Dads in Real Life Podcast

Ready for real talk from two dads who get it? One’s a SoCal entrepreneur juggling life with older kids; the other is a seasoned work-from-home dad with a crew of toddlers. Separated by a decade in age but united by their parenting journeys, these dads bring hilarious, heartfelt stories, lessons learned, and raw honesty to topics every parent can relate to—whether it’s diapers or dream projects. Born out of a mentorship-turned friendship, this podcast is your invitation to laugh, learn, and lounge with two dads who prove that there’s no one right way to navigate dad life. Subscribe to Dads in Real Life—because parenting’s better with a little perspective (and a lot of laughs).

Episodes

May 29, 2025

47 min

Today’s episode is full of laughs, surprises, and some real-deal dad wisdom.
🎤 Travis and Robert go head-to-head in a round of unexpected dad questions—without knowing what the other has prepared.While Travis throws up some softballs (favorite cloud, anyone?), Robert comes in hot with some deep, reflective heaters.
💭 We dive into questions like:• What was the biggest surprise when becoming a parent?• How do your personality traits show up in your parenting?• And… what’s your favorite type of cloud? (Yep, it’s that kind of episode.)
Then the conversation takes a meaningful turn as we reflect on old friendships—how reconnecting with childhood friends can ground us, give us perspective, and remind us how far we’ve come. From nostalgic laughs to heartfelt moments, this one’s got it all.
Whether you’re a dad, a nostalgic soul, or just here for good conversation, we promise this episode will leave you smiling (and maybe texting an old friend).
#DadLife #ParentingPodcast #PersonalityDifferences #FriendshipMatters #OldFriends #Fatherhood #Nostalgia

May 22, 2025

40 min

In this episode, we kick things off with a laugh—sharing our most embarrassing professional moments (yes, they’re cringy and hilarious). From awkward CEO greetings to accidentally locking clients in the gym, we all have those moments we’ll never forget.
But the real heart of the episode? Nostalgia.Did you know it’s a superpower you’re already using—maybe without even realizing it?
We explore how sights, smells, sounds, and even Lucky Charms cereal can instantly transport us back to our childhood. From punk rock mix tapes and summer days at a wood mill, to driving past our old houses and baseball fields—nostalgia is real, powerful, and deeply emotional.
We also talk about how to intentionally create nostalgic memories for your kids—whether it's lighting a special candle during bath time or saying “Happy Friday!” during school pickup. Those small, repeated moments can become lifelong anchors of joy.
Also in this episode:🎮 Oregon Trail flashbacks💾 Floppy disk memories🎉 Why moms are the true memory-makers🧠 How to use nostalgia as a parenting tool to deepen your bond
Whether you're a parent, a nostalgic 90s kid, or just love good stories—this episode will hit home.
#DadLife #Nostalgia #ParentingTips #FunnyStories #MemoryMakers #FamilyTraditions #PodcastForParents

May 15, 2025

54 min

Today’s episode takes a more tender turn as Travis opens up about his current journey through grief. While we often focus on topics like parenting, business, and travel, the truth is—loss is a part of life, and it impacts every area of who we are, especially as husbands and fathers.
Travis shares his personal story and how he and his family are walking through the complex emotions of grief—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This episode isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being real, present, and creating space for vulnerability and healing.
🙏 If you're grieving, this episode may be sensitive. Feel free to return to it when you're ready.💬 If hearing someone else's story brings you comfort or clarity—we hope this helps you feel a little less alone.
Topics include:
Coping with grief while parenting
Supporting your spouse and children through loss
Giving yourself grace in difficult seasons
The importance of honest conversations in healing
Thank you for being here. We hope this episode meets you where you are.#GriefJourney #DadLife #MentalHealth #ParentingThroughLoss #RealTalk #FamilyHealing

May 8, 2025

43 min

Today’s episode is all about getting outside and making memories—from local parks to international travel! 🌳✈️ Travis and Robert start by sharing their favorite things about being outdoors and how those moments often bring back childhood memories. Then they dive into practical tips for dads who want to spend more quality time outside with their kids.
We cover:🌞 How to find the best local parks and times of day to get outdoors⛺ Creative ideas like camping in your garage🛫 Road trip and airplane hacks when traveling with kids😴 Outdoor activities that actually help kids wind down for bedtime📅 Why making daily outdoor time a priority changes everything
Whether you’re planning a simple afternoon at the park or a big overseas adventure, this episode is packed with helpful advice, dad-tested wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you’re all about building a more intentional, adventurous family life.
#DadLife #ParentingTips #OutdoorTime #TravelingWithKids #ModernFatherhood #FamilyTravel

May 1, 2025

35 min

What would you do with a blank check? 💸 Travis and Robert kick off today’s episode dreaming big—with very different answers. But soon, they’re trading in fantasy for reality as they dive into a hilarious and heartfelt look at how life changes when you become a parent.
Today’s topic? Motorcycles and Minivans. 🏍️➡️🚐We’re talking:🛠️ Our first bikes and what got us into motorcycles😂 The moment we traded horsepower for car seats😅 The not-so-easy shift from freedom to family responsibility❤️ How becoming dads changed our priorities—and our rides🎙️ One co-host may or may not still be bitter about the minivan life
This episode is about honoring who we were, embracing who we’ve become, and recognizing the sacrifices we make for the people we love.
Whether you’re still holding onto your motorcycle dreams or knee-deep in minivan mayhem, this one’s for you.
Like, comment, and subscribe for more honest convos about fatherhood, identity, and personal growth.
#DadLife #MotorcyclesToMinivans #ParentingPodcast #Fatherhood #SacrificesForFamily #RealTalkDads

