

Startup Dad
Adam Fishman
Adam Fishman (author of a top business newsletter on Substack with 11K+ subscribers) interviews executives, entrepreneurs, and company leaders in technology companies who are also fathers. They discuss the tough aspects of work, parenting, family, the mistakes made and lessons learned along the way. All episodes at www.startupdadpod.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 47min
Why Standing Up For Your Kids Is Massively Important | Jeremy King (Dad of 2, Ocean Orchestra)
In this engaging discussion, Jeremy King, founder of Ocean Orchestra and a passionate ocean advocate, shares his experiences as a tech entrepreneur and dedicated father of two. He talks about the importance of protecting family time with calendar blocks to maintain routines. Jeremy applies scientific principles to parenting, including scheduled meal structures to encourage adventurous eating. He also highlights his work at Reach2, aiming to improve primary education, and emphasizes the significance of creating lasting core memories with his daughters during their epic travels.

Sep 11, 2025 • 55min
Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right For You | Jeff Selingo (Dad of 2, Author)
Jeff Selingo, a bestselling author and higher-education expert, dives into the college admissions maze, drawing from his experience as a dad of two soon-to-be college students. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit over prestige, explaining how societal pressures shape choices. The conversation covers practical tools for parents, like the College Scorecard, and reframes 'dream school' around mentorship and experiential learning. Selingo also shares insights on balancing costs with educational value, equipping families for informed decisions.

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
Going Full Startup CEO in the Delivery Room | Peter Kazanjy (Dad of 1, Founding Sales, Atrium)
Peter Kazanjy is the best-selling author of Founding Sales and co-founder of Atrium. He’s also a dad to a seven-year-old son, Michael, and husband to Tracy, a designer and entrepreneur.In this episode, Pete reflects on building companies, building capabilities, and building a family. He talks about the grit and perseverance behind their seven-round IVF journey, delivery room chaos, and how he now teaches his son to embrace responsibility, reduce entropy, and take pride in doing things well. We talked about: The road to parenthood: Pete shares his seven-round IVF journey, what he wishes he’d known sooner, and why he champions fertility education.Making time on purpose: Pete breaks down his calendar philosophy and how he builds in quality time, from Muni rides to museum visits.Raising with purpose: He talks about teaching values like grit and responsibility—whether it’s cleaning up after others or training for soccer.Tiger Light parenting: Pete models excellence without pressure, helping his son stick with hard things and celebrate progress.Why sound matters: He reflects on recording audio memories—and how a child’s voice can bring back moments photos can’t.Where to find Peter KazanjyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazanjy/ X: https://x.com/kazanjy Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Pete Kazanjy(02:13) Pete’s family and personal life(06:20) The IVF journey to parenthood(13:00) Michael’s birth story(17:38) Balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship(23:53) Instilling values and duty in children(27:02) The importance of grit and a growth mindset(34:53) Capturing memories: the power of audio(37:00) Balancing professional and personal life(41:52) Technology and parenting(55:05) Lightning round: silly stories and smart solutionsShow references:Founding Sales (book by Pete!): https://www.foundingsales.com/Atrium: https://www.atriumhq.com/ UCSF Center for Reproductive Health: https://fertility.ucsf.edu/ Modern Fertility: https://modernfertility.com/ 23andMe: https://www.23andme.com/ Exploratorium: https://www.exploratorium.edu/ California Academy of Sciences: https://www.calacademy.org/ The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt: https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Process-Ongoing-Improvement/dp/0884271951/ The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team/ The Phoenix Project: https://itrevolution.com/product/the-phoenix-project/ Use of Knowledge in Society by Friedrich Hayek: https://fee.org/articles/the-use-of-knowledge-in-society/ Brain Flakes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N8GWZ4M Lego: https://www.lego.com/ Blippi: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PYHgAzJ1wLEidB58SK6Xw Avatar: The Last Airbender: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417299/ Ghostbusters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/ —For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Aug 28, 2025 • 52min
Why Having Children Inevitably Ends in Heartache | James Currier (Dad of 4, NFX)
