• 227: Family, Food, and the American Dream: How Pizza Built a Legacy- Erica D.
    Jun 5 2025

    In this episode of the Young Dad Podcast, host Jey Young speaks with Erica D'Arcangelo, author of 'A Story About Pizza,' which chronicles her grandfather's journey from Italy to America and the family's legacy in the pizzeria business. They discuss the rich history of Italian immigrants, the importance of family traditions, and how food plays a central role in their culture. Erica shares insights into her grandfather's resilience, the evolution of their family pizzeria, and the significance of passing down recipes and traditions to future generations. The conversation also touches on misconceptions about Italian culture and the art of pizza making, culminating in a fun rapid-fire segment.


    Takeaways

    Erica's grandfather's journey reflects the resilience of Italian immigrants.

    Family traditions are crucial in maintaining cultural identity.

    Food plays a significant role in family gatherings and bonding.

    The importance of passing down recipes to future generations.

    Pineapple on pizza is a controversial topic among pizza lovers.

    The pizzeria serves as a legacy for Erica's family.

    Cooking with love and care enhances the quality of food.

    Italian culture emphasizes loyalty and family first.

    The evolution of the family pizzeria showcases adaptability.

    Erica's passion for Italian culture is evident in her work.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to the Young Dad Podcast and Erica's Journey

    01:05 The Inspiration Behind 'A Story About Pizza'

    04:04 The Legacy of Italian Immigrants and the American Dream

    07:47 Growing Up in the Family Pizzeria

    11:10 The Role of Food in Family Traditions

    15:48 Cultural Significance of Italian Family Gatherings

    20:26 Preserving Family Recipes and Traditions

    24:06 Misconceptions About Italian Culture

    27:59 The Evolution of Family Roles and Careers

    32:22 The Pizzeria's Legacy and Current Operations

    33:04 Next Generation of the Pizzeria

    36:18 Celebrity Visits and Community Engagement

    38:03 Evolution of the Pizzeria

    40:59 Authenticity in Ingredients

    45:31 The Art of Pizza Making

    50:15 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights


    Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
    Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • 226: From Self-Destruction to Self-Compassion: Patrick Casey’s Journey to Healing & Helping Men
    Jun 2 2025

    In this episode of the Young Dad Podcast, host Jey Young engages in a deep conversation with Patrick Casey, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and personal coach, about the realities of fatherhood, mental health, and the journey of self-discovery. Patrick shares his personal experiences with addiction, self-hate, and the transformative power of self-love. The discussion delves into the importance of vulnerability in men, the impact of childhood trauma, and the necessity of purpose in life. Patrick emphasizes the significance of community in recovery and encourages listeners to seek help and support. The episode concludes with lighthearted questions, reinforcing the importance of connection and understanding in the journey of healing.


    Takeaways

    Self-love is essential for emotional well-being.

    Men often struggle with vulnerability and expressing emotions.

    Childhood trauma can significantly impact adult relationships.

    Finding purpose is crucial for men's mental health.

    Recovery is a community effort, not a solitary journey.

    Negative self-talk can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy.

    Unlearning harmful patterns takes time and effort.

    Addiction is a progressive disease that requires ongoing support.

    It's important to recognize and address self-worth issues.

    Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Mental Health

    02:41 Patrick's Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery

    05:32 The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships

    08:27 The Role of Vulnerability in Men's Mental Health

    11:18 Understanding Self-Destructive Patterns in Men

    14:29 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Insecurity

    17:16 The Connection Between Substance Abuse and Emotional Pain

    19:59 Recognizing and Addressing Self-Hate

    22:57 Strategies for Emotional Healing and Growth

    25:55 The Importance of Identity Shifts in Recovery

    34:00 The Evolution of Identity

    34:56 Understanding Recovery and Addiction Myths

    35:28 The Disease of Addiction

    38:26 Denial and Acceptance in Recovery

    41:46 The Importance of Community in Recovery

    48:40 The Slippery Slope of Addiction

    50:05 Reaching Out for Help

    50:27 The Power of Connection and Support

    54:41 Lighthearted Moments and Reflections

    59:36 lifestyle-outro-low.wav

    Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
    Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Fitness Update 10- Not Yourself
    May 30 2025

    For more info DM “DadBod” to @madmaxfitness84 on IG, listeners who mention the “Young Dad Podcast” will receive 1x month FREE


    In this conversation, Jey Young discusses his fitness journey, emphasizing the importance of self-love, motivation, and overcoming setbacks. He shares personal experiences and biblical insights to encourage listeners to be kind to themselves and recognize their worth. The conversation also highlights the significance of rest and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of challenges.


