Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood

Dad Central
  • 5.0 (8)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Are you stressed and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of fatherhood? This show helps overwhelmed dads conquer stress, build confidence, and become the father their family brags about. Listen to discover: • Effective strategies to reduce parenting stress and manage emotions for a calm parenting approach = happy children. • Practical advice on building strong parent-child relationships through improved communication and parenting skills, even when co-parenting with ex-partners. • Expert insights on navigating custody issues and instilling positive parenting values to develop disciplined and resilient kids. Since 2019 Co-hosts Drew and Ed have impacted over 400,000 dads through their work with Dad Central. Every Monday, join them for real-life examples and practical, time-tested strategies on how to win at being a dad. Once a month, hear from expert guests or mentor dads sharing their top tips to enjoy and thrive in fatherhood. To instantly learn top secret hacks to calm parenting and become the dad your family brags about, download our free guide to stop yelling.

  1. 2D AGO

    #158. Why More Willpower Won't Save Burned Out Dads—Tiny Habits Will

    Ever feel like you're running on empty and wonder if just ten minutes could truly lower your stress as a dad? If you're constantly juggling work, home, and parenting with little time for yourself, this episode is for you.  We break down practical ways to reduce stress fast, so you can be the calm, present parent your family needs. Discover how tiny, realistic habits can relieve stress, even on your worst days. Learn a simple three-step system to quickly reset your mind and body, keeping overwhelm from spilling into family life. Find out why small changes lead to big results, creating a calmer home environment that benefits everyone. Hit play now and see how just 10 intentional minutes can be your secret weapon to less stress and more calm.  ----- Download our free Balanced Dad BLUEPRINT pdf guide to take control of your time, reduce stress and protect your energy. Get it here: https://dadcentral.ca/balanced-dad-blueprint-2/  ----- Timestamps: 00:00   Introduction and overview of Dad Central Show 00:41   The concept of a 10-Minute Reset for stress reduction 02:08   The power and compounding effect of small habits 04:23   Addressing myths: Calm as a practice, not a personality trait 04:53   Why dads feel stressed today 07:02   Why tiny habits actually work 08:24   Real life examples of implementing small habits with kids 09:10   Core principles for making small habits stick 12:19   Introduction to the Dad Central 10-Minute Reset System 13:13   Step 1: Regulating your nervous system 15:21   Step 2: Clearing the mental load 17:01   Step 3: Signaling safety to the body through movement 18:31   Why these practices change the whole house 20:24   Quick recap and takeaways 21:23   Featured resource and closing thoughts ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    22 min

  2. FEB 5

    #157. Work-Life-Dad Balance: Why the Old Model Fails

    Is work stress seeping into your home life, leaving you feeling like you're constantly falling short as a dad? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the never-ending juggle between family, work, and personal goals - we feel you.  This episode clarifies why the old idea of work-life balance doesn't work for modern fathers and what you can do about it. You'll discover why chasing perfect balance sets dads up for frustration and how to shift to a more realistic, sustainable model. The hosts share actionable strategies to prioritize what matters most and protect your energy, so you can show up for your family without burning out. Gain a powerful self-check exercise that helps you pinpoint where life is feeling off, and learn how to start moving toward real change right away. Listen now to start reclaiming your time, energy, and confidence as a dad. Your family and your sanity will thank you! ----- Download our free Balanced Dad BLUEPRINT pdf guide to take control of your time, reduce stress and protect your energy. Get it here: https://dadcentral.ca/balanced-dad-blueprint-2/  ----- Timestamps: 00:00   Introduction & redefining "balance" for dads 00:42   Why dads struggle with work and home demands; The outdated balance model 02:14   Show introduction, sponsorship mention, and personal check-in 04:08   Main topics overview for the episode 04:40   Why the old work-life balance model fails dads 07:14   Why modern dads have no margin 10:51   Reframing balance: Time management to leadership 13:04   Practical Exercise: The Dad Balance Check-In 17:51   Recap of main points and episode takeaways 19:09   Resource announcement: Balanced Dad Blueprint PDF 19:31   Teaser for next episode and closing remarks ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    20 min

  3. JAN 29

    #156. 3 Reasons Dads Disengage From Fatherhood & How To Re-Engage With Confidence

