
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Welcome to Episode Twenty Two with Frank O’Halloran
One of my favorite quotes from Frank:
Welcome to Episode Twenty One with Charles Lim
(Charles’ Dad Stats: 2.5 month-old son)
Since the day I met Charles, I’ve been struck by his thought process and how explores an idea. He’s simply a light-hearted, gentle, wizard in the making. This podcast is nothing short of Charles doing what he does best and pondering life’s greatest questions, life’s greatest roles, and life’s greatest experiences, and making some sense of the grand adventure.
Whether you are a brand new dad in his 40s, like both Charles and me, or a twenty-something already taking on the duty, you can probably appreciate how almost nothing can fully prepare you on becoming a dad. As Charles puts it, “"I always thought I'm going to wait until I'm ready to be a dad, right? But one thing that I learned is certain things… you become them by being it or by doing it."
Here are 10 themes we explore in this fatherhood convo:
Fatherhood at Forty: Exploring the unique challenges and insights that come with becoming a father later in life.
Commitment Revisited: How fatherhood reshapes one's perspective on commitment and permanence.
Unconditional Love: Emphasizing the importance of offering unconditional love and support to one's children.
Emotional Learning: Learning from a child’s straightforward emotional responses to better handle one’s own emotions.
Freedom to Explore: Encouraging children to pursue their own interests and passions without parental imposition.
Physical Demands of Parenting: The unexpected physical challenges involved in daily parenting tasks like handling a car seat.
Communication and Openness: Fostering an environment where children feel comfortable discussing anything with their parents.
Continuous Personal Growth: Viewing fatherhood as an ongoing journey of personal development and adaptation.
Cultural Reflections: Reflecting on how cultural backgrounds influence parenting styles and expectations.
Support Systems: The importance of having a support network for new parents to manage the intensive early days of parenting.
Hope you enjoy the pod!
Connect with Charles on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckdizzle78/
Onward!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
#WhoaDadGoDad #ModernFatherhood #DadLifeAdventures #ParentingJourney #LegendaryDads #FatherhoodUnplugged #RaisingLegends #DadSupportSystem #NewDadChronicles #ParentingPartners #GrowthThroughFatherhood #DadLife #NewDad #DadGoals #ParentingTips #ParentLife #RaisingKids #ParentingWin #ModernParenting #LeadershipGoals #InspireLeadership, #LeadershipDevelopment #BeALeader #LeadershipMatters
Welcome to Episode Twenty with Shane Stowell
(Shane’s Dad Stats: Twin daughters age 18, and a 20 year old son)
Along with being a husband and a recent empty nester to three young-adult aged kiddos, Shane is an Executive Leadership Advisor for a number of Fortune 50 organizations, an entrepreneur, and a clinical psychologist.
I met Shane in 2013 as he facilitated the Leadership Development program I was enrolled in with the Downtown Denver Partnership. Over the years since, Shane has been a sounding board of mine and a mentor, and it’s incredible to sit down with him and tap into his fatherhood mindset.
We get right into the heart of parenting as he shares what it’s like to send his two twin daughters off to college and for he and his wife to officially be empty nesters. He notes that, “How bad did we really mess this up?... Did we do enough?... [and] we're so proud of who they are and what they're doing and where they're going” are amongst the sea of emotions and sentiments held by him and his wife, as they bask in this pivotal moment of their lives.
Shane would humbly deny it, but he’s loaded with thoughtful wisdom about leadership and fatherhood - which to me are one in the same - and how we can set our kiddos up for success. Throughout our convo, I get Shane’s take on what is involved to equip the next generation with the skills to thrive. Here are the key attributes we discuss:
Kindness: Emphasizing the importance of being kind to others as a fundamental trait.
Grit: Encouraging persistence and resilience in facing life’s challenges.
Love and Support: Ensuring their children always felt loved and supported regardless of the situation.
Education and Learning: Valuing education highly and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.
Communication Skills: Developing strong communication skills to effectively express themselves and engage with others.
Relationship Building: Teaching the importance of building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Inquisitiveness: Encouraging curiosity about the world and a desire to explore and understand more about their environment and beyond.
Independence and Self-Sufficiency: Promoting the ability to think and act independently while being resourceful.
Responsibility: Instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions.
Adaptability: Encouraging flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations and challenges.
