AJ Rich on Becoming the Dad You Want to Be in an Anxious World

What does it actually take to feel grounded, confident, and present as a dad when anxiety is rising, expectations are shifting, and the world feels louder than ever?AJ Rich is a licensed marriage and family therapist, practice owner, and doctoral candidate who works almost exclusively with men. After nearly 20 years in corporate leadership, AJ transitioned into clinical work and now helps dads navigate identity, emotional intelligence, anxiety, and growth without losing themselves or their families in the process.In this conversation, AJ shares how men can move beyond coping and toward real psychological wellbeing, even while juggling work pressure, parenting, and constant change.You will hear AJ break down how to: • Understand anxiety as a signal, not a failure • Build emotional intelligence without losing strength or credibility • Develop the language to describe what you are actually feeling • Shift from survival mode into sustainable growth • Redefine success beyond titles, income, or external validation • Identify what is holding you back when you feel stuckDig DeeperFeelings wheelBrené BrownBrené Brown: Atlas of the Heart on HBO MaxAtlas of the Heart by Brené Brown (book)PERMA Theory of Well-BeingDoc McStuffinsSofia the FirstSubway Sandwich ArtistFood Avenue in TargetThis is How We Do It by Montell JordanFollow AJAJ Family Therapy, Inc.Email AJFollow Gap to GigOn InstagramOn TikTokOn XOn ThreadsOn YouTubeOn your podcast player of choiceSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletterFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn