The Imperfect Dads Podcast

Devon Neisen

A space to discuss all the ups and downs of fatherhood! Hosted by Devon.  Formerly The Nashville Dads.

  1. Aug 10 ·  Video

    Episode 259 | Andy and Luke of Piebald

    On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon is joined by Andy and Luke of the legendary band Piebald for a fun conversation about fatherhood, music, careers, and the challenge of balancing family life with being in a band. Andy and Luke share what it's like raising an only child while continuing to create music and tour. Andy talks about teaching his son how to cook and how being a chef influences the way he parents, while Luke discusses his work with Noble & Cooley Drums, life with an ever-growing collection of animals, and the everyday adventures that come with family life—including why Andy has learned to watch out for sewing needles at Luke's house. They also dive into the creative process behind Piebald's first new full-length album in years, Tales for Rages (released June 12), what it was like writing and recording new music, staying connected while touring, and finally sharing the album with longtime fans. Whether you've been listening to Piebald since the early 2000s or you're discovering them for the first time, this episode is packed with stories about fatherhood, creativity, friendship, and keeping your passion alive through every stage of life. In this episode, we discuss: Fatherhood and raising an only childParenting through cooking and everyday lifeAndy's career as a chefLuke's work with Noble & Cooley DrumsLife with way too many petsTouring while raising a familyStaying connected with your kids on the roadWriting and recording Tales for the Pioneers of the RagingThe realities of making music as dadsFriendship, family, and life in PiebaldIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to stream Piebald's latest album, Tales for the Rages, and follow the band for upcoming tour dates, new music videos, and more. Send us Fan Mail Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday. This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

  2. Aug 3 ·  Video

    Episode 258 | Ben Mench-Thurlow producer of Emo Orchestra

    On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon sits down with Ben Mench-Thurlow, a booking agent who helps artists plan tours and the creator of the Emo Orchestra—the live concert experience that combines iconic emo and pop-punk songs with a full orchestra. Content Note: This episode contains an honest conversation about child loss and grief. Ben courageously shares the story of becoming a father to triplets and the heartbreaking reality that two of his children never came home from the NICU. He opens up about navigating unimaginable grief, supporting his family through loss, and why he wanted to share his experience in the hope that other dads facing similar circumstances know they are not alone. The conversation also explores Ben's career in the music industry, how he found his way to Nashville, what it's like booking tours for bands, and the inspiration behind creating the Emo Orchestra with his daughter in mind. Ben also talks about raising a daughter who knows more opening bands than headliners, balancing a demanding career with fatherhood, the team that helps bring Emo Orchestra to life, and the emotional experience of watching his daughter graduate from pre-K. This episode is an honest discussion about fatherhood, grief, resilience, music, and finding purpose after profound loss. In this episode, we discuss: Becoming a father to tripletsLife in the NICU and coping with child lossGrief, healing, and supporting your familyWhy sharing difficult stories can help other dadsMoving to Nashville and building a career in musicWorking as a booking agent for touring artistsCreating the Emo OrchestraBalancing fatherhood with a demanding careerParenting, milestones, and the emotions of watching your kids growIf you've experienced pregnancy loss, infant loss, or know someone who has, we hope Ben's story reminds you that you are not alone. Send us Fan Mail Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday. This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

  3. Jul 30 ·  Video

    Episode 257 | Stephen Stallings of Plot Points

    On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon reconnects with Stephen Stallings, frontman of the band Plot Points. Although they went to college together, it had been nearly 15 years since they last caught up, making this conversation equal parts reunion, music talk, and honest discussion about fatherhood. Stephen shares what life has been like since moving to New York, balancing a full-time career with being a husband, dad, and musician, and the long journey of finally finishing Plot Points' latest EP. He opens up about how work, family responsibilities, and everyday life can slow down creative projects—and why it's still worth pursuing them. The conversation also dives into the fun and relatable moments of parenting, including taking kids to baseball games, figuring out where to hide Christmas presents as they get older, learning that scavenger hunts are sometimes more fun for parents than kids, and making time to intentionally connect with your spouse every day. They also reminisce about their college days in Nashville, talk about introducing their wives to concerts they weren't sure they'd enjoy, and why going to concerts alone can actually be a great experience. Whether you're a dad, a musician, or someone trying to balance family life with creative passions, this episode is full of relatable stories, laughter, and honest conversations. In this episode, we discuss: Fatherhood and raising a child in New YorkBalancing music, family, and a full-time jobThe making of Plot Points' new EPStaying creative as a husband and dadMarriage and finding daily ways to connectTaking kids to baseball gamesParenting lessons and holiday traditionsGoing to concerts aloneCollege memories and life in NashvilleGrowing up while still making the music you loveSend us Fan Mail Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday. This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

