Startup Dad

Adam Fishman

Adam Fishman (author of a top business newsletter on Substack with 11K+ subscribers) interviews executives, entrepreneurs, and company leaders in technology companies who are also fathers. They discuss the tough aspects of work, parenting, family, the mistakes made and lessons learned along the way. All episodes at www.startupdadpod.com.

  1. This Dad Makes Moms Cry (In a Good Way) | Chet Kittleson (Dad of 3, TinCan)

    3 DAYS AGO

    This Dad Makes Moms Cry (In a Good Way) | Chet Kittleson (Dad of 3, TinCan)

    In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Chet Kittleson, serial founder and co-founder of Tin Can, an analog phone for kids that helps families stay connected without screens. He’s also a dad of three, building a hardware company from his kitchen table while raising a young family in Seattle. Chet opens up about the inspiration behind Tin Can, how his childhood landline shaped the idea, and why he believes kids need more analog connections in a digital world. He talks candidly about the challenge of being “distracted dad” while building something he’s intensely passionate about, how he and his wife run their household like a startup, and why learning to unplug is still a daily work in progress. We discussed:  Creating balance at home: The systems, boundaries, and frameworks that help Chet stay grounded as a founder and father.Lessons from failure and obsession: What Chet’s learned about being present when work and family both demand everything.The art of analog parenting: How Chet and his wife teach their kids healthy relationships with technology and boredom.Raising kids is like running a business: From household “OKRs” to making space for unstructured family time.Hope for the next generation: Why Chet believes we’re entering an analog revival and what it means for parents raising digital natives. Where to find Chet Kittleson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckittleson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tincan.kids/Tin Can: https://tincan.kids/   Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ X: https://x.com/fishmanafInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Chet Kittleson(02:31) The childhood inspiration that sparked the idea for Tin Can(11:13) Finding balance between family life and startup life(13:38) Lessons learned from building, failing, and trying again(16:21) Partnering in parenting and business with his wife(21:34) Building Tin Can from an idea to a real product(35:22) How parenting priorities shift as kids grow(36:16) What team dynamics look like inside a family-led startup(37:14) Early prototypes and how the family helped shape Tin Can(38:50) Seeing kids’ real reactions to the analog phone(40:02) Teaching kids to balance tech time and real-world connection(46:38) Finding optimism and practical solutions for modern parenting challenges(50:11) How to support Tin Can’s mission to connect families(53:10) Lightning round: paper calendars, dad hacks, and dishwasher rules Resources From This Episode: Tin Can: https://tincan.kids/  Paper calendar: https://a.co/d/dbPXEsG  Brooks: https://www.brooksrunning.com/  The Anxious Generation (book): https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/  Brick (app): https://getbrick.app/  The Hundred-Foot Journey: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2980648/  Chef: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2883512/  Toy Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/  The Mighty Ducks: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104868/  Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097523/  Freaky Friday: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322330/  Freakier Friday: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31956415/  The Parent Trap: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120783/  Little Big League: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110363/  Rookie of the Year: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107985/  The Green Mile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120689/  Rewind & Play: ABC The Millennial Way (book): https://a.co/d/6GI6tdC  Tween Magazine: https://tweenmag.com/  — For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    59 min
  2. Why No Dad Has It All Figured Out | Colin Anawaty (Dad of 2, Flying A Capital)

    30 OCT

    Why No Dad Has It All Figured Out | Colin Anawaty (Dad of 2, Flying A Capital)

