In this episode of "A Dad's Path," we are joined by Shaan Patel, a Shark Tank Alum, CEO of PrepExpert.com, and author of "Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook: Winning Strategies to Achieve Your Dream Score." Shaan's transformation from average to perfect SAT scores is just the beginning of his remarkable story. His journey through entrepreneurship, featured on Shark Tank and his medical career offers a blueprint for parents aiming to guide their children through the complexities of modern education. Key Takeaways: Embracing Educational Challenges: Shaan shares how overcoming significant educational obstacles and parental involvement were pivotal in his journey and how parents can support their children’s academic growth. The Influence of Parental Role Models Understanding the impact of parental example on children's work ethic and attitudes toward success is crucial for parents in nurturing the next generation.Developing Self-Motivation: Insights into fostering self-motivation in young learners, emphasizing the importance of setting personal goals that ignite internal drive and ambition.Balancing Professional and Personal Life: Shaan discusses balancing demanding professional endeavors and a fulfilling personal life, providing valuable advice for busy parents.Entrepreneurial Lessons from Shark Tank: Reflections on his entrepreneurial journey, including key lessons from his experiences on Shark Tank and the value of strategic partnerships. Visit PrepExpert.com for more insights into Shaan’s educational strategies and to explore the resources available there. You can also check out his new book, Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook: Winning Strategies to Achieve Your Dream Score. Join us as Shaan Patel shares essential parenting insights, particularly valuable for those with younger children, on building resilience, strategic learning, and the transformative power of a supportive family environment.

In this episode, we speak with Celia Landman, author of "When the Whole World Tips: Navigating Parenting Through Crisis with Mindfulness and Balance." Celia is a seasoned mindfulness educator with a deep background in supporting others through meditation, visualizations, and training. Celia shares strategies for finding balance in the tumultuous journey of parenting. Her teachings are further enriched by her experiences within the Plum Village community of engaged Buddhism, founded by the revered Thich Nhat Hanh. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Mindful Equanimity: Learn the profound concept of loving and allowing, which is crucial for parents to navigate the inherent struggle of wanting to shield their children from pain while recognizing the growth that comes from facing life's challenges. • Feeling Your Feelings: Discover how equanimity is not about being unaffected by emotions but about fully embracing all feelings and maintaining an open heart through life's ups and downs. • Empathy Before Education: Gain insights into the power of empathy in parenting, emphasizing the importance of understanding and validating children's emotions before moving to problem-solving strategies. • Navigating Children's Anxiety: Explore the modern epidemic of anxiety among children and teens, and learn how a mindful approach to parenting can offer stability and reassurance in an uncertain world. • Nonviolent Communication (NVC): Understand the principles of NVC and how it fosters connection, understanding, and mutual respect within the family, moving away from blame and toward a culture of empathy. What You Will Learn: • Strategies for Self-Compassion: Celia shares simple yet powerful practices for parents to cultivate self-compassion and self-care. She recognizes that the foundation of effective parenting lies in being grounded and present for oneself. • Empathy Techniques: Learn practical techniques for offering empathy to your children, helping them navigate their emotions, and building a stronger, more connected relationship. • Managing Your Own Anxiety: Discover methods to address and manage your anxiety, ensuring that you can offer your best self to your parenting role. • Customized Meditation and Visualization: Access Celia's wealth of experience in creating tailored meditation and visualization practices to reconnect with your inner peace and strength. You can find out more about Celia at https://celialandman.com or order her book here.

In this episode, renowned psychotherapist and author Nancy Dreyfus shares profound insights on helping children develop a strong sense of self. Nancy explains the critical importance of "entering your child's reality" and validating their feelings and experiences, even difficult ones. Nancy urges parents, especially fathers, to create spaces where kids feel safe to be vulnerable, set boundaries, and prioritize their internal worlds—not parents' embarrassment, expectations, or desire to "recontextualize" a child's emotions. Key Takeaways: The importance of empowering children to express their feelings and boundaries confidently.Techniques for parents to enhance empathy and validate their child's emotions, promoting a secure sense of self.Insights into the delicate balance of guiding children through societal expectations and gender roles.Practical strategies for developing open, honest, and heart-centered communication between parents and children. Why Listen: From the courage of a child expressing discomfort to the delicate art of empathy and validation, Nancy guides listeners through the importance of acknowledging and respecting a child's feelings, fostering an environment where emotional vulnerability is not just accepted but encouraged. The discussion pivots around practical strategies for parents to connect deeply with their children, emphasizing the transformative role of empathy in building self-esteem and self-worth. Nancy is the author of "Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love." You can learn more about Nancy at NancyDreyfus.com.

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Kirsten Jones, renowned peak performance and sports parenting coach, as she shares her expertise on raising empowered athletes. Key Takeaways: Emphasizing fun, friends, and fundamentals in youth sports.The role of sports in teaching valuable life skills beyond physical abilities.Strategies for parents to balance competition with enjoyment.How sports can serve as a tool for personal growth and development. Why Listen? Discover how to nurture your child's athletic journey with a focus on personal growth, lifelong activity, and the joy of sports. Whether your kids want to start playing a sport, are in competitive leagues, or play for fun, this episode offers practical advice for fostering a healthy, balanced approach to sports parenting. Kirsten is the author of ⁠Raising Empowered Athletes⁠ and the co-host of the ⁠Raising Athletes Podcast⁠.

Dive into a fascinating discussion with Jessica Lahey, author of "The Gift of Failure," as we explore the critical importance of allowing our children to encounter and learn from their failures. We discuss the essential role of challenges in developing resilience, independence, and a growth mindset in our kids. Key Takeaways: Embracing failure as a pivotal learning tool.The impact of overparenting on children’s motivation and learning.Strategies to foster intrinsic motivation and a love for learning.The significance of setting clear expectations and logical consequences.Practical tips for encouraging autonomy and competence in everyday parenting. Why Listen? Uncover actionable ideas and strategies to guide your children through their failures to success. Learn how to step back and let your kids navigate challenges, fostering resilience and self-efficacy that will serve them throughout their lives. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking to empower their children to reach their full potential.

Aurisha Smolarski is the author of "Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids." We explore the world of co-parenting with insights that bridge the gap between married and divorced dads. This episode delves into creating a supportive environment for children, regardless of family structure. Key Takeaways: Strategies for effective communication between co-parents.Tips for maintaining a positive relationship with your children and co-parent.The importance of setting consistent rules and boundaries across households.How married dads can support co-parenting dynamics within their own partnerships.Building a network of support to navigate the challenges of co-parenting. Why Listen? Gain practical advice and emotional support to enhance your co-parenting journey. Whether you're navigating co-parenting after divorce or seeking harmony in a blended family, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you succeed.

Today, we speak with Dr. Devorah Heitner, the author of "Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World." We discuss the complexities of parenting in the digital age, offering practical advice for navigating the challenges of raising children in a world dominated by social media and digital interactions. Key Topics: The impact of social media on children's development and family dynamics.Strategies for managing screen time and understanding different types of digital engagement.Guidelines for addressing exposure to inappropriate content, including pornography.The importance of open communication and setting boundaries in digital use.Tools and tips for helping children build a healthy online identity. Why Listen? Like it or not, your kids will be online. Learn how to create a balanced digital environment at home, foster open conversations about digital experiences, and guide your children in building a positive online presence. This episode is a valuable resource for any parent striving to navigate the digital world with their children. 🚀

Join host Will Braunstein as he explores the universal struggle with addiction (of all kinds) with Dr. Robb Kelly, a recovered alcoholic and addiction specialist.  Dr. Kelly shares his journey from addiction to success in helping others. Hear an inspiring story of redemption and learn practical ideas on dealing with addiction, both as an individual and as a parent. Plus, don't miss Dr. Kelly's simple but life-changing 3-part morning routine, a tool that could revolutionize your daily life. You can learn more about Robb and "Rewiring brains for success" at https://robbkelly.com.  A must-listen for anyone seeking transformative strategies to combat addiction and improve their role as a parent. 🚀

