome Gaurav!

[2:14] Professional background

[6:25] Personal background/brother co-founder

[11:42] Pressure from his parents

[13:59] Family life

[15:03] Partner’s career

[17:05] Decision to start a family

[18:45] Full vertical responsibility management

[23:45] Expectations align/verticals

[25:05] Earliest memory of being a dad

[27:27] Most surprising part of being a dad

[31:14] Frameworks for raising your kids

[38:31] Systematically getting great childcare

[44:52] Areas where you don’t align

[48:13] Mistake made as as a Dad

[51:55] Parental leave as a founding team member

[56:07] Follow Gaurav

[56:45] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Chevy Bolt - https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-ev

How To Have A Baby - By Natalie Meddings - https://www.amazon.com/How-Have-Baby-Mother-Gathered-Guidance/dp/1527207366

Adjustable Height Kitchen Step-stool - https://www.amazon.com/SDADI-Adjustable-Kitchen-Learning-Mothers/dp/B07YJLHXPQ

KiwiCo - https://www.kiwico.com/

Lovevery - https://lovevery.com/products/the-play-kits

Thomas The Tank Engine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Tank_Engine

Winston Churchill - https://winstonchurchill.org/

Superhuman - https://superhuman.com/

Oliver Wyman - https://www.oliverwyman.com/index.html

Command & Conquer - https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer

Rapportive - https://rapportive.en.softonic.com/web-apps

The Emperor's New Groove - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120917/

Aristocats - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065421/

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky - https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Play-Game-Changing-Solution-When/dp/0525541934

The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman PHD - https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718

Upchoose - https://www.upchoose.com/

Parenting By Design - Lyndall Schreiner - https://www.lyndallschreiner.com/parenting-by-design

Lyndall Schreiner's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndallschreiner/

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Gaurav Vohra is the Head of Growth at Superhuman, where he created the fastest email experience ever with his brother as part of the founding team nearly 9 years ago. Gaurav is the child of immigrant parents and decided not to follow in their footsteps at a young age. He is a husband and a father of one toddler!

 

In this episode we discuss:

The influence of immigrant parents on his own work ethic and values

Not following in your parents footsteps

The challenge and reward of starting a family when each parent has a demanding career

Starting a company with a sibling and balancing each other out

Frameworks for days! Vertical Responsibility Management and Delete - Automate - Delegate

Division of labor in their household using these frameworks

Developing a system for getting great childcare

Rapid fire!

—

Where to find Gaurav Vohra:

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/gauravvohra1

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

 

Where to find Adam Fishman

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

- Newsletter: https://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:

[1:49] Welcome Gaurav!

[2:14] Professional background

[6:25] Personal background/brother co-founder

[11:42] Pressure from his parents

[13:59] Family life

[15:03] Partner’s career

[17:05] Decision to start a family

[18:45] Full vertical responsibility management

[23:45] Expectations align/verticals

[25:05] Earliest memory of being a dad

[27:27] Most surprising part of being a dad

[31:14] Frameworks for raising your kids

[38:31] Systematically getting great childcare

[44:52] Areas where you don’t align

[48:13] Mistake made as as a Dad

[51:55] Parental leave as a founding team member

[56:07] Follow Gaurav

[56:45] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Chevy Bolt - https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-ev

How To Have A Baby - By Natalie Meddings - https://www.amazon.com/How-Have-Baby-Mother-Gathered-Guidance/dp/1527207366

Adjustable Height Kitchen Step-stool - https://www.amazon.com/SDADI-Adjustable-Kitchen-Learning-Mothers/dp/B07YJLHXPQ

KiwiCo - https://www.kiwico.com/

Lovevery - https://lovevery.com/products/the-play-kits

Thomas The Tank Engine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Tank_Engine

Winston Churchill - https://winstonchurchill.org/

Superhuman - https://superhuman.com/

Oliver Wyman - https://www.oliverwyman.com/index.html

Command & Conquer - https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer

Rapportive - https://rapportive.en.softonic.com/web-apps

The Emperor's New Groove - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120917/

Aristocats - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065421/

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky - https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Play-Game-Changing-Solution-When/dp/0525541934

The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman PHD - https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718

Upchoose - https://www.upchoose.com/

Parenting By Design - Lyndall Schreiner - https://www.lyndallschreiner.com/parenting-by-design

Lyndall Schreiner's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndallschreiner/

—

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/

Tobi Emonts-Holley is the CEO of Tiphereth where he started as a volunteer nearly 18 years ago. Tiphereth is an Edinburgh-based community for adults with learning disabilities and other support needs. He also holds a PhD in Economics. Most importantly (and impressively) Tobi and his wife are the parents of six children!