    In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Colin Anawaty, technologist and founder of Flying A Capital. He’s also a single dad of two boys, navigating the challenges of fatherhood and entrepreneurship after divorce. Colin opens up about how his kids have become his greatest teachers, why he believes accountability and independence should start young, and how joining a men’s group helped him prioritize relationships, including the one with himself. From Montessori principles to Mario Kart lessons, Colin shares how parenting frameworks and founder mindsets overlap in surprising ways. We discussed:  Parenting through divorce: What it’s like to reset life as a single dad and how his kids’ resilience has inspired him.Learning from mistakes: How modeling vulnerability and apologizing to his kids has built trust and maturity.Resilience vs fragility: Why Colin believes kids are more robust than we give them credit for.Why no dad has it all figured out: Colin’s honest take on navigating career, parenting, and personal growth.The role of technology and AI: From skepticism to playful experiments, turning kids’ crayon drawings into Pixar-style characters. Where to find Colin Anawaty: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinanawaty/ X: https://x.com/colinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/colinanawaty/Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ X: https://x.com/fishmanafInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introducing Colin Anawaty (02:13) Adjusting to life as a single dad of two young boys (05:37) Why Colin joined a men’s group and what he learned (09:43) Taking stock of good and bad parenting lessons from past generations (11:49) Kids as teachers and the power of apologizing as a dad (14:31) Why kids are more resilient than we think (16:29) Teaching accountability at an early age (20:22) Montessori principles at home: independence, structure, fewer toys (23:50) Parenting lessons from Mario Kart and screen time boundaries (28:22) Bonding through haircut sessions with his boys (31:27) Helping his 6-year-old overcome fear of surfing (33:51) Social media dangers for kids and for parents (37:43) What relationship Colin wants his kids to have with technology (40:54) Using AI for parenting frameworks and creative projects (46:17) Why no dad has it all figured out (49:10) Lightning round: Parenting gear, funniest moments, and dad quirks Resources From This Episode: 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom: https://a.co/d/0H7Evju  The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: https://a.co/d/12730G0  The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be: https://a.co/d/ji8u48g  The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year: https://a.co/d/chjTYyA  Montessori Method: https://montessori.org/  Dad Jokes Instagram (Logan Lisle): https://www.instagram.com/loganlisle/  Potty Training Seat: https://a.co/d/54kwn6o LEGO: https://www.lego.com/  The Karate Kid: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/  Endless Summer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060371/  Swiss Family Robinson: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054357/  Cars: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/  The Grinch: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2709692/  Inside Out: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/  Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087469/  Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/switch/  Duke Nukem: https://2k.com/games/duke-nukem/20th-anniversary/  Super Mario Bros: https://mario.nintendo.com/characters/  Mario Kart: https://mariokart8.nintendo.com/  Milo and Chip: https://www.youtube.com/@miloandchip/videos  Athena Health: https://www.athenahealth.com/ Alex’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOa9mS-CIuQ Josh Jones-Dilworth & Culturati: https://culturati.info/ — For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    59 min
  3. Why Screen Time Limits Are B******t | Chad Pytel (Dad of 2, thoughtbot)

    23 OCT

    Why Screen Time Limits Are B******t | Chad Pytel (Dad of 2, thoughtbot)

