Why, Dad?

Pride gets a bad reputation.

Most of us have been taught that pride is something dangerous—something that leads to ego, arrogance, and selfishness. But is all pride actually bad?

In this episode of Why, Dad?, Paul and Andrew explore the difference between destructive pride and healthy pride, and why that distinction matters for men, fathers, and the next generation.

The conversation dives into questions like:

What does it actually mean to take pride in your work?

Can someone take pride in what they do if they don’t take pride in who they are?

How do we teach kids to care about everyday responsibilities like chores or school?

Are we accidentally raising kids to seek approval instead of purpose?

Paul and Andrew unpack the idea that pride isn’t something that can simply be taught through lectures or instructions. Often, it has to be experienced through effort, ownership, and responsibility.

It’s the feeling that comes when you step back after doing something difficult and realize:

"I did that."

Whether you're a dad, planning to become one someday, or simply trying to become a better man, this episode explores how effort, identity, and responsibility shape the kind of pride that builds character instead of tearing it down.

Because the goal isn’t to eliminate pride.

It’s to cultivate the right kind of pride.

This episode explores the transformative power of men's groups, emphasizing support, accountability, and emotional connection for men and fathers. Jason Lange shares insights on how community impacts personal growth, parenting, and identity shifts, offering practical advice for men seeking deeper connection and self-awareness.

The importance of men's groups for support and accountability

00:00 Introduction to Men's Work

Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad unpack the popular idea that “men should be dangerous” through the lens of Wild at Heart. They explore what the phrase gets right, what it risks communicating, and where a better target might be “capable and intentional.” The conversation threads through human nature, adventure, protection, taking calculated risks, and the crucial difference between dangerous and reckless. They land on a practical challenge: define what you stand for, then take small daily steps that build strength, clarity, and character.

In this episode

Practical takeaways

Resources referenced

In this episode of the Why Dad Podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad engage in a profound conversation with Chad Hufford, a father of six and founder of Veritas Wealth Management. The discussion revolves around the importance of intentionality in parenting, particularly in financial stewardship. Chad emphasizes that financial health, much like physical health, requires active attention and effort. He shares personal anecdotes about his journey as a father, highlighting the significance of vulnerability and excellence over perfection in parenting. The conversation also touches on the necessity of having a clear vision for the future and the role of accountability in achieving personal and familial goals.

In this episode of the Why, Dad? Podcast, Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad dive into teamwork and partnership in marriage and family life. Paul reflects on a week of solo parenting, the highs and lows of patience, and how stress can either divide or refine you.

Together, they unpack the shift from living as a “lone wolf” to building a shared life with a spouse. They challenge the 50/50 myth, explore why communication is the foundation of strong partnership, and share practical tools like weekly family business meetings and intentional connection time.

They also discuss the importance of not projecting your own standards onto your spouse, the difference between managing and leading a family, and how modeling healthy teamwork shapes your kids’ understanding of relationships.

If you want a marriage that feels like a mission, not a roommate arrangement, this one’s for you.

📌 Episode Notes

In This Episode:

• Why 50/50 is a myth in marriage
• From “lone wolf” to shared mission
• The danger of unspoken expectations
• “Don’t expect you from anybody else”
• The difference between managing and leading your family
• Reducing friction to increase connection
• How to hold each other to a higher standard without becoming a dictator
• Modeling teamwork for your kids

Practical Tools Discussed:

• Weekly “Family Business Meeting”
• Friday connection time before picking up the kids
• Monthly date night goal
• Shared calendars and visibility
• Creating safe space for feedback
• Kids vs. Dad competitions instead of sibling rivalry

Reflection Questions:

• Are you operating like roommates or teammates?
• Where are you creating unnecessary friction?
• When was the last time you laughed with your wife?
• What systems could reduce stress in your home this week?

In this episode of the Why Dad? podcast, we sit down with Oscar Peña, host of the Daughtered podcast, for an honest conversation about fatherhood and raising daughters.

Oscar shares his personal evolution as a dad, shaped by missed presence, hard self-reflection, and the wake-up call of being home during COVID. Together, they unpack what daughters truly need from their fathers: presence over perfection, dependability over independence, and intention instead of autopilot. The conversation explores the difference between kindness and niceness, why self-care is not selfish for dads, and how family values create capable, grounded children.

This episode offers practical wisdom for current and aspiring fathers who want to show up more fully, lead with humility, and build trust-based relationships with their kids, especially their daughters.

Oscar Peña

Host of the Daughtered Podcast and father of three daughters. Oscar focuses on presence, humility, and growth — sharing his own mistakes and lessons to help dads raise confident, capable girls.

• 🔗 Website: https://daughteredpodcast.com
• 📸 Instagram (Podcast): @daughteredpodcast
• 📸 Instagram (Personal): @a_growinggirldad

The world feels fractured, polarized, and increasingly disconnected. For dads, that raises a hard question: how do we raise kids with strong values, resilience, and empathy in the middle of all this?

In this episode of Why Dad?, Paul and Andrew sit down with Chip Webster, father, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit Unity in Service. Chip shares lessons from raising two sons, decades of leadership experience, and his work rebuilding trust and unity through service.

They talk about why unity starts in the home, how attention and intentionality shape kids more than words ever will, and why service is one of the most powerful tools for building character and connection. From phones at the dinner table to volunteering as a family, this conversation challenges dads to move from outrage to responsibility.

If you’ve ever wondered how to raise kids who don’t just survive this world but help heal it, this episode is for you.

Guest: Chip Webster

Father, entrepreneur, and founder of Unity in Service

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why raising the next generation is our most important responsibility
• The role of time, attention, and intentionality in fatherhood
• Phones, technology, and what kids are really learning from us
• Why unity at the national level begins with families and communities
• How service builds trust, character, and connection
• Simple ways dads can involve their kids in service
• Discipline, love, and being a role model even when it’s hard

Resources & Links:

🌐 Unity in Service: https://unityinservice.org

📘 Book: Unity in Service: Pathway to Responsible Citizenship

📖 Books mentioned:

The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt

The Coddling of the American Mind – Jonathan Haidt

The Road Less Traveled – M. Scott Peck

In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul and Andrew welcome Rob Unger, a father and community leader, to discuss the realities of fatherhood. Rob shares his experiences of parenting two daughters, the importance of honesty in building connections, and the challenges many dads face, including depression and co-parenting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication, the lessons learned from children, and the need for support among fathers. Rob offers practical advice for future dads and discusses how to break cycles of neglect in family dynamics. The episode concludes with insights on embracing imperfection in parenting and the importance of showing up for children.

• Fatherhood is about showing up and doing the work.
• Many dads face challenges like depression and co-parenting.
• Building connections through honesty fosters community.
• Communication is key to understanding children's needs.
• It's important to take yourself less seriously as a parent.
• Dads should focus on being present for their children.
• Navigating co-parenting requires patience and understanding.
• Children teach us valuable lessons about communication.
• Future dads should prioritize their interests while preparing for parenthood.
• Breaking cycles of neglect starts with showing up and caring.

00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Community

00:50 The Realities of Being a Dad

04:05 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

07:29 Challenges Faced by Dads

09:36 Supporting Other Dads

13:25 Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting

14:55 Lessons Learned from Co-Parenting

18:14 Navigating Fatherhood Challenges

19:39 Lessons from Our Children

22:17 Building Communication Foundations

24:33 The Importance of Showing Up

27:23 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

31:23 Rapid-Fire Insights on Fatherhood

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seepybeepers/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-unger-b91a2a8/
• Dadgood Community: https://dadgood.co/

In this episode of the Why, Dad? podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad explore the profound question of whether to have children. They delve into the societal and personal implications of parenthood, discussing the joys and challenges of raising a family. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding one's motivations and the impact of children on personal growth and relationships. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, they aim to provide listeners with insights into the decision-making process surrounding parenthood.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “should you have kids?” might be the wrong question
• Not feeling equipped and why that’s more normal than you think
• Fear of screwing kids up and what actually matters instead
• Freedom, travel, and how priorities shift across life seasons
• Why love alone isn’t enough without intention
• Purpose, responsibility, and choosing fatherhood consciously

Who this episode is for:

• Men on the fence about becoming dads
• Aspiring fathers thinking about the future
• Current dads reflecting on their why
• Anyone wrestling with purpose, commitment, and responsibility

Mentioned in this episode:

• The idea that reflection matters more than certainty
• The role of intention over perfection
• How community, uncles, mentors, and parents all shape kids

In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad engage in a deep conversation with Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood. Larry shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a dedicated father of four boys. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connection, community, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships in fatherhood. Larry provides practical advice for new dads, highlighting the significance of prioritizing marriage and fostering psychological safety in conversations with children. The episode concludes with insights on building a legacy of love and leadership for future generations.

What we cover:

• Larry’s fatherhood origin story and turning point
• Why good intentions aren’t enough
• Fatherhood as a learnable skill
• The importance of men’s community
• Psychological safety for kids
• Why strong marriages create safe homes
• Leading your family instead of drifting

Find Larry Hagner:

• Website: https://thedadedge.com
• Podcast: The Dad Edge Podcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadedge
• Mastermind: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind
• Book: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood