Why, Dad?

Andrew Stolpestad, Paul Wandrey
  • 4.4 (7)
  • PARENTING
  • 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. Raising a Child on Purpose with Nate Turner

    13H AGO

    Raising a Child on Purpose with Nate Turner

    Most dads don’t have a plan. They just try to do their best. Nathaniel Turner challenges that completely. In this episode, we explore what it means to raise a child intentionally by working backward from who they should become. From building a “starting five” of mentors to writing letters that shape identity, this conversation pushes beyond surface-level parenting into legacy-level thinking. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re just reacting… or actually leading your family forward, this one will hit. Guest Nathaniel A. Turner Educator, speaker, and author focused on intentional parenting and legacy-building. Books by Nathaniel Turner 📘 Raising Superman https://a.co/d/0buvkWP7 Connect with Nate 🌐 Website: https://www.nathanielaturner.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateaturner/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-turner-5557952b5/

    57 min
  2. When Pride is a Good Thing

    MAR 17

    When Pride is a Good Thing

    Pride gets a bad reputation. Most of us have been taught that pride is something dangerous—something that leads to ego, arrogance, and selfishness. But is all pride actually bad? In this episode of Why, Dad?, Paul and Andrew explore the difference between destructive pride and healthy pride, and why that distinction matters for men, fathers, and the next generation. The conversation dives into questions like: What does it actually mean to take pride in your work? Can someone take pride in what they do if they don’t take pride in who they are? How do we teach kids to care about everyday responsibilities like chores or school? Are we accidentally raising kids to seek approval instead of purpose? Paul and Andrew unpack the idea that pride isn’t something that can simply be taught through lectures or instructions. Often, it has to be experienced through effort, ownership, and responsibility. It’s the feeling that comes when you step back after doing something difficult and realize: "I did that." Whether you're a dad, planning to become one someday, or simply trying to become a better man, this episode explores how effort, identity, and responsibility shape the kind of pride that builds character instead of tearing it down. Because the goal isn’t to eliminate pride. It’s to cultivate the right kind of pride.

    53 min
  3. What Happens When Men Stop Doing Life Alone with Jason Lange

    MAR 10

    What Happens When Men Stop Doing Life Alone with Jason Lange

    This episode explores the transformative power of men's groups, emphasizing support, accountability, and emotional connection for men and fathers. Jason Lange shares insights on how community impacts personal growth, parenting, and identity shifts, offering practical advice for men seeking deeper connection and self-awareness. Key Topics The importance of men's groups for support and accountability How community influences men's personal growth and parenting The role of vulnerability and emotional expression in masculinity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Men's Work 01:10 The Importance of Men's Groups 02:40 Support and Accountability in Men's Groups 07:34 Self-Care for Fathers 09:31 Identity Crisis in Fatherhood 10:30 Navigating Life's Transitions 12:24 The Role of Community in Parenting 15:51 Diverse Role Models for Children 19:08 Normalizing Help and Growth 21:37 Integrating Family and Men's Groups 25:53 Virtual vs. In-Person Groups 29:14 Addressing Skepticism About Men's Groups 33:19 The Importance of Genuine Connection 35:16 Men's Groups: A Space for Vulnerability and Growth 39:33 Parenting and Emotional Regulation 43:06 The Role of Men's Groups in Personal Well-being 48:43 Finding the Right Men's Group 56:37 Conclusion and Resources for Men's Groups Resources Evolutionary Men Podcast - https://evolutionary.men How to Start a Men's Group - https://evolutionary.men/start-a-group Instagram - https://instagram.com/evolutionary.men

    58 min
  4. Should Men Be Dangerous?

    MAR 3

    Should Men Be Dangerous?

    Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad unpack the popular idea that “men should be dangerous” through the lens of Wild at Heart. They explore what the phrase gets right, what it risks communicating, and where a better target might be “capable and intentional.” The conversation threads through human nature, adventure, protection, taking calculated risks, and the crucial difference between dangerous and reckless. They land on a practical challenge: define what you stand for, then take small daily steps that build strength, clarity, and character. In this episode • The “be dangerous” idea: truth underneath it, and how it gets misread • Dangerous vs reckless, and why the distinction matters • Why “powerful” may communicate the goal better, but also has limits • Adventure, risk, and responsibility as part of mature masculinity • Why knowing what you stand for comes before “being dangerous” • Small daily challenges that build a man who can lead and protect Practical takeaways • Pick one small challenge today (fitness, food, focus, or courage) • Reduce “easy dopamine” that keeps you timid (scrolling, binging, avoidance) • Define what you are protecting and building (values, mission, family culture) • Build capacity on purpose so you can use it wisely Resources referenced • Wild at Heart by John Eldredge • Jordan Peterson (mentioned in context of modern “be dangerous” framing) • Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg • Crucial Conversations (book referenced) • Socratic method (referenced) • Fathers With Daughters and Russ Kimura (mentioned) • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (mentioned) • Oregon Coast Trail (mentioned)

