Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life

How do you stay calm, present, and emotionally available when life keeps pulling you in every direction at once?Colin C. Thompson believes the answer starts with mental fitness. As a coach, speaker, and certified Positive Intelligence practitioner, Colin works with people who feel stuck between pressure, responsibility, and the constant demands of work and family life. His approach focuses on helping dads recognize the thought patterns, habits, and emotional reactions that quietly shape how they show up every day.This conversation explores how working dads can build mental fitness instead of constantly operating in survival mode. Colin breaks down the mental habits that create more presence, patience, emotional control, and healthier work life balance at home and at work.Colin shares how to:Create healthier boundaries between work mode and family modeTransition intentionally from work stress into parenting timeRecognize self-sabotaging thoughts before they spiralStop carrying workplace pressure into family interactionsRespond to stressful parenting moments with more calm and less reactivityModel emotional openness and healthy behavior for your kidsReduce comparison and external pressure as a working dadFor working dads trying to balance fatherhood, meaningful work, and the emotional pressure that comes with both, this conversation offers practical ways to build stronger mental fitness, healthier boundaries, and more intentional relationships at home.Dig DeeperKung Fu TheaterRally’s24K Magic by Bruno MarsElmo the PresidentFollow ColinOn his websites: https://www.oligye.com and https://www.colincthompson.comOn Facebook: https://facebook.com/colin.c.thompsonOn LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/colincthompson/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogigOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

Why do so many working dads feel exhausted even when they’re doing everything "right"?Dr. Matt Campbell believes the problem is not that most people are broken. It’s that they’re depleted.Matt is a clinical psychologist and creator of the Primal Five Framework, which focuses on five foundational areas that shape how we show up every day: sleep, sunlight, movement, connection, and consumption. His work explores how modern life quietly pulls us away from the things our minds and bodies were built for and how that depletion affects everything from patience and anxiety to parenting and meaningful work.Matt shares how to:Recognize when exhaustion is really a capacity problem instead of a time problemImprove work life balance without trying to overhaul your entire life overnightBuild routines that reduce decision fatigue and make healthy habits easierFind practical ways to incorporate movement into an already busy scheduleCreate meaningful connection instead of surface-level social interactionBreak cycles of depletion, irritability, anxiety, and overwhelmMatt brings a thoughtful and deeply practical perspective to fatherhood, parenting, and the reality of trying to stay healthy while balancing work, family, and daily responsibilities.Dig DeeperOur Epidemic of Loneliness and IsolationScooby-Doo Theme SongThunder RoadYou Never Even Called Me by My NameFollow MattOn his website: https://www.ourprimal5.com/On his newsletter: https://our-primal-5.kit.com/9b41ee5325On Instagram: https://instagram.com/ourprimal5On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-campbell-a5b22910/Get the Our Primal 5 Workbook: https://amzn.to/48Qoe9hFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogigOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when your life changes faster than you can process it?For Mike Weyandt, the shift into fatherhood came all at once. A long, uncertain adoption process suddenly turned into bringing home a newborn in a matter of weeks. At the same time, his career path was in flux, and shortly after, the world shut down.What followed was a season filled with constant change, new responsibilities, and very little time to step back and make sense of it all.Mike brings a rare combination of perspectives. As a former opera performer, he understands what it means to be fully present when it matters most. As a talent leader and executive coach, he has helped others navigate uncertainty in their careers. And as a dad, he has lived through the reality of balancing meaningful work, identity shifts, and the everyday demands of parenting.Mike shares how to:Recognize and interrupt reactive patterns in both work and parentingBuild awareness around the thoughts that drive stress and overwhelmStay present when everything around you feels uncertainBalance ambition with the realities of fatherhood and daily lifeMove from constant reaction to more intentional decision-makingLet go of “should” thinking and challenge inherited assumptionsHandle career uncertainty without defaulting to ineffective busy workAccept that growth as a parent and professional is an ongoing practiceMike’s perspective is thoughtful, honest, and deeply practical. Especially for working dads trying to figure out work life balance while navigating change, pressure, and the desire to be more present at home.It’s a reminder that not every season needs to be solved immediately. Sometimes the real work is learning how to stay grounded while everything is still unfolding.Dig DeeperADHDNever Eat AloneBlueyCrazy by Patsy ClineFollow MikeOn his website: analogpractice.workOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweyandt/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogigOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What does it actually look like to rebuild your life after everything falls apart?Rob Capili has lived through it. Divorce, career pivots, identity shifts, and the long process of starting over while still showing up as a father. His path has never been linear. From tech to filmmaking to music to entrepreneurship, he has followed curiosity, taken risks, and learned the hard way what matters and what doesn’t.But some of his most important lessons didn't come from success. They came from failure, from relationships that didn't work, and from the responsibility of raising kids through difficult transitions.This conversation is raw, honest, and grounded in real experience. Especially for working dads trying to navigate fatherhood, work life balance, and the pressure to get it right while figuring it out in real time.Rob shares how to:Rebuild your identity and direction after divorceBalance honesty with protecting your children during difficult seasonsLet go of perfection and focus on being present as a parentGive kids the space to make their own decisions while still guiding themShift from outcome-based thinking to focusing on effort and processRecognize what you will and will not tolerate in relationships moving forwardUse failure, setbacks, and painful experiences as fuel for growthFollow curiosity and creativity while still carrying real responsibilityRob’s perspective is direct, thoughtful, and often unexpectedly funny. A reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there is a path forward.Dig DeeperBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBarneyBack That Azz Up by JuvenileFollow RobOn his website: robcapili.comLovers Quarrel: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robcapili/lovers-quarrel-a-graphic-novelFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogigOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What if the life you’re building is the very thing draining you?Faisal Ensaun’s journey spans survival, addiction, reinvention, and ultimately building a life rooted in purpose, ownership, and alignment. From immigrating out of a war-torn country to hitting personal rock bottom, he rebuilt his life by asking harder questions than most people are willing to face.Today, as a coach, entrepreneur, and father, Faisal works with high performers who look successful on the outside but feel disconnected underneath.Faisal’s perspective is intense, honest, and grounded in lived experience. Especially for dads trying to navigate fatherhood, meaningful work, and the pressure to provide without losing themselves in the process.Dig DeeperGabor MatéNarakaPink PantherTom and JerryWonderlandScare Away the Dark by PassengerFollow FaisalOn his website: https://www.faisalensaun.com/On his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IhYB1waklQjJWPkDKeU66On X: https://x.com/faisalensaunOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalensaun/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faisalensaun1On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@faisalensaunOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faisalensaunOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalensaun/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogigOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when you do everything right on paper… and still feel like something is off?Anthony Kuo knows that feeling firsthand. From performing at Carnegie Hall at 17 to climbing the corporate ladder after graduating from NYU Stern, he checked every box most people chase. But underneath the external success, something never quite clicked.Now a career satisfaction coach and founder of Untamed Career, Anthony helps high achievers untangle the gap between success and satisfaction and build careers that actually align with who they are.This conversation explores what many working dads quietly wrestle with. The tension between providing and feeling fulfilled. The pressure to keep going even when something feels misaligned. And the challenge of figuring out what you actually want when the answer is not obvious.Anthony shares how to:Understand the difference between success and satisfaction and why both matterRecognize when your work is draining energy instead of fueling itBreak down the overwhelming question of “what do I want?” into something actionableAvoid burnout by paying attention to the process, not just the outcomeNavigate career changes without blowing up your life or risking stabilityUnderstand how your career choices impact your presence as a parentDig DeeperNYU Stern School of BusinessCarnegie HallADHDThe Song That Never Ends from Lamb ChopFollow AnthonyOn his website: https://untamedcareer.comOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untamedcareer/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.kuoOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untamedcareerOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/untamedcareer/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What does it really mean to succeed as a dad when work, ambition, and identity are all pulling in different directions?Shaun Dawson, tech leader, father of two, and host of the Raising Men podcast, challenges the idea that success is defined by output alone. He shares a more grounded perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, and what working dads often get wrong when they focus too heavily on providing financially while overlooking emotional presence.Shaun shares how to:Redefine success beyond income and external achievementBuild emotional security for your kids, not just financial securitySeparate identity from output and rethink what actually gives your life meaningRecognize when ego is shaping your parenting decisionsStay present during everyday moments that are easy to overlook but impossible to get backNavigate the tension between guiding your kids and letting them become who they areThis is a thoughtful and honest conversation for working dads trying to build a life that balances fatherhood, meaningful work, and a deeper sense of identity.Dig DeeperConan the BarbarianRaising Men by Eric DavisBlueyDairy QueenPiano ManFollow ShaunOn his website and podcast: https://raising.men/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/On Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingMen_PodcastOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-men/On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingmenpodcastFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What if the reason work feels off is not the job itself, but a lack of clarity about what you are actually built to do?Paul Comfort has spent decades helping people identify their strengths, align their careers with purpose, and build lives that feel both successful and meaningful. His work centers on the idea that most people never take the time to understand what they are uniquely wired to do.For dads trying to navigate fatherhood, career decisions, meaningful work, and work-life balance, lack of clarity can lead to frustration, burnout, and a constant feeling of being pulled in too many directions.Paul shares how to:Identify your natural strengths and use them to guide career decisionsRecognize when you are in the wrong role versus the wrong seasonAlign your work with your values, personality, and long-term goalsMake better decisions about transitions, promotions, and opportunitiesHelp your kids think about their own strengths and future pathsDig DeeperCommand & ConquerPEG ChannelDiSC ProfileMaslow's Hierarchy of NeedsBarneyFree Fallin’Follow PaulOn LinkedInOn