Startup Dad

Dan Fishman is a husband, a lawyer, and a relatively new parent. He’s also Adam’s brother, and the very special guest for the 100th episode of Startup Dad. By day, Dan is Associate General Counsel at Redwood Trust, but at home, he’s going through fatherhood for the first time by navigating toddler teething, sleep deprivation, and the occasional lemon tree massacre. He’s still  figuring out what kind of dad he actually wants to be.

In this episode, Dan reflects on the surprises of new parenthood, what he’s borrowing from how he was raised, and why he’s still not sure he identifies as “Dad.”

• Letting go of the old identity: Why Dan doesn’t fully relate to the label “dad” just yet, how parenting has shifted his priorities and time management, and what it means to enjoy the ride without “going full Dad.”
• Channeling childhood joy: From chasing his daughter around the house with their Scottish terriers to dance parties with the Beatles, Dan shares how he’s making space for silliness and spontaneity.
• Fugue states and yard work: How a COVID brain fog, a teething baby, and a pair of pruning shears led to the total annihilation of the family lemon tree, and why Dan and Sophie now laugh about it.
• Simple frameworks for staying sane: Why Dan leans on intuitive parenting, presence over perfection, and the rule of “don’t compare workloads” to keep his household and partnership healthy.
• A love letter for the future: Dan shares a message for his daughter to hear when she’s 21, with the lessons he hopes to pass down, including a serious warning about law school and a reminder that her dad will always be her biggest fan.

Where to find Daniel Fishman

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-f-45731916

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) Introducing Daniel Fishman
(02:08) Parenting reflections and surprises
(04:27) The work-life balance of Dan and  “Work Dan”
(05:51) Fatherhood changes and early memories
(11:11) Parenting advice and decisions
(20:48) Favorite books and music for kids
(24:46) Parenting frameworks and challenges
(28:45) The Lemon tree incident
(29:22) Household strife and COVID fugue state
(30:22) Parenting frameworks and humor
(32:32) Anna's relationship with technology
(33:52) Anna's first birthday and future skills
(36:15) Dad jokes and future messages
(38:51) Lightning Round: Parenting Products and Hacks

Show references:

Redwood Trust: https://www.redwoodtrust.com/

Sega Genesis: https://asia.sega.com/genesismini/

Severance: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280740/

Scottish Terrier: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/

Bruce Springsteen: https://brucespringsteen.net/

The Beatles: https://www.thebeatles.com/

Grateful Dead: https://www.dead.net/

Stern Grove Festival: https://www.sterngrove.org/

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/

Golden Gate Park: https://sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park

Thom York: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thom_Yorke
Radiohead: https://www.radiohead.com/

Jon Klassen The Hat Trilogy Series: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/G6I/the-hat-trilogy/

Julia Donaldson: https://www.juliadonaldson.co.uk/

Nose Frida: https://frida.com/

Chatgpt.com

Training a Tiger: A Father's Guide to Raising a Winner in Both Golf and Life by Earl Woods: https://www.amazon.com/Training-Tiger-Fathers-Raising-Winner/dp/0062701789

The Elephant and the Bad Baby: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1095518.The_Elephant_and_the_Bad_Baby
Baby Shusher: https://babyshusher.com/
Puffs: https://www.gerber.com/shop-by-product/snacks
Terminator 2: Judgement Day: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103064/
Ratatouille: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/
Minecraft: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3566834/
The Simpsons: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/
Neverending Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088323/

Larry David: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0202970/

—

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

Alex Egeler is a former engineering executive turned parent career coach. He’s also a father of four boys, a husband, and a stay-at-home dad who helps other working parents navigate meaningful careers that support, not strain their families. 

In this episode, Alex opens up about the unpredictable reality of parenting, the generational mental health patterns he’s determined to break, and how becoming a dad transformed how he views success. We discussed:

• Letting go of the career script: How Alex’s first paternity leave revealed the emptiness of his “perfect job” and led him to walk away, and how each child helped him rewrite what meaningful work really looks like.
• Undoing generational pressure: Why the deaths of Alex’s father and grandfather pushed him to question everything he believed about work, identity, and what it means to be a good dad.
• Parenting with emotional honesty: Alex shares how he learned to show all emotions and not just the “good” ones, and how that shift helped his kids build trust, empathy, and resilience.
• Supporting a child with bipolar disorder: Why Alex and his wife approach parenting as a tag team, how they talk openly about mental health with their 12-year-old son, and what they’ve learned about showing up differently in crisis vs. calm.
• Building flexible careers for parents: How Alex coaches other working parents to question old assumptions, set realistic job goals, and own their value in the job market — especially in roles that support both career and caregiving.