Becoming a dad can profoundly transform a man's identity. In this episode of "A Dad's Path," host Will Braunstein explores this transformative journey with psychotherapist Stephen Rowley, Ph.D. Their conversation delves into themes of identity, childhood trauma, and the complex roles fathers play in personal and family growth. Key Topics: Identity SearchChildhood Trauma and Psychological ImpactsFatherhood's Influence on Personal GrowthLife Challenges and ResilienceParenting Wisdom for Modern Dads Discover how fatherhood reshapes personal identity. This episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and relatable stories that will resonate with dads at all stages of their journey. 🌟

Host Will Braunstein chats with Reverend Dr. Stewart Perrilliat, a figure of resilience and inspiration, from Oakland's streets to a leader in the Marine Corps and now a guiding light in the 'Man to Man Urban Youth Advocate' program. An author and an ordained Reverend at Allen Temple Baptist Church, Stewart performs prison ministry, serving the men who have been incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison since 1995. ✨ Key Topics: The Power of a Simply Being There: Exploring the impact of fatherlessness and the importance of physical presence. 👨‍👦Learning from Adversity: Dr. Stuart's personal journey and its influence on his views on fatherhood. 🛠️Advice for Dads: Real-world tips on being an active, engaged, and consistent father. 📚 👍 Why Listen? Gain insights into overcoming the challenges of fatherhood.Learn how to be a more effective and present dad.Be inspired by Dr. Stuart's transformative journey and lessons. 💡

🚀 In this episode of "A Dad's Path," we sit down with Wayne Boatwright, a father with an extraordinary story of resilience, an Ivy League-educated attorney, and a former inmate at San Quentin. Wayne shares his journey of navigating fatherhood under challenging circumstances, offering a raw and inspiring perspective on the power of redemption and the importance of staying connected to your children, no matter the situation. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The profound impact of incarceration on fatherhood and family dynamics.Strategies for maintaining a strong bond with children, even from behind bars.Lessons learned from adversity and how they can be applied to become a better dad.Wayne's personal journey of transformation and what it truly means to be a present and engaged father. 🔎 Topics Covered: 1️⃣ Incarceration and Fatherhood: Insights into how being in prison affected Wayne’s relationship with his kids and the lessons he learned. 2️⃣ Maintaining Connections: Practical advice for dads on how to stay connected with their children, even in the toughest of times. 3️⃣ Learning from Adversity: How facing and overcoming challenges can lead to personal growth and a stronger bond with your children. 4️⃣ The Power of Presence: Emphasizing the importance of being an active and present father and its positive impact on your children’s lives. 👊 Enjoy this episode!

Understanding your child's brain can be the key to unlocking their full potential. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Jackson, an expert in child development and author of "Back on Track: A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive." 🧠 Key Takeaways: The importance of sensory experiences in shaping emotional circuitry.The role of stress and anxiety in both parents and kids and how to manage it.The impact of the pandemic on developmental milestones and how to mitigate its effects.Practical, actionable strategies for optimizing your child's skills and abilities. 🔍 Topics Covered: 1️⃣ Sensory Perception: How variety in sensory experiences can contribute to emotional maturity. 2️⃣ Stress & Anxiety: The amplifier of all challenges and how to navigate them. 3️⃣ Pandemic Impact: The long-term effects on developmental milestones and how to adapt. 4️⃣ Actionable Advice: Real-world strategies for parents to implement immediately. 📌 Resources: Follow Dr. Rebecca Jackson on Instagram @drrebeccajackson"Back on Track: A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive" by Dr. Rebecca Jackson. Available wherever books are sold. Brain Balance for Child Assessments. Enjoy this episode and Dad On!

Today, we speak with Anna Yudina, an expert on play and toys: it’s literally her job at the Toy Association! Anna shares actionable tips about screen dependence, dives deep into STEAM toys, discusses the difference between structured and unstructured play, and More! Redefine your understanding of play and discover how us dads can make the most of these precious moments. You can also find activities and ideas from the podcast at The Genius of Play. Dad On!

Get a grandparent's perspective! Today we chat with Greg Payne, the voice behind the "Cool Grandpa Podcast." Discover the nuances of long-distance grandparenting, the magic of family traditions, and the art of blending old and new customs. This episode delves deep into the importance of open communication between parents and grandparents, ensuring boundaries are respected and understanding how to voice concerns if grandparents aren't as engaged as hoped. Whether you're a dad looking for ways to connect your kids with their grandparents or seeking guidance on maintaining family harmony, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the journey from being a dad to embracing the role of a grandpa.

Join us on this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, where we speak with Sara Peterson, author of the enlightening book, "Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture." Sara gives advice on parenting in the age of social media, offering ideas on building supportive communities. From sharing stories of mothers pushing boundaries to discussing the roles of stay-at-home dads, we're taking a fresh look at 'ideal' parenthood. Peterson encourages us to redefine parenting roles beyond traditional stereotypes and equips us with tools for open communication within domestic partnerships. Learn how we can model a more balanced and inclusive approach to parenting, ensuring our kids grow up understanding that parenthood isn't about fitting into a specific 'mom' or 'dad' mold but rather about nurturing and guiding them as parents. Dad On!

On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you the acclaimed clinical psychologist and child discipline expert, Dr. Thomas Phelan​. Discover the secrets behind Dr. Phelan's revolutionary and award-winning approach to managing children's behavior, famously known as '1, 2, 3 Magic.' Stripping away the complexity and confusion surrounding parenting, he presents a surprisingly simple method that has helped countless families worldwide​. In this exciting exchange, Dr. Phelan reveals the three pillars of successful parenting: controlling obnoxious behavior, encouraging positive behavior, and bonding with your children. Nail these, and you're on your way to becoming a great parent​. Dad On!

On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're excited to have Catherine Topham Sly, a seasoned psychologist, relationship expert, and the founder of ⁠InsightConnection.  We cover a lot during this conversation. Highlights include: Relationship Check: Kids changed your love life? Catherine's got practical tips to keep that spark alive. 🔥💕Dad Feels: Being a dad is a rollercoaster, right? Will and Catherine talk about raw emotions and staying cool through the loops. 😎🎢Talk It Out: Communication is key, but how? Unlock the secret to talking like a pro with your partner and kiddos. 🔐🗣️Find Your Tribe: Parenting is a team sport! Catherine shares how to buddy up with other parents. 🦸‍♂️🤝Kid Decoder: What's going on in those little noggins? Get into the kiddo mindset for smoother sailing. 🧒🔍You Time: You're a parent, but you're also you. Self-care tips that won't make your head spin. 🛀💙 Enjoy this wide-ranging talk!

On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you a conversation with Dr. Will Cole, a top functional medicine practitioner, health advisor to Gwyneth Paltrow, and a New York Times bestselling author. Through a career dedicated to applying skepticism to nutritional trends, Dr. Cole teaches the importance of listening to our intuition. We explore the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection and its implications on our health. Dr. Cole shares his insights about how our gut and brain are inextricably linked from our earliest developmental stages and how this relationship influences everything from our mood to our immune system. He brings attention to the significance of inflammation as a silent communicator of chronic issues developing in our bodies. As a bonus, we also discuss Dr. Cole's new book, "Gut Feelings," where he demystifies the gut-brain connection and provides a framework to repair the relationship between what you eat and how you feel. This podcast episode might reference resources and strategies that require professional guidance. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personal health questions.

In this episode of "A Dad's Path Podcast," Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the world's longest study on happiness, shares insights on parenthood, relationships, and the secret to a fulfilling life. We delve into how marital satisfaction often dips after the birth of the first child and rebounds when the last child leaves home (there's hope, haha!). We also touch on the role of sacrifice in fatherhood, the importance of facing challenges with a loved one, and more! Take advantage of this thought-provoking conversation.

Join us as we dive deep into the world of parenting with a focus on raising emotionally intelligent kids. In this episode, we have a conversation with Allison Edwards, child psychotherapist, speaker, author, and owner of All the Feels Company. With over 20 years of experience working with children, Allison shares her expertise on emotional intelligence and strategies to help your kids manage their big emotions. We discuss how a simple yet effective tool, like feeling cards, can make a difference in your child's emotional health. Hear about the importance of early intervention and prevention in your child's mental well-being. Tune in as we explore the connection between emotional intelligence and future success, and learn how to prioritize emotional health in your child's life. Don't miss out on this invaluable episode packed with insights and actionable tips for dads everywhere!