Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life

Michael Jacobs - Working Dads & Fatherhood Expert

Gap to Gig explores the life in between who we are, what we do, and the life we want to build as working dads. Through honest conversations with dads, experts, leaders, and people who have navigated their own twists and turns, host Michael Jacobs explores fatherhood, work-life balance, meaningful work, parenting, identity, ambition, relationships, and what actually matters most in modern life. Most of life's biggest decisions don't belong exclusively to work or family. They live somewhere in between, where the challenge isn't simply succeeding at work or showing up at home, but figuring out how all the pieces fit together. How do you build a meaningful career without losing yourself in it? How do you stay ambitious while remaining present for the people who matter most? How do you navigate career changes, setbacks, uncertainty, and new opportunities while still showing up for your family? How do you know if you're spending your time on the right things? This show is for working dads who feel pulled between responsibility and fulfillment, ambition and presence, work and the rest of life. The dads who don't want to wake up ten years from now wondering where the time went. Every conversation is designed to help you make more intentional choices about your work, your relationships, and the life you're building before the years have a chance to pass you by. Along the way, you'll find practical ideas, fresh perspective, and the confidence that comes from knowing you're not the only dad asking these questions.

  1. Colin C. Thompson on Mental Fitness for Working Dads

    5d ago

    Colin C. Thompson on Mental Fitness for Working Dads

    How do you stay calm, present, and emotionally available when life keeps pulling you in every direction at once? Colin C. Thompson believes the answer starts with mental fitness. As a coach, speaker, and certified Positive Intelligence practitioner, Colin works with people who feel stuck between pressure, responsibility, and the constant demands of work and family life. His approach focuses on helping dads recognize the thought patterns, habits, and emotional reactions that quietly shape how they show up every day. This conversation explores how working dads can build mental fitness instead of constantly operating in survival mode. Colin breaks down the mental habits that create more presence, patience, emotional control, and healthier work life balance at home and at work. Colin shares how to: Create healthier boundaries between work mode and family modeTransition intentionally from work stress into parenting timeRecognize self-sabotaging thoughts before they spiralStop carrying workplace pressure into family interactionsRespond to stressful parenting moments with more calm and less reactivityModel emotional openness and healthy behavior for your kidsReduce comparison and external pressure as a working dadFor working dads trying to balance fatherhood, meaningful work, and the emotional pressure that comes with both, this conversation offers practical ways to build stronger mental fitness, healthier boundaries, and more intentional relationships at home. Dig Deeper Kung Fu Theater Rally’s 24K Magic by Bruno Mars Elmo the President Follow Colin On his websites: https://www.oligye.com and https://www.colincthompson.com On Facebook: https://facebook.com/colin.c.thompson On LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/colincthompson/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    44 min
  2. Matt Campbell on Rebuilding Energy, Presence, and Work Life Balance in Fatherhood

    Jun 23

    Matt Campbell on Rebuilding Energy, Presence, and Work Life Balance in Fatherhood

    Why do so many working dads feel exhausted even when they’re doing everything "right"? Dr. Matt Campbell believes the problem is not that most people are broken. It’s that they’re depleted. Matt is a clinical psychologist and creator of the Primal Five Framework, which focuses on five foundational areas that shape how we show up every day: sleep, sunlight, movement, connection, and consumption. His work explores how modern life quietly pulls us away from the things our minds and bodies were built for and how that depletion affects everything from patience and anxiety to parenting and meaningful work. Matt shares how to: Recognize when exhaustion is really a capacity problem instead of a time problemImprove work life balance without trying to overhaul your entire life overnightBuild routines that reduce decision fatigue and make healthy habits easierFind practical ways to incorporate movement into an already busy scheduleCreate meaningful connection instead of surface-level social interactionBreak cycles of depletion, irritability, anxiety, and overwhelmMatt brings a thoughtful and deeply practical perspective to fatherhood, parenting, and the reality of trying to stay healthy while balancing work, family, and daily responsibilities. Dig Deeper Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Scooby-Doo Theme Song Thunder Road You Never Even Called Me by My Name Follow Matt On his website: https://www.ourprimal5.com/ On his newsletter: https://our-primal-5.kit.com/9b41ee5325 On Instagram: https://instagram.com/ourprimal5 On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-campbell-a5b22910/ Get the Our Primal 5 Workbook: https://amzn.to/48Qoe9h Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    1h 1m
  3. Mike Weyandt on Presence, Identity, and Navigating Fatherhood Through Uncertainty

    Jun 16

    Mike Weyandt on Presence, Identity, and Navigating Fatherhood Through Uncertainty

