Extraordinary Dads

Donal Murphy and Matthew Marichiba
  • 3.7 (3)
  • Parenting

We’re two ordinary dads with an avid interest in what makes fatherhood extraordinary. Each episode, we sit down with another dad to explore the full spectrum of parenting: from the brightest highs to the toughest lows. We dig into unsung stories of care, love, frustration, joy, disappointment, and everything in between. This podcast is about modern dads navigating the evolving landscape of parenting. Together, we learn and celebrate the practical habits and hard-earned insights that help us feel more successful as parents. Real talk. Honest reflection. Occasional swearing.

  1. May 2

    "Can I learn fatherhood like learning anything else?", Larry Hagner of the Dad Edge Podcast

    In this episode we talk with Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge Podcast, who shares about his experience coaching fathers, the importance of continuous learning, creating psychological safety for your kids and spouse, and self-care for Dad. Plus, we hear touching stories of losing and finding his biological father, as well as the new experience of fathering now-adult children.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Matthew & Donal check in08:16 Larry's Journey into Fatherhood and Podcasting11:19 The Impact of Larry's Childhood on His Parenting Philosophy16:12 The Birth of The Dad Edge: A Promise to Change17:02 Creating Psychological Safety in Parenting21:04 Encouraging Critical Thinking in Children21:48 Understanding Different Communication Styles with Kids22:54 Intentional Parenting: Building Connections with Older Kids24:43 Navigating Mental Health: Larry's Journey27:31 Modeling Psychological Safety in Family Dynamics30:12 Creating Bonds Through Shared Activities33:06 The Importance of Self-Care for Dads36:41 Building Community: The Power of Dad Groups39:47 Prioritizing Marriage: The Foundation of Family Life42:59 The Continuous Journey of ParentingResources & Guest Links The Dad Edge Podcast - https://thedadedge.com Check out the Extraordinary Dads podcast Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Castbox Goodpods Overcast Pocket Casts Keywords fatherhood, parenting, psychological safety, self-care, family, leadership, community, personal growth

    46 min

  2. Mar 14

    “I have to give myself grace.” Manish, Stay-at-home Dad

    In this episode, we have an engaging, thoughtful, and heartfelt conversation with our guest, Manish, a stay-at-home dad. Manish shares his journey from working in tech in Silicon Valley to becoming a full-time parent, highlighting the gifts of being more present in his children's lives and the personal growth that he has experienced because of that. We explore the dynamics of being the stay-at-home parent, the inherentchallenges and rewards, and the societal perceptions surrounding non-traditional parenting roles. Our conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of parenting as a father, the value of community support, and the lessons learned from his own dad that he now consciously applies. Keywords: parenting, stay-at-home dad, parenting roles, non-traditional parenting, fatherhood, parenting challenges, emotional growth, community support, family dynamics, work-life balance

    54 min

  3. Jan 25

    What is the sound of two dads flapping? Part 2: The XOD 1 Year Anniversary!

    In this episode Donal and Matthew reflect on the first year of the Extraordinary Dads podcast. Is it doing what they expected? How is it different than planned? What are we asking of the dads listening? (Spoilers: Get yourself in community. Have more conversations about dadding with your community. Improve a little, bit by bit, wherever and whenever you find the inspiration.)

    43 min

  4. 11/26/2025

    "I'm the Dad he wishes he was." Steve, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor & Black Belt

    In this conversation, Steve, owner of the Santa Cruz Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts School, shares insights into his life as a father and martial arts instructor. He discusses balancing parenting and self-care, education choices for his sons, and the lessons learned from Jiu-Jitsu that apply to life and fatherhood. Steve reflects on his own upbringing, the death of his mother, his absentee father, and how that motivates him to strive to be a better dad for his children. He also talks about the complicated evolution of his relationship with his dad in adulthood and how forgiveness and redemption are playing a part in the ongoing healing of that relationship. More information on Santa Cruz Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts School: www.graciesantacruz.com Keywords: parenting, jiu-jitsu, education, homeschooling, bullying, self-defense, personal growth, self-care, absentee father, forgiveness, redemption, entrepreneurship

    55 min

  5. 10/19/2025

    "It's shaping me. I also get to change and grow." - Jeremy, Music Producer Dad

    In this conversation, Jeremy (a DIFFERENT Jeremy than last time!), a music producer and entrepreneur shares his experiences as a single dad with joint custody. He dwells on the importance of patience, presence, and creativity in his parenting approach. Jeremy reflects on the influence of his parents and heritage, and shares his viewpoint as a Black father in a predominantly white community. Jeremy’s conversation highlights the growth, learning and awesomeness  that comes with being a dad. Check out Jeremy's production studio Sonivore at www.sonivores.com, or follow his Instagam @sonivore. Apologies for the creaky chair noise throughout this episode, folks! We kinda botched the studio setup for this recording, and the mic captured a bunch of ambient noise. We learn and we move on! Keywords: parenting, joint custody, patience, creativity, emotional intelligence, cultural identity, music, family dynamics, black fatherhood, personal growth

    1 hr

  6. 09/09/2025

    "Froggy Baby Daddy!" - Jeremy, New Dad

    In this engaging episode of the Extraordinary Dads podcast, we sit down with Jeremy, a new dad navigating the joys and challenges of parenting an 18-month-old. Jeremy shares his experiences of balancing work and family life, the unexpected realities of fatherhood, the importance of patience and presence, and the pressures and expectations that come with striving for perfection. He reflects on the influence of his own upbringing and the support of his family, offering insights into the evolving journey of being a dad. Join us for this heartfelt conversation about the trials and triumphs of early parenthood. Keywords: parenting, fatherhood, labor, work-life-balance, perfectionism, mindfulness, presence, hybrid work, working from home, self-care, screen time, devices, grandparents, family support, job search, community support, summer camps.

    1h 8m

  7. 08/13/2025

    "If you've met one person on the spectrum, you've met one person on the spectrum." - Chad, Autism Dad

    In this episode Chad, an “Autism dad,” shares his journey of parenting a neurodivergent child, and how it has shaped his marriage and family life. Chad discusses how his own diagnosis has brought insight and empathy into his approach to parenting his child. This episode offers a candid look at the unique joys and struggles of raising a neurodivergent child, emphasizing the importance of understanding, patience, partnership and love in fostering a supportive family environment. Donal and Matthew continue their conversation about non-religious rites of passage and spiritual development for kids. All this, plus lost chickens and Freemasons! Keywords: Parenting, Fatherhood, Teenager, Neurodivergence, Autism Spectrum, Perspective, Marriage, Family, Personal Growth, Celebrate the Small Victories, Kindness to Self, Rites of Passage, Bar Mitzvah, Confirmation References: The Virtues Guide, published 1991 - no longer in print, but copies can be found on ebay or other used book sellers.

    55 min

  8. 07/06/2025

    "Dada Car!" - Max, Firefighter Dad

    In this conversation, Max, a “fire killer,” shares his experiences navigating the challenges of parenthood while managing a demanding job. He discusses the unique schedule of a firefighter, the importance of communication and partnership with his wife, and the ups and downs of parenting a young child with a challenging sleep schedule. Max reflects on lessons learned from his own upbringing, the sacrifices his dad made, and the value of community support. The discussion also touches on the role of grandparents and the unique challenges faced by parents raising kids far from immediate family. And the cutest moment of the interview, when Max reveals that whenever his son sees a fire truck, he calls it a Dada Car. Keywords: fatherhood, parenting, firefighter, work-life balance, sleep schedule, communication, challenges, proud moments, mental health, community support, family dynamics

    1h 2m
See All (14)

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We’re two ordinary dads with an avid interest in what makes fatherhood extraordinary. Each episode, we sit down with another dad to explore the full spectrum of parenting: from the brightest highs to the toughest lows. We dig into unsung stories of care, love, frustration, joy, disappointment, and everything in between. This podcast is about modern dads navigating the evolving landscape of parenting. Together, we learn and celebrate the practical habits and hard-earned insights that help us feel more successful as parents. Real talk. Honest reflection. Occasional swearing.

Information

  • Creator
    Donal Murphy and Matthew Marichiba
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Donal Murphy and Matthew Marichiba
  • Show Website
    Extraordinary Dads

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