Startup Dad

Allison Daminger is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she specializes in gender, family dynamics, and social inequality. She’s also the author of What’s on Her Mind: The Mental Workload of Family Life, which explores the often invisible cognitive labor that drives the daily operations of households.

In this episode, we talk about the concept of cognitive labor, how it’s defined, why it’s disproportionately placed on women in heterosexual partnerships, and the emotional and mental toll it takes. Allison shares insights from her years of research, including interviews with over 170 individuals in diverse family structures, shedding light on how cognitive labor impacts both professional and personal lives. We discussed:

• What is Mental Load and Cognitive Labor: Defining and explaining these concepts and her research.
• Understanding cognitive labor: How the mental work of anticipating needs, making decisions, and following through often falls disproportionately on women.
• Real-world examples: The everyday household tasks where cognitive labor shows up and how couples can divide this invisible work more equally.
• The Superhuman and The Bumbler: How gendered expectations shape household dynamics, with women often taking on the “Superhuman” role and men the “Bumbler” role.
• Breaking the mental load myth: Why cognitive labor isn’t about personality traits but about societal pressures and norms that influence how responsibilities are shared at home.
• Strategies for rebalancing: Practical ways couples can collaborate on household responsibilities, including setting up routines, improving communication, and managing expectations.

Where to find Allison Daminger

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisondaminger/ 
• Website: https://www.allisondaminger.com/
• Substack: https://allisondaminger.substack.com/
  
  

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introducing Allison Daminger, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

(02:44) Defining cognitive labor in the home and workplace
(04:27) Real-life examples of cognitive labor
(07:56) The invisible mental load: What it means for parents
(13:42) Research on cognitive labor and family dynamics
(19:53) Household dynamics and gender roles in domestic labor
(26:01) Rationalizing the imbalance in cognitive labor at home
(46:56) Exploring gender roles in household leadership
(48:11) Motherhood and cognitive labor: The unseen work
(48:43) Ideologies vs realities of balanced households
(49:15) Career dynamics and household roles: The juggling act
(49:54) Challenges in achieving cognitive labor equality
(55:04) Balanced households: Structures for satisfaction
(01:15:36) Personal insights and reflections on cognitive labor

(01:27:47) Lightning Round: Final Thoughts and Quick Tips

Resources From This Episode:

What's On Her Mind (Book by Allison Daminger): https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Her-Mind-Mental-Workload/dp/069124538X 

The Daminger Dispatch (Newsletter): https://allisondaminger.substack.com/
The Second Shift (Book by Arlie Hochschild): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51848.The_Second_Shift
Fair Play (Book by Eve Rodsky): https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Play-Game-Changing-Solution-When/dp/0525541942 

Love To Dream Swaddle: https://lovetodream.com/ 

The Little Mermaid: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097757/ 

University of Wisconsin, Madison: https://www.wisc.edu/

NYT Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/

—

Support Startup Dad
For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Jamie Nacht is the co-founder and CEO of Havium, a company he built from the ground up with his wife and co-founder, Cristin. Together, they’re raising two young kids while juggling the nonstop realities of startup life, marriage, and modern parenting, all as a fully integrated team.

In this episode, Jamie shares his honest and often hilarious take on building a company with your spouse, creating parenting systems that actually work, and why sometimes the best way to help your kid process big emotions is to scream right along with them. We discussed: 

• The value of routines and structure: How simple systems like Pizza Friday and bedtime rituals help reduce friction and create predictability for young kids.
• Why “screaming it out” works: Jamie shares how he defuses tantrums by yelling alongside his kids, helping them process their emotions without shame.
• Teaching negotiation and responsibility: From chore taxes to bedtime story debates, Jamie’s approach helps his kids understand how the world really works.
• Practicing perspective as a parenting superpower: Whether it’s a hard week at work or spilled art projects, Jamie explains how he reframes moments to build resilience.
• “Anything is possible” parenting: How Jamie’s confidence borders on delusional (his wife’s words), and why he’s intentionally passing that belief on to his kids.

