In this episode, Paul and Andrew sit down with Ken Kunken to talk about how a life-changing football injury at age 20 led him down a completely unexpected path.

Ken shares how paralysis reshaped his identity, why he never thought marriage or fatherhood would be possible, and how meeting his wife Anna changed everything. He opens up about becoming a dad to triplets at 54, raising sons with empathy and strong values, and why family, patience, and presence matter far more than physical ability.

The conversation also touches on disability, faith, diversity, resilience, and Ken’s book, I Dream of Things That Never Were.

At 20 years old, Ken Kunken’s life changed forever after a football injury left him almost completely paralyzed.

He never thought he would get married. He never thought he would become a father.

Then he met his wife, Anna.

Years later, through IVF, they became parents to triplet boys.

In this episode, Ken shares his unbelievable story of resilience, identity, disability, marriage, faith, and fatherhood. He talks about learning to redefine what it means to be a dad when you cannot do things the way you once imagined, why presence matters more than perfection, and how raising his sons changed his life forever.

This is a conversation about overcoming impossible odds, building a meaningful life, and becoming the father your family needs, even when life looks nothing like you expected.

Paul and Andrew sit down with Ken Kunken to hear the incredible story of how a football injury changed his life forever and how he still built a life full of purpose, family, and fatherhood.

Ken talks about paralysis, identity, marriage, IVF, becoming a dad to triplets, and what he learned about being present for his kids despite severe physical limitations.

• Becoming paralyzed at 20 after a football injury
• Learning to redefine identity after losing athleticism
• Meeting the woman who changed everything
• Becoming a father through IVF
• Finding out they were having triplets
• Parenting with physical limitations
• Why presence matters more than physical ability
• Raising empathetic and resilient sons
• Teaching kids patience, diversity, and family values
• The importance of community and support
• Ken’s book and the meaning behind its title

• Ken finding out all three embryos took and they were having triplets
• Feeding one of his sons using his lap board and balancing a bottle on his arm
• His boys checking whether places had ramps so dad could come too
• His son calmly helping him through a low blood pressure episode in the grocery store
• Ken explaining why he wanted his sons to know they could do anything they set their minds to
• The story behind the title of his book, inspired by a quote from Robert F. Kennedy

• Website: kenkunken.com
• Book: I Dream of Things That Never Were
• Audiobook narrated by Ken

This episode is different.

We sit down with Mick Wienholt to talk about fatherhood that begins with loss.

Mick and his wife lost their firstborn son, Luke, at full term. What followed wasn’t a clean or simple healing process. It was grief, questions, anger, surrender… and eventually, transformation.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• What it feels like to become a dad and lose your child in the same moment
• How grief reshapes your identity as a man and husband
• The difference between moving on and moving forward
• How to support someone walking through loss
• And how Mick carries Luke into his family today

This isn’t about fixing grief.

It’s about learning to live with it… and who you become because of it.

Mick Wienholt

Host of When You Look podcast

🌐 https://whenyoulook.com

📱 https://www.instagram.com/whenyoulookshow

🎧 Podcast: When You Look (Spotify, YouTube, Apple)

In this reflective and unscripted episode, Paul and Andrew dive into a personal tension many men face: the balance between structure and presence. What begins as a casual conversation quickly unfolds into a deeper exploration of routines, habits, and the danger of letting them become the end goal rather than a means to something greater.

Paul shares his struggle with relying on routine to stay disciplined, only to find that those same systems can pull him away from what matters most—being present as a husband, father, and man. Andrew relates, reflecting on how even well-intentioned habits can unintentionally crowd out meaningful moments with loved ones.

Together, they unpack the paradox: routines are necessary for growth and stability, but when overemphasized, they can become rigid, self-serving, and disconnected from one’s deeper purpose. The conversation moves beyond productivity into identity—shifting the focus from “Did I check all the boxes?” to “Did I live in alignment with who I want to be?”

Drawing on analogies from coding, combat, parenting, and even dance, they emphasize the need for adaptability. Life isn’t a fixed program—it’s fluid, unpredictable, and requires constant reassessment. Systems provide a foundation, but they must be flexible enough to serve the bigger mission: becoming better men and guiding others—especially children—toward that same pursuit.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder: success isn’t perfection or flawless execution of a plan. It’s progress. It’s presence. And it’s the willingness to continually reflect, adjust, and move forward with intention.

A thoughtful and honest conversation for any man striving to lead his life—and his family—with purpose.

Most dads don’t have a plan. They just try to do their best.

Nathaniel Turner challenges that completely.

In this episode, we explore what it means to raise a child intentionally by working backward from who they should become. From building a “starting five” of mentors to writing letters that shape identity, this conversation pushes beyond surface-level parenting into legacy-level thinking.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re just reacting… or actually leading your family forward, this one will hit.

Nathaniel A. Turner

Educator, speaker, and author focused on intentional parenting and legacy-building.

📘 Raising Superman

https://a.co/d/0buvkWP7

🌐 Website: https://www.nathanielaturner.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateaturner/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-turner-5557952b5/

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
How community influences men's personal growth and parenting
The role of vulnerability and emotional expression in masculinity

00:00 Introduction to Men's Work
01:10 The Importance of Men's Groups
02:40 Support and Accountability in Men's Groups
07:34 Self-Care for Fathers
09:31 Identity Crisis in Fatherhood
10:30 Navigating Life's Transitions
12:24 The Role of Community in Parenting
15:51 Diverse Role Models for Children
19:08 Normalizing Help and Growth
21:37 Integrating Family and Men's Groups
25:53 Virtual vs. In-Person Groups
29:14 Addressing Skepticism About Men's Groups
33:19 The Importance of Genuine Connection
35:16 Men's Groups: A Space for Vulnerability and Growth
39:33 Parenting and Emotional Regulation
43:06 The Role of Men's Groups in Personal Well-being
48:43 Finding the Right Men's Group
56:37 Conclusion and Resources for Men's Groups

• Evolutionary Men Podcast - https://evolutionary.men
• How to Start a Men's Group - https://evolutionary.men/start-a-group
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/evolutionary.men

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
• The “be dangerous” idea: truth underneath it, and how it gets misread
• Dangerous vs reckless, and why the distinction matters
• Why “powerful” may communicate the goal better, but also has limits
• Adventure, risk, and responsibility as part of mature masculinity
• Why knowing what you stand for comes before “being dangerous”
• Small daily challenges that build a man who can lead and protect

Practical takeaways
• Pick one small challenge today (fitness, food, focus, or courage)
• Reduce “easy dopamine” that keeps you timid (scrolling, binging, avoidance)
• Define what you are protecting and building (values, mission, family culture)
• Build capacity on purpose so you can use it wisely

Resources referenced
• Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
• Jordan Peterson (mentioned in context of modern “be dangerous” framing)
• Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
• Crucial Conversations (book referenced)
• Socratic method (referenced)
• Fathers With Daughters and Russ Kimura (mentioned)
• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (mentioned)
• Oregon Coast Trail (mentioned)

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.
Chad's insights encourage fathers to be proactive in their financial education and to model healthy financial habits for their children. He stresses that someone will inevitably teach kids about money, and it’s crucial for fathers to take on that role. The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring dads, urging them to surround themselves with mentors and to define what they want their lives to look like in the future. This episode serves as a reminder that being a good dad involves intentional actions, open communication, and a commitment to personal growth