The Dudela Podcast | Fatherhood Real Talk for New Dads

John and Michael | The best podcast for new dads, expecting fathers, and funny fatherhood stories
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  • Parenting

The Dudela Podcast is the go-to show for first-time dads and expecting fathers who want to feel confident, connected, and actually ready for what's coming. Hosted by John and Michael — two dads who've lived through an emergency C-section, a month-long NICU stay with premature twins, and the sleepless chaos of year one — each episode blends honest conversation, practical advice, and real stories about pregnancy, postpartum, and your baby's first couple of years. Come for the laughs. Leave with a plan. Find your people in the Spit-Up Society. What you'll hear each week Practical dad tips you can use tonight Conversations with pediatric professionals, family therapists, and dads further down the road Honest, unfiltered stories — no fake-perfect parenting Real help with sleep routines, feeding, soothing, milestones, and baby-proofing Marriage and mental health advice that respects your values Money and time systems built for real family life Twin-dad moments, NICU lessons, and faith-filled encouragement Who this show is for First-time dads and expecting fathers New dads in year one Twin dads and NICU-to-home families Partners who want to hand this to the dad in their life Frequently asked Is this just for expecting dads? No — it's for any dad in the first couple years, including twin dads and NICU families. Do the hosts have real experience, or is this just advice? Real experience. John and Michael are first-time dads themselves, including a NICU stay and an emergency C-section. Is there a community beyond the podcast? Yes — the Spit-Up Society ($5/mo) includes live Q&As twice a month, dad hacks, and weekly prompts. Is there anything more than the podcast and community? Yes — The Turn is real 1:1 access to John and Mike through pregnancy, birth, and year one. Only a few spots open at a time. Join the community Instagram: @the_dudela_official Spit-Up Society (live Q&As, dad hacks, discounts, weekly prompts): thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society If you've ever searched for any of these, this show is for you: new dad podcast, fatherhood podcast, expecting dad tips, postpartum support for dads, baby sleep schedule, wake windows, soothing a crying baby, colic help, tummy time, bottle feeding, breastfeeding support for partners, introducing solids, baby-led weaning, diaper rash remedies, gas relief, teething tips, first words, first steps, daycare prep, nursery setup, baby-proofing, growth milestones, vaccine visits, sick-day basics, fever checks, reflux signs, safe sleep, swaddles and sleep sacks, pacifier use, traveling with a baby, packing lists, stroller choices, carrier tips, budgeting for a new baby, parental leave, returning to work, staying connected in marriage, dad fitness, mental health for dads, faith and fatherhood, twin routines, NICU to home, community for dads

  1. Sep 29

    Baby Tech & Fatherhood with Babysense CEO Elad Erdan

    What does the CEO of Babysense think parents actually need at 3 AM? Maybe less technology, not more. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael sit down with Elad Erdan, CEO of Babysense, for an honest conversation about baby tech, baby monitors, sleep, parenting anxiety, marriage, career, and what it means to become a deeply involved dad. Elad is a dad of two, an entrepreneur, and the CEO of a company that has been helping families navigate one of the most stressful parts of early parenthood since 1991: keeping an eye on your baby while still getting enough peace of mind to actually sleep yourself. And his path to Babysense started with becoming a dad. Elad shares how the birth of his first child forced him to reconsider the life and career he was building. Fatherhood changed his priorities, his relationship with work, and eventually the direction of his career. We talk about the pressure dads feel to provide while also being present, prioritizing your relationship after kids, building systems that make family life easier, and why accepting that you cannot control everything might actually make you a better father. Then we get into the baby tech. Elad explains what parents should actually look for when choosing a baby monitor, the difference between WiFi and non WiFi monitoring, privacy versus remote access, breathing motion monitoring, split screen systems, and why more parenting data does not always create more peace of mind. He also shares a simple test he uses when thinking about technology for exhausted parents: Does this make your life better at 3 AM? Because if a product has you staring at another screen when you should be sleeping, something has gone wrong. John also shares why he originally chose a Babysense split screen monitor for his twins and how it has worked for his family, while Michael talks about preparing for baby number two and realizing that the gear you choose for your first baby may need to work for the family you are still building. transcript.txtTXT But some of the best parts of this conversation have almost nothing to do with technology. We talk about something we have been noticing at Dudela for a while: The Dad Renaissance. More dads are researching the gear. More dads are waking up at night. More dads are changing diapers. More dads are asking questions. More dads are prioritizing their partners. More dads are intentionally choosing to be deeply involved in their families. And Elad is seeing that shift from inside the baby industry too. You do not become a great dad on day one. You grow into it. In This Episode How becoming a dad completely changed Elad's career Going from law and entrepreneurship to CEO of Babysense What fatherhood teaches you about control The pressure of providing while also being present Why prioritizing your partner matters after having kids Building systems that make newborn life easier Elad's 3 AM test for parenting technology Why more parenting data can sometimes create more anxiety What dads should look for when choosing a baby monitor WiFi versus non WiFi baby monitors Privacy, convenience, and remote access How breathing motion monitoring differs from video monitoring Choosing a baby monitor for twins or multiple children Split screen and two camera baby monitors What John looked for when choosing a monitor for his twins Why Michael needs a different setup with baby number two coming Babysense Touch and combining local and remote monitoring Preparing your baby gear for the family you plan to have Why some baby products are worth investing more in The growing involvement of dads in baby gear decisions The Dad Renaissance Why you will not be a perfect dad on day one Elad's advice for the exhausted new dad awake at 3 AM If You've Ever Searched best baby monitor for new parents best baby monitor for twins best baby monitor for two kids Babysense baby monitor Babysense review Babysense CEO Elad Erdan Babysense Touch Babysense breathing monitor baby breathing motion monitor non WiFi baby monitor WiFi vs non WiFi baby monitor secure baby monitor split screen baby monitor two camera baby monitor baby monitor privacy baby monitor with app baby monitor without WiFi baby monitor for second baby baby sleep monitor best baby gear for new dads new dad advice first time dad advice expecting dad advice new dad anxiety how to prepare for fatherhood how to support your wife after having a baby how to be more present as a dad balancing career and fatherhood fatherhood and marriage newborn sleep for dads fatherhood podcast podcast for expecting dads podcast for first time dads This episode is for you. Check Out Babysense John has been a Babysense customer since becoming a dad to twins, and Dudela is now a Babysense affiliate. If you are researching a monitor for your first baby, twins, multiple rooms, or another baby on the way, check out Babysense through our affiliate link: Shop Babysense through Dudela If you purchase through our link, Dudela may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. One of our favorite ideas from this conversation is simple: Technology should reassure parents, not give them another thing to obsess over. Start with the problem you are actually trying to solve for your family. Then find the technology that helps without adding more noise. Join the Spit Up Society The podcast is where we talk about fatherhood. The Spit Up Society is where we get to talk with you. For $5 per month, you get two live Dudela calls every month, exclusive content, The Womb Watch, and a growing community of dads who actually want to be intentional about this stuff. Bring your questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, marriage, money, newborn life, baby gear, or fatherhood. Join the Spit Up Society Free Dad Prep Guide Just found out you are going to be a dad? Our free Dad Prep Guide covers the practical things we wish somebody had explained before we became dads and gives you a place to start preparing for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and life with a newborn. Get the Free Dad Prep Guide Dudela Prep Kit Want to go deeper? The Dudela Prep Kit helps first time dads intentionally prepare for the areas of fatherhood that tend to hit all at once: your relationship, emotions, finances, labor and delivery, postpartum, family identity, and the transition into actually becoming Dad. Because information is helpful. Information without action is nothing. Get the Dudela Prep Kit Ask Dudela Have a question about pregnancy, baby gear, relationships, newborn life, or becoming a dad? Send it to us. Leave John and Michael a voicemail through Dudela. We listen to every message, and your question may become part of a future episode or live conversation. Visit Dudela Your Challenge This Week Ask yourself: What system could make our family life a little easier? Maybe it is how you handle nighttime wakeups. Maybe it is how you divide responsibilities. Maybe it is your bedtime routine. Maybe it is the technology you are using. Maybe it is simply creating a regular check in with your partner. Do not try to control everything. Build one system that removes a little friction from your family. Then use the energy you get back to be more present with the people who matter. That is the point.

