Episode 179 - From Dad Space, With Love - Honoring the Moms in Our Lives

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity for dads to step up, celebrate the incredible women in our lives, and set the tone for how our kids honor their mom. This year, let’s make it extra special-not with expensive gifts, but with meaningful gestures and family fun.

How Dads Can Celebrate Their Partner and Moms in the Family

• Lead by Example: As dads, we set the standard for appreciation. Show your kids how to honor their mom by being the first to say “thank you,” plan a surprise, or simply make her feel seen and valued. Even small gestures-like her favorite coffee in bed or a heartfelt note-go a long way
• Model Appreciation: Teach your children to express gratitude. Encourage them to brainstorm what makes mom special and help them put it into words, crafts, or actions
• Celebrate All Moms: Don’t forget grandmothers, aunts, and other mother figures. A quick call, a homemade card, or a small bouquet can make their day too

Special Ways to Celebrate This Year

• Family Spa Day at Home: Draw mom a luxurious bubble bath, set up candles, and let her enjoy some quiet time while you and the kids handle chores or prepare a meal5.
• Mother’s Day Adventure: Take a family walk, hike, or even plan a backyard picnic or BBQ. Let mom pick the activity-her day, her way
• Memory Book or Playlist: Gather favorite photos from the past year and create a simple memory book, or curate a playlist of songs that remind you of her. Present it during a special family meal
• Handmade Gifts: Help the kids craft something unique, like a painted terra-cotta pot, a paper bouquet, or a handprint dish towel. These keepsakes are heartfelt and cherished for years

Bonus Idea: How Kids Can Spoil Mom

• Surprise Morning Flower Jar: Have the kids prepare a hanging mason jar bouquet the night before and hang it on mom’s bedroom door. When she wakes up, she’s greeted with fresh flowers and a sweet note from her kids-a simple, beautiful start to her special day
• DIY Craft Session: Organize a craft time where kids make bead bracelets, painted wooden bracelets, or a cupcake liner flower card. Present these gifts with a homemade breakfast or brunch

Mother’s Day isn’t about big spending-it’s about big feelings. Dads, your role is to lead the celebration, teach gratitude, and help your kids create memories that mom will treasure. Remember, a little planning and a lot of heart go a long way.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms from Dad Space!

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 177 - Overview of Daily Dad - A Powerful Resource for Modern Fathers

Overview of Daily Dad: A Powerful Resource for Modern Fathers

Daily Dad a thoughtfully curated platform designed to inspire, encourage, and equip fathers on their parenting journey. Founded by bestselling author and modern philosopher Ryan Holiday, Daily Dad brings together wisdom from a diverse group of contributors-including Brett McKay (Art of Manliness), Charlamagne Tha God, Casey Neistat, and Dr. Drew Pinsky-to address the realities, challenges, and joys of fatherhood.

• Short, actionable emails delivered every morning, each focusing on a key theme relevant to dads: grit, resilience, curiosity, compassion, character, unconditional love, purpose, stress management, masculinity, creativity, and more.
• These reflections are designed to be quick reads that pack a punch-offering practical advice, perspective, and encouragement to help you show up as your best self for your family.

• Global community: By subscribing, you join a worldwide network of dads who are committed to growth, learning, and supporting one another.
• Shared wisdom: The site features insights and stories from well-known fathers and thought leaders, providing a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

• Articles and interviews: In-depth pieces on parenting challenges, relationships, personal development, and navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood.
• Book recommendations: Curated lists of books that help dads grow in wisdom, patience, and understanding.
• Themed content: Regular focus on important topics like family fun, loss, stillness, truthfulness, initiative, and passion.

• Actionable advice: Each meditation or article includes real-life takeaways you can apply immediately-whether it’s a new approach to discipline, a way to foster curiosity in your kids, or strategies for managing stress.
• Encouragement for all dads: Whether you’re a new dad, a stepdad, or a seasoned parent, there’s something for everyone.

