WHOA DAD! GO DAD!

WHOA DAD! GO DAD!

By Dave Momper - Leadership Coach and New DadParentingKids & Family
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WHOA DAD! GO DAD! episodes

  • Ep. 42 – “You Can’t Control Her: The Leadership Shift That Saves a Marriage” – with G. Vidal
    What happens when a man realizes… he’s the problem?"You don’t fix your marriage by fixing your partner.You fix it by becoming the man the relationship requires."In this raw and powerful conversation, I sit down with G. Vidal—father, husband, and creator of Alpha Dad Consulting—to unpack the moment his marriage nearly fell apart… and the decision that changed everything.After discovering betrayal early in his marriage, G spiraled into control, insecurity, and desperation—trying to fix everything around him. But it wasn’t until a mentor told him a hard truth—“You can’t control her. You can only control yourself.”—that his life began to transform.What followed wasn’t quick. It took years.Years of rebuilding trust.Years of changing behavior.Years of becoming a different man.And on the other side?A 15-year marriage.Four kids.A brotherhood of men.And a rediscovered creative fire—now expressed through music, leadership, and fatherhood.🔥 In this episode, we explore:-Why most men misunderstand leadership in marriage-The difference between control and responsibility-How attraction and trust are rebuilt (not demanded)-What it actually takes to recover from betrayal-The hidden cost of putting your wife at the center of your identity-Why men need purpose and creative expression—not just responsibility-How your children learn more from what you do than what you say🧠 This conversation is for you if:-You feel stuck or disconnected in your marriage-You want to become a more intentional husband and father-You’re navigating trust, conflict, or rebuilding-You know you’re capable of more—but haven’t acted on it yet-You’re ready to take ownership of your life, your leadership, and your future🔗 Connect with G. Vidal:Instagram: G. Vidal Musichttps://www.instagram.com/gvidalmusic/Music (Spotify / Apple): G. Vidalhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/4XPLpKJfEvfRkfpaUUKxH9?si=gzAdYbooQ_-Ll3-efq-olQYouTube: Alpha Dad Consultinghttps://www.youtube.com/@alphadadconsultingCheck out G's latest single: https://open.spotify.com/album/6BCuSt8CSpEFLA2GPMAGfp?si=tHl48TD1S5WmABrWf2TA8A📢 If this episode resonates:Share it with a dad, a husband, or a man who needs to hear it.And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on leadership, fatherhood, and raising legends.Onward!-Dave MomperLeadership Coach and New Dadwww.thrivalconcepts.com#WhoaDadGoDad #RaisingLegends #IntentionalFatherhood #DadLeadership #LeadershipAtHome #ModernFatherhood #PresentDad #FatherhoodJourney #FamilyLeadership #MarriageLeadership #OwnYourShit #PersonalResponsibility #RebuildTrust #LeadYourMarriage #MarriageTransformation #EmotionalOwnership#MasculineLeadership #MenOfCharacter #PurposeDrivenMen #SovereignMen #ModernMasculinity #MarriageAdvice #RelationshipAdviceForMen #SelfImprovementDaily #GrowthMindset
    1 hr 45 min
  • Ep. 41 - “Rites of Passage: Raising Real Men in an Age of Weakness” – with Dan Smith of Voyage Rites
    In this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with Dan Smith, founder of Voyage Rites, to explore one of the most important—and overlooked—responsibilities of fatherhood: guiding boys into manhood.Listen in to learn the 5 Things Fathers Must Do Before the Rite of Passage, and then how to construct bona fide rites of passage that signfy and invite manhood.This convo is so important to me. I see an impending lack of good men in the world, and simultaneously a rising tide of intentional fathers. In this pod we unpack what’s missing in modern culture when it comes to raising strong, grounded, and sovereign men—and why so many boys today are left searching for identity, purpose, and direction.Dan shares his personal journey from law enforcement and the FBI to building a movement focused on rites of passage for young men, along with the deeper realization that changed everything for him as a father of three boys.We dive into:-Why boys don’t automatically become men—and what’s been lost over the last 100+ years-The hidden impact of the Industrial Revolution on fatherhood and masculine development-How modern culture encourages passivity—and what it means to raise a sovereign young man-The psychological need for rites of passage (and how boys try to replace them in unhealthy ways)-What fathers can do today—at every stage of childhood—to prepare their sons for manhood-The difference between being a “good dad” and being an intentional fatherWe also break down Dan’s framework for guiding boys through a structured journey—from early childhood, to preparation, to initiation, and ultimately into adulthood.This is a conversation about responsibility, clarity, and stepping fully into the role of a father—not just as a provider, but as a true guide in their leadership journey.If you’re a father—or plan to be—this episode will challenge how you think about raising your sons and daughters.🔗 Connect with Dan Smith & Voyage Rites:Linedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-smith-307469322/Website: https://voyagerites.comExplore events, programs, and resources for fathers and sons🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on fatherhood, leadership, and raising legends.Onward!-Dave MomperLeadership Coach and Brand New Dadwww.thrivalconcepts.com#WhoaDadGoDad #RaisingLegends #IntentionalFatherhood #DadLeadership #LeadershipAtHome #ModernFatherhood #PresentDad #FatherhoodJourney #MarriageAndFamily#RiteOfPassage #RaisingMen #MasculineLeadership #StrongFathers #BoysToMen #PurposeDrivenMen #MenOfCharacter #SovereignMen #LegacyBuilding#ParentingBoys #FathersAndSons #NextGenerationLeaders #FamilyLeadership #LeadYourFamily
    1 hr 20 min
  • Ep. 40 - “From One Child to Two: Expanding the Container of Fatherhood” – with Mark Guay