InstagramOn his show, Transit Unplugged TVOn his podcast, Transit UnpluggedCheck out his book, Find Your X Factor, and take the assessmentPre-order his book from B&NFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What if the way you show up after the game matters more than the game itself?After more than three decades coaching and mentoring young people, Antwaun Thompson has seen a clear shift. Kids today are facing more pressure, less confidence, and more noise than ever before. And for many parents, especially working dads trying to navigate fatherhood and work-life balance, it's not always clear how to support them the right way.This conversation focuses on what kids actually need from their parents, not just in youth sports, but in everyday life.Antwaun shares how to:Build confidence in your kids through connection instead of constant correctionGive feedback that helps growth instead of creating pressureUnderstand the hidden pressure kids feel from parents, coaches, teammates, and themselvesInvolve your kids in decisions so they build ownership and responsibilityCreate an environment where kids contribute instead of just participateDig DeeperDean SmithThe FlintstonesLet’s Stay Together by Al GreenFollow AntwaunOn his non-profit, JLT FieldhouseOn his websiteOn Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders with Coach TOn TeenSpeak - Empowering Today’s YouthOn InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeOn TikTokOn LinkedInCheck out his book, S.E.A. of SuccessFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

Why does work that once energized you start to feel like something you can’t turn off?Dr. David Shar studies what happens when people fall out of love with their work and why that shift often happens long before anyone notices. His research shows that for working dads, the challenge is not just workload. It is how work connects to identity, purpose, and the life you are trying to build at home.This conversation reframes passion in a way most people never consider. Not all passion is healthy. Some of it quietly creates burnout, tension, and distance from the people who matter most.David shares how to:• Understand the difference between healthy passion and the kind that leads to burnout• Recognize when guilt at home or at work is a signal of misalignment • Identify when your work is integrated into your identity versus competing with it• Shift from obsessive work habits to a more sustainable, balanced approach• Influence culture and energy at work even without a leadership title• Align your impact at work with who you are as a parent• Create meaningful work without sacrificing presence at homeWe talk about fatherhood, identity, and work-life balance that actually holds up under real pressure. Not less ambition, but better alignment between who you are, how you work, and how you show up at home.Dig DeeperUniversity of MarylandCold Stone CreameryThe Crips and BloodsSafewayChatGPTWickedMarvel Cinematic UniverseDinosaur TrainThe Fresh Prince of Bel-AirFollow DavidOn his website: http://www.davidshar.comOn LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsharFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What if the biggest gap between your work and your life is not your schedule, but how you define success?Alan Lazaros built what most people would call a successful life. High income, fast growth, and clear upward momentum. But after a near-fatal car accident at 26, he was forced to confront a harder question. Was any of it actually meaningful?For working dads trying to balance ambition, work-life balance, and presence at home, this conversation reframes what meaningful work really means and how easily success can drift away from what matters most.Alan shares how to:• Shift from chasing external success to building a life from the inside out• Recognize when your goals are driven by validation instead of values• Avoid building a life that looks successful but feels empty• Focus on long-term growth instead of short-term approval• Close the gap between your intentions and your daily actions• Redefine meaningful work in a way that actually fits your lifeThis conversation is not about abandoning ambition. It's about aiming it in the right direction so your work, your values, and your life are moving together instead of pulling you apart.Dig DeeperAgfaWorcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)Adverse Childhood Experiences ScorePride RockHey ArnoldIce Ice BabyFollow AlanOn his website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alazaros88On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alan.lazarosOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllcOn his podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelUniversityFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

Why do so many working dads feel disconnected from their kids even when they are physically present?Modern fatherhood comes with pressures that did not exist a generation ago. Constant work demands, two-income households, packed schedules, and technology that never turns off have pushed many families into reactive mode. And when stress builds, connection is often the first thing to break.Dr. David Marcus, a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience working with families under stress, explains what is really happening beneath those moments of disconnection and how dads can show up differently.David shares how to:• Become a calming, steady presence when your child is overwhelmed• Understand why kids fear their emotions will push parents away • Avoid reactive parenting patterns that get passed down unconsciously• Help children develop an emotional language instead of acting out• Respond in a way that allows your child to open up rather than shut down• Handle conflict without damaging trust or connection• Repair moments when you lose your temper and rebuild respect• Stay emotionally present even when work stress is high• Recognize when you are “filled up” and shifting into reaction mode• Create a home environment where kids feel safe expressing themselvesThis conversation is for working dads trying to balance fatherhood, work, and emotional presence in a world that rarely slows down.Dig DeeperMy Big Fat Greek Wedding: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/Michael Jordan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_JordanThe Waltons: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068149/Cats in the Cradle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-KWa3tL-0Father & Son: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6zaCV4niKkSunrise, Sunset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBJeF_Lav2oFollow