PODCAST · kids
Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo
by J.D. Murgolo | Story House Studio
What would it look like to parent on purpose? Montessori Dad Podcast with J.D. Murgolo is a respectful parenting podcast for fathers navigating the beautiful chaos of raising kids. Each episode explores Montessori principles, emotional intelligence, and conscious fatherhood — so you can show up for your kids in a way that actually feels like you.
Episodes
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Dear Future Self | Season 3 Finale — A Letter on Fatherhood, Growth & Letting Go
In the Season 3 finale of the Montessori Dad podcast, host J.D. Murgolo sets down the letters to his children and instead writes directly to his future self — a mindful reflection on personal growth, impermanence, and the quiet, ongoing work of becoming an intentional father. This episode gathers...
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The Hands That Hold, and Let Go | Raising Independent Kids Through Montessori
There's a moment, and if you're a parent, you've felt it, when you realize your child no longer reaches for your hand the same way. They still reach. But differently. Steadier. Like they already know the ground beneath them. What we explore in this entry: The quiet grief of watching your child…
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The Slow Season: How Slowing Down as a Dad Creates Space for Real Connection
What does it look like to actually slow down as a dad — not just talk about it, but live it? In this entry, I reflect on a season of loud dinners and quiet realizations. Through a Montessori lens, I explore what it means to choose rhythm over rigidity, presence over perfection — and how slowing...
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When Your Kid Says No (And What It's Really Telling You)
In this entry, I reflect on a moment of defiance, a sharp “no” that landed harder than expected, and what it revealed about boundaries, emotional regulation, and connection. Through a Montessori lens, this episode explores resistance as communication, discipline as relationship, and the practice…
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Freedom Within Limits
In this entry, I reflect on watching my children create stories entirely their own , worlds built from Legos, toy cars, and imagination, and what it asks of me as a parent. Through a Montessori lens, this episode explores freedom within limits: how structure creates safety, how imagination...
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The Exhaustion of the "Good Parent": Honesty, Emotional Labor, and the Prepared Adult
In this entry of Montessori Dad, I’m sitting with a specific kind of fatigue, the exhaustion that surfaces not from parenting itself, but from the labor of pretending we aren’t exhausted. Through a Montessori lens, we often talk about the prepared environment, but we rarely discuss the prepared...
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What Happens When We Stop Rushing Our Children?
What happens to our children—and ourselves—when we stop rushing the clock and start trusting the process? In this entry, I reflect on the “threshold” of parenting: that difficult, quiet moment where we choose to step back and let a child be. Through a Montessori lens, we explore how a slow...
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The Game We Didn’t Finish
How do we help our children navigate disappointment without "fixing" it? We explore building resilience in children through the lens of a game that didn't finish. In this entry, I sit with a small moment that carries a surprisingly heavy lesson. After a simple game at the kitchen table ends in...
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The Space Between Us
How do we explain the unexplainable to our children? In this entry, J.D. reflects on parenting through grief following the loss of his father. Watching his three and five-year-old children navigate the "Space Between Us," he explores the concept of developmental readiness and the importance of...
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While We Are Still Their World
Right now, our children’s worlds are small, and we are at the center of them. Through a journal entry to his five-year-old son, J.D. examines the weight of intentional parenting and the fleeting nature of this season. We move beyond the physical prepared environment to discuss the internal work…
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Season 3 — The Montessori Dad
A quieter season begins. The Montessori Dad returns this February with a new season of reflections on presence, patience, and parenting as an inner practice. Season 3 continues the journal-style format — intimate, grounded, and unscripted — exploring the emotional work of fatherhood, the rhythms…
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Growing Through the Quiet Storm - Entry #64
Even the smallest storms—frustration, sadness, disappointment—can become opportunities for connection and growth. For the final entry of Season 2, I journal a tender moment of emotional expression, showing how presence and patience help children build emotional strength. Through reflection, I…
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Learning From Setbacks - Entry #63
Mistakes are opportunities waiting to be noticed. In this episode, I journal a moment when a block tower collapses, and we explore how calm presence and gentle guidance turn setbacks into growth. Montessori parenting teaches us to normalize mistakes, celebrate the process, and model reflective...
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Leaning Into Discomfort - Entry #62
Growth often comes dressed as discomfort. This week, I journal about a moment when my child struggles to tie their shoes, and the subtle lesson that emerges when we allow children to face challenges on their own. Through Montessori-informed reflection, we explore the power of letting children...
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Recognizing the Hidden Strengths - Entry #61
Sometimes the most remarkable growth happens quietly. In this week’s episode, I reflect on the subtle moments when children show resilience and independence—the patient stacking of blocks, the careful pouring of water, the quiet focus on a small task. Through my journal entry to my children, we...
