Episode 230 - Shout Out To All the Dad Space Listeners - We Celebrate Our Amazing Listeners Around the Globe

Hey, thanks for listening to Dad Space - here is a list of countries where our listeners are! It is amazing to see how far Dad Space has travelled from a small recording space in my home here in Canada to you, out amazing Dad Space audience

Here are the countries that we know of at this point!

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Botswana

Brazil

Canada

China

Czechia

Denmark

Dominican Republic

DR Congo

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Guatemala

Hong Kong

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Malaysia

Mexico

New Zealand

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Philippines

Poland

Qatar

Romania

Russia

Singapore

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

The Netherlands

Trinidad and Tobago

Türkiye

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Uzbekistan

https://movember.com/

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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 229 - Legacy - How Dads Create Lasting Change for Families - Presence, Example and Words

In this episode of Dad Space, we dive into what legacy truly means for fathers and how dads can create lasting, positive change that resonates through generations. Legacy is more than just financial inheritance or big achievements—it’s the daily, consistent acts that shape who your children become and the values they carry forward.

We kick off by challenging common cultural ideas of legacy—like career success or wealth—and instead focus on what kids actually remember: the time dads spent with them, how dads treated their family and others, and the patterns of behavior modeled every day. Real legacy is found not in highlight moments but in the quiet, meaningful routines and examples dads set.

Next, we explore three core “legacy levers” that dads can use to positively influence their families:

• Presence: Showing up physically and emotionally through simple connection moments like bedtime talks, car rides, or tech-free dinners.
• Example: Kids learn more from what dads do than what they say—modeling kindness, accountability, apology, and respect.
• Words: The phrases we speak leave lasting impressions—expressing love, pride, and encouragement builds strong emotional foundations.

We also discuss the courage it takes to break negative family cycles. Many dads may not have had positive role models but can choose to start new traditions—whether saying “I love you” more often or creating small family rituals. Being the one to change the family story is one of the most powerful legacies a dad can leave.

The episode highlights the importance of micro-legacies—small traditions, habits, and rituals that build connection and lasting memories, like Saturday morning pancakes or birthday letters. These little things often mean more than big speeches or grand gestures.

Finally, listeners are given a simple legacy check-in with thought-provoking questions to reflect on who they are as dads today and what changes they can make for a stronger, more loving family tomorrow.

Dad Space ends with a heartfelt challenge for dads to create legacy in small, meaningful ways every day—reminding us all that legacy is not about perfection but showing up consistently with love.

Episode Takeaway:

Legacy is built in the ordinary moments and consistent patterns of love, presence, and example. By making small intentional choices, dads can leave a powerful, lasting impact on their families for generations.

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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 228 - A Man That Treated Me Like A Man When I Was Just A Kid - Lessons Learned from Lloyd

In this heartfelt episode of Dad Space, the host shares a deeply personal story about an unlikely role model from his youth: a man named Lloyd who profoundly shaped his journey into adulthood.

Growing up in a small northern Canadian town, the transition from childhood to teenage years was a confusing and challenging time—caught between wanting independence and still being tethered to the limitations of youth. At that vulnerable crossroads, Lloyd stepped into the host’s life as a steady, unexpected guide.

Lloyd was far from glamorous. He worked shift work in a plant, owned a large farm with dairy cows and hayfields, and carried the weight of a tough, lonely existence after a separation from his family. Yet, despite his own struggles, he opened his world to a teenage boy, teaching him life lessons that went far beyond simple farming skills or hunting knowledge.

Through vivid stories, the host paints a picture of a man who sparked joy and adventure—a vintage John Deere snowmobile that became a beast to ride, daring jumps over hay bales and even a neighbor's house, and hands-on lessons in hunting and farm work. Lloyd’s rugged lifestyle, humility, and generosity created a safe, nurturing environment where the host learned responsibility, courage, and respect.

One of the most striking memories is Lloyd’s willingness to let a 14-year-old drive his beat-up farm truck right past the local police station—a quiet act of trust and empowerment that left a lasting impression. Lloyd’s confidence in the host mirrored the confidence he was helping build within himself.

The episode also reflects on the deeper emotional resonance of this relationship: Lloyd’s loneliness and longing for connection, and how this shared need brought two very different men together to support and uplift one another. It’s a reminder that mentoring and friendship go both ways—that sometimes the person who seems to have the least also has the most to give.

Ultimately, this episode is a call to action for dads and men everywhere: in a world where many kids may lack positive male role models outside their families, the opportunity to step into those roles is invaluable. Whether young or old, men have the power to profoundly influence lives through presence, trust, and simple acts of kindness.

As Movember shines a spotlight on men’s health and community support, the host encourages listeners to consider who in their circle might need a guiding hand—and how we can all give back in meaningful ways. The story of Lloyd exemplifies the impact one man’s belief in another can have across a lifetime.

Key takeaway: Life-changing mentorship can come from unexpected places. Being present, trusting, and investing in young lives—beyond your own family—builds stronger communities and teaches lessons that last a lifetime.

