A first-time dad six weeks from his due date opens up about what the third trimester really feels like. Tony Cooper sits down with Jesse Ganes to talk through the physical and emotional shifts of late pregnancy, the conversations he's having with friends and family about how life is about to change, and the parenting choices he and his wife Emma are making before their son even arrives. They cover screen time boundaries, the science behind a changing "dad brain," sleep deprivation, division of labor in parenting, and why protecting couple time now matters so much. Key Takeaways<ul><li>Screen time boundaries are a conversation worth having before the baby arrives, not after</li><li>Pregnancy changes what a couple can physically do together, and renegotiating that takes patience</li><li>A father's brain physically changes to respond differently to a baby's cry, according to research Jesse's been reading</li><li>Telling friends without kids that the relationship will change, but won't end, sets healthier expectations</li><li>Community and local parent networks (including a "semi active" dad group) become a real resource</li><li>Sleep deprivation is often less about the sleep loss itself and more about the judgment attached to it</li><li>Protecting couple time during pregnancy builds the foundation for the family that's coming</li></ul> If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/00:00 Cold open 00:29 Meet Jesse Ganes 01:17 Six weeks from the due date 02:10 What feels real right now 03:04 Talking about screen time early 05:16 Two becomes three 06:08 What pregnancy changed physically 09:49 Trusting your body through pregnancy 11:06 Hormones and a happy pregnancy 13:45 Getting his head around the change 15:01 Talking to friends without kids 17:42 Parenting in Brooklyn 19:20 Finding the dad group 20:38 The "Dad Brain" book 22:41 Re-parenting yourself 26:13 Learning not to lose it over messes 28:15 Surviving on no sleep 30:23 What's new this generation 32:00 Filtering baby gear from noise 33:31 Advice for a couple just starting out 36:26 Closing thoughts

A first-time dad six weeks from his due date opens up about what the third trimester really feels like. Tony Cooper sits down with Jesse Ganes to talk through the physical and emotional shifts of late pregnancy, the conversations he's having with friends and family about how life is about to change, and the parenting choices he and his wife Emma are making before their son even arrives. They cover screen time boundaries, the science behind a changing "dad brain," sleep deprivation, division of labor in parenting, and why protecting couple time now matters so much. Key TakeawaysScreen time boundaries are a conversation worth having before the baby arrives, not afterPregnancy changes what a couple can physically do together, and renegotiating that takes patienceA father's brain physically changes to respond differently to a baby's cry, according to research Jesse's been readingTelling friends without kids that the relationship will change, but won't end, sets healthier expectationsCommunity and local parent networks (including a "semi active" dad group) become a real resourceSleep deprivation is often less about the sleep loss itself and more about the judgment attached to itProtecting couple time during pregnancy builds the foundation for the family that's coming If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/ 00:00 Cold open 00:29 Meet Jesse Ganes 01:17 Six weeks from the due date 02:10 What feels real right now 03:04 Talking about screen time early 05:16 Two becomes three 06:08 What pregnancy changed physically 09:49 Trusting your body through pregnancy 11:06 Hormones and a happy pregnancy 13:45 Getting his head around the change 15:01 Talking to friends without kids 17:42 Parenting in Brooklyn 19:20 Finding the dad group 20:38 The "Dad Brain" book 22:41 Re-parenting yourself 26:13 Learning not to lose it over messes 28:15 Surviving on no sleep 30:23 What's new this generation 32:00 Filtering baby gear from noise 33:31 Advice for a couple just starting out 36:26 Closing thoughts

A first-time dad six weeks from his due date opens up about what the third trimester really feels like. Tony Cooper sits down with Jesse Ganes to talk through the physical and emotional shifts of late pregnancy, the conversations he's having with friends and family about how life is about to change, and the parenting choices he and his wife Emma are making before their son even arrives. They cover screen time boundaries, the science behind a changing "dad brain," sleep deprivation, division of labor in parenting, and why protecting couple time now matters so much. Key Takeaways<ul><li>Screen time boundaries are a conversation worth having before the baby arrives, not after</li><li>Pregnancy changes what a couple can physically do together, and renegotiating that takes patience</li><li>A father's brain physically changes to respond differently to a baby's cry, according to research Jesse's been reading</li><li>Telling friends without kids that the relationship will change, but won't end, sets healthier expectations</li><li>Community and local parent networks (including a "semi active" dad group) become a real resource</li><li>Sleep deprivation is often less about the sleep loss itself and more about the judgment attached to it</li><li>Protecting couple time during pregnancy builds the foundation for the family that's coming</li></ul> If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad!&nbsp;Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/00:00 Cold open 00:29 Meet Jesse Ganes 01:17 Six weeks from the due date 02:10 What feels real right now 03:04 Talking about screen time early 05:16 Two becomes three 06:08 What pregnancy changed physically 09:49 Trusting your body through pregnancy 11:06 Hormones and a happy pregnancy 13:45 Getting his head around the change 15:01 Talking to friends without kids 17:42 Parenting in Brooklyn 19:20 Finding the dad group 20:38 The "Dad Brain" book 22:41 Re-parenting yourself 26:13 Learning not to lose it over messes 28:15 Surviving on no sleep 30:23 What's new this generation 32:00 Filtering baby gear from noise 33:31 Advice for a couple just starting out 36:26 Closing thoughts

