That Dope Dad

Michael Hedgecock

That Dope Dad Podcast is a platform for fathers who are committed to growth — not just as parents, but as men. In a world where fatherhood is often reduced to stereotypes or surface-level advice, this podcast goes deeper. We explore the real work of being a present dad while navigating ambition, relationships, mental health, masculinity, identity, and purpose. Through raw conversations, practical insight, and powerful storytelling, we create space for honesty — the wins, the failures, the lessons, and the healing. We talk about breaking generational patterns, building emotionally secure families, leading with strength and vulnerability, and redefining what modern masculinity looks like. This isn’t about “having it all figured out.” It’s about showing up intentionally. It’s about growth over ego. It’s about becoming the kind of man your children are proud to call Dad. That’s what makes a dope dad.

  1. Ep. 20 - Every Birthday Changes Me

    9h ago

    Ep. 20 - Every Birthday Changes Me

    There are moments in fatherhood that quietly change you. For me, it's my son's birthday. In this deeply personal episode of That Dope Dad, I open up about what it feels like to watch my son turn seven years old. Every birthday brings unexpected emotions—not sadness, not just joy, but the realization of how quickly time passes. As he grows older, I'm reminded that I'm growing older too. This isn't just an episode about celebrating a birthday. It's about asking the hard questions every father should ask himself: Am I present enough? Am I leading my child well? Does my son feel safe with me? Does he know how deeply he's loved? I share the lessons fatherhood has taught me, the fears that come with watching your child grow up, and why I believe every birthday should be more than a celebration—it should be a yearly reflection on the kind of father we're becoming. I also end the episode with a heartfelt letter to my son that I hope he'll hear one day when he's older. Whether your child is seven months old, seven years old, or already grown, this conversation is a reminder that our greatest legacy isn't perfection—it's presence. If this episode resonates with you, share it with another dad who needs to hear it. And if you're enjoying That Dope Dad, please follow the show and leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more fathers and build a stronger community of intentional dads. Because our kids won't remember everything we gave them—but they'll always remember whether we were there. Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatdopedad_podcast/ HOST: https://www.instagram.com/michael_hedgecock/

    11 min
  2. Ep. 19 - Present Father w/ Roderick Richard

    Jul 6

    Ep. 19 - Present Father w/ Roderick Richard

    In this episode of That Dope Dad, Michael Hedgecock sits down with Roderick Richard II—fatherhood coach, entrepreneur, athletic director, podcast host, and founder of 4 Fit Fatherhood—for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to be a present father. Roderick shares how growing up in a hardworking family and spending years in sports shaped his values of discipline, accountability, and leadership. But fatherhood taught him something even greater: providing for your family goes far beyond paying the bills. It means showing up with your time, your presence, your guidance, and your love. Together, Michael and Roderick discuss the challenges of balancing ambition, career, business, and family, why leaving professional baseball became one of the most important decisions of his life, and how raising two daughters completely changed his definition of success. They also dive into his "Present Provider" philosophy, the importance of emotional availability, and why kids don't just need financial support—they need a father who is fully present. Whether you're a new dad, a seasoned father, or simply striving to become a better man for your family, this episode will challenge you to rethink success and remind you that your greatest legacy isn't what you build—it's the relationships you build at home. Roderick Richard www.4fitfatherhood.com Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatdopedad_podcast/ HOST: https://www.instagram.com/michael_hedgecock/

    1h 43m
  3. Ep. 15 - Lead From the Front w/ Jacob Smith

    Jun 8

    Ep. 15 - Lead From the Front w/ Jacob Smith

    Jacob Smith shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful leader, husband, and father, emphasizing the importance of family, fitness, and mindset in his life. The conversation covers topics related to parenting, nutrition, coping with loss, sobriety, fatherhood, personal growth, emotional challenges, coaching kids, and lessons from daughters. The speakers discuss their approach to parenting, the impact of nutrition on family dynamics, coping with the loss of a loved one, and the journey of sobriety. They also share insights into the emotional challenges of fatherhood, the experience of coaching kids, and the lessons learned from daughters. The conversation delves into the importance of setting standards for children, transitioning from work to dad mode, managing parental anxiety and stress, balancing ambition and presence, leadership at work and at home, discipline and parenting, staying connected as a couple, the impact of fatherhood, faith and family, and messages for the future. Takeaways Leadership and fulfillment go beyond successFamily and fitness play a crucial role in personal growth Parenting influences children's perception of nutrition and healthy habits.Coping with loss and sobriety can lead to personal growth and emotional resilience. Setting standards for children is crucialBalancing ambition and presence is a challenge for many fathers Chapters 00:00 Work and Leadership05:18 Fatherhood and Family Priorities11:16 Impact of Childhood on Parenting17:16 Siblings and Family Trauma23:12 Taking the First Step to Change29:20 Parenting and Nutrition42:38 Fatherhood and Personal Growth51:14 Coaching Kids and Lessons from Daughters59:00 Setting Standards for Children01:04:17 Parental Anxiety and Stress01:10:03 Leadership at Work and at Home01:18:44 The Impact of Fatherhood Jacob Smith: Follow: https://www.instagram.com/jacob.smith.fit/ Website: https://jacobsmithfit.com/ That Dope Dad IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatdopedad_podcast/ HOST: https://www.instagram.com/michael_hedgecock/

    1h 24m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

That Dope Dad Podcast is a platform for fathers who are committed to growth — not just as parents, but as men. In a world where fatherhood is often reduced to stereotypes or surface-level advice, this podcast goes deeper. We explore the real work of being a present dad while navigating ambition, relationships, mental health, masculinity, identity, and purpose. Through raw conversations, practical insight, and powerful storytelling, we create space for honesty — the wins, the failures, the lessons, and the healing. We talk about breaking generational patterns, building emotionally secure families, leading with strength and vulnerability, and redefining what modern masculinity looks like. This isn’t about “having it all figured out.” It’s about showing up intentionally. It’s about growth over ego. It’s about becoming the kind of man your children are proud to call Dad. That’s what makes a dope dad.

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