Dad Space Podcast - for Dads by Dads

Dave Campbell
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

DadSpace - A Podcast for Dads by Dads. Dad Space is a safe space to ask questions, learn from other Dads and grow in community! We equip Dads with how to tips, marriage tips, family insights and even the occasional Dad Joke! Great guests will join us to share their Dad journey with you. Whether you are a new Dad, a Step-Dad, an empty nester or Grandparent! Dad Space is a safe space for Dads to connect and do life together! Visit DadSpace.ca for all things Dad!

  1. 5d ago

    Dad Rules - Rest, Recovery, and Real Life - Teaching Kids to Listen to Their Bodies

    Episode 268 - Dad Rules - Rest, Recovery, and Real Life - Teaching Kids to Listen to Their Bodies In this episode of Dad Space, Dave introduces the first installment of a new series called Dad Rules, exploring practical household guidelines that help families thrive rather than simply control behavior. The focus is on rest, recovery, and teaching children how to listen to their bodies in a world that often pushes everyone to keep going no matter what. Using examples from sports and everyday life, Dave explains why rules matter. Without structure, families can easily drift into chaos. The goal is not to create a rigid household, but to establish simple principles that support health, honesty, and balance. One of the featured rules is straightforward: if you're too sick for school, you're too sick for screens. By removing the reward of unlimited screen time, this approach encourages children to be honest about how they feel and helps shift the focus back to genuine recovery. The conversation then turns to sleep, emphasizing that adequate rest should be a non-negotiable part of family life. Dave discusses how consistent sleep routines influence mood, focus, behavior, and overall family harmony. He also challenges dads to model healthy sleep habits themselves, recognizing that children learn more from what they see than what they are told. Another rule encourages every member of the family, including parents, to have dedicated quiet time. Rather than viewing stillness as wasted time, Dave highlights the value of slowing down, recharging, and becoming comfortable with moments of reflection in an increasingly busy and connected world. The episode concludes with a discussion about mental health days. Dave encourages families to create space for honest conversations about feeling overwhelmed and to recognize that taking a break when needed is a healthy response, not a weakness. By openly demonstrating healthy coping strategies, dads can equip their children with tools they'll rely on throughout life. These four simple rules are presented as starting points for creating a healthier family culture, one that values rest, self-awareness, and honest communication. Children learn how to care for themselves by watching the adults around them. When dads prioritize rest, recovery, quiet time, and mental well-being, they teach their kids lifelong skills for navigating stress, maintaining balance, and living healthier lives. If you’re too sick for school, you’re too sick for screens This rule sets a clean boundary between genuine recovery and comfort-seeking habits. It removes the incentive to “game the system” while reinforcing that being sick means slowing down. You can talk about what “rest” actually looks like in your home—books, naps, low stimulation—and how consistency from parents is what makes this rule stick. Also worth exploring: how to handle gray areas (lingering colds, mental fatigue, etc.). Sleep is non-negotiable on school/work nights; routines beat exceptions Sleep becomes a family value, not just a suggestion. This rule emphasizes predictable wind-down routines, consistent bedtimes, and the idea that tomorrow’s performance starts the night before. You can expand into how sleep impacts mood, school performance, and even parent patience. A strong angle here is modeling—if parents stay up scrolling, the rule loses weight. Everyone gets “quiet time” each week (even parents) This is less about punishment and more about reset. Quiet time creates space for reflection, creativity, and decompression—especially in busy households. It teaches kids how to be alone without being bored in a negative way. You can frame this as a “family recharge system” and share different ways quiet time might look depending on age (reading, drawing, music, journaling). Mental health days are allowed—but must be communicated honestly This rule balances compassion with accountability. It acknowledges that not all hard days are physical, while still requiring kids to express what’s going on. You can explore how to teach kids the language to describe stress, anxiety, or overwhelm—and how dads can respond without immediately trying to “fix” everything. This is also a great entry point into modeling emotional honesty as a parent. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

  2. Jul 6

    Not All Dads Are Broken - Healthy Dads, Help a Dad That is Struggling and Share Your Strength

    Episode 267 - Not All Dads Are Broken - Healthy Dads, Help a Dad That is Struggling and Share Your Strength Opening question: “Are men okay?” → Reality: many aren’t, but some are just better at hiding it. Pushback on narrative: Not every man is secretly broken, despite what social media suggests. Cultural exaggeration: Online messaging often paints all men as emotionally unstable or on the edge. Balanced truth: Some men are genuinely struggling and need help, therapy, and better communication skills. Core message: Not all men are broken—some are actually doing okay. Why some men are okay: They witnessed dysfunction (addiction, anger, chaos) and chose a different path. Reframing the past: That experience isn’t always trauma—it can be motivation. Society’s reaction to ambition: Hard-working men are often questioned (“Who hurt you?”) instead of respected. Alternative perspective: Maybe he’s driven by love, gratitude, and desire to build something better. Recognition gap: Healthy, stable, striving men don’t get enough acknowledgment. Mental load: Many men carry stress—finances, family, work, caregiving, expectations. Default response: “I’m fine” becomes habitual, even when it’s not fully true. Missing piece: Awareness isn’t enough—healing requires action. Hard truth: Repeatedly acknowledging problems without action becomes a choice. Small steps matter: Better sleepPhysical activityTime outdoorsReducing unhealthy coping habits (e.g., drinking)Being present with family Effort matters: Trying, even imperfectly, is part of growth. Listening gap: People say “men should open up,” but often don’t truly listen when they do. What real listening looks like: Don’t competeDon’t turn it into contentDon’t reinterpret—just hear them Honest admission: Men often feel unappreciated and misunderstood. Invisible effort: Many do things hoping to be noticed—but aren’t. Reality check: That doesn’t mean everything is broken—sometimes it’s just life and human distraction. What most men want: PeacePurposeRespectA reason to keep building Important balance: It’s okay to not be okay—but also okay to simply be okay. Normalcy matters: Enjoying life, family, work, and growth doesn’t mean hidden pain. Spectrum of men: Some brokenSome healingSome learningSome strugglingSome thrivingSome surviving Shared goal: Most men are just trying to build a better life than they came from. Motivation vs negativity: Growth isn’t always driven by pain—it can come from vision. Pride factor: Wanting to do better is something men should be proud of. Brotherhood idea: Men trying to support those who aren’t okay while still showing up for family. Identity caution: Mental health struggles shouldn’t become someone’s entire identity. Final truth: Everyone struggles—but how you respond to it is what defines the outcome. This episode of Dad Space explores a powerful idea that pushes back against a growing narrative online: not all dads are struggling, and it is okay to be okay. Using a viral clip as a springboard, Dave reflects on how social media often amplifies the hardships of fatherhood to the point where it feels like every man is broken. While those struggles are real and deserve attention, the episode challenges the idea that they define every dad. Dave shares how constant exposure to “all men are struggling” messaging can create confusion for dads who are actually doing well. Instead of feeling confident, they may feel out of place or even question themselves. He reframes this by emphasizing that fatherhood is seasonal. There are highs, lows, and everything in between, and no single narrative fits everyone. The conversation also highlights the importance of balance. نعم, some dads need support, therapy, and community, and taking that step is essential. But for those who are in a good place, there is a responsibility to look outward and support other dads who may not be. Strength, when shared, becomes a powerful tool for lifting others. A key theme throughout the episode is growth. Trauma and hardship are real, but they are not meant to be permanent identities. Healing requires movement, often through small, practical steps like being present, building better habits, and genuinely listening to others. Dave reinforces that men are more than their struggles, and that purpose, peace, and respect are often what dads are truly seeking. The episode ultimately celebrates the full spectrum of fatherhood. Some dads are struggling, some are healing, and some are thriving. All are valid. What matters is continuing to move forward and supporting each other along the way. Key takeaway: It is okay to not be okay, but it is equally okay to be okay and when you are, use your strength to help another dad who needs it. Clip referenced in episode https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSQF8qkdN/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

