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

Who you choose to build a life with shapes far more than your present. It shapes your legacy.

In this episode, Paul and Andrew have an honest, wide-ranging conversation about how choosing a partner influences the kind of family, values, and future you leave behind. They talk about commitment, alignment, communication, growth, and what it really means to build a legacy of love that extends beyond your own lifetime.

From marriage and dating to parenting and long-term vision, this episode challenges dads and aspiring dads to think beyond chemistry and convenience and ask a deeper question. Are we building something together that’s worth passing on?

If you’ve ever wondered how your relationship choices affect your kids, your future, and the kind of man you’re becoming, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the partner you choose influences your legacy
• Why alignment of values matters more than perfection
• Commitment as a daily choice, not just a feeling
• Growing together instead of drifting apart
• Communication as the foundation of long-term connection
• Legacy as love, growth, and continuity, not just a name
• What single men and aspiring dads should be thinking about now
• How couples can intentionally shape the future of their family

Whether you’re married, dating, or thinking about the future, this episode invites you to reflect on what kind of legacy you’re building and who you’re building it with.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Wickersham, dad of two, creator of the Warrior Dad Experience, and author of Warrior Dad: Love Your Children, Lead Your Family, Leave Your Legacy. Jeff shares the moments that shaped his mission, including the loss of his mom and the heartbreaking wake up call that pushed him to serve fathers.

We talk about what’s really happening to dads today: isolation, overwhelm, ego, and the “librarian of the mind” problem where we consume nonstop but rarely take action. Jeff breaks down how to build momentum through simple habits, why consistency beats intensity, and why “work life balance” is a trap. If you want to lead your family with strength, presence, and purpose, this one will hit home.

Guest: Jeff Wickersham

Jeff is a father of two, performance coach, creator of the Warrior Dad Experience, and author of Warrior Dad: Love Your Children, Lead Your Family, Leave Your Legacy.

• Jeff’s origin story and the mission behind Warrior Dad
• The biggest challenges dads face right now (isolation, ego, overwhelm)
• The “librarian of the mind” trap: consuming content without implementing it
• How to build consistency with habits that are simple and sustainable
• Why “work life balance” isn’t the goal and what to aim for instead
• Why brotherhood and community are accelerators for growth
• Practical ways to take action immediately on what you learn
• Jeff’s definition of being a good dad: answer the “bids” for attention, lead with standards + love, be their biggest fan

• Website: https://thethewarriordad.com
• Book on Amazon (search): Warrior Dad: Love Your Children, Lead Your Family, Leave Your Legacy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff_wickersham/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wickersham/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.wickershm

In this episode, Paul and Andrew delve into the significance of community for men, particularly fathers. They discuss the paradox of being more connected yet feeling lonelier than ever, emphasizing the need for genuine relationships and support systems. The conversation explores what constitutes a healthy community, the importance of fraternity, and how men can benefit from surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals. They also share their vision for building a local community of dads and the steps they are taking to foster connections among men.

Takeaways

• Community is essential for emotional and mental survival.
• Men thrive when they are part of a fraternity.
• Having diverse perspectives in a community enriches personal growth.
• Loneliness is a growing issue despite technological connectivity.
• Men need spaces to share experiences and challenges.
• Building a community requires intentional effort and engagement.
• Fraternity among men fosters accountability and support.
• Shared interests and goals strengthen community bonds.
• Community can help navigate the complexities of fatherhood.
• Investing in relationships outside of family is crucial for personal development.

In this episode, Paul and Andrew sit down with Troy Fink: husband, dad of three, pastor, founder, and CEO of Gammit Tech, the team behind Loovy, a smart potty training device built to make one of the toughest early parenting seasons a little more fun and a lot less chaotic.

Troy shares his story of becoming a dad at 19, walking through addiction, and how surrendering his life to God reshaped everything from his identity to how he shows up as a father. We also dig into what it looks like to raise kids with decades of parenting under your belt, why men need a clear sense of purpose, and how Loovy was born out of not wanting to miss the moments he did the first time around.

Becoming a teenage dad and realizing years later that he wasn’t showing up the way his son needed

The emptiness of chasing parties, stuff, and status when you’re avoiding your real calling

How faith, community, and a recovery program became the turning point for Troy’s life

What “equations of grace” are and how biblical wisdom has shaped the way he parents

Parenting chapter two and three: raising a teenager and two little ones with a totally different foundation

Why he believes fatherhood is a man’s highest calling

The origin story of Loovy and how it turns potty training into a game instead of a war zone

Troy Fink is a husband, dad of three, pastor, and founding partner / CEO of Gammit Tech. He leads the team building Loovy, a smart potty training device that uses lights, music, and feedback to help kids learn to use the toilet while keeping parents sane. His journey has taken him from working at his dad’s car dealership, to pastoring, to leading a startup that sits at the intersection of tech and parenting.

• https://www.goloovy.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/goloovy/
• https://www.instagram.com/pastortroyfink/

In this episode of the Why Dad Podcast, hosts Andrew Stolpestad and Paul Wandrey delve into the complexities of family dynamics, discussing the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the role of chosen family. They share personal stories and insights on navigating family drama, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. The conversation also touches on the balance between supporting family members and prioritizing self-care, as well as the philosophical concepts of personalism and individualism. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own family experiences and the lessons learned along the way.

• The importance of having open conversations about family dynamics.
• Navigating family drama requires understanding and empathy.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for personal growth.
• It's essential to prioritize self-care while supporting family.
• Chosen family can provide support and understanding.
• Communication is key in resolving family conflicts.
• Personalism balances individual needs with community responsibilities.
• Family drama is a common experience for many.
• Support should empower rather than enable unhealthy behaviors.
• Reflecting on personal experiences can lead to valuable insights.