The Dad Edit

Andrew
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The Dad Edit is a podcast for modern fathers navigating the real challenges of dad life, parenting, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by three dads at different stages of fatherhood, The Dad Edit features honest conversations about raising kids, being a better husband and partner, managing stress, building strong families, and figuring out what it means to be a good dad today. Whether you are a new dad learning as you go, a father raising teenagers, or somewhere in between, this podcast explores the everyday realities of fatherhood without pretending anyone has it all figured out. Each episode explores topics such as: • Parenting challenges that dads actually face • Mental health and emotional struggles for fathers • Marriage and relationships after children • Raising boys and daughters in today’s world • Balancing work, family, and personal growth • The pressures modern dads feel but rarely talk about Through real stories, lessons learned, and conversations that mix humor with honesty, The Dad Edit creates a space where fathers can reflect, grow, and feel less alone in the journey of being a dad. If you are looking for a podcast about fatherhood that is relatable, thoughtful, and grounded in real life, The Dad Edit is for you. Because no dad gets it perfect. We are all just editing as we go.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 52: Identity, Fatherhood & Finding Yourself - Raising Kids Who Know They Belong

    Big Mike on Fatherhood, Belonging, Identity, and the Power of Community What happens when fatherhood, belonging, identity, and barbecue all collide? Andrew and Ryan sit down with Michael, better known as Big Mike, for a raw, funny, no-format conversation that turns into one of The Dad Edit’s deepest discussions yet. Mike is the creator behind Big Mike’s Backyard BBQ, but his story goes well beyond the smoker. What started as a pandemic hobby grew into a creative outlet, a way of bringing people together, and eventually a community of guys who genuinely support one another. From chicken lollies and bacon-wrapped lamb chops to fatherhood, race, identity, sport, and raising kids who know they belong, this conversation goes everywhere. Mike shares what it has been like raising two young children, including the pressure he initially put on himself to be completely present at all times and the realization that sometimes being a good dad really does start with simply being there. The guys get into some of the harder questions dads eventually face: How do you protect your kids without overprotecting them? How do you let them struggle while still making sure they know you’re there? How do you encourage them without turning encouragement into pressure? And how do you support the person your child is becoming instead of steering them toward the person who makes you most comfortable? Mike also opens up about raising mixed-race children and watching their identities develop in real time. The conversation explores how kids begin noticing differences in skin colour, hair, culture, and the way other people perceive them and why the words parents use around their children can carry far more weight than we realize. Even seemingly harmless labels like “the shy one,” “the crazy one,” “the athlete,” or “the easy kid” can become part of how children eventually see themselves. Mike also brings a unique perspective from his academic background. With graduate research focused on parents in sport, cultural diversity, group cohesion, and identity, he breaks down why families operate a lot like teams with roles, conflict, leadership, belonging, and connection except there are no championships or trophies telling you whether you’re getting parenting right. Parenting is the long game. The conversation also digs into youth sports, overcoaching, competitive parents, knowing when to step back, and helping kids pursue what they love, whether that ends up being soccer, basketball, art, gaming, cars, or something completely unexpected. And underneath all of it is community. Mike explains how barbecue unexpectedly gave him something he hadn’t really experienced before: a genuine group of guys from completely different walks of life who cook together, talk shit, celebrate each other’s wins, feed one another, and show up. Food became more than food. It became a way to make people happy, create memories, build friendships, and bring people together. The episode closes with one question every dad should probably ask himself: When your kids look back on their childhood, what kind of dad do you hope they remember? For Big Mike, the answer is simple. The dad who was there. The dad who supported them. The dad who played with them, made them laugh, acted goofy, and kept saying yes when they asked him to be part of their world. This episode is packed with laughs, barbecue, community, and the kind of fatherhood conversation that sticks with you after it ends. If you’re a dad or simply someone trying to do better by the kids in your life, this one is worth the listen. About Big Mike Big Mike is the creator behind Big Mike’s Backyard BBQ, known for his barbecue content, local community energy, and crowd-favourite chicken lollies. He also brings a PhD-level perspective on sport, identity, cultural diversity, and belonging, making him equal parts pitmaster, storyteller, community builder, and thoughtful dad. Follow Big Mike’s Backyard BBQ (@bigmikebbbq) on Instagram for barbecue, laughs, questionable pellet-grill opinions, and whatever he decides to cook next. The Dad Edit Podcast, real conversations about becoming better dads without pretending we have it all figured out.