  3. Jun 29

    Navigating the Empty Nest with David Campbell Guesting on the Great Dad Podcast

    Episode 266 - Navigating the Empty Nest with David Campbell Guesting on the Great Dad Podcast In this special Shared Mic Series episode of Dad Space, host Dave Campbell shares a conversation from his appearance on the GreatDad.com podcast with host Paul. The discussion centers on a topic that many fathers eventually face but few are prepared for: navigating the transition to an empty nest. Dave reflects on his own experience as a father of three children and the unexpected reality of watching his family dynamic change almost overnight. What began as a full and active household became a home for two, forcing both Dave and his wife to confront the emotional, relational, and personal challenges that accompany this major life transition. Their differing reactions highlight an important truth: no two parents experience an empty nest in exactly the same way. Throughout the conversation, Dave and Paul explore how fathers often tie their identity to their roles as providers, coaches, chauffeurs, and supporters of their children. When those responsibilities begin to fade, many dads are left wondering who they are beyond fatherhood. The discussion examines the importance of intentionally investing in personal interests, friendships, hobbies, and marital relationships long before children leave home. The episode also shines a light on the growing challenge of loneliness among men. Dave shares how many fathers gradually lose connections with friends and social circles as family responsibilities increase. As children grow up and move on, those missing relationships can leave a significant gap. Building community, creating meaningful friendships, and finding purpose outside of parenting become essential parts of maintaining emotional well-being. Listeners will also hear practical advice for dads approaching this season of life, including strengthening their relationship with their partner, making time for personal passions, and actively creating a support network. Dave encourages fathers to avoid living on autopilot and instead approach life with intention, purpose, and a commitment to personal growth. The conversation highlights the work being done by GreatDad.com, a platform dedicated to supporting fathers through resources, conversations, coaching, and discussions about modern fatherhood. Paul's mission of helping dads navigate challenges and build stronger families aligns closely with the themes explored throughout this episode. Key Takeaway Fatherhood is a lifelong journey, but it should not be your only identity. By investing in relationships, community, personal interests, and your own well-being, you can navigate major life transitions with greater purpose, resilience, and fulfillment. Feeling anxious about your kids leaving home? Wondering what comes next after the “full house” years? In this candid and insightful episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with fellow dad and podcast expert David Campbell to explore the emotional landscape of empty nesting. David shares his real-life experience going from a bustling house to a quiet home—for both him and his wife, this transition brought unexpected challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a stay-at-home dad, a working parent, or simply looking for wisdom as your family enters new phases, this episode offers reassurance, actionable tips, and relatable stories for every dad. https://greatdad.com/ ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

  4. Jun 22

    Celebrating Father's Day - Dad, Embrace Your Day, You Have Earned This

    Episode 265 - Celebrating Father's Day - Dad, Embrace Your Day, You Have Earned This This Father’s Day episode of Dad Space is both a celebration and a reflection, marking four years of conversations dedicated to supporting dads around the world. Dave opens with gratitude, recognizing the growth of the podcast and the global community that has formed around a shared goal: becoming better fathers through connection, encouragement, and honest conversation. At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful message: celebrate Father’s Day your way. Rather than following expectations or pressure on how the day “should” look, dads are encouraged to take ownership of the day and shape it or what they truly need. For some, that might mean quiet time alone, a coffee before the house wakes up, or a moment to reflect. For others, it is about intentional time with family, creating memories through shared experiences, laughter, and presence. Dave highlights how fleeting these moments can be, especially as children grow older, reminding listeners to value and prioritize time with their kids while they can. He also encourages dads to reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been put aside, whether that is a hobby, a passion, or simply time to recharge. Fatherhood often centers on giving to others, but this day serves as a reminder that self-care matters too. The episode also acknowledges that Father’s Day can be complex. For some, it may be their first as a new dad, while others may be facing distance, loss, or difficult family circumstances. In those moments, the message is clear: you are not alone, and your impact as a father is not measured by one day, but by the consistent presence and effort you show every day. Dave reflects on the incredible reach of Dad Space, now heard in over 75 countries, emphasizing the universal nature of fatherhood. Despite different cultures and experiences, dads everywhere share the same desire to show up, grow, and support their families. The episode closes with appreciation for the listeners who make the show possible and an open invitation for dads to share their stories, connect, and be part of the community. Four years ago, Dad Space started with a simple idea: dads need space too. As we celebrate our fourth anniversary this Father's Day, I wanted to take a moment to recognize something pretty incredible. Dad Space may be recorded here in Canada, but this community of dads has become truly global. When I first hit record on that very first episode, I never imagined these conversations would travel around the world. Yet today, Dad Space has been downloaded by listeners in more than 75 countries and territories. Of course, our largest audience comes from the United States, followed by Canada. But then the map starts to get really interesting. We have dads and listeners joining us from Germany, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, India, China, Hong Kong, France, Norway, Italy, Brazil, Spain, New Zealand, Finland, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The conversations continue across Russia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Belgium, Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, the Cayman Islands, the Netherlands, Estonia, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Lithuania, Sweden, Switzerland, Indonesia, Ireland, Austria, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Qatar. And it doesn't stop there. Dad Space has reached listeners in Argentina, Bangladesh, Denmark, Guatemala, Iraq, Panama, Poland, Taiwan, Bahrain, Belize, Botswana, Colombia, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, Romania, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Think about that for a moment. Different languages. Different cultures. Different traditions. Different time zones. Yet we all share something in common. We're trying to become better dads. Whether you're listening during your morning commute in Toronto, sitting in traffic in Texas, walking through London, enjoying a coffee in Melbourne, relaxing in Singapore, or winding down after work in Germany, we're connected by a shared journey called fatherhood. The challenges may look different. The opportunities may look different. But the desire to show up for our families is universal. So on this Father's Day, and as Dad Space celebrates four years of conversations, I want to say thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for sharing episodes. Thank you for supporting the show. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your parenting journey. Most of all, thank you for proving that dads everywhere are looking for connection, encouragement, and community. From Canada to the world, thank you for making Dad Space part of your story. Happy Father's Day. And wherever you're listening from today, know that there's a seat for you here in Dad Space. Key takeaway: Fatherhood is not defined by a single day or grand gestures, but by the daily commitment to show up, grow, and care for yourself and your family. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

  5. Jun 15

    The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About Fatherhood

    Episode 264 - The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About Fatherhood In this Father’s Day month episode of Dad Space, Dave explores a simple but powerful idea: what if the rules of a library could guide how we show up as dads? Drawing from the quiet structure and shared expectations of a public library, he builds a thoughtful framework for fatherhood rooted in presence, respect, and growth. Libraries are calm, welcoming spaces where people come to learn without judgment, and Dave suggests our homes can reflect that same environment. Instead of reacting quickly or loudly, dads can create emotional “quiet spaces” where kids feel safe to think, process, and be heard. The focus shifts from having all the answers to offering a steady, calm presence. The episode also highlights the importance of reciprocity in relationships. Just like borrowed books must be returned, trust and respect within a family require ongoing investment. Time, encouragement, and even apologies are part of giving back and strengthening those bonds. Dave emphasizes creating a home where everyone feels they belong. Each child is different, and great dads make space for those differences rather than forcing sameness. He also reminds listeners that seeking help is not weakness. Like a librarian guiding you to the right resource, growth in fatherhood often comes from learning, asking questions, and leaning on others. There is a strong focus on being intentional with time. Childhood is filled with moments that do not last forever, and being present during those seasons matters. Alongside this is the need for consistency. Just as libraries rely on organization, families benefit from clear expectations, routines, and values that create stability. The episode also encourages dads to become storytellers, preserving family history and sharing life lessons that shape identity. At the same time, Dave acknowledges that there is no single “right way” to parent. Like the many books on a library shelf, different perspectives can help dads grow and adapt. Ultimately, a healthy family is built through shared contribution. Everyone has a role, and inviting kids to participate fosters ownership and connection. Key takeaway: Great fatherhood is not about having all the answers, but about how consistently you show up with presence, intention, and a willingness to learn and grow alongside your family. The Dad's Library FrameworkIf libraries could give parenting advice, it might sound something like this: Stay calm when things get loud.Invest back into your relationships.Make everyone feel welcome.Ask for help when you need it.Handle hearts with care.Don't miss the season you're in.Keep learning.Create consistency.Be present.Share your story.Stay humble.Build a family culture where everyone contributes. A library isn't valuable because of the books on the shelves. It's valuable because of what happens when people engage with them. The same is true of fatherhood. Being a great dad isn't about what you own, what you earn, or what you know. It's about how you show up, day after day, helping the people around you learn, grow, and write the next chapter of their own story. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

  6. Jun 8

    When a Dad Runs on Fumes - where life stops feeling manageable and starts feeling like survival

