Andrew, an aspiring dad, and Paul, a dad of two, dig deep to find out what it means to be/become the best dad possible, why it matters, and how to do so.
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Paul Wandrey Podcasts
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Andrew’s Boisterous Laughs and Paul’s Dad Lessons
30:40
30:40
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30:40
In this episode of Why Dad?, Paul and Andrew slow things down and invite listeners into a casual conversation about what’s been going on in their lives. Topics include: 🌽 Surviving the Minnesota “corn sweats” 👶 Paul’s first weeks of paternity leave with both kids at home 🍋 Evie’s lemonade stand and the surprise competition that taught Paul a lesson…
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David Schatzkamer and Why Play Is the Most Underrated Parenting Tool
38:38
38:38
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38:38
Why play matters: Play is how kids communicate their inner world. It’s not just fun—it’s expressive, healing, and relational. Responding vs. reacting: How slowing down and tuning in builds trust and emotional regulation. Connection before correction: When children act out, it’s often a bid for connection—not defiance. Scheduled unstructured time: J…
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Takeaways Showing up means being present physically and mentally. It's important to take time for yourself before engaging with family. Micro moments of presence can be just as impactful as macro moments. Barriers to showing up include work stress and distractions. Creating routines can help facilitate being present. Apologizing to children strengt…
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Noémi Beres on Parenting, Creativity, and Making Space
47:41
47:41
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What We Talk About: What parenting a teenager teaches you about emotional honesty Rebuilding your creative life as a form of self-care How small acts of art can create connection Giving your kids permission to see you as human Balancing business, boundaries, and being present Creating without pressure and parenting without perfection Resources & Me…
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It Takes A Village But Who Makes Up That Village?
47:11
47:11
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47:11
👵 Why involved grandparents can boost kids’ confidence, social skills, and emotional wellbeing 🎯 The gap between how you want to parent and how your parents might grandparent 🧁 The power of Sunday muffins, last-minute babysitting, and everyday grandparent magic 💬 What happens when expectations go unspoken and why clear communication is everything 🫱…
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Matt Edmundson: Fridge Rights, Kebab Vans, and Raising Great Kids
50:35
50:35
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50:35
🔗 Connect with Matt Edmundson Website & Full Bio mattedmundson.com LinkedIn Accessible via his site, but confirmed: linkedin.com/in/mattedmundson Instagram @mattedmundson The eCommerce Podcast (hosted by Matt) Also widely available on Spotify and other platformsBy Paul Wandrey, Andrew Stolpestad
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Gentle Parenting: Spineless or Stronger Than You Think?
57:19
57:19
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57:19
🧠 Topics Covered: What gentle parenting actually means The difference between permissive and respectful Why “being the adult” doesn’t mean being the boss Handling triggers without shame How we model emotional regulation Where we’ve gotten it wrong—and what we’ve learned Why connection gives your discipline more power 🎯 This episode is for: Dads try…
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Parenting on Empty: Why Showing Up Still Matters
1:07:56
1:07:56
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🔑 What We Talk About: Why “being there” isn’t always easy, but it always matters How dads carry pressure to fix things instead of just be there The pilot-in-turbulence metaphor that redefined Nick’s parenting mindset Learning to shift from resentment to gratitude in daily chaos Accepting failure and showing your kids that love is consistent, not pe…
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How Do You Give What You Don't Have? Taking Care of Yourself to Take Care of Your Kids
49:34
49:34
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49:34
What We Talk About: 🧠 Why mental health maintenance (not just crisis response) is essential 🥦 How nutrition, sleep, and blood sugar affect emotional regulation 🏋️ The connection between movement, play, and showing up well as a dad 🧃 Why your discipline slips when your energy does 💬 Modeling emotional health for your kids by doing your own inner wor…
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🔑 What We Talk About: 👴 Parenting for 40, not just for 18 ⚖️ Punishment vs. consequences — and why they're not the same 🧠 Why the best parenting moments happen after the meltdown 🎯 How to raise kids who love learning and trust their own reasoning 📚 What we get wrong about grades, homework, and school 🤐 Why discipline in the moment usually fails 💬 H…
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In this episode, Paul and Andrew dig into one of the most powerful (and often under-discussed) parenting skills: teaching our kids how to think. From silly moments like mistaking cows for horses to deeper reflections on autonomy and identity, they explore how critical thinking shows up in everyday parenting—and how easy it is to accidentally shut i…
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Putting the Gratitude in Attitude: the Power of a Gratitude Mindset
47:21
47:21
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Disclaimer: Please don't close your eyes as instructed if you are driving or doing anything else dangerous. In this episode of the Why, Dad? Podcast, we explore the transformative power of gratitude and how it shapes us as fathers. "Putting the Gratitude in Attitude: The Power of a Gratitude Mindset" dives into the essential role gratitude plays in…
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Disclaimer: expect some minor audio issues due to one of our hosts calling in from a remote location. In this episode, Paul and Andrew dive into a thought-provoking clip from a popular parenting influencer, where the idea that parents shouldn’t teach their kids "what" to learn, but instead create an environment where they can discover "what they wa…
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The Aspiring Dad: Preparing for Fatherhood
39:07
39:07
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39:07
What does it mean to prepare for fatherhood before it even begins? In this episode, Paul and Andrew explore the journey of an aspiring dad—Andrew's personal reflections on his desire to become a father, the challenges of preparing for that role, and the intentional steps he's taking to become the best version of himself.From discussing the influenc…
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In this behind the scenes episode of 'Why, Dad?', Paul and Andrew dive into one of the biggest milestones in parenthood—welcoming a new child into the family. Paul opens up about the birth of his son, Liam, and reflects on the emotions, challenges, and joys of transitioning from a family of three to four. They discuss the mix of relief and exciteme…
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The Power of Habits: Designing Your Life One Brick at a Time
1:23:40
1:23:40
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Habits shape who we are, whether we realize it or not. In this episode, Paul and Andrew break down the science of habits, why they matter, and how to leverage them to take control of your life. From battling the 'whack-a-mole' cycle of self-improvement to stacking small wins for big success, they share practical tips for building better habits and …
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What separates those who thrive from those who are stuck drifting aimlessly or in an unending loop of failed habits? One word: Grit. In this episode, Paul and Andrew peel back the onion of resilience—what it is, why it matters, and how we can develop it in ourselves and our kids. Learn practical ways to help push through challenges, embrace failure…
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In this introspective and relatable episode of Why, Dad?, Paul and Andrew dive into a question that many of us have asked ourselves: What are you doing with your life? Through candid conversation and lighthearted banter, they explore what it means to find purpose, align your actions with your values, and navigate the chaos of life with intention. W…
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Beyond Responsibility: The Power of Accountability
1:25:06
1:25:06
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Get ready to dive deep into the powerful concept of responsibility with Andrew and Paul on this episode of the "Why Dad?" podcast! Forget the boring old definitions – they're tackling responsibility as a game-changer for both personal growth and raising awesome kids.By Paul Wandrey, Andrew Stolpestad
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Fatherhood as a Legacy and Responsibility
1:33:36
1:33:36
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1:33:36
This episode of the Why Dad Podcast dives deep into the profound idea of fatherhood as both a legacy and a responsibility. Hosts Paul and Andrew explore what it truly means to build something that endures, not just for your children, but for their children's children and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned dad, considering fatherhood, or simply striv…
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Raising Kids, Raising Ourselves: The Why Dad Podcast
37:37
37:37
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37:37
Andrew Stolpestad and Paul Wandrey, long-time friends and practically brothers, launch the 'Why Dad?' podcast. Aimed at helping themselves and others navigate the challenges and joys of fatherhood, the podcast addresses key questions about raising children, self-improvement, and building a supportive community for dads and aspiring dads. Andrew, as…
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