In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Adam Halberstadt shares his insights on the importance of prioritizing family over career success, the journey of personal transformation from corporate life to coaching, and the significance of building resilience in children.
Adam emphasizes the need for fathers to reflect on their life choices, embrace change, and be present for their families.
Adam's story is one of overcoming challenges, finding balance, and redefining what it means to be successful in both work and family life.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation
02:50 The Importance of Prioritizing Family Over Career
05:32 Redefining Success: The Greatest of All Time
08:19 Lessons from Scotty Scheffler for Everyday Dads
11:03 The Power of Reflection and Mindset
13:56 Adam's Journey: From Corporate to Coaching
22:38 Taking Action: First Steps for Overwhelmed Dads
25:41 Investing in Yourself: A Necessary Shift
30:16 The Importance of Presence in Parenting
35:44 Building Resilience in Children
41:07 Mindset and Coaching: Transformative Journeys
46:43 Messages for Dads: Living in the Moment
--------------------------------
🔗 Connect with Adam
🔗 Connect with Nick:
In this episode of the Dad’s Project Podcast, Nick Mann sits down with Russ Kimura, founder of Fathers With Daughters and a dad to three girls. Russ shares the heart behind his mission to help dads build intentional, lasting connections with their daughters through events, coaching, and everyday presence.
Topics:
- Why Russ started Fathers With Daughters
- The power of holding space instead of “fixing” emotions
- How he uses events like father–daughter proms to spark connection
- Practical ideas for dating your daughter in ways she will never forget
- How circling back and owning mistakes strengthens trust
This is a conversation full of humility, wisdom, and actionable steps for dads who want to show up better every day.
-----------------------------------
🔗 Connect with Russ
🔗 Connect with Nick:
In this episode of the Dad's Project Podcast, Nick Mann is joined by Knight Campbell, Navy veteran, mountain guide, father of three, and founder of Cairn Leadership. Together, they explore the messy, beautiful terrain of fatherhood, leadership, and what it means to truly be present.
Knight shares real, hard-earned lessons from guiding in the mountains and raising kids under one very active roof, including:
The mindset shift that makes outdoor adventures with kids meaningful (even when exhausting)
Why it’s better to “prepare for change” than expect to be comfortable with it
How mountain climbing taught him to value the journey over the summit
What parenting has taught him about letting go of control and slowing down
Why his top family values are courage, kindness, and curiosity, and how to pass them on
A warning about the effect of AI on learning and critical thinking, and what we can do about it
This is an honest, insightful episode packed with humor, wisdom, and practical takeaways for dads who want to raise intentional, grounded kids in a fast-changing world.
-------------------------------------
🔗 Connect with Knight:
LinkedIn: Knight Campbell
Website: www.cairnleadership.com
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode of the Dad’s Project Podcast, Nick sits down with Freeman Beals, a lifelong river guide, dad to a toddler, and certified NLP practitioner, to talk about real fatherhood, the kind that makes you face yourself.Freeman shares how growing up on the river taught him to adapt, how fatherhood reshaped his emotional reactions, and why breaking old patterns requires rewiring, not just willpower.They explore everything from spontaneous travel, mental load, and value shifts to how dads can reframe frustrating moments (like a toddler launching a milk cup) using neuro-linguistic programming.Topics Covered:- What rafting teaches us about adapting in life and parenting- How to shift your reactions using NLP (live on the show!)- Why dads need to rewrite the playbook—not follow an outdated one-The battle between provider guilt and presence at home- Healing old patterns with self-forgiveness and curiosity- A simple daily gratitude hack that rewires your brain- The value of male vulnerability and why you’re never aloneFreeman’s 3 Dad Principles:1️⃣ Rewire, Don’t Repeat2️⃣ You’re Not Alone3️⃣ We’re Writing the Playbook Now💬 Quote of the Episode:“You’re not reacting that way because you don’t care, you’re reacting because you do.”
-------------------------------------------------------🔗 Connect with Freeman:freemanbeals.comNLP Audio ToolLinkedIn🔗 Connect with NickLinkedInDads Project On Instagram
What if you treated “Dad” like the most important title on your LinkedIn profile?
In this episode, Nick sits down with Warren Devarennes, co-founder of the rapidly growing Dadgood community, to unpack what it means to lead with love, live with purpose, and show up fully for your family.