    Have you ever wondered why so many dads slowly check out—even when they desperately want to show up for their kids? In this powerful conversation with Christopher Brown, President of the National Fatherhood Initiative, we dig deep into the hidden struggles that hold fathers back—like outdated views on masculinity, lack of support, and the emotional wounds many never address. Whether you're a dad yourself, or you work with fathers, this episode reveals the real barriers and proven paths toward lasting, confident fatherhood. Learn what research actually says about why dads disengage—and how to re-engage them effectively Discover the #1 habit confident fathers use to lead their families well Understand why modeling healthy masculinity is more critical than ever in 2026 Listen now to discover practical tools, emotional truths, and a powerful fatherhood framework that can help you (or the dads you support) lead with strength, presence, and purpose. ------ Sign up for our free Fatherhood Fundamentals Email Course to learn methods that support the dad you want to become. Get it here: https://dadcentral.ca/  ----- Timestamps: 00:00 – 00:14   Toxic masculinity and seeking help as a dad 00:15 – 01:36   Show and guest introduction: Chris Brown of National Fatherhood Initiative 01:46 – 05:03   Chris Brown shares professional and personal journey into fatherhood 05:04 – 12:34   Personal fatherhood challenges, healing the "father wound," and building support systems 12:35 – 16:16   Barriers to dads making positive changes; importance of reflection and feedback 16:17 – 21:37   Chris Brown's new book and foundation habits for confident fatherhood 21:38 – 24:14   The importance of structure and self-discipline 24:15 – 30:21   Recent trends: Modern father involvement and supportive communities 30:22 – 35:31   Navigating transitions: Healthy masculinity, role models, and seeking support 35:37 – 41:24   Emotional healing: Grief, anger, and permission to process emotions 41:25 – 44:03   Resources, where to connect, and closing remarks ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    44 min

  4. JAN 22

    #155. 10-Minute Habits for Dads: Small Changes, Big Impact at Home

    Feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or constantly "on" as a dad? It's not a discipline problem - it's a system problem. In this episode we dive into the real reasons fatherhood feels so draining and how you can regain control with small, daily habits. Learn how nervous system regulation and identity-driven routines create a ripple effect of calm, connection, and leadership in your home. Discover the Dad Central 10-Minute Daily System that transforms your home with intention, not intensity. Learn how to reset your nervous system to lead your family with calm presence. Get practical examples of easy habits you can start today - even with a packed schedule. Join our free Fatherhood Fundamentals Email Course and start building habits that support the dad you want to become. Sign up here: https://dadcentral.ca/  ----- Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Power of habits in creating change 00:00:13 – Show introduction and purpose 00:00:53 – Sponsor message and subscription reminder 00:01:24 – "Small Habits, Big Change" overview 00:02:33 – Three focus areas: habits, nervous system, daily system 00:02:51 – Habit science and practical strategies 00:05:19 – Principles of sustaining habits 00:06:09 – Stress reduction rituals 00:07:35 – Nervous system regulation as leadership 00:09:49 – Regulation practices and why they matter 00:12:10 – Dad Central 10 Minute Daily System explained 00:13:36 – Connecting with family 00:14:56 – Leading the home environment 00:16:34 – Episode recap and takeaways 00:17:45 – Resources and listener questions 00:18:28 – Closing remarks ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    19 min

  5. JAN 15

    #154. You Are Not Your Father: Choose a New Dad Identity

    Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'll never be like my dad" - but still find yourself reacting just like he did? Many fathers want to break unhealthy generational patterns but end up parenting from a place of avoidance instead of purpose. This episode dives deep into why defining yourself by what you won't do can sabotage your growth, and how building a new identity is the key to real, lasting change. Learn the 4 hidden reasons dads fall into inherited parenting patterns even when they try not to. Discover why willpower alone fails and how identity-based change creates real transformation. Get a practical tool to help reframe your identity and become the dad your family brags about. Listen now to discover the mindset shift that will help you break cycles and build a legacy you're proud of - starting today. ----- Get our free 3-lesson fatherhood course: https://dadcentral.ca/  ----- Timestamps: 00:00 – Defining identity by avoidance vs. growth 00:14 – Welcome and episode overview 01:03 – Main topic: You Are Not Your Father 02:21 – Inherited patterns and challenges for dads 04:00 – Four reasons inherited patterns persist 05:14 – Intentional parenting, breaking cycles 06:23 – Pitfalls of avoidance-based identity 08:48 – Reframing: Choosing a new identity 09:03 – Habits and identity 10:05 – Stress and default patterns 11:54 – Practical identity statements 12:28 – Identity exercise example 14:16 – Recap and takeaways 15:18 – Encouragement and support 16:12 – Importance of dad community 17:34 – Closing remarks ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    18 min

  6. JAN 8

    #153. Break Family Cycles: Let Go of Last Year's Patterns

    Have you ever reacted to your kids in a way that made you think, "I swore I'd never be that dad"? If you're entering a new year carrying guilt, frustration, or patterns from your own childhood, this episode is for you. Drew and Ed unpack why perfection is the wrong goal for fatherhood, and how intention, healing, and awareness can help you break generational cycles and show up differently for your kids. In this episode, you'll discover: How unhealed father wounds quietly shape your reactions as a dad Why triggers aren't failures, but signals pointing to growth Practical ways to replace reaction with intention and build new parenting patterns Listen now to learn how to let go of last year, break unhealthy cycles, and become a more present, grounded dad - one intentional choice at a time. ----- Get our free 3-lesson fatherhood course: https://dadcentral.ca/  ----- Timestamps: 00:00 – Perfection vs. Intention in Fatherhood & Show Introduction 00:38 – Letting Go of Last Year: Breaking Old Cycles 02:05 – Encouragement & Support for Dads Seeking Change 02:57 – Topic 1: Healing Father Wounds 06:39 – Reflection: What Did You Need from Your Dad? 08:30 – Topic 2: Understanding Your Triggers 11:56 – Resource Mention: Seven Steps to Stop Yelling 12:09 – Topic 3: Creating New Patterns 14:34 – The 4A's Framework for Changing Patterns 16:39 – Key Takeaways & Encouragement for Dads 17:49 – Monthly Resource: Fatherhood Fundamentals Email Course 18:14 – Closing Remarks & Listener Questions Invitation ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    19 min