    Takeaways

    Fitness is a journey that requires motivation and support.

    Self-love is crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

    Everyone experiences setbacks; it's part of the process.

    Being kind to oneself is essential for personal growth.

    Rest is important for maintaining balance in life.

    It's okay to say no to avoid burnout.

    Mindset plays a significant role in overcoming challenges.

    Recognizing one's worth can lead to better self-care.

    Believing in oneself is key to achieving goals.

    Community support can enhance motivation and accountability.


    Chapters

    00:00 Fitness Journey and Meal Plans

    03:01 Feeling Off: A Common Struggle

    05:48 Self-Love and Biblical Insights

    08:05 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

    10:40 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

    14:16 Outro


    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • 225: Without Restraint: A Father’s Journey in Advocating for His Son’s Future with Robert DeLena
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of the Young Dad podcast, host Jey Young speaks with Robert Delena, a father who defied expert opinions regarding his son Ryan's developmental challenges. Robert shares his journey of advocating for Ryan, who was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder and faced extreme behavior modification techniques in therapeutic schools. Through skiing, Robert discovered Ryan's untapped potential, leading to a radical shift in their parenting approach. The conversation explores the importance of trusting parental instincts, the impact of diagnosis, and the healing power of nature. Robert emphasizes the need for parents to be advocates for their children and to question professional advice when necessary.


    Takeaways

    Robert's story highlights the importance of parental advocacy.

    Skiing became a transformative experience for Ryan.

    Trusting your instincts as a parent is crucial.

    Diagnosis can sometimes hinder rather than help children.

    The educational system often fails to accommodate individual needs.

    Nature has a healing power that can benefit children.

    Parents should question professional advice when it doesn't feel right.

    Finding a passion can change a child's life trajectory.

    Support and love are essential for a child's development.

    Every child deserves the chance to thrive beyond labels.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Advocacy

    01:44 Defying Expert Opinions: A Father's Journey

    03:16 Questioning the System: A Father's Perspective

    08:34 The Struggles with Therapeutic Schools

    15:46 The Impact of Skiing on Ryan's Life

    21:45 Navigating Mental Health and Medication

    28:55 Finding Passion: The Power of Skiing

    31:16 Education and Individualized Learning

    32:07 Rethinking Education for Modern Kids

    33:16 The Importance of Outdoor Activities

    35:37 Navigating Interests and Hobbies

    37:47 Supporting Kids' Passions

    39:13 Growth Through Shared Experiences

    41:56 Advice for Parents Facing Challenges

    43:07 Navigating Mental Health and Medication

    46:15 Trusting Parental Instincts

    50:17 Fun and Lighthearted Questions

    53:30 Advice for Young Fathers

    56:13 lifestyle-outro-low.wav


    Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
    Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • 224: Raising Resilient Kids: Helping Our Children (and Ourselves) Manage Anxiety with Biblical Truth- Healey I.
    May 26 2025

    In this episode of the Young Dad podcast, host Jey Young speaks with Healy Ikerd, a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, about the intersection of parenting, mental health, and faith. They discuss Healy's journey from military service to mental health counseling, the importance of integrating faith into mental health practices, and how parents can help their children cope with anxiety. The conversation emphasizes the role of scripture in building resilience, the misconceptions surrounding faith and counseling, and the transformative power of forgiveness in healing.


    Takeaways

    Teaching kids about different life paths is crucial.

    Faith can provide a strong foundation for mental health.

    Modeling calmness helps children manage their anxiety.

    Coping skills should be taught from a young age.

    Forgiveness is essential for emotional health.

    The Bible offers valuable resources for mental well-being.

    Parents must manage their own anxiety to support their kids.

    Children can learn to pray and seek God's help in fear.

    Counseling can be a step of faith and healing.