    Baby Tech & Fatherhood with Babysense CEO Elad Erdan

  2. Sep 15

    Run it back - The Dudela Family is Growing

    Baby #2 Is Coming: What I'm Doing Differently This Pregnancy   The Dudela family is growing. Michael and Abigail are expecting baby girl number two, due on Christmas Day. And pregnancy feels a little different the second time around. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John sits down with Michael to talk about what pregnancy number two has actually been like, what he learned the first time, and what he is intentionally doing differently as a husband and dad this time around. Because during your first pregnancy, everything is new. You are tracking the baby's size every week. You are Googling symptoms. You are trying to figure out which appointments matter. You are buying baby gear you have never heard of. You are wondering how much everything is going to cost. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, you are trying to figure out what your pregnant wife actually needs from you. The second time, you know a little more about what is coming. Michael shares what has been different during Abigail's second pregnancy, including more nausea, earlier body changes, food aversions, cravings, preparing their toddler Riley to become a big sister, moving into a bigger home, and realizing just how quickly the second pregnancy seems to move. We also talk about why the halfway point of pregnancy can be such an important moment for dads. Around 20 weeks, the pregnancy can suddenly start feeling very real. There is a growing belly. You may be feeling the baby move. The anatomy scan gives you an incredible look at your child. And the countdown toward labor, delivery, and newborn life starts getting a whole lot shorter. That is when preparation matters. Michael shares why dads should prioritize important ultrasound appointments, how to support your wife when her body starts changing quickly, why you need to become a better listener instead of trying to solve everything, and how taking things off your wife's mental load can make a huge difference. We also get into the reality of preparing financially for another baby, planning a babymoon, getting ready for sleepless nights again, deciding which baby products are actually worth keeping, and figuring out how to give your first child the attention they need when a newborn enters the family. And if you are nervous about becoming a dad? That is okay too. You do not need to have fatherhood figured out before your baby arrives. You just need to start becoming the kind of dad who wants to figure it out. In This Episode Michael and Abigail are expecting baby girl number two Why pregnancy number two feels completely different Their Christmas Day due date What has surprised Michael during the second pregnancy Pregnancy nausea, cravings, food aversions, and exhaustion Why the baby bump can show earlier during a second pregnancy What pregnancy feels like when you already have a toddler Preparing your first child to become a big sister or brother What dads should know around 20 weeks pregnant Why dads should attend important ultrasound appointments What to expect from the anatomy scan When pregnancy starts feeling real for dads How to support your pregnant wife without trying to fix everything Becoming a better listener during pregnancy Taking things off your wife's mental load without waiting to be asked Why pregnancy requires dads to become more selfless Preparing financially for hospital bills, diapers, formula, and newborn life What Michael learned financially from baby number one Preparing for sleepless nights when you already have a toddler How to make sure your first child still feels seen after baby arrives Why a babymoon is worth considering The best time during pregnancy to get away together Baby products Michael will use again Baby products they probably will not buy again Why bottle feeding flexibility can help dads become more involved How fatherhood changes what you consider important Why it is normal for expecting dads to feel nervous Becoming the dad you want to be before baby arrives If You've Ever Searched pregnancy advice for dads first time dad advice expecting dad advice how to prepare for a baby how to prepare for fatherhood what should dads do during pregnancy how to support my pregnant wife how to be a good husband during pregnancy 20 weeks pregnant dad what dads should know at 20 weeks pregnant anatomy scan for dads second pregnancy second baby advice preparing for baby number two second pregnancy differences pregnancy with a toddler preparing toddler for new baby how to prepare for a second child pregnancy tips for husbands pregnancy timeline for dads what appointments should dads attend during pregnancy babymoon ideas when to take a babymoon baby budget financially preparing for a baby newborn essentials baby gear for second baby new dad anxiety nervous about becoming a dad pregnancy podcast for dads dad to be podcast fatherhood podcast This episode is for you. Follow Michael's Pregnancy in Real Time With The Womb Watch Michael is not just talking about this pregnancy after the fact. We are documenting it as it happens. The Womb Watch follows Michael and Abigail through pregnancy number two in real time. Every few weeks, John and Michael sit down for shorter conversations about what is happening right now, including appointments, ultrasounds, milestones, what Abigail is experiencing, what Michael is learning, and what dads coming behind him should know. If your wife recently got pregnant, you can essentially follow along with another dad who is just a little farther down the road. The Womb Watch is exclusively available inside the Spit Up Society. Join the Spit Up Society You do not have to figure out fatherhood alone. For $5 per month, the Spit Up Society gives you access to The Womb Watch, exclusive Dudela content, and two live calls with us every month where you can bring whatever questions you are dealing with right now. Pregnancy. Birth. Postpartum. Marriage. Money. Newborn life. Fatherhood. Bring it. Join the Spit Up Society here: https://thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society/ Find Resources for Your Exact Stage of Pregnancy Not sure what you should actually be doing right now? Head to Dudela and choose where you are in the pregnancy journey. We have resources designed to help dads understand what matters at different stages so you can spend less time Googling and more time actually preparing. https://thedudelaco.com/ Free Dad Prep Guide If you just found out you are going to be a dad, start here. https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide Our free Dad Prep Guide covers the things we wish someone had told us before becoming dads and gives you practical ways to start preparing for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn life. Dudela Prep Kit Want to take preparation seriously? https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit The Dudela Prep Kit gives first time dads a practical framework for preparing for fatherhood, including your relationship, emotions, finances, labor and delivery, postpartum, family identity, and life after your baby arrives. Because knowing more is helpful. Doing something with what you know is what actually prepares you. Ask Dudela Are you somewhere in pregnancy right now and have a question? Maybe you just saw the positive pregnancy test and have no idea what happens next. Maybe you are heading into the anatomy scan. Maybe your wife is miserable and you do not know how to help. Maybe you are excited about becoming a dad but also quietly terrified. Send it to us. Leave John and Michael a voicemail through the Dudela website. We listen to every message, and your question may become part of a future podcast or live conversation. https://thedudelaco.com/ Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week If your wife is pregnant, ask yourself one question: What is something she is carrying right now that I can carry for her? Do not ask her to create a list for you. Look around. Maybe it is dinner. Maybe it is laundry. Maybe it is getting up with your toddler on Saturday morning so she can sleep. Maybe it is researching the car seat. Maybe it is making the appointment. Maybe she just needs you to listen without trying to solve anything. Find one thing. Own it. Because preparing for fatherhood is not just about knowing what happens next. It is about becoming the kind of man your family can count on when it does.