Where to find Jamie Nacht

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienacht/ 
• Website: https://havium.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introducing Jamie Nacht, co-founder and CEO of Havium

(01:56) Building a startup with your spouse while raising kids

(06:58) Parenting frameworks that actually work

(07:05) Why perspective is Jamie’s superpower

(09:32) How much of your kid’s personality is already baked in

(15:06) Pretending to be a mermaid changed my parenting

(27:51) Teaching negotiation and real-world responsibility

(33:34) Your kids hear everything (even when you think they don’t)

(35:57) The rule we use for yelling in our house

(37:25) Giving kids tech that’s just annoying enough

(40:04) Using AI to make custom coloring books for your kids

(42:51) Why my in-laws moved 5 minutes away

(48:09) The bond with your kid doesn’t always start right away

(51:58) What I hope my kids learn from me

(56:35) Lightning Round: Must-haves, Laughs, and Dad hacks

Resources From This Episode:

Havium: https://havium.com/

Do Not Ring Doorbell Sign: https://a.co/d/4AK9A3j 

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet: https://a.co/d/glUlvO5 

Bluey (TV Show): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7678620/ 

Sword In The Stone (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057546/ 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091042/ 

The Little Mermaid: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5971474/

Migration: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6495056/?ref_=fn_t_1

Kia EV: https://www.kia.com/us/en/ev

—

Support Startup Dad
For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Dave Simnick is the founder and CEO of Soapbox, a company with a mission to provide personal care products while donating soap to those in need. He's also a husband and the father of a one-year-old son, Noah.

Listen to the whole episode for an amazing discount code at Soapbox! 

In this episode, Dave shares insights about the changes he faced when becoming a parent and how he’s adjusted his role as a CEO to manage his new responsibilities at home. We talked about the systems he and his wife have in place, the challenges of balancing work and parenting, and his personal frameworks for being a present and intentional Dad. We discussed:

• Parenting adjustments: How becoming a dad led Dave to shift his focus and say no to professional commitments to be more present with his son.
• Family support systems: The importance of clear communication and shared responsibilities with his wife to manage their dual-working household.
• Time management lessons: How being a parent has made Dave more intentional with his time, balancing professional and personal priorities.
• Parenting frameworks: The trifecta of clear communication, consistent boundaries, and overflowing affection, all modeled after his experience in education.
• Leadership lessons from fatherhood: How watching Noah learn to walk has taught Dave about perseverance and leadership.

Where to find Dave Simnick

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsimnick/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsimnick/
• Soapbox: https://www.soapboxsoaps.com/ 

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Welcome Dave Simnick, founder and CEO at Soapbox, and Dad of one

(02:12) Preparing for fatherhood as a CEO

(05:47) Adjusting time management after becoming a parent

(07:07) Saying no to professional commitments for family time

(09:05) Balancing work and parenting responsibilities

(11:12) Family systems for a dual-working household

(13:39) Learning from being a parent: the surprising aspects

(15:36) Time management hacks post-parenthood

(17:04) Parenting frameworks: communication, boundaries, and affection

(19:36) Embracing imperfection in parenting

(22:39) Leadership lessons from fatherhood

(25:09) Advice for younger self about parenting

(30:53) Parenting disagreements and challenges

(33:00) Soapbox’s mission and global impact

(37:10) Parenting superpower: joy

(41:00) Lightning Round: Parenting hacks and travel tips

Resources From This Episode:

Soapbox: https://www.soapboxsoaps.com/
Teach for America: https://www.teachforamerica.org/
Bum Brush (Poop Spatula): https://a.co/d/2ONUFid
Bluey: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/bluey
Mulan: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1856101/
The Sandlot: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108037/
Kia Carnival: https://www.kia.com/us/en/carnival
Kia Telluride: https://www.kia.com/us/en/telluride 

Mike Malloy’s episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ9K0oR1nt4

Discount code: startupdad15

Baby Brezza: https://babybrezza.com/

Tulum: https://www.tulum.com/

Little Blue Truck: https://www.littlebluetruckbooks.com/books/

—

Support Startup Dad
For sponsorship inquiries, email: [email protected].
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Chet Kittleson, serial founder and co-founder of Tin Can, an analog phone for kids that helps families stay connected without screens. He’s also a dad of three, building a hardware company from his kitchen table while raising a young family in Seattle.

Chet opens up about the inspiration behind Tin Can, how his childhood landline shaped the idea, and why he believes kids need more analog connections in a digital world. He talks candidly about the challenge of being “distracted dad” while building something he’s intensely passionate about, how he and his wife run their household like a startup, and why learning to unplug is still a daily work in progress. We discussed: 

• Creating balance at home: The systems, boundaries, and frameworks that help Chet stay grounded as a founder and father.
• Lessons from failure and obsession: What Chet’s learned about being present when work and family both demand everything.
• The art of analog parenting: How Chet and his wife teach their kids healthy relationships with technology and boredom.
• Raising kids is like running a business: From household “OKRs” to making space for unstructured family time.
• Hope for the next generation: Why Chet believes we’re entering an analog revival and what it means for parents raising digital natives.

