My father-in-law passed away last week after a long, well-lived life.

His death brought with it a flurry of logistical questions, but also one deeply parental one:

What do we tell the kids?

Do our 8- and 5-year-old sons attend the funeral?
Do they visit the open casket?
What do we say? How much is too much?

Not surprisingly, every relative over 60 had an opinion.
("They’re too young. You’ll scar them!" was the consensus.)

I disagreed, but I desperately wanted backup. So I texted my group of dad friends, asked for their take, and got a wave of support... divided right down the middle.

In the end, my boys came and experienced everything. I explained as best I could.

“Grandpa was old. And that’s what old people do... But first, they tell confusing stories, hoard plastic bags, and sneak you candy your parents said no to.”

Ok, maybe I didn’t say that exactly.

The truth is I cried when I explained it to them on the airplane. Then I answered their questions. Two days later, no one has developed a candy corn habit, so I’m calling it a win.

But it reminded me of something I keep bumping up against:
So many moments in fatherhood feel like closed-book tests.
There’s no clear answer. No script. No obvious right thing to do.

And man, I just want a place to talk about that.

That’s why I’m launching something new:

The Ambitious Dads Podcast

It’s a space for real conversations about what it looks like to lead at home with the same intention and ambition we bring to work.

Because over the last few years, I’ve had 200+ conversations with working, thoughtful dads and always asked one specific question:

“What’s the biggest question you’re wrestling with right now as a father?”

And what came back wasn’t small talk. It was raw, real, and recognizable.

Questions like:

1. Will I always have a close bond with my kids?
   "Will my special bond with them change when they start dating their AI chatbots?"

2. How do I teach independence without abandoning them?
   "I want to encourage independence without them feeling like they have to figure out life alone."

3. Am I present enough when I’m pulled in so many directions?
   "I’m constantly thinking about how to be fully present for my kids while also juggling work and marriage."

4. Am I pushing too hard or not enough?
   "My 4-year-old begged for an expensive soccer uniform, went to ONE practice, then threw a tantrum and quit. Do I push? Do I let it go?"

5. How do I prepare them for a future I can’t predict?
   "We don’t even know what jobs will exist in 15 years. How do I make sure they’ll be okay?"

6. Am I passing on the flaws I’m still working through?
   "I tell my kids I’m working on my patience. Now they interrupt me when I get frustrated. It’s annoying as hell, and it works."

7. How do I enjoy this without stressing about doing it “right”?
   "My son threw his homemade burger on the floor. I was furious. Later, I laughed, imagining my 80-year-old self reminiscing about his passion for 'NO CHEESE.’”

If you’ve asked yourself anything like this, welcome. You’re not alone.

What this show is (and isn’t)

This isn’t a parenting tips podcast. This isn’t an aspirational, Instagram-dad highlight reel.

This is real talk with fathers who are doing their best, imperfectly, intentionally, and sometimes with a bit of duct tape and desperation.

We’ll talk about what’s working and what’s not. We’ll talk about where we’re still growing (sometimes kicking and screaming). And yes, every episode ends with a ridiculous, humbling, kid-related poop story.
(Because if you can’t laugh at the parenting chaos, you’ll probably cry into a Paw Patrol cup).

The first episodes drop soon

If you’re a dad who wants to be just as ambitious at home as you are at work, this show is for you.

→ Click here to listen to the trailer on Apple podcasts
→ And here to listen to it on Spotify.

Let’s stop winging it. Let’s parent on purpose.
Let’s do it together.

—
P.S. Got a poop story and a strong desire to talk fatherhood? Send me a note. I am always looking for wonderful guests.