    In this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit back down with Mark Guay—my very first guest and now my first repeat guest—as he stands on the edge of a major family transition: welcoming his second child (a baby girl) literally any day now. 


    We talk in real time—before the birth—about what changes when you’re no longer stepping into fatherhood for the first time: the mix of excitement and pressure, the honest fear that comes from knowing how intense the first months can be, and the way parenting forces you to confront your own patterns as they get mirrored back through your child. 


    Mark opens up about the realities that don’t make it into highlight reels: past postpartum and health scares, the mental load of protecting a marriage while raising kids, and the responsibility of “expanding your container” as a man and father. We also get into deeper territory—rites of passage for boys, loneliness and resilience in young men, and why so many modern conversations about masculinity stop short of solutions. 


    Two quotes that really caught my attention: 


    “Every new child demands a bigger container. The work is becoming the man who can hold it.”


    “Protecting your marriage while raising children isn’t automatic—it’s leadership.”


    If you’re a dad in growth mode—or you’re preparing to become one—this conversation is a grounded look at what it means to lead your home with presence, emotional ownership, and real support for the mother of your children. 


    Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: 

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwguay/


    Tap into Mark's "7 Dimensional Breathing" course:

    https://markwguay.me/7dbreathing


    Onward!

    -Dave Momper

    Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad

    www.thrivalconcepts.com 


    #WhoaDadGoDad #RaisingLegends #IntentionalFatherhood #DadLeadership #LeadershipAtHome #ModernFatherhood #PresentDad #DadLife #GirlDad #SecondChild #SecondBaby #BabyNumberTwo #NewbornLife #GrowingOurFamily #TwoUnderTwo #ParentingJourney #FatherhoodJourney #MarriageAndFamily

    1 hr 6 min
  • Ep. 39 - “Stop Raising Soft Kids” – with author Jeff Nelligan

    In this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with author and parent to three badass men, Jeff Nelligan, to talk about a hard truth: the clock on fatherhood starts earlier than we think—and resilience doesn’t magically appear at 18. Jeff shares how raising three sons (now all military officers, including one who pursued a waiver for professional rugby) shaped his latest short, punchy book: Four Lessons for My Three Sons: How You Can Raise a Resilient Kid.

    We also get into why so many young adults are struggling right now—and Jeff brings stats that should stop every parent in their tracks:
    -Gen Z is roughly 71 million people
    -45% of 18–32-year-olds still live at home
    -40% have a chronic condition before age 30
    -Roughly 1 out of 3 report feeling hopeless/depressed/“despairing”
    -56% are overweight or obese
    -48% say they’re online almost constantly
    -Kids ages 10–18 average 8 hours 47 minutes/day on a device (not including homework)
    -Kids ages 3–5 average ~110 minutes/day of screen time
    -And when it comes to early work-life readiness (surveys Jeff cites): 6 out of 10 Gen Z hires are fired within the first year, 40% within the first two months, and about 1 out of 3 bring a parent to meet the hiring manager

    From there, our conversation moves into what fathers can actually do: micro-tests of independence, controlled discomfort, real accountability, and a repeatable way to build kids who can handle pressure and responsibility.

    What you’ll hear in this episode:
    -Why Jeff believes 75% of the time you’ll ever spend with your kids is gone by age 12
    -How to build “acclimation to responsibility” through small reps
    -The leadership mantra Jeff learned in infantry training: assess, adapt, advance
    -The four pillars Jeff used to shape his sons: courtesy & conduct, confidence, resilience, and ambition
    -Three practical actions you can implement immediately: device control, nightly walks, and reading rituals
    -A powerful closing reflection: what Jeff hopes his sons say about him someday—humor, guidance, and grit

    If you’re raising young kids and you feel the stakes of the modern world—distraction, softness, anxiety, and confusion—this episode is a direct, practical reminder:

    Resilience is trained, not wished for.