James Currier is a serial entrepreneur, founding partner at NFX, and a father of 4 boys. Known for his sharp insights into human behavior and startup dynamics, James brings that same clarity and intention to his parenting. He’s not just raising kids, he’s cultivating creators, adventurers, and independent thinkers.In this episode, James shares how he designed his family life with the same care and foresight as he would a startup. From helping his son sail solo across the Atlantic at 16, to building secret passageways in their home, James offers a deeply personal and practical look into parenting with purpose. We discussed:Parenting with realism and intention: James explains why he doesn’t take too much credit as a parent, and how genetics, not just parenting techniques, shape a child’s destiny. Parenting inevitably includes heartbreak, so embrace the ride without trying to control every outcome.Fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance: James never gave allowances. Instead, he paid his kids a dollar for every new business idea and had them pitch startup concepts at the dinner table. Adventure and risk as tools for growth: Rather than shielding his kids from danger, James leaned into it. He saw risk as a necessary ingredient for confidence. His boys climbed 80-foot trees, explored Burning Man, and one even became the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic. The goal? Face the wild and learn who you are.The seven-to-one rule for feedback: James shares a powerful framework for encouraging positive behavior. For every one piece of correction, offer seven moments of genuine, specific positive reinforcement. It works for parenting and leadership.On technology, phones, and the limits of control: Despite thoughtful efforts, James admits that his kids were guinea pigs for the smartphone era. He reflects honestly on what worked, what didn’t, and why he believes delaying access to tech, and encouraging real-world adventure is more important than ever.Where to find James CurrierLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescurrier/ X: https://x.com/jamescurrier Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing James Currier, general partner at NFX and dad of four(02:52) Fostering entrepreneurship in kids(05:19) The neuro camp initiative(06:47) Teaching kids about money and avoiding entitlement(14:12) The importance of a strong marriage(27:39) The importance of wilderness experiences(28:15) Learning new skills with your kids(29:50) Prioritizing individual time with each child(31:44) Building projects and secret layers(34:25) Focusing on who your kids hang out with(36:05) Positive reinforcement over reprimanding(38:59) Talking to kids like adults(42:03) The role of a dog in the family(43:20) Managing technology in the household(47:12) Lightning Round: Parenting insights and embarrassing momentsResources From This Episode:300 (Graphic Novel): https://www.amazon.com/300-Frank-Miller/dp/1569714029 300 (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/ White Noise Machine: https://a.co/d/6YqDwMMBaby Einstein: https://www.kids2.com/pages/baby-einsteinMadagascar: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351283/Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351283/—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Aug 21, 2025 • 55min
He Brought His Potty to My Client Meeting | Mike Malloy (Dad of 1, Malloy Industries)
Mike Malloy is the founder of Malloy Industries, a firm that connects scaling entrepreneurs with vetted fractional executives. He's also a Georgetown professor, a husband, and the father of Max, the company's self-declared Chief Cuteness Officer. Mike’s life is an intersection of serious business systems and silly dad jokes, all woven together by an intentional approach to work-life integration.In this episode, Mike shares how building a business around his family values helped him show up better both as a parent and as a professional. We discussed:Parenting in public: From potty training during a client call to his son interrupting meetings to demand frisbee time, Mike embraces the chaos of parenting while working from home, and sometimes those interruptions help close deals.The transition to camp and growing independence: Mike opens up about the emotional milestone of sending his son to camp for the first time after three years of full-time care. Designing a business with family in mind: Mike started Malloy Industries not just to serve founders, but to reclaim his own time. After losing his mom and learning he was about to become a dad, he redesigned his business to run without relying solely on him, and has since built a network of 400+ fractional executives.Time-blocking and nightly maps: Mike walks us through his framework for managing energy and focus throughout the week, including why he blocks off Wednesday mornings for uninterrupted dad adventures.Dad jokes, magnet tiles, and parenting hacks: Whether he’s swapping jokes at the library or bringing a second monitor to Panera for a “crush-it day,” Mike brings levity and intentionality to every corner of life as a founder and a father.Where to find Mike MalloyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwmalloy/ X: https://x.com/mwmalloyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwmalloy/Website: https://malloyindustries.com/ Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Mike Malloy(02:35) Max the deal-closer and executive artist(04:50) First day of camp and emotional milestones(07:17) Starting Malloy Industries and the fractional future(10:07) Grieving his mom and preparing for fatherhood(14:28) The "who not how" mindset shift(15:35) Be where your feet are and present parenting(19:35) The great cheese stick negotiation(23:28) Pro dad hacks for books and lullabies(24:36) Time blocking and scheduling around energy(29:16) Monthly “crush it” days and managing flow(30:54) Nightly maps and intentional daily planning(34:37) The wooden box and tech boundaries(38:08) Chef Jacques and using AI to plan meals(41:18) Modeling tech habits and setting rules(43:56) Advice to his pre-dad self during nap traps(46:23) Lightning round: parenting quirks and dad jokesResources From This Episode:Daddy and Me: https://www.amazon.com/Daddy-Me-Tiya-Hall/dp/1680524526Never Touch a Porcupine: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Touch-Porcupine-Believe-Ideas/dp/1788439856A Crack in the Track (Thomas and Friends): https://www.amazon.com/Crack-Track-Thomas-Friends/dp/0375827552Fox is Coming!: https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Coming-James-Patterson/dp/0316572837Like a Boss Play Kit: https://shopping.mattel.com/en-gb/products/fisher-price-2-in-1-like-a-boss-activity-center-hbm26-en-gbLewis Library Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lewisulibrary/Zootopia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948356/Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0784896/Cars: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/Blank Check: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109287/Empire Records: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112950/Santa Clause: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111070/ Cal Newport: https://calnewport.com/Georgetown U: https://www.georgetown.edu/Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamworkby Dan Sullivan, Benjamin Hardy: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-not-how-dan-sullivan/1136703973The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kidsby Ryan Holiday: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-daily-dad-ryan-holiday/1141941652Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Beby Becky Kennedy: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-inside-becky-kennedy/1140501121Nir Eyal’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqogSRDhzeUNotion: https://www.notion.com/Door knob safety cover: https://www.amazon.com/Door-Knob-Covers-Child-Safety/dp/B071GWJX4DMuppet Babies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086764/Super Wings: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3600266/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_suoper%2520wingsToy Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_toy%2520storyGoofy Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113198/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1Mini Magnatiles: https://magnatiles.com/products/micromags-travel-set?srsltid=AfmBOopwJyPjVfhLblqNFq2f1QIUtupBKjvD0tqIrY8kydu8LlX00XYH—Help Support Startup Dad:For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch:

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 1min
Create Your Parent Advisory Board | Mike Leibovich (Dad of 1, Adobe)
Michael Leibovich is the Head of Growth at Adobe, but at home, he’s dad to a curious two-and-a-half-year-old and husband to a full-time working partner. With a previous career as a touring musician and a current career in creative tech leadership at companies like Vimeo and Abstract, Michael brings an emotionally grounded, inventive lens to fatherhood.In this episode, Michael shares how parenting has reshaped his worldview from his leadership style at work to his daily routines at home. Patience in parenting and work: Michael reflects on the contrast between startup urgency and toddler-paced mornings. Learning to slow down and “trust the process” has become a guiding principle both at home and professionally.Changing the channel: One of Michael’s favorite frameworks for toddler meltdowns is simple: change the channel. Whether it’s bath-time resistance or cereal drama, he shares how quick pivots can shift the energy and restore peace.Tech meets parenting: Michael talks about building a custom AI-powered meal-planning app called Picky Eater to handle his daughter’s shifting food preferences, and how it's just one example of tech meeting real-life parenting.Parenting without Google: Instead of doomscrolling for answers, Michael and his wife formed a text thread with parents they admire. It’s a real-time advisory board filled with insight, lived experience, and calm advice.Music, creativity, and messy art: A former touring musician, Michael is intentional about nurturing creativity at home. From drum time to digitizing toddler scribbles, he shares how he’s creating space for curiosity.Where to find Mike LeibovichLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelleibovich/ Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Michael Leibovich(02:02) The patience of parenting a toddler(03:41) Balancing work and family life(05:13) Navigating toddler tantrums(07:44) Caring for aging parents(11:09) Nurturing creativity in children(14:41) The torrent of preschool artwork(16:38) Michael's musical journey(19:47) Transition from music to tech(20:38) Unique parenting advice approach(28:43) Emergency c-section and complications(31:55) First moments with daughter(34:40) Advice for expecting parents(42:23) Balancing parenting approaches(46:03) Technology and parenting(48:07) AI Solution for picky eaters(51:26) Advice to younger self(54:43) Lightning Round: Parenting products and hacksResources From This Episode:Fidget Spinner Suction Cup: https://www.amazon.com/Suction-Spinner-Sensory-Popping-Auditory/dp/B0BVGZGN3QNoseFrida: https://frida.com/products/nosefrida The Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/Back to the Future: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/Behance: https://www.behance.net/AppFolio: https://www.appfolio.com/Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/Abstract: https://www.abstract.us/Ben Erez Episode: youtube.com/watch?v=st2qxaybgw8Severance: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280740/Adobe Fresco: https://www.adobe.com/products/fresco.htmlPure Volume: https://www.purevolume.com/Napster: https://www.napster.com/us/Limewire: https://limewire.com/Cal Poly: https://www.calpoly.edu/Myspace Records: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace_RecordsHanson: https://hanson.net/homeGin Blossoms: https://www.ginblossoms.net/Jimmy Eat World: https://www.jimmyeatworld.com/The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-giving-tree-shel-silverstein/1100830900Lovable: https://lovable.dev/Bolt: https://bolt.new/https://open.spotify.com/Crocs: https://www.crocs.com/—Support this podcast:For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Aug 7, 2025 • 59min
Parenting is our Founder Superpower | Neil Vidyarthi & Lauren Dugan (Parents of 2, Feel Good Games)
Lauren Dugan and Neil Vidyarthi are the husband-and-wife co-founders of Feel Good Games, creators of Little Magic Stories, an AI storytelling platform designed to spark creativity and independence in kids. They’re also parents of two boys (ages 3 and 8), longtime partners in both life and work, and startup veterans bringing a playful, grounded perspective to the founder-parent journey.In this episode, Neil and Lauren talk about how parenting fuels their creativity, how they’ve evolved their marriage while running a company together, and why their son insists he’s the real CEO. We discussed:From bedtime stories to startup idea: How their son’s early-morning storytelling sessions inspired the vision for Little Magic Stories, and why they included him as “co-creators” from day one.Building a company with your spouse: What Neil and Lauren have learned about navigating startup stress, creative tension, and parenting chaos as co-founders and partners and the systems they use to stay grounded.Parenting with freedom and play: Why they embrace a “gardener not engineer” model of parenting, how they balance screen time and independence, and the moments that made them rethink control and creativity.The case for structured chaos: From timeboxing and project boards to flexible rituals and tag-team parenting, Neil and Lauren share the habits that help them stay focused while juggling business, marriage, and raising two kids.Redefining success as parent-founders: Why they believe having children has made them more ambitious, not less, and how they’ve reshaped their values around creativity, joy, and freedom.Where to find Lauren DuganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurendugan/ X: https://x.com/lauren_dugan?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/laurencdugan/Where to find Neil VidyarthiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilv/X: https://x.com/neilvidyarthiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilv9999/Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Neil Vidyarthi and Lauren Dugan(02:56) The dynamics of working with family(05:29) Balancing work and family life(13:52) Inspiration behind Feel Good Games(18:30) Advice for founders and parents(33:30) Parenting challenges and social media(34:20) Ash's CEO video(36:09) Parenting philosophies and boundaries(39:20) Kids and technology(43:12) Creative uses of AI in parenting(44:50) Parenting mistakes and lessons(47:59) Connecting with Feel Good Games(49:43) Lightning round: routines, quirks, and family timeShow references:Yoto: https://eu.yotoplay.com/Wipes Warmer: https://urbanessentials.com.ph/products/prince-lionheart-ultimate-wipes-warmer-dispenserGreat Wolf Lodge: https://www.greatwolf.com/Super Mario Brothers: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6718170/My Neighbor Totoro: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096283/The Karate