Episodes

  • The Default Parent Trap: Quietly Hurting Your Relationship
    Feb 20 2026

    In this episode of Dad Livin' Season 2, we break down why "How can I help?" is actually the most dangerous phrase in your marriage. It sounds helpful, but it traps you in the role of an assistant while forcing your partner to carry the entire mental load of the household.

    We explore the "Default Parent Trap"—the invisible burden of remembering doctor appointments, shoe sizes, and school schedules that usually falls on one person. We also discuss why the 50/50 marriage is a myth and how aiming for a 60/40 split can save your relationship from resentment.
    In this episode, we cover:

    -The Assistant Trap: Why asking for instructions makes your partner feel like a project manager, not a spouse.

    -The Invisible Mental Load: Understanding the exhaustion of "remembering everything" for the family.

    -The 60/40 Rule: Why you should always try to give 60 percent, even when you are tired.

    -The Marriage Ops Meeting: A simple 10-minute weekly habit to sync calendars and stop the fights before they start.

    Stop renting space in your own house. Listen in to learn how to take ownership and become a true partner.

    Timestamps:
    0:00 - Intro: The problem with being a "helper"
    02:15 - What is the Default Parent Trap?
    08:30 - The myth of the 50/50 marriage
    14:45 - How to run a Marriage Ops Meeting
    21:00 - Moving from renter to owner in your home
    #DadLivin #DefaultParent #MentalLoad #MarriageAdvice #Fatherhood #DadLife #ParentingTips

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    37 mins
  • The Truth About Dad Burnout (And How to Fix It)
    Feb 13 2026

    It’s the silent struggle that nearly half of all fathers are facing, yet almost no one talks about. In this episode of Dad Livin', we’re exposing the hard truth about Dad Burnout—what it really is, why it’s happening, and most importantly, how to fix it before you crash.

    If you’ve been feeling irritable, emotionally drained, or just "empty" despite loving your family, you aren't just tired. You might be part of the 49% of dads currently battling burnout.

    We break down the science and the solutions:

    - The Reality Check: Why modern dads are more stressed than ever (and the stats to prove it).
    - The Warning Signs: How to spot the difference between a bad day and true burnout.
    - The "Fix" Plan: Practical steps to reclaim your energy, including the "Name It to Tame It" strategy.
    - Coping vs. Numbs: Why reducing alcohol and delegating chores can save your sanity.

    Stop suffering in silence. It’s time to get your spark back so you can be the dad you want to be.

    Let’s talk about it:
    What is the #1 thing that causes you the most stress as a dad right now? Let us know in the comments.

    Timestamps:
    0:00 - The "Silent" Epidemic
    02:30 - Truth: 49% of dads are burned out
    08:15 - Why alcohol isn't the answer
    15:45 - The Fix: Delegating & Communication
    22:10 - How to recharge (for real)

    #DadLivin #DadBurnout #Fatherhood #MensMentalHealth #ParentingAdvice

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    41 mins
  • The Dad’s Guide to Super Bowl Sunday: Bets, BBQ & Bonding | Dad Livin' Podcast
    Feb 6 2026

    We are BACK for Season 2! The Dad Livin' crew returns just in time to break down super bowl 2026, discuss the new world of legal sports betting in Missouri, and debate why 90s Super Bowl parties just hit different.

    In this episode, we are navigating the collision of modern gambling apps and fatherhood—like when your 8-year-old asks "What's the spread, Dad?" versus the wholesome dips and commercials of our childhood. Whether you are sweating a parlay or just here for the wings, this is the unfiltered dad's guide to the Big Game.

    JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
    What is the ONE snack that ruins a Super Bowl party if it is missing? And who is your money on this weekend? Drop your comments below!

    ABOUT DAD LIVIN':
    Dad Livin' is not just a podcast—it is a movement for dads everywhere. Hosted by four best friends who are dads first and storytellers second, this channel is your go-to spot for laughs, real talk, and the unfiltered reality of modern fatherhood. From diaper blowouts to teenage drama, we cover it all.