Why Daily Dad Is a Great Resource for Dad Space Podcast Listeners

Shared Mission:

Like Dad Space, Daily Dad believes that every father has value and that intentional, reflective parenting can change lives. Both platforms encourage dads to build confidence, grow in knowledge, and foster positive mindsets.

Bite-Sized Wisdom for Busy Dads:

Daily Dad’s meditations are perfect for dads on the go-short enough to read with your morning coffee, but deep enough to spark real change.

Diverse Voices, Universal Themes:

With contributors from different backgrounds and professions, Daily Dad offers a rich tapestry of perspectives-mirroring Dad Space’s commitment to community and connection.

Practical, Actionable Advice:

Each meditation or article is designed to help you take immediate steps toward becoming the dad you want to be-aligning perfectly with the practical, encouraging approach of Dad Space.

Ongoing Inspiration:

Subscribing to Daily Dad means you’ll never run out of ideas, encouragement, or motivation to keep growing as a father.

If you’re a Dad Space listener looking to deepen your growth, find daily encouragement, and connect with a global brotherhood of fathers, Daily Dad is a resource you don’t want to miss. It’s a simple, powerful way to bring a little more wisdom, perspective, and joy into your life-and into the lives of the people who matter most.

Check it out, and let’s keep building a supportive, inspired community of dads-one day at a time!

Episode 176 - More Than Time - The Watch That Reminds You You’re Enough - John Cena

Today on Dad Space we unpack the story behind John Cena’s habit of carrying two watches-one for time, one for perspective-and how dads can use these lessons to find balance, self-worth, and humility in everyday life.

The Two Watches: What They Represent

The Functional Watch:

• Represents the practical side of life: schedules, commitments, the daily grind.
• For dads, it’s the reminder of responsibilities-work, family, and the ticking clock of fatherhood.

The Pocket Watch of Perspective:

• This broken watch doesn’t tell time; it holds two powerful engravings:
• “Comparison is the thief of joy”: A reminder to avoid comparing yourself to others or other dads, and to recognize that you are enough and worthy of love
• “Memento mori”: Latin for “remember you will die,” it’s a call to humility, reminding us that we’re all human, no better than anyone else, and to stay grounded even when we feel successful or important

Cena uses the watch as a “keeper of perspective, not time”-balancing moments of low self-worth with reminders of his value, and moments of ego with reminders of his humanity

Lessons for Dads

• Self-Worth:
• Like Cena, many dads struggle with feeling “not enough.” Use daily reminders-whether it’s a watch, a note, or a mantra-to affirm your worth and importance to your family.
• Humility:
• Success as a dad isn’t about being better than others, but about being present and grateful. “Memento mori” grounds us in reality and gratitude.
• Avoiding Comparison:
• Social media and societal expectations can lead dads to compare themselves to others. Remember: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Focus on your unique journey and the love you bring to your family.
• Perspective Over Perfection:
• The broken watch symbolizes that life isn’t about perfect timing, but about seeing things clearly and appreciating what matters most.

Practical Takeaways

• Create your own “perspective anchor”-an object, phrase, or ritual that reminds you of your worth and keeps your ego in check.
• Share these lessons with your kids: model self-acceptance and humility, and talk openly about the dangers of comparison.
• When feeling overwhelmed or inadequate, pause and reflect: What would your “pocket watch” say to you right now?

What’s your keeper of perspective? Share your story with the Dad Space community.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 175 - Save Dad - How Ferris Bueller's Day Off Reinforces Why Every Father Deserves a Day Off

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is more than a teen comedy-it’s a manifesto for seizing the day, breaking routine, and finding joy in the moment. The film’s iconic line, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” is a universal reminder, but it resonates especially for dads who often carry the weight of responsibility and rarely give themselves permission to take a break

Let’s reimagine Ferris’s philosophy and famous moments as a rallying cry for dads to enjoy a guilt-free day off, chase their muse, and rediscover the adventure in everyday life.