Kid: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/Beetlejuice: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/Todoist: https://www.todoist.com/Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/Avail: https://www.avail.co/landlords/featuresFeel Good Games: https://www.feelgoodgames.xyz/Little Magic Stories: https://www.littlemagicstories.com/Robert Wolfe’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bsi-iOjodMPokemon: https://www.pokemon.com/usPomodoro: https://pomofocus.io/Time Boxing: https://clockify.me/timeboxingThe Freedom App: https://freedom.to/Jay Vidyarthi - Reclaim Your Mind: https://www.jayvidyarthi.com/Game of Thrones: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/Reed Hastings: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reed_HastingsArachnaphobia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099052/The Tao of Parenting The Ageless Wisdom of Taoism and the Art of Raising Children By Greta K. Nagel: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/331083/the-tao-of-parenting-by-greta-k-nagel/Cry Babies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11067738/—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Jul 31, 2025 • 57min
Parenting is Deeply Unnatural: Advice from a 6x Founder on Becoming a Dad | Aaron White (Dad of 1, AppyAI, Profitwell, Vendr)
Aaron White, founder of six companies including Appy People, Profitwell, Boundless and Blissfully discusses the intersection of startup life and fatherhood. In this episode, he shares how the challenges of becoming a parent have reshaped his approach to leadership, the unexpected lessons he's learned, and his evolving perspective on success. We discussed:The unpredictable journey of parenthood: Aaron talks about the trauma of his son’s premature birth, the shock of an emergency C-section, and the mental toll of navigating the NICU. Through it all, Aaron reflects on how he and his wife adapted, growing through the challenges and celebrating their son’s healthy arrival.The realities of modern parenting: With no extended family nearby, Aaron describes the strain of modern, nuclear family dynamics. He discusses the unnatural pressure on parents to "do it all" and the importance of asking for help, especially in those exhausting first few months. His mantra: don’t feel guilty about getting help.Learning new strengths as a parent: Parenting has brought out a new side of Aaron that he didn’t expect. He shares how he’s surprised himself with his patience, endurance, and the emotional connection he has developed with his son. Parenting has tested him in ways far beyond his previous experiences with endurance sports.Just say yes: Whether it’s career, parenthood, or life, Aaron advocates saying yes to opportunities. From taking on new projects to engaging with his son, he believes saying yes to difficult things leads to growth.Your child becomes who you believe them to be: Aaron explains how a positive perspective and belief in his son’s potential have shaped their relationship and how he approaches fatherhood.Where to find Aaron WhiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmwhite/ X: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmwhite/ Website: www.appy.aiWhere to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Aaron White(01:50) Diving into API AI and building businesses with AI(02:52) The future of AI and its impact(05:43) Balancing startup life and parenthood(16:41) Modern parenting and embracing help(20:14) Surprising discoveries of fatherhood(29:18) Reengaging with the world as a parent(33:26) Empathy and Leadership as a Parent(40:25) The importance of partnership in parenting(44:23) Technology and parenting in the modern age(47:02) Creative uses of AI for parenting(48:40) Advice for future founders and dads(51:02) Lightning round: wipe warmers and hatch nightlightsShow references:Wipe warmers: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Diaper-Wipe-Warmers/zgbs/baby-products/677976011Hatch Nightlights: https://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Baby-Machine-Trainer-Soother/dp/B08QVG9759?th=1Mushed Parnips: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239206/mashed-parsnips/What Does The Fox Say?: https://youtu.be/jofNR_WkoCE?si=Glykjvv2W3wP0OaJThe Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/The Ewok Adventure: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087225/Kilimanjaro: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/kilimanjaro/Suno: Suno.com—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Jul 24, 2025 • 58min
You Don’t Own Your Kids, You Borrow Them | Olav Sindre Kriken (Dad of 3, Tana)
Olav Sindre Kriken, a four-time founder and CEO of Tana, merges his entrepreneurial spirit with parenting as a father of three. He shares the importance of 'dad dates' for nurturing bonds and setting tech-free time for his kids. Olav discusses how his Norwegian roots teach resilience and the value of letting children face challenges. He emphasizes the need for collaborative parenting and clear communication, while also embracing technology as a creative tool that can empower his kids to innovate and explore entrepreneurship.