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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 227 - Burnout Busters - Managing Stress and Avoiding Dad Fatigue

Burnout is a real challenge for dads—especially in today's fast-paced world where work, family, and personal expectations easily pile up. This episode of Dad Space, “Burnout Busters: Managing Stress and Avoiding Dad Fatigue,” explores effective habits and insights every dad can use to reclaim energy and joy in their daily life.​

Parental burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s feeling emotionally drained and detached, struggling to be present for your kids and partner. The warning signs include persistent tiredness, irritability, trouble focusing, emotional distance, and frequent headaches or tension. Burnout builds up slowly, so recognizing these signs early is key to bouncing back before they spiral.​

Set Clear Boundaries

Dads often juggle work, family, and countless daily tasks. Creating strong boundaries—like designating work-free family time and resisting late emails—protects energy and brings more meaningful interactions with your loved ones. Say “no” when you need to, and delegate household chores when possible.​

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish. Even 10 minutes for yourself each day adds up: take a walk, read a few pages of a book, or enjoy a cup of tea in silence. Make sure you get regular movement and adequate sleep. Quick, healthy meals or snacks (like fruit or nuts) can help, even when time is short.​

Ask for Help

Resist the urge to carry it all alone. Reach out to your partner, another parent, a friend, or a support group—many are ready to help if you ask. Sharing tasks or emotions strengthens relationships and reduces overwhelm.​

Be Self-Compassionate

It’s easy for dads to be their own toughest critics. But supporting yourself with kindness—admitting when you’re tired or need a breather—can keep stress from escalating and model healthy emotional habits for your kids.​

Connect With Other Dads

Social connections are a proven buffer against stress. Join a dad’s group, attend community events, or simply check in with another father for honest conversation. You’ll discover tips, encouragement, and the reassurance that you’re not alone.​

Reframe Your Expectations

Perfection isn’t the goal. Aim for realistic routines for yourself and your kids. Prioritize what matters most and shed what doesn’t serve your family’s well-being.​

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal to slow down, recalibrate, and ask for support. By defending boundaries, embracing self-care, seeking help, and building connections, dads can move from surviving to thriving. Taking small steps each day not only benefits you, but also builds the resilient, joyful legacy every father hopes to leave.

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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 226 - A Story of The Ripple Effect of Depression and Who Else is Impacted by The Darkness

Welcome to Dad Space, the podcast for dads, by dads. In this special Movember episode, host Dave shares an intimate story that ties directly into previous discussions on men's mental health and the powerful ripple effects that depression can have — not just on the individual but on their family, community, and beyond.

Movember is a time to shine a light on men's physical and mental well-being. Dave takes this opportunity to invite open conversation and to remind listeners of the importance of connection, support, and self-care during challenging times.

Dave reflects on a real-life experience during a period of his own mental health reflection. While working as maintenance and property manager, he encountered a tenant—a quiet, kind man much younger than himself—who faced inner struggles hidden beneath a calm surface.

One day, a routine follow-up to prepare the tenant’s apartment for new occupants turned into a heartbreaking discovery: the tenant had passed away, a victim to what was believed to be a profound battle with depression. Dave describes the emotional impact of the moment, the weight of silent suffering, and how this event deeply reinforced the importance of mental health awareness.

Fatherhood often places us on a public platform—a "post turtle" standing in view of our children and community as imperfect, evolving men. Our daily struggles, how we manage our mental health, and the way we show up have a lasting impression on the next generation.

Dave emphasizes that children don’t just see the good days but also the tough ones, and through it all, they internalize the behavior and approaches modeled by their dads. The challenge is clear: recognizing the ripple effects our lives create and committing to nurture positivity by seeking help and allowing others to support us.

If you are currently going through a difficult moment with mental health, Dave gently advises that this episode might not be the right one for you now—and that's okay. The episode will be here when you’re ready. For everyone else, there is strength in reaching out, sharing your story, and accepting help. It’s a vital part of healing and breaking the isolation that too often compels men to go it alone.

The metaphor of carrying all the grocery bags in one trip speaks powerfully to the damaging assumption many men carry—that they must do everything alone. Dave invites listeners to let the people who care help carry those bags.

Movember is more than just growing a mustache; it’s about raising awareness and providing tangible support for men’s mental health. While Dave can’t list every resource globally, he urges listeners to seek help early, talk on good days, and build connections that carry through the hard times.

This episode of Dad Space is more than a story—it’s a call to action for every dad to understand the power of vulnerability and community. Your mental health matters. Your choice to seek and accept help creates positive ripples far beyond you.

If this episode resonates with you, share it forward with someone who might need to hear it. Dad Space is a place where real stories and real struggles are welcome, and together we can be the support network no dad should ever have to face alone.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten

Episode 225 - In The Shadow of Silence, A Novel About the Ripple Effects of Depression on Those Around Us

Raymonde Dumont, MD, LMFT, is a pediatrician as well as a family therapist. She practiced and taught for several years at Harvard Medical School, and at the Joslin Diabetes Center. Her work focused on the effects of a person's illness through their entire family. She showed that mental health and family function affect the medical outcome. In her private practice

as a family therapist, she helps families to navigate difficulties by collaborating, rather than becoming divided.

She is also a mother, a widow, and a friend to many. She now turns her years of experience into words that speak of resilience, and of the flawed road that leads us to becoming good enough. She wrote this book because the story would not let her go, and because she hopes it will bring a little insight and comfort.

She has published many professional articles, but in fiction, she finds a more personal, intimate voice. Her short stories have been published in Persimmon Tree and in The Hemlock Journal.

You can find her blog on Substack as raedumont.substack.

Or you can contact her through her website at Rae Dumont, Writer.

She lives and practices in Montclair, New Jersey, within reach of New York City.

A novel that follows the pursuit of love and joy—until the descent of untreated depression ends with unbearable loss, forcing a family to deal with the shocking and immediate aftermath of suicide.

Eva’s lonely childhood has given her an intuitive connection with kids and teenagers. She is a gifted child psychiatrist. Single, she dreams of having her own children, and she yearns for love. The future seems bright when she meets Lyman; They build a family. They share adventures. They meet life’s challenges as team. They navigate a bout of Lyman’s depression; treatment works.

They share rich, fulfilling years while their careers develop, and their children grow up.

When their sons enter adulthood and their daughter is a teenager, they plan an entire summer as a family. But Lyman abruptly stops both therapy and medication. He spirals into a dark and irritable isolation that none of them can penetrate.

After his brutal suicide, Eva is left to cope and to guide her children through the trauma, as they each rebuild their lives.

https://www.raedumontwriting.org/

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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 224 - How Podcasts Can Help You Be a Better Dad - Legacy, Lessons and Learnings

Podcasting has quietly become a powerful tool for dads who want to leave a meaningful legacy, connect with their kids on a deeper level, and grow as fathers themselves. In today’s fast-paced, distracted world, podcasts offer something truly special: a chance to step back, reflect, and intentionally shape the story we tell our children about what it means to be a dad.

Every episode of a dad-focused podcast is a digital time capsule—an opportunity to share stories, values, and lessons that your kids, and maybe even your grandkids, can revisit years from now. Whether you’re interviewing guests, sharing hard-won wisdom, or just recounting a funny parenting mishap, you’re building a library of your thoughts, beliefs, and hopes. This kind of legacy reaches beyond the dinner table. It anchors your family in who you are and the journey you’ve been on, helping your children understand not just what you did, but why you did it.

Podcasting invites dads to think deeply about what truly matters—from how to navigate tough conversations, to modeling kindness, resilience, and vulnerability. It encourages dads to verbalize lessons that might otherwise go unsaid: how to handle disappointment, why apologizing matters, or the value of perseverance through setbacks. By hearing these moments on a podcast, kids receive guidance in a format that feels relevant and accessible, especially as they grow and become more independent.

Perhaps the greatest surprise of podcasting as a dad is how much you learn in return. Each episode—especially when you host guests, experts, or even fellow dads—provides new perspectives and practical tips. This “always learning” mindset not only makes you a more informed father, but it demonstrates to your children the importance of ongoing growth and humility. It’s a living example that you don’t have to have all the answers—and that’s okay.

By embracing podcasting, dads can share their own story, amplify the values that matter most, and create a living legacy that inspires both themselves and their children. Every recording is an act of service, a resource for future generations, and a reminder: good fatherhood is never about perfection—it’s about showing up, sharing honestly, and always being willing to learn.

Podcasts can help you be a better dad, not just by what you say, but by how you listen, adapt, and grow through the journey of parenting.

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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 223 - Father Figures - The Impact of Grandpas, Uncles, and Stepdads

Indirect adult male influences - like coaches, grandpas, uncles, and cousins—play a crucial role in shaping kids by modeling respectful, healthy behaviors, emotional openness, and integrity beyond what they might experience at home. As men, we can actively help our extended families and their children by making ourselves available, participating in their lives, and demonstrating what balanced masculinity looks like - showing fairness, taking responsibility, and admitting mistakes honestly.

• Show up for kids at family events, games, or special occasions to foster a sense of belonging and support.​
• Model respectful behavior and emotional openness, proving that expressing feelings is healthy and normal.​
• Teach confidence by demonstrating self-belief and sharing motivational strategies, helping kids feel valued in their unique interests.​
• Offer gentle discipline and guidance, focusing on fairness and accountability rather than strictness or control.​
• Be proactive in mentoring nieces, nephews, or younger cousins - with advice, shared hobbies, or simple life skills.

• Admit your mistakes and show humility, which helps kids see that it’s okay to be imperfect and encourages emotional resilience.​
• Share caregiving tasks, demonstrate respect for all family members, and challenge outdated stereotypes, so kids observe inclusive and supportive masculinity.​
• Encourage open communication, listen to kids’ concerns, and validate their opinions, building trust and confidence.​
• Support diverse interests for family members - whether in music, sports, academics, or art -to expand their understanding of what it means to be a caring, capable man.

By modeling these behaviors, men can help kids - both within and outside their immediate families - grow into confident, emotionally resilient adults, equipped to build healthy relationships and contribute positively to their communities.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

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