    What happens when your life changes faster than you can process it? For Mike Weyandt, the shift into fatherhood came all at once. A long, uncertain adoption process suddenly turned into bringing home a newborn in a matter of weeks. At the same time, his career path was in flux, and shortly after, the world shut down. What followed was a season filled with constant change, new responsibilities, and very little time to step back and make sense of it all. Mike brings a rare combination of perspectives. As a former opera performer, he understands what it means to be fully present when it matters most. As a talent leader and executive coach, he has helped others navigate uncertainty in their careers. And as a dad, he has lived through the reality of balancing meaningful work, identity shifts, and the everyday demands of parenting. Mike shares how to: Recognize and interrupt reactive patterns in both work and parentingBuild awareness around the thoughts that drive stress and overwhelmStay present when everything around you feels uncertainBalance ambition with the realities of fatherhood and daily lifeMove from constant reaction to more intentional decision-makingLet go of “should” thinking and challenge inherited assumptionsHandle career uncertainty without defaulting to ineffective busy workAccept that growth as a parent and professional is an ongoing practiceMike’s perspective is thoughtful, honest, and deeply practical. Especially for working dads trying to figure out work life balance while navigating change, pressure, and the desire to be more present at home. It’s a reminder that not every season needs to be solved immediately. Sometimes the real work is learning how to stay grounded while everything is still unfolding. Dig Deeper ADHD Never Eat Alone Bluey Crazy by Patsy Cline Follow Mike On his website: analogpractice.work On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweyandt/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    1h 3m
  4. Rob Capili on Rebuilding Life After Divorce and Raising Resilient Kids

    Jun 9

    Rob Capili on Rebuilding Life After Divorce and Raising Resilient Kids

    What does it actually look like to rebuild your life after everything falls apart? Rob Capili has lived through it. Divorce, career pivots, identity shifts, and the long process of starting over while still showing up as a father. His path has never been linear. From tech to filmmaking to music to entrepreneurship, he has followed curiosity, taken risks, and learned the hard way what matters and what doesn’t. But some of his most important lessons didn't come from success. They came from failure, from relationships that didn't work, and from the responsibility of raising kids through difficult transitions. This conversation is raw, honest, and grounded in real experience. Especially for working dads trying to navigate fatherhood, work life balance, and the pressure to get it right while figuring it out in real time. Rob shares how to: Rebuild your identity and direction after divorceBalance honesty with protecting your children during difficult seasonsLet go of perfection and focus on being present as a parentGive kids the space to make their own decisions while still guiding themShift from outcome-based thinking to focusing on effort and processRecognize what you will and will not tolerate in relationships moving forwardUse failure, setbacks, and painful experiences as fuel for growthFollow curiosity and creativity while still carrying real responsibilityRob’s perspective is direct, thoughtful, and often unexpectedly funny. A reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there is a path forward. Dig Deeper Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Barney Back That Azz Up by Juvenile Follow Rob On his website: robcapili.com Lovers Quarrel: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robcapili/lovers-quarrel-a-graphic-novel Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    51 min
  5. Faisal Ensaun on Taking Ownership of Your Life and Redefining Success as a Dad

    Jun 2

    Faisal Ensaun on Taking Ownership of Your Life and Redefining Success as a Dad

    What if the life you’re building is the very thing draining you? Faisal Ensaun’s journey spans survival, addiction, reinvention, and ultimately building a life rooted in purpose, ownership, and alignment. From immigrating out of a war-torn country to hitting personal rock bottom, he rebuilt his life by asking harder questions than most people are willing to face. Today, as a coach, entrepreneur, and father, Faisal works with high performers who look successful on the outside but feel disconnected underneath. Faisal’s perspective is intense, honest, and grounded in lived experience. Especially for dads trying to navigate fatherhood, meaningful work, and the pressure to provide without losing themselves in the process. Dig Deeper Gabor Maté Naraka Pink Panther Tom and Jerry Wonderland Scare Away the Dark by Passenger Follow Faisal On his website: https://www.faisalensaun.com/ On his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IhYB1waklQjJWPkDKeU66 On X: https://x.com/faisalensaun On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalensaun/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faisalensaun1 On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@faisalensaun On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faisalensaun On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalensaun/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    58 min
  6. Anthony Kuo on Escaping the Success Trap and Building a Career That Actually Fits

    May 26

    Anthony Kuo on Escaping the Success Trap and Building a Career That Actually Fits