Original:

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Dad Remix:

“Fatherhood moves pretty fast. If you don’t hit pause and look around once in a while, you’ll miss the magic in the chaos.”

Original:

“The question isn’t, ‘What are we going to do?’ The question is, ‘What aren’t we going to do?’”1

Dad Remix:

“The question isn’t, ‘What chores do I have to do?’ The question is, ‘What fun haven’t I had yet?’”

Original:

“Have fun with it, how many days are you going to live like this?”

Dad Remix:

“Have fun with it, Dad. How many chances do you get to be the hero in your own story?”

Original:

“If anybody needs a day off it’s Cameron. He’s got a lotta things to sort out before he graduates.”

Dad Remix:

“If anybody needs a day off, it’s Dad. He’s got a lot to juggle before the next big milestone.”

Original:

“I am not going to sit on my ass as the events that affect me unfold to determine the course of my life. I'm going to take a stand.”

Dad Remix:

“I’m not going to sit on the sidelines while life races by. I’m taking a stand for my own day of adventure.”

• The Parade Scene: As Dads, we need to step into the spotlight, let loose, and “lead the parade” in their own lives-even if it’s just dancing in the living room with their kids3.
• Art Gallery Stillness: find moments of quiet reflection, appreciating the beauty and depth in the ordinary, just as Ferris and friends did in the museum
• Cameron’s Transformation: a day off can help dads shake off stress, reconnect with themselves, and return home renewed-just like Cameron’s journey from anxiety to empowerment
• Ferris’s Confidence: The importance of approaching fatherhood (and life) with confidence, creativity, and a willingness to bend the rules for the sake of joy

Taking a guilt-free day off isn’t shirking responsibility-it’s embracing the Buellerian philosophy of making life work for you, dreaming bigger, and riding it out with confidence

When dads give themselves permission to step away from routine, they model self-care, joy, and adventure for their families. After all, as Ferris says, “How many days are you going to live like this?”

Give yourself the day off, Dad. The world (and your family) will be better for it.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 174 - Raising Hard Workers in a World of Shortcuts - Why Work Ethic Matters for Our Kids

Tough Love, True Love: Raising Kids with Real Work Ethic

• Maturing means realizing that our dads’ high standards and tough love weren’t about being harsh—they were about preparing us for a world where strong work ethic stands out.
• Share a personal or listener story about a lesson that felt tough at the time but proved valuable later.

• Kids learn by watching us. Consistently demonstrate hard work, persistence, and pride in your responsibilities—at home, at work, and in your community.
• Let your children see your process: tackling chores, pursuing goals, and handling setbacks with determination.

• Give kids age-appropriate tasks and set clear expectations.
• Hold them accountable with calm, consistent consequences, but also celebrate effort and improvement.
• Encourage them to stick with tough tasks and take ownership of both successes and mistakes.

• Remind your kids (and yourself) that tough love today leads to greater confidence, resilience, and satisfaction tomorrow.
• Share stories and research about how a strong work ethic pays off in adulthood—turning early lessons into lifelong gratitude and success.

Call to Action:

Challenge dads to model work ethic in one area this week—work together on a tough job, set a new family standard, or share a story about the value of hard work.

This structure will keep your episode clear, actionable, and inspiring for your dad audience!

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 173 - Two, Not Three - Teaching Kids and Ourselves, to Thrive with Simplicity

How Dads and men can avoid overwhelm, make better decisions, and set a powerful example for their children.

Ben Prober, a successful 1950s shoe salesman. His unique approach? He would only ever present two pairs of shoes to a customer at a time. If a customer wanted to try a third pair, he’d politely ask, “Of course, which of these two should I take away?” This ensured the customer never had more than two options to consider. The result: customers felt confident, satisfied, and almost always made a purchase. When faced with three or more choices, they often left empty-handed, paralyzed by indecision

The Paradox of Choice:

Too many options can lead to “choice paralysis”—the inability to make a decision at all. Research and real-world experience show that limiting options helps people feel more confident and satisfied with their decisions

Why Constraints Matter for Dads:

As fathers and role models, men face countless daily decisions that affect not just themselves but their families. Embracing constraints—like limiting choices—reduces overwhelm, fosters clarity, and models healthy decision-making for children

Decision Fatigue and Mental Load:

Constantly weighing too many options drains energy and increases stress. Simplifying choices—whether about dinner, family activities, or career moves—helps dads conserve mental energy for what truly matters

Teaching Kids by Example:

By showing decisiveness and comfort with “enough,” dads teach their kids that it’s okay not to chase every possible option. This builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and encourages gratitude and satisfaction with what they have.

Practical Applications

Limit Options:

When faced with a decision, narrow choices to two strong contenders. If a third option arises, swap it in for one of the existing two—never more than two at a time

Use the “Which One Should I Remove?” Technique:

When your child (or you) wants to add another option, ask which current choice should be removed. This keeps the decision process focused and manageable

Model Decisiveness:

Make decisions confidently and explain your process to your kids. Show them that it’s better to choose and move forward than to get stuck in endless deliberation.

Reflect on Satisfaction:

After making a decision, focus on the positives of your choice rather than dwelling on what you didn’t pick. This helps reinforce contentment and reduces regret

as dads and men, embracing constraints isn’t about limiting life’s possibilities—it’s about freeing ourselves and our families from the stress of endless options. By modeling clarity and decisiveness, we help our children grow into confident, resilient adults who know how to choose well and live fully.

Call to Action:

Try the “two, not three” rule this week—whether it’s picking a family activity, choosing what to eat, or making a purchase. Share experiences and reflections in your community or on social media.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 172 - Safe Spaces at Home - Turning Differences into Opportunities for Connection

build trust and connection at home, even as the world outside feels increasingly polarized. Creating a safe, warm, and welcoming environment where everyone feels heard (even when you disagree) is one of the most important gifts you can give your family. Here’s how you can do it:

• Listen First: Show genuine interest in your kids’ perspectives, even if they differ from your own. Ask open-ended questions—“What makes you feel that way?” or “Can you tell me more about what you’ve heard?”
• Stay Curious, Not Combative: Avoid the urge to correct or debate immediately. Instead, let curiosity lead the conversation.

• No Name-Calling or Shaming: Make it clear that everyone’s opinions are welcome, but personal attacks are not.
• Agree to Disagree: Remind your family that it’s okay to hold different views and that love isn’t conditional on agreement.

• Explain the ‘Why’: When sharing your own views, talk about the values that shape them (e.g., fairness, kindness, justice), rather than just stating your position.
• Invite Reflection: Encourage your kids to think about the values behind their own beliefs.

• Family Meals: Use dinner time as a safe space for open conversation—phones off, everyone present.
• Regular Check-ins: Ask, “How are you feeling about what’s happening in the world?” or “Is there anything you want to talk about?”

• Highlight Strengths: Point out what you admire about your kids’ independent thinking and willingness to engage with tough topics.
• Learn Together: Watch documentaries, read articles, or attend events that expose you all to a range of perspectives.

• Stay Calm: If a conversation gets heated, model taking a breath or pausing before responding.
• Acknowledge Emotions: “I can see this topic makes you feel strongly. That’s okay. Let’s take a break if we need to.”

• Say It Often: Remind your kids, “No matter what you believe or how you feel, you are always loved and welcome here.”
• Show It in Actions: Small gestures—like a hug, a shared activity, or a handwritten note—can reinforce this message.

• “What’s something you’ve heard recently that made you think differently?”
• “How do you decide what you believe about something?”
• “What can we do as a family to make sure everyone feels heard?”

Your home can be a sanctuary from the noise and division of the outside world—a place where every voice matters, and where love comes before ideology. By modeling respect, curiosity, and unconditional acceptance, you’re not just protecting your kids from division—you’re equipping them to be bridge-builders in the world.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270