In this episode we discuss:

* Tobi's early journey leaving his home and moving to Edinburgh at a young age

* The joys and challenges of raising six unique kids

* Tobi's philosophy on fatherhood, including why memories trump possessions

* What it takes to be a great partner to his wife and how they share responsibilities

* What it means to be truly present in parenting

* The concept of "no magic pill" when it comes to raising kids

* How your kids are motivators, not excuses

* How to instill values, ethics and a sense of purpose in your children

* Tobi's lessons learned from living life very publicly on social media

* A "typical day" when raising six kids

* Rapid fire!

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

—

Where to find Tobi Emonts-Holley:

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

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobi-emonts-holley-62382a292/

Where to find Adam Fishman

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

- Newsletter: http://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:

*Timestamps available later today!*

—

Show references:

How I discovered Tobi -  https://twitter.com/tobi_emonts/status/1690712460334948353

Tiphereth - https://www.tiphereth.org.uk/

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

George Arison is the CEO of Grindr and the former co-founder and CEO of Shift. George grew up in Republic of Georgia when it was still part of the former Soviet Union and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager. George knew he always wanted to be a Dad and he got that wish about 4 years ago. He's a husband and father of two kids.

In this episode we discuss:

* Growing up (and leaving) Georgia

* The surrogacy process

* The birth of his twins (or twiblings) and what *is* a twibling

* The difficulties gay men face when becoming parents

* His husband as the rule enforcer in the house

* His family's love of books and some of his *favorites*

* His parenting philosophies and the values central to raising his kids

* How to prepare your kids to understand different family structures and questions they might get

* The growing acceptance and supportive communities he's experienced

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

—

Where to find George Arison:

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

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

Where to find Adam Fishman

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

- Newsletter: http://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:

[1:37] Welcome

[2:25] George's Background

[4:27] Childhood in the U.S. vs. Republic of Georgia

[7:28] How he met his partner

[10:33] Their decision to start a family/surrogacy

[15:10] Surrogacy challenges

[18:41] Discrimination 

[21:04] Surrogacy blockers

[21:51] His earliest memory of being a Dad + raising financing while his son was born!

[24:47] Most surprising part of becoming a dad

[26:38] Conversation w/ kids about same sex partners and more

[30:51] Household of books

[35:39] Where doesn't he always align with his partner?

[37:38] Challenges as same sex parents

[42:38] Husband/default parent

[45:47] Mistake as a dad?

[46:33] Play and work

[49:07] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Do Say Gay - George's notes on the most meaningful books for his family: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/do-say-gay-fathers-day-george-arison/

Julia Donaldson (Author) - https://www.juliadonaldson.co.uk/

The Gruffalo - https://www.gruffalo.com/

The Pip and Posy Collection - https://www.goodreads.com/series/81031-pip-and-posy

Axel Scheffler - https://axelscheffler.com/

The Grumpy Monkey Book Series - https://www.goodreads.com/series/265196-grumpy-monkey

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Casey Woo is the founder of Operators Guild, a community of engaged ops professionals who help each other navigate the issues that arise when scaling a company. He is a reformed Finance leader who found his passion growing a community. He's a husband and father of three kids.

In this episode we discuss:

* How I discovered Casey through a LinkedIn post

* His wife's career and their decision to start a family

* How he explains his job to his kids

* How to lean into your children's strengths

* His favorite (and least favorite) kids books

* Parenting frameworks

* The concept of Cash vs. Lotto tickets

* Rapid fire!