DavidOn his website: https://parentrx.orgEmail: [email protected] Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when you realize the career you built doesn’t actually align with the life you want?Scott Maderer built a successful career in finance, checked the right boxes, and did the things ambitious professionals are supposed to do. But eventually he realized something important was missing. The work that once looked impressive on paper no longer felt connected to his values, his purpose, or the kind of impact he wanted to make.That realization led Scott to step away from corporate finance and build a new path helping leaders and entrepreneurs align their work with what truly matters.Scott shares how to:Recognize when external success no longer matches internal fulfillmentNavigate the uncertainty that comes with major career shiftsDesign work that supports family, relationships, and long term prioritiesAvoid chasing titles, money, or status that don't bring real satisfactionDig DeeperBarneySearsSweet CarolineBrodie the GoldendoodleFollow ScottOn his website: inspiredstewardship.com/gaptogigOn his podcast: https://inspiredstewardship.com/podcast/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardcoach/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredStewardshipOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Inspired_StewardshipOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csmaderer/Read his book, Inspired Living: https://amzn.to/472IjZ7Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when your self-worth quietly becomes tied to your output?After nearly two decades leading digital transformation work for major brands, Loren Silverman realized that success on paper didn’t equal fulfillment in real life. The titles, the grind, the constant responsibility all looked right from the outside. But underneath, something felt off.That realization didn’t lead to a dramatic overnight reinvention. It led to something much simpler and far more powerful: pause, awareness, and small, repeatable shifts.Today, Loren helps high-responsibility professionals untangle identity from productivity, align actions with values, and build healthier boundaries without losing ambition.Loren shares how to:• Recognize when your reaction is bigger than the moment• Separate your identity from your professional output• Align daily actions with personal values• Protect energy, not just time• Use small, consistent changes instead of heroic life overhauls• Practice active listening to improve presence at home• Create boundaries that actually hold under pressure• Reframe slowing down as strength rather than weakness• Catch burnout before it becomes depletion• Pause long enough to make better decisionsThis conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and practical for any dad who feels stretched between responsibility and presence, and wants a steadier, more intentional way forward.Dig DeeperS.M.A.R.T. TasksBaskin-RobbinsHouse of the Rising Sun by The AnimalsThe DoorsFollow LorenOn his website: https://www.silvermancoach.comOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loren.silverman/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loren.silvermanOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorensilverman/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What does meaningful work actually look like once you become a parent?For many professionals, the answer changes. Priorities shift. Energy changes. The things that once felt exciting or important can suddenly feel disconnected from the life you want to build.Career strategist Julia Toothacre works with high-performing professionals who look successful on paper but quietly feel stuck, burned out, or misaligned. Her work focuses on helping people take ownership of their careers while navigating the pressures of family, ambition, and changing priorities.Julia explains why meaningful work is often misunderstood and why the answer usually isn’t a dramatic career overhaul. More often, it comes from understanding the season of life you are in and aligning your choices with what matters most right now.Julia shares how to:• Understand why meaningful work means different things to different people• Recognize when feeling “stuck” is coming from internal pressure rather than external reality• Think about career risk differently once kids enter the picture• Identify when a job is temporarily demanding versus fundamentally misaligned• Manage career transitions without making emotional or reactive decisions• Spot the early warning signs of burnout before they escalateDig DeeperBlueyChampagne Supernova by OasisFollow JuliaOn her website: ridethetidecollective.comOn her podcast, Control Your Career: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridethetidecollectiveOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RideTheTideCollectiveOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ridethetidecollectiveOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ridethetidecolOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussellFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What if the key to balance is not working less, but working with intention?Alex Tuck runs a remote-first consulting firm from a farm in Vermont while raising four young kids with his wife. His approach is simple but disciplined: block the time, protect the priorities, and design work to fit life, not the other way around.From quarterly OKRs to daily timeboxing, Alex has built both a company and a family rhythm around clarity and structure. But beneath the systems is something deeper. A belief that work matters. Health matters. Relationships matter. And none of them should consume the others.Alex shares how to:• Use timeboxing to reduce overwhelm and increase focus• Break big goals into daily commitments that actually get done• Protect personal time with the same intensity as client work• Build a remote culture that values flexibility over utilization• Model boundaries so your team feels safe taking time off• Create phone free zones that increase connection at home• Adjust work rhythms when kids, travel, or life get chaotic• Invite your kids into decision making so they feel ownership• Replace guilt with intentional tradeoffs• Design meaningful work that supports, not competes with, familyThis conversation is practical, honest, and full of real world examples for dads trying to build something worthwhile without losing the people they are building it for.Dig DeeperTimeboxingTimeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-SandersOne