What should I actually be focusing on right now? That was the question a dad to be emailed us this week, and if you have ever been in that waiting season, excited and overwhelmed, wondering what really matters before the baby comes, this one is for you. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael share a real, two part answer shaped by their first year as dads. From nesting chaos and diaper debates to emotional connection and personal growth, this conversation is funny, honest, and packed with practical takeaways. You will hear stories about the reality of helping during nesting mode, what it means to show up for your partner when you cannot fix everything, and how defining the kind of dad you want to be changes everything once your baby arrives. This is equal parts reflection and field guide, real talk for new and expecting dads trying to prepare for a role no one can truly prepare you for. Here’s what we unpack: • Why focus on your partner is the single best advice for every dad to be• What nesting actually looks like and why you will be cleaning the top of the fridge• How to support your partner emotionally instead of just doing things• The two pronged approach being there for her and building your own foundation• How to define the kind of dad you want to become before you are in it• The dad types, smoker dad, CrossFit dad, hobbyist dad, chill dad, and what they reveal about us• How your strengths and flaws both get amplified in fatherhood• Why the fear of losing yourself is not the end of the story• The truth about what life really looks like one year later If you have ever searched: how to prepare for fatherhooddad advice before babyhow to support my pregnant wifewhat to expect as a new dadreal talk for Christian dadsnesting for dadspregnancy advice for husbandsdad prep checklisthow to define your parenting styleChristian parenting podcast This episode is for you. 🧡 Resources Mentioned:• Taking Cara Babies Course (Affiliate Link)• The Happiest Baby on the Block• The Expectant Father• Join the Spit Up Society Discord

Fatherhood is hard and it’s even harder alone. In this episode, we talk with Matt Thomas, founder of Marrow and father of four, about how mentorship, brotherhood, and real community can transform the way you lead your home. From vulnerability to raising phone-free kids, this is a must-listen for any dad trying to show up with purpose.

What happens when a routine-driven fitness guy becomes a new dad and suddenly the schedule gets thrown out the window? In this episode we sit down with Ryan George: husband, dad to an 11-month-old, and the voice behind a growing fitness and fatherhood presence online. Known for his passion for routines, workouts, and goal setting, Ryan opens up about how becoming a dad forced him to pivot, communicate better with his wife, and give himself grace. We talk about routines, marriage, fitness, grace, and how to still pursue goals when life looks nothing like it used to. This conversation is real, practical, and encouraging for any dad navigating the early years. Here’s what we cover:
• Why the first three months of fatherhood can feel like a funk
• How Ryan and his wife align their fitness goals and schedules
• What it looks like to build an environment at home for success
• The role of grace when workouts, meals, and routines fall apart
• Communication habits that keep a marriage steady in the chaos
• The value of goal setting for fitness, family, and business
• How to celebrate wins and not get buried by setbacks
• Why being a present dad is more important than a perfect routine If you’ve ever searched:
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practical dad podcast This episode is for you. 📱 Follow Ryan George
Instagram: @Ryan_Jos3ph
Instagram: @MariaaGeorge (his wife) 🫶 Join the Spit Up Society Discord
A space for dads who are showing up, learning, and doing their best every day
👉 thedudelaco.com/join

<p>What happens when a driven hard working man trades the hustle of the outside world for the daily rhythm of home life?</p><p><br /></p><p>In this episode we sit down with Bryan Romeo, husband, father of three, and the voice behind @thedomesticdadlife. Formerly known online as The Catholic Dad, Bryan has since rebranded to reflect his calling as a full time, in the trenches, domestic dad. We talk about identity, ego, humility, marriage, and what it looks like to truly lead your family not just by providing but by being present.</p><p><br /></p><p>This conversation is warm, honest, and unfiltered. His toddler even interrupts the episode (and we left it in) because that’s what real life looks like.</p><p><br /></p><p>🍼 Here’s what we cover:</p><p>• The transition from career ambition to finding purpose at home</p><p>• Bryan’s journey from Catholic Dad to Domestic Dad</p><p>• Why showing up at home is its own kind of difficult</p><p>• How to lead with love and loosen your grip on control</p><p>• Making space for faith in daily fatherhood</p><p>• What spiritual leadership in the home can look like</p><p>• The small daily habits that shape long term legacy</p><p>• Finding new rhythms in marriage parenting and prayer</p><p>• Letting go of perfection and choosing presence instead</p><p>• Embracing interruptions and finding joy in the moment</p><p><br /></p><p>🎯 If you’ve ever searched:</p><p><br /></p><p>how to be a present dad</p><p>stay at home dad podcast</p><p>Christian fatherhood</p><p>leading your family with faith</p><p>how to show up at home</p><p>letting go of ego in marriage</p><p>faith based parenting</p><p>masculinity and fatherhood</p><p>Catholic parenting podcast</p><p>spiritual leadership for dads</p><p>real life dad podcast</p><p>modern stay at home dad</p><p>raising kids with purpose</p><p>being home with toddlers</p><p>fatherhood identity</p><p>husband and father roles</p><p>parenting with grace</p><p>redefining success as a dad</p><p><br /></p><p>This episode is for you.</p><p><br /></p><p>📱 Follow Bryan Romeo</p><p>@thedomesticdadlife</p><p><br /></p><p>🫶 Join the Spit Up Society Discord</p><p>A space for dads who are showing up learning and doing their best every day</p><p>👉 thedudelaco.com/join</p>

<p>Episode 7: Showing Up Present: Sobriety &amp; New Dad Life with Corey Davis</p><p><br /></p><p>Becoming a dad changes everything—and for Corey Davis, it also meant launching a new business, deepening his sobriety journey, and redefining what it means to be fully present as a father.</p><p><br /></p><p>In this honest, thoughtful, and deeply helpful episode of The Dudela Podcast, Corey shares his story of getting sober at 22, building Soba Golf (a wellness-driven, sober-friendly golf community), and raising two daughters just 13 months apart. We talk about the real struggles of new parenthood, how to build presence in the chaos, and why community may be the most important part of the journey.</p><p><br /></p><p>Whether you're a new dad, a girl dad, a sober dad, or just trying to be more present—this one hits hard in the best way.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here's what we covered:</p><p><br /></p><ul><li>Corey’s journey to 15 years of sobriety—and what made him finally get help</li></ul><ul><li>What Soba Golf is, who it’s for, and how it’s changing the game</li></ul><ul><li>Why community is essential for dads, not just for sobriety</li></ul><ul><li>What to do when parenting feels intense and overwhelming</li></ul><ul><li>Finding peace when you miss your kid five minutes after bedtime</li></ul><ul><li>How to stay connected to your wife through the chaos of parenting</li></ul><ul><li>The tension between being a dad and being your own person</li></ul><ul><li>Why it’s okay to not feel present—and what you can do about it</li></ul><ul><li>Practical advice for the newborn phase, night shifts, and sleep</li></ul><ul><li>What your kids learn from how you treat yourself and your partner</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>If you’ve ever searched:</p><p><br /></p><p>how to be present as a dad, how to stay sober as a parent, sober dad community, what to do when parenting feels overwhelming, postpartum marriage advice, how to stay connected after baby, how to be a good dad, parenting with purpose, dad guilt at night, sobriety and fatherhood, golf without drinking, dad community support, mindful parenting podcast, sober podcast for men, how to survive the first year of parenting, present parenting tips, spiritual parenting for dads, dad burnout, when both parents are exhausted</p><p><br /></p><p>This episode is for you.</p><p><br /></p><p>Want to connect with Corey or learn more about Soba Golf?</p><p>Follow him at @sobagolfco and visit soba.golf</p><p><br /></p><p>✨ Want more connection and community like this?</p><p>Join the Spit-Up Society Discord where we’re talking real fatherhood every day:</p><p>👉 thedudelaco.com/join</p>

<p>Deadlifts to Diapers: Your Dad Fitness Plan</p><p><br /></p><p>No time to work out? Lower back always sore? Kids always screaming? Welcome to dad life. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan Murphy—former college football player, certified strength coach, and full-time dad of two—for the ultimate guide to realistic fitness for real dads.</p><p><br /></p><p>From sneaking in 36-minute workouts to building a home gym with nothing but a kettlebell and a dream, Jordan gives actual strategies that work when your hands (and arms) are full of kids.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here's what we break down in this episode:</p><p><br /></p><ul><li>How to work out with no time and no gym</li></ul><ul><li>The 36-minute dad workout formula</li></ul><ul><li>Creating a home gym setup on a budget</li></ul><ul><li>Why your lower back is your most valuable asset as a dad</li></ul><ul><li>Simple meal prep hacks (including life-saving breakfast burritos)</li></ul><ul><li>How to bounce back after vacation, illness, or burnout</li></ul><ul><li>Why fitness is about longevity—not six-packs</li></ul><ul><li>How your kids learn about health by watching you</li></ul><ul><li>Ways to support your wife’s fitness without being “that guy”</li></ul><ul><li>Plus: cold showers, protein bars, and the now-famous curl belt at stoplights</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>If you’ve ever Googled:</p><p>dad workout plan, how to get fit after baby, home workouts for new dads, dad bod recovery, tired dad fitness, fitness after twins, how to stay fit with kids, quick workouts for busy dads, stay-at-home dad workout, husband workout routine, dad health hacks, mental health for dads, dad energy tips, how to support wife postpartum, dad diet plan, parenting and fitness, home gym on a budget, realistic fitness goals for dads</p><p><br /></p><p>This episode is for you.</p><p><br /></p><p>Want the actual workout circuits Jordan uses?</p><p>Join the Spit-Up Society Discord and check the new workout channel</p><p>👉 thedudelaco.com/join</p><p><br /></p><p>We'll be posting weekly workouts, dad hacks, and wellness tips from real dads doing their best in the chaos. No shame. Just gains.</p>

<p><strong>Dad Guilt? Feeling Like You’re Failing as a Father? This Episode Is for You.</strong></p><p>We’re joined by Elliot from @TheHusbandDad, and we’re diving DEEP into what it means to be a dad in 2025, and how to show up for your kids and your partner without burning out.</p><p>From fatherhood guilt and dad pressure, to marriage after babies and the evolving role of husbands...this episode is a must-listen for every modern father.</p><p>Whether you&#39;re a first-time dad, twin dad, stay-at-home dad, working dad, or just doing your best with zero sleep, Elliot shares actionable tips and honest stories that every dad (and every couple) needs to hear.</p><p><strong>Here&#39;s what we covered:</strong></p><ul><li>What is dad guilt and how do you manage it?</li><li>How to be a present husband and father in the chaos of parenting</li><li>Why authenticity on social media matters for dads too</li><li>How marriage changes after kids—and what to do about it</li><li>Balancing work, parenting, and self-care as a dad</li><li>Overcoming stereotypes and leading with vulnerability</li><li>Modern fatherhood tips that actually help</li><li>Building a dad community online and IRL</li><li>Laugh-out-loud moments from raising toddlers and failing DIYs</li><li>Why communication with your partner is the ultimate dad hack</li><li><strong>and MORE!</strong></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Listen now if you&#39;ve ever searched: </strong></p><p>how to be a better dad, dad guilt after yelling, dad guilt after divorce, stay at home dad burnout, dad guilt with newborn, tired dad, new dad podcast, parenting podcast for men, twin dad podcast, exhausted father, dad resentment, working dad guilt, husband not helping with baby, balancing marriage and fatherhood, what’s it like being a dad, overwhelmed dad, dad community, dad mental health, positive fatherhood, modern dad struggles, raising kids with intention, how to help your wife after baby, funny dad stories, dad fails, honest dad podcast, Christian dad podcast, being a present father, how to support your wife in motherhood, how to co-parent well, marriage after kids, dads on social media, funny parenting podcast, best podcast for new dads, dad rage, emotional labor for dads</p><p><br></p><p><strong>🔗 LET’S CONNECT!</strong></p><p>•Follow Elliot: ⁠@thehusbanddad⁠</p><p>•Join the Spit-Up Society: ⁠thedudelaco.com/join⁠</p>

<p>Wondering if you can actually travel with a baby or toddler? Scared of meltdowns on planes? Stressed about packing bottles, diapers, and strollers? You are NOT alone, Dad! This week we’re breaking down exactly how to travel with little ones, what to expect, and how to keep your sanity while showing your kids the world.</p><p><br /></p><p>We get real about traveling with babies, toddlers, and twins — the good, the bad, and the truly hilarious moments. From prepping your travel day to handling public diaper blowouts, we’ll help you plan, pivot, and keep things fun.</p><p><br /></p><p>This week’s episode covers:</p><p><br /></p><p>- How to pack for a trip with a baby</p><p><br /></p><p>- Flying with a baby for the first time (and how to stay calm!)</p><p><br /></p><p>- Road trip with a toddler or infant</p><p><br /></p><p>- How many diapers to pack for flights</p><p><br /></p><p>- TSA rules for baby formula and breastmilk</p><p><br /></p><p>- What to do if your car seat gets lost</p><p><br /></p><p>- Travel gear essentials for dads</p><p><br /></p><p>- Keeping baby’s routine on the road</p><p><br /></p><p>- Renting baby gear vs. bringing it all</p><p><br /></p><p>- Managing expectations (yours and theirs!)</p><p><br /></p><p>- Creating family memories while traveling</p><p><br /></p><p>- Strategies for managing naps, feedings, and sleep</p><p><br /></p><p>- Why you should still travel with your kids</p><p><br /></p><p>- and MORE!</p><p><br /></p><p>Ready to build a lifetime of memories — even with a diaper bag in hand? Hit play and let’s go, Dad.</p><p><br /></p><p>LINKS:</p><p>- Join the Spit-Up Society (our free dad community): TheDudelaCo.com/join</p><p><br /></p><p>- Follow us on Instagram: @the_dudela_official</p><p><br /></p><p>- Get gear recommendations and travel checklists at: TheDudelaCo.com</p><p><br /></p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>traveling with a baby</p><p><br /></p><p>traveling with a toddler</p><p><br /></p><p>flying with a baby</p><p><br /></p><p>packing list for traveling with baby</p><p><br /></p><p>first flight with a baby</p><p><br /></p><p>road trip with baby</p><p><br /></p><p>tips for traveling with kids</p><p><br /></p><p>best baby travel gear</p><p><br /></p><p>how to travel with a baby</p><p><br /></p><p>how to travel with a toddler</p><p><br /></p><p>baby travel hacks</p><p><br /></p><p>dad travel podcast</p><p><br /></p><p>traveling with twins</p><p><br /></p><p>family travel with kids</p><p><br /></p><p>baby sleep while traveling</p><p><br /></p><p>how to pack for travel with kids</p><p><br /></p><p>travel with kids podcast</p><p><br /></p><p>how to travel with an infant</p><p><br /></p><p>traveling with a baby under 1</p><p><br /></p&g

<p>ALL the things new dads NEED to hear (but rarely do) — from pregnancy shock to showing up well</p><p><br></p><p>This week, we sat down with Leila from the Learning to Mom podcast to get real about what it’s actually like becoming a parent — especially when you didn’t see it coming.</p><p><br></p><p>We talked through:</p><p><br></p><p>Laila’s surprise pregnancy story and journey to choosing life</p><p><br></p><p>What prenatal depression looks like (and why it often gets missed)</p><p><br></p><p>What partners actually need to do during pregnancy</p><p><br></p><p>How shame and fear can shape early parenthood</p><p><br></p><p>What women wish dads understood during those early months</p><p><br></p><p>Encouragement for dads who feel unprepared</p><p><br></p><p>Why you don’t “lose yourself” — you grow</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you&#39;re expecting twins (like John), navigating emotions, or wondering how to support your partner better, this episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and gut-check wisdom from both sides of the parenting equation.</p><p><br></p><p>🍼 JOIN the Spit-Up Society (our free dad community): TheDudelaCo.com/join</p><p><br></p><p>🎧 Listen to Learning to Mom:</p><p>https://www.learningtomompodcast.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Laila: @learningtomom.podcast</p><p><br></p><p>Get other Dudela updates: TheDudelaCo.com</p><p><br></p><p>----------------------------------------------</p><p>dads during pregnancy, partner support for pregnancy, how to help pregnant wife, prenatal depression symptoms, unexpected pregnancy story, dad podcast for new fathers, christian parent podcast, learning to mom podcast, pregnancy mental health, twin dad, first-time dad advice, podcast for expecting dads, partner’s role in pregnancy, pregnancy shame, how to support pregnant partner</p>

<p>In this episode, we sit down with Catie Schwein, certified doula, founder of Beyond Birth Denver, and mom of two, to unpack everything dads didn’t know they needed to know. We talk about what doulas actually do (hint: it’s way more than just birth support), how they help moms and dads through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, and how Catie’s background as a PA led her into this world.</p><p><br></p><p>Catie shares the biggest misconceptions about doulas, the surprising tools she keeps in her birth bag (ever heard of a labor comb?), and her top tips for first-time dads trying to figure out how to help. We also cover the difference between OB and GYN, when to hire a doula, and what dads should never forget to pack in the hospital bag.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you&#39;re weeks away from welcoming a baby or just trying to understand your role in the delivery room, this episode is full of honest insight, funny moments, and practical advice for navigating dadhood with confidence.</p><p><br></p><p>Guest: Catie Schwein</p><p>Instagram: @beyondbirthdenver</p><p>Facebook: Beyond Birth Denver Community Group</p><p><br></p><p>Follow us:</p><p>Instagram: @the_dudela_official</p><p>TikTok: @the_dudela_official</p><p>YouTube: @TheDudela-Official</p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe, rate, and tell your buddy who just found out he’s gonna be a dad.</p>

<p>Turning dudes into dads — one diaper at a time. Meet John and Michael, two new dads navigating fatherhood with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of spit-up. In our first episode, we unpack what Dudela is all about and why new dads need this now more than ever.</p>