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

—

Where to find Casey Woo

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

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

- Operators Guild: https://operators-guild.com/

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:

[1:38] Welcome and introduction

[1:57] Our LinkedIn connection

[5:39] His childhood/background

[14:02] All about his partner

[17:05] All about his kids

[19:06] His wife’s career

[20:21] Their decision to start a family

[22:23] His earliest memory of being a dad

[23:27] What work/life balance means to him

[25:42] Explaining his job to his kids

[27:34] Carving out time with your spouse

[29:54] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[32:07] Leaning into his kids' strengths

[34:18] Favorite/least favorite kid’s book

[36:32] Parenting frameworks

[38:48] Partnership

[41:24] Cash vs. lotto tickets

[45:39] What he had to give up to become a dad

[47:16] His mistakes as a dad

[48:33] Where to follow/find Casey

[49:40] Rapid fire

—

Show references:

Casey's LinkedIn Post - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7090030457370644480/

Operator's Guild - https://operators-guild.com/

FOG Ventures LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fog-ventures/

West Point - https://www.westpoint.edu/

Harvard University - https://www.harvard.edu/

Goldman Sachs - https://www.goldmansachs.com/

Morgan Stanley - https://www.morganstanley.com/

WeWork - https://www.wework.com/

McKinsey & Company - https://www.mckinsey.com/

Microsoft Excel - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/excel

The Wolf of Wall Street - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993846/

The Big Short - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/

Innovation Endeavors - https://www.innovationendeavors.com/

The Incredibles - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Incredibles

The Gruffalo - https://www.gruffalo.com/

Hot Shots! Part Deux - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107144/

Umbrella stroller - https://www.amazon.com/Kolcraft-Lightweight-Stroller-Multi-Position-Reclining/dp/B019DHBCXE

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

In this special Startup Dad (and Mom) episode I interviewed husband and wife team Trae Stephens and Dr. Michelle Stephens. Trae is a partner at Founders Fund, and is also co-founder and Executive Chairman of Anduril Industries, a defense technology company focused on autonomous systems and a co-founder of Sol, a wearable e-reader. Prior to that he was an early employee at Palantir and was an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University.

Dr. Michelle Stephens is the co-founder and Chief Nursing Officer of Oath Care which aims to provide instant answers to all your parenting questions. She has practiced nursing with a focus on pediatrics in Philadelphia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. She has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and received her PhD at UCSF. 

In this episode we discuss:

* Their professional background and a shared hobby

* What childhood was like (spoiler: very different for each of them)

* Their decision to start a family

* Navigating miscarriages

* Faith and religion in their childhood and family life now

* Helpful parenting frameworks

* How to take care of yourself and your relationship

* How they make it all work with busy careers and busy kids

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

—

Where to find Trae Stephens

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

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trae-stephens-485a811/

Where to find Dr. Michelle Stephens

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

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-stephens-oath-care/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: https://www.fishmanafnewsletter.com

- Newsletter: http://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:

[1:53] Welcome to the show![2:30] Professional backgrounds[8:34] Shared hobby[9:19] Childhood and growing up[13:25] How they met[17:40] All about their kids[18:56] Decision to start a family[21:47] Navigating miscarriages and support[23:29] Faith/religion[27:54] Having 2 kids vs. big family[30:57] Trae's earliest memory of being a dad[33:28] Most surprising thing about being a dad[38:05] Company as “kids” / non-traditional roles[42:15] Parenting frameworks[45:44] Where they don’t agree[47:30] Taking care of yourself/your relationship[51:28] Pet peeves[54:30] What a great sleep day looks like[57:14] Thoughts on hustle culture[59:30] Awe & wonder with your kids[1:00:58] How to reach them[1:01:33] Rapid fire

—

Show references:

Trae Stephens Twitter - https://twitter.com/traestephens

Oath Care- https://www.oathcare.com/

Enneagram Type Eight - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-8

Enneagram Type Three - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3

SNOO - https://www.happiestbaby.com/products/snoo-smart-bassinet

The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson - https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Father-Practical-Courage-Character/dp/0801018684

Emily Oster - “Crib Sheet” and “Expecting Better” - https://emilyoster.net/

Magic: The Gathering - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic:_The_Gathering

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

Angel's Landing - Zion National Park - https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm

Hook - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102057/

Palantir - https://www.palantir.com/

Anduril - https://www.anduril.com/

Founders Fund - https://foundersfund.com/

Philadelphia Eagles - https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/

Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University - https://sfs.georgetown.edu/

Georgetown University - https://www.georgetown.edu/

UCSF - https://www.ucsf.edu/

Wedding Crashers - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396269/

Peter Thiel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Thiel

SpaceX - https://www.spacex.com/

PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/us/home

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

Monty Python and the Holy Grail - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python_and_the_Holy_Grail

—

Bonus!