Connect with Shane on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stowellshane/
Enjoy!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
#WhoaDadGoDad #ModernFatherhood #DadLifeAdventures #ParentingJourney #LegendaryDads #FatherhoodUnplugged #RaisingLegends #DadSupportSystem #NewDadChronicles #ParentingPartners #GrowthThroughFatherhood #DadLife #NewDad #DadGoals #ParentingTips #ParentLife #RaisingKids #ParentingWin #ModernParenting #LeadershipGoals #InspireLeadership, #LeadershipDevelopment #BeALeader #LeadershipMatters
Welcome to Episode Nineteen with Colin Dow
(Colin’s Dad Stats: Two daughters, four and two years old)
Like anything in life, fatherhood is a game of sorts. Fortunately, my guest Colin Dow played college football for University of Montana and had a short stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, so he has a knack for the hustle and mettle that fatherhood takes.
It’s because of Episode One of WHOA DAD! GO DAD! and a mutual friend that Colin and I now have the good fortune of being pals. In my short time knowing Colin I’ve come to admire his fire for being a great father and husband, his commitment to family and what that means for making critical career decisions, and his absolutely playful (and oftentimes self-deprecating) demeanor as a man with a clear mission.
One of my favorite moments is Colin sharing the value of grit in his daughter’s lives, "I want my girls to know that they can do hard things. Because let's face it, the world is not always an easy place. There are going to be hard things that they encounter, probably harder than, than maybe you and I did, right?"
Here are five fatherhood themes that Colin and I cover on Episode Nineteen of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!:
Cultural Exposure and Travel:
Colin expresses a strong desire to expose his children to various cultures and experiences around the world. He talks about the benefits of traveling and experiencing different ways of life, which he believes will help his daughters become more well-rounded and open-minded individuals.
Health and Wellness:
The discussion touches on the importance of health, particularly Colin's reflection on his father's health issues and how they impacted his family. This theme is woven into the conversation about how personal health can affect parenting and the overall family dynamic.
Athleticism and Sports:
Sports play a significant role in the discussion, not just as a part of Colin's background but also in how he views sports as a metaphor for life lessons like teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. He talks about his hopes for his daughters to learn these values through their own experiences in sports or physical activities.
Professional Development and Career Changes:
Colin shares his and his wife's career journeys, including significant changes and decisions that were influenced by their family goals and personal values. This theme highlights the challenges and considerations that come with aligning professional aspirations with parental responsibilities.
Spiritual and Moral Values:
The conversation delves into the spiritual and moral values that Colin hopes to instill in his children. He discusses the importance of building a strong moral foundation and how his own values influence his approach to fatherhood and life.
Connect with Colin on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dowcolin/
Enjoy!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
#WhoaDadGoDad #ModernFatherhood #DadLifeAdventures #ParentingJourney #LegendaryDads #FatherhoodUnplugged #RaisingLegends #DadSupportSystem #NewDadChronicles #ParentingPartners #GrowthThroughFatherhood #DadLife #NewDad #DadGoals #ParentingTips #ParentLife #RaisingKids #ParentingWin #ModernParenting #LeadershipGoals #InspireLeadership, #LeadershipDevelopment #BeALeader #LeadershipMatters
Welcome to Episode Eighteen with Anthony Albanese
(Anthony’s Dad Stats: a 12-year-old, a 10-year-old, and four-and-half-year-old twins)
It’s an honor and a privilege to share this conversation with my friend Anthony and to publish it on a “bow-tie Tuesday!”
Anthony is a commercial real estate professional based in Denver, with extensive experience serving clients both nationally and internationally. He has a broad perspective on the commercial real estate landscape, influenced by trends such as remote work and corporate culture evolution. Additionally, Anthony has held significant roles in community development, including serving on the Denver Urban Renewal Authority board, where he was appointed by the mayor and served as chair for two years.
This convo with Anthony goes deep. Not only do we share stories about fatherhood and everything that it entails, but he shares a deeply personal and challenging experience when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. The diagnosis came at a time when they had a four-year-old and a one-and-a-half-year-old, placing immense strain on their family. It’s a telling story of the challenges life can entail, and how we adapt and overcome. Imagine what this experience will one day teach their children about adversity, love, and perseverance. Gosh, it gives me shivers to think about.
I’m eager to know what this episode reveals to those who take the time to listen!