Jul 17, 2025 • 47min
How I Learned To Model Emotional Intelligence | Roger Einstoss (Dad of 2, Braintly)
Roger Einstoss is the founder of Braintly, a software development company specializing in helping U.S.-based companies build and scale their engineering teams in Latin America. He's also a husband, father of two young kids, and passionate about balancing work and family while maintaining emotional intelligence in his parenting.In this episode, Roger shares his unique perspective on parenting in Argentina, how he approaches fatherhood as a team effort with his wife, and how his entrepreneurial journey allowed him the flexibility to be present for his family. We discussed:Parenting as a team: Roger and his wife approach parenting as a true partnership, where both share responsibilities equally. He discusses how their teamwork allows them to stay present in their children’s lives, even while both manage demanding careers.Parenting in Argentina vs. the U.S.: Roger compares parenting styles between Argentina and the U.S., noting key differences in how children leave home for university and how families prioritize close-knit bonds.The importance of emotional intelligence: Growing up without a focus on emotional intelligence, Roger reflects on how he learned to model it for his own children. He shares practical strategies for fostering emotional awareness and resilience in his kids.Work-life balance and quality time: With two young kids and a demanding job, Roger discusses how he maximizes quality time with his family, including how he manages travel and work commitments while staying emotionally connected.Entrepreneurship and family flexibility: Roger explains why he chose to build his own company to gain the freedom to be a present father, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in both work and family life.Where to find Roger EinstossLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogereinstoss/ X: https://x.com/reinstossWhere to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Roger Einstoss, founder of Brantley and dad of two(02:00) Growing up in Argentina and starting coding at 15(04:30) Family inspiration and advice from Roger’s uncle(05:01) Balancing family and business life(06:33) Parenting differences between Argentina and the U.S.(08:00) The importance of living near extended family in Argentina(09:00) Shared parenting responsibilities with Karina(11:20) Both parents working from home: Balancing family and career(16:21) Economic challenges in Argentina and the impact on families(18:34) Starting Brantley and connecting Argentine talent with U.S.(21:08) Roger’s approach to teaching emotional intelligence to kids(23:48) Advice to his younger self: Relax, and embrace flexibility in parenting(25:30) Defining quality time with kids and staying present(28:30) Staying connected with family while traveling for work(32:10) Struggles and rewards of balancing business travel and family life(36:15) Parenting through the eyes of an entrepreneur(38:40) The role of emotional intelligence in shaping family dynamics(40:00) Roger’s perspective on being a present, involved dad(44:30) Lightning round: Parenting must-haves and quirksResources From This Episode:Skibidi Toilet: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27814427/ Skibidi Toilet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skibidi_ToiletDiana and Roma / Kids Diana Show:https://www.youtube.com/c/KidsDianaShow Inside Out: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/Braintly: https://www.braintly.com/Lionel Messi: https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/The Simpsons: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/Mercado Libre: https://mercadolibre.com/Lego: https://www.lego.com/en-usWhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/ChatGPT: www.chatgpt.comBath kneeler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y3YP5FTDiana and Roma: https://www.youtube.com/@KidsRomaShowMarvel Series: https://www.marvel.com/—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com