The world feels fractured, polarized, and increasingly disconnected. For dads, that raises a hard question: how do we raise kids with strong values, resilience, and empathy in the middle of all this?

In this episode of Why Dad?, Paul and Andrew sit down with Chip Webster, father, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit Unity in Service. Chip shares lessons from raising two sons, decades of leadership experience, and his work rebuilding trust and unity through service.

They talk about why unity starts in the home, how attention and intentionality shape kids more than words ever will, and why service is one of the most powerful tools for building character and connection. From phones at the dinner table to volunteering as a family, this conversation challenges dads to move from outrage to responsibility.

If you’ve ever wondered how to raise kids who don’t just survive this world but help heal it, this episode is for you.

Guest: Chip Webster

Father, entrepreneur, and founder of Unity in Service

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why raising the next generation is our most important responsibility
• The role of time, attention, and intentionality in fatherhood
• Phones, technology, and what kids are really learning from us
• Why unity at the national level begins with families and communities
• How service builds trust, character, and connection
• Simple ways dads can involve their kids in service
• Discipline, love, and being a role model even when it’s hard

Resources & Links:

🌐 Unity in Service: https://unityinservice.org

📘 Book: Unity in Service: Pathway to Responsible Citizenship

📖 Books mentioned:

The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt

The Coddling of the American Mind – Jonathan Haidt

The Road Less Traveled – M. Scott Peck

In this episode of the Why Dad podcast, hosts Paul and Andrew welcome Rob Unger, a father and community leader, to discuss the realities of fatherhood. Rob shares his experiences of parenting two daughters, the importance of honesty in building connections, and the challenges many dads face, including depression and co-parenting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication, the lessons learned from children, and the need for support among fathers. Rob offers practical advice for future dads and discusses how to break cycles of neglect in family dynamics. The episode concludes with insights on embracing imperfection in parenting and the importance of showing up for children.

• Fatherhood is about showing up and doing the work.
• Many dads face challenges like depression and co-parenting.
• Building connections through honesty fosters community.
• Communication is key to understanding children's needs.
• It's important to take yourself less seriously as a parent.
• Dads should focus on being present for their children.
• Navigating co-parenting requires patience and understanding.
• Children teach us valuable lessons about communication.
• Future dads should prioritize their interests while preparing for parenthood.
• Breaking cycles of neglect starts with showing up and caring.

00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Community

00:50 The Realities of Being a Dad

04:05 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

07:29 Challenges Faced by Dads

09:36 Supporting Other Dads

13:25 Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting

14:55 Lessons Learned from Co-Parenting

18:14 Navigating Fatherhood Challenges

19:39 Lessons from Our Children

22:17 Building Communication Foundations

24:33 The Importance of Showing Up

27:23 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

31:23 Rapid-Fire Insights on Fatherhood

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seepybeepers/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-unger-b91a2a8/
• Dadgood Community: https://dadgood.co/

In this episode of the Why, Dad? podcast, hosts Paul Wandrey and Andrew Stolpestad explore the profound question of whether to have children. They delve into the societal and personal implications of parenthood, discussing the joys and challenges of raising a family. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding one's motivations and the impact of children on personal growth and relationships. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, they aim to provide listeners with insights into the decision-making process surrounding parenthood.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “should you have kids?” might be the wrong question
• Not feeling equipped and why that’s more normal than you think
• Fear of screwing kids up and what actually matters instead
• Freedom, travel, and how priorities shift across life seasons
• Why love alone isn’t enough without intention
• Purpose, responsibility, and choosing fatherhood consciously

Who this episode is for:

• Men on the fence about becoming dads
• Aspiring fathers thinking about the future
• Current dads reflecting on their why
• Anyone wrestling with purpose, commitment, and responsibility

Mentioned in this episode:

• The idea that reflection matters more than certainty
• The role of intention over perfection
• How community, uncles, mentors, and parents all shape kids