Here are 10 themes that Anthony and I discuss on Episode Eighteen of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!:
Fatherhood and Career Integration: Anthony discusses balancing a demanding 60-hour work week in commercial real estate with being a father to four children. This highlights the challenges and strategies of integrating professional and personal life.
Impact of Philosophy on Parenting: Discussions on philosophy, specifically references to Socrates, Plato, and Ayn Rand, indicate the role philosophical principles play in both of our approaches to life and parenting.
Community and Networking: Early interactions in a leadership program and ongoing social interactions shaped your relationship, emphasizing the importance of community and networking in personal and professional development.
Evolution of Commercial Real Estate: Anthony shares insights into the changing landscape of commercial real estate, especially in response to the pandemic, discussing trends like remote work and its impact on corporate culture and real estate needs.
Mentoring and Influence: The conversation covers how past mentors and philosophical figures have influenced parenting styles and life choices, underlining the significance of mentorship.
Challenges of Modern Workplaces: There is a detailed examination of modern work dynamics, including hybrid work models and the cultural shifts within workplaces due to technological advancements and pandemic influences.
Philosophy of Leadership: We discuss leadership philosophies, particularly how executive roles parallel parenting, focusing on motivation, safety, and creating nurturing environments.
Personal Growth Through Adversity: Anthony discusses personal anecdotes about growth through challenging times, particularly relating to personal health crises within his family, which shaped his perspectives on life and fatherhood.
Educational and Developmental Expectations for Children: There is a dialogue about setting realistic expectations for children's education and development, including adapting to each child's unique pace and needs.
Long-term Vision and Daily Management: Anthony and I explore the importance of having a long-term vision for personal and professional life while managing daily responsibilities effectively.
Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn
Enjoy!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
#WhoaDadGoDad #ModernFatherhood #DadLifeAdventures #ParentingJourney #LegendaryDads #FatherhoodUnplugged #RaisingLegends #NewDadChronicles #DadLife #NewDad #DadGoals
Welcome to Episode Seventeen with Joe Valenti
Welcome to Episode Sixteen with Donny Dust
(Donny’s Dad Stats: Sons - 15 and 18 Years Old)
If Donny Dust wants you to know one thing, it’s that when you properly tap in to your wild side, you can access everything you actually need. Take a moment and just think about that…
You might know Donny from the TV show “Alone” or maybe his survival YouTube channel with some of the best self reliance advice on the inter-webs.
Donny’s story as a professional survivalist, after a career in the marines, and then pursuing a life and career in the outdoors, is a rich and at times intense one. I love how much Donny poured out his fatherly heart in this convo, especially knowing how he battled back from an actual heart attack in recent years. It is so powerful to hear how the wild natural environment can be the greatest teacher and healer.
In this episode, Donny speaks of the key role of providing our children with “ground truths,” which are first hand real life experiences that then afford key outcomes and attributes of resilience, adaptability, autonomy, confidence, curiosity, and creativity.
You gotta sit down and slow-sip a couple cups of coffee or a tall whiskey for this one.
“Mother nature provides all. When we walk into the woods with nothing, we can walk out with everything we need.” - Donny Dust
Here are 10 big themes discussed:
Fatherhood as a Lifelong Journey: Fatherhood is discussed as an evolving role that changes as children grow. Emphasis is placed on adapting parenting styles to meet the unique needs of each child, underscoring the dynamic nature of fatherhood.
Nature as a Classroom for Fatherhood: Donny shares how survival skills and a deep connection with nature not only teach resilience but also serve as foundational lessons for children, directly imparted through shared experiences in the wild.
Leading by Example in Fatherhood: The importance of fathers leading by example is a central theme. Donny talks about how his personal choices and approach to life's challenges serve as direct lessons for his sons on handling adversity.
Resilience and Adaptation as Fatherhood Virtues: The theme of resilience is crucial in fatherhood. Donny’s discussions about overcoming personal health challenges illustrate the importance of teaching children to be resilient and adaptable.
Intentionality in Parenting: We both stress the need for intentional parenting—being actively present and engaged, making conscious choices about parenting styles and the values you wish to impart to your children.
Personal Growth and Fostering Independence: The theme of personal growth is tied to fatherhood, with a focus on fostering self-reliance and independence in children, teaching them to carve their own paths based on their passions and interests.
