Fatherhood has been one of the greatest gifts and blessings of my life. As I prepare to celebrate Father's Day this weekend and soon enter a brand-new season as an empty nester, I've been reflecting on the journey of raising three incredible kids over the last 23 years. The truth is, there's no playbook for being a parent. No manual. No perfect formula. You learn by diving in, showing up, making mistakes, and loving with your whole heart. In this heartfelt episode, I share the lessons, memories, and wisdom that have shaped me as a father—from those 4 a.m. newborn moments with Luke sleeping on my chest, to coaching my kids on the field, to preparing to watch all three of them spread their wings and chase their dreams. Whether you're a dad, mom, grandparent, coach, mentor, or simply someone who values family, this episode is a powerful reminder that the greatest impact we make often happens at home. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why every season of parenting deserves to be appreciated and embraced. How becoming a parent deepens your purpose and changes your perspective forever. The power of creating meaningful experiences and memories with your family. Why the daily routines, values, and habits you instill matter more than any vacation or milestone. The bedtime affirmation that shaped the Durkin family culture for nearly two decades. How coaching your kids can strengthen your relationships and create unforgettable moments. Why volunteering, mentoring, and being involved in your children's activities matters so much. The life-changing lesson Todd learned from his father about the value of time. How "special time" with your kids can leave an imprint that lasts a lifetime. Why fathers and mothers play an irreplaceable role in shaping future generations. The emotions, excitement, and gratitude that come with entering the empty-nester chapter of life. A powerful reminder that time is our most precious commodity—and we can't afford to waste it. Fatherhood or parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. It's about showing up day after day, creating experiences, building character, teaching values, and loving your kids through every season of life. As I look back on 23 years of being a Dad, what stands out most isn't the accomplishments, the awards, or the milestones—it's the moments. The conversations. The trips. The routines. The laughter. The lessons. The time. And as I prepare for this next chapter with all three of my children now pursuing their own dreams, I'm reminded that our role as parents isn't to keep our kids close forever—it's to help them grow wings and fly. If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a father, mother, coach, mentor, or someone who has made a lasting impact on your life. And if you're not already a part of my text community, text me at (619)304-2216 so you can stay connected and hear about upcoming events, coaching opportunities, and the new Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Group. Tag me at: IG/X: @ToddDurkin **** "IRON SHARPENS IRON" Men's Group Now Forming! (Starts July 1, 2026) Hey fellas, I'm forming a new Group unlike I've ever done before. It's a group of men (sorry ladies) who are looking to GO A LOT DEEPER in Faith, Fitness, Family, Finances, & FUN. Purpose: I am looking to create a band of brothers who want to go deeper in life and create more freedom, success, significance, & IMPACT as fathers, husbands, entrepreneurs (or in one's career) and men of God. This will be a 6-month program that will allow us to GO DEEP and forge some very strong friendships with some great people that will last a lifetime. The reason we are doing this 6-month program is to: 1. GO DEEPER in our faith walk and rely even more on God and less on ego. This will be a core component to our program. 2. Become stronger, more loving and supportive husbands (or boyfriends). 3. Become stronger, more authentic, and disciplined fathers who can lead their children even better. 4. Decrease stress or any anxiety, depression, emptiness, or apathy and replace it with more strength, love, compassion, and fulfillment. 5. Become fitter, stronger, and healthier of the Body, Mind, and Spirit. Literally the trilogy! 6. Have more FUN in LIFE…and create more Kingdom IMPACT!! When does "IRON SHARPENS IRON" Start: July 15, 2026 How long does it go: 6-months (until Jan 10, 2027) What is IRON SHARPENS IRON all about? Weekly 30-minute Bible-study (held online) Weekly Workouts (accountability) Weekly Messages from TD (Motivation, Business, Faith, Family, Fitness) Monthly (1x p/month) Business & Life Group-Coaching & Connect Call (online) 1-Live/In-Person Retreat (San Diego) Daily Connection Opportunity (online) Opportunity for 1:1 Coaching Calls AND THEN SOME. I always have a bunch of surprises in my programs and this one is going to take the icing on the cake. Men can be literally from anywhere in the world to participate… If you NEED some juice in your life…and you just don't have it. If you KNOW you are built for more…but can't seem to get there. If you are FEELING empty, lost, broken, or down…and need to recapture your MOJO… THIS IS YOUR SHOT! This is a first of its kind program that we are about to GO DEEP for 6-months. JOIN NOW. Simply text me at (619)304.2216 or email me at td@impactxperformance.com for more information, logistics, etc. There will be a nominal investment in this Group and it will be 2-3x less than what it will be in 2027. **This is a BETA Group and I will be taking only 20-men in this first group. If you want in, please LMK asap. CONTACT ME today!