    44 min
  5. Excellence, Accountability & Financial Health with Chad Hufford

    FEB 24

    Excellence, Accountability & Financial Health with Chad Hufford

    In this episode of the Why Dad Podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad engage in a profound conversation with Chad Hufford, a father of six and founder of Veritas Wealth Management. The discussion revolves around the importance of intentionality in parenting, particularly in financial stewardship. Chad emphasizes that financial health, much like physical health, requires active attention and effort. He shares personal anecdotes about his journey as a father, highlighting the significance of vulnerability and excellence over perfection in parenting. The conversation also touches on the necessity of having a clear vision for the future and the role of accountability in achieving personal and familial goals. Chad's insights encourage fathers to be proactive in their financial education and to model healthy financial habits for their children. He stresses that someone will inevitably teach kids about money, and it’s crucial for fathers to take on that role. The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring dads, urging them to surround themselves with mentors and to define what they want their lives to look like in the future. This episode serves as a reminder that being a good dad involves intentional actions, open communication, and a commitment to personal growth

    51 min

  6. FEB 17

    Are You Living Together… or Building Together?

    In this episode of the Why, Dad? Podcast, Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad dive into teamwork and partnership in marriage and family life. Paul reflects on a week of solo parenting, the highs and lows of patience, and how stress can either divide or refine you. Together, they unpack the shift from living as a “lone wolf” to building a shared life with a spouse. They challenge the 50/50 myth, explore why communication is the foundation of strong partnership, and share practical tools like weekly family business meetings and intentional connection time. They also discuss the importance of not projecting your own standards onto your spouse, the difference between managing and leading a family, and how modeling healthy teamwork shapes your kids’ understanding of relationships. If you want a marriage that feels like a mission, not a roommate arrangement, this one’s for you. 📌 Episode Notes In This Episode: • Why 50/50 is a myth in marriage • From “lone wolf” to shared mission • The danger of unspoken expectations • “Don’t expect you from anybody else” • The difference between managing and leading your family • Reducing friction to increase connection • How to hold each other to a higher standard without becoming a dictator • Modeling teamwork for your kids Practical Tools Discussed: • Weekly “Family Business Meeting” • Friday connection time before picking up the kids • Monthly date night goal • Shared calendars and visibility • Creating safe space for feedback • Kids vs. Dad competitions instead of sibling rivalry Reflection Questions: • Are you operating like roommates or teammates? • Where are you creating unnecessary friction? • When was the last time you laughed with your wife? • What systems could reduce stress in your home this week?

    51 min
  7. The Importance of Presence in Parenting with Oscar Peña

    FEB 10

    The Importance of Presence in Parenting with Oscar Peña

    In this episode of the Why Dad? podcast, we sit down with Oscar Peña, host of the Daughtered podcast, for an honest conversation about fatherhood and raising daughters. Oscar shares his personal evolution as a dad, shaped by missed presence, hard self-reflection, and the wake-up call of being home during COVID. Together, they unpack what daughters truly need from their fathers: presence over perfection, dependability over independence, and intention instead of autopilot. The conversation explores the difference between kindness and niceness, why self-care is not selfish for dads, and how family values create capable, grounded children. This episode offers practical wisdom for current and aspiring fathers who want to show up more fully, lead with humility, and build trust-based relationships with their kids, especially their daughters. Guest InfoOscar Peña Host of the Daughtered Podcast and father of three daughters. Oscar focuses on presence, humility, and growth — sharing his own mistakes and lessons to help dads raise confident, capable girls. 🔗 Website: https://daughteredpodcast.com📸 Instagram (Podcast): @daughteredpodcast📸 Instagram (Personal): @a_growinggirldad

    45 min
  8. If You Want a Better Country, Start at Home

    FEB 3

    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
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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
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Why, Dad?
  • Show Website
    Why, Dad?