    Episode 263 - When a Dad Runs on Fumes - where life stops feeling manageable and starts feeling like survival When a Dad Runs on FumesThere comes a point for a lot of fathers where life stops feeling manageable and starts feeling like survival. You wake up tired. You go to work tired. You come home mentally checked out. The bills keep coming, the expectations never seem to slow down, and somewhere along the way you stop recognizing yourself. You become short-tempered. Detached. Quiet. Angry at things that normally would not bother you. Sometimes you feel lonely even while sitting in a room full of people you love. A lot of dads carry this silently because they believe they are supposed to. You are supposed to be dependable. Stable. Strong. The problem is that strength without support eventually turns into exhaustion. Many fathers are wrestling with pressures they never fully talk about: Financial stressFear about the futureFeeling stuck in work that drains themRelationship tensionLosing connection with friendsFeeling invisible unless they are providing somethingCarrying responsibility without feeling appreciatedWondering if they are failing their family That emotional weight builds slowly. It does not usually explode overnight. It leaks out through frustration, numbness, anger, isolation, or shutting down emotionally. The dangerous part is that many dads normalize it. They tell themselves: “This is just adulthood.” “This is what being a father is.” “I just need to push harder.” But running on fumes is not sustainable. Eventually something gives. Your health, your relationships, your patience, or your sense of purpose. The Reality Most Dads Need to HearYou do not have to earn the right to rest. You do not have to completely fall apart before asking for help. And you are not weak for admitting that life feels heavy right now. A father who acknowledges he is struggling is not failing. He is being honest enough to stop the damage before it spreads further into his family, his marriage, and himself. How to Start Turning Things Around1. Stop trying to solve your entire future at onceWhen dads hit a low point, the future can feel terrifying. Career uncertainty. Aging parents. Kids growing up. Financial pressure. Retirement worries. Regret over missed opportunities. The mind starts sprinting years ahead while your body is barely surviving today. Instead of trying to solve the next ten years, focus on stabilizing the next few days. Get sleep where you can. Eat real meals. Go outside. Move your body. Reduce one source of chaos. Handle one overdue task. Small wins matter when your mind feels overwhelmed. Momentum returns slowly. 2. Talk to someone before resentment hardensLoneliness in fathers often comes from silence. Many men only talk about logistics: Work. Schedules. Repairs. Responsibilities. But very few talk honestly about fear, disappointment, exhaustion, or emotional burnout. That isolation becomes dangerous because unspoken pain usually transforms into anger. Find one trusted person: A friendA brotherA counselorAnother dadYour spouse Not to “fix” you. Just to hear you honestly. Sometimes saying “I’m not doing well right now” is the first real turning point. 3. Separate exhaustion from identityA bad season can convince a dad that he is a bad father, bad husband, or bad man. That is rarely true. Exhaustion distorts perspective. A burned out brain starts interpreting everything through failure: “I’m behind.” “I’m not enough.” “My family deserves better.” But often what your family actually needs is not perfection. They need presence. Patience. Connection. Honesty. Kids do not remember whether you had everything figured out. They remember whether you were emotionally available. 4. Rebuild something that belongs to youA lot of dads lose themselves completely inside responsibility. Every hour belongs to work, family, errands, or obligations. At some point you stop being a person and start feeling like a machine. You need something that reconnects you to yourself: Working outReadingMusicPodcastingWritingWalkingFishingBuilding thingsFaithCreativity Not because it is productive. Because it reminds you that you still exist outside of stress. 5. Accept that life may not get easier overnightSome realities cannot be instantly fixed. Work may still be difficult. Money may still be tight. The future may still feel uncertain. But your ability to carry those realities changes when you stop carrying them alone and stop pretending you are invincible. Strength is not about never struggling. It is about refusing to stay buried in silence. A Message to Dads Sitting in the Dark Right NowIf you are exhausted, angry, emotionally numb, or quietly losing hope, you are not the only father feeling this way. More dads are struggling than most people realize. The important thing is recognizing the difference between being tired and giving up. You may need rest. You may need support. You may need to make changes. You may need to forgive yourself for not being able to carry everything perfectly. But this low point does not have to become your permanent identity. Sometimes the strongest thing a father can do is admit: “I can’t keep living like this.” That honesty is not weakness. That is the beginning of rebuilding. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

  7. Jun 1

    Learning from Your Kids, Strength for Weary Dads and Content Legacy - Jon Gustin - The Tired Dad

