Best Dadlife Podcasts (2026)

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IDS #290 - Smell My Finger 1:00:57

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6h ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Send us a text Kicking off our first episode of the year with a special tribute to Rob Reiner. Mike forgot his belt… and somehow got mad at Darin about it. Darin went on the hunt for CBD balm and was *not* impressed. Wompers wants you to win a year’s supply of free hot dogs. And Darin has some “helpful” notes for Stanley Kubrick’s future films. Hap…

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DA415 | Your Superpower Is Hurting Your Kids, Creating Emotional Warmth at Home, and Why Attachment Is Everything – Part 1 (Jeremy Pryor) 34:09

6d ago34:09

34:09

🚨 If you just go with the flow, it will destroy your family. Jeremy Pryor is BACK on the podcast with a wake-up call for dads everywhere. In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, he's sharing: ➡️ Why your ability to emotionally detach is hurting your kids ➡️ The difference between "Do I love my kids?" and "Do they FEEL loved?" ➡️ How to become a wa…

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IDS #289 - How Do You Smoke a Beer? 36:39

7d ago36:39

36:39

Send us a text This week, Mike may have played Call of Duty with Sylvester the Cat, Darin's kids have a problem using dish rags and both of the boys reminisce about the good ol' days of drinking Zima! Special thanks to Dave Lay for hosting this week and Happy New Year to all! #ZIMA #SOUNDGARDEN#JOHNNYCASH #SOUTHPARK #RAGEBAITING #PODCAST #IRRITABLE…

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DA414 | The Most Important 9 Minutes of Your Kid's Day, Choosing Contentment, and Lessons from Sourdough (Dan Tinquist) 37:42

12d ago37:42

37:42

What if the secret to connecting with your kids wasn't more time—but better minutes? ✅ The See, Hear, Know framework for becoming a student of your kids ✅ Why over-teaching actually backfires (and what to do instead) ✅ How to plan your family's year WITH them, not just for them SUMMARY: What if the most impactful moments with your kids are just nin…

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IDS #288 - Eat Your Christmas Butter! 38:47

14d ago38:47

38:47

Send us a text Do you have crazy uncles who give away fireworks at Christmas? Has a conga line ever traveled over your waterbed at a party? Is it ok to use more than one roll of the same wrapping paper? These questions and more are discussed on our festive Christmas episode. Dave Lay steps in as host with appearances from "Weird" Al Yankovic, South…

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DA413 | Forgiveness Fridays, Throwback Tuesdays, and Building a Close-Knit Family on Purpose (Michael DeAquino) 32:43

19d ago32:43

32:43

➡️ How yearly family vision summits (with a hot tub!) shape your family's direction ➡️ The power of tying your kids' names to your family's core values ➡️ Why pre-parental counseling removes the shame that keeps dads stuck later SHOW NOTES https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/413 SUMMARY What if you could prepare for fatherhood before the chaos even beg…

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IDS #287 - Frank's Deer Urine Black Friday Sale 58:48

21d ago58:48

58:48

Send us a text This week, Darin is crying for help before his family has the truck come and haul him off to the retirement home. Mike learned his lesson after not saying no to door-to-door salespeople. And we talk about Frank's Deer Urine and Crowder's Vac and Gun Shop! We recorded this episode with a brand new audio board and sound sexier than eve…

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DA412 | A 3-Year Journey to Launch Your Kids, 30 Skills Every Teen Should Learn, and Moments That Impact All of Time (Matt Hanson) 39:29

27d ago39:29

39:29

📍 When did you become a man? Most guys can't answer that question clearly—because they never had a defining moment. Matt Hanson is on a mission to change that. In this episode, he shares the Ion Path—a 3-year Christian rite of passage for dads and their 12-16 year olds. You'll hear: ➡️ Why Dad is "LeBron James" in the faith transfer game (50-60 poi…

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When Does Parenting Become Joy? (Gag Reflexes, Poop & Gratitude) 39:32

28d ago39:32

39:32

When does having kids stop feeling like a never-ending responsibility and start feeling like real joy? This episode we flipped the script and talked about the joy of raising kids — not just the chaos. Somewhere between the diapers, gag reflex disasters, and bedtime talks, we tried to figure out when parenting starts feeling less like a job and more…

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IDS #286 - I'm Not Afraid of Bacon 52:38

28d ago52:38

52:38

Send us a text This week on Irritable Dad Syndrome, we dive deep into the post-Thanksgiving haze as Crickett and Tabbs share their holiday tales, including a pumpkin pie debacle that will leave you in stitches! From the chaos of Costco to the joy of family gatherings, hear all about the ups and downs of their festive experiences. But wait, there's …

