Why Dad? The Hard Question Every Father Must Answer w/ Paul Wandrey

Send us Fan MailWhy are you a father?Why should you show up when it’s hard?Why does being a dad actually matter?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Paul Wandrey of the Why Dad Podcast to unpack the question most men never slow down enough to answer.We talk about grief, miscarriage, losing a child, emotional exhaustion, anger, therapy, and the pressure to be the “strong oak” for your family. But what if real strength isn’t about being unbreakable?This episode dives into:How loss reshapes a man’s identity as a fatherThe myth of emotional stoicism in menProcessing grief without shutting downHolding boundaries without losing connectionHow to redefine strength as a husband and dadWhy defining your “why” changes everythingIf you’ve ever felt tired, frustrated, disconnected, or unsure how to lead your family well… this one is for you.Stronger. Mindful. Present.InstagramYoutubePodcast00:00 Becoming a Dad: The Steeper Learning Curve & the Big “Why?”00:37 Welcome to The Daughter Podcast + Meet Paul01:48 What “Why Dad?” Really Means (Kids’ Questions, Future Fathers, Showing Up)04:10 Intentional Fatherhood & Paul’s Co-Host Perspective (Before You Have Kids)06:07 Sponsor Break: People Will Hunt06:53 Paul’s Origin Story: 1 of 9, Military/Catholic Upbringing, Seminary Years08:43 Loss, Grief, and Fatherhood Tested: Miscarriage & Isla’s 22-Week Birth12:38 Turning Pain Into Purpose: Becoming the Best Dad + Starting a Podcast14:47 Processing Miscarriage as a Couple: Dad vs. Mom Experience23:21 Honoring Amelia: Naming, Art, and Learning How to Support Sarah26:55 The “newborn smell” & instant bonding as a dad29:32 Racing to the hospital: unexpected labor at 22 weeks31:02 In the OR: helplessness, waiting, and Isla’s final moments33:31 After the loss: choosing to heal together (not break apart)35:47 Redefining strength for dads: grief, pressure, and leading as one41:01 Tools that helped: therapy, anger triggers, and parenting with empathy46:48 Modeling growth (not perfection) + the host’s own dad journey52:47 Looking 50 years ahead: health, presence, and lasting connection56:16 Advice to dads in grief: find your “why” and keep recentering58:42 Where to find Why Dad + final thanks, subscribe, and newsletter outroGuest Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, any organizations, companies, or institutions mentioned, or corporate entities represented by the host.Our aim is to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue. While we strive for accuracy and balance, it's important to recognize that opinions may vary. We encourage critical thinking and further exploration of the topics discussed.Support the showCatch up w/ The Daughtered PodcastOscar on InstagramFew Will Hunt. 10% OFF use GIRLDADWant to be a guest on The DAUGHTERED Podcast? Want to collaborate? Send Oscar Pena a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/daughteredpodcast