Cory O'Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Massdriver, shares his journey of balancing entrepreneurship and fatherhood. He humorously compares enterprise sales to parenting challenges, highlighting the need for patience. Cory discusses how his family has shifted towards anti-tech practices to boost creativity and presence at home. He emphasizes the importance of individual time with family and the imaginative play that nurtures kids' brains. Through engaging anecdotes, he reflects on the chaos and joy of parenting while building a startup.

Ben Lauzier, co-founder and CEO of Nurra, shares his journey from product leadership at Lyft to launching an AI health assistant inspired by his wife’s health challenges. He discusses the highs and lows of fatherhood, cultural parenting differences between France and the U.S., and the unique experience of starting a business while raising a toddler. Ben offers valuable advice for balancing self-care with parenting and reflects on the lasting impact of technology on his daughter’s future.

Matt Martin, co-founder and CEO of Clockwise, shares his experiences navigating fatherhood as a dad of three, including twins. He discusses the need for clear communication with both family and colleagues, emphasizing empathy and self-compassion. Matt reveals how parenting reshapes work priorities and highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment at home. He candidly explores personal expectations and the challenges of balancing work-life demands while being present for his children.

Today I’m releasing the best of Startup Dad from 2024! Across over 50 hours of conversations, hundreds of topics, and approaching 100 Dads (and Moms) I’ve covered a lot. In this episode you’ll hear from dozens of executives and founders like Scott Belsky of Adobe, Immad Akhund from Mercury, Siqi Chen from Runway, Chris Miller from Hubspot, Lane Shackleton from Coda and Adam Nash from Daffy. You’ll also hear best-selling authors and experts like Sean Ellis, Nir Eyal, Linda Flanagan and “Dad Brain” expert Darby Saxby alongside some lesser-known founders and solopreneurs who are making it work or sometimes just barely surviving.The goal of Startup Dad has always been to learn something new about parenting and to normalize hearing more successful male leaders talk about their families—the struggles and the successes.In this episode highlights include:* The role of technology and artificial intelligence in our kids’ lives* The importance of modeling the right behavior and how to recover when you don’t* How to partner successfully with your significant other* How we approach our own aging parents* Navigating cultural differences inside your own family* Building companies while raising kids* How to approach paternity leave as a startup founder* Defining and creating quality time* Whether work/life balance is possible, a myth, or should be re-thought entirely—Where to find Adam Fishman* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/—In this episode, we cover:[1:49] AI/Tech & parenting[7:56] Talking to kids about over-reliance on AI?[8:57] What's the most interesting thing that one of your kids has done with ChatGPT?[19:46] Tech parents limiting kid’s access to tech[21:53] Modeling behavior[33:15] Adult children & relationships[41:18] Aligned & disaligned w/ partner in parenting[55:45] Raising families with cultural differences[1:09:25] Parenting & Startups[1:28:52] Paternity leave as a startup founder[1:30:23] Partnership[1:52:33] Healthy habits & kids[2:01:39] Being present[02:23:39] Cooking as a Dad[02:27:39] Difficult times/adversity[02:49:50] Frameworks[3:20:10] Nurturing kid’s growth[03:41:10] Thank YouShow references (more coming soon!):Harriet Tubman: https://www.biography.com/activists/harriet-tubmanGundam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GundamTransformers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TransformersChatGPT: chatgpt.comTroomi: https://troomi.com/Inside Out 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22022452/Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parentingby Pamela Druckerman: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bringing-up-b-b-pamela-druckerman/1111325335Alexa:https://www.alexa.com/Tanzania: https://www.britannica.com/place/TanzaniaDaring Girls: https://daringgirls.org/Paid Family Medical Leave Act: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/paid-family-and-medical-leave-pfml-overview-and-benefitsReady to Die album by Notorious B.I.G: https://www.amazon.com/Notorious-BIG-Ready-Die-Remaster/dp/B0002GTWYWDadversity: https://dadversity.co.uk/Five Love Languages: https://5lovelanguages.com/The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autismby Naoki Higashida, KA Yoshida (Translator), David Mitchell (Translator): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-reason-i-jump-naoki-higashida/1115218514The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-will-to-change-bell-hooks/1100306349?Bruce Bolt Batting Gloves: https://brucebolt.us/collections/bruce-bolt-graduated-compression-adult-arm-sleeves?Snagged: https://www.snagged.com/Episodes Referenced:Scott Belsky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SKpsGBYwcEKevin Hannaford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShD_P9fCwtsEthan Austin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxNU_BAC9o0Dan Doty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmF2htq2MKkLinus Ekenstam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIJDVGUQrJ0Siqi Chen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Nm5Mkj0s0Chris Miller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TlpdCCof90Jordane Guily https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI-TKN1W1-kCarlo Navarro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19-YI8OukPIKevin Hanaford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShD_P9fCwtsMatt Ragland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz04HgHcQcEEthan Austin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxNU_BAC9o0Nathan Jefferson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL3BL9zY3OcRob Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5c4Fgpn3GoDarin Swanson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2NB2G9OECISean Ellis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYi6xHcMQmEMartin Glover https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zghatBo_IcBianca Shulze https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jelUrKlv6OYImmad Akhund https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR2ws9UKJ2kNir Eyal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqogSRDhzeUBrian Rothenberg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY5Ph4N4RCcMike Smith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HldXH7_2D30Martin Pannier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXMobJLtX3sPatrick Moran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQAJrWYdOyETye Degrange https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVs8FnMNIQIAndrew Capland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p-4ir53gZcPhil Carter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elcZ7IiM73kPatrick Thompson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDbmT4AgizQAdam Nash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaOCL5WSzhcDavid Lat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnyeq_0z1sEEric Bahn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaV5DEgkB8YKyle Lacy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbBdVw-ncyQDave Boyce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytl2ZX8oHJYLuke Millar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BugNTPG0xb0David Haddad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iL_9JO7vP4Darby Saxbe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBvgqimMv6EMatt Wensing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVxcs86HCpULinda Flanagan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLqEX8lZeFIYousuf Bhaijee & Chris Lloyd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3ZOVy1wjp8Lane Shackleton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQDiJJoPfMQRob Schutz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g611gCs4g0ARyan Bozarth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lkkXHqh714Tod Francis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwFYEpFSi3AStew Bradley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iyEAdzLr78Carla Naumburg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcrzFhbeIVsMichael Perry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6JJhiFfK4Eben Pingree https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8cnEiUCo-A_For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.comProduction support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Chip Leighton is a comic and the creator and host of The Leighton Show, a social media platform with more than 1.5 million followers and 250 million views. His comedy focuses on funny relationship and parenting moments with teenagers and he’s recently published a book based on them called What Time Is Noon? For several decades he was a marketing leader in the corporate world and then left that life to focus his time on The Leighton Show. His work has been featured in the NY Times, national television and various other print outlets. He’s a husband and the father of two kids who are, or used to be, teenagers. We discussed:* How he started out his career and transitioned to social media and comedy* His kids reaction to having an unemployed, middle-aged TikToker for a dad* The story behind What Time Is Noon?* What readers can expect from his book (and life with teenagers)* How his work as a creator influences his own communication with his kids* Why humor is so important as a parent* The parenting community around his 1.5 million social media followers* Becoming a standup comic at age 50Where to find Chip Leighton* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_leighton_show/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_leighton_show* Website: https://theleightonshow.com/Where to find Adam Fishman* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/_In this episode, we cover:[1:56] Welcome[2:38] Earlier career[3:42] Transition from corporate to social media[4:52] Conversation(s) with his wife over career change[6:28] Chip’s book - What Time Is Noon?[8:52] His childhood[10:38] How did you meet your wife?[11:42] Highlights from What Time Is Noon?[13:50] Did his career change impact his communication with kids?[14:53] Why is humor so important as a parent?[16:01] Advice to younger Chip[18:26] Advice to ignore[20:00] Community of parents around his social media presence[21:00] Early social media efforts[24:28] Creator burnout[26:20] Has this given you more flexibility?[27:41] Does he negotiate with family on sharing content?[29:45] Hypothetical second book topic[34:18] Kid’s reaction to stand up[34:59] Where do he and his wife disagree?[36:05] Mistakes as a dad[37:10] Where to follow along[37:59] Lightning round[47:23] Thank you—Show references:Chip’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chip-leighton-1497943/TikTok: @the_leighton_showInstagram: the_leighton_showFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theleightonshowLeighton Show website: https://theleightonshow.com/What Time is Noon: https://theleightonshow.com/book/Carla Naumburg’s Episodes: https://youtu.be/qcrzFhbeIVs and https://youtu.be/YiaE6ZmaOIQGillian Mackenzie Agency: https://www.gmalit.com/Stride Rite Shoes: https://www.striderite.com/Caroline Rhea: https://carolinerhea.com/How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-raise-an-adult-julie-lythcott-haims/1120327547Baby Bjorn: https://www.babybjorn.com/The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: https://press.hulu.com/shows/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives/The Shield: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-shieldBrooklyn 99: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2467372/New Balance shoes: https://www.newbalance.com/What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-5th-edition-heidi-murkoff/1131825672Barney: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VcHbf8Kz0cBarbie Dream House: https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-dreamhouse-playset-grg93ET: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/_For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.comProduction support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Ryan Bozarth is the co-founder and CEO of Dakota, a business bank powered by crypto. Prior to that he was the CEO of Coinbase Custody, a Product Manager at AirBnB and a GM at Square. In addition to all that he’s also a husband and the father of two kids. We discussed:* Using work as a way to teach your kids about important subjects* Demonstrating hard work, discipline and staying true to yourself and your values* Calendar blocking and other successful methods to be intentional about your time* The future of finance for kids* Making time for your partner* Frameworks and guardrails for parenting—Where to find Ryan Bozarth* Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbozarth/* X: https://x.com/ryanbozarth_Where to find Adam Fishman* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/—In this episode, we cover:[1:30] Welcome[2:15] Ryan’s professional background & Dakota[3:22] Does Dakota feel like regular online banking?[5:34] Future of finance for our kids[8:12] Ryan’s childhood/did it shape him as a parent?[9:58] How did you meet your partner?[10:43] What does your wife do for work?[11:17] Their decision to start a family[12:26] Discussion about starting the company[15:16] Work as a way of teaching life subjects?[16:42] Explaining to your kids what dad does for work[17:46] Remaining intentional with your time as a founder and dad[19:37] Calendar blocking/system of organization[21:17] Most surprising thing you’ve discovered as a dad?[22:38] Did being a dad make you a better founder & vice versa?[24:38] Advice to younger Ryan[26:25] Advice to ignore[28:51] Carving out 1:1 time[30:49] Favorite book to read to your kids?[31:40] Family Halloween costumes[32:17] Frameworks[34:08] Recent adventure with kids?[35:39] Where you and your partner don’t align?[37:18] Kid’s relationship to technology[39:06] What did you give up to become a dad?[40:46] Mistake you made as a dad?[42:46] How to follow along[43:27] Lightning round—Show references:Dakota: https://dakota.xyz/Coinbase: https://www.coinbase.com/AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/Square: https://squareup.com/us/enWill Rocklin’s Episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnPwKjSosyMAnchorage: https://www.anchorage.com/5-Minute Sleepy Time Stories by Disney Books: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/5-minute-sleepy-time-stories-disney-books/1136766940Shusher: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Babies-Miracle-Soother/dp/B00D2JN87IMoo Deng: https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/14/travel/pigmy-hippo-thailand-latest-online-sensation-intl-hnk/index.htmlPaw Patrol: https://www.pawpatrol.com/Frozen: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100758—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.comProduction support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Dive into a treasure trove of book recommendations perfect for gifting this season! Discover top picks for both adults and kids that inspire growth, empathy, and connection. Enjoy delightful stories of family cooking, including a beloved holiday recipe for apple cider. The chat highlights cherished traditions and the joy of including children in the kitchen. Plus, hear humorous anecdotes about creating memorable family moments through storytelling and cooking together!

Martin Glover is an IT professional by day and the founder of cooking Website Dad What Cooks by night. He turned a love of bread baking, barbecuing and being the primary cook in the family into a fantastic Website and recipe guide for Dads everywhere. He’s on a mission to help Dads learn cooking skills and be more involved in the kitchen starting with making it less intimidating. In addition to his cooking pursuits and work in IT he’s also a husband and the father of one daughter (who also loves to cook). We discussed:* The origin story of Dad What Cooks* His journey from raising a newborn to becoming an empty nester* How he found community with other Dads at a young age* How he became passionate about cooking* How to get your kids interested in cooking and building memories in the kitchen* Important kitchen safety with kids* The biggest mess he’s made with his daughter* His absolute favorite recipes and core holiday dishes* What to do with all those holiday leftovers—Where to find Martin Glover* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwhatcooks* Website: https://www.dadwhatcooks.comWhere to find Adam Fishman* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/—In this episode, we cover:[1:38] Welcome[2:16] Professional background[3:31] Origin of Dad What Cooks[6:08] Martin’s childhood[7:02] Family now[8:41] Decision to start a family[9:08] Earliest memory of becoming a dad[10:47] Journey from newborn to empty nester[12:42] How did you find a dad’s group?[14:54] Did you cook before Dad What Cooks?[17:09] Getting kids interested in cooking[21:40] Safety in the kitchen[23:00] Building memories in the kitchen[24:09] Biggest mess in the kitchen[25:43] Most surprising things as a dad[26:41] Advice for younger Martin[28:07] Advice to ignore[29:04] Absolute favorite recipe[30:19] Basic tips for cooking as a family[35:40] Core holiday dishes[37:04] What do do with leftovers[39:49] Mastering BBQ & bread[45:34] Most important utensils to have[46:24] Kitchen guilty pleasure[47:41] Where he and his partner don’t align?[49:27] Kid’s relationship to technology[52:22] Mistake as a dad[53:34] Follow along[54:36] Lightning round—Show references:How To Actually Build Lasting Memories With Your Kids, Tod Francis on Startup Dad: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-actually-build-lasting-memories-with-your-kids/id1693312339?i=1000656304243Great British Baking Show: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877368/Halloumi Fries Recipe: https://www.dadwhatcooks.com/ultimate-kfc-style-halloumi-fries/Boxing Day: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Boxing-DayYorkshire Puddings: https://www.food.com/recipe/gordon-ramsays-yorkshire-pudding-424498Ninja Foodie: https://www.ninjakitchen.com/page/pressure-multi-cookers?srsltid=AfmBOorQ710y6UY5FSM0lUSfSvRmX0a7c67qMFcmz02Lpp5vpp3Nba69Garlic Press: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Dishwasher-Efficient-Crusher-Imperial/dp/B098WNQ44MPasta Maker: https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Thickness-Settings-Spaghetti-Fettuccini/dp/B07HB2KL4CDiaper Genie: https://diapergenie.com/You're Pregnant Too,Mate!: The Essential Guide for Expectant Fathers By Gavin Rodgers: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/youre-pregnant-toomate-the-essential-guide-for-expectant-fathers-gavin-rodgersWhere you send your kid’s artwork to make a book - Artkive: https://www.artkiveapp.com/Spongebob Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0345950/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1Goonies:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095705/Airplane!: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080339/Only Fools and Horses: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081912/—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Bianca Schulze, founder and editor of The Children’s Book Review, shares her insights as a literacy advocate and author of the 'Don't Wake the Dragon' series. She discusses how to raise readers at home, offering valuable tips for nurturing a love of literacy within families. Bianca also shares her top book recommendations for 2024 and reflects on the significance of diverse literature. Additionally, she emphasizes supporting local bookstores and balances her roles as an author and mom, blending humor with heartfelt parenting anecdotes.

Carlo Navarro is a fractional executive and father of five, blending a career in startups with parenting. He shares insights on helping kids find their passions without imposing parental expectations. Carlo humorously navigates the chaos of taking family photos while managing health challenges in a large household. He emphasizes the importance of emotional dialogue, managing technology use, and balancing support for children's individual interests. His experiences highlight the joys and complexities of modern parenting.