The Just Call Dad Podcast

Sean Patrick | Joe Bush

**The Just Call Dad Podcast** A podcast by dads, for dads. Just Call Dad exists to help dads become the kind of men their families, teams, and communities can count on. Through honest conversations and practical insights, we explore fatherhood, leadership, mental health, personal growth, coaching, teaching, and the everyday challenges of being present in the lives that matter most. 📖 Sean Patrick's book, Emotional Shoes https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Shoes-Designed-Compete/dp/B0F7Y95ZNW 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justcalldadpodcast

  1. May 10

    59. Jason Kolaczkowski

    Episode 59 of the Just Call Dad Podcast is one of our most real and powerful conversations yet. We sit down with Jason Kolaczkowski to talk about fatherhood, fear, survival, and what it means to give yourself grace in the middle of life’s hardest moments. After climbing in the Himalayas to teach his sons about endurance and dreaming big, Jason was diagnosed with leukemia — and shortly after, the world shut down during COVID. This episode dives deep into the emotional weight dads carry silently: protecting our kids while trying to hold ourselves together. We talk about anxiety, health scares, mental health, self-forgiveness, and the idea that being a dad is always a work in progress. Jason shares how therapy, journaling, climbing, and eventually writing his book Notions of Grace helped him process fear, guilt, and perspective — while still showing up for his family. If you’re a dad navigating pressure, uncertainty, mental health struggles, or simply trying to become a better man for your family, this conversation will hit home. 🎙️ Topics Include: Fatherhood during crisisLeukemia, COVID, and fear of mortalityMental health and anxiety as dadsSelf-forgiveness and graceWhy vulnerability matters for menRaising resilient kids without fearWriting your story instead of hiding from itThis episode is a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. Keep training. Keep building. Keep leading. And don’t forget to pause and praise your progress. Pick up Jason's Book Notions of Grace here: NOTIONS OF GRACE

    29 min
  2. Apr 29

    57. Be a Duck | Find a Duck

    Most of us have heard the phrase "be a duck" — but what if that advice is leading us in the wrong direction? When I saw a wounded duck fighting for its life on the road, it hit me: resilience isn’t about letting everything roll off your back. Sometimes, true strength is in the loyalty, vulnerability, and willingness to stay committed even when the odds seem against you. In this episode, I share a powerful story about that duck—and how it mirrors our own struggles as dads. You’ll discover how the raw image of resilience on the road can teach us about loyalty, community, and the importance of finding someone to walk beside us. We break down the true meaning of being "a duck" — not just letting stress slide off, but actively choosing loyalty and resilience in the face of life's toughest challenges. You’ll hear about the lessons from nature that can help you navigate stress, loneliness, and internal battles. From how ducks adapt to their environment to why loyalty is your greatest strength, this episode unlocks a new perspective on resilience. If you're feeling overwhelmed, alone, or unsure of your next step, this is your call to find a fellow dad, a loyal partner, or a community that will stay committed to you — just like that duck’s partner standing loyally by its side. Take a moment to reflect: Are you the duck on the road, fighting your battles in silence? Or are you the loyal partner who stays? The choice to be resilient, loyal, and connected could transform how you handle life's storms. Perfect for dads, husbands, and anyone feeling the weight of life's challenges — because sometimes, the greatest strength is in simply staying in the fight. Join me as we explore the power of loyalty, adaptability, and staying committed to the people who matter most. Because in a world full of noise, belonging and resilience remain your greatest weapons.

    10 min
  3. Apr 22

    56. CHARLEY CASS

    Education, Fatherhood, Coaching, and More! Listen in and check out Charley's books on raising kids and leadership! Most dads default to focusing on immediate wins, but the real game is in building purposeful, resilient adults. Charlie Cass’s incredible story of rising from a childhood without a father figure to becoming a leader in his community will challenge the way you view fatherhood, mentorship, and legacy. In this heartfelt episode, Charlie shares how a man named Ed became the model of authentic leadership for him—and how every dad can intentionally influence the next generation, even when their own blueprint is missing. You'll discover the power of "man lessons" learned through work and community, and how those lessons shape well-rounded, purpose-driven kids. Charlie’s insights on fostering respect, teaching formal communication, and navigating the often-misguided advice dads receive will leave you inspired to refresh your approach and prioritize your child's long-term growth over short-term wins.We break down key strategies: the importance of modeling behavior, the value of unintentional mentorship, and how to influence your child's environment positively—whether at home, on the field, or in the classroom. Charlie emphasizes that fatherhood isn’t a finish line but a lifelong journey of continuous growth, and every small step counts toward raising adults who serve and lead with purpose.I If you’re a dad committed to making a lasting impact, this episode is your blueprint for doing it intentionally—especially when your own dad story was incomplete. Perfect for parents, coaches, mentors, and aspiring leaders who believe in shaping resilient, respectful, and purpose-driven young men and women.Join us as we explore how the right influence, at the right time, can change lives and communities. Because the true legacy of a dad isn’t just what he teaches, but what his children become. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that reminds us all—every moment counts in the unfinished story of fatherhood.

    38 min
  4. Apr 20

    55. NOSTALGIA & GOLF

    Episode 55: Nostalgic Golf — The Power of Smell, Memory & Pressure What does a golf course, a random smell in your house, and being a dad all have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Just Call Dad, Coach Sean Patrick dives into two simple ideas—nostalgia and golf—and uncovers something deeper about how we live, lead, and remember as fathers. We talk about those moments that hit you out of nowhere… A smell. A season. A sound. And suddenly you’re back—holding your baby, coaching a race, or standing next to your dad on the range. There’s real science behind it: smell connects directly to memory and emotion. It bypasses the filters. It’s raw. It’s real. And for dads, it’s powerful. But here’s the tension— We don’t just remember moments… we feel pressure to create them perfectly. To make birthdays unforgettable. To not miss the “little years.” To get it right. And just like golf… The same swing feels very different under pressure. So what do we do? We stop trying to perform—and we start choosing to play. This episode is about: * Why nostalgia can either build you up or weigh you down * How smell and memory can reconnect you to what actually matters * The pressure dads feel to “get it right” (and why that’s the wrong goal) * Learning to lead your family with courage, not perfection * Letting go of performance and stepping into presence You don’t get a practice round in fatherhood. But you do get today. So take a breath. Slow down. Notice the moment you’re in. And then go live it. Don’t just talk about life—go live it.

    12 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

**The Just Call Dad Podcast** A podcast by dads, for dads. Just Call Dad exists to help dads become the kind of men their families, teams, and communities can count on. Through honest conversations and practical insights, we explore fatherhood, leadership, mental health, personal growth, coaching, teaching, and the everyday challenges of being present in the lives that matter most. 📖 Sean Patrick's book, Emotional Shoes https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Shoes-Designed-Compete/dp/B0F7Y95ZNW 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justcalldadpodcast