    Run it back - The Dudela Family is Growing

  3. Sep 1

    Our Wives Get Honest About Pregnancy, Postpartum & Us

    What do moms actually wish dads understood about pregnancy, postpartum, and becoming parents? This time, we decided to stop answering for them. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael are joined by their wives, Vivian and Abigail, for an honest conversation about pregnancy, postpartum, marriage, motherhood, careers, community, and what support from a husband actually looks like when life gets hard. And there is some pretty big Dudela family news. Michael and Abigail are expecting baby number two, another girl. That means Dudela is officially going through another pregnancy in real time. We talk about what this pregnancy has looked like so far, pregnancy nausea and food aversions, preparing for a second baby, and what Abigail needs from Michael during pregnancy that she does not always know how to ask for. But this conversation goes much deeper than pregnancy. Viv opens up about how difficult the postpartum season was after having twins and what it felt like to lose part of herself during those early months of motherhood. She shares why patience, grace, friendship, and having people around her mattered so much while she figured out who she was becoming. Abigail shares what it is like balancing motherhood with a career she genuinely loves, the guilt that can come with being a working mom, and why having a husband who encourages her career instead of making her feel guilty about it has mattered so much. We also get into something every expecting dad needs to hear. Your wife may not always be able to tell you exactly what she needs. Sometimes supporting her means paying attention. Take the baby. Handle bath time. Figure out dinner. Give her permission to rest. Encourage her to spend time with friends. Make the decision she is too exhausted to make. Create room for the parts of her identity that exist outside of being a mom. And during postpartum, understand that the woman beside you is experiencing one of the biggest physical, hormonal, emotional, and identity changes of her life. She may not seem exactly like the woman you married for a while. That does not mean something has gone wrong. She is becoming someone new too. This conversation is about learning how to become parents together, how to build a village around your family, and how husbands and wives can give each other grace while everyone figures it out. Whether you are trying for a baby, expecting your first, preparing for the fourth trimester, or already deep in toddler life, there is something in this conversation for you. In This Episode • Michael and Abigail announce baby number two • What this pregnancy has actually been like so far • Pregnancy nausea, exhaustion, and food aversions • Preparing for a second baby versus preparing for your first • What pregnant wives actually need from their husbands • Why your wife may struggle to ask you for help • Learning to anticipate your partner's needs • Why decision fatigue is so real for moms • Giving your wife permission to rest without guilt • What dads need to understand about the postpartum season • Giving your wife grace during the fourth trimester • What it feels like when your spouse does not seem like herself after baby • Postpartum identity changes and becoming a mom • Supporting your wife's career after having kids • Working mom guilt and balancing career with motherhood • Why friendships and community matter so much after having kids • Building your village before you desperately need one • Why parenting alongside friends makes the hard seasons easier • Understanding that toddler behavior is communication • How dads can respond differently to tantrums and difficult behavior • Why your child's behavior is not always about you • Creating meaningful family moments out of ordinary days • Learning your strengths as a mom and dad • Becoming a team instead of keeping score If You've Ever Searched how to support my pregnant wife what does my pregnant wife need from me how to be a supportive husband during pregnancy pregnancy advice for dads first time dad advice expecting dad advice how to prepare for fatherhood how to support wife after baby what moms need after giving birth postpartum support for moms postpartum advice for husbands fourth trimester for dads how dads can help with a newborn how to support wife postpartum marriage after having a baby working mom guilt how to support a working mom pregnancy food aversions second pregnancy advice preparing for baby number two building a village after having a baby postpartum mental health how to help wife get more rest understanding toddler behavior toddler tantrums parenting community pregnancy podcast for dads new dad podcast fatherhood podcast This episode is for you. Meet the Wives For this episode, we handed part of the microphones over to the women who have been beside Dudela from the beginning. Abigail is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a background in Applied Behavior Analysis. She works with children on developmental skills, communication, behavior, and helping families understand why behaviors happen in the first place. One of her biggest reminders for dads in this episode is simple: Behavior is communication. When your toddler is screaming, hitting, melting down, or doing something that drives you insane, it is easy to take that behavior personally. But your child may simply be trying to communicate something they do not yet have the language or skills to express. Vivian is a mom of twins, entrepreneur, and wedding planner behind The Alpenglow Edit. Her love for creating meaningful moments has carried directly into motherhood and the way she and John intentionally create traditions, adventures, and memories with their girls. She also gets honest about the harder side of becoming a mom, including the postpartum season and eventually finding parts of herself again through starting her business. Together, they give us something we want more of on Dudela: The mom's side of the story. The Womb Watch Is Coming With Michael and Abigail expecting their second daughter, we have been documenting this pregnancy behind the scenes. The Womb Watch follows their pregnancy in real time through appointments, conversations, questions, preparation, and Michael figuring out what it means to go through pregnancy as a dad for the second time. The Womb Watch is exclusive content for members of the Spit Up Society. Join the Spit Up Society The podcast is where we talk about fatherhood. The Spit Up Society is where we get to talk with you. For $5 per month, you get access to two live Dudela Q&A calls every month, The Womb Watch, exclusive content, behind the scenes conversations, early access to Dudela resources, and a community of dads figuring this stuff out together. Our live calls happen on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of every month. Bring your questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, newborn life, marriage, finances, fatherhood, or whatever you are dealing with right now. Can't make the live call? Members get access to the recordings too. Join the Spit Up Society here: https://thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society/ Free Dad Prep Guide Preparing for your first baby? Start here: https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide Our free Dad Prep Guide gives expecting dads practical advice for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and becoming a father. Dudela Prep Kit Want to go deeper? https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit The Dudela Prep Kit is our complete roadmap for first time dads preparing for labor, delivery, postpartum, and life with a newborn. It includes 33 pages, 6 pillars, and 9 printable tools designed to help you stop wondering what you should be doing and start preparing for what comes next. Ask Dudela Have a question you want us to answer? Maybe your wife is pregnant and you have no idea what she needs. Maybe you are struggling through the newborn stage. Maybe your toddler is losing their mind and you cannot figure out why. Maybe you just need another dad's perspective. Leave us a voicemail directly through the Dudela website. We listen to every message and may answer yours on the podcast or during one of our live conversations. Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week Ask your wife one question: What is one thing I could take completely off your plate this week? Then listen. And if you already know the answer, do not make her manage you through it. Take the kids. Make dinner. Handle bedtime. Clean the kitchen. Give her an hour alone. Make the decision. Whatever it is, own it from beginning to end. Being a steady dad is not always about knowing exactly what to say. Sometimes it is simply noticing what your family needs and showing up before someone has to ask.

