The Dads Project Podcast

Nick Mann
  • 4.5 (4)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Being a great dad is hard. Learning from others helps. Each episode, I explore the habits, stories, and leadership lessons that challenge modern fathers to rise above distraction and lead with strength and presence. On a mission to impact 1 million families.

  1. #020 - Jonathan Sharp on Repair, Being A Positive Example, and Rites of Passage

    12/01/2025

    #020 - Jonathan Sharp on Repair, Being A Positive Example, and Rites of Passage

    In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Nick Mann interviews Jonathan Sharp, a father of three boys, discussing the unique challenges and joys of parenting. They explore the importance of keeping kids engaged during summer break, the lessons fathers learn from their children, and the significance of repairing relationships. Jonathan shares his approach to exposing his boys to challenges, creating meaningful rites of passage, and the power of community support in parenting. The conversation emphasizes the importance of encouragement and legacy in fatherhood, highlighting how fathers can intentionally shape their children's experiences and beliefs. Positive Behaviors Discussed: Demonstrating Emotional Intelligence & Vulnerability Through the Act of RepairCommunicating Encouragement & Support For Your Kids Chapters 00:00 Navigating Summer Break with Three Boys 01:14 Lessons from Fatherhood: Emulating Positive Traits 02:28 The Importance of Repairing Relationships 07:09 Exposing Kids to Harder Challenges 11:18 Leading by Example: A Father's Influence 17:14 Rites of Passage: Creating Meaningful Experiences 17:43 Creating Meaningful Rites of Passage 25:36 The Power of Community in Fatherhood 30:47 Encouragement and Repairing Relationships 36:24 Legacy of Fatherhood: Passing Down Values --------------- 🔗 Connect with Jonathan LinkedIn 🔗 Connect with Nick: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram

    36 min
  2. #019 - Adam Halberstadt on Dad Priorities and Having Permission To Change

    07/31/2025

    #019 - Adam Halberstadt on Dad Priorities and Having Permission To Change

    In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Adam Halberstadt shares his insights on the importance of prioritizing family over career success, the journey of personal transformation from corporate life to coaching, and the significance of building resilience in children. Adam emphasizes the need for fathers to reflect on their life choices, embrace change, and be present for their families. Adam's story is one of overcoming challenges, finding balance, and redefining what it means to be successful in both work and family life. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 02:50 The Importance of Prioritizing Family Over Career 05:32 Redefining Success: The Greatest of All Time 08:19 Lessons from Scotty Scheffler for Everyday Dads 11:03 The Power of Reflection and Mindset 13:56 Adam's Journey: From Corporate to Coaching 22:38 Taking Action: First Steps for Overwhelmed Dads 25:41 Investing in Yourself: A Necessary Shift 30:16 The Importance of Presence in Parenting 35:44 Building Resilience in Children 41:07 Mindset and Coaching: Transformative Journeys 46:43 Messages for Dads: Living in the Moment -------------------------------- 🔗 Connect with Adam ⁠Website⁠ ⁠LinkedIn 🔗 Connect with Nick: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Instagram

    50 min
  3. #018 - Russ Kimura on Creating Emotional Bridges and The Fathers With Daughters Movement

    07/17/2025

    #018 - Russ Kimura on Creating Emotional Bridges and The Fathers With Daughters Movement

    In this episode of the Dad’s Project Podcast, Nick Mann sits down with Russ Kimura, founder of Fathers With Daughters and a dad to three girls. Russ shares the heart behind his mission to help dads build intentional, lasting connections with their daughters through events, coaching, and everyday presence. Topics: - Why Russ started Fathers With Daughters - The power of holding space instead of “fixing” emotions - How he uses events like father–daughter proms to spark connection - Practical ideas for dating your daughter in ways she will never forget - How circling back and owning mistakes strengthens trust This is a conversation full of humility, wisdom, and actionable steps for dads who want to show up better every day. ----------------------------------- 🔗 Connect with Russ Website Coaching Information FWD - Instagram Personal Instagram 🔗 Connect with Nick: LinkedIn Instagram

    1h 1m
  4. #017 - Knight Campbell On Hurrying Less, Embracing The Journey, and Finding Joy In Change

    07/10/2025

    #017 - Knight Campbell On Hurrying Less, Embracing The Journey, and Finding Joy In Change

    In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Nick Mann is joined by Knight Campbell, Navy veteran, mountain guide, father of three, and founder of Cairn Leadership. Together, they explore the messy, beautiful terrain of fatherhood, leadership, and what it means to truly be present. Knight shares real, hard-earned lessons from guiding in the mountains and raising kids under one very active roof, including: The mindset shift that makes outdoor adventures with kids meaningful (even when exhausting) Why it’s better to “prepare for change” than expect to be comfortable with it How mountain climbing taught him to value the journey over the summit What parenting has taught him about letting go of control and slowing down Why his top family values are courage, kindness, and curiosity, and how to pass them on A warning about the effect of AI on learning and critical thinking, and what we can do about it This is an honest, insightful episode packed with humor, wisdom, and practical takeaways for dads who want to raise intentional, grounded kids in a fast-changing world. ------------------------------------- 🔗 Connect with Knight:LinkedIn: Knight CampbellWebsite: www.cairnleadership.com 🔗 Connect with Nick ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Dads Project On Instagram⁠

    42 min
  5. #016 - Rewire, Don’t Repeat: Freeman Beals on Fatherhood, NLP, and the Courage to Change

    07/03/2025

    #016 - Rewire, Don’t Repeat: Freeman Beals on Fatherhood, NLP, and the Courage to Change

    In this episode of the Dad’s Project Podcast, Nick sits down with Freeman Beals, a lifelong river guide, dad to a toddler, and certified NLP practitioner, to talk about real fatherhood, the kind that makes you face yourself. Freeman shares how growing up on the river taught him to adapt, how fatherhood reshaped his emotional reactions, and why breaking old patterns requires rewiring, not just willpower. They explore everything from spontaneous travel, mental load, and value shifts to how dads can reframe frustrating moments (like a toddler launching a milk cup) using neuro-linguistic programming. Topics Covered: - What rafting teaches us about adapting in life and parenting- How to shift your reactions using NLP (live on the show!) - Why dads need to rewrite the playbook—not follow an outdated one -The battle between provider guilt and presence at home - Healing old patterns with self-forgiveness and curiosity - A simple daily gratitude hack that rewires your brain - The value of male vulnerability and why you’re never alone Freeman’s 3 Dad Principles: 1️⃣ Rewire, Don’t Repeat 2️⃣ You’re Not Alone 3️⃣ We’re Writing the Playbook Now 💬 Quote of the Episode: “You’re not reacting that way because you don’t care, you’re reacting because you do.” ------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Connect with Freeman: freemanbeals.com NLP Audio Tool LinkedIn 🔗 Connect with Nick ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dads Project On Instagram

    44 min
  6. #015 - Warren Devarennes on Building Dadgood, Rediscovering Purpose, and the Legacy of Presence

    05/29/2025

    #015 - Warren Devarennes on Building Dadgood, Rediscovering Purpose, and the Legacy of Presence

    What if you treated “Dad” like the most important title on your LinkedIn profile? In this episode, Nick sits down with Warren Devarennes, co-founder of the rapidly growing Dadgood community, to unpack what it means to lead with love, live with purpose, and show up fully for your family. From the daily discipline of 75 Hard to middle-of-the-night snuggles with his daughters, Warren shares how fatherhood cracked him open, reshaped his priorities, and sparked a global movement to connect and empower modern dads. This conversation is a masterclass in presence, purpose, and building a legacy. In This Episode: Why Warren is doing 75 Hard and what’s hard about it Launching Dadgood and building a global community for dads Balancing hustle with presence in fatherhood What a four-year-old can teach us about curiosity and time The “legacy builder” mindset and redefining success Why real fatherhood has no room for gurus or pretending The power of male connection and community accountability Join Dadgood: https://www.dadgood.co/ ------------------------ 🔗 Connect with Warren: ⁠Warren on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Nick ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dads Project On Instagram

    57 min
  7. #014 - Lead with Love: Benji Donhardt on Fatherhood, Resilience & Growth

    05/23/2025

    #014 - Lead with Love: Benji Donhardt on Fatherhood, Resilience & Growth

    Benji Donhardt’s life didn’t start easily, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a joyful, passionate, and powerful father. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Benji shares the story behind his energy, how trauma shaped his approach to parenting, and how he leads his blended family of five kids with discipline, resilience, and love. From hiding under his childhood home to now running a global marketing company and leading his household with intention, Benji’s story is proof that you can break the cycle and lead with strength and heart. Topics Covered: Turning childhood trauma into fatherhood fuel Blending families and building unconditional love Discipline vs. punishment: what kids really need Why fitness is non-negotiable for modern dads Leading your family through your actions Fatherhood lessons from the military Benji’s Message to Dads: “Lead with love. Always.” ------------------------ 🔗 Connect with Benji: Benji on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Nick ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dads Project On Instagram

    38 min
  8. #013 - Service, Presence, and the Tactical Pause with Major John McCormack

    05/15/2025

    #013 - Service, Presence, and the Tactical Pause with Major John McCormack

    In this episode, Nick sits down with Major John McCormack, USMC, to talk about living a life of service, how military leadership translates into fatherhood, and the emotional growth required to be present with your family. From tactical pauses to ice cream after hard days, John shares practical ways he’s learning to lead at home with the same intention he brings to his career. Topics Covered: What does living a life of service mean as a dad? Using the “add up to 10” tool to communicate better with your partner. Helping young kids navigate emotional transitions like moving. Applying military tools (like tactical pauses) to fatherhood. Why being authentic and vulnerable matters at home and work. Letting kids see the full range of your emotions and why it matters. John’s Dad Leadership Principles: 1. Be Genuine & Authentic 2. Have & Seek Out Perspective 3. Be Deliberate With Your Time & Energy Quote of the Episode: “You’re not the only one going through it. You’re not alone. And that conversation you’re scared to have? It might be exactly what another dad needs, too.” ------------------------ 🔗 Connect with John: ⁠John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠🔗 Connect with Nick ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Dads Project On Instagram

    34 min
See All (20)

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Being a great dad is hard. Learning from others helps. Each episode, I explore the habits, stories, and leadership lessons that challenge modern fathers to rise above distraction and lead with strength and presence. On a mission to impact 1 million families.

Information