Thing at a Time newsletter by Marc Zao-SandersDaniel Tiger’s NeighborhoodJourneyFollow AlexOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextuckOn his website: https://www.tuckconsultinggroup.comFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when the job you thought would carry you to the finish line disappears overnight?Two months into what she believed would be her final role, Merry Korn was let go. She was a single parent with two teenagers, college tuition looming, and no clear path forward. The fear was real. The pressure was immediate. Staying in bed was not an option.What followed was not an overnight success story. It was a series of hard conversations, informational interviews, small courageous steps, and a refusal to surrender. From those early survival decisions, Merry went on to found and scale a for-profit social enterprise that employed more than 1,300 people across 30 states, prioritizing jobs for people with severe disabilities, disabled veterans, and individuals living in the most impoverished communities.Merry shares how to:Move forward when fear feels paralyzingUse informational interviews as a career and business growth strategyAlign work with purpose instead of contorting yourself to fit the wrong environmentBuild a mission-driven company that attracts high-quality talentCreate simple rituals that protect presence at homeLead with values when rebuilding after a professional setbackTurn survival mode into meaningful, scalable impactDig DeeperPearl Interactive NetworkBergen-BelsenSchindler's ListBarneyCrazy by Patsy ClineFollow MerryOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrykornOn X: https://X.com/korn_merry45334On Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpearlkornOn Facebook: https://facebook.com/firedtoinspiredOn her website, Fired to Inspired: https://firedtoinspired.comFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when health scares, job loss, and family tragedy collide all at once?After having part of his lung removed, being laid off during the pandemic, and losing his father-in-law the same day he was discharged from the hospital, Tony Berardo was forced to confront a hard truth: work was taking up too much of the wrong space in his life.Instead of chasing security, status, and a bigger paycheck, Tony rebuilt his life around something far more valuable: time.Today, he’s the founder of Human Dad, a content creator, and an entrepreneur who prioritizes presence over prestige. He makes less money than he once did, but he has more clarity, more intention, and more time with his daughter.Tony shares how to:• Reevaluate success after health scares and job loss• Shift from “work-life balance” to protecting time as your most valuable asset• Build a side hustle before making the leap into entrepreneurship• Lower financial stress by living below your means• Model discipline, boundaries, and healthy habits for your kids• Choose presence over prestigeTony’s perspective is raw, direct, and deeply practical. For any dad questioning whether the grind is worth it, this conversation offers a clear reminder: your time is the real currency.Dig DeeperIVFGet Ready With MeRidiculousnessMoanaRegal CinemasPolly by NirvanaFollow TonyWebsiteHumanity and Hashtags PodcastInstagramYouTubeTikTokHuman DadFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What does leadership look like when the mission is your family and the stakes are emotional, not tactical?Brad Leeman is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, combat aviator, and F-35 test pilot who spent nearly two decades leading in environments where preparation, clarity, and execution were non-negotiable. After transitioning out of the military, Brad became an entrepreneur and founder of SwingSesh, a company built around a simple belief: parents should not be spectators in their kids’ lives.This conversation explores how elite performance principles translate and sometimes fail to translate into fatherhood. Brad shares why presence matters, how small daily rituals create connection, and why modeling behavior shapes a child’s inner voice far more than lectures ever could.Brad walks through how he and his wife intentionally design family rhythms, why play is a serious leadership skill, and how dads can rethink fitness, work, and ambition.Brad shares how to:Build daily rituals that anchor presence and connection with kidsUse play as a tool for bonding, modeling health, and emotional regulationShape a child’s inner monologue through actions, not instructionsRecognize when to lead and when to follow inside a partnershipRethink comfort, resilience, and decision making during hard seasonsDig DeeperF-35U.S. Marine CorpsBall State UniversityHarvard Graduate School of DesignHow to Build Extreme Willpower | David Goggins & Dr. Andrew HubermanHood’s GardensPicture by Sheryl Crow and Kid RockFollow BradOn his website: https://www.swingsesh.comOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamswingsesh/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingSesh/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

How do you communicate in a way that builds trust, connection, and confidence with your kids, your partner, and the people you work with every day?Danny Brassell has spent decades teaching, coaching, and speaking around the world about storytelling, reading, and communication. This conversation explores how communication is not about polish or performance, but about meeting people where they are and staying present in the moments that matter most.Danny shares how to: Use storytelling to build trust instead of trying to impressBecome a stronger communicator by focusing on failures, not just winsCreate daily habits that strengthen presence at homeHelp kids love reading without turning it into a battleModel curiosity, learning, and humility for your childrenDanny’s insights are practical, honest, and immediately usable for dads who want to communicate more clearly, lead more effectively, and show up better for the people who matter most.Dig DeeperDo What Matters MostBecoming Your BestThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. LyonReal Dads ReadTotal Recall: My Unbelievably True Life StoryFollow DannyOn his website: https://www.wellcraftedstoryworkshop.comOn X: https://www.x.com/DannyBrassellOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realDannyBrassellOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyBrassellOn YouTube: https://youtube.com/DannyBrassell On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DannyBrassellGet your free well crafted story blueprint:  www.freestoryguide.comFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