Where to find Alex Egeler

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-egeler-empathic-egg/ 
• Empathic Egg: https://www.empathicegg.com/

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) Introducing Alex Egeler

(02:10) How becoming a dad reshaped Alex’s career path

(05:08) The false promise of boundaries between work and family

(09:12) When Alex realized his job wasn’t meaningful anymore

(12:06) Four generations of men and mental health struggles

(16:15) Grieving his father through the eyes of his own son

(20:20) How Alex and his wife talk about depression with their child

(24:05) The invisible support team behind every successful parent

(27:15) Why stepping back from work was harder emotionally than socially

(31:00) Parenting four boys including surprise twins

(34:30) The sibling dynamics that no one prepares you for

(38:15) Teaching emotional regulation to young kids

(44:30) Using Dr. Becky’s “Good Inside” framework in daily life

(54:40) The power of reframing parenting as support, not punishment

(01:03:00) Lightning round: must-haves, mindsets, and moments

Show references:

Inside Out: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/
Batteries Not Included: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092494/ ‘

Alex’s LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-egeler-empathic-egg/

Stanford: https://www.stanford.edu/

Fibonacci Sequence: https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/fibonacci-sequence.html

Good Inside, Dr. Becky: https://www.goodinside.com/

Company of Dads/Paul Sullivan: https://thecompanyofdads.com/

Paul Sullivan’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSbH8uydFo

Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com/home

ChatGPT.com

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-i-built-a-house-chris-van-dusen/1109327478

Caillou: https://en.caillou.com/

—

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

Ben Erez is a former founder and product leader turned solopreneur and instructor. He teaches a popular Maven course for aspiring product managers, hosts the podcast Supra Insider, and is a proud girl dad living in Brooklyn. 

In this episode, Ben shares what it’s like raising a daughter while building a portfolio career on his own terms. We discussed:

• How solo parenting can feel easier: Why Ben finds weekday solo parenting less stressful than co-parenting, and how clarity in routine helps him stay grounded.
• Making the leap to fatherhood: The pros and cons exercise Ben used to think through becoming a parent and what ultimately pushed him to take the leap.
• What makes a portfolio career work: How Ben structures his time across fractional work, teaching, building an AI product, and podcasting without feeling overwhelmed.
• Structure as a path to freedom: Why routines have become essential for Ben and how they help him stay present, productive, and connected to his family.
• Handling disagreements as partners: Ben reflects on navigating different parenting styles with his wife and how they’ve built a process for staying aligned.
• Creating connection through community: How a local dad group gave Ben a deeper sense of belonging and why it’s made parenting feel a little less isolating.

Where to find Ben Erez

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

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) Introducing Ben Erez
(01:12) Raising a toddler and golden retriever
(04:29) Experiencing the magic of girl dad life
(08:42) Building a sustainable portfolio career
(14:56) Rethinking job security as a solopreneur
(18:35) The pros and cons of having kids
(22:36) Discovering the ease of solo parenting
(27:31) Why weekends feel less flexible now
(30:02) Feeling at home while traveling with kids
(34:28) Bedtime routines that actually work
(38:20) Handling disagreements with your partner
(42:22) How a dad group changed everything
(47:47) Navigating screen time and tech exposure
(53:08) Lightning round: morning vs. evening routines

Show references:

YouTube Kids: https://www.youtubekids.com/

iPad: https://www.apple.com/

Perplexity.ai: https://www.perplexity.ai/

Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/

Sound Machine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2JBMRE?th=1

Table top changing pad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KHD615K

Unspeakable: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwIWAbIeu0xI0ReKWOcw3eg

Blippi: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PYHgAzJ1wLEidB58SK6Xw

Moana: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/

Ghostbusters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/

Porsche: https://www.porsche.com/usa/

—

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

Jamie Lee is the Founder of JME Labs, a consulting business supporting startups and small businesses. Her husband, Jeff Okita, is the VP of Product at Tilt, a leave management platform. Together, they’re raising their 14-month-old daughter while managing demanding careers and a shared vision of parenting. We talked about:

• Building a strong support system: How Jamie and Jeff rely on an extended team of experts, family, and tools to make daily life manageable.
• Creating structure through rituals and check-ins: The methods they use to stay coordinated, including weekly planning and monthly reviews.
• Designing life around core values: Why they prioritize individual and shared time to stay connected to who they were before becoming parents.
• Traveling with a baby across continents: What 15 flights and two international trips have taught them about adaptability and preparation.
• Reevaluating the role of work: How becoming parents led both of them to rethink what success and fulfillment mean in their careers.
• Connection as a two-way street: Jeff’s take on bonding as a non-birthing parent and the moments that helped him feel truly needed.
• Challenging traditional roles in parenting: The decisions they’ve made to balance the mental, physical, and emotional load of raising a child.
• Preparing for an AI-powered future: Their early thoughts on how to raise a child in a world shaped by fast-moving technology.

Where to find Jamie Lee

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieannlee/ 
• JME Labs: https://www.jamiealee.com/ 

Where to find Jeff Okita

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffokita/ 
• Tilt: https://hellotilt.com/ 

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) Introducing Jamie and Jeff

(02:20) What is the “extended team” in their household

(04:35) Emergency childcare plans and calendar blow-ups

(05:08) The four C’s of parenting: Coordination, Communication, Compromise, Creativity

(06:06) Running, nursing, errands, and multitasking hacks

(07:27) Rituals for communication and monthly check-ins

(08:38) Me, Me, and We Nights

(11:09) Where their parenting systems came from

(13:33) Hiring a postpartum doula and learning on the fly

(14:22) 15 flights with a baby and international travel strategies

(17:39) Potato, plant, and puppy phases of babyhood

(20:14) Blowouts on the road and travel horror stories

(24:34) Not losing yourself post-baby

(28:59) Rethinking the role of work after having a child

(34:07) Building connection with your baby and rejecting the parenting default

(54:57) Lightning Round: parenting quirks, pre-baby routines, and toddler travel wins

Resources from this episode:
ChatGPT.com

Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins: https://bndl.co/3XlKH6e

Blank Check: https://imdb.to/3Vjc3T5

Planet Earth: https://imdb.to/3XlYoTo

—

Want to sponsor this podcast? Email [email protected]
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

David Apple is the Founder of Shark Tooth Biotech, a company focused on developing treatments for CMT 1A, a rare genetic disease affecting his oldest son. Previously an executive at Typeform, Notion, and Zingtree, David stepped away from startup life to become his son’s full-time advocate. 

He’s also a father of two, a board member of the CMTA, and a first-time children’s book author. We talked about:

• Leaving tech to prioritize advocacy: Why David chose to walk away from a successful career to support his son through a difficult diagnostic journey.
• Facing resistance in the medical system: What it took to push past early dismissals from doctors and finally get answers through genetic testing.
• Shifting expectations of fatherhood: How caring for a child with CMT changed David’s perception of strength, patience, and what it means to be a parent.
• Building a purpose-led biotech company: What inspired David to launch Shark Tooth and how he’s working to fill a critical research gap for CMT 1A.
• Protecting presence over legacy: Why David believes being present with his kids outweighs any long-term pursuit of recognition or success.
• Frameworks for family and marriage: From structured “me time” to clear communication tools, David shares the systems that help him stay grounded.

Where to find David Apple

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appledavid/ 
• X: https://x.com/davidcapple
• Shark Tooth Biotech: https://www.sharktooth.bio/ 

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) Introducing David Apple
(03:58) Leaving a CRO role to advocate full-time
(06:13) Getting real answers through genetic testing
(11:20) Misconceptions about being a stay-at-home parent
(14:27) How CMT shaped Ari’s creative side
(16:39) Using AI tools and finding support
(22:50) Why CMT research remains underfunded today
(27:12) Creating Shark Tooth Biotech with real purpose
(32:14) Advocacy matters more than expert opinions
(39:55) Letting go of legacy, focusing now
(44:04) Turning life’s obstacles into personal growth

(46:35) Lightning round

Show references:

CMT 1A: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/1245/charcot-marie-tooth-disease-type-1a