Where to find Chet Kittleson:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckittleson/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tincan.kids/
• Tin Can: https://tincan.kids/  

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• X: https://x.com/fishmanaf
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Introducing Chet Kittleson
(02:31) The childhood inspiration that sparked the idea for Tin Can
(11:13) Finding balance between family life and startup life
(13:38) Lessons learned from building, failing, and trying again
(16:21) Partnering in parenting and business with his wife
(21:34) Building Tin Can from an idea to a real product
(35:22) How parenting priorities shift as kids grow
(36:16) What team dynamics look like inside a family-led startup
(37:14) Early prototypes and how the family helped shape Tin Can
(38:50) Seeing kids’ real reactions to the analog phone
(40:02) Teaching kids to balance tech time and real-world connection
(46:38) Finding optimism and practical solutions for modern parenting challenges
(50:11) How to support Tin Can’s mission to connect families
(53:10) Lightning round: paper calendars, dad hacks, and dishwasher rules

Resources From This Episode:

Tin Can: https://tincan.kids/ 

Paper calendar: https://a.co/d/dbPXEsG 

Brooks: https://www.brooksrunning.com/ 

The Anxious Generation (book): https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/ 

Brick (app): https://getbrick.app/ 

The Hundred-Foot Journey: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2980648/ 

Chef: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2883512/ 

Toy Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/ 

The Mighty Ducks: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104868/ 

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097523/ 

Freaky Friday: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322330/ 

Freakier Friday: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31956415/ 

The Parent Trap: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120783/ 

Little Big League: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110363/ 

Rookie of the Year: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107985/ 

The Green Mile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120689/ 

Rewind & Play: ABC The Millennial Way (book): https://a.co/d/6GI6tdC 

Tween Magazine: https://tweenmag.com/ 

—

For sponsorship inquiries, email: [email protected]
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Colin Anawaty, technologist and founder of Flying A Capital. He’s also a single dad of two boys, navigating the challenges of fatherhood and entrepreneurship after divorce.

Colin opens up about how his kids have become his greatest teachers, why he believes accountability and independence should start young, and how joining a men’s group helped him prioritize relationships, including the one with himself. From Montessori principles to Mario Kart lessons, Colin shares how parenting frameworks and founder mindsets overlap in surprising ways. We discussed: 

• Parenting through divorce: What it’s like to reset life as a single dad and how his kids’ resilience has inspired him.
• Learning from mistakes: How modeling vulnerability and apologizing to his kids has built trust and maturity.
• Resilience vs fragility: Why Colin believes kids are more robust than we give them credit for.
• Why no dad has it all figured out: Colin’s honest take on navigating career, parenting, and personal growth.
• The role of technology and AI: From skepticism to playful experiments, turning kids’ crayon drawings into Pixar-style characters.

Where to find Colin Anawaty:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinanawaty/ 
• X: https://x.com/colin
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colinanawaty/

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• X: https://x.com/fishmanaf
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introducing Colin Anawaty

(02:13) Adjusting to life as a single dad of two young boys

(05:37) Why Colin joined a men’s group and what he learned

(09:43) Taking stock of good and bad parenting lessons from past generations

(11:49) Kids as teachers and the power of apologizing as a dad

(14:31) Why kids are more resilient than we think

(16:29) Teaching accountability at an early age

(20:22) Montessori principles at home: independence, structure, fewer toys

(23:50) Parenting lessons from Mario Kart and screen time boundaries

(28:22) Bonding through haircut sessions with his boys

(31:27) Helping his 6-year-old overcome fear of surfing

(33:51) Social media dangers for kids and for parents

(37:43) What relationship Colin wants his kids to have with technology

(40:54) Using AI for parenting frameworks and creative projects

(46:17) Why no dad has it all figured out

(49:10) Lightning round: Parenting gear, funniest moments, and dad quirks

Resources From This Episode:

5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom: https://a.co/d/0H7Evju 

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: https://a.co/d/12730G0 

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be: https://a.co/d/ji8u48g 

The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year: https://a.co/d/chjTYyA 