    Forgiveness is a choice that benefits the forgiver.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Mental Health

    03:48 Healy's Journey: From Military to Mental Health Counseling

    07:33 Integrating Faith and Psychology in Counseling

    11:15 Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Children

    14:36 The Role of Parents in Managing Anxiety

    18:26 Faith as a Resource for Anxiety and Resilience

    22:07 Teaching Kids to Trust God in Uncertainty

    25:21 The Role of Parents in Building Trust

    26:16 Misconceptions About Faith and Mental Health

    28:06 The Importance of Counseling

    33:54 The Power of Forgiveness

    42:48 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

    51:33 lifestyle-outro-low.wav


    Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
    Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Inside Podcasting- Creating Connection
    May 23 2025

    Want to have a similar conversation with Jey- reach out over on IG @youngdadpod to set up a time! In this conversation, Jey and Michael Norman @MichaelPaulNorman discuss the podcasting journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, connection, and creating content that resonates with both the creator and the audience. They explore the challenges of growing an audience on platforms like YouTube, the significance of personal goals in content creation, and strategies for managing analytics without becoming overwhelmed. The discussion highlights the value of community and support among creators, emphasizing genuine connections over perfection.TakeawaysMake content that you want to make.Focus on connection over perfection in podcasting.There's room for everyone in the podcasting space.You can choose who you want to interview.Stop obsessing over analytics; focus on engagement.Create content that you enjoy and are passionate about.It's okay to decline interviews that don't align with your values.Building a community is essential for growth.Use analytics to learn, not to stress.Engage with your audience positively and authentically.Chapters00:00 Creating Authentic Content and Building Connections02:09 Navigating Audience Expectations and Content Direction06:50 Podcast Inspirations and Influences07:51 Goals and Missions Behind Podcasting09:30 Connecting with Audiences and Building Community11:31 Creating a Welcoming Podcast Environment13:15 Defining Your Podcast's Mission Statement15:41 Analytics and Content Creation Strategies18:55 Monetization and Affiliate Marketing Tips

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Fitness Update 9- Why Not
    May 23 2025

    For more info DM “DadBod” to @madmaxfitness84 on IG, listeners who mention the “Young Dad Podcast” will receive 1x month FREEIn this episode of the Young Dad Podcast, Jey Young discusses the importance of embracing change and overcoming personal fears to achieve fitness and personal growth. He emphasizes the need to let go of excuses and take control of one's life, encouraging listeners to seek community support and focus on long-term transformation through consistent effort and habit-building. Jey shares his journey and invites others to pursue a better version of themselves.TakeawaysWhy not become a better version of you?The best things in life are on the other side of terror.Your excuses are holding you back.You can still do things better than you've ever done them before.Compete against yourself to be better.Show up and do it, no excuses.Focus on the things you can control.What would your life be like if you lived in the absence of fear?Only good comes on the other side of that.You're worth it. You deserve to better yourself.Chapters00:00 Embracing Change: The Fitness Journey Begins02:35 Overcoming Fear: The Key to Growth05:13 The Power of Commitment: Being All In07:34 Long-Term Transformation: Building Lasting Habits10:23 Call to Action: Join the Movement

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • 223: Stronger Together: Why Every Man Needs a Men's Group- Jason L.
    May 22 2025

    In this episode of the Young Dad Podcast, Jey Young and Jason, a men's embodiment coach, delve into the importance of men's groups and the evolution of masculinity. They discuss how traditional masculinity often leads to isolation and emotional suppression, and how men's groups can provide support, feedback, and a sense of belonging. Jason shares his personal journey and insights on the significance of being in touch with one's emotions and body, and how this awareness can lead to healthier relationships and parenting. The conversation emphasizes the need for men to connect, share their struggles, and redefine what it means to be masculine in today's world.


    Takeaways

    Every man needs a men's group for support.

    Men often feel lonely even in groups.

    Emotional awareness is crucial for decision-making.

    Men's groups help break the lone wolf mentality.

    Healthy masculinity involves vulnerability and connection.

    Feedback from peers can lead to personal growth.

    Being in touch with emotions improves relationships.

    Isolation can lead to serious health issues for men.

    Men are wired for connection and community.

    Doing inner work benefits not just oneself but also one's children.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Modern Fatherhood and Masculinity

    01:10 The Journey into Men's Work

    03:31 The Power of Men's Groups

    10:35 Understanding Embodiment and Emotional Awareness

    18:04 Navigating the Challenges of Modern Masculinity

    25:46 Embracing Masculine Energy

    26:58 The Evolving Role of Men

    28:24 The Power of Men's Groups

    32:44 Connection and Community

    36:54 Defining Healthy Masculinity

    41:49 Courage and Vulnerability in Men

    48:54 lifestyle-outro-low.wav


    Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
    Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins