The Dudela Podcast | First Time Dad Help and Fatherhood Real Talk

Baby #2 Is Coming: What I'm Doing Differently This Pregnancy   The Dudela family is growing. Michael and Abigail are expecting baby girl number two, due on Christmas Day. And pregnancy feels a little different the second time around. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John sits down with Michael to talk about what pregnancy number two has actually been like, what he learned the first time, and what he is intentionally doing differently as a husband and dad this time around. Because during your first pregnancy, everything is new. You are tracking the baby's size every week. You are Googling symptoms. You are trying to figure out which appointments matter. You are buying baby gear you have never heard of. You are wondering how much everything is going to cost. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, you are trying to figure out what your pregnant wife actually needs from you. The second time, you know a little more about what is coming. Michael shares what has been different during Abigail's second pregnancy, including more nausea, earlier body changes, food aversions, cravings, preparing their toddler Riley to become a big sister, moving into a bigger home, and realizing just how quickly the second pregnancy seems to move. We also talk about why the halfway point of pregnancy can be such an important moment for dads. Around 20 weeks, the pregnancy can suddenly start feeling very real. There is a growing belly. You may be feeling the baby move. The anatomy scan gives you an incredible look at your child. And the countdown toward labor, delivery, and newborn life starts getting a whole lot shorter. That is when preparation matters. Michael shares why dads should prioritize important ultrasound appointments, how to support your wife when her body starts changing quickly, why you need to become a better listener instead of trying to solve everything, and how taking things off your wife's mental load can make a huge difference. We also get into the reality of preparing financially for another baby, planning a babymoon, getting ready for sleepless nights again, deciding which baby products are actually worth keeping, and figuring out how to give your first child the attention they need when a newborn enters the family. And if you are nervous about becoming a dad? That is okay too. You do not need to have fatherhood figured out before your baby arrives. You just need to start becoming the kind of dad who wants to figure it out. In This Episode Michael and Abigail are expecting baby girl number two Why pregnancy number two feels completely different Their Christmas Day due date What has surprised Michael during the second pregnancy Pregnancy nausea, cravings, food aversions, and exhaustion Why the baby bump can show earlier during a second pregnancy What pregnancy feels like when you already have a toddler Preparing your first child to become a big sister or brother What dads should know around 20 weeks pregnant Why dads should attend important ultrasound appointments What to expect from the anatomy scan When pregnancy starts feeling real for dads How to support your pregnant wife without trying to fix everything Becoming a better listener during pregnancy Taking things off your wife's mental load without waiting to be asked Why pregnancy requires dads to become more selfless Preparing financially for hospital bills, diapers, formula, and newborn life What Michael learned financially from baby number one Preparing for sleepless nights when you already have a toddler How to make sure your first child still feels seen after baby arrives Why a babymoon is worth considering The best time during pregnancy to get away together Baby products Michael will use again Baby products they probably will not buy again Why bottle feeding flexibility can help dads become more involved How fatherhood changes what you consider important Why it is normal for expecting dads to feel nervous Becoming the dad you want to be before baby arrives If You've Ever Searched pregnancy advice for dads first time dad advice expecting dad advice how to prepare for a baby how to prepare for fatherhood what should dads do during pregnancy how to support my pregnant wife how to be a good husband during pregnancy 20 weeks pregnant dad what dads should know at 20 weeks pregnant anatomy scan for dads second pregnancy second baby advice preparing for baby number two second pregnancy differences pregnancy with a toddler preparing toddler for new baby how to prepare for a second child pregnancy tips for husbands pregnancy timeline for dads what appointments should dads attend during pregnancy babymoon ideas when to take a babymoon baby budget financially preparing for a baby newborn essentials baby gear for second baby new dad anxiety nervous about becoming a dad pregnancy podcast for dads dad to be podcast fatherhood podcast This episode is for you. Follow Michael's Pregnancy in Real Time With The Womb Watch Michael is not just talking about this pregnancy after the fact. We are documenting it as it happens. The Womb Watch follows Michael and Abigail through pregnancy number two in real time. Every few weeks, John and Michael sit down for shorter conversations about what is happening right now, including