  7. JAN 2

    #152. New Dad 2026: Design the Fatherhood You Want

    What if becoming a better dad in 2026 had less to do with doing more, and everything to do with changing how you see yourself? This episode is for dads who are ready to let go of past failures, set intentional goals, and take real steps toward becoming the father they truly want to be. If you're tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this conversation breaks down what actually works - especially at the start of a new year. Learn how to set fatherhood goals that align with your values and are actually achievable Discover the power of identity-based habits and how to implement them without overwhelm Shift your mindset from guilt to growth, using past mistakes as stepping stones rather than setbacks Listen now to learn how to design your 2026 fatherhood with intention, confidence, and connection.  ----- Get our free 3-lesson fatherhood course: https://dadcentral.ca/  ----- Timestamps: 00:00 – The importance of self-talk and self-forgiveness for moving forward in fatherhood 00:12 – Setting goals, habits, and overcoming failures in fatherhood 01:03 – Key focus areas – intentional goals, identity-based habits, overcoming failures 02:30 – Show changes for the year: New release day and listener questions segment 03:44 – Designing the fatherhood you want: Connection, relationship, and intentionality 05:05 – Segment: Setting intentional goals for fatherhood 06:49 – SMART goals and practical examples 08:54 – Personal example of a fatherhood goal and its relevance 10:05 – Segment: Designing identity-based habits 11:24 – How identity-based habits create lasting change in fatherhood 12:59 – Segment: Overcoming past failures and embracing growth 14:04 – Self-forgiveness, growth vs. fixed mindset, using mistakes as learning opportunities 17:19 – Summary and actionable takeaways 18:17 – Resource: Fatherhood Fundamentals email course 18:33 – Listener questions announcement & episode wrap-up ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    20 min

  8. 2025-12-22

    #151. How To Build a Calmer Holiday Season With One Simple Family Question

    Are your holiday traditions starting to feel more like a burden than a blessing? This episode is for every dad who's tired of December chaos and wants more connection, not more clutter. If you're overwhelmed by family expectations, packed schedules, and traditions that no longer serve your family - there's one powerful question that can change everything. Discover the one question that can simplify your entire holiday season and bring your family closer. Learn how to identify which traditions truly matter to your kids (hint: it's not the expensive ones). Get practical, low-effort ideas for meaningful moments that reduce stress and build lifelong memories. Hit play to find out how one simple question can help you lead your family into a calmer, more connected holiday season. ----- Timestamps 00:00:00 – Recognizing When Traditions Become a Burden 00:00:14 – Welcome/Podcast Introduction 00:01:08 – Purpose of the Episode: Simplifying December Traditions 00:02:04 – Reflecting on Traditions and Their Value 00:03:17 – How Societal and Familial Pressure Impacts Traditions 00:04:12 – Evaluating Traditions Based on Family Values 00:05:49 – Identifying Traditions that Fill vs. Drain Energy 00:06:59 – Remembering Meaningful Traditions from Childhood 00:07:40 – Examples of Simple, Calming Holiday Traditions 00:12:35 – Avoiding the Clutter Trap During Holidays 00:12:53 – How to Recognize Burdensome Traditions 00:15:01 – How to Talk with Family About Simplifying Traditions 00:16:33 – Recap: Takeaways and Key Ideas 00:17:31 – Resource & Reflection: Rest and Reset for Dads 00:18:55 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell ----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."

    19 min
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Are you stressed and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of fatherhood? This show helps overwhelmed dads conquer stress, build confidence, and become the father their family brags about. Listen to discover: • Effective strategies to reduce parenting stress and manage emotions for a calm parenting approach = happy children. • Practical advice on building strong parent-child relationships through improved communication and parenting skills, even when co-parenting with ex-partners. • Expert insights on navigating custody issues and instilling positive parenting values to develop disciplined and resilient kids. Since 2019 Co-hosts Drew and Ed have impacted over 400,000 dads through their work with Dad Central. Every Monday, join them for real-life examples and practical, time-tested strategies on how to win at being a dad. Once a month, hear from expert guests or mentor dads sharing their top tips to enjoy and thrive in fatherhood. To instantly learn top secret hacks to calm parenting and become the dad your family brags about, download our free guide to stop yelling.

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