Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life

Michael Jacobs - Working Dads & Fatherhood Expert

Gap to Gig explores the life in between who we are, what we do, and the life we want to build as working dads. Through honest conversations with dads, experts, leaders, and people who have navigated their own twists and turns, host Michael Jacobs explores fatherhood, work-life balance, meaningful work, parenting, identity, ambition, relationships, and what actually matters most in modern life. Most of life's biggest decisions don't belong exclusively to work or family. They live somewhere in between, where the challenge isn't simply succeeding at work or showing up at home, but figuring out how all the pieces fit together. How do you build a meaningful career without losing yourself in it? How do you stay ambitious while remaining present for the people who matter most? How do you navigate career changes, setbacks, uncertainty, and new opportunities while still showing up for your family? How do you know if you're spending your time on the right things? This show is for working dads who feel pulled between responsibility and fulfillment, ambition and presence, work and the rest of life. The dads who don't want to wake up ten years from now wondering where the time went. Every conversation is designed to help you make more intentional choices about your work, your relationships, and the life you're building before the years have a chance to pass you by. Along the way, you'll find practical ideas, fresh perspective, and the confidence that comes from knowing you're not the only dad asking these questions.

  1. 6d ago

    Jason Lange on Why Working Dads Need Stronger Connections

    For many working dads, taking care of work and family can gradually leave less room for friendships, personal interests, and the relationships that help them feel connected and supported. Jason Lange has spent two decades helping men build deeper connections and better understand the role relationships and community play in their lives. He believes dads need support beyond their immediate families, both for their own well-being and to become more present partners and parents. Jason shares how to: Recognize when responsibility has started crowding out relationships and experiences that make you feel aliveExpand the idea of providing beyond financial security to include emotional presenceMove past the instinct to handle every challenge on your ownMake restorative time part of your life Model healthier relationships, connection, and self-care for your kidsJason offers a thoughtful perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, presence at home, and the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships while managing the demands of work and family. Dig Deeper Washington Post article Vasopressin Oxytocin G.I. Joe A Real American Hero  White Wedding Rebel Yell Losing My Religion Follow Jason On his website On his podcast On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube On LinkedIn Take the quiz Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Jason Lange on Why Working Dads Need Stronger Connections
  2. Sep 29

    Dave Albrechta on Redesigning Your Career Around What Matters

    For many working dads, becoming a father changes what matters long before their career catches up. Work that once felt meaningful or ambitious can start competing with the kind of parent, partner, and person they want to become. Dave Albrechta spent nearly a decade as a litigator, building the law practice he and his wife had envisioned after law school. The constant pressure of litigation, interrupted vacations, and the inability to fully leave work behind became harder to ignore after becoming a dad. Eventually, he realized his career was no longer aligned with the life or values he wanted to model for his kids. Dave shares how to: Recognize when your career no longer fits the life you want to buildNavigate a career transition without abandoning the skills and experience you already haveIdentify which parts of your work still feel meaningful and which need to changeCreate space to understand what you actually want before making a major moveAlign the values you model through parenting with the way you spend your working lifeMake career and family decisions alongside your partnerShow your kids that changing direction can be a sign of intention rather than failureDave offers a personal perspective on career transitions for fathers, meaningful work, work life balance, dad identity, and the challenge of creating greater alignment between what you value and how you actually spend your days. His story also makes an important distinction for many dads: changing your career doesn't necessarily mean starting over. Dave ultimately reshaped his legal career around mediation and healing rather than throwing away everything he had spent years learning. Dig Deeper Lawyers as Peacemakers Inspector Gadget Free Fallin’ Follow Dave On his website On LInkedIn Check out his podcast, Lawyers as Healers Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Dave Albrechta on Redesigning Your Career Around What Matters
  3. Sep 22