    Episode 52: Identity, Fatherhood & Finding Yourself - Raising Kids Who Know They Belong

  2. Aug 31

    Episode 51: Helicopter Parenting for Dads - Why Overprotective Parenting Might Be Hurting Our Kids

    What happens when a father grapples with the delicate balance between protecting his child and allowing them the freedom to grow? In this heartfelt episode, Ryan and Andrew dive deep into the emotional landscape of fatherhood, exploring the pivotal moments that define our roles as protectors versus the importance of vulnerability.  Join them as they share a poignant story from a playground that unexpectedly reveals the beauty of kindness and the complexities of raising children in a world fraught with challenges. Ryan opens up about a recent experience at the playground, where he found himself instinctively preparing to shield his young son from potential hurt. But instead of facing negativity, he witnesses a moment of unexpected kindness from another child. This revelation transforms his understanding of fatherhood, leading to a profound question: if we shield our kids from every hardship, how do they learn resilience?  You’ll discover: The emotional struggle of wanting to protect while fostering independence.How moments of kindness can profoundly impact a child’s development.The necessity of vulnerability for both children and parents in navigating social interactions.Real-life anecdotes that illustrate the beauty of parenting amidst uncertainty.As they unpack these themes, Ryan and Andrew emphasize the stakes of overprotecting our children, risking their ability to face the world confidently and independently. This episode is a reminder that while we aim to shield our kids from pain, it’s equally vital to prepare them for the kindness and joy that life can offer. Perfect for new dads, parents of toddlers, or anyone reflecting on the complexities of raising children in today's world, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to embrace the dualities of parenting. Tune in and discover how allowing your child to experience the world, with all its ups and downs, can lead to their greatest growth.

  3. Aug 24

    Episode 50: Growing Up Without a Father - What Would You Say to Your Dad?

    Growing up without a father leaves questions that can follow you long after childhood and becoming a dad yourself can bring those questions back in ways you never expected. For Episode 50 of The Dad Edit Podcast, Andrew and Ryan have one of their most personal conversations yet: If you could sit across from your father today, what would you say? Both grew up without their biological fathers being a consistent presence in their lives. Now, as fathers themselves, they look back at the anger, confusion, jealousy, identity struggles and unanswered questions that came with that absence and how those experiences shaped the men and dads they became. They talk openly about searching for examples of what it meant to be a man, watching other families and wondering what they were missing, trying to prove themselves when they were younger, and confronting one of the hardest questions an absent parent can leave behind: Why wasn’t I enough for you to try? But this conversation isn’t about simply blaming absent fathers or pretending forgiveness fixes everything. Andrew and Ryan wrestle with regret, grace, resentment, missed opportunities, father figures, reconnecting with an absent parent, watching a father build a relationship with another child, and the complicated realization that the men who hurt us may have been carrying struggles, shame and circumstances we never fully understood. Most importantly, they talk about what changed when they became dads themselves. Because growing up without a father doesn’t mean you have to repeat the same story. You can break the cycle. You can answer the phone.Show up for the game.Sit beside the bed.Make breakfast.Say sorry.Give the hug.Stay through the arguments, the difficult seasons and the moments when walking away would be easier.You may never get the explanation you wanted. You may never receive an apology. You may forgive. You may not. You may reconnect, or you may decide that distance is healthier. But becoming a father gives you something your childhood self never had: A choice. You get to decide what fatherhood looks like in your home. If you grew up without a dad physically, emotionally, or because the relationship simply wasn’t what you needed, we want to hear from you: If you could sit across from your father today, what would you say? Send us a message, leave a comment, or share this episode with someone who has carried the same questions. And if you’re a father listening to this, remember: your kids may not always tell you how much your presence matters. Show up anyway. The ordinary moments you barely notice may become the moments they remember forever. Follow The Dad Edit Podcast on Instagram and join us for the next Dad Walk. Thank you for getting us to Episode 50. We is all we got.