Typeform: https://www.typeform.com/

Notion: https://www.notion.com/

Zing Tree: https://zingtree.com/

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

Stanford: https://www.stanford.edu/

https://chatgpt.com/

CMTA: https://www.cmtausa.org/

Animal Yoga by Flowerpot Press, Brian Fitzgerald (Illustrator): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/animal-yoga-flowerpot-press/1143842943

Cystic Fibrosis: https://www.cff.org/

https://www.tiktok.com/en/

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, Neil deGrasse Tyson:  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2395695/

Paul Campillo: https://paulcampillo.com/

Munchkin Warm Glow Wipe Warmer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CNOIQ2

Momcozy Convertible Double Stroller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJXX76MN

Marine Layer: https://www.marinelayer.com/

Coco Melon: https://www.cocomelon.com/

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

Les Visiteurs: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108500/

Reach an audience at the intersection of startups and parenting - For sponsorship inquiries email [email protected].

Support the show -  For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Alex Medick is the Director of Marketing at TensorWave, an AI infrastructure company. Prior to this role, he served as the President and Chief Marketing Officer of Inside.com.

He’s also a single dad to two kids, a son and a daughter, navigating the challenges of parenting while leading in the startup world. 

We discussed:
- Balancing parenting with startup demands: How Alex manages being the primary parent while navigating the challenges of working at a fast-paced startup.
- Communicating with kids during a separation: The approach Alex took to talk to his young children about his separation and how it affected them.
- Unexpected fulfillment from fatherhood: How becoming a dad has brought a deeper sense of fulfillment and perspective to Alex’s life.
- Giving yourself grace as a parent: Why Alex’s motto is to give yourself grace, especially during the hectic and overwhelming times.
- The “sucky” moments that create lasting memories: Alex shares how saying yes to the challenging moments, like chaotic travel and events, leads to some of the most memorable experiences.
- Old school parenting in modern times: Alex talks about his approach to parenting, influenced by older generations, and why he believes kids need more structure and less coddling.

Where to find Alex Medick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajmedick/ 
X: https://x.com/ajmedick
TensorWave: https://tensorwave.com/

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) Introducing Alex Medick
(02:10) Balancing parenting with startup life
(03:15) Talking to kids about separation
(08:15) Unexpected fulfillment from fatherhood
(10:06) Giving yourself grace and embracing imperfection
(16:20) Old school parenting in modern times
(19:31) Hospital quarantine story and new perspective
(22:28) Travel chaos, flight disasters, and survival tips
(33:29) Raising kids with tech: balance needed
(36:03) Empathy and life principles guiding Alex
(39:50) Lightning round: must-haves and parenting quirks

Show references:
YouTube Kids: https://www.youtubekids.com/
iPad: https://www.apple.com/
Perplexity.ai: https://www.perplexity.ai/
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
Sound Machine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2JBMRE?th=1
Table top changing pad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KHD615K

Unspeakable: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwIWAbIeu0xI0ReKWOcw3eg
Blippi: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PYHgAzJ1wLEidB58SK6Xw
Moana: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/
Ghostbusters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/
Porsche: https://www.porsche.com/usa/
—
For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Jordan Gal is the CEO of Rosie, an AI answering service for small businesses. He’s also a five-time founder, husband, and dad to three daughters.

Born in Israel and raised in an immigrant entrepreneur household, Jordan shares how that upbringing shapes his parenting and how he and his wife work to combine their very different childhood experiences.

We discussed:

• Talking to kids about money: How Jordan brings business lessons into everyday moments without oversharing or creating pressure.
• Being family first in a startup world: Why Jordan sees business as a tool to support his real priorities.
• Nudging kids toward ownership: The subtle ways he introduces the value of equity, risk, and autonomy.
• Managing stress without passing it on: How Jordan handles emotional spillover and what he shares with his kids.
• Modeling healthy conflict in marriage: Why he believes transparency and disagreement are both part of partnership.
• Challenging assumptions through travel: How 18 months of nomadic living reshaped what his family needed and what they didn’t.

