The Side-Hustle Dad

Bryan Steele

We are helping dads find financial freedom without sacrificing their families in the process. You want to provide more for your kids and create a legacy of wealth, but the thought of starting a business feels overwhelming. You’re afraid that chasing financial freedom means missing out on bedtime stories, soccer games, and quality time with your wife. The Side-Hustle Dad is here to show you a different way. Hosted by Bryan Steele—entrepreneur and founder of Forge Podcast Co.—this show is a masterclass in building a profitable side-hustle without sacrificing the relationships that matter most. Each week, we cover the mindset, strategies and tactics needed to create a thriving side-hustle. Whether you want to get out of debt, save for your children’s college, or build enough passive income to choose how you spend your days, this podcast provides the blueprint. Subscribe to The Side-Hustle Dad and start building your extra income stream today.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Finding Time: Unlocking the Margins

    Ever wondered how you can possibly fit a side hustle into your already packed schedule without sacrificing family time? The truth is, you probably have more available time than you realize—you just haven't captured it yet. As dads, we tend to think our schedules are maxed out, but when we take an honest look at where our time actually goes, opportunities start to emerge. The margins are there, hidden between the bedtime chaos and when you actually go to sleep, scattered throughout your lunch breaks, and yes, even tucked into those doom scrolling sessions. Finding sustainable time for your business isn't about working yourself to exhaustion or neglecting your family—it's about intentionally reclaiming small pockets of time that already exist in your week. With the right approach and a practical time study, you can identify your first five hours per week to start building something meaningful without turning your life upside down. Highlights • Most podcasts release mid-week, but this one comes out on Fridays—the day when dads typically have the most control over their schedule heading into the weekend • A time study spreadsheet broken into 15-minute blocks helps you see what you actually do with your time, not just what's on your calendar • Honesty is essential—track everything including phone usage, doom scrolling, and "nothing box" time without guilt or judgment • Log two weeks of activity to normalize your schedule and account for the variations that happen week to week • The goal is to identify your "first five"—five hours per week you can dedicate to your side hustle without negatively impacting your family • Communicate your plan with your spouse once you've identified those time margins to ensure you have their support • Small steps lead to sustainable businesses—starting with just a few hours per week can eventually lead to significant results Chapters 00:00 Why Friday Releases01:48 Finding Time Margins03:07 Time Study Spreadsheet04:14 Be Honest, No Guilt05:45 How to Log Two Weeks08:30 Spot Hidden Gaps10:03 Find Your First Five10:57 Communicate With Spouse12:37 Turn Time Into Action13:51 Challenge and Wrap Up Resources Mentioned • Time Study Spreadsheet (Google Sheet): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18NEeqC7ktsuqRxG2rI4aOifsrbYp_ZoSHBD8tcIpNMs/ Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! For more information about The Side-Hustle Dad, visit our website at https://thesidehustle.dad Remember, build the business, but be the dad! This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net.

    16 min
  2. 3D AGO

    Getting Your Biggest Champion On Board

    What's the number one reason side hustles fail before they even start? Your partner isn't on board. You can have the clearest vision, the best business plan, and unstoppable motivation—but without your spouse's support, you're building on sand. This episode walks you through exactly how to get your partner excited about your side hustle instead of resistant to it. You'll learn how to present your vision in a way that addresses their legitimate concerns about time, money, and commitment, while turning them into your biggest champion. Whether you're facing skepticism or just haven't had the conversation yet, this is your roadmap to bringing your partner along for the journey. Highlights Why partner resistance isn't about doubting you—it's about protecting the familyThe three universal objections every spouse has (and how to address each one)How to start the conversation without sounding defensive or confrontationalThe "stop loss" strategy that gives your partner confidence and controlWhy you need to give your spouse an "emergency brake" for the businessThe 90-day trial period that proves you're serious about follow-throughHow Bryan's wife became his champion during a moment of doubtSpecial guidance for single fathers building a side hustle Chapters [00:00] Why Partner Support Matters [01:26] Story Recording Studio Lessons [04:03] Lead With Your Why [07:07] Three Common Objections [11:53] Objection One Time Scarcity [14:31] Objection Two Money Risk [16:55] Objection Three Shiny Objects [17:38] How To Start The Talk [21:49] Safety Nets And Emergency Brake [24:50] Single Dads And Accountability [26:52] Homework 20 Minute Chat [28:19] Final Story And Wrap Up Resources Mentioned The $100 Startup (book)Kickstarter (crowdfunding platform)ChatGPT (business planning tool)Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! For more information about The Side-Hustle Dad, visit our website at https://thesidehustle.dad Remember, build the business, but be the dad! This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net.

    32 min
  3. 3D AGO

    Starting Your Side-Hustle Begins with One Question

    Why are so many dads struggling to balance ambition with family presence? If you're feeling the pull between providing an amazing life for your family and actually being there to enjoy it with them, this episode is your starting point. I'm sharing why I created this podcast specifically for dads who want to build something of their own without sacrificing what matters most. We're cutting through the noise of generic side hustle advice to focus on what actually works when you're juggling business dreams and bedtime stories. Today, we're tackling the most critical question you need to answer before launching anything: What's your why? Without a clear answer, your side hustle can quickly take on a life of its own and pull you away from the very reasons you started. I'll walk you through the three core categories of "why" and show you how defining yours will become your compass for every decision ahead. Highlights • Why this podcast exists specifically for dads (not just another generic side hustle show) • The most critical question to answer before starting any business: What's your why? • The three categories of "why": financial, relational, and personal • Why your side hustle needs a specific "job" to do • How knowing your why helps you make better decisions and know when to pivot or quit • Why honesty (not altruism) is what matters when defining your why Chapters 00:19 - Welcome & Introduction to The Side Hustle Dad 00:49 - Why This Podcast Exists for Dads 01:12 - The Importance of Balance: Business & Presence 02:56 - Starting with Your "Why" 03:49 - My Personal Why: Debt & Financial Freedom 04:41 - The Three Categories of Why 05:01 - Category 1: Financial Reasons 05:44 - Category 2: Relational Reasons 06:57 - Examples of Relational Why (T-shirt Store Failure) 07:22 - Category 3: Personal Reasons 08:57 - Why Your Side Hustle Needs a Job 09:51 - Making Informed Decisions Based on Your Why 10:38 - Your Action Step: Write Down Your Why 11:07 - Subscribe & Find Resources Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!  For more information about The Side-Hustle Dad, visit our website at https://thesidehustle.dad Remember, build the business, but be the dad! This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net.

    13 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

We are helping dads find financial freedom without sacrificing their families in the process. You want to provide more for your kids and create a legacy of wealth, but the thought of starting a business feels overwhelming. You’re afraid that chasing financial freedom means missing out on bedtime stories, soccer games, and quality time with your wife. The Side-Hustle Dad is here to show you a different way. Hosted by Bryan Steele—entrepreneur and founder of Forge Podcast Co.—this show is a masterclass in building a profitable side-hustle without sacrificing the relationships that matter most. Each week, we cover the mindset, strategies and tactics needed to create a thriving side-hustle. Whether you want to get out of debt, save for your children’s college, or build enough passive income to choose how you spend your days, this podcast provides the blueprint. Subscribe to The Side-Hustle Dad and start building your extra income stream today.