    Chip Scholz on Navigating the Changing Seasons of Fatherhood

    For working dads, what matters most doesn't stay the same forever. Careers change, kids grow up, responsibilities shift, and the way we define ourselves has to evolve along with them. Executive coach and author Chip Scholz helps leaders navigate transition, growth, and change. As a dad of three grown daughters, he has also experienced how fatherhood changes across different seasons of life. Chip believes the small decisions we make every day can ultimately shape our lives far more than the occasional big decision. Chip shares how to: Recognize the small decisions that can create meaningful change over timeThink about work life balance in terms of seasons rather than perfect equilibriumSeparate meaningful work from simply staying busyMove from being performative to being useful at work and at homePractice patience and presence instead of trying to control every outcomeAdapt your parenting as your kids grow and become more independentLet go of identities and roles that no longer fit the season you're enteringChip offers a grounded perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, meaningful work, dad identity, presence at home, and the challenge of deciding what deserves your attention during different seasons of life. Dig Deeper Imposter Syndrome Callum Robinson Ingrained Gumby Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Andy Griffith Show The Eye by Brandi Carlile Follow Chip On his website On Instagram On YouTube On LinkedIn Email Chip Check out his books Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Chip Scholz on Navigating the Changing Seasons of Fatherhood
  4. Sep 15

    Jacqui Myslinski on Simplifying Life for Busy Working Dads

    For many busy working dads, life doesn't feel overwhelming because of one big problem. It feels overwhelming because of dozens of small frustrations that quietly pile up every day. Jacqui Myslinski has spent her career helping businesses create better systems, but the same principles she uses to simplify operations at work have transformed the way she and her family approach life at home. From reducing daily stress to setting clearer expectations with kids, Jacqui believes the right systems create more freedom. Jacqui shares how to: Identify the recurring frustrations that create unnecessary stressBuild simple systems that reduce mental load at home and make busy weeks feel more manageableSet clear expectations with kids instead of assuming they'll "just know"Create routines that encourage independence without overwhelming your familyReplace constant reactions with intentional habitsMake work life balance feel more manageable through small, consistent improvementsJacqui offers a practical perspective for busy working dads navigating fatherhood, work life balance, parenting, meaningful work, and the everyday realities of balancing family, career, and home. Dig Deeper Notion Mario Kart Yes Day Domino’s Pizza 30 Minutes or Less Rugrats Spidey and His Amazing Friends Janis Joplin Piano Man Follow Jacqui On her website On TikTok On YouTube On LinkedIn Sign up for her masterclass Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Jacqui Myslinski on Simplifying Life for Busy Working Dads
  5. Sep 8

    Kurt Bush on Redefining Success as a Working Dad

    Many working dads spend years chasing the next promotion, milestone, or achievement, believing success will finally bring fulfillment, but when your definition of success comes from everyone else's expectations, it's easy to lose sight of the life you're actually trying to build. Kurt Bush has spent decades leading teams across manufacturing and nonprofit organizations before becoming a trauma-informed coach, certified Internal Family Systems practitioner, and co-founder of Brimstone Coaching Group. He's discovered that many high achievers aren't struggling because they lack ambition. They're exhausted because they're pursuing goals that no longer align with who they are. Kurt shares how to: Define success based on your own values instead of outside expectationsFocus on how you show up instead of outcomes you can't controlBuild a simple habit of reflection that creates lasting personal growthNavigate modern dad challenges with greater self-awarenessStrengthen your relationships by responding instead of reactingPursue meaningful work without losing yourself along the wayKurt offers a thoughtful perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, dad identity and ambition, and the importance of aligning your work, relationships, and decisions with what matters most to you. Dig Deeper Internal Family Systems Theory Whistler, BC Combined No-Hitters Phineas and Ferb Only Want To Be With You Follow Kurt On his website On his podcast, Live Fully. Lead Authentically. On Instagram On LinkedIn Read his book, Live Fully, Lead Authentically Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Kurt Bush on Redefining Success as a Working Dad
  6. Sep 1

    Mitesh Khatri on Becoming More Present as a Working Dad

    Many dads work hard to provide for their families, yet still feel like they're missing the moments that matter most. The challenge often isn't a lack of time. It's carrying the stress, distractions, and pressure of work into the people who need us most. Mitesh Khatri is a corporate strategist, author of Fight or Father: Using CALM to Stop Reacting and Start Connecting, and a father who discovered that being physically present isn't the same as being emotionally present. After his young son quietly pointed out, "You're always on your phone, Dad," Mitesh began exploring nervous system regulation, movement, and practical habits that helped him reconnect with his family and himself. Mitesh shares how to: Recognize the difference between providing for your family and being truly presentCreate stronger connections with your children through everyday momentsModel healthy behaviors your kids will carry into adulthoodPrioritize presence at home without sacrificing meaningful workMitesh offers practical insights for working dads navigating fatherhood, work life balance, and the daily pressure to succeed while staying connected to the people who matter most. We explore presence at home, fatherhood mental health, modern dad challenges, parenting, and the small shifts that can strengthen your relationships, your leadership, and the example you set for your children. Dig Deeper Gold Coast Marathon Beyond Blue Atomic Habits Gabor Maté Slip ’N Slide Tony Robbins Awaken the Giant Within Paw Patrol Billie Jean Follow Mitesh On his website Read his book, Fight or Father: Using CALM to Stop Reacting and Start Connecting (US 🇺🇸 / AUS 🇦🇺) Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Mitesh Khatri on Becoming More Present as a Working Dad
  7. Aug 25