Montessori Method: https://montessori.org/ 

Dad Jokes Instagram (Logan Lisle): https://www.instagram.com/loganlisle/ 

Potty Training Seat: https://a.co/d/54kwn6o

LEGO: https://www.lego.com/ 

The Karate Kid: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/ 

Endless Summer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060371/ 

Swiss Family Robinson: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054357/ 

Cars: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/ 

The Grinch: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2709692/ 

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

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087469/ 

Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/switch/ 

Duke Nukem: https://2k.com/games/duke-nukem/20th-anniversary/ 

Super Mario Bros: https://mario.nintendo.com/characters/ 

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

Milo and Chip: https://www.youtube.com/@miloandchip/videos 

Athena Health: https://www.athenahealth.com/

Alex’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOa9mS-CIuQ

Josh Jones-Dilworth & Culturati: https://culturati.info/

—

For sponsorship inquiries, email: [email protected]
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Chad Pytel is the founder and CEO of thoughtbot, a product development consultancy, and co-founder of 12 Sided Studios, a gaming and production company. He’s also the longtime host of the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots podcast, a husband, and the father of two teenagers.

In this episode, Chad and I talk about raising kids while running companies, blending family life with creative projects, and the importance of designing systems at home, just as you would at work. He shares stories about parenting teenagers, shaping company culture around sustainable pace, and why even the smallest rituals matter when time with your kids feels fleeting. We discussed:

• Building systems at home: How collaborating with his kids on routines turned daily battles into shared ownership.
• Parenting teenagers with balance: Why being relaxed, supportive, and flexible helped his kids thrive through responsibility and independence.
• Dinner as a cornerstone: The daily ritual that kept his family connected through the busiest startup years.
• Redefining company culture: How Thoughtbot built practices like sustainable pace and four-day client weeks to make room for life outside of work.
• Embracing differences: The importance of parenting each child as an individual, not a template, and adjusting expectations along the way.

Where to find Chad Pytel

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpytel/ 
• X: https://x.com/cpytel

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introducing Chad Pytel, founder and CEO at thoughtbot and dad of two

(04:37) Exploring the aging space with AI

(06:06) Starting a gaming and production company

(08:43) Navigating teenage years

(18:33) Balancing work and family life

(19:23) Sustainable pace and company culture

(23:48) Parenting realizations

(24:56) Frameworks for parenting

(25:21) Daily routines and systems

(27:17) Sunday date concept

(29:50) Parenting styles and screen time

(35:34) Halloween traditions

(37:37) Keeping up with the Joneses

(41:19) Lightning Round: Being a relaxed and reasonable dad

Resources From This Episode:

Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots (Podcast): https://podcast.thoughtbot.com/

thoughtbot: https://thoughtbot.com/

12 Sided Studios: https://12sidedstudios.com/ 

Critical Role (Actual Play Series): https://critrole.com/ 

Dimension 20 (Actual Play Series): https://www.dropout.tv/dimension-20 

American Society on Aging: https://www.asaging.org/ 

Wall-E (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910970/

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071853/

Kia Rondo (Car Model): https://www.edmunds.com/kia/rondo/ 

thoughtbot: https://thoughtbot.com/ 

12 Sided Studios: https://12sidedstudios.com/ 

—

For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Jonathan Jamil, founder and CEO of Springboard, shares his story of growing up in a two-bedroom apartment with six family members, building a business powered by stay-at-home moms, and raising two daughters while redefining what success means.

In this episode, Jonathan opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has carried from his upbringing, and the realities of being a dad and founder at the same time. We discussed:

• Why work-life balance doesn’t exist: Jonathan explains why he believes balance is a myth, and instead focuses on being fully present
• Redefining success as a father and founder: He shares how his definition of success shifted from chasing cars and houses to prioritizing comfort, family health, and presence.
• Breaking generational patterns with love: From hugs to family vacations, Jonathan reflects on how intentional affection and kindness help him parent differently than he was raised.
• Partnership and parenting: He talks about how he and his wife share the load, why he ignores outdated cultural norms around gender roles in parenting, and the promise he kept to support her becoming a stay-at-home mom.
• Why nice guys don’t finish last: Jonathan describes how leading with empathy and kindness has shaped Springboard’s culture, strengthened client trust, and fueled growth.