    Our Wives Get Honest About Pregnancy, Postpartum & Us

  4. Aug 18

    Trying should be the fun part, right?

    Trying should be the fun part, right? Trying for a baby is supposed to be the fun part. Then the ovulation strips show up, the fertile window turns into a deadline, and sex starts feeling like something you're clocking into. Nobody really preps dads for that. In this episode, John and Michael sit down outside in Dillon, Colorado (concert crowd noise included) to talk honestly about trying to conceive: John and Viv's five months, Michael and Abigail's six to eight, and every emotion that showed up in between. They get into the stuff most guys never say out loud. The pressure of being "the star of the show" — if you don't perform, there's no baby. The mindset shift of scheduled sex, and how to actually make it fun instead of clinical. What it felt like when a pregnancy test came back negative and not realizing until that night how much the moment meant to his wife. The golf trip Michael was on when Abigail got a negative test the morning of his sister's baby shower, and what he learned about not being emotionally present for it. They also cover the practical side: tracking ovulation, timing morning sex around testosterone levels, why hot tubs are a fertility myth worth knowing about, and when it's worth getting your own levels checked. And the mental side almost nobody addresses — the eight inches between your ears that start asking "is this ever going to work" after a few negative tests in a row. But the bigger point isn't the biology. It's that the trying season, hard as it is, is a chance to build the communication and partnership that carries you into parenthood. John's twins were conceived on Leap Day, an accident neither of them expected, after months of turning a stressful window into something they looked forward to together. If you've been trying for one month or two years, this is a reminder you're not the only one white-knuckling the two-week wait, and you don't have to carry it alone. 🍼 In This Episode What trying to conceive actually feels like for dads, not just moms Why the fertile window creates pressure most men don't talk about Scheduled sex: how to keep intimacy fun instead of clinical The "star of the show" pressure and how to handle an off night What to do when a pregnancy test comes back negative, and how to actually support your wife in that moment Tracking ovulation, morning timing, and other practical strategies Why hot tubs, diet, and drinking habits are worth a second look while trying The mental side of trying to conceive that men rarely admit to How comparison creeps in when friends start having kids Turning the trying season into a foundation for your relationship, not just a means to an end 🎯 If You've Ever Searched trying for a baby, trying to conceive, how to get pregnant, fertile window, ovulation tracking, trying to conceive tips for men, male fertility and pregnancy, scheduled sex trying to conceive, negative pregnancy test, how to support my wife while trying to conceive, husband support while trying to get pregnant, emotional support while trying to conceive, sex while trying to conceive, how long does it take to get pregnant, preparing to become a dad, first time dad advice, pregnancy podcast for dads, fatherhood podcast, new dad podcast This episode is for you.   🧡 Resources for Dads Free Dad Prep Guide - https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide If you're preparing for your first baby, start here. Our free guide covers the things we wish someone had told us before becoming dads and gives you practical ways to start preparing now. Dudela Prep Kit - https://www.thedudelaco.com/kit Want to go deeper? The Dudela Prep Kit is our complete preparation framework for dads, $37, covering pregnancy, birth, postpartum, your relationship, emotions, finances, newborn life, and the transition into fatherhood. 🎙️ Ask Another Dad Going through something you want to talk about? Maybe you're trying for a baby. Maybe pregnancy is kicking your ass. Maybe your newborn won't sleep. Maybe you just need another dad's perspective. Leave John and Michael a voicemail at thedudelaco.com/voicemail, or email dude@thedudelaco.com. We listen to every one and respond when we can. 🤝 Join the Spit-Up Society Sometimes you don't need another article or Google search. You need other dads. The Spit-Up Society is $5 a month and gets you two live Q&A calls with John and Michael every month, a private community, and early access to merch and guides. Join at https://www.thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society   📱 Follow Dudela Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official   💪 Your Challenge This Week If you're currently trying for a baby, have one conversation with your partner that has nothing to do with timing, ovulation, or whether this is "the month." Ask her how she's actually doing with all of this. Then tell her how you're doing too. No fixing it, no strategy, no calendar. Just talk. Before you're mom and dad, you're still the two people building this family together. If trying has started to feel like work, find one way this week to make being together feel like the two of you again.