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DA411 | The Daily 15, Brain Science Behind Morning Routines, and Why Sabbath Is Your Family's Secret Weapon – Part 2 (Chris Cirullo) 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

🕐 What if 15 minutes could change your entire life? ✅ The brain science behind why your morning and evening routines matter more than you think ✅ How to build a sustainable Daily 15 practice that actually sticks ✅ Why Sabbath might be the most Christ-like (and kid-favorite) rhythm your family is missing ✅ The one thing 93% of men said they want to …

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IDS #285 - A Piece of Toilet Paper and a Dream 43:22

1M ago43:22

43:22

Send us a text We totally forgot to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving last week and spent the majority of this episode apologizing for it. Plus, decorating for Christmas, a disappointing visit to Costco and you won't believe the treasure Darin found inside the discount vinyl rack! Oh, the humanity, this is a great episode! #THANKSGIVING #WKRP #PI…

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DA410 | Why Dads Are Called to Bring Order, Solving Family Friction Points, and Setting Impossible Goals – Part 1 (Chris Cirullo) 31:00

1M ago31:00

31:00

✅ The biblical reason dads are called to bring order to their homes ✅ How to train your kids like a football coach (M&Ms included!) ✅ The power of a weekly family meeting to solve your biggest friction points ✅ Why setting "impossible" goals actually works SUMMARY Chaos doesn't have to be the norm in your home. In Part 1 of this conversation, Army …

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IDS #284 - The Adventures of Crickett and Tabbs 53:54

1M ago53:54

53:54

Send us a text This week we discuss how to become an ordained minister, what's appropriate to wear to a bris and the greatest television show of all time.... Miami Vice. Plus, find out what Darin's wife did that seriously crossed the line in their marriage! After you listen to this episode you'll be saying "DERP!" #MIAMIVICE #RUNNINGMAN #LATESHOW #…

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DA409 | Why Your 5-Year-Old Isn't Selfish, Walking Through Repair, and the Gift of Just Showing Up (Chris Ammen) 43:02

2M ago43:02

43:02

What if your kid's "selfishness" is actually developmentally normal? 🤯 ✅ Why emotional awareness makes you a better dad (not a softer one) ✅ How to walk your kids through the "I'm sorry" process step by step ✅ The turkey hunting philosophy of spiritual formation ✅ Why showing up in children's ministry is a slingshot back to your home SUMMARY: What …

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IDS #283 - Moose Are Sneaky 1:01:39

2M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Send us a text For the first time ever, Darin got a wicked cramp while recording the podcast. Find out if Mike rubbed his leg to help Darin with the pain. Plus, Mike Chisholm of The Letterman Podcast returns to the show! We talk a LOT about moose, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nine Inch Nails and more. Special shout out to Walter Kim! ANPODCAST #…

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Food, Aging & Indigestion | NaanSense! #food #foodculture #desifood #guthealth #fatherhood 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

What happens when Desi dads hit their 40s and their bodies betray their biryani dreams? 🥲 From daal-chawal childhoods and Bundu Khan nostalgia to Costco-sized Tums and air-fried chicken wings, this episode of NaanSense! is all about how our eating habits have completely changed. We get into: 🍛 Growing up on aloo gosht, daal chawal & DIY Desi home c…

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DA408 | Raising Sons Who Invite Others In: Wrestling, Delayed Phones, and Legacy Rewritten (Carl Cartee) 39:13

2M ago39:13

39:13

🍕🤼‍♂️ Pizza nights. Wrestling matches. Honest talks about sex, phones, and finding the right wife. ✅ Why Tuesday wrestling nights built more than just muscle ✅ The 18th birthday dinner where 4 friends said the exact same thing (and it wasn't planned) ✅ How to talk about sex early and often without shame ✅ Why delaying phones until driving age might…

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IDS #282 - No Offense To Anyone That Has a Squeezing Disorder 52:08

2M ago52:08

52:08

Send us a text Hang on to your wigs and keys, this episode goes off the rails in all the right ways! We had a guest bail on us last minute, Darin's neighbor thinks he's all that because he owns a lot of aluminum foil, and Charmin has the perfect product for people too lazy to change the toilet paper roll. #NOBODYWANTSTHIS #LETTERMANPODCAST #RUSH #S…

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DA407 | Creating Spiritual Curiosity, Jesus' Lion and Lamb Moments, and Building Faith Through Questions (David Murrow) 31:22