Where to find Jonathan Jamil

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjthatcxguy/ 
• Springboard: https://www.springboardhq.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanjamil/ 
• X: https://x.com/jjthatcxguy
  
  

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Welcome Jonathan Jamil

(03:55) Starting Springboard and working with stay-at-home moms

(06:41) Why Springboard never posts job listings

(08:33) Building a business while raising a newborn

(10:19) Why work-life balance doesn’t exist

(13:27) Redefining success as a dad

(14:46) Why you can’t parent alone without community

(16:06) Advice to his younger self before becoming a dad

(18:23) Never stop dating your wife

(20:35) The power of vacation and taking breaks

(24:14) His simple fatherhood framework: Show up, listen, love

(26:22) Espresso-fueled speeding ticket during the colic phase

(28:54) Parenting disagreements: Screen time and sugar

(30:56) Tech boundaries and raising daughters in a digital world

(32:55) Using AI to plan family vacations

(34:39) Why “nice guys finish last” is a myth

(37:14) Lightning round: Parenting wins and toy assembly fails

Resources from this episode:

Jambys: https://www.jambys.com/

Disney Store: https://www.disneystore.com/toys-plush/toys/ 

Lime Green Bed Sheets: https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Bedding/s?k=Lime+Green+Bedding

Cocomelon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCmjCuTUZos6Inko4u57UQ

Wreck-It Ralph: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772341/

Ratatouille: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/

Home Alone: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/
The Santa Clause: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111070/

Play-Doh: https://shop.hasbro.com/en-ca/play-doh

Toyota Sienna: https://www.toyota.com/sienna/

Siqi Chen’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Nm5Mkj0s0

Cape May: https://www.capemay.com/

Ocean City: https://www.ocnj.us/

Rehoboth Beach: https://www.rehobothbeachde.gov/

Disney World: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

UPPAbaby: https://uppababy.com/

Boppy: https://www.boppy.com/

Jamby’s: https://www.jambys.com/

—

For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected]
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

In this episode of Startup Dad, I sit  down with Adam Lieb, the founder and CEO of Gamesight, a marketing technology company that helps video game studios connect with players and launch their biggest titles. Adam started his first gaming business at just 11 years old and has spent his entire career building in the industry ever since.

As a dad of 11-year-old twins and husband to Camille, a lawyer who now leads the legal team at Gamesight, Adam shares what it’s like to grow a company and a family at the same time. From the challenges of raising twins to why he doesn’t believe in separating work mode from dad mode, Adam offers an honest look at the overlap of parenting and entrepreneurship. We discussed: 

• Raising twins while building a company: Why he compares it to running three startups at once.
• The sleep training strategy: How it became the most important defensive move for survival with twins.
• Work mode vs dad mode: Why Adam believes in being the same person everywhere.
• AI at home: Creative ways his kids use AI for learning, projects, and fun.
• The mantra “show up and try”: Why presence is the foundation for leadership and parenting.

Where to find Adam Lieb:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslieb/ 
• X: https://x.com/adamslieb 

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• X: https://x.com/fishmanaf
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introducing Adam Lieb

(02:16) What Gamesight does and how Adam started in gaming

(05:32) Raising 11-year-old twins with his wife, Camille

(07:38) Running “three startups” at once: company and twins

(09:34) Working with his wife inside the business

(10:01) What’s unique about having twins, and why sleep training mattered

(16:05) Why doesn’t Adam separate dad mode and work mode

(18:30) Cheering from the baseball field while sending emails

(20:13) The mantra that guides parenting and leadership: show up and try

(24:30) Lessons learned since becoming a dad and mistakes along the way

(26:17) The balance between coaching your kids and supporting them

(29:16) Aligning with his wife on parenting philosophy

(31:29) Setting limits on video games and tech at home

(39:46) Raising kids with AI and creative projects they’ve built

(47:16) Lightning round: indispensable products, useless gear, quirks, and dad superpowers

Resources From This Episode:

Gamesight: https://gamesight.io/ 

Collapsible Wagon: a.co/d/dmFVnSI 

Table For Two: https://buytablefortwo.com/ 

Alexa: https://alexa.amazon.com/ 

Happy Gilmore: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116483/

Happy Gilmore 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31868189/
The Lord Of The Rings: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/ 

—

For sponsorship inquiries, email: [email protected]
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Rishabh Jain, the CEO of FERMÀT Commerce, a company he launched when his oldest daughter was just a few weeks old. He’s also a husband and father of two kids under the age of four.