    Trying should be the fun part, right?

  5. Jul 28

    Every Dad Has Strengths and Weaknesses

    Every dad has strengths. Every dad has weaknesses. The question is whether you know what yours are. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael revisit one of our most popular conversations about what dads should be focusing on and take it one step deeper. Instead of talking about checklists and preparation, we talk about the man behind the dad. Because becoming a great father is not about pretending you're perfect. It's about knowing yourself well enough to build on your strengths, recognize your blind spots, and intentionally become the dad your family needs. We share honest stories from the past two years of fatherhood, from potty training twins and emotional reactions to the simple moments that reveal who we're becoming. We talk about learning to pause before reacting, giving yourself grace after you mess up, communicating honestly with your spouse, and remembering that your kids are watching far more than they are listening. Your children will copy your habits long before they understand your words. The way you treat your wife. The way you respond to stress. The way you talk about yourself. The way you apologize. The way you lead. Those are the things they'll remember. Whether you're expecting your first baby or you're already chasing toddlers around the house, this episode will challenge you to take an honest look in the mirror and become a more intentional, emotionally steady father. In This Episode • Why every dad needs to know both his strengths and weaknesses • The difference between reacting and responding • How planning ahead helps you stay calm under pressure • Potty training twins and learning patience in real time • Why your kids copy everything you do, even the things you don't notice • Building healthy communication with your spouse through regular check ins • Giving yourself grace after losing your cool • Why apologizing to your kids matters, even when they're too young to understand • Leading your family with intention instead of emotion • How dads and moms naturally bring different strengths to parenting • Practical ways to become proactive instead of reactive • Why becoming a better husband helps you become a better father If You've Ever Searched how to be a better dad fatherhood advice dad emotional regulation how to stop yelling at my kids new dad mindset intentional parenting how to become a patient dad strengths and weaknesses as a parent how to communicate better in marriage new dad tips parenting podcast fatherhood podcast how to be emotionally present how to prepare for fatherhood raising emotionally healthy kids This episode is for you. Resources Mentioned 🧡 Free Dad Prep Guide https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide A practical guide packed with the essential things every expecting dad should know before baby arrives. 💪 Dudela Prep Kit https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit Our complete fatherhood preparation framework covering pregnancy, birth, postpartum, finances, emotions, communication, and practical tools like the Brain Dump and One Word Check In. 🎙️ Ask Dudela Have a question about fatherhood, pregnancy, marriage, or newborn life? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we may answer it on a future episode. 🤝 Join the Spit Up Society Join our live community of dads for just $5 per month. You'll get access to two live Q&A sessions every month where we answer your questions, share practical fatherhood advice, and build community with dads who are in the same season of life. Join here: https://www.thedudelaco.com/Join Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/Dudela or Ko fi https://ko-fi.com/dudela 📱 Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week Ask your spouse one simple question: "What's one strength you see in me as a dad, and what's one area where I could grow?" Listen without getting defensive. Then ask yourself one more question: Am I becoming the kind of dad I hope my kids remember? Growth starts with honesty. And every great dad is still growing.

    Every Dad Has Strengths and Weaknesses

  6. Jul 14

    Why Every Parent Needs Time Away Together

    Everyone tells you to put your kids first. But one of the best things you can do for your kids is invest in the relationship that started your family. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael share what happened when they each took their first kid free trips with their wives after becoming parents. From airport freedom and uninterrupted dinners to missing their toddlers and rediscovering what it feels like to simply be husband and wife again, this conversation is an honest look at why healthy marriages create healthy families. Leaving your baby for the first time can feel exciting, terrifying, and even a little guilt inducing. Is it too soon? Will they be okay? Should we even go? We unpack those questions along with practical advice on when to plan your first overnight trip, how to lean on grandparents and your support system, why staying home isn't always enough for a real date night, and how stepping away from your daily routine helps you reconnect as a couple. We also talk about something many new parents experience but rarely say out loud. After months of diapers, bottles, nap schedules, and surviving on little sleep, it's easy to forget the people you were before becoming mom and dad. Taking time away isn't about escaping your kids. It's about strengthening your marriage so you can come home refreshed, connected, and ready to lead your family well. Whether you're expecting your first baby or you're deep in the toddler years, this episode is a reminder that your marriage deserves intentional investment too. In This Episode Why your marriage is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids What it felt like taking our first kid free vacations How long you should actually get away as new parents Date nights versus overnight trips and why both matter The guilt of leaving your child for the first time Why grandparents and your village are essential How becoming parents completely changes the way you travel Helping your kids become comfortable with trusted caregivers Affordable getaway ideas for young families Why getting out of your house helps you reconnect Building a marriage that lasts beyond the parenting years Practical ways to prioritize your spouse without feeling selfish If You've Ever Searched marriage after baby how to reconnect after having a baby date nights after kids when can parents leave baby overnight how to leave baby with grandparents new parent marriage advice how to stay connected after having kids first trip without baby overnight getaway for parents how to prioritize your marriage after kids marriage tips for new parents healthy marriage after children fatherhood podcast new dad podcast parenting podcast This episode is for you. Resources Mentioned 🧡 Free Dad Prep Guide https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide Prepare for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and your baby's first year with practical advice built specifically for expecting dads. 💪 Dudela Prep Kit https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit Our complete fatherhood preparation system with practical tools covering emotions, finances, communication, birth, postpartum, routines, and everything we wish someone had taught us before becoming dads. 🎙️ Ask Dudela Have a question about pregnancy, fatherhood, marriage, or newborn life? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we may answer it in a future episode. 🤝 Join the Spit Up Society Join our live community of dads for just $5 per month. Twice every month we host live Q&A calls where you can ask questions, share wins, learn from other dads, and build real community. Join here: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/Dudela or Ko fi https://ko-fi.com/dudela 📱 Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week Pull out your calendar. Find one date with your spouse. Not "sometime next month." An actual date. Maybe it's dinner. Maybe it's coffee. Maybe it's one night away while grandparents watch the kids. Put it on the calendar and protect it. Because one day your kids will grow up and leave home. The marriage you're building today is the relationship you'll still have then.