If you can figure out Trae's AIM screen name you can DM him for some Founders Fund Swag! 

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Aaron Huey is an award-winning National Geographic photographer, a three time Stanford Fellow and the founder and chief creative officer of Amplifier.org. He has broken crowdfunding records when he raised $3 million in a few weeks for projects like We the People and We the Future. Before he had kids he did a 3,349 mile solo walk across America with his dog Cosmo over 154 days. Most importantly Fatherly called Aaron the "3rd Coolest Dad in America" beating out Barack Obama and Childish Gambino. He's a husband and father of two kids.

In this episode we discuss:

* His life with his wife and two children

* Encouraging making, exploration and risk-taking

* How to foster a lifelong love of creativity and expression in your kids

* The complementary nature of his wife's steady personality with his high-speed ADHD personality

* The inspiration behind his kids unique names

* His thoughts on social media and when his oldest son skyrocketed to Instagram fame as a young kid

* His involvement in social issues, tech innovations and storytelling

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

—

Where to find Aaron Huey

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

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

- His amazing website: https://www.helloprototype.com/

- Latest project on climate change: https://www.crisiscurated.com/

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:

[2:08] Welcome to the show

[2:25] Aaron’s professional life

[4:49] Record setting moments

[6:57] 3rd Coolest dad in America

[8:58] Aaron’s childhood

[10:20] Living all over the world

[10:57] Walking 3,349 miles across the country

[13:27] His wife and family

[15:38] All about his kids

[18:48] More about his amazing wife

[19:11] Their decision to have kids

[23:35] First memory of becoming a dad

[24:07] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[25:55] No blood, no foul

[28:14] Fostering creativity

[34:10] Exploration/risk taking

[37:08] Not always seeing eye-to-eye with his wife

[39:37] How his career affects family life

[43:37] Mistake made as a dad

[46:27] Pre-teens and social media

[50:51] Hustle culture

[53:44] Rapid fire round

[1:02:19] Thank you

—

Show references:

Aaron Huey's Website - https://www.helloprototype.com/

Aaron's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/argonautphoto

Hawkeye Huey's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hawkeyehuey/

Juno Huey's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/junohuey/

Aaron's Ted Talk - https://ed.ted.com/lessons/america-s-native-prisoners-of-war-aaron-huey

Amplifier.org - https://amplifier.org/

Fatherly.com - https://www.fatherly.com/entertainment/100-coolest-dads-in-america-2018

Kickstarter We The People - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amplifierfoundation/we-the-people-public-art-for-the-inauguration-and/posts

Kickstarter We The Future - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amplifierfoundation/we-the-future-art-for-the-classroom-and-beyond

National Geographic - https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/photographer/aaron-huey

2017 Women's March - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Women%27s_March

Lakota People - https://www.lakotamall.com/history-and-ancestry/

Rotary - https://www.rotary.org/en

John S. Knight Fellowship - https://jsk.stanford.edu/

Tom Shadyac - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Shadyac

Smithsonian Institution - https://www.si.edu/

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

Hayao Miyazaki - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0594503/

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Will Rocklin is a product advisor, the former Head of Product at Safara and former product leader at Square and Google. He is also an aspiring standup comic, having performed in New York and Los Angeles. He now helps climate tech startups go from zero to one. When he's not doing that he's busy gentrifying Los Angeles as a new father.

In this episode we discuss:

* A hilarious story about how he met his wife

* How compatible product management is with standup comedy

* His parents thoughts on his comedy aspirations

* How they chose their son's name

* The good and bad of IVF

* How marriage is a growth driver for self actualization

* His love of babywearing

* Will's evolved definition of what it means to be a husband and a father

* Parental leave policies and what they did after their son was born

* Frameworks for simplifying your life after your kid enters

* Parenting books, Google searches and ChatGPT

* Sacrifices and mistakes made as a Dad so far

* A rapid fire round including why Will is PRO minivan!