    What happens when you do everything right on paper… and still feel like something is off? Anthony Kuo knows that feeling firsthand. From performing at Carnegie Hall at 17 to climbing the corporate ladder after graduating from NYU Stern, he checked every box most people chase. But underneath the external success, something never quite clicked. Now a career satisfaction coach and founder of Untamed Career, Anthony helps high achievers untangle the gap between success and satisfaction and build careers that actually align with who they are. This conversation explores what many working dads quietly wrestle with. The tension between providing and feeling fulfilled. The pressure to keep going even when something feels misaligned. And the challenge of figuring out what you actually want when the answer is not obvious. Anthony shares how to: Understand the difference between success and satisfaction and why both matterRecognize when your work is draining energy instead of fueling itBreak down the overwhelming question of “what do I want?” into something actionableAvoid burnout by paying attention to the process, not just the outcomeNavigate career changes without blowing up your life or risking stabilityUnderstand how your career choices impact your presence as a parentDig Deeper NYU Stern School of Business Carnegie Hall ADHD The Song That Never Ends from Lamb Chop Follow Anthony On his website: https://untamedcareer.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untamedcareer/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.kuo On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untamedcareer On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/untamedcareer/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    52 min
  7. Shaun Dawson on Fatherhood, Identity, and Redefining Work-Life Balance for Dads

    May 19

    Shaun Dawson on Fatherhood, Identity, and Redefining Work-Life Balance for Dads

    What does it really mean to succeed as a dad when work, ambition, and identity are all pulling in different directions? Shaun Dawson, tech leader, father of two, and host of the Raising Men podcast, challenges the idea that success is defined by output alone. He shares a more grounded perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, and what working dads often get wrong when they focus too heavily on providing financially while overlooking emotional presence. Shaun shares how to: Redefine success beyond income and external achievementBuild emotional security for your kids, not just financial securitySeparate identity from output and rethink what actually gives your life meaningRecognize when ego is shaping your parenting decisionsStay present during everyday moments that are easy to overlook but impossible to get backNavigate the tension between guiding your kids and letting them become who they areThis is a thoughtful and honest conversation for working dads trying to build a life that balances fatherhood, meaningful work, and a deeper sense of identity. Dig Deeper Conan the Barbarian Raising Men by Eric Davis Bluey Dairy Queen Piano Man Follow Shaun On his website and podcast: https://raising.men/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/ On Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/ On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingMen_Podcast On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-men/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingmenpodcast Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    55 min
  8. Paul Comfort on Finding Meaningful Work and Work-Life Balance as a Dad

    May 12

    Paul Comfort on Finding Meaningful Work and Work-Life Balance as a Dad

    What if the reason work feels off is not the job itself, but a lack of clarity about what you are actually built to do? Paul Comfort has spent decades helping people identify their strengths, align their careers with purpose, and build lives that feel both successful and meaningful. His work centers on the idea that most people never take the time to understand what they are uniquely wired to do. For dads trying to navigate fatherhood, career decisions, meaningful work, and work-life balance, lack of clarity can lead to frustration, burnout, and a constant feeling of being pulled in too many directions. Paul shares how to: Identify your natural strengths and use them to guide career decisionsRecognize when you are in the wrong role versus the wrong seasonAlign your work with your values, personality, and long-term goalsMake better decisions about transitions, promotions, and opportunitiesHelp your kids think about their own strengths and future pathsDig Deeper Command & Conquer PEG Channel DiSC Profile Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Barney Free Fallin’ Follow Paul On LinkedIn On Instagram On his show, Transit Unplugged TV On his podcast, Transit Unplugged Check out his book, Find Your X Factor, and take the assessment Pre-order his book from B&N Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

    54 min
4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Gap to Gig explores the life in between who we are, what we do, and the life we want to build as working dads. Through honest conversations with dads, experts, leaders, and people who have navigated their own twists and turns, host Michael Jacobs explores fatherhood, work-life balance, meaningful work, parenting, identity, ambition, relationships, and what actually matters most in modern life. Most of life's biggest decisions don't belong exclusively to work or family. They live somewhere in between, where the challenge isn't simply succeeding at work or showing up at home, but figuring out how all the pieces fit together. How do you build a meaningful career without losing yourself in it? How do you stay ambitious while remaining present for the people who matter most? How do you navigate career changes, setbacks, uncertainty, and new opportunities while still showing up for your family? How do you know if you're spending your time on the right things? This show is for working dads who feel pulled between responsibility and fulfillment, ambition and presence, work and the rest of life. The dads who don't want to wake up ten years from now wondering where the time went. Every conversation is designed to help you make more intentional choices about your work, your relationships, and the life you're building before the years have a chance to pass you by. Along the way, you'll find practical ideas, fresh perspective, and the confidence that comes from knowing you're not the only dad asking these questions.