Jon Merlin is a longtime designer who left agency life to start his own creative studio while raising two young daughters. Instead of letting work bleed into every hour, Jon drew a hard line around family time and rebuilt his business around clarity, intention, and values.This conversation explores what it really looks like to pursue entrepreneurship without losing presence at home, and how letting go of perfection can unlock both better work and better parenting.Jon shares how to: Protect daily family time without derailing client workSet non-negotiables in seasons where work pressure is realBuild a focused business by saying no to the wrong projectsNavigate the anxiety and ambiguity of starting something newReplace perfection with progress at work and at homeUse small moments with kids to stay connected during busy daysModel emotional regulation, repair, and growth for childrenChoose work that aligns with values, not just revenueReframe career gaps as runways instead of setbacksDefine success through legacy, not titles or outputJon’s perspective is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply practical for dads who want to build something meaningful without missing what matters most.Dig DeeperOne Club for Creatives (San Diego)Creative MorningsLava ChickenDookie by Green DayBasket Case by Green DayFollow JonWebsite: https://jonmerlin.com/On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmerlin/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

Why does work keep crowding out family time even when no one is explicitly asking it to?Doug Fleener is an author, coach, and former corporate executive who has lived both sides of the work equation. After years of leadership roles and constant pressure, he intentionally redesigned his work around presence, health, and family. As a dad to grown daughters and a teenager, Doug brings rare perspective on how seasons of fatherhood change what presence really looks like.Doug shares how to: Shift from chasing balance to making clear work and life choices Recognize when work is crowding out presence without anyone noticing Build daily intention through future focused journaling Use physical cues like closing a laptop or putting down a phone to signal presence Pause before reacting when pressure spills into family moments Find meaningful connection in small, ordinary momentsDig DeeperBose CorporationDay OneStart With What If by Doug FleenerDraft DayArthur theme songTurn StylePiano ManFollow DougWebsite: https://www.dougfleener.comOn TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@dougfleenerOn Instagram: https://instagram.com/dougfleenerOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554942906442On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doug-fleenerOn LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dougfleener Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What do you do when your career looks successful on paper, but something quietly feels off?Stephanie Cordes is a career ownership coach who works with people at the exact moment when professional success and the life they want to live stop pointing in the same direction. She knows this moment personally. After building a successful corporate career, Stephanie realized that checking all the boxes did not automatically mean she was building the right life.Stephanie shares how to:• Recognize quiet misalignment before it turns into burnout• Reevaluate work and life goals as seasons and family needs change• Think beyond job titles and focus on lifestyle, income, and long term direction• Create a personal North Star that guides decisions without locking you into one path• Let go of the belief that every career change means failure• Explore new options while keeping stability for your family• Involve your partner in career decisions as a true team effort• Redefine what providing really means beyond a paycheckDig DeeperRing CameraJamie Siminoff, Founder of Ring CameraKim PossiblePicture by Sheryl Crow and Kid RockAquaphorFollow StephanieWebsite: https://stephahead.comOn X: https://x.com/stephcordesTESOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecordesTESOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093172011381On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemcordes/On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephcordestes.bsky.socialFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

Why do anxiety and depression feel heavier during the long winter season, even when nothing is technically “wrong”?Kristian Leavell, licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and dad, returns to talk about the emotional weight winter can bring, especially for fathers carrying responsibility at work and at home. The focus here is awareness, regulation, and small, realistic ways to stay steady when energy is low and motivation fades.Kristian shares how to:• Notice early signs of anxiety and depression by watching patterns, not isolated moments• Treat emotions as useful signals rather than problems to eliminate• Separate thoughts from facts and step out of spirals• Use small, practical actions to interrupt anxiety before it builds• Apply opposite action when motivation disappears• Practice mindfulness in real life, not perfect conditions• Talk with kids about emotions in ways that create trust and safety• Redefine strength as presence, not endurance• Check in on other dads without feeling the need to fix themDig DeeperACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)Cognitive FusionDBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)The JetsonsHow to turn crayons into candlesCrash the Gates by YellowcardFollow KristianTherapyTokWithKris on TikTokTherapyTalkWithKris on InstagramTherapyTalkWithKris on YouTubeDistinctApproachCounseling.comEmail KrisFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What does it mean to succeed at work without missing the moments you never get back?Eddie Torba has spent decades in retail execution and operations, helping major brands adapt, rebuild, and evolve through massive industry change. Along the way, he made intentional career decisions to stay present for his family, from working nights and weekends early on, to shifting into remote corporate roles, to building a small consulting practice on the side.Eddie shares how to:• Design a career around family instead of fitting family into leftover time• Choose flexibility and stability without treating them as opposites• Build trust at work by delivering results, not logging hours• Protect family dinners, school