From the daily discipline of 75 Hard to middle-of-the-night snuggles with his daughters, Warren shares how fatherhood cracked him open, reshaped his priorities, and sparked a global movement to connect and empower modern dads.
This conversation is a masterclass in presence, purpose, and building a legacy.
In This Episode:
Why Warren is doing 75 Hard and what’s hard about it
Launching Dadgood and building a global community for dads
Balancing hustle with presence in fatherhood
What a four-year-old can teach us about curiosity and time
The “legacy builder” mindset and redefining success
Why real fatherhood has no room for gurus or pretending
Join Dadgood: https://www.dadgood.co/
------------------------
🔗 Connect with Warren:
🔗 Connect with Nick
Benji Donhardt’s life didn’t start easily, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a joyful, passionate, and powerful father.
In this raw and inspiring conversation, Benji shares the story behind his energy, how trauma shaped his approach to parenting, and how he leads his blended family of five kids with discipline, resilience, and love.
From hiding under his childhood home to now running a global marketing company and leading his household with intention,
Benji’s story is proof that you can break the cycle and lead with strength and heart.
Topics Covered:
Turning childhood trauma into fatherhood fuel
Blending families and building unconditional love
Discipline vs. punishment: what kids really need
Why fitness is non-negotiable for modern dads
Leading your family through your actions
Benji’s Message to Dads:
“Lead with love. Always.”
------------------------
🔗 Connect with Benji:
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode, Nick sits down with Major John McCormack, USMC, to talk about living a life of service, how military leadership translates into fatherhood, and the emotional growth required to be present with your family.
From tactical pauses to ice cream after hard days, John shares practical ways he’s learning to lead at home with the same intention he brings to his career.
Topics Covered:
What does living a life of service mean as a dad?
Using the “add up to 10” tool to communicate better with your partner.
Helping young kids navigate emotional transitions like moving.
Applying military tools (like tactical pauses) to fatherhood.
Why being authentic and vulnerable matters at home and work.
John’s Dad Leadership Principles:
1. Be Genuine & Authentic
2. Have & Seek Out Perspective
3. Be Deliberate With Your Time & Energy
Quote of the Episode:
“You’re not the only one going through it. You’re not alone. And that conversation you’re scared to have? It might be exactly what another dad needs, too.”
------------------------
🔗 Connect with John:
🔗 Connect with Nick
“You deserve better. Your family deserves better. And you deserve a guide who will help get you there.” — Miles Davis
In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Nick is joined by Miles Davis, father of two daughters and successful fitness business owner, to explore what it truly means to lead at home.
Miles shares wisdom on balancing career and fatherhood, the emotional growth required of modern dads, and how the lessons we model are often more impactful than the words we speak.
Together, they explore what it means to show up fully, not just as a provider, but as a present, emotionally available, and intentional leader in your family.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
“Present > Perfect”
Why your kids don’t need you to be perfect, they need you to be there.
The power of eye contact, attention, and phone-free connection.
Emotional Availability as a Father
How Miles grew from a task-oriented provider to a dad who holds emotional space.
Tactical tips for creating open communication with your kids as they grow.
Disarming the Overwhelmed Dad
How to remove the mental blocks that keep men from taking action on their health.
Why you don’t need a gym to start building a better you.
Balancing Business and Fatherhood
Why stepping back from work to lean into family helped Miles’ business grow.
The importance of peer groups and choosing your inner circle wisely.
Dad 3.0
Miles introduces his new program, Dad 3.0, designed to help busy dads regain their health, clarity, and confidence, without sacrificing family time.
Miles’ 3 Dad Leadership Principles:
1️⃣ Always Lead by Serving – Model servant leadership at home and work.
2️⃣ Put Your Oxygen Mask On First – You can’t carry the load if you’re running on empty.
3️⃣ Show Your Work – Let your kids see the process, the struggle, and your growth.
------------------------
🔗 Connect with Miles:
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode, Nick explores a critical leadership insight:
👉 Your greatest strengths, when overused, can become your biggest weaknesses.
Drawing from his personal leadership experience, Nick dives into how awareness, humility, and intentional adjustment are key to balancing your natural talents, both as an executive and as a dad.