Apr 24, 2025

44 min

Today’s episode dives deep into one of the biggest challenges in parenting: how to help our kids handle their emotions—while we’re still learning to manage our own.
We kick things off with some core childhood memories of our dads, then shift into the real heart of today’s conversation:🧠 What do we do when our kids share big feelings or make big mistakes?👨‍👧 How do we respond as dads—especially when we never learned those emotional skills ourselves?💬 Why feelings without skills = misbehavior, and what tools we can teach our kids📚 The shift from 80s/90s parenting styles to today’s more emotionally aware approach🎯 Robert shares how he handles emotions and mistakes across three stages: toddler, school-age, and teen🔧 Travis talks about the importance of teaching your kids how to fail well❤️ How to create a home environment where mistakes are safe and growth is welcome
This episode is full of real talk, practical tools, and honest reflections—because the truth is, we're just big kids trying to teach little kids. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence, communication, and leading by example.
How you handle failure teaches your kids how to do the same.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations about fatherhood, growth, and raising emotionally strong kids.
#ParentingPodcast #DadLife #EmotionalIntelligence #ParentingTools #BigFeelings #Fatherhood #RaisingKids

Apr 17, 2025

49 min

Why do people drive like maniacs? Travis kicks things off with a fun (and relatable) question—but we quickly dive deep into something that affects every parent: stress and anxiety.
In this episode, we explore how breathwork can be a game-changing tool for managing stress—at home, at work, and in parenting. With over 10 years of experience as a breathwork coach, Robert shares:
🧠 What breathwork actually is (and isn’t)
😤 How stress affects your breathing—and how your breathing affects your stress
🛠️ Real-world examples from Travis’s early experiences with anxiety, customer service, and public speaking
🧘 Pocket-sized breathwork practices you can do throughout your day
⚙️ How to develop better breathing mechanics to improve your energy, focus, and calm
Whether you’re a parent navigating the daily grind or just looking to handle stress more effectively, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed breathing strategies to help you stay grounded.
Breathe better, feel better, parent better.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tools on fatherhood and personal growth. #Breathwork #DadLife #StressRelief #AnxietyRelief #ParentingPodcast #MindfulParenting

Apr 10, 2025

29 min

Entrepreneurship isn't always about Lambos and laptop lifestyles. For many dads, it’s about creating options, building freedom, and providing for their families in a way that aligns with their values.
In today’s episode, we get real about:💼 How we each stumbled into entrepreneurship💡 The real reasons dads start side hustles or passion projects🛠️ How to find income opportunities by identifying your skills, market demand, and what people will actually pay for📈 Why work is hard no matter what—and how to make it meaningful by doing something you actually care about
Whether you’re dreaming of building your own thing or just trying to bring in a little extra for your family, this episode will give you clarity, motivation, and some practical tools to get started.
Comment below: What’s a skill or interest you’ve thought about turning into a side hustle?
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more conversations about fatherhood, purpose, and finding your lane.
#DadLife #Entrepreneurship #SideHustle #ParentingPodcast #WorkLifeBalance #PurposeDrivenWork

Apr 3, 2025

38 min

Today’s episode starts off light with a fun question: What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow? 💰 But it quickly turns into one of our most real and raw conversations yet.
Travis kicks off story time with the day’s big question: “What’s the most pain you’ve ever felt?” Spoiler: both of us had the same answer—kidney stones.
We share:😖 Travis’s brutal experience being turned away multiple times from the ER before finally needing surgery🚗 Robert’s 2AM trip to the ER, choosing to tough it out without strong meds so he could drive himself home🧠 What we learned through these painful experiences—and how those lessons apply to any season of life
It’s a mix of laughter, cringing, and real talk about pain, perseverance, and perspective. Because sometimes, life puts you between a rock and a hard place (literally)... but there's always something to take away from it.
Drop a comment: What’s the most pain you’ve ever felt, and what did it teach you?
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real conversations about fatherhood, life, and everything in between.
#DadLife #LifeLessons #KidneyStoneStory #StoryTime #ParentingPodcast

Mar 27, 2025

29 min

Today, we’re getting personal about our current season of parenting—what we’ve learned, what’s surprised us, and what we love most about watching our kids grow.
But first… let’s talk school drop-off line stress. 🫠 From the chaos of morning routines to the pressure of getting everything just right, we’re learning that when we stop micromanaging, our kids actually learn and grow on their own.
Travis asks Robert: “As your kids move out of the cute toddler stage and into school age, what do you love most about this season of life?”
Robert shares insights from parenting kids at different stages—from toddlerhood to middle school:🔹 The power of healthy boundaries with friends🔹 Self-awareness & understanding that friendship tension is part of life🔹 When stubbornness becomes a strength in resilience & perseverance🔹 Learning that failure isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of growth🔹 His daughter’s wisdom: “Just because you’re not good at something in the beginning doesn’t mean you stop.”🔹 Seeing our kids show empathy for us as parents (yes, it happens!)
This conversation is a reminder that every season of parenting matters—the effort we put in today shapes their future relationships, resilience, and confidence.
💬 What’s one thing you love about your kids in their current season of life? Drop a comment below!
If you found this episode valuable, like and subscribe so you don’t miss out on future dad conversations.
#Parenting #Fatherhood #ParentingPodcast #Growth #LifeLessons #DadLife #RaisingKids

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