In this conversation, Rishabh shares why he believes parenthood actually makes entrepreneurship easier, how he manages family life alongside scaling startups, and the frameworks that help him stay focused and balanced. We discussed:

• Starting a company as a parent: Why Rishabh believes kids force you to prioritize what really matters.
• Advice to colleagues: Why he seriously tells stressed-out founders to “have kids” and how it improves their work.
• Family as an anchor: How a strong marriage allows him to take big risks in his professional life.
• Balance through kids: How playing, creating, and connecting at home helps him show up sharper at work.
• Technology in parenting: Using AI and voice assistants to answer kids’ questions and prepare them for a tech-driven world.

Where to find Rishabh Jain

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishabhmjain/ 
• X: https://x.com/rishabhmjain 
• The Intelligent Marketer: https://www.intelligentmarketerpod.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• X: https://x.com/fishmanaf
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introducing Rishabh Jain

(02:10) Why starting a company as a parent is easier

(05:14) Advice to stressed-out colleagues: “Have kids”

(07:18) Traveling internationally with toddlers

(09:44) Hacks for surviving long flights with young kids

(12:40) Starting FERMÀT Commerce with a newborn at home

(16:56) Why kids should see parents doing what they love

(18:21) Raising expectations of adults and patience with kids

(21:02) Morning routines for balance and presence

(25:56) How time with kids makes work more energizing

(33:25) Technology and AI as parenting tools

(41:35) Lightning Round: Dad superpowers, minivans, and more

Resources From This Episode:

FERMÀT Commerce: https://www.fermatcommerce.com/
The Bum Brush:  https://www.amazon.com/Bumco-Diaper-Cream-Spatula-Mom-Invented/dp/B00LYQ53JW 

What to Expect When You’re Expecting: ​​https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-When-Youre-Expecting/dp/0761187480 

Twitter: @rishabhmjain

Rishabh’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rishabh-jain-show-marketing-podcast-for/id1656571291

Rishabh’s Website: https://www.therishabhjain.com/

Zootopia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948356/ 

Lion King: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 

Iron Man: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 

VW Electric Bus: https://www.vw.com/en/models/id-buzz.html 

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For sponsorship inquiries, email: [email protected]
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Zach Teutsch is the founder of Values Added Financial, and a former leader at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He’s also a husband, father of two, and a master of weaving big-picture life principles into day-to-day parenting.

In this episode, Zach and I talk about building independence in kids, creating household shortcuts to reduce decision fatigue, and why boredom is one of the best gifts you can give your children. He shares his unique frameworks for parenting, money, relationships, and emotional resilience. We discussed:

• Parenting with the end in mind: Zach shares how picturing his kids as independent, kind 18-year-olds shapes his daily parenting choices and guides when to step back versus step in.
• Fostering independence and confidence: Why letting kids take on age-appropriate challenges, from solo store trips to handling money, builds resilience and reduces anxiety.
• Teaching money through experience: Zach’s allowance and charitable giving system helps kids make “safe” mistakes and understand value, trade-offs, and generosity.
• You can’t change feelings: The science behind why emotions can’t be reasoned away in the moment, and how validating kids’ experiences builds trust and emotional maturity.
• Boredom as a virtue: How slowing down, resisting screens, and embracing quiet moments leads to more creativity, mindfulness, and deeper connections.

Where to find Zach Teutsch

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-teutsch/ 
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/zteutsch.bsky.social 

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introducing Zach Teutsch, founder at Values Added and dad of two

(02:58) Parenting with the end in mind

(04:25) Raising confident, independent kids

(12:02) Teaching kids about money early

(17:48) Why you can’t change feelings

(26:52) Advice Zach wishes he had

(31:22) Being your kids’ emotional go-to

(32:38) Simple rules for parenting

(33:43) The power of showing up

(36:25) Boredom as a parenting superpower

(38:45) Being a kid is hard

(42:44) Relationship principles that work

(49:09) Talking AI with your kids

(53:10) Lightning round: parenting wins, fails, and quirks

Resources From This Episode:

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451663889 

Bluey (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7678620/ 

My Cousin Vinny (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104952/ 

Claude AI: https://claude.ai/ 

Values Added Financial: https://valuesaddedfinancial.com/ 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

Carla’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcrzFhbeIVs

Law & Order SVU: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203259/

George Kinder: https://www.georgekinder.com/

Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com/ 

@zteutsch.bsky.social

[email protected]

Melatonin: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071 

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For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com