    Episode 262 - Jon Gustin - The Tired Dad - Learning from Your Kids, Strength for Weary Dads and Content Legacy Helping dads navigate parenthood with perseverance, vulnerability, and self-compassion. He speaks openly about mental health, sobriety, and the need to include fathers in the parenting conversation. His message to all parents is clear, keep showing up. This episode of Dad Space features author and podcaster Jon Gustin, joining from Nashville, Tennessee, for a deeply honest conversation about fatherhood, identity, and the emotional realities many dads quietly carry. Blending personal stories with thoughtful reflection, Jon shares what it means to be a present, evolving parent while navigating marriage, mental load, and generational patterns. Jon opens up about his journey into fatherhood and how unprepared he felt for the emotional shifts that come with it. Without open conversations growing up about struggle or vulnerability, he and his wife found themselves learning in real time, especially through challenges like postpartum depression and the changing dynamics of marriage. What he needed most back then, he explains, was reassurance that what they were experiencing was normal. A powerful theme throughout the conversation is redefining what it means to be a dad. Jon reflects on the cultural image of fathers as distant providers and how becoming a parent challenged that narrative for him. Rather than relating to the disengaged dad stereotype, he felt a strong pull to be present, connected, and emotionally available. He emphasizes that modern fatherhood is shifting, and more dads are stepping into deeper roles within their families. Vulnerability stands at the core of Jon’s message. He shares a defining moment from his childhood when he saw his father not as invincible, but as human. That experience shaped his belief that showing emotion and imperfection is not weakness, but strength. By modeling how to handle adversity, apologize, and grow, fathers give their children permission to do the same. The conversation also highlights practical ways Jon stays connected with his kids, from intentional one on one time to meaningful daily routines like family dinners and quiet evenings. He stresses the importance of asking better questions, listening deeply, and being present for those end of day moments when kids are most open. Jon also explores the importance of effective communication in marriage, explaining how moving beyond ego and defensiveness helped him and his wife become true partners. Their shared openness now extends into their podcast, where they aim to model real, unfiltered conversations that help others feel less alone. At the heart of Jon’s work is a mission to bring fathers into deeper conversations about parenting, moving beyond surface level roles and into the emotional and mental experience of raising a family. He reminds listeners that while parenting is exhausting, that exhaustion often reflects deep investment and love. Key takeaway: You do not need to be perfect or have everything figured out to be a great dad. Being present, honest, and willing to grow through the hard moments is what truly shapes your impact on your children and the legacy you leave behind. https://tireddad.com/ The Tired Dad.100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

  8. May 25

    Navigating the Teen Years - Connection Over Control. A Guide For Caring Dads

    Episode 261 - Navigating the Teen Years - Connection Over Control. A Guide For Caring Dads In this episode of Dad Space, Dave brings a grounded and personal perspective to one of the most challenging transitions in fatherhood: the teenage years. With humor and honesty, he reminds listeners that no dad is fully prepared for what happens when a child turns thirteen. While every father has experienced being a teenager, parenting one is an entirely different journey that requires learning in real time. Dave reflects on how the relationship between dads and their kids begins to shift during this stage. The closeness and dependence of childhood gradually give way to a push for independence, identity, and space. This change can feel like a loss for many fathers, creating tension between wanting to hold on and needing to let go. Rather than responding with tighter control, the episode reframes this moment as an opportunity to evolve the relationship into something deeper and more intentional. At the core of the conversation is a powerful mindset shift from control to connection. Dave explores how control often shows up as correction, instruction, or overprotection, even when rooted in love. However, these approaches can unintentionally shut down communication, especially with teenagers who are highly sensitive to feeling judged or micromanaged. In contrast, connection is built through trust, emotional availability, and a willingness to listen without immediately fixing or correcting. The episode emphasizes the importance of intentional listening as a foundation for maintaining a strong bond. Creating space for teens to speak openly without pressure or judgment helps build psychological safety and keeps communication lines open. Dave also highlights the need to balance guidance with independence, encouraging dads to allow their teens to experience natural consequences while remaining a steady and supportive presence in the background. Communication is another key theme, with a focus on shifting from interrogation-style questions to curiosity-driven conversations. By changing tone and approach, dads can invite openness rather than defensiveness, strengthening the relationship over time. Presence also plays a critical role, as consistent, small moments of showing up can have a lasting impact, often carrying more weight than advice. Ultimately, this episode reinforces that parenting teenagers is not about holding on tighter, but about staying close while letting go. As the relationship matures, influence does not disappear but transforms, with respect replacing compliance and connection becoming the foundation for long-term trust. Key Takeaway: Strong relationships with teenagers are built on connection, not control. When dads prioritize listening, presence, and trust, they create a space where their teens can grow independently while staying emotionally connected. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

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DadSpace - A Podcast for Dads by Dads. Dad Space is a safe space to ask questions, learn from other Dads and grow in community! We equip Dads with how to tips, marriage tips, family insights and even the occasional Dad Joke! Great guests will join us to share their Dad journey with you. Whether you are a new Dad, a Step-Dad, an empty nester or Grandparent! Dad Space is a safe space for Dads to connect and do life together! Visit DadSpace.ca for all things Dad!

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