2M ago31:22

31:22

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IDS #281 - This Plane Is Hard Broke 53:28

2M ago53:28

53:28

Send us a text Darin almost had a scare in the air! Find out what went wrong that caused him to spend 10 hours at the airport. Mike wants to stop people from doing stupid shit. Hear his detailed plan Plus the Johnny Carson centennial exhibit, unusual elevator encounters, rude waiters and the mystery of the missing microphone. We told our families t…

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Too Much’ism: Doing It for the ’Gram? | NaanSense! #halloween #parenting #culture #instagram #desi 33:30

2M ago33:30

33:30

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! Is parenting stuck in Too Much'ism? The NaanSense dads swap stories on over-the-top birthdays, Insta-escalation, and whether Halloween is for fun or for the ’Gram. We hit DIY vs. curated, immigrant/Muslim takes on Halloween, neighborhood differences, the Dad Tax, and yes—how a “quick” Costco run hit $900. 🎙 NaanSense! — Funny, ho…

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DA406 | How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex, Building a Marriage That Thrives, and the Power of Proactive Fatherhood (Dave Willis) 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

🎯 As a dad, are you leading the conversation about sex with your kids—or letting the world do it for you? ✅ Why dads need to play the lead role in sex conversations (even with daughters!) ✅ How to make your marriage thrive with 7 simple shifts ✅ The power of resisting passivity and taking proactive action ✅ FREE resources that will strengthen your …

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IDS #280 - Grillin' With Jesus 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

Send us a text On this episode, Mike's gas grill might have supernatural powers! Darin reveals his all time celebrity crush. And, we discuss the truth about Corn Flakes. Find out what they have to do with your intense, sexual urges. That's right... we said it. If you'd like to listen to uncensored segments of this podcast, go to our website and bec…

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Rethinking the desi mindset | NaanSense! #parenting #culture #mentalhealth #desi 36:22

3M ago36:22

36:22

What does it mean to rethink the Desi mindset? The NaanSense! dads unpack how culture, colonialism, and “log kya kahenge” shaped emotional expression in South Asian Desi families — and how we’re trying to change that for our kids. From why our parents never smiled in photos to gossip, Desi Standard Time, and the pressure to always appear “put toget…

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DA405 | Courageous Fatherhood, The Gift of Physical Touch, and Doing for One More Kid (Peter Ostapko) 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

✅ Why following Jesus is the most adventurous thing you'll ever do ✅ The often-overlooked power of physical touch with your kids ✅ How to build the deep brotherhood every dad desperately needs ✅ A game-changing challenge: Do for ONE kid outside your family what you do for your own LEAVE DADAWESOME A VOICEMAIL ✅ Under 90-seconds ✅ Begin with your fi…

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IDS #279 - It's a Long Story - The Best of Year 5 3:08:53

3M ago3:08:53

3:08:53

Send us a text Wow - 5 years! Sit back, relax - and enjoy our biggest "Best of" collection yet! Including: Cargo shorts Lying to the eye doctor Darin takes his kid to the wrong house The pole, Carl, and Lonnie Stevens The strangest drive through request Fudge Cacophony Mike bitches about Costco Rick Miller on Link Wray The "40 Miles to Vegas" story…

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DA404 | Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, Emotional Regulation, and Breaking Generational Patterns (Tyler Graham) 43:42

3M ago43:42

43:42

When you're constantly hurrying from one thing to the next, it's almost impossible to be the dad you want to be. In this episode, you'll hear: ✅ The moment his son flinched and why it became the turning point ✅ How emotional regulation helps you stay in the "green zone" with your kids ✅ Why your role isn't to be Superman—it's to be the chief repent…

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IDS #278 - Pounding the Monster 56:23

3M ago56:23

56:23

Send us a text This week's topics include getting paddled at school, crinkle cut french fries, a woman has been calling Darin at very late hours, Mike's dream job of tasting new Dorito flavors, and a review of another classic episode of Gumby! This podcast almost got canceled 3 times this week, so thanks to our censors for saving our butts! Be sure…

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DA403 | Building the Overcome Muscle, Morning Rhythms with Your Kids, and Why Play Matters (Zac Ernst) 40:09

3M ago40:09

40:09

VOICE MESSAGE - leave us a 90-second question or comment or fedback... Start with your first name and where you are from: https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome 🏋️ Want to become a stronger dad? It starts with doing hard things—together. ✅ How to stay emotionally strong when your teenager isn't in the mood to talk ✅ Why opposition is actually a gift …

