Why, Dad?

Andrew Stolpestad, Paul Wandrey
  • 4.4 (7)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Andrew, an aspiring dad, and Paul, a dad of two, dig deep to find out what it means to be/become the best dad possible, why it matters, and how to do so.

  1. If You Want a Better Country, Start at Home

    2D AGO

    If You Want a Better Country, Start at Home

    The world feels fractured, polarized, and increasingly disconnected. For dads, that raises a hard question: how do we raise kids with strong values, resilience, and empathy in the middle of all this? In this episode of Why Dad?, Paul and Andrew sit down with Chip Webster, father, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit Unity in Service. Chip shares lessons from raising two sons, decades of leadership experience, and his work rebuilding trust and unity through service. They talk about why unity starts in the home, how attention and intentionality shape kids more than words ever will, and why service is one of the most powerful tools for building character and connection. From phones at the dinner table to volunteering as a family, this conversation challenges dads to move from outrage to responsibility. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise kids who don’t just survive this world but help heal it, this episode is for you. Guest: Chip Webster Father, entrepreneur, and founder of Unity in Service In this episode, we discuss: Why raising the next generation is our most important responsibilityThe role of time, attention, and intentionality in fatherhoodPhones, technology, and what kids are really learning from usWhy unity at the national level begins with families and communitiesHow service builds trust, character, and connectionSimple ways dads can involve their kids in serviceDiscipline, love, and being a role model even when it’s hardResources & Links: 🌐 Unity in Service: https://unityinservice.org 📘 Book: Unity in Service: Pathway to Responsible Citizenship 📖 Books mentioned: The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt The Coddling of the American Mind – Jonathan Haidt The Road Less Traveled – M. Scott Peck

    34 min
  2. Love Your Kids. Don’t Be a Dick. (with Rob Unger)

    JAN 27

    Love Your Kids. Don’t Be a Dick. (with Rob Unger)

    In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul and Andrew welcome Rob Unger, a father and community leader, to discuss the realities of fatherhood. Rob shares his experiences of parenting two daughters, the importance of honesty in building connections, and the challenges many dads face, including depression and co-parenting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication, the lessons learned from children, and the need for support among fathers. Rob offers practical advice for future dads and discusses how to break cycles of neglect in family dynamics. The episode concludes with insights on embracing imperfection in parenting and the importance of showing up for children. TakeawaysFatherhood is about showing up and doing the work.Many dads face challenges like depression and co-parenting.Building connections through honesty fosters community.Communication is key to understanding children's needs.It's important to take yourself less seriously as a parent.Dads should focus on being present for their children.Navigating co-parenting requires patience and understanding.Children teach us valuable lessons about communication.Future dads should prioritize their interests while preparing for parenthood.Breaking cycles of neglect starts with showing up and caring.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Community 00:50 The Realities of Being a Dad 04:05 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting 07:29 Challenges Faced by Dads 09:36 Supporting Other Dads 13:25 Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting 14:55 Lessons Learned from Co-Parenting 18:14 Navigating Fatherhood Challenges 19:39 Lessons from Our Children 22:17 Building Communication Foundations 24:33 The Importance of Showing Up 27:23 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting 31:23 Rapid-Fire Insights on Fatherhood Find RobInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/seepybeepers/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-unger-b91a2a8/Dadgood Community: https://dadgood.co/

    36 min

  3. JAN 20

    To Dad or Not to Dad: A Deep Dive

    In this episode of the Why, Dad? podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad explore the profound question of whether to have children. They delve into the societal and personal implications of parenthood, discussing the joys and challenges of raising a family. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding one's motivations and the impact of children on personal growth and relationships. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, they aim to provide listeners with insights into the decision-making process surrounding parenthood. In this episode, we cover: Why “should you have kids?” might be the wrong questionNot feeling equipped and why that’s more normal than you thinkFear of screwing kids up and what actually matters insteadFreedom, travel, and how priorities shift across life seasonsWhy love alone isn’t enough without intentionPurpose, responsibility, and choosing fatherhood consciouslyWho this episode is for: Men on the fence about becoming dadsAspiring fathers thinking about the futureCurrent dads reflecting on their whyAnyone wrestling with purpose, commitment, and responsibilityMentioned in this episode: The idea that reflection matters more than certaintyThe role of intention over perfectionHow community, uncles, mentors, and parents all shape kids

    48 min
  4. The Road to Mediocre Fatherhood is Paved with Good Intentions with Larry Hagner

    JAN 13

    The Road to Mediocre Fatherhood is Paved with Good Intentions with Larry Hagner

    In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad engage in a deep conversation with Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood. Larry shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a dedicated father of four boys. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connection, community, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships in fatherhood. Larry provides practical advice for new dads, highlighting the significance of prioritizing marriage and fostering psychological safety in conversations with children. The episode concludes with insights on building a legacy of love and leadership for future generations. What we cover: Larry’s fatherhood origin story and turning pointWhy good intentions aren’t enoughFatherhood as a learnable skillThe importance of men’s communityPsychological safety for kidsWhy strong marriages create safe homesLeading your family instead of driftingFind Larry Hagner: Website: https://thedadedge.comPodcast: The Dad Edge PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadedgeMastermind: https://thedadedge.com/mastermindBook: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood

    54 min

  5. JAN 6

    How the Partner You Choose Shapes Your Legacy

    Who you choose to build a life with shapes far more than your present. It shapes your legacy. In this episode, Paul and Andrew have an honest, wide-ranging conversation about how choosing a partner influences the kind of family, values, and future you leave behind. They talk about commitment, alignment, communication, growth, and what it really means to build a legacy of love that extends beyond your own lifetime. From marriage and dating to parenting and long-term vision, this episode challenges dads and aspiring dads to think beyond chemistry and convenience and ask a deeper question. Are we building something together that’s worth passing on? If you’ve ever wondered how your relationship choices affect your kids, your future, and the kind of man you’re becoming, this one’s for you. In this episode, we discuss: How the partner you choose influences your legacyWhy alignment of values matters more than perfectionCommitment as a daily choice, not just a feelingGrowing together instead of drifting apartCommunication as the foundation of long-term connectionLegacy as love, growth, and continuity, not just a nameWhat single men and aspiring dads should be thinking about nowHow couples can intentionally shape the future of their familyWhether you’re married, dating, or thinking about the future, this episode invites you to reflect on what kind of legacy you’re building and who you’re building it with.

    39 min
  6. Brotherhood, Discipline, Legacy: The Warrior Dad Formula with Jeff Wickersham

    12/30/2025

    Brotherhood, Discipline, Legacy: The Warrior Dad Formula with Jeff Wickersham

    In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Wickersham, dad of two, creator of the Warrior Dad Experience, and author of Warrior Dad: Love Your Children, Lead Your Family, Leave Your Legacy. Jeff shares the moments that shaped his mission, including the loss of his mom and the heartbreaking wake up call that pushed him to serve fathers. We talk about what’s really happening to dads today: isolation, overwhelm, ego, and the “librarian of the mind” problem where we consume nonstop but rarely take action. Jeff breaks down how to build momentum through simple habits, why consistency beats intensity, and why “work life balance” is a trap. If you want to lead your family with strength, presence, and purpose, this one will hit home. Guest: Jeff Wickersham Jeff is a father of two, performance coach, creator of the Warrior Dad Experience, and author of Warrior Dad: Love Your Children, Lead Your Family, Leave Your Legacy. What we coverJeff’s origin story and the mission behind Warrior DadThe biggest challenges dads face right now (isolation, ego, overwhelm)The “librarian of the mind” trap: consuming content without implementing itHow to build consistency with habits that are simple and sustainableWhy “work life balance” isn’t the goal and what to aim for insteadWhy brotherhood and community are accelerators for growthPractical ways to take action immediately on what you learnJeff’s definition of being a good dad: answer the “bids” for attention, lead with standards + love, be their biggest fanFind Jeff WickershamWebsite: https://thethewarriordad.comBook on Amazon (search): Warrior Dad: Love Your Children, Lead Your Family, Leave Your LegacyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff_wickersham/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wickersham/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.wickershm

    42 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    The Missing Piece in Modern Fatherhood

    In this episode, Paul and Andrew delve into the significance of community for men, particularly fathers. They discuss the paradox of being more connected yet feeling lonelier than ever, emphasizing the need for genuine relationships and support systems. The conversation explores what constitutes a healthy community, the importance of fraternity, and how men can benefit from surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals. They also share their vision for building a local community of dads and the steps they are taking to foster connections among men. Takeaways Community is essential for emotional and mental survival.Men thrive when they are part of a fraternity.Having diverse perspectives in a community enriches personal growth.Loneliness is a growing issue despite technological connectivity.Men need spaces to share experiences and challenges.Building a community requires intentional effort and engagement.Fraternity among men fosters accountability and support.Shared interests and goals strengthen community bonds.Community can help navigate the complexities of fatherhood.Investing in relationships outside of family is crucial for personal development.

    41 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    From Addiction to Calling: Fatherhood, Faith, and a Smarter Way to Potty Train with Troy Fink

    In this episode, Paul and Andrew sit down with Troy Fink: husband, dad of three, pastor, founder, and CEO of Gammit Tech, the team behind Loovy, a smart potty training device built to make one of the toughest early parenting seasons a little more fun and a lot less chaotic. Troy shares his story of becoming a dad at 19, walking through addiction, and how surrendering his life to God reshaped everything from his identity to how he shows up as a father. We also dig into what it looks like to raise kids with decades of parenting under your belt, why men need a clear sense of purpose, and how Loovy was born out of not wanting to miss the moments he did the first time around. In this episode, we talk about:Becoming a teenage dad and realizing years later that he wasn’t showing up the way his son needed The emptiness of chasing parties, stuff, and status when you’re avoiding your real calling How faith, community, and a recovery program became the turning point for Troy’s life What “equations of grace” are and how biblical wisdom has shaped the way he parents Parenting chapter two and three: raising a teenager and two little ones with a totally different foundation Why he believes fatherhood is a man’s highest calling The origin story of Loovy and how it turns potty training into a game instead of a war zone About TroyTroy Fink is a husband, dad of three, pastor, and founding partner / CEO of Gammit Tech. He leads the team building Loovy, a smart potty training device that uses lights, music, and feedback to help kids learn to use the toilet while keeping parents sane. His journey has taken him from working at his dad’s car dealership, to pastoring, to leading a startup that sits at the intersection of tech and parenting. Where to find Troy and Loovyhttps://www.goloovy.com/https://www.instagram.com/goloovy/https://www.instagram.com/pastortroyfink/

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Andrew, an aspiring dad, and Paul, a dad of two, dig deep to find out what it means to be/become the best dad possible, why it matters, and how to do so.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Stolpestad, Paul Wandrey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Why, Dad?
  • Show Website
    Why, Dad?