Where to find Jordan Gal

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordangal  
• X: https://x.com/jordangal 
• Rosie: https://heyrosie.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 Jordan Gal
(01:59) Growing up in an immigrant entrepreneur household
(04:13) Leaving investment banking for freedom and risk
(05:54) Blending two very different parenting styles
(08:33) What being “extremely family first” really looks like
(11:49) Living nomadically with a toddler and a pack and play
(17:37) Why Jordan’s family left Portland for the Chicago suburbs
(23:14) Talking to kids about money in everyday situations
(28:05) Gently guiding kids toward entrepreneurship
(30:08) Managing startup stress without bringing it home
(36:47) Being honest with your partner about startup risk and tradeoffs
(48:01) Lightning round: minivans, Bee Movie, and doing the worm

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

Links for Jordan Gal

Rosie: https://heyrosie.com

Aaron’s LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarondfrancis/

Aaron Francis’ Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SntR9LmO4oU

Dorit Lemel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorit_Kemsley

University of Michigan: https://umich.edu/

Harvard Business School:https://online.hbs.edu/

Kibbutz:https://www.britannica.com/topic/kibbutz

David Foster Wallace, This is Water: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCbGM4mqEVw

Pack N Play: https://www.gracobaby.com/shop/home-and-gear/pack-n-play-playards

Marine Layer: https://www.marinelayer.com/

Vuori: https://vuoriclothing.com/

Bee Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389790/

The Wonder Years: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094582/

Parenthood: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1416765/

Schindler’s List: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108052/

Sol Kennedyi is the founder of BestInterest which helps co-parents navigate the messiness of that complex relationship. He is a serial founder who has built and sold multiple companies and has been the head of product at Dropcam, a PM at Google and an angel investor in companies like Coinbase, Gitlab and Instacart. In addition to being a serial entrepreneur he’s also a single, half-time dad of two kids and a co-parent. We discussed:

* Navigating divorce and co-parenting

* Important lessons he’s learned from his co-parenting role

* The adversarial system that exists in family court and treats parents like criminals

* The emotional rollercoaster of half-time parenting as a single Dad

* His experience taking an extended time off to be a full-time Dad when his daughter was young

* Mistakes he’s made as a parent that have helped him grow into the Dad he is today.

* How your kids help you heal your own relationship with your parents

* The importance of patience and slowness when raising kids

Where to find Sal Kennedy

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solkennedy/

* BestInterest App: bestinterestapp.com

* Sol’s Podcast: https://podcast.coparentingbeyondconflict.com/

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:

[1:55] Welcome

[2:11] Professional background

[3:53] Kids & divorce

[6:17] Co-parenting

[10:34] Advice for those going though this/co- parenting

[13:26] Being a half-time dad

[17:35] Strategies for setting boundaries with kids

[20:33] Decision to be a full-time dad and then back into work-force

[25:49] Does his own family use Best Interest?

[26:07] Most surprising things you’ve discovered as a dad?

[29:04] how having kids helped heal his relationship with his own parents

[32:08] Advice to younger Sol

[34:10] Transition from 1 to 2 kids

[36:48] Frameworks for parenting

[40:22] Kid’s relationship with tech

[44:48] Mistake as a dad

[49:05] Follow along

[49:59] Lightning round

[1:00:07] Thank you

—

Show references:

Coinbase: https://www.coinbase.com/

GitLab: https://about.gitlab.com/

Instacart: https://www.instacart.com/

Bug catcher: https://www.amazon.com/toys-Battat-Bungalow-Insect-Catching/dp/B01M0V474Y

Baby sock monitor (Owlet): https://owletcare.com/products/owlet-dream-sock

Pixar: https://www.pixar.com/

Star Wars: https://www.starwars.com/

Mini Cooper: https://www.miniusa.com/

—

For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].

For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Nikunj Kothari is a former investor with Khosla Ventures and a product and growth leader from companies like Opendoor, Shyp, and LinkedIn. He’s now out on his own advising, investing and spending time as a husband and a father of two, including a brand new son! We discussed:

* The false dichotomy between ambition and parenting and the support structures needed to achieve it

* The work it takes to prioritize your partner after the arrival of a new baby

* How execution as a Dad is only part of the problem set

* Big mistakes he’s made as a Dad

* How the relationship with his own parents changed since becoming a father

* Top tips for international flights with young kids

Where to find Nikunj Kothari

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikunjk/

* X: https://x.com/nikunj

* Website: https://www.nikunjk.com/

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:

[2:00] Welcome

[2:17] What Nikunj is up to these days

[3:08] Four generations in the home/dad feedback

[3:58] Childhood

[5:25] Family now

[8:33] Decision to start a family

[10:35] Ambition and parent dichotomy

[13:22] Would you rewind the clock?