    CONNECT WITH US:
    Subscribe for new episodes every week!
    Follow us on socials @DadLivin

    Listen on Spotify/YouTube:
    YouTube➡️ https://youtu.be/mREOYb1PffQ
    SPOTIFY➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/3mQ9vmsBoeEYMssCPX6X0u?si=b55d9ca9fd7a4360

    #SuperBowl #DadPodcast #90sNostalgia #SuperBowlFood #DadLife #Podcast #DadLivin #SuperBowlParty #ParentingHumor

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    32 mins
  • Holiday Dad Life | The Dad Livin' Holiday Special
    Dec 19 2025

    The conversation delves into the creation of new holiday traditions to accommodate changing family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of communication when establishing these traditions. It also explores the magic of the holidays through the eyes of toddlers and elementary school-aged children, highlighting the need to control chaos and reduce stress during the festive season. Additionally, the excitement and anticipation of the holidays are extended by starting festive activities early in the month of December. The conversation covers the evolution of gift requests from children, the challenges of finding affordable gifts for tweens, and the nostalgia of memorable childhood gifts. It also reflects on the completion of season one and the anticipation of season two.

    Takeaways

    • New traditions can be created to accommodate the changing dynamics of family life.
    • Communication is key when establishing new holiday traditions with family members.
    • The magic of the holidays is experienced through the eyes of toddlers and elementary school-aged children, creating memorable moments for parents.
    • Controlling the chaos and reducing stress during the holidays is essential for a more enjoyable experience.
    • The excitement and anticipation of the holiday season can be extended by starting the festive activities early in the month of December. Changing Gift Requests
    • Memorable Childhood Gifts

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Creating New Traditions
    • 19:28 The Magic of the Holidays with Toddlers and Elementary School-Aged Children
    • 28:18 Controlling the Chaos and Reducing Stress
    • 55:50 Memorable Childhood Gifts
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    58 mins
  • Co‑Parenting After Divorce: How an Active Duty Military Dad Makes It Work
    Nov 21 2025

    Co‑Parenting After Divorce As A Military Dad |

    Real Talk Around The Campfire |

    And Adventures From Our Guys Trip To Nevada

    In this episode, we sit down around the campfire with our good friend Mike, a divorced military dad who gets brutally honest about co‑parenting after divorce, serving his country, and still trying to be the best dad he can be. If you’re a military dad, a divorced dad, or just a father trying to hold it together through chaos…this one’s for you.

    💬 In this episode we get into: How he learned to co‑parent after divorce without trashing his ex Balancing active duty life with being a present father Dealing with guilt, anger, and identity after a military divorce The mindset shifts that helped him heal and move forward Why “Divorced… but still Dad” is the hill he’s willing to die on.

    This isn’t a lecture, it’s a guys’ trip conversation – raw, unfiltered, and full of those “yo, I thought I was the only one” moments. For the dads who need this: If you’ve ever wondered: “How do I co‑parent with my ex without constant drama?” “Can I still be a good dad while I’m active duty or deploying?” “What does healthy co‑parenting after divorce even look like?” …you’re going to pull real, practical co‑parenting tips from a dad who’s living it right now – not from a textbook.

    New here? Welcome to Dad Livin’ 👊 We’re four best friends who are dads first, storytellers second. This channel is all about: Real stories from real dads The unfiltered reality of modern fatherhood Laughs, hard conversations, and everything in between If you’re into dad life, co‑parenting, blended families, military dad struggles, or just trying to be a better father:

    👉 Subscribe for more episodes like this.

    Join the conversation: 📩

    What’s been the hardest part of co‑parenting after divorce for you? Drop it in the comments, you’re not the only dad going through it, and your story might help someone else too.

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    43 mins
  • Booze & Boos! The Halloween Special
    Oct 30 2025

    🎃 Welcome to the Dad Livin’ Podcast: Halloween Special – Dads, Costumes & Candy Chaos! 👻

    It’s spooky season, and the Dad Crew is back with a Halloween episode full of laughs, stories, and a few scares (mostly from our kids’ sugar rushes). In this special edition of the Dad Livin’ Podcast, we dive into the hilarious, heartwarming, and downright ridiculous parts of fatherhood during Halloween.

    From last-minute costume scrambles to the joy of trick-or-treating with our little monsters, this episode celebrates the dads who bring the fun — and the corny jokes — to every haunted house and front porch in the neighborhood.

    In This Episode:

    • The great dad costume debate: classic, creative, or straight-up chaotic?
    • The magic (and mayhem) of trick-or-treating with your kids.
    • Why Halloween is secretly the best community holiday of the year.
    • The “Dad Party Circuit”: bonfires, beers, and bonding after bedtime.
    • Our favorite Halloween fails, spooky jokes, and legendary family moments.
    • A real talk segment on men’s health awareness — as we roll into Movember, we’re challenging all dads to take care of themselves as much as they take care of their families. #dadlife #podcast #faherhood #parentingpodcast #halloween #dadlivin #dadjokes
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    39 mins