    Episode 50: Growing Up Without a Father - What Would You Say to Your Dad?

  4. Aug 17

    Episode 49: First-Time Dads - What Nobody Tells You About Becoming a Father

    Episode 49: First-Time Dads - What Nobody Tells You About Becoming a Father Nobody is fully prepared for the moment they become a dad. You can read the parenting books, build the crib, install the car seat, pack the hospital bag, and ask every father you know for advice. Then someone places your baby in your arms and suddenly you realize that becoming a father is something you can’t completely prepare for. In Episode 49 of The Dad Edit Podcast, Andrew and Ryan talk honestly about what first-time dads actually experience during those first days, weeks, and months of fatherhood. The sleepless nights. The pressure to protect and provide. Supporting your partner after birth. Feeling completely unqualified. Learning how to care for a newborn. Wondering whether you're doing enough. And discovering that the bond with your child may happen instantly or grow slowly through thousands of ordinary moments together. Andrew shares what it was like bringing Lincoln home after a difficult delivery and watching Niki recover from a C-section while trying to figure out his own role as a new father. Ryan reflects on becoming a dad at just 22, the fear he carried into fatherhood, and how quickly his love and instinct to protect his daughter took over. They also get into some of the practical advice new dads rarely hear: Do everything else. If mom is breastfeeding, there are still a hundred ways you can contribute.Change diapers, wash bottles, make food, handle laundry and take ownership without waiting to be asked.Communicate constantly with your partner, especially when neither of you knows exactly what you're doing.Protect her ability to rest and recover.Prepare food and support before bringing the baby home.Ask family, friends or your community for help.Give yourself permission to admit when you're overwhelmed.Understand that you don't have to know how to be a perfect dad you have to be willing to learn.And maybe Ryan's most important advice for those first few weeks: Be a yes man. Fatherhood isn't something you master on day one. It's something you build by participating, learning, apologizing, adapting and continuing to show up. If you're an expecting dad, first-time father, new dad, new parent, or you're currently surviving the newborn stage wondering whether anyone else feels as overwhelmed as you do, this episode is for you. We also open the episode with an important update about the future of The Dad Edit Podcast as Jeff steps away and Andrew and Ryan move forward together into the next chapter of the show. Share this episode with a first-time dad or expecting father who needs to hear that he isn't supposed to have everything figured out yet. Follow The Dad Edit Podcast for honest conversations about fatherhood, parenting, marriage, relationships, mental health, personal growth and what it really means to be a present dad. Follow @TheDadEditPodcast and @DadEditAndrew for more fatherhood content and behind-the-scenes moments.

    Episode 49: First-Time Dads - What Nobody Tells You About Becoming a Father

  5. Aug 10

    Episode 48: Ambitious Dads - How to Chase Success Without Missing Their Childhood

    Can you be an ambitious dad without missing your kids’ childhood? In Episode 48 of The Dad Edit Podcast, we have an honest conversation about one of the hardest challenges many fathers face: balancing career ambition, providing for your family, and actually being present for your kids. Dads are often told that being a good father means working hard, building financial security, chasing success, and creating a better life for their family. But what happens when the thing you're building for your family starts taking you away from them? We talk about the pressure ambitious fathers feel to provide, build businesses, advance their careers, create financial stability, and leave a legacy while still wanting to be there for bedtime, practices, school events, conversations, family trips, and the ordinary moments that eventually become our children's childhood. In this episode, we discuss: How to balance fatherhood and career ambition• Why providing financially doesn't automatically make you a present dadThe difference between a demanding season and a damaging patternHow successful dads can pursue big goals without sacrificing their familiesWhy your kids experience your availability, not just your intentionsSetting boundaries around work, business, and personal goalsCommunicating sacrifices with your spouse and childrenTeaching kids hard work, discipline, resilience, and ambition by exampleWhy small moments with your children often matter more than expensive experiencesBuilding a definition of success your family actually gets to experienceWe also share our own experiences with demanding careers, long work weeks, building The Dad Edit Podcast, pursuing businesses and personal goals, and learning how to make family the priority without completely abandoning ambition. Because ambition isn't the enemy of being a good dad. Your children can benefit from watching you work hard, chase difficult goals, fail, adjust, and keep moving forward. But they're also watching what your ambition costs. The goal probably isn't perfect work-life balance. It's making sacrifices consciously, communicating them honestly, protecting the things that matter most, and making sure your family gets more than whatever energy you have left at the end of the day. If you're a dad trying to build a career, grow a business, provide for your family, become financially successful, or chase a dream without missing your kids growing up, this conversation is for you. Ask yourself one question after listening: Does my family currently experience my ambition as love, absence or a combination of both? 🎙️ The Dad Edit Podcast is a fatherhood podcast built around honest conversations about being a dad, relationships, marriage after kids, parenting, men's mental health, personal growth, work, family, and the realities of modern fatherhood. If this episode resonates with you, follow The Dad Edit Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with another dad who needs to hear it. 📍 London, Ontario dads: Join us for The Dad Walk, held every third Saturday of the month at Kiwanis Park. Walk, talk, connect. No speeches. No pressure. Just dads having real conversations. Follow @TheDadEditPodcast on Instagram for new episodes, clips, conversations, and upcoming Dad Walk details. Topics: fatherhood podcast, dad podcast, parenting podcast for dads, ambitious dads, working dads, career and fatherhood, work-life balance for dads, present fatherhood, being a better dad, modern fatherhood, parenting advice for dads, balancing work and family, providing for your family, fatherhood and success, dad life, men's mental health, family priorities, career ambition, business and fatherhood, fatherhood advice.

  6. Aug 3

    Episode 47: Marriage After Kids - When You Start Feeling More Like Roommates

    Marriage after kids can slowly start to feel less like a relationship and more like managing a household. Who is handling daycare pickup? Did anyone order diapers? What is for dinner? Who is getting up with the baby tonight? You may still love each other, share a home and work well together as parents but, somewhere between work, exhaustion, chores, bills and the constant responsibilities of raising children, you can begin to feel more like roommates than partners. In Episode 47 of The Dad Edit Podcast, we have an honest conversation about what happens to marriage and relationships after having kids. We explore how couples become emotionally disconnected without a major argument or dramatic event, and how resentment, scorekeeping, exhaustion and the invisible mental load can create distance over time. We discuss: Why marriage changes after childrenHow parenting can push relationships into autopilotThe damage caused by resentment and scorekeepingWhy arguments about chores are often about something deeperHow exhaustion affects communication, patience and intimacyThe importance of recognizing everything your partner carriesWhy couples need to keep rediscovering each otherHow phones and routines can quietly replace real connectionSmall ways dads can rebuild friendship, affection and emotional intimacyWhy checking in with your partner matters before either person checks outThe “roommate phase” does not always mean your relationship is broken. Sometimes it is what survival looks like during an exhausting season of parenting. But survival cannot become the permanent standard. Your relationship cannot always receive the final ten minutes of your day, the last bit of your patience and whatever energy your children did not use. This episode is for dads who love their partner but feel disconnected, couples struggling to reconnect after having a baby, and fathers who want to strengthen their marriage while raising a family. Finding your way back may not begin with a vacation or an elaborate date night. It may begin with putting down your phone, expressing gratitude, offering affection, listening without defending and treating your partner like someone you are still trying to understand. Send this episode to your partner and use it to start a conversation not an argument. Follow The Dad Edit Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Instagram for honest conversations about fatherhood, marriage, mental health, relationships and the realities of being a dad.

    Episode 47: Marriage After Kids - When You Start Feeling More Like Roommates

  7. Jul 27

    Episode 46: Dad Burnout - Can you love your kids more than anything and still not love every part of being a dad?

    Can you love your kids more than anything and still not love every part of being a dad? In Episode 46 of The Dad Edit, we have an honest conversation about dad burnout, parental guilt, resentment, exhaustion, and the parts of fatherhood that many men are afraid to admit they struggle with. Fatherhood can be meaningful, rewarding, and full of love. It can also feel repetitive, overwhelming, isolating, and relentless. Dads can miss their freedom, hobbies, relationships, sleep, identity, and the person they were before having children, without being bad fathers. In this episode, we discuss: Why loving your children does not mean loving every moment of parentingHow unspoken resentment affects your partner, children, and the energy inside your homeWhy dads internalize stress instead of talking about itThe danger of keeping score in your relationshipHow work stress, financial pressure, and exhaustion can become resentment toward family lifeWhy fathers need hobbies, friendships, exercise, travel, and time to resetHow to communicate when you are overwhelmed before frustration becomes angerThe difference between sacrificing for your family and quietly resenting everything you gave upHow to remain an individual while becoming a present and responsible dadHealthy fatherhood is not pretending that every sacrifice feels worthwhile in the moment. It is being honest about what is difficult, taking responsibility for how those feelings affect the people around you, and building a life that allows you to remain a person while becoming a father. You are not a bad dad for finding parts of fatherhood difficult. What matters is what you do with those feelings. Share this episode with a father who may need to hear that he is not alone. Follow The Dad Edit on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Instagram. Join us for the Dad Walk every third Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Kiwanis Park in London, Ontario. No speeches, pressure, or expectations just real conversations with other dads. Continue the conversation in the Dad Edit Discord through the links below.

    Episode 46: Dad Burnout - Can you love your kids more than anything and still not love every part of being a dad?

  8. Jul 20

    Episode 45: Dad Accountability for Dads - Why Fathers Need to Own Their Wins Too

    Why is it so easy for dads to name every mistake they have made but so difficult to admit when they are doing a good job? In Episode 45 of The Dad Edit, Andrew, Ryan, and Jeff have a raw and honest conversation about accountability for fathers and why accountability should include more than owning our failures. Good dads also need to recognize their growth, effort, patience, consistency, and the quiet wins nobody else sees. The guys explore why fathers often minimize their accomplishments, why pride can feel like arrogance, and how negative self-talk can affect men’s mental health. They discuss learning from mistakes without constantly tearing yourself down, celebrating small parenting wins, supporting other fathers, and teaching children to recognize their own progress. Because being a good father is not about being perfect. It is about showing up, learning, adjusting, and trying again. This episode also introduces the Dad Spotlight, an upcoming short-form interview series created to highlight real fathers from all walks of life. No perfect parenting. No polished highlight reels. Just honest conversations about fatherhood, family, personal growth, challenges, wins, lessons, and the everyday reality of being a dad. If you are looking for one of the best podcasts for dads who want real, unfiltered conversations about parenting, fatherhood, marriage, identity, community, and men’s mental health, this episode is for you. You should own the moments when you get it wrong but, you should also be honest enough to recognize when you are growing.  You are doing better as a father than you think. Follow The Dad Edit on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a dad who needs to hear it, join the Dad Edit community, or message us to share your story through an upcoming Dad Spotlight.

    Episode 45: Dad Accountability for Dads - Why Fathers Need to Own Their Wins Too
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About

The Dad Edit is a podcast for modern fathers navigating the real challenges of dad life, parenting, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by three dads at different stages of fatherhood, The Dad Edit features honest conversations about raising kids, being a better husband and partner, managing stress, building strong families, and figuring out what it means to be a good dad today. Whether you are a new dad learning as you go, a father raising teenagers, or somewhere in between, this podcast explores the everyday realities of fatherhood without pretending anyone has it all figured out. Each episode explores topics such as: • Parenting challenges that dads actually face • Mental health and emotional struggles for fathers • Marriage and relationships after children • Raising boys and daughters in today’s world • Balancing work, family, and personal growth • The pressures modern dads feel but rarely talk about Through real stories, lessons learned, and conversations that mix humor with honesty, The Dad Edit creates a space where fathers can reflect, grow, and feel less alone in the journey of being a dad. If you are looking for a podcast about fatherhood that is relatable, thoughtful, and grounded in real life, The Dad Edit is for you. Because no dad gets it perfect. We are all just editing as we go.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dad Edit
  • Show Website
    The Dad Edit

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