events, and everyday moments that matter• Set boundaries that prevent burnout and protect mental energy• Create morning and weekly routines that support focus and balance• Explore a side path without overwhelming yourself or your family• Be honest about capacity before taking on extra work• Help kids understand the human effort behind convenience and consumption• Teach responsibility, work ethic, and perspective by example• Measure success by presence, not titles or constant availabilityEddie’s story is a reminder that careers evolve, seasons change, and showing up consistently for your family is a choice you make again and again. His approach is practical, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the belief that work should support life, not replace it.Dig DeeperAd PopulumEWS ConsultingParty CityDuck TalesDuck Tales theme songKnee Deep by Zach Brown BandJimmy BuffettFollow EddieEmail EddieFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn Threads: threads.com/@gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

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

How do you rebuild your life when everything breaks at once and you still have kids who need you every minute of the day?After a devastating spinal injury and years of recovery, Paul Terrell became a stay at home dad who had to relearn how to walk, talk, type, and parent with new physical limitations. Later he returned to work and eventually became a top performing enterprise account executive in PropTech and FinTech. His story is one of grit, patience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family.Paul shares how to: • Relearn everyday life while caring for two young kids • Parent with physical limitations and find creative ways to adapt • Build mental toughness when progress feels painfully slow • Return to the workforce with confidence after years away • Use AI, systems, and prep work to compete at a high level again • Navigate the emotional shift from being the primary caregiver to traveling constantly for work • Strengthen a marriage through shared effort, support, and role changes • Turn stay at home parenting into quantifiable wins on a resume • Carry lessons from parenting into sales, negotiation, and leadership • Protect health, energy, and family time in a metrics driven role • Help kids understand work, money, teamwork, and responsibility • Break big goals into smaller ones and use data to track personal progressPaul’s story is honest, inspiring, and packed with practical wisdom for any dad rebuilding after a tough season or trying to figure out what comes next.Dig DeeperYardiREITPlaudBohemian RhapsodyNuthin' but a "G" ThangFollow PaulPaul Terrell on LinkedInPaul Terrell on InstagramFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when you realize the real work of your life is happening at home, not at your job?Sean Waldron returns for a deeper conversation about creativity, fatherhood, and the stories that shape us. He shares how filming with his son became a doorway into connection, why every dad has creative gifts even if they do not see themselves as creative, and how bringing your work skills into your home can strengthen the bond with your kids.Sean opens up about:• Entering his child’s world and why validation matters so much• How creativity shows up in everyday parenting• Using the skills you practice at work to build connection at home• The danger of tying your worth to your job• Why every dad carries a creative spark• How good is built in small moments inside your home• Growing up with fractured support and transforming that pain into purpose• The heart behind ROAR and the documentary Silly Cannonballs• The healing conversation he needed to have with his father before he could tell this story• Building habits and protecting your morning to stay grounded• Navigating perfection, mastery, and the pursuit of honestyThis conversation goes deeper into purpose, identity, generational patterns, and the kind of dad you want to become. It is raw, thoughtful, and full of clarity about what truly matters.Dig DeeperROAR DadsSilly CannonballsThe JetsonsMacGyverJohn MayerJapanese JoineryGap to Gig Episode 6: Sean Waldron on Purpose, Creativity, and Becoming a Present DadFollow SeanSean Waldron on LinkedInFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

How do you hold onto your creative identity while trying to be the parent you want to be?Sean Waldron has built a life around creativity from music to video production to brand storytelling. He has freelanced, gone in-house, flipped houses, and wrestled with the tension between purpose and practical responsibilities. Becoming a dad pushed him to rethink all of it.Sean shares how to:Blend creative skills with fatherhood in a way that builds connectionSeparate who you are from what you do after layoffs, pivots, or burnoutNavigate the pull between purpose, mastery, and paying the billsPursue creative work without letting perfectionism take overFind meaning in seasons of uncertaintyRecognize early signs that you are on the right path even without resultsCarry ambition into parenthood without letting it overshadow your home lifeCreate simple moments of delight using the skills that light you upExplore the stories you learned growing up and how they shape the dad you want to becomeIf you have ever felt torn between your creative passions, your responsibilities, and the desire to show up well for your kids, this conversation offers clarity, grounding, and a reminder that purpose is built one small moment at a time.Dig DeeperROAR DadsSilly CannonballsGirl AboveSet Your MindReset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David MurrayGood Inside by Dr. Becky KennedyBlueyRed Hot and Blue Pit BarbecueJason MrazMy HumpsBaby Got BackThe Roost StandFollow SeanSean Waldron on LinkedInFollow Gap to GigOn InstagramOn TikTokOn XOn YouTubeOn your podcast player of choiceSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletterFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn

What does it really take to be present as a dad while juggling work, pressure, and your own mental health?Kristian Leavell, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and dad, brings both clinical insight and lived experience to this honest conversation about the weight many fathers carry and how to navigate it with clarity and compassion.Kristian shares how to:• Be truthful about what you feel and what you need• Understand the voice behind internal pressure and self doubt• Redefine what it means to provide for your family• Manage guilt around work, parenting, and expectations• Let go of perfectionism and the anxiety under it• Reset when you feel disconnected from yourself or your family• Build routines that protect your mental health• Model emotional honesty for your kids while keeping boundaries• Build real community even when adult friendships feel difficult• Cross the swamp of discomfort to become the parent you want to beIf you feel stretched thin, quietly anxious, or simply trying to show up better for yourself and your family, this episode offers grounded guidance and a way forward.Dig DeeperKristian’s video about being a girl dad Instagram | TikTokDon't Go Chasing Waterfalls by TLCLisa “Left Eye” LopesThe Man Who Sold the World by NirvanaTexas StateFollow KristianTherapyTokWithKris on TikTokTherapyTalkWithKris on InstagramDistinctApproachCounseling.comEmail KrisFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when the chapter you spent years chasing finally ends and you’re left asking what comes next?In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Erin Aldrich Shean, a former Olympic and professional athlete who has reinvented herself multiple times across sports, corporate strategy, and now career coaching. Erin helps people navigate life and work transitions using her LAND method, a framework built around learning, alignment, networking, and delivery.Erin shares how to:Redefine success when life shifts and old identities fall awayFind clarity before rushing into the next job or directionAsk for support instead of trying to figure everything out aloneBalance ambition with the life you want at homeNavigate seasons of grind and seasons of restAlign your values with the work you chooseKeep your network warm and active after you landTake care of yourself so you can show up fully for your familyWhether you’re returning to work, pivoting into something new, or simply trying to make sense of the season you’re in, this conversation offers perspective, honesty, and practical ways to move forward with more clarity and less pressure.Dig DeeperLAND MethodIkigaiAscension Coaching and ConsultingAscension Coaching and Consulting on LinkedInI Will Survive by Gloria GaynorFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What really happens behind the scenes in hiring and how can dads returning to work stand out?In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Jacob Stone, HR consultant and founder of WorqTap, who’s spent over a decade helping companies hire smarter and helping people land roles that actually fit their lives.Jacob shares what most job seekers never hear: • What’s really going on inside hiring teams (and how to stand out). • Why soft skills like adaptability and communication matter more than technical ones. • How parenting builds the exact qualities employers need. • How to reframe career gaps with confidence. • Why networking, not algorithms, gets you hired.Whether you’re reentering the workforce, changing careers, or just trying to build meaningful work around family life, this episode will help you bring your full story to the table.Dig DeeperWorqTapPaul Revere by Beastie BoysFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Jesse Holmes, a performance coach who helps entrepreneurs and parents make measurable progress in just 10 minutes a day.Jesse shares how to: • Build clarity and confidence through small, consistent actions. • Find your focus when life feels chaotic. • Apply “deep work” principles to parenting, relationships, and self-care. • Turn daily 10-minute wins into lasting momentum. • Balance business growth with family life — without burning out.Whether you’re rebuilding your career, starting something new, or simply trying to stay present at home, this conversation will help you take the next step toward growth that feels sustainable.Dig DeeperJesse’s Breakout PlannerFergalicious by FergieFollow JesseJesse Holmes on FacebookFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What happens when your career suddenly stops fitting your life?In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with John Tarnoff, an executive coach who rebuilt his career after the tech bubble burst and now helps mid-career professionals rediscover purpose and confidence.John shares how to: • Navigate uncertainty and rebuild resilience. • Reframe “returning to work” as moving forward, not backward. • Turn personal experiences — even parenting — into professional strengths. • Rebuild confidence by acting before you feel ready. • Create community instead of just “networking.”If you’re a dad redefining success, shifting careers, or searching for meaningful work that fits real life, this episode will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.Dig DeeperPema Chödrön https://pemachodronfoundation.orgGampo Abbey https://gampoabbey.org/Comfortable with Uncertainty https://amzn.to/4oNRCTcJulia Cameron https://juliacameronlive.com/The Artist’s Way https://amzn.to/4hClP5hIkigai https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai\_japanese\_secret\_to\_a\_joyful\_life.htmlIkigai Venn diagram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#/media/File:Diagramo\_de\_Ikigajo\_-en.svgYou’ve Got a Friend by Carole King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR\_Ff5A8RkFollow JohnJohn Tarnoff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/Mid-Career Lab community https://midcareerlab.com/John Tarnoff website https://johntarnoff.com/Follow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgOn your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogigSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

What if the goal isn’t just finding work, but finding work that fits your life?Gap to Gig is the podcast for dads balancing career, family, and purpose. Hosted by entrepreneur and dad Michael Jacobs, each week features real conversations with fathers, founders, and experts who are redefining success and creating careers that fit real life.If you’re navigating career change, exploring freelance or flexible work, or looking for meaningful work without missing the moments that matter most, this show is for you.In this trailer, hear what’s coming: honest stories, practical strategies, and a few laughs along the way.Follow or subscribe to Gap to Gig on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice to start building a life that feels like yours, not someone else’s version of success.Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.comFollow Gap to GigOn Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogigOn TikTok: tiktok.com/gaptogigOn X: x.com/gaptogigOn YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtgFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/