    Grab Jeff's Book- "Four Lessons From My Three Sons: How You Can Raise A Resilient Kid:"
    (https://a.co/d/0ej5vTxi)

    Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-nelligan-8277654/

    Onward!
    -Dave Momper
    Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
    www.thrivalconcepts.com #WhoaDadGoDad #LeadershipForFathers #RaisingLegends #IntentionalFatherhood #FathersWhoLead #DadLeadership #ModernFatherhood #PresentDad #RaiseResilientKids #ResilientParenting #RaisingStrongKids #BuildCharacter #ParentWithPurpose #FutureReadyKids #ConfidenceBuilding #AccountabilityMatters #HardThings #GenZ #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #ScreenTime #DigitalDiscipline #YouthMentalHealth #StrongFamilies #LeadershipAtHome #CharacterOverComfort #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #AssessAdaptAdvance #MenOfCharacter #LegacyThinking #BuildTheFuture

    1 hr 3 min
  • Ep. 38 - “Teach Your Kids to Struggle Well” – with Eric Wilson

    Welcome to Episode 38 with Eric Wilson

    (Eric’s Dad Stats: Two sons, two daughters, age range early 20s to early 30s)In this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with Eric Wilson—a father of four, a business builder, an elk hunter, and a man of deep conviction. Eric’s journey is nothing short of a masterclass in fatherhood, leadership, and personal transformation.

    We talk about the evolution of partnership—Eric and his wife built multiple successful businesses together—and what it means to raise kids who are not just self-sufficient, but principled, resilient, and deeply thoughtful. Eric opens up about hard parenting seasons, where consequences were real, and what it took to maintain connection through it all.

    This conversation is an invitation to all fathers to embrace the hard things, lead from integrity, and prepare our kids to thrive in a world that won’t always be easy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to raise capable, thinking, grounded adults—you’ll find answers in Eric’s hard-earned wisdom.

    Key Themes:
    -Teaching your kids how to struggle well-Building businesses with your spouse
    -Modeling principled decision-making
    -The long view of fatherhood (and why it never really ends)
    -Raising kids to become deep thinkers, not just rule followers

    Quote That Stuck With Me: “Every choice you make has a consequence. And your life is a series of consequences that came from your choices.”

    Connect with Eric:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwilsonvision/
    https://www.ericwilsoncoaching.com/

    Onward!
    -Dave Momper
    Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
    www.thrivalconcepts.com

    #Fatherhood #MensWork #IntentionalParenting #RaisingLegends #ModernFatherhood #PresenceOverPerfection #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #LeadershipAndFatherhood #EmpoweredFathers #SoftTalkAwareness #HolisticPerformance #MindsetMatters #WHOADADGODAD

