Young Dad Podcast

This episode helps dads understand why they keep reacting the same way — and how to change it without shame or self-hatred.

In this conversation, Jey Young and Duncan Rich explore the challenges fathers face in managing stress and emotional regulation. They discuss how societal models of masculinity can lead to feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy among dads. Duncan emphasizes the importance of understanding one's nervous system and adopting a bottom-up approach to emotional regulation, which focuses on bodily awareness rather than cognitive strategies. The discussion also highlights the significance of vulnerability, presence, and the impact of emotional patterns passed down from fathers to sons. Ultimately, the conversation encourages fathers to take responsibility for their emotional well-being and to prioritize self-care as a means of fostering healthier relationships with their children.

takeaways

Most dads feel overwhelmed, not angry.

Dads want to be patient but often struggle.

Emotional patterns from childhood affect fatherhood.

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Stress responses start in the body, not the mind.

Co-regulation with others helps manage stress.

Children learn emotional regulation from their parents.

Self-care is essential for effective parenting.

Acknowledging feelings is crucial for connection.

Change takes practice and patience.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Overwhelm in Fatherhood

06:19 The Model of Masculinity and Its Impact

11:04 Taking Responsibility for Change

16:16 The Bottom-Up Approach to Emotional Regulation

22:29 The Importance of Presence and Connection

26:37 Navigating Stress and Presence as a Parent

29:15 The Challenge of Staying Present in Difficult Moments

35:12 Understanding Emotional Patterns Passed from Father to Son

43:00 Advice for New Dads: Prioritizing Your Happiness

This episode is about helping dads replace fear and shame with clarity, courage, and leadership.

In this conversation, Jey Young and Chris Rogers discuss the pervasive issue of pornography exposure among children and adolescents. They explore the neurological and developmental impacts of early exposure to porn, emphasizing the importance of open communication between parents and children. Chris shares insights on compulsive behaviors related to pornography, the significance of understanding unmet needs in children, and the role of technology in shaping relationships. The discussion highlights the necessity for authenticity in parenting and the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity rather than shame. Practical tools and strategies for parents are provided to help navigate these challenging conversations and support their children's healthy development.

takeaways

Most kids don't go looking for porn; it finds them.

Increased secrecy around devices is a warning sign.

Porn exposure is primarily a developmental issue, not a moral one.

Compulsive behaviors are driven by a need for novelty.

Dopamine plays a significant role in compulsive behaviors.

Parents should lead with curiosity, not shame.

Children need to learn about sex and relationships from their parents.

Filters and blockers are not enough to prevent exposure.

Authenticity in parenting fosters trust and openness.

Recovery from compulsive behaviors requires connection, not just restriction.

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Pornography on Children

02:29 Understanding Compulsive Behaviors and Pornography

05:12 The Science Behind Porn Addiction

08:14 Navigating Conversations About Porn with Kids

11:04 The Neurological Effects of Early Exposure

14:01 Compulsive Behaviors and Unmet Needs

16:51 The Role of AI and Technology in Relationships

24:26 Hypersexualization in Society

27:11 The Role of Curiosity in Recovery

28:51 Filters vs. Self-Regulation

34:30 Authenticity in Parenting

44:12 The Dad Zone: Keeping It Real

This episode is about helping dads realize that how they communicate with their partner teaches their kids how love works.

In this conversation, Jey Young and Raffi Bilek explore the complexities of communication in marriage, emphasizing the importance of understanding and validating each other's feelings. They discuss common conflicts couples face, the significance of listening, and the need to address deeper issues rather than just surface-level problems. The dialogue highlights strategies for effective communication, including the importance of empathy, picking battles wisely, and reconnecting after disagreements. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a guide for couples to improve their communication skills and strengthen their relationships.

Most couples aren't fighting about the dishes, the money, or the sex.

You can't fix a problem you don't understand.

It's important to go in there and try to figure out the why behind reactions.

You can wait until later to address conflicts.

Everybody has a reason why they do things, and it's good to explore that.

People just want to be validated in their feelings.

You cannot convince your partner to see things your way.

The end goal of communication is not necessarily the solution, but staying connected.

Marriage is supposed to be work, and that's okay.

Expect to make mistakes in fatherhood and keep trying.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Conflict in Relationships

02:42 The Importance of Communication

04:55 Slowing Down to Understand

09:16 The Deeper Issues Behind Arguments

11:04 The Art of Listening and Validation

18:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations

23:30 Working Together as a Team

30:07 Reconnecting After Conflict

Many dads are winning at work — and quietly losing at home.

In this episode, Jon Hord joins Jey Young for a raw conversation about modern fatherhood, identity, and the pressure men feel to provide while still longing to be present. They unpack why so many fathers feel exhausted, disconnected, or angry — and how fear, unprocessed emotions, and outdated beliefs about manhood shape how we show up at home.

This conversation challenges dads to move from being providers to becoming intentional leaders — at home, in relationships, and within themselves.

This episode covers:

• Why dads often feel like they’re failing at home

• The difference between being available and being present

• How fear shows up as anger in parenting

• Why identity matters more than effort

• The power of feedback from your kids

• Small daily changes that create long-term impact

This episode is about slowing down — not giving up.

00:00 – The Exhaustion of Modern Fatherhood
07:48 – Fear and Identity in Parenting
12:12 – Shifting From Provider to Leader
19:13 – Why Feedback From Kids Matters
25:50 – Presence vs. Absence at Home
34:10 – Unlearning Limiting Beliefs
42:33 – Practical Advice for Young DadsTakeaways

• Many dads succeed professionally but feel disconnected at home

• Fear often drives anger and frustration in parenting

• Fatherhood requires an identity shift, not just more effort

• Being present matters more than being perfect

• Feedback from children is essential for growth

• Unprocessed emotions leak into family dynamics

• Small, consistent changes compound over time

• Asking kids how you’re doing builds trust and connection

• Time with children is limited — intentionality matters

• Continuous self-improvement strengthens fatherhood

A sudden cardiac arrest stopped everything — and changed everything.

In this episode, Sig Muller shares how surviving a near-death experience completely reshaped his perspective on fatherhood, time, gratitude, and what truly matters. What happens when you’re forced to confront mortality in an instant? You start paying attention to where your time, energy, and love actually go.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that nothing is guaranteed, especially time with our kids — and that intentional parenting isn’t about doing more, but choosing better.

In this episode, we explore:

• How a life-threatening moment reframed Sig’s priorities

• Why quality time matters more than quantity

• The role of gratitude inside the family, not just outwardly

• Making conscious choices with limited time

• Resilience in fatherhood after trauma

• Why sharing your story can change someone else’s life

This episode isn’t about fear — it’s about clarity.

Chapters

00:00 – A Life-Altering Experience
01:13 – The Importance of Quality Time03:40 – Facing Mortality and Time Management07:40 – Reallocating Time for What Matters11:10 – The Power of Choice12:50 – Finding Purpose After Trauma18:35 – Sharing Stories to Inspire Change23:56 – Gratitude Inside the Family30:50 – Navigating New Experiences in Fatherhood37:31 – Resilience and Lessons from Parenting41:50 – Final Thoughts for Young Dads

Takeaways

• Time with your children is limited — prioritize it intentionally

• Gratitude should be practiced within the family, not just externally

• Life can change instantly; nothing is guaranteed

• Small time reallocations create meaningful impact

• Trauma can lead to powerful personal growth

• Conscious choices shape the kind of parent you become

• Sharing your story can inspire others to reflect and change

• Resilience is essential in fatherhood

• Presence matters more than perfection

• There’s always room to show up better