Presence vs. Proximity: Be Fully Present

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Michael Rothman—entrepreneur, father, and co-founder of Fatherly—to talk about what it really means to show up for your family with intention and presence in a rapidly evolving world.

Before he ever became a dad, Michael was shaping the conversation around modern fatherhood. Now, with a toddler at home and a lifetime of service under his belt, he reflects on how being a present father isn’t about perfection—but about presence, community, and character. We dive into powerful insights on building secure attachment with your kids, the risks of oversharing online, how marriage impacts your children more than you think, and what dads can do to lead with both strength and vulnerability.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:25] – Why “wife care” is often harder than baby care

[4:22] – The origin of Fatherly and Mike’s shift from single men’s media to parenting

[7:20] – How Mike’s dad inspired a life of service

[10:44] – The awkward “birds and bees” talk and learning from what wasn’t said

[15:10] – Mentoring kids without fathers and the deep need for stable male figures

[19:15] – Why kids seek connection in gangs, screens, or wherever they’re accepted

[20:30] – What it means to build a secure emotional foundation for your kids

[23:47] – Attachment theory and the critical role of ages 0–3

[26:41] – Presence vs. proximity: how dads can show up without distraction

[31:00] – How kids absorb emotional tension in marriage

[34:01] – Should you stay in a marriage just for the kids?

[36:09] – The hidden dangers of exposing your kids’ lives online

[38:34] – The AI risk: voice spoofing, facial recognition, and digital breadcrumbs

[41:21] – What Tinybeans does differently for family privacy

[45:00] – The mission behind Fatherly, Tinybeans, and The Dispatch

[46:55] – Encouraging respectful debate and deeper understanding through The Dispatch

1. Presence Is More Than Just Showing Up

Kids feel when we’re distracted. Being physically there isn’t enough—our full attention is the greatest gift we can give.

2. Secure Attachment Starts Early

The first three years are foundational. Love, encouragement, and consistency build the confidence kids need to thrive later in life.

3. Your Marriage Sets the Emotional Tone of the Home

Children sense tension. Investing in your relationship with your partner creates the safety your kids deeply crave.

4. Be Cautious With Digital Sharing

The internet remembers everything. What you post about your kids could be used in ways you can’t predict. Protect their digital footprint.

5. Leadership Starts With Community

Dads can’t do it alone. Leading your family includes building community around you—because your kids benefit from seeing other strong, grounded men too.

• The Dad Edge Alliance (Join Us) – https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance

• 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner – https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions

• Dad Edge Podcast Website – thedadedge.com/1383

If this episode gave you insight or encouragement, rate, review, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss the wisdom and real talk we bring every week. Let’s keep leading our families with presence, power, and purpose.