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Careers & Culture: Rethink Traditional Pressures for Our Kids? #parenting #dadlife #careeradvice 34:36

3M ago34:36

34:36

Growing up in many South Asian / Desi households, the career playbook was simple: doctor, lawyer, engineer — stability first, passion later (if ever). As dads now raising kids in a very different world, we’re rethinking those rules. 🎙 NaanSense is where South Asian / Desi dads in their 40s get real (and laugh often) about careers, family, culture, …

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IDS #277 - More Underwear and More Coconuts 41:24

3M ago41:24

41:24

Send us a text Join us this week for an encore performance of one of our greatest episodes! We discuss Mike's elaborate prank at Darin's son's graduation party, plus, Darin had an Uber trip go completely wrong when he was in the windy city and we've added two never before heard bonus clips! Does Mike's Dog have the mange? Georgia Warder cuts a teas…

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DA402 | Four Pillars of Manhood, Emotional Safety, and Getting to the Rocking Chair with Love (Josh Krehbiel) 47:18

3M ago47:18

47:18

How to pass the 4 pillars of manhood to your kids Why celebrating vulnerability matters more than perfect discipline How to normalize hard conversations about sex, money, and struggle The long view: Becoming a tender-hearted grandpa starts now FULL SHOW NOTES LEARN about joining the Fall 2025 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohorts SUMMARY Some days you fee…

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IDS #276 - Strap a Zapper To An Otter 1:06:31

3M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Send us a text Chick Fil A out did themselves. Wait until you hear what they called Darin the last time he perused their drive-through window. Mike has a shocking idea that could revolutionize how people train their dogs. Darin reviews an episode of Gumby that may have inspired a peak moment in Breaking Bad. And stay til the end for an encore prese…

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DA401 | Beyond Comfort Zones: A Father-Daughter Conversation on Risk, Faith, and Inheritance (George & Ambery Gourlay) 51:08

3M ago51:08

51:08

🌍 From South Africa to America—this father-daughter story will challenge everything you think about comfort, risk, and legacy. George moved his family across the world and his daughter Amberly just started grad school in Boston. Together they share: ✅ How one grandfather's radical encounter changed generations ✅ Why true security comes from identit…

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What Do Dads Really Fear? From Jinn to Family & Work 36:39

4M ago36:39

36:39

What are Desi dads really afraid of? 👀 From childhood Jinn stories and creepy clowns to bungee jumping, pandemic anxieties, and the fear of failure — this episode of NaanSense! unpacks the funny, irrational, and deeply real fears that shape fatherhood today. We get into: 👻 Growing up scared of Jinn (and watching The Exorcist way too young) 🎢 Why bu…

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IDS #275 - How To Watch Game of Thrones With Your Kids 59:51

4M ago59:51

59:51

Send us a text Did you know Robert Redford was in Star Wars? We talk about some other films of his you may be unfamiliar with. Plus, problems with Raiders of the Lost Ark, M&Ms have way too many flavors, advice for watching Game of Thrones with your kids, and Darin reviews Gumby and the Glob! Oh yeah... this episode is 100% Dope! #ROBERTREDFORD #EM…

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DA400 | Celebrating 400 Episodes, Looking Back at God's Faithfulness, and the DADAWESOME Book Preview (Jeff Zaugg) 1:01:40

4M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Seven and a half years ago, a simple question on a cousin's patio changed everything: "How do you stay intentional as a dad?" That moment sparked what became 400 podcast conversations, over 1,000 men mobilized in activation events, and a million dollars raised for ministries serving the fatherless. In this milestone episode, Jeff celebrates by look…

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IDS #274 - The Radioactive Shrimp 35:02

4M ago35:02

35:02

Send us a text This episode is a quickie! Mike and Darin talk about the good old days when you could steal baseballs from kids without going viral all over the internet! Plus, losing cats in unusual places, radioactive shrimp, a question from a listener from Finland and we review another amazing episode of Gumby! Phone the neighbors and wake the ki…

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DA399 | Seeing Your Kids, Feeling with Them, and Delighting in Who They Are (Dr. Jake Smith - Part 2) 26:37

4M ago26:37

26:37

🔥 PART 2 is here! Dr. Jake Smith is back with the game-changing attunement triangle that will transform how you connect with your kids. 70% of Christian leaders don't finish well as dads. Don't be part of that statistic. In today's episode, you'll discover: ✅ The 4 components of attunement that create lasting relationships ✅ How to escape the "smot…

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Family Travel: Vacation or Survival Sport for Parents? 43:27