    Why Every Parent Needs Time Away Together

  7. Jul 1

    How Much is This Baby Really Going to Cost Me?

    Everyone talks about the registry. Everyone talks about the nursery colors. Almost nobody tells you the real number. At Dudela, we believe part of being a steady dad is being a prepared one. That means having the money conversation before the bills show up, not after. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael break down the true cost of bringing a baby home, from the moment you see the plus sign through the first year of life. This is the conversation most guys don't have until they're staring at a credit card statement wondering where it all went. The reality is that baby costs hit you in waves you don't see coming. Diapers alone will run through a box in under a month. Insurance deductibles reset the second you move from an individual plan to a family plan, which means you can hit your out of pocket max once during pregnancy and then hit it again when the baby arrives. Hospital bills show up weeks later with numbers that don't match what anyone told you at the appointment. And that's before you've bought a single onesie. In this episode, we walk through real numbers. What a crib, dresser, and rocking chair actually cost. What a good car seat and stroller run you. What the average vaginal birth and C-section cost on insurance, and what the hospital will actually bill you if things go sideways. What a full first year costs excluding childcare, and what childcare itself adds on top of that. We also get into what nobody explains clearly, like why your out of pocket max resets, why five different people at your insurance company can give you five different answers, and why you need to ask the same question more than once before you trust it. We also talk about the tools that help long term. Setting a household number you're both aligned on, even if it's arbitrary. 529 plans. The newer Trump Accounts for kids born within the eligible window. And why "set it and forget it" savings beats obsessing over a balance you can't change yet. Most importantly, we talk about mindset. This isn't about scaring you. It's about giving you the landscape so you can plan instead of react, and so you and your wife are aligned before the first bill lands instead of blindsided by it. 🍼 In This Episode Why the money conversation needs to start before the stroller conversation How fast diapers, wipes, and formula actually add up Why your insurance deductible and out of pocket max reset when you add a baby What a vaginal birth and C-section typically cost on insurance The real hospital bill numbers behind a NICU stay What nursery setup actually costs, room by room Car seats, strollers, and the gear that's worth spending more on The gear that's worth buying used or skipping entirely What a full first year of baby costs, excluding childcare The real range for childcare and daycare per child Why getting a second car seat base is a small cost with a big payoff 529 plans and Trump Accounts explained simply Why aligning on a number as a couple matters more than the number itself 🎯 If You've Ever Searched how much does a baby cost the first year cost of having a baby with insurance baby budget for new dads hospital bill after birth insurance out of pocket max pregnancy how much do diapers cost per month nursery setup cost cost of daycare per month financial planning for new dads how to talk to my wife about money before baby 529 plan for a baby Trump account for kids budgeting for a new baby cost of raising a child in the first year financial stress before baby arrives This episode is for you. 🧡 Resources Mentioned Free Dad Prep Guide Dudela Prep Kit Our complete fatherhood preparation framework, including the financial planning tools and action steps to help you have the money conversation with your wife before the bills start showing up. Ask Dudela Need advice, have a question, or just need to vent? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we'll do our best to respond. Follow Along Instagram: @the_dudela_official TikTok: @the_dudela_official YouTube: The Dudela Official Facebook: The Dudela 💪 Your Challenge This Week Pick a number. Sit down with your wife and agree on a rough monthly number you're aiming to spend on baby expenses. It doesn't have to be right. It just has to be shared. Then ask yourselves: Where can we cut back right now? Where can we grow our income? What's one bill we haven't talked about yet, like insurance, that we need to figure out this week? You don't need the perfect number. You need to be aligned on one.

    How Much is This Baby Really Going to Cost Me?