Ep 35: Six Weeks From Fatherhood: Jesse Ganes on Becoming a Dad

What happens inside a man when he finds out he's going to be a dad — and he's still months away? Vascular surgeon and expectant father Lucas Ferrer joins Tony Cooper for a candid conversation about what life looks like at 25 weeks pregnant. Lucas opens up about the in-between feeling of impending fatherhood — the moments of disconnection at work and the gut-punch of feeling Santiago kick for the first time. Together, Tony and Lucas explore generational patterns, the fear culture Lucas grew up with in Puerto Rico, and the powerful model his grandfather set. This is a rare, honest look inside the heart and mind of a man preparing to become a dad.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>The emotional reality of expectant fatherhood often oscillates between disconnection and profound shock</li><li>Becoming a parent heightens awareness of unconscious patterns and generational trauma</li><li>Growing up around self-aware role models can shape a man's approach to fatherhood long before he becomes a father</li><li>Fear of risk is a learned behavior — and it can be unlearned</li><li>Being present as a father starts as an intention you set before the baby arrives</li><li>A man's relationship with support and community matters as much as his individual inner work</li><li>Finding a men's group or support network can be transformational, especially in the transition to fatherhood</li><li>Shifting priorities away from career and toward family requires intentional planning, not just good intentions</li><li>Speaking to your child before birth — in Lucas's case, in Spanish — is a simple, powerful act of early connection</li><li>Fatherhood, at its core, is a call to become the best version of yourself</li></ul>If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to <a href="mailto:dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com">dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com</a>.Connect with Tony Cooper: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/</a>00:00 Intro & cold open 01:00 Meet Lucas Ferrer, expectant father at 25 weeks 02:10 A vascular surgeon's approach to pregnancy 03:03 Why "What to Expect" can do more harm than good 04:05 Presence and disconnection during the work day 05:12 Fatherhood as a call to your best self 06:01 Breaking unconscious patterns before the baby arrives 07:32 Growing up in Puerto Rico: family, memory, and roots 09:21 Fear culture and tall poppy syndrome 10:44 Gabor Maté: big T and little T trauma 11:19 Lucas's grandfather: a model of grounded masculinity 13:25 The qualities Lucas wants to carry into fatherhood 15:07 Unlearning fear and choosing adventure 17:01 Allowing failure as a father and mentor 18:48 How the pregnancy happened: intentional and unplanned 20:56 Biology, purpose, and something bigger at play 23:46 Witnessing Courtney's transformation 25:06 Being the rock: emotional steadiness under pressure 26:47 Inner work and patterns Lucas is actively breaking 28:40 Men's groups, community, and being supportable 33:05 Due date, wedding week, and planning for presence 36:56 Final words: fully present is the North Star