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

—

Where to find Will Rocklin

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

- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/willrocklin

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: fishmanafnewsletter.com

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

- Twitter (aka X): https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[2:03] Welcome and introductions

[2:21] Will’s professional background

[4:08] Will’s childhood and his parents career

[5:30] Standup comedy

[9:28] Parent’s opinions of his standup

[11:28] Standup and Product Management

[14:09] How he met his partner

[16:33] Choosing his son’s name and his Mom’s reaction

[19:33] IVF

[22:42] Marriage as a growth driver for self actualization

[25:15] Their decision to start a family

[27:06] Earliest memories of being a dad

[28:26] Prepping for delivery

[30:57] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[32:00] Babywearing

[33:37] His evolved definition of a husband/father

[36:41] Parental leave polocies

[38:18] Frameworks for newborns

[40:38] Parenting books

[42:02] What he agrees and disagrees about with his partner

[45:51] Sacrifices he’s made

[49:11] Mistakes made as a dad

[50:11] Thoughts on hustle culture

[52:46] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Will Rocklin Standup Comedy - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWHua2cAciWTpFK-AVloSQ?app=desktop&feature=applinks

Sarah Cooper - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Cooper

Square - https://squareup.com/

Lalabu - https://shop.lalabu.com

Burning Man - https://burningman.org/

Seinfeld - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098904/

Merengue - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merengue_(dance)

What To Expect The First Year - By Heidi Murkoff - https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-First-Heidi-Murkoff/dp/0761181504

Your Baby Week By Week - By Dr. Caroline Fertleman and Simone Cave - https://www.amazon.com/Your-Baby-Week-Ultimate-Caring/dp/0091910552

The Montessori Book - https://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Book-Babies-Toddlers-Independence/dp/B0CHL7WS6R

ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com

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

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

The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com

Fellow Tea Kettle - https://fellowproducts.com/collections/kettles

Hatch Rest 2 - https://www.hatch.co/rest-second-gen

Asics - https://www.asics.com

Ipad - https://www.apple.com/ipad

Sonos Speaker - https://www.sonos.com

Spotify - http://www.spotify.com

IVF - https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716

RMA - https://rmanetwork.com/

X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/

Harville Hendrix - https://harvilleandhelen.com/

Acropolis - https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/404/

Doula - https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula-2/

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Tom Willerer is the Chief Operating Officer at Reforge. Prior to that he was the Chief Product Officer at Opendoor, Coursera and a VP of Product at Netflix. Tom is a husband, father of two teenagers and a fellow Michigander.

In this episode we discuss:

* Tom's early years as a college baseball player

* How Tom got into tech

* The decision to start a family

* A hilarious story about burritos in the delivery room

* Having a limited support network

* How parenting is a team sport and how that team changes over time

* What it's like raising teenagers

* How to let kids make their own decisions (safely)

* Mistakes made leaning in too much to help

* Parenting frameworks

* How to put your partners needs above your own

* Managing kids and career

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

Know someone who would benefit from listening to this podcast?

Where to find Tom Willerer

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

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: www.startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

- Twitter (aka X): https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

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

—

In this episode:

(1:51) Tom's introduction

(2:13) Learning more about Tom's background

(5:57) How Tom got into tech

(8:40) His decision to start a family with his wife

(9:50) Lacking a strong support network

(12:05) Tom's earliest memory of becoming a dad

(15:58) Why parenting is a team sport

(18:40) How the team changes as your kids get older

(22:22) What it's like raising teenagers

(27:26) How to let your kids make their own decisions

(31:30) Mistakes made leaning in too much

(35:23) Parenting frameworks

(38:19) When he and his wife don’t agree

(42:50) Putting your partner’s needs above own

(46:56) Managing kids & career

(48:47) Sacrifices made as a dad

(51:37) Rapid fire round

—

Show references

Springfree Trampoline - https://www.springfreetrampoline.com/collections/trampolines

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

Jeep Wrangler - https://www.jeep.com/wrangler.html

Sleep Coach - https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/what-is-sleep-coach

Reforge - www.reforge.com 

Opendoor - www.opendoor.com

Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/

Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/

Indiana University - https://www.iu.edu/index.html

Mario Kart 8 - https://mariokart8.nintendo.com/

Sun Microsystems - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Microsystems

BlackBerry - https://www.blackberry.com/us/en

Dad Joke Cards - https://www.amazon.com/WORD-TEASERS-Worst-Jokes-Conversation/dp/B09BX39MBN/r

City Ballet of San Diego - https://cityballet.org/

X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/

Colic - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/colic

ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com

Super73 - https://super73.com/

Luke Bryan - https://www.lukebryan.com/tour

Shoreline Amphitheatre - https://www.mountainviewamphitheater.com/

Bridesmaids - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478338/

Elon Musk - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk

—

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/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com