Global Perspectives on Fatherhood: Donny provides insights into fatherhood from different cultures, emphasizing the universal pride and responsibility fathers feel toward ensuring their children's future success.
Connecting with Nature to Teach and Heal: The conversation often returns to the importance of nature in fatherhood, using it as a tool to teach children about life and provide them with a healing and grounding experience.
Legacy and Preparing Children for the Future: This theme revolves around the responsibilities of fatherhood in preparing children to face the world confidently and competently, focusing on the legacy fathers leave through the lessons they impart.
The Father’s Role in Navigating Life's Challenges: The theme of surviving and thriving is framed around fatherhood, showcasing how fathers can teach their children not just to survive life's challenges but to thrive amidst them through creativity and resilience.
For epic life lessons check out Donny’s Youtube channel on survival, bushcraft and primitive skills:
https://www.youtube.com/@DonnyDustsPaleoTracks
And go buy Donny’s newest book “Wild Wisdom.”
Enjoy!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
Welcome to Episode Fifteen with Ryan Bramwell.
(Ryan’s Dad Stats: Son - 8 Years Old)
"My son gets to see this, and I communicate to him, you know, sometimes our children sometimes think that daddy is the greatest, and he can do no wrong. But I tell him, no, there's a lot of hard work. I don't know what I'm doing. I'm learning."
Over a decade ago, Ryan and I were both in the bustling creative community in the RiNo Arts District of Denver. Ryan’s creative agency and my team at Postmodern shared some real estate, so we’d see each other often. Ryan also hosted The Sauce Society with our fellow Denver creative Julie Morrandez , which brought the creative community together for happy hours.
I watched Ryan build a successful agency over the years and then one day realized he’d moved to Steamboat Springs with his family, to reset, to be close to nature, and to uncover his next endeavors. This was coupled with the passing of his brother, and prompted a massive healing and growth journey for Ryan.
I’m honored he sat down to share his story with us. As a new father myself, hearing Ryan’s story just has me wondering how much courage and conviction it must take to start a new life, and to be very intentional with the one life we have.
My friend Ryan now is building various brands and products, with one of his recent endeavors being MilkXWhiskey, which is an outdoor family brand. Ryan has developed this rad, rugged and sleek adventure diaper bag and sun protective clothing for both the kiddos and the parents. If you are new to dadding, give it all a look.
Here are 10 big themes that we explore on Episode Fifteen of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!:
Outdoor Adventures and Lifestyle: Dave and Ryan celebrated their shared passion for outdoor activities like mountain biking and camping as key family bonding experiences.
Leadership and Career Transitions: Ryan detailed his shift from the creative services industry to founding Milk and Whiskey, focusing on high-end outdoor gear for families.
Fatherhood Challenges and Rewards: Ryan discussed the unique challenges and joys of raising his eight-year-old son with patience and intentional parenting.
Balancing Work and Family Life: They explored the difficulty of balancing a demanding career with fatherhood responsibilities and the importance of being present.
Teaching Life Skills Through Outdoor Activities: Ryan highlighted how outdoor activities teach his son valuable life skills like resilience, problem-solving, and hard work.
Emotional and Mental Well-being: They emphasized the importance of mental health, dealing with emotions, and maintaining a positive outlook, especially after personal losses.
Building and Reinventing Identity: Ryan reflected on reevaluating and reinventing his identity following major life events and career changes.
Quality and Craftsmanship in Parenting Tools: Ryan stressed creating high-quality, durable products for families, like an adventure backpack with a diaper-changing add-on.
The Role of Faith and Letting Go: Both discussed the importance of having faith in the parenting process and letting go of the need for control.
Legacy and Values: They touched on the legacy Ryan wants to leave for his son, including honesty, hard work, respect, and supporting others.
Connect with Ryan on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bramwell/
And go get yourself some adventure gear from the family from Milk X Whiskey!
Enjoy!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
Welcome to Episode Fourten with Shawn Michael Walker.
(Shawn’s Dad Stats: 17-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 9-year-old)
If you sat down with my friend Shawn Michael Walker and he could only give you one piece of advice, it would be “don’t burn the day away.” It’s this mantra that he truly lives out as an individual, as a father to three and a husband, and one that has come to define his family’s ways. It’s fun to see and fun to hear about.