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Nurturing the Roots of Connection - Entry #60
So much of family life is built on the small, ordinary rituals—morning routines, bedtime stories, the little rhythms that seem almost invisible. Yet within them is something powerful: roots. In this episode of Montessori Dad, I write to my children about how these daily rituals—pouring cereal,...
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The Courage to Begin Again - Entry #59
There are days when parenting doesn’t go the way we hope. We lose our patience, we rush, we miss the moment. And afterward, we carry the weight of regret. But what if mistakes aren’t the end of the story? What if they’re an invitation to begin again? In this episode, I share a journal entry to my...
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Planting Seeds of Patience - Entry #58
This journal entry invites us to see our children's natural rhythms not as obstacles to efficiency, but as teachers showing us a more soulful way of being present. What You'll Discover: * Why Montessori viewed patience as active love rather than passive waiting * How to create space for…
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Journal Entry #57 - Listening to the Quiet Within
As the seasons begin to shift, so too do we. September invites us to pause, to turn inward, and to notice the quiet places we often rush past. In this episode, I share a journal entry written to my children about the gift of silence—how the moments in between their laughter, their play, and their...
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Journal Entry #56 - Finding Freedom Within Routine
Routines aren’t cages. When held with softness, they’re invitations to safety—and from safety, freedom grows. In this reflective entry, JD shares a letter to his children about the surprising liberation that lives inside daily rhythms. What began as an attempt to create order turned into…
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Journal Entry #55 - The Beauty of Practical Life Skills
There’s a quiet power in pouring water, folding laundry, or sweeping the floor. Not just for us—but for our kids too. In this journal-style episode, J.D. writes directly to his children, reflecting on the slow, meaningful work of learning practical life skills. These everyday tasks are often...
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Journal Entry #54 - Grace, Courtesy, and the Kindness My Kids Are Watching For
In this episode, I write a personal letter to my kids about the quiet power of grace and courtesy—the small acts of kindness and respect that often go unnoticed but shape who we are and who our children become. It’s not about perfect manners or rote phrases; it’s about embodying kindness through...
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Journal Entry #53 - Movement Is Learning, Not Just Play
In this episode, I write a letter to my kids about the deep connection between movement and learning. More than just fun or energy release, movement is a fundamental way children explore their world, develop coordination, and build independence. Through Montessori’s lens, we see how every step,...
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Journal Entry #52 - The Way You Ask Questions Teaches Me Everything
In this episode, a simple question from a child, “Why are construction trucks yellow?” becomes a profound lesson in curiosity, humility, and connection. By choosing honesty over authority, this dad models a Montessori-inspired approach to parenting that honors wonder and co-discovery. More than...
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Journal Entry #51 - You Don’t Have to Be Happy All the Time
This episode explores a tender moment when a scraped knee became a doorway into a deeper lesson: you don’t have to be happy all the time. Through Montessori eyes, we learn the power of sitting with discomfort, honoring big feelings, and resisting the urge to fix too fast. More than just parenting...
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Journal Entry #50 - Why Uninterrupted Work Is a Gift for All of Us
I write a letter to my kids about a moment I almost interrupted…them lost in a world of Legos. It wasn’t just play; it was deep focus, flow, and creativity unfolding quietly in front of me. This letter explores Montessori’s idea of uninterrupted work, the importance of protecting those moments…
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Journal Entry #49 - I’m Learning to Trust Your Inner Guide
In this weeks journal entry, I write a letter to my kids about something I almost missed: the quiet confidence with which they moved through their day, trying, failing, trying again. No ask for help. No need for guidance. Just deep trust in their own process. This is about learning to step back.…
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Journal Entry #48 - Today I Watched You Build Patience
This weeks journal entry, I reflect on a quiet, ordinary moment — watching my children stack wooden blocks with calm and care. It’s in these small, slow spaces that I’m reminded of what Montessori teaches us: to respect our children’s process, to trust their timing, and to meet them where they…
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Journal Entry #47 - Modeling, Not Managing: The Role of the Adult in a Child’s Emotional World
In this weeks entry, we’re looking at the emotional world of children—not through the lens of control, but through the lens of connection. So often, we think our job is to manage our kids’ emotions: to fix the crying, calm the tantrums, or talk them out of being upset. But what if our real role…
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Journal Entry #46 - The Quiet Power of Play: Letting Go of Over-Scheduling
In this journal-style reflection, I explore what it means to truly trust in play—not as a break from learning, but as the learning itself. So often, we find ourselves packing every minute of our kids’ days with structured activities, worried they’ll fall behind or miss out. But what if the very...
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Journal Entry #45 - The Sock Situation: Life Skills, Tiny Shoes, and Big Lessons
In this episode, I share a moment that started with a simple sock and turned into something much deeper—a lesson in patience, trust, and what it really means to raise capable kids. When our children try to do something hard—like get dressed, make their own breakfast, or zip up their coat—we often...
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Journal Entry #44 - The Day of 27 Whys
What do birds sitting on wires, squirrels without hats, and early-morning curiosity have in common? They all showed up before 9am. In this episode, I reflect on a real-life, journal-style morning where my child asked 27 “why” questions before breakfast—and how I nearly missed the moment by trying...
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Interview: Let Them Pour the Milk - Ian Standard
Ian Standard, a new dad and someone who really understands the emotional intelligence side of life skills and why those small moments of independence aren’t just about tasks, but about trust, resilience, and building a strong inner voice in our kids. My guest this month is: Ian Standard Say hello...
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Journal Entry #43
This week we’re talking about daily routines like pouring milk, folding towels, loading the dishwasher, and why those small, often frustrating moments are actually where emotional development and confidence get built. And yeah, we'll talk about how to hand over control without the whole house...
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Journal Entry #42
This weeks journal entry is a bit of a pause button. We’re talking about what it really means to slow down—not just for our kids’ sake, but for our own. And what might happen if we stop dragging them through our timelines, and start walking with them at theirs. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up…
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Journal Entry #41
Regulating emotions can be a challenge. Have you ever seen what it looks like when someone tries to though? I did, and it was my 4yo son. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the...
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Interview: Mothering Without A Mother - Alyssa Carlene
Alyssa Carlene chose the path of healing. Not for a neat ending, but for a beginning. She became the mother she never had piece by piece, breath by breath. My guest this month is: Alyssa Carlene Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Montessori Dad Sign up for the...
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Journal Entry #40
Little humans, big emotions. What does that look like when a 2yo breaks a 4yo’s heart by denying a before bedtime hug? Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the show by signing up...
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Journal Entry #39
Experience the world through a child’s eye they say. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the show by signing up for the Fragile...
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Journal Entry #38
Celebrating my birthday is different when you’re kiddo actually knows how to count. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the…
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Interview: A State Of Being Whelmed - Rhalyn David
For much of my life, I was brought up in an environment where the phrase “follow the child” is the guiding principle. My guest this month is: Rhalyn David Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Montessori Dad Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up...
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Journal Entry #37
This week I discuss the fear of losing connection with my children as they grow up Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, HERE Start your own journal HERE Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the...
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Journal Entry #36
This week I explore the meaning of a parenting quote I stumbled across that hit me deep. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, HERE Start your own journal HERE Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for...
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Journal Entry #35
My kids ask if they can keep me forever, if I can be their friend, and what my favorite character in Star Wars is. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Montessori Dad Follow the show and review us on Apple…
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Interview: The Value of Calm Parenting - Kirk Martin
Yelling doesn't teach; it creates a cycle of negativity. My guest this week is: Kirk Martin Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Montessori Dad Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of...
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Journal Entry #34
I often forget what it must be like to see things for the first time. My kids like to remind me of that on a regular basis and this week they’ve done that at the dinner table. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The...
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Interview: Dear Men (And All Ya'll) - Steph McFarland
How do we define masculinity and why should be viewing it differently? My guest this week is: Steph McFarland Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Montessori Dad Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a...
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Journal Entry #33
First journal entry for the new season and for this episode we’re talking about those profound and existential questions from a toddler. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Montessori Dad Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile...
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Season 2 Trailer
New journal entries and interviews begin February 3. Say hello on Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Montessori Dad Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. Learn more and…
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Entry 32: Choosing Compassion and Grace - Sam Morris
In the realm of parenting, it is natural to experience a range of emotions, both positive and negative. While it is common to feel love, joy, and pride, there are times when frustration, anger, and fear can arise. However, when it comes to responding to our children's behaviors, choosing…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What would it look like to parent on purpose? Montessori Dad Podcast with J.D. Murgolo is a respectful parenting podcast for fathers navigating the beautiful chaos of raising kids. Each episode explores Montessori principles, emotional intelligence, and conscious fatherhood — so you can show up for your kids in a way that actually feels like you.
HOSTED BY
J.D. Murgolo | Story House Studio
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo have?
Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo currently has 83 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo about?
What would it look like to parent on purpose? Montessori Dad Podcast with J.D. Murgolo is a respectful parenting podcast for fathers navigating the beautiful chaos of raising kids. Each episode explores Montessori principles, emotional intelligence, and conscious fatherhood — so you can show up for...
How often does Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo release new episodes?
Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo has 83 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo?
You can listen to Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo?
Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo is created and hosted by J.D. Murgolo | Story House Studio.
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