🔑 Key Points from the Episode:
1️⃣ Overused Strengths Turn Into Blind Spots
Decisiveness can become overbearing control.
Creativity can lead to a lack of focus and execution.
Communication skills can morph into talking over others instead of listening.
2️⃣ Leadership at Work and Home
In business, unchecked strengths can alienate your team or slow growth.
At home, they can create a disconnect with your spouse and kids.
3️⃣ How to Keep Strengths in Check
Self-awareness is the first step; notice when your strength is becoming a liability.
Seek feedback from those around you at work and home.
Adjust your leadership style based on the needs of the moment, not just your default strengths.
4️⃣ The Path to Sustainable Leadership
Great leaders are flexible, not rigid.
They refine their strengths to serve their teams and families, rather than overpower them.
💬 Reflection Prompt: Where might one of your greatest strengths be slipping into a weakness, either at work or at home?
---------------------------------------
🔗 Connect with NickLinkedInExecutive Dad on Instagram
In this solo episode, Nick breaks down Leadership Principle #4 from the U.S. Marine Corps:
“Keep your Marines informed”, reimagined for executive dads as “Keep your family and team informed.”
Clarity and communication are essential whether you're leading a business or a household. Nick shares personal stories and tactical insights to help you lead with purpose, build trust, and create alignment with the people who matter most, your team at work and your family at home.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
1️⃣ Give the Why
Keep your team and family informed not just about what you're doing, but why you're doing it.
Buy-in increases when people understand the purpose behind your decisions.
"A man with a big enough why can endure anyhow."
– Viktor Frankl
2️⃣ Inspect What You Expect
Trust your team to pass on information, but verify it.
Leadership means checking in to ensure the message (and intent) is clearly understood.
3️⃣ Replace Rumors with the Truth
Rumors grow in silence. Confront miscommunication directly and clarify with ownership.
Choose the discomfort of hard conversations to prevent confusion and maintain integrity.
4️⃣ Celebrate Successes
Take time to acknowledge wins at home and work.
Own failures publicly; defer credit for wins to your team.
Recognition builds loyalty, morale, and momentum.
------------------------------
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode of the Executive Dad Podcast, Mycal Anders shares his multifaceted journey as a father, Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and author.
He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting, the lessons learned from military leadership, and the philosophy of 'Progress Always' in personal growth.
Mycal emphasizes the significance of discipline over grades in children's education and the need for parents to be present and supportive during their children's learning processes. He also introduces the concept of the 'sheepdog mentality' in teaching children to stand up against bullying and the importance of integrating various life pillars for holistic growth.
In this conversation, Mycal Anders and Nick Mann explore the importance of prioritizing personal time, the quality of parenting over quantity, and the significance of being present in family life.
Additionally, they discuss the concept of honest conflict versus dishonest harmony in relationships and the necessity of leading by example. The dialogue emphasizes the need for Executive Dads to protect their values and flow while navigating the challenges of leadership and family life.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Michael Anders
02:45 Lessons from the Marine Corps
06:00 Emotional Intelligence in Parenting
08:48 Navigating Resistance in Learning
12:03 Discipline Over Grades
15:05 The Sheepdog Mentality
18:03 Progress Always: The Philosophy of Growth
20:57 Integrating Life's Pillars
24:02 Bridging the Gap: Lifestyle Integration
30:09 Prioritizing Personal Time
32:56 Quality Over Quantity in Parenting
37:54 Practicing Presence
40:34 Honest Conflict vs. Dishonest Harmony
46:38 Leading by Example
47:07 Protecting Your Values
🔗 Connect with Mycal
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode of the Executive Dad Podcast, host Nick Mann explores the third principle of Marine Corps leadership: Knowing your Marines and looking out for their welfare.
He emphasizes the importance of being present with family and team members, prioritizing self-care, and fostering an environment of trust and vulnerability. Nick shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on supporting loved ones and encouraging individual development while maintaining a positive family culture.
-------------------
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode, of the Executive Dad Podcast, an elementary school principal, Mike Earnshaw shares insights into the complexities of educational leadership and parenting.
He discusses the often misunderstood responsibilities of a principal, the challenges of raising teenagers, and the importance of authenticity and honesty in leadership and family life.