What happens inside a man when he finds out he's going to be a dad — and he's still months away? Vascular surgeon and expectant father Lucas Ferrer joins Tony Cooper for a candid conversation about what life looks like at 25 weeks pregnant. Lucas opens up about the in-between feeling of impending fatherhood — the moments of disconnection at work and the gut-punch of feeling Santiago kick for the first time. Together, Tony and Lucas explore generational patterns, the fear culture Lucas grew up with in Puerto Rico, and the powerful model his grandfather set. This is a rare, honest look inside the heart and mind of a man preparing to become a dad. Key Takeaways:The emotional reality of expectant fatherhood often oscillates between disconnection and profound shockBecoming a parent heightens awareness of unconscious patterns and generational traumaGrowing up around self-aware role models can shape a man's approach to fatherhood long before he becomes a fatherFear of risk is a learned behavior — and it can be unlearnedBeing present as a father starts as an intention you set before the baby arrivesA man's relationship with support and community matters as much as his individual inner workFinding a men's group or support network can be transformational, especially in the transition to fatherhoodShifting priorities away from career and toward family requires intentional planning, not just good intentionsSpeaking to your child before birth — in Lucas's case, in Spanish — is a simple, powerful act of early connectionFatherhood, at its core, is a call to become the best version of yourselfIf you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/ 00:00 Intro & cold open 01:00 Meet Lucas Ferrer, expectant father at 25 weeks 02:10 A vascular surgeon's approach to pregnancy 03:03 Why "What to Expect" can do more harm than good 04:05 Presence and disconnection during the work day 05:12 Fatherhood as a call to your best self 06:01 Breaking unconscious patterns before the baby arrives 07:32 Growing up in Puerto Rico: family, memory, and roots 09:21 Fear culture and tall poppy syndrome 10:44 Gabor Maté: big T and little T trauma 11:19 Lucas's grandfather: a model of grounded masculinity 13:25 The qualities Lucas wants to carry into fatherhood 15:07 Unlearning fear and choosing adventure 17:01 Allowing failure as a father and mentor 18:48 How the pregnancy happened: intentional and unplanned 20:56 Biology, purpose, and something bigger at play 23:46 Witnessing Courtney's transformation 25:06 Being the rock: emotional steadiness under pressure 26:47 Inner work and patterns Lucas is actively breaking 28:40 Men's groups, community, and being supportable 33:05 Due date, wedding week, and planning for presence 36:56 Final words: fully present is the North Star

What happens inside a man when he finds out he's going to be a dad — and he's still months away? Vascular surgeon and expectant father Lucas Ferrer joins Tony Cooper for a candid conversation about what life looks like at 25 weeks pregnant. Lucas opens up about the in-between feeling of impending fatherhood — the moments of disconnection at work and the gut-punch of feeling Santiago kick for the first time. Together, Tony and Lucas explore generational patterns, the fear culture Lucas grew up with in Puerto Rico, and the powerful model his grandfather set. This is a rare, honest look inside the heart and mind of a man preparing to become a dad.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>The emotional reality of expectant fatherhood often oscillates between disconnection and profound shock</li><li>Becoming a parent heightens awareness of unconscious patterns and generational trauma</li><li>Growing up around self-aware role models can shape a man's approach to fatherhood long before he becomes a father</li><li>Fear of risk is a learned behavior — and it can be unlearned</li><li>Being present as a father starts as an intention you set before the baby arrives</li><li>A man's relationship with support and community matters as much as his individual inner work</li><li>Finding a men's group or support network can be transformational, especially in the transition to fatherhood</li><li>Shifting priorities away from career and toward family requires intentional planning, not just good intentions</li><li>Speaking to your child before birth — in Lucas's case, in Spanish — is a simple, powerful act of early connection</li><li>Fatherhood, at its core, is a call to become the best version of yourself</li></ul>If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to <a href="mailto:dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com</a>.Connect with Tony Cooper: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/</a>00:00 Intro &amp; cold open 01:00 Meet Lucas Ferrer, expectant father at 25 weeks 02:10 A vascular surgeon's approach to pregnancy 03:03 Why "What to Expect" can do more harm than good 04:05 Presence and disconnection during the work day 05:12 Fatherhood as a call to your best self 06:01 Breaking unconscious patterns before the baby arrives 07:32 Growing up in Puerto Rico: family, memory, and roots 09:21 Fear culture and tall poppy syndrome 10:44 Gabor Maté: big T and little T trauma 11:19 Lucas's grandfather: a model of grounded masculinity 13:25 The qualities Lucas wants to carry into fatherhood 15:07 Unlearning fear and choosing adventure 17:01 Allowing failure as a father and mentor 18:48 How the pregnancy happened: intentional and unplanned 20:56 Biology, purpose, and something bigger at play 23:46 Witnessing Courtney's transformation 25:06 Being the rock: emotional steadiness under pressure 26:47 Inner work and patterns Lucas is actively breaking 28:40 Men's groups, community, and being supportable 33:05 Due date, wedding week, and planning for presence 36:56 Final words: fully present is the North Star

Ep 23: Before the Birth: A Surgeon Prepares to Become a Father

Welcome to The Dad Manual

The Dad Manual is a fatherhood podcast hosted by Tony Cooper, featuring honest conversations with dads about the real, unfiltered journey of parenthood. This parenting podcast for dads explores everything from the excitement of being a first time dad to navigating the teenage years. As one of the best podcasts for expecting dads and experienced fathers alike, we dive deep into what it actually means to be a modern dad—the struggles, the growth, the mistakes, and the moments that change you forever. Whether you're looking for a new dad podcast or seasoned parenting wisdom, this family podcast delivers the honest guidance you won't find in books.

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