appointments, ultrasounds, milestones, what Abigail is experiencing, what Michael is learning, and what dads coming behind him should know. If your wife recently got pregnant, you can essentially follow along with another dad who is just a little farther down the road. The Womb Watch is exclusively available inside the Spit Up Society. Join the Spit Up Society You do not have to figure out fatherhood alone. For $5 per month, the Spit Up Society gives you access to The Womb Watch, exclusive Dudela content, and two live calls with us every month where you can bring whatever questions you are dealing with right now. Pregnancy. Birth. Postpartum. Marriage. Money. Newborn life. Fatherhood. Bring it. Join the Spit Up Society here: https://thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society/ Find Resources for Your Exact Stage of Pregnancy Not sure what you should actually be doing right now? Head to Dudela and choose where you are in the pregnancy journey. We have resources designed to help dads understand what matters at different stages so you can spend less time Googling and more time actually preparing. https://thedudelaco.com/ Free Dad Prep Guide If you just found out you are going to be a dad, start here. https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide Our free Dad Prep Guide covers the things we wish someone had told us before becoming dads and gives you practical ways to start preparing for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn life. Dudela Prep Kit Want to take preparation seriously? https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit The Dudela Prep Kit gives first time dads a practical framework for preparing for fatherhood, including your relationship, emotions, finances, labor and delivery, postpartum, family identity, and life after your baby arrives. Because knowing more is helpful. Doing something with what you know is what actually prepares you. Ask Dudela Are you somewhere in pregnancy right now and have a question? Maybe you just saw the positive pregnancy test and have no idea what happens next. Maybe you are heading into the anatomy scan. Maybe your wife is miserable and you do not know how to help. Maybe you are excited about becoming a dad but also quietly terrified. Send it to us. Leave John and Michael a voicemail through the Dudela website. We listen to every message, and your question may become part of a future podcast or live conversation. https://thedudelaco.com/ Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week If your wife is pregnant, ask yourself one question: What is something she is carrying right now that I can carry for her? Do not ask her to create a list for you. Look around. Maybe it is dinner. Maybe it is laundry. Maybe it is getting up with your toddler on Saturday morning so she can sleep. Maybe it is researching the car seat. Maybe it is making the appointment. Maybe she just needs you to listen without trying to solve anything. Find one thing. Own it. Because preparing for fatherhood is not just about knowing what happens next. It is about becoming the kind of man your family can count on when it does.  

What do moms actually wish dads understood about pregnancy, postpartum, and becoming parents? This time, we decided to stop answering for them. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael are joined by their wives, Vivian and Abigail, for an honest conversation about pregnancy, postpartum, marriage, motherhood, careers, community, and what support from a husband actually looks like when life gets hard. And there is some pretty big Dudela family news. Michael and Abigail are expecting baby number two, another girl. That means Dudela is officially going through another pregnancy in real time. We talk about what this pregnancy has looked like so far, pregnancy nausea and food aversions, preparing for a second baby, and what Abigail needs from Michael during pregnancy that she does not always know how to ask for. But this conversation goes much deeper than pregnancy. Viv opens up about how difficult the postpartum season was after having twins and what it felt like to lose part of herself during those early months of motherhood. She shares why patience, grace, friendship, and having people around her mattered so much while she figured out who she was becoming. Abigail shares what it is like balancing motherhood with a career she genuinely loves, the guilt that can come with being a working mom, and why having a husband who encourages her career instead of making her feel guilty about it has mattered so much. We also get into something every expecting dad needs to hear. Your wife may not always be able to tell you exactly what she needs. Sometimes supporting her means paying attention. Take the baby. Handle bath time. Figure out dinner. Give her permission to rest. Encourage her to spend time with friends. Make the decision she is too exhausted to make. Create room for the parts of her identity that exist outside of being a mom. And during postpartum, understand that the woman beside you is experiencing one of the biggest physical, hormonal, emotional, and identity changes of her life. She may not seem exactly like the woman you married for a while. That does not mean something has gone wrong. She is becoming someone new too. This conversation is about learning how to become