    Rob Heller on the Lessons Every Working Dad Shouldn't Leave to School

    School plays an important role in preparing our kids for the future. But some of the lessons they'll rely on most aren't taught in a classroom. Rob Heller is an entrepreneur, author, youth development expert, and founder of Boost, a personal development program that helps teenagers build the people skills, character, and healthy mindset they need to thrive long after graduation. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Help kids develop people skills that shape lifelong relationshipsBuild character, confidence, and resilience through everyday experiencesPrepare teenagers for adulthood beyond grades and test scoresModel the behaviors your children are quietly learning from youNavigate technology without sacrificing real-world connectionEncourage a healthy mindset through struggle, growth, and accountabilityHelp kids set meaningful goals and overcome obstaclesReinforce the lessons that school alone can't teachWhether you're navigating fatherhood for the first time or simply trying to be more intentional as a working dad, this conversation is a reminder that some of the most important lessons children learn come from your example. From communication and character to resilience and presence at home, Rob shares practical insights to help parents prepare their kids for life beyond the classroom. Dig Deeper How to Win Friends & Influence People Think and Grow Rich Sesame Street Rapper’s Delight Follow Rob On his website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube On TikTok On LinkedIn On his newsletter Read his book, The Missing Course for Today's Youth Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Rob Heller on the Lessons Every Working Dad Shouldn't Leave to School
  8. Aug 18

    Stephen Clifford on Raising Resilient Kids as a Working Dad

    Raising resilient kids isn’t about protecting them from every challenge. It’s about preparing them to face challenges with confidence, character, and resilience. Stephen Clifford is an author, youth coach, speaker, and creator of the Forgotten Wisdom children’s book series. Together with his wife, he’s intentionally raising his children to embrace accountability, gratitude, perseverance, and failure as part of growth, while recognizing that every child learns differently. Stephen shares how to: Raise resilient kids without trying to eliminate every obstacleHelp children build confidence by learning from failureAdapt your parenting style to fit each child’s unique personalityTeach accountability and gratitude through everyday momentsModel the values you hope your kids will carry into adulthoodBalance the demands of fatherhood, meaningful work, and being a working dadCreate family traditions that reinforce character over achievementThink beyond today’s parenting decisions to the legacy you’re building for future generationsStephen offers practical encouragement for working dads navigating fatherhood, modern dad challenges, and the responsibility of raising children with character in an increasingly comfortable world. Dig Deeper The Berenstain Bears Running of the Bulls - Pamplona Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ninja Rap Zombie by The Cranberries Follow Stephen On his website On Amazon On Instagram On YouTube On LinkedIn Taylor’s Job Safari on Instagram Taylor’s Job Safari on YouTube Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn

    Stephen Clifford on Raising Resilient Kids as a Working Dad
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About

Gap to Gig explores the life in between who we are, what we do, and the life we want to build as working dads. Through honest conversations with dads, experts, leaders, and people who have navigated their own twists and turns, host Michael Jacobs explores fatherhood, work-life balance, meaningful work, parenting, identity, ambition, relationships, and what actually matters most in modern life. Most of life's biggest decisions don't belong exclusively to work or family. They live somewhere in between, where the challenge isn't simply succeeding at work or showing up at home, but figuring out how all the pieces fit together. How do you build a meaningful career without losing yourself in it? How do you stay ambitious while remaining present for the people who matter most? How do you navigate career changes, setbacks, uncertainty, and new opportunities while still showing up for your family? How do you know if you're spending your time on the right things? This show is for working dads who feel pulled between responsibility and fulfillment, ambition and presence, work and the rest of life. The dads who don't want to wake up ten years from now wondering where the time went. Every conversation is designed to help you make more intentional choices about your work, your relationships, and the life you're building before the years have a chance to pass you by. Along the way, you'll find practical ideas, fresh perspective, and the confidence that comes from knowing you're not the only dad asking these questions.