    Chad Pytel is the founder and CEO of thoughtbot, a product development consultancy, and co-founder of 12 Sided Studios, a gaming and production company. He’s also the longtime host of the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots podcast, a husband, and the father of two teenagers. In this episode, Chad and I talk about raising kids while running companies, blending family life with creative projects, and the importance of designing systems at home, just as you would at work. He shares stories about parenting teenagers, shaping company culture around sustainable pace, and why even the smallest rituals matter when time with your kids feels fleeting. We discussed: Building systems at home: How collaborating with his kids on routines turned daily battles into shared ownership.Parenting teenagers with balance: Why being relaxed, supportive, and flexible helped his kids thrive through responsibility and independence.Dinner as a cornerstone: The daily ritual that kept his family connected through the busiest startup years.Redefining company culture: How Thoughtbot built practices like sustainable pace and four-day client weeks to make room for life outside of work.Embracing differences: The importance of parenting each child as an individual, not a template, and adjusting expectations along the way. Where to find Chad Pytel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpytel/ X: https://x.com/cpytel Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introducing Chad Pytel, founder and CEO at thoughtbot and dad of two (04:37) Exploring the aging space with AI (06:06) Starting a gaming and production company (08:43) Navigating teenage years (18:33) Balancing work and family life (19:23) Sustainable pace and company culture (23:48) Parenting realizations (24:56) Frameworks for parenting (25:21) Daily routines and systems (27:17) Sunday date concept (29:50) Parenting styles and screen time (35:34) Halloween traditions (37:37) Keeping up with the Joneses (41:19) Lightning Round: Being a relaxed and reasonable dad Resources From This Episode: Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots (Podcast): https://podcast.thoughtbot.com/ thoughtbot: https://thoughtbot.com/ 12 Sided Studios: https://12sidedstudios.com/  Critical Role (Actual Play Series): https://critrole.com/  Dimension 20 (Actual Play Series): https://www.dropout.tv/dimension-20  American Society on Aging: https://www.asaging.org/  Wall-E (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910970/ Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071853/ Kia Rondo (Car Model): https://www.edmunds.com/kia/rondo/  thoughtbot: https://thoughtbot.com/  12 Sided Studios: https://12sidedstudios.com/  — For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    46 min
  4. Work-Life Balance is a Myth | Jonathan Jamil (Dad of 2, Springboard)

    16 OCT

    Work-Life Balance is a Myth | Jonathan Jamil (Dad of 2, Springboard)

    Jonathan Jamil, founder and CEO of Springboard, shares his story of growing up in a two-bedroom apartment with six family members, building a business powered by stay-at-home moms, and raising two daughters while redefining what success means. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has carried from his upbringing, and the realities of being a dad and founder at the same time. We discussed: Why work-life balance doesn’t exist: Jonathan explains why he believes balance is a myth, and instead focuses on being fully presentRedefining success as a father and founder: He shares how his definition of success shifted from chasing cars and houses to prioritizing comfort, family health, and presence.Breaking generational patterns with love: From hugs to family vacations, Jonathan reflects on how intentional affection and kindness help him parent differently than he was raised.Partnership and parenting: He talks about how he and his wife share the load, why he ignores outdated cultural norms around gender roles in parenting, and the promise he kept to support her becoming a stay-at-home mom.Why nice guys don’t finish last: Jonathan describes how leading with empathy and kindness has shaped Springboard’s culture, strengthened client trust, and fueled growth. Where to find Jonathan Jamil LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjthatcxguy/ Springboard: https://www.springboardhq.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanjamil/ X: https://x.com/jjthatcxguyWhere to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Welcome Jonathan Jamil (03:55) Starting Springboard and working with stay-at-home moms (06:41) Why Springboard never posts job listings (08:33) Building a business while raising a newborn (10:19) Why work-life balance doesn’t exist (13:27) Redefining success as a dad (14:46) Why you can’t parent alone without community (16:06) Advice to his younger self before becoming a dad (18:23) Never stop dating your wife (20:35) The power of vacation and taking breaks (24:14) His simple fatherhood framework: Show up, listen, love (26:22) Espresso-fueled speeding ticket during the colic phase (28:54) Parenting disagreements: Screen time and sugar (30:56) Tech boundaries and raising daughters in a digital world (32:55) Using AI to plan family vacations (34:39) Why “nice guys finish last” is a myth (37:14) Lightning round: Parenting wins and toy assembly fails Resources from this episode: Jambys: https://www.jambys.com/ Disney Store: https://www.disneystore.com/toys-plush/toys/  Lime Green Bed Sheets: https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Bedding/s?k=Lime+Green+Bedding Cocomelon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCmjCuTUZos6Inko4u57UQ Wreck-It Ralph: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772341/ Ratatouille: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/ Home Alone: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/ The Santa Clause: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111070/ Play-Doh: https://shop.hasbro.com/en-ca/play-doh Toyota Sienna: https://www.toyota.com/sienna/ Siqi Chen’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Nm5Mkj0s0 Cape May: https://www.capemay.com/ Ocean City: https://www.ocnj.us/ Rehoboth Beach: https://www.rehobothbeachde.gov/ Disney World: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ UPPAbaby: https://uppababy.com/ Boppy: https://www.boppy.com/ Jamby’s: https://www.jambys.com/ — For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    45 min
  5. Raising Twins on Hard Mode | Adam Lieb (Dad of 2, Gamesight)