4M ago43:27

43:27

Traveling, fatherhood, and family chaos — all through the lens of being a Desi / South Asian dad (complete with the occasional battle against your own couch 🛋️). A funny, honest, and relatable take on parenting and family life — Desi dad style. In this episode of NaanSense!, we get real (and laugh a lot) about: 🛋️ The “couch test” — when dad duties…

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IDS #273 - You Gotta Wear a Coat If You're Going To The Moon 54:05

4M ago54:05

54:05

Send us a text This week, Mike learned a new dance at the Oasis concert Darin thought an alien impregnated him after he had a colonoscopy and back by popular demand... the boys discuss another episode of Gumby. This time... Gumby goes to the moon! #OASIS #CHICAGO #GUMBY #THEMOON #COMEDY #PODCASTS #POZNAN Support the show Thank you so much for liste…

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DA398 | When Your 4-Year-Old Breaks Your Heart Open: The Plumb Line for Dads (Dr. Jake Smith) 31:23

4M ago31:23

31:23

💔 "If I could pick a nice dad or you, I'd still pick you." That's what Dr. Jake Smith's 4-year-old daughter whispered to him at bedtime. Talk about a truth bomb from the mouth of a child! Jake unpacks how that moment launched his discovery of our "spiritual anatomy"—the four systems that make us complete fathers: ✅ The Loving Companion (Heart) ✅ Th…

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IDS #272 - Pancakes and Outhouses 1:00:49

4M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Send us a text Holy Crap this might be our best episode ever! We discuss companies besides Cracker Barrel who screwed up their logo, getting disrespected at a gender reveal party, attacking crowd members with metal kazoos, that time Gumby had to fight Robots and so much more. It's like being punched in the face with coolness! #GUMBY #OASIS #CRACKER…

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DA397 | Making Real Life More Compelling Than Screens, The Purpose of Fatherhood, and Lessons from Foster Care (Kieran Lenahan) 44:01

4M ago44:01

44:01

✅ The "wooden box method" that transforms phone habits ✅ Why asking "What's the point of fatherhood?" changes everything ✅ How foster care taught them about the infinite value of every child ✅ Why each of your kids needs different parenting approaches FULL SHOW NOTES SUMMARY What if the secret to raising kids who aren't addicted to screens isn't ab…

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Fatherhood, Aging, and Life’s Dilemmas 24:21

4M ago24:21

24:21

South Asian / Desi dads in their 40s navigating fatherhood, midlife, and cultural chaos — with laughs along the way. Hitting 40 changes a lot more than just the number on your birthday cake. 🎂 On the NaanSense! launch episode, we get real about: Knowing yourself and setting boundaries that matter for family and life 🙏 The body’s curveballs (hello r…

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IDS #271 - I Wanted To Ship Myself Overseas (w/ Mark Malkoff) 54:16

4M ago54:16

54:16

Send us a text Legendary podcast host, comedian and author Mark Malkoff joins the Irritable Dads to talk about his brand new book Love Johnny Carson. They have a fantastic discussion about Johnny and what made him so awesome. He also talks about working with David Letterman, interviewing Steven Wright and Fred Willard, the time he had New Yorkers c…

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Introducing: NaanSense! A weekly podcast by 4 dads about life 0:56

5M ago0:56

0:56

South Asian / Desi dads in their 40s navigating fatherhood, midlife, and cultural chaos — with laughs along the way. Welcome to NaanSense! 🎙️ where South Asian / Desi dads in their 40s stumble through life, fatherhood, and cultural confusion — with plenty of laughs. We overthink, overshare, and make each other laugh… usually by accident. It’s equal…

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DA396 | Non-Reactive Parenting, The Five Life Spheres, and Lightening Your Child's Backpack (Glenn Packiam) 34:24

5M ago34:24

34:24

✅ Why your emotional health is the greatest gift to your kids ✅ How to parent non-reactively when hormones and emotions run high ✅ The "backpack" you're handing your children (and how to lighten it) ✅ Simple calendar strategies that reveal what you truly value Full Show Notes Fall 2025 DadAwesome Accelerator SUMMARY Parenting doesn't have to be abo…

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IDS #270 - Meet Georgia Warder - Comedian, Dog Walker, and Tuba Player 1:02:20

5M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Send us a text Mike and Darin had the pleasure of chatting with up and coming comedian Georgia Warder. She's awesome! You're going to love this episode! #GEORGIAWARDER #WESTVIRGINIA #COMEDY #PODCASTS Support the show Thank you so much for listening to this episode! If you like what we do, please check out our other content! Follow our socials for a…