    1 hr 45 min
  • Ep.37 - "Beyond Porn: A Father’s Path to Power" – with Tyson Adams
    Welcome to Episode 37 with Tyson AdamsIn this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with Tyson Adams—men’s coach, therapist, and founder of the Life Force men’s group—to have one of the most sobering, essential, and profound conversations we've ever had on this podcast. Topic: PORNPorn and a hypersexualized culture hve put our country in a precarious position. Porn impacts our personal agency by hijacking the nervous system and creating compulsive habits that weaken focus, confidence, and self-control. It damages intimacy, teaching us to prioritize performance and consumption over connection and presence. It steals childhood innocence, exposing kids to distorted content before they’re ready, often without guidance. It weakens our culture by producing low-energy, distracted men who struggle to lead with purpose. It leaves young people disembodied and dysregulated, normalizing overstimulation and confusion around identity and boundaries. And perhaps most dangerously, it disconnects us from the sacred, reducing sex to entertainment and stripping it of its spiritual power. This isn’t just a moral issue. It’s a generational one.Tyson brings a warrior’s heart to one of the most taboo and urgent issues facing fathers and families today: the devastating impact of pornography on our bodies, minds, relationships, and, most importantly, our children. Together, we unpack the cultural conditions that have hypersexualized society, the mechanics of addiction through a nervous system lens, and what it means to reclaim our agency—not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.Tyson shares his personal journey from 20 years of addiction to becoming a global voice for sexual integrity, masculine wholeness, and fatherhood done right. We explore:-Why porn is not just a private issue—it’s a systemic one, affecting everything from our focus to our finances.-How to talk to your kids about sex, porn, and self-worth without shame or fear.-The science and sacredness of semen retention—and why energy, presence, and intention in our sexuality matter.-How slowing down in intimacy can open up cosmic-level connection with your partner.-Why doing your own shadow work is the most protective thing you can do for your kids.-As Tyson put it: “Outgrowing porn is not a moral issue—it’s a nervous system issue. It’s the most efficient biohack to becoming a powerful, present father.”This episode will challenge you. It will likely stir discomfort. And it should. Because fatherhood isn’t about staying safe—it’s about stepping up.🎧 Listen in and pass this one along. Our sons and daughters are counting on us.Connect with Tyson:https://www.thriive.life/lifeforcehttps://www.instagram.com/tysonadams__Onward!-Dave MomperLeadership Coach and Brand New Dadwww.thrivalconcepts.com #Fatherhood #MensWork #IntentionalParenting #RaisingLegends #ModernFatherhood #PresenceOverPerfection #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #LeadershipAndFatherhood #EmpoweredFathers #SoftTalkAwareness #HolisticPerformance #MindsetMatters #RaisingLegends #MasculineLeadership #PornRecovery #SemenRetention #ConsciousParenting #MenDoingTheWork #DigitalIntegrity #ModernManhood #ProtectOurKids #IntentionalFatherhood #SacredMasculine #WHOADADGODAD
    1 hr 16 min
  • Ep. 36 - "The Language That Builds Legends" with Mike Salemi
    Welcome to Episode 36 with Mike Salemi"The Language That Builds Legends: How Dads Shape Identity"(Mike’s Dad Stats: One son, age 2)In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Mike Salemi, an elite strength coach turned holistic performance guide, and we dive deep into the evolving role of fatherhood, vitality, and the literal narratives that shape how we lead as men.Mike opens up about his early years competing on the world stage in powerlifting and the physical and emotional burnout that followed. What emerged from that breakdown was a new approach to "men’s work” – one that doesn’t aim to break men down, but to build them up through presence, vitality, and integration. From Qigong and sweat lodges to breathwork and storywork, Mike’s work is about reawakening the father, the partner, and the leader within the man who has lost touch with his full self.We unpack the true power of our words, how language literally sculpts identity, and how "soft talk" can keep men—and their kids—stuck in a loop of vague, disempowering narratives. We also discuss how to guide our children’s voice from an early age through modeling, intentional structure, and love-filled correction, not control.This one’s for the fathers holding a lot. For the dads walking the tightrope of provider, protector, partner, and man. For the men who want to raise legends, without losing themselves in the process.🔑 KEY THEMES:-Vitality as the cornerstone of modern manhood-Language as a tool for self-definition and transformation-Parenting through presence, not perfection-Teaching kids empowered speech (without being controlling)-The quiet weight men carry—and how to share it without shame🎧 A standout moment:“The currency of fatherhood is presence. That is the currency that a child understands.”I can’t wait for you all to listen in! (And pass it on to a father you admire..)Connect with Mike:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/Onward!-Dave MomperLeadership Coach and Brand New Dadwww.thrivalconcepts.com #Fatherhood #MensWork #IntentionalParenting #RaisingLegends #ModernFatherhood #PresenceOverPerfection #DadLife #ParentingPodcast #LeadershipAndFatherhood #EmpoweredFathers #SoftTalkAwareness #HolisticPerformance #MindsetMatters #WHOADADGODAD
    1 hr 14 min
  • Ep. 35 - "Building Cities of Legends" - City Councilman Steve Sundberg
    In this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with Steve Sundberg—father, entrepreneur, Aurora, Co city councilman, and a man whose story stretches from the plains of Wisconsin to the heart of Africa, and right back home to the Rockies.We unpack Steve’s extraordinary life journey: his love story born in a war-torn refugee zone, the rollercoaster of fatherhood through highs and heartbreaks, and what he’s learned while raising two kids into young adulthood. With humility and humor, Steve shares candid reflections on the challenges of parenting, the importance of presence, and why supportive, fun, and present are the three traits he hopes his children remember most.From sledgehammering a PlayStation to serving on city council "in self-defense," Steve is proof that fatherhood and leadership require the same muscle: showing up when it matters most. One of the best moments? When Steve says:"Some lessons just have to be learned the hard way—and we, as fathers, have to stand there with them in that fire, not pull them out of it too soon."Key Themes:-The courage to fight for family (and freedom)-Raising teens who make mistakes—and come back stronger-The silent power of presence-Fatherhood as the frontline of youth development and community safety-Learning the hard way, and passing down wisdom with grace🎧 Whether you're raising toddlers or guiding young adults, this episode offers timely wisdom for every stage of the journey.#Fatherhood #Leadership #AuroraColorado #RaisingLegends #WHOADADGODAD #FamilyFirst #ParentingWisdom #DadLife #StrongFathers #BePresent #ServeAndLead #IntentionalParenting #AmericanDad #YouthMentorship #LegacyBuilding #FatherhoodPodcast
    1 hr 20 min
  • Ep. 34: "Police Lieutenant Perspectives on Fatherhood" - with David Smith

    In this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with Hampton Roads Police Lieutenant David Smith to explore what it takes to be a protector both on the beat and at home. We dive into the challenges of transitioning from “badge‐mode” to “dad‐mode,” and David shares the simple yet powerful rituals he uses—like dropping his duty gear, taking a deep breath, and immediately giving his kids a hug—to leave work stress at the precinct and show up fully for his family.You’ll hear how David’s experience on SWAT and as a precinct leader exposed him to trauma and hypervigilance—and why, over time, he intentionally shifted roles to safeguard his mental health. We talk about peer support, breaking the stigma around vulnerability, and why acknowledging traumatic incidents with fellow officers accelerates healing. Dads who have ever felt the tension between high‐pressure jobs and home life will relate to his honest insights about carrying the weight of critical incidents and still finding the energy to play catch or teach water safety.David also breaks down his “Provide, Protect, Be Present” philosophy:-Provide by creating a “plan B” for his family’s future and teaching his kids financial and survival skills.-Protect through peak physical fitness, jiujitsu training, and a nutrition regimen that keeps him ready for anything.-Be Present by carving out intentional father‐child adventures, setting up a home gym for family workouts, and enforcing “no‐floaties off” rules at the pool to stay 100% focused.Whether you’re a first responder, a high‐stress professional, or simply a dad striving to be more intentional, this conversation offers actionable strategies to reset your mind, fortify your body, and cultivate an open growth mindset in your kids. Tune in and discover how to build your own “alter ego” that seamlessly switches you from work mode to fully engaged fatherhood every single day.👇 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a dad you admire.#DadLife #ModernDad #IntentionalFatherhood #FirstResponderDad, #PoliceLieutenant, #MentalHealthMatters, #DadModeActivated, #ProvideProtectPresent, #AlterEgoDad, #FatherhoodPodcast, #RaisingLegends, #LeadershipForDads, #AdventureDad, #DadLeadership, #ParentingWithPurpose #Fatherhood #Leadership #WHOADADGODAD

    1 hr 20 min
  • Ep. 33 - "Limitless, Playful, Present" - The Dad Philosophy of Ben Willson
    In this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD! I sit down with my friend Ben Willson, a man with an admirable level of positivity and with what seems to be a bottomless well of intentionality. Ben’s journey into fatherhood—and back again, through loss and healing—is one of those rare stories that grabs your heart and offers real wisdom in return.We unpack his three guiding words—limitless, playful, present—and explore how those values shape not just his parenting but his life philosophy. Ben reflects on what it means to live with intentionality, how humor is one of his superpowers as a dad, and how personal growth and self-awareness are part of the deal if we want to raise kids who thrive.This conversation goes deep:-Into personal healing, including a powerful moment of regression therapy with a shaman.-Into the raw grief of miscarriage and how he and his wife are navigating those losses as a couple and as parents.-Into the modern dangers of digital overexposure and how restraint and presence may be the new flex in a world of performative parenting.What I loved most was this gem from Ben:“You either are trying to be a great dad—or you’re not.”This one is real. It’s vulnerable. It’s funny and soulful and packed with life wisdom. If you’re a father seeking to be more intentional, present, and equipped to handle adversity—you’ll feel seen here.🎧 Tune in to hear us riff on:-The importance of emotional regulation as a father-How presence creates memories-Why failure and trying again is key to being limitless-Why being kind, not perfect, is the goal-The dangers of oversharing your kids online—and how privacy might be the next parental superpower👇 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a dad you admire.#DadLife #ModernDad #IntentionalFatherhood #PresentFathers #FatherhoodMatters #DadWisdom #RaisingLegends #DadGoals #FathersWhoLead #GirlDad #BoyDad #ParentingPodcast #FatherhoodCommunity #LimitlessParenting #PlayfulParenting #BeingPresent #EmotionalRegulation #SelfAwareDad #HealingAsAFather #MiscarriageAwareness #GrievingTogether #DadPhilosophy #DigitalParenting #LegacyBuilding #ParentingWithIntention #Fatherhood #Leadership l #WHOADADGODAD
    1 hr 25 min

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Lessons in fatherhood and leadership, exploring the path to raising legends.