    9 OCT

    Raising Twins on Hard Mode | Adam Lieb (Dad of 2, Gamesight)

    In this episode of Startup Dad, I sit  down with Adam Lieb, the founder and CEO of Gamesight, a marketing technology company that helps video game studios connect with players and launch their biggest titles. Adam started his first gaming business at just 11 years old and has spent his entire career building in the industry ever since. As a dad of 11-year-old twins and husband to Camille, a lawyer who now leads the legal team at Gamesight, Adam shares what it’s like to grow a company and a family at the same time. From the challenges of raising twins to why he doesn’t believe in separating work mode from dad mode, Adam offers an honest look at the overlap of parenting and entrepreneurship. We discussed:  Raising twins while building a company: Why he compares it to running three startups at once.The sleep training strategy: How it became the most important defensive move for survival with twins.Work mode vs dad mode: Why Adam believes in being the same person everywhere.AI at home: Creative ways his kids use AI for learning, projects, and fun.The mantra “show up and try”: Why presence is the foundation for leadership and parenting. Where to find Adam Lieb: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslieb/ X: https://x.com/adamslieb  Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ X: https://x.com/fishmanafInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introducing Adam Lieb (02:16) What Gamesight does and how Adam started in gaming (05:32) Raising 11-year-old twins with his wife, Camille (07:38) Running “three startups” at once: company and twins (09:34) Working with his wife inside the business (10:01) What’s unique about having twins, and why sleep training mattered (16:05) Why doesn’t Adam separate dad mode and work mode (18:30) Cheering from the baseball field while sending emails (20:13) The mantra that guides parenting and leadership: show up and try (24:30) Lessons learned since becoming a dad and mistakes along the way (26:17) The balance between coaching your kids and supporting them (29:16) Aligning with his wife on parenting philosophy (31:29) Setting limits on video games and tech at home (39:46) Raising kids with AI and creative projects they’ve built (47:16) Lightning round: indispensable products, useless gear, quirks, and dad superpowers Resources From This Episode: Gamesight: https://gamesight.io/  Collapsible Wagon: a.co/d/dmFVnSI  Table For Two: https://buytablefortwo.com/  Alexa: https://alexa.amazon.com/  Happy Gilmore: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116483/ Happy Gilmore 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31868189/ The Lord Of The Rings: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/  — For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    59 min
  6. Why I Tell Colleagues to Have Kids | Rishabh Jain (Dad of 2, Fermàt Commerce)

    2 OCT

    Why I Tell Colleagues to Have Kids | Rishabh Jain (Dad of 2, Fermàt Commerce)