  8. Jun 16

    The Emotional Side of Fatherhood Nobody Talks About

    The Emotional Side of Fatherhood Nobody Talks About Everyone talks about the baby's emotions. Everyone talks about mom's emotions. Almost nobody talks about dad's. At Dudela, we believe one of the most important jobs of a father is becoming emotionally steady. Not emotionless. Not perfect. Steady. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael dive into one of the most overlooked parts of fatherhood: your emotional health. Whether you're expecting your first baby, navigating pregnancy with your partner, or already in the thick of diapers, sleep deprivation, toddler meltdowns, and family responsibilities, this conversation is for you. The reality is that fatherhood can be emotionally exhausting. You're carrying work stress, financial pressure, relationship dynamics, family responsibilities, and the weight of wanting to be a great dad. Most guys respond the same way. They bottle it up. They push through. They tell themselves they'll deal with it later. But eventually, later shows up. In this episode, we unpack what it means to become a steady dad emotionally. Not a perfect dad. Not a dad who never struggles. A dad who understands what he's feeling, processes it in healthy ways, and shows up for his family with consistency instead of chaos. We share practical tools from the Dudela Prep Kit, including the Brain Dump exercise and the One Word Check In. We talk about finding safe places to process emotions, building friendships that can handle real conversations, and why getting your emotions out of your head and into the open changes everything. Most importantly, we talk about giving yourself grace. Fatherhood is hard because you care. The fact that you're thinking about these things means you're already doing more than most. 🍼 In This Episode • Why fatherhood is an emotional rollercoaster before and after baby arrives • What it means to be a steady dad emotionally • Why dads tend to bottle up emotions instead of processing them • Finding healthy outlets before bringing stress home • The power of friendship and honest conversations between dads • How exercise, movement, and getting outside help regulate emotions • The Brain Dump exercise and why it clears mental clutter • The One Word Check In and how it reveals emotional patterns over time • Why emotional awareness creates a calmer home environment • Giving yourself grace during difficult seasons of fatherhood • What to do when you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or stuck   🎯 If You've Ever Searched dad mental health new dad anxiety fatherhood emotions how to deal with stress as a dad dad burnout how to support my pregnant wife emotional regulation for dads new father emotional changes how to be a better husband and father managing stress during pregnancy dad support group fatherhood podcast mental health for fathers how to stay calm with toddlers how to stop bringing work stress home This episode is for you.   🧡 Resources Mentioned • Free Dad Prep Guide https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide • Dudela Prep Kit https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit Our complete fatherhood preparation framework featuring the Brain Dump exercise, One Word Check In, and practical tools for navigating pregnancy, birth, and the first year of fatherhood. • Ask Dudela Need advice, have a question, or just need to vent? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we'll do our best to respond. • Follow Along Instagram: @the_dudela_official TikTok: @the_dudela_official YouTube: The Dudela Official Facebook: The Dudela   💪 Your Challenge This Week Try a Brain Dump. Set a timer for five minutes and write down everything taking up space in your head. Work stress. Financial stress. Relationship stress. Home projects. Random to dos. Everything.   Then ask yourself: What actually deserves my attention today? What can wait? What am I carrying that I don't need to carry anymore?   You might be surprised how much lighter you feel.

    The Emotional Side of Fatherhood Nobody Talks About
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Dudela Podcast is the go-to show for first-time dads and expecting fathers who want to feel confident, connected, and actually ready for what's coming. Hosted by John and Michael — two dads who've lived through an emergency C-section, a month-long NICU stay with premature twins, and the sleepless chaos of year one — each episode blends honest conversation, practical advice, and real stories about pregnancy, postpartum, and your baby's first couple of years. Come for the laughs. Leave with a plan. Find your people in the Spit-Up Society. What you'll hear each week Practical dad tips you can use tonight Conversations with pediatric professionals, family therapists, and dads further down the road Honest, unfiltered stories — no fake-perfect parenting Real help with sleep routines, feeding, soothing, milestones, and baby-proofing Marriage and mental health advice that respects your values Money and time systems built for real family life Twin-dad moments, NICU lessons, and faith-filled encouragement Who this show is for First-time dads and expecting fathers New dads in year one Twin dads and NICU-to-home families Partners who want to hand this to the dad in their life Frequently asked Is this just for expecting dads? No — it's for any dad in the first couple years, including twin dads and NICU families. Do the hosts have real experience, or is this just advice? Real experience. John and Michael are first-time dads themselves, including a NICU stay and an emergency C-section. Is there a community beyond the podcast? Yes — the Spit-Up Society ($5/mo) includes live Q&As twice a month, dad hacks, and weekly prompts. Is there anything more than the podcast and community? Yes — The Turn is real 1:1 access to John and Mike through pregnancy, birth, and year one. Only a few spots open at a time. Join the community Instagram: @the_dudela_official Spit-Up Society (live Q&As, dad hacks, discounts, weekly prompts): thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society If you've ever searched for any of these, this show is for you: new dad podcast, fatherhood podcast, expecting dad tips, postpartum support for dads, baby sleep schedule, wake windows, soothing a crying baby, colic help, tummy time, bottle feeding, breastfeeding support for partners, introducing solids, baby-led weaning, diaper rash remedies, gas relief, teething tips, first words, first steps, daycare prep, nursery setup, baby-proofing, growth milestones, vaccine visits, sick-day basics, fever checks, reflux signs, safe sleep, swaddles and sleep sacks, pacifier use, traveling with a baby, packing lists, stroller choices, carrier tips, budgeting for a new baby, parental leave, returning to work, staying connected in marriage, dad fitness, mental health for dads, faith and fatherhood, twin routines, NICU to home, community for dads

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