[17:33] Who needs help in the newborn stage

[21:36] Paying attention to invisible labor

[23:45] Mistakes as a dad/prioritize making time for partner

[26:39] Funny story of his daughter sleeping through the night

[30:07] Traveling with young children

[34:26] Relationship to own parents in fatherhood

[38:20] How parenting changed from kid to kid

[40:28] Go-to activity

[41:46] Aligning with partner

[45;05] Kid’s relationship with tech

[49:34] Favorite books to read to kids

[50:44] Follow along

[51:37] Lightning round

[58:03] Thank you

—

Show references:

Khosla Ventures: https://www.khoslaventures.com/

Opendoor: https://www.opendoor.com/

SIDS: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800

Children’s Creativity Museum: https://creativity.org/

Ms. Rachel: https://www.youtube.com/@msrachel

Coco Melon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCmjCuTUZos6Inko4u57UQ

Spring is here (Bear and Mole Series) by Will Hillenbrand: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spring-is-here-will-hillenbrand/1103442878

Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit: https://www.magicsleepsuit.com/

Home Alone: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/

Home Alone: 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104431/

Dunston Checks In: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116151/

Moana: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/

Kal Ho Naa Ho:

Blow up flight bed: https://www.flyawaydesigns.com/products/flyaway-kids-bed

—

For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].

For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.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

Brian Holt is Staff Product Manager at Neon and has been a VP of Product and product leader at companies like SQLite Cloud, Snowflake, Stripe and Microsoft. He was also an engineer at both Netflix and Reddit where he was one of the earliest employees. He’s a husband and the father of one son and brand new daughter. We discussed:

* Preparing for the arrival of your 2nd kid

* The importance of being a “whole person” and why that makes you a better parent and partner

* Living a nomadic lifestyle with a toddler and the importance of routine

* The overwhelming amount of conflicting parenting advice

* The “third person” support system

* His deep and unending love for the Snoo

* The magic of magnetic snap baby clothes

—

Where to find Brian Holt

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btholt/

* X: https://x.com/holtbt

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:

[2:05] Welcome

[2:41] Brian’s Professional background

[3:42] Childhood

[7:08] Family now

[8:05] Advice to those choosing travel or having children

[9:42] Preparing older children for new siblings

[15:07] Nomadic living

[20:52] Most surprising things as a dad

[22:49] Advice to younger Brian and what to ignore

[26:55] Balance

[30:49] Anything Brian gave up to have kids

[33:05] Favorite book to read to his son

[34:12] Partnership

[37:05] Kid’s relationship with tech

[41:40] Mistake as a dad

[42:51] Repressed memories

[45:12] Recharge batteries

[49:20] Follow along

[49:59] Lightning round

[1:02:45] Thank you

—

Show references:

Neon: https://neon.tech/

SQLite Cloud: https://sqlitecloud.io/

Snowflake: https://www.snowflake.com/en/

Stripe: https://stripe.com/

Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/

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

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/?rdt=54182

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

Magnetic Me: https://magneticme.com/

Helena, Montana: https://www.helenamt.gov/Home

Salt Lake City, Utah: https://www.visitsaltlake.com/

Disneyland: https://disneyland.disney.go.com

Home Alone: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/

Ikon Pass: https://www.ikonpass.com/

Kit Fisto: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Kit_FistoStar Wars Phantom Menace: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120915/

ChatGPT: chatgpt.com

ABCs of Star Wars: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-ABC-Scholastic/dp/0545227380

Star Wars colors: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Colors-Board-Books/dp/0545609194

1 - 2 -3 - Magic: https://www.123magic.com/

Gameboy:https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-History/Game-Boy/Game-Boy-627031.html

Nintendo 64: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-64-nintendo-switch-online-switch/

IBM: https://www.ibm.com

Sacramento A’s: https://www.mlb.com/athletics/sacramento

iPad: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-ipad

Utah Jazz: https://www.nba.com/jazz

Kings: https://www.nba.com/kings

Paw Patrol Show: https://www.pawpatrollive.com

Owlet: https://owletcare.com

AirPod: https://www.apple.com/airpods

Barney: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0144701

Paw Patrol: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3121722

YouTube Kids: https://www.youtubekids.com

Sonic The Hedgehog: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3794354

Super Mario: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6718170

Tron Legacy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1104001

Tommy Boy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114694

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

—

For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].

For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.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