    In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Rishabh Jain, the CEO of FERMÀT Commerce, a company he launched when his oldest daughter was just a few weeks old. He’s also a husband and father of two kids under the age of four. In this conversation, Rishabh shares why he believes parenthood actually makes entrepreneurship easier, how he manages family life alongside scaling startups, and the frameworks that help him stay focused and balanced. We discussed: Starting a company as a parent: Why Rishabh believes kids force you to prioritize what really matters.Advice to colleagues: Why he seriously tells stressed-out founders to “have kids” and how it improves their work.Family as an anchor: How a strong marriage allows him to take big risks in his professional life.Balance through kids: How playing, creating, and connecting at home helps him show up sharper at work.Technology in parenting: Using AI and voice assistants to answer kids’ questions and prepare them for a tech-driven world. Where to find Rishabh Jain LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishabhmjain/ X: https://x.com/rishabhmjain The Intelligent Marketer: https://www.intelligentmarketerpod.com/Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ X: https://x.com/fishmanafInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introducing Rishabh Jain (02:10) Why starting a company as a parent is easier (05:14) Advice to stressed-out colleagues: “Have kids” (07:18) Traveling internationally with toddlers (09:44) Hacks for surviving long flights with young kids (12:40) Starting FERMÀT Commerce with a newborn at home (16:56) Why kids should see parents doing what they love (18:21) Raising expectations of adults and patience with kids (21:02) Morning routines for balance and presence (25:56) How time with kids makes work more energizing (33:25) Technology and AI as parenting tools (41:35) Lightning Round: Dad superpowers, minivans, and more Resources From This Episode: FERMÀT Commerce: https://www.fermatcommerce.com/ The Bum Brush:  https://www.amazon.com/Bumco-Diaper-Cream-Spatula-Mom-Invented/dp/B00LYQ53JW  What to Expect When You’re Expecting: ​​https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-When-Youre-Expecting/dp/0761187480  Twitter: @rishabhmjain Rishabh’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rishabh-jain-show-marketing-podcast-for/id1656571291 Rishabh’s Website: https://www.therishabhjain.com/ Zootopia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948356/  Lion King: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1  Iron Man: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1  VW Electric Bus: https://www.vw.com/en/models/id-buzz.html  — For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    51 min
  7. You Can't Tell Kids How to Feel | Zach Teutsch (Dad of 2, Values Added Financial)

    25 SEPT

    You Can't Tell Kids How to Feel | Zach Teutsch (Dad of 2, Values Added Financial)

    Zach Teutsch is the founder of Values Added Financial, and a former leader at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He’s also a husband, father of two, and a master of weaving big-picture life principles into day-to-day parenting. In this episode, Zach and I talk about building independence in kids, creating household shortcuts to reduce decision fatigue, and why boredom is one of the best gifts you can give your children. He shares his unique frameworks for parenting, money, relationships, and emotional resilience. We discussed: Parenting with the end in mind: Zach shares how picturing his kids as independent, kind 18-year-olds shapes his daily parenting choices and guides when to step back versus step in.Fostering independence and confidence: Why letting kids take on age-appropriate challenges, from solo store trips to handling money, builds resilience and reduces anxiety.Teaching money through experience: Zach’s allowance and charitable giving system helps kids make “safe” mistakes and understand value, trade-offs, and generosity.You can’t change feelings: The science behind why emotions can’t be reasoned away in the moment, and how validating kids’ experiences builds trust and emotional maturity.Boredom as a virtue: How slowing down, resisting screens, and embracing quiet moments leads to more creativity, mindfulness, and deeper connections. Where to find Zach Teutsch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-teutsch/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/zteutsch.bsky.social  Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introducing Zach Teutsch, founder at Values Added and dad of two (02:58) Parenting with the end in mind (04:25) Raising confident, independent kids (12:02) Teaching kids about money early (17:48) Why you can’t change feelings (26:52) Advice Zach wishes he had (31:22) Being your kids’ emotional go-to (32:38) Simple rules for parenting (33:43) The power of showing up (36:25) Boredom as a parenting superpower (38:45) Being a kid is hard (42:44) Relationship principles that work (49:09) Talking AI with your kids (53:10) Lightning round: parenting wins, fails, and quirks Resources From This Episode: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451663889  Bluey (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7678620/  My Cousin Vinny (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104952/  Claude AI: https://claude.ai/  Values Added Financial: https://valuesaddedfinancial.com/  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ Carla’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcrzFhbeIVs Law & Order SVU: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203259/ George Kinder: https://www.georgekinder.com/ Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com/  @zteutsch.bsky.social zach@valuesadded.com Melatonin: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071  — For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    1 hr
  8. Why Standing Up For Your Kids Is Massively Important | Jeremy King (Dad of 2, Ocean Orchestra)

    18 SEPT

    Why Standing Up For Your Kids Is Massively Important | Jeremy King (Dad of 2, Ocean Orchestra)

    Jeremy King, co-founder and CEO of Ocean Orchestra and former CEO of Attest, shares his journey as a founder, ocean advocate, and father of two daughters. In this episode, Jeremy opens up about building systems for both his family and his startups, why ocean conservation is personal to him, and how parenting has informed his leadership style. We discussed: Blending startup leadership with family life: Jeremy reveals how he and his wife, both busy professionals, use calendar “parenting time” to protect family routines. He explains why blocking time for his daughters on the calendar is non-negotiable.Parenting by design, not default: From food to sleep schedules, Jeremy shares how he applies science and structure to family life. He talks about the influence of the book Save Our Sleep and the “no choices on food” philosophy that’s helped his kids develop adventurous tastes.Impact at home and beyond: Jeremy discusses his role as chair and board member at Reach Two, a UK nonprofit transforming primary schools. He reflects on how improving outcomes for kids at scale has changed his perspective on equity, systems, and the basics that matter at home and in education.Adventures, travel, and core memories: The Kings’ family travels stretch from London to Melbourne, and Jeremy shares practical advice for surviving epic flights with little kids. He also highlights the moments that matter most like standing up for your child in the big moments, and creating core memories that build trust and resilience.Technology, ocean advocacy, and looking ahead: As a founder working at the intersection of tech and conservation, Jeremy discusses how he wants to introduce his daughters to technology, why he’s bullish on AI for ocean impact, and how parenting is shaping his approach to building solutions for the planet. Where to find Jeremy King LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykingjk/ Website: https://www.askattest.com/ Ocean Orchestra: https://www.oceanorchestra.ai Where to find Adam Fishman FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introducing Jeremy King (01:33) From business to marine life (03:24) Nature's lessons for business (06:28) Parenting strategies for busy professionals (09:35) Improving UK education (16:04) Long flights tips for traveling with kids (19:53) Unique accents and vocabulary (22:51) Parenting principles: no food choices (24:49) Favorite foods and cultural influences (26:11) Parenting principles: standing up for your kids (27:05) Birthday party drama (29:56) Technology and kids (34:51) AI in parenting (37:05) Playground adventures (39:28) Sea otter presentation (42:34) Lightning Round: Groclocks and Magic Misties Magical Crystal Ball Resources from this episode: Groclock: https://www.tommeetippee.com/en-gb/product/groclock-sleep-trainer-clock Dog Man: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10954718/ The Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/ Flight of the Navigator: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091059/ Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Mixies-S2-Crystal-Ball/dp/B09Q4B7CZH?th=1 Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0357413/  Attest: https://www.askattest.com/  Reach Two: https://www.reach2.org/  Ben William’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5ex9UczN5w  Harvard: http://harvard.edu/  MIT: https://www.mit.edu/ Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNVCQZG1?ref_=MARS_NAVSTRIPE_desktop_kindle_kindle&th=1  Finding Dory: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2277860/  Mckinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/ Tizzie Hall, Save Our Sleep: https://www.saveoursleep.com/baby-whisperer/ Church of England: https://www.churchofengland.org/  Angler Fish: https://www.mbari.org/animal/deep-sea-anglerfish/ Henry VIII: https://www.royal.uk/henry-viii Multi Academy Trust: https://alumnismat.org/multi-academy-trusts/ NFL: https://www.nfl.com/ Peppa Pig: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOtE1V7Ots4DjM8JLlrYgg Claude.ai — For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

    47 min

About

Adam Fishman (author of a top business newsletter on Substack with 11K+ subscribers) interviews executives, entrepreneurs, and company leaders in technology companies who are also fathers. They discuss the tough aspects of work, parenting, family, the mistakes made and lessons learned along the way. All episodes at www.startupdadpod.com.

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