Shawn and I were young bucks in high school together, so it’s fun to walk down memory lane and contrast that against his fatherhood insights. There’s an aspect of our discussion that I think everyone can relate to - during the COVID years, how did you spend your time? Did you make it useful and productive, or did you waste it away binge watching your tenth mini-series on NETFLIX? The approach Shawn and his family took led to family guitar jam sessions, and the story is just the perfect example of what Shawn revealed to me:
That we as parents are memory makers for our young ones.
Perfectly timed drops on this one, as we head into Memorial Day weekend.
Here are 10 themes that we explore on Episode Fourteen of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!:
Starting Young as a Father - Challenges of early fatherhood.
Creating Family Memories - Importance of shared experiences.
Value of Good Influences - Impact of positive friendships.
Adventurous Parenting - Embracing fun, adventurous activities.
Life Lessons for Children - Teaching resilience and independence.
Personal Growth Through Fatherhood - Evolving perspectives, enhanced maturity.
Preparing Kids for the Future - Equipping children with essential skills.
Parental Responsibilities and Pressure - Navigating pressures of guidance.
Philosophy of Intentional Fatherhood - Understanding self to guide others.
Legacy of Fatherhood - Leaving a lasting family impact.
Connect with Shawn on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnmwalker1980/
And check out Shawn on his podcast “Insurance, You Indemnify Me.” where he nerds out on all things insurance, and shares wisdom from his seat running Premier Group Insurance.
Enjoy!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
#WhoaDadGoDad #ModernFatherhood #DadLifeAdventures #ParentingJourney #LegendaryDads #FatherhoodUnplugged #RaisingLegends #DadSupportSystem #NewDadChronicles #ParentingPartners #GrowthThroughFatherhood #DadLife #NewDad #DadGoals #ParentingTips #ParentLife #RaisingKids #ParentingWin #ModernParenting #LeadershipGoals #InspireLeadership, #LeadershipDevelopment #BeALeader #LeadershipMatters
Welcome to Episode Thirteen with Justin LeVett
(Justin’s Dad Stats: Daughter - 4 Years Old)
Justin is a professional photographer, an avid biker, and a former youth pastor which had him running two full time careers! I’ve had the good fortune to know Justin for almost a decade as he generously donated his photography skills to CreativeMornings/Denver while I was the host of the chapter and on the team.
Justin’s vantage as a father is so special and unique. He and his wife adopted their daughter four years ago in the midst of the pandemic and their experience with the process of adoption, and stepping into the role of new parents brings a special perspective on the journey parents get to take on.
Here are 9 big themes that we explore on Episode Thirteen of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!:
Navigating Interracial Adoption - Justin is conscious of the differences in skin color between him and his daughter, and he's thoughtful about how to address and discuss these differences as she grows up.
Teaching and Exploration - Justin finds joy in teaching his daughter new skills, like biking, and watching her explore and learn about the world around her.
Handling Difficult Questions - Justin is preparing for and sometimes challenged by the tough questions his daughter asks, especially regarding adoption and racial identity.
Witnessing Developmental Milestones - He is excited to see his daughter reach new developmental milestones and enjoys experiencing these growth moments together.
Balancing Work and Family Time - Justin is aware of the challenges of balancing a demanding professional life with the need to be present and available for his daughter.
Impact of Faith and Values - Justin is enthusiastic about imparting his faith and values to his daughter, guiding her to grow into a compassionate and thoughtful person.
Developing Strong Family Bonds - He looks forward to continuing to build a strong, loving relationship with his daughter and experiencing life's many adventures together.
Maintaining Patience and Understanding - Justin knows the importance of maintaining patience and understanding as his daughter grows, especially as she tests boundaries and learns about the world.
Legacy of Love and Leadership - Justin is excited about the opportunity to leave a legacy of love and leadership, hoping his daughter will remember him as a consistent and loving leader in her life.
Connect with Justin on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinlevett/
Enjoy!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
www.thrivalconcepts.com
#WhoaDadGoDad #ModernFatherhood #DadLifeAdventures #ParentingJourney #LegendaryDads #FatherhoodUnplugged #RaisingLegends #DadSupportSystem #NewDadChronicles #ParentingPartners #GrowthThroughFatherhood #DadLife #NewDad #DadGoals #ParentingTips #ParentLife #RaisingKids #ParentingWin #ModernParenting #LeadershipGoals #InspireLeadership, #LeadershipDevelopment #BeALeader #LeadershipMatters
From the publisher's feed