The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall

John Papola: What Makes a Great Dad?

Aug 7, 2023

Filmmaker and Dad Saves America host John Papola discusses celebrating fatherhood and the empowering role men play in their children's lives. He shares his own journey, liberated by fatherhood, and talks about promoting positive representations of fathers in popular culture.

52:09

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Episode guests

John Papola

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Fatherhood provides meaning and purpose, going beyond financial responsibilities to shape identity and guide development.

Losing a father figure emphasizes the importance of cherishing relationships, finding balance, and expressing emotions.

Deep dives

The Power of Fatherhood

Fatherhood plays a crucial role in providing meaning and purpose to our lives. The loss or absence of a father figure can lead to feelings of suffering and a lack of meaning. The importance of a father's presence and influence goes beyond just fulfilling financial responsibilities. Popular culture often portrays fathers in a negative light, but there are positive examples that can inspire and guide us. Our own relationships with our fathers shape our identity, and having a strong role model can have a significant impact on our development. Grandfathers can also play a vital role in shaping our lives. Going beyond stereotypes, modern fathers are more engaged and take on a broader range of responsibilities, contributing to a healthier and more balanced family dynamic. Becoming a father changes us in ways we may not expect, enabling us to prioritize our responsibilities and take risks without fear of failure. Balancing our identities beyond just our careers and embracing the role of a father can provide a sense of purpose and strengthen our resilience. It's crucial to navigate the complex dynamics of fatherhood, understanding the importance of listening, showing rather than telling, being patient, and cultivating emotional toughness. Curiosity and accepting our children for who they truly are can foster meaningful connections, while balancing our traits with those of our spouses can create a harmonious family environment. Building lasting male friendships can provide much-needed support, enriching our lives and serving as a model for our children. Ultimately, being a father who embraces these superpowers can positively impact our families, communities, and the future of our country.

Introduction

2min

Reflections on Fatherhood

7min

The Crisis of Fatherhood

16min

The Power of Patience and Toughness

14min

Exploring Children's Superpowers and the Power of Adventure

2min

Dealing with Loss and Challenging Relationships

12min

The Importance of Storytelling and Support for the Podcast

3min

Filmmaker and Dad Saves America host John Papola is on a mission to celebrate the inspirational force of fatherhood.

Rather than dwelling on the discourse around “toxic masculinity”, John’s work celebrates “the heroic role we play as men” by being present and joyfully involved in children’s lives. Rather than being a burden or an obstacle to self-fulfilment, John sees raising children as exciting and empowering.

John discusses his own fatherhood journey. He describes how the birth of his son made him feel liberated from the pressures of a creative career, and enabled him to take risks he would not otherwise have considered.

John Papola is the CEO and Co-Founder of the nonprofit aspirational content studio Emergent Order Foundation and the host of their hit celeb interview series Dad Saves America. John’s mission through his foundation is to celebrate fatherhood and promote the positive representation of fathers and father figures in popular culture.

If You’re Looking for More….

You can subscribe to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts) and hear a bonus mini-episode every week. Or you can join our Supporters Club on Patreon to also access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50.

This week supporters will hear:

⭐️How stories help us understand ourselves and the world.

⭐️Three things John Papola knows to be true.

⭐️AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees.

Follow Up

Read Andrew’s new Substack newsletter The Meaningful Life, and join the community there.

Visit the website of the Emergent Order Foundation, John Papola’s non-profit aspirational content studio.

Watch John Papola’s Dad Saves America series on YouTube.

Watch John Papola’s documentary about Oscar and Bafta winning deaf actor Troy Kotsur and his relationship with his father.

Follow John Papola on Twitter @JohnPapola.

You might also be interested in other episodes on fatherhood: Men, Fathers and Meaning with Joe Horton; Becoming a Father with Jack Underwood; Daughters and Fathers with Susan Schwartz PhD; and Jed Diamond PhD on Your Personal Creation Story.

Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall

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