  4. Jul 27 ·  Video

    Episode 256 | Eddie Reyes from Me, founding member of Taking Back Sunday

    On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon is joined by Eddie Reyes, founding member of Taking Back Sunday and current member of Me. Eddie opens up about fatherhood, family, and rediscovering his love for music after stepping away to focus on himself and the people who mattered most. He shares what it's like raising a family where ADHD is a daily reality, why honest communication with his kids has become one of his greatest parenting tools, and how being a Gen X dad has shaped his approach to raising children. They also talk about the humbling experience of watching his son become the better guitar player, why his kids encouraged him to start making music again, the story behind forming Me, and how he's learned to create music simply because it makes him happy—not because of outside expectations. Throughout the conversation, Eddie reflects on the importance of listening to your kids and allowing them to help shape your perspective as a parent. Whether you're a parent, musician, longtime Taking Back Sunday fan, or someone navigating the balance between family, creativity, and personal growth, this episode offers an honest and encouraging conversation. In this episode: Eddie Reyes on life after Taking Back SundayThe story behind MeFatherhood and raising kids with ADHDHonest communication with your childrenParenting as a Gen X dadWatching your kids surpass youWhy Eddie stepped away from musicHis kids encouraging him to play againMaking music for happiness instead of expectationsStaying authentic as an artist and a fatherWhy listening to your kids mattersIf you enjoyed this episode, follow The Imperfect Dads Podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another parent, musician, or Taking Back Sunday fan who would enjoy the conversation. Send us Fan Mail Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday. This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

  5. Jul 23 ·  Video

    Episode 255 | Travis Talbert musician

    Musician Travis Talbert joins The Imperfect Dads Podcast for a powerful conversation about grief, fatherhood, sobriety, faith, and finding purpose through life's hardest moments. Travis opens up about the heartbreaking experience of losing a child as an infant and how that loss shaped him as a husband and father. He also shares what it's been like raising three children after that tragedy, why being present for his family matters more than ever, and how quitting alcohol changed his life. Beyond parenting, we talk about Travis's work as a pedal steel guitarist, balancing music with family life, his children's educational experiences, and his evolving journey with religion, spirituality, curiosity, and critical thinking. It's an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and what it means to keep showing up for the people you love. In this episode, we discuss: Losing a child as an infant and navigating griefRaising three children after lossFatherhood and being present for your familyQuitting alcohol and the impact of sobrietyTravis's journey with religion and spiritualityCritical thinking, curiosity, and personal growthPlaying pedal steel guitar and performing while raising a familyNavigating your kids' educational experiencesMaking the most of summertime with your childrenIf you enjoy conversations about fatherhood, grief, parenting, sobriety, music, faith, mental health, and personal growth, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode. #TravisTalbert #Fatherhood #ParentingPodcast #Grief #InfantLoss #Sobriety #Recovery #PedalSteel #Musician #Faith #Spirituality #MentalHealth #TheImperfectDadsPodcast Send us Fan Mail Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday. This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

  6. Jul 16 ·  Video

    Episode 253 | Cameron Conrad, Your Elder Emo Mom

    On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon is joined by Cameron Conrad, better known online as Your Elder Emo Mom. Cameron is a creator in the Never A Phase Network, where she shares her love of emo, pop-punk, concerts, nostalgia, and the music that continues to shape generations of fans. While Cameron is known for her music content, this conversation focuses on something even more personal: motherhood and the lasting impact of growing up with a father in recovery. Devon has spoken with many dads about sobriety and the decision to get sober, but this is the first conversation from the perspective of a child who experienced life with a parent in recovery. Cameron shares how her dad's commitment to sobriety shaped her childhood, influenced her family, and continues to impact her life today. It's an encouraging reminder that recovery doesn't just transform one person—it can change an entire family for generations. They also talk about raising two daughters with very different personalities, supporting kids through dance, continuing to attend concerts after becoming parents, finding a school that feels like the right fit, and how Cameron built a community through TikTok and Instagram by celebrating emo culture and motherhood. Whether you're a parent, someone in recovery, an emo or pop-punk fan, or simply looking for an honest conversation about family, healing, and raising kids, this episode is for you. In this episode: Growing up with a dad in recoveryHow sobriety impacts the entire familyMotherhood and raising two daughtersParenting children with different personalitiesSupporting kids in dance and extracurricular activitiesContinuing to go to concerts after having childrenEmo and pop-punk cultureThe Never A Phase NetworkBuilding an audience on TikTok and InstagramBalancing content creation with family lifeIf you enjoyed this episode, follow The Imperfect Dads Podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another parent, someone in recovery, or an emo fan who would appreciate this conversation. Send us Fan Mail Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday. This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

A space to discuss all the ups and downs of fatherhood! Hosted by Devon.  Formerly The Nashville Dads.