Mike emphasizes the need for personal growth and the impact of being present for staff and family while navigating the unique dynamics of parenting teenagers.
In this episode, Nick Mann and Mike Earnshaw discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of honesty, trust, humility, and the influence of family.
Mike shares personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of these values in both professional and personal contexts, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their leadership journeys.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Role of an Elementary School Principal
04:02 Navigating the Teenage Years as a Parent
08:40 Personal Growth and Leadership Development
11:55 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
19:40 The Importance of Honesty in Leadership and Parenting
24:05 Building Trust Through Honesty
26:46 The Role of Family in Leadership
30:43 Embracing Humility as a Leader
32:28 Staying True to Yourself
33:53 The Importance of Doing Hard Things
38:08 Lessons Learned in Leadership and Fatherhood
🔗 Connect with Mike
-------------------
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode of the podcast, Nick discusses the second leadership principle of the United States Marine Corps: being technically and tactically proficient.
He emphasizes the importance of seeking a well-rounded education, learning from other leaders, and applying knowledge to create positive changes in both personal and professional life.
The discussion encourages listeners to analyze their inputs, seek growth, and learn from diverse perspectives to enhance their leadership skills at home and in the workplace.
-------------------
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode of the Executive Dad Podcast, Nick interviews Scot Poore, an executive and father of two, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with a demanding career.
They explore themes of leadership, empathy, and the importance of being prepared, creating purpose, and having a plan in both parenting and professional life. Scot shares his personal experiences and insights on how to lead by example, prioritize family, and instill values in children while managing a successful career.
Leadership Principles:
🔗 Connect with Scot
-------------------
🔗 Connect with Nick
In this episode of the Executive Dad podcast, Nick introduces a solo episode series focused on the Marine Corps Leadership Principles, starting with Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement. He emphasizes evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses, seeking feedback from peers and family, learning from the successes and failures of others, and the critical role of accountability in personal growth.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Marine Corps Leadership Principles
01:34 Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement
04:02 Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses
06:00 Seeking Feedback for Growth
07:48 Learning from Others' Successes and Failures
09:13 The Importance of Accountability
Podcast Mentioned:
I am honored to share this week's episode with Danny Frazer. Danny is a father of two boys and has been a leader in the outdoor behavioral health industry for more than 25 years.
1️⃣ Leaders Define the What and Why, Not the How
2️⃣ Start with Structure
3️⃣ Beside Every Problem is an Opportunity
🎧 Why You Should Listen:
🔗 Connect with Danny:
-------------------
Follow Nick on LinkedIn
I am honored to introduce Mr. Jason Vonk as our guest on this week's episode. Jason is a father of 5 boys, a former collegiate gymnastics coach, and a certified Sherpa Executive Coach.
Jason's 3 Executive Dad Leadership Principles:
1: The Cop, Coach, & Consultant Paradigm
2: Feedback as a Conversation
3. Climbing Weakness Mountain
Be sure to follow and support Jason at the following links:
Jason's WebsiteLinkedInInstagram
-------------------
FollowNick on LinkedIn
*Name change post episode...
📢 Podcast Summary:
High-performance leadership shouldn’t stop at the office. The Executive Dad Podcast is your playbook for excelling in both your career and your family life—without sacrificing one for the other.
This podcast, hosted by Nick Mann, executive coach, and high-performance dad, is for driven professionals who refuse to choose between career success and being a present, impactful father.
We bring you real strategies, expert insights, and high-level conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders who have cracked the code on leading with intention—both at work and at home.
What You’ll Get:
✅ Tactical Leadership Strategies to advance your career while creating time for what matters.
✅ Real Conversations with high-achieving dads who share what’s worked—and what hasn’t.
✅ Proven Systems to avoid burnout, master time, and lead your family with the same precision you bring to work.
✅ No-Fluff, Actionable Takeaways so you can execute immediately.
Who This Is For:
🔹 Business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs who want to level up at work AND at home.
🔹 High-achieving dads who refuse to settle for “just getting by” in their personal lives.
🔹 Men who believe leadership is more than a title—it’s a responsibility to those who matter most.
Because success isn’t just about what you build at work—it’s about the legacy you create at home.
Subscribe now and join the movement of high-performance fathers redefining leadership.
New Episodes Every Week