parents together, how to build a village around your family, and how husbands and wives can give each other grace while everyone figures it out. Whether you are trying for a baby, expecting your first, preparing for the fourth trimester, or already deep in toddler life, there is something in this conversation for you. In This Episode • Michael and Abigail announce baby number two • What this pregnancy has actually been like so far • Pregnancy nausea, exhaustion, and food aversions • Preparing for a second baby versus preparing for your first • What pregnant wives actually need from their husbands • Why your wife may struggle to ask you for help • Learning to anticipate your partner's needs • Why decision fatigue is so real for moms • Giving your wife permission to rest without guilt • What dads need to understand about the postpartum season • Giving your wife grace during the fourth trimester • What it feels like when your spouse does not seem like herself after baby • Postpartum identity changes and becoming a mom • Supporting your wife's career after having kids • Working mom guilt and balancing career with motherhood • Why friendships and community matter so much after having kids • Building your village before you desperately need one • Why parenting alongside friends makes the hard seasons easier • Understanding that toddler behavior is communication • How dads can respond differently to tantrums and difficult behavior • Why your child's behavior is not always about you • Creating meaningful family moments out of ordinary days • Learning your strengths as a mom and dad • Becoming a team instead of keeping score If You've Ever Searched how to support my pregnant wife what does my pregnant wife need from me how to be a supportive husband during pregnancy pregnancy advice for dads first time dad advice expecting dad advice how to prepare for fatherhood how to support wife after baby what moms need after giving birth postpartum support for moms postpartum advice for husbands fourth trimester for dads how dads can help with a newborn how to support wife postpartum marriage after having a baby working mom guilt how to support a working mom pregnancy food aversions second pregnancy advice preparing for baby number two building a village after having a baby postpartum mental health how to help wife get more rest understanding toddler behavior toddler tantrums parenting community pregnancy podcast for dads new dad podcast fatherhood podcast This episode is for you. Meet the Wives For this episode, we handed part of the microphones over to the women who have been beside Dudela from the beginning. Abigail is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a background in Applied Behavior Analysis. She works with children on developmental skills, communication, behavior, and helping families understand why behaviors happen in the first place. One of her biggest reminders for dads in this episode is simple: Behavior is communication. When your toddler is screaming, hitting, melting down, or doing something that drives you insane, it is easy to take that behavior personally. But your child may simply be trying to communicate something they do not yet have the language or skills to express. Vivian is a mom of twins, entrepreneur, and wedding planner behind The Alpenglow Edit. Her love for creating meaningful moments has carried directly into motherhood and the way she and John intentionally create traditions, adventures, and memories with their girls. She also gets honest about the harder side of becoming a mom, including the postpartum season and eventually finding parts of herself again through starting her business. Together, they give us something we want more of on Dudela: The mom's side of the story. The Womb Watch Is Coming With Michael and Abigail expecting their second daughter, we have been documenting this pregnancy behind the scenes. The Womb Watch follows their pregnancy in real time through appointments, conversations, questions, preparation, and Michael figuring out what it means to go through pregnancy as a dad for the second time. The Womb Watch is exclusive content for members of the Spit Up Society. Join the Spit Up Society The podcast is where we talk about fatherhood. The Spit Up Society is where we get to talk with you. For $5 per month, you get access to two live Dudela Q&A calls every month, The Womb Watch, exclusive content, behind the scenes conversations, early access to Dudela resources, and a community of dads figuring this stuff out together. Our live calls happen on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of every month. Bring your questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, newborn life, marriage, finances, fatherhood, or whatever you are dealing with right now. Can't make the live call? Members get access to the recordings too. Join the Spit Up Society here: https://thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society/ Free Dad Prep Guide Preparing for your first baby? Start here: https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide Our free Dad Prep Guide gives expecting dads practical advice for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and becoming a father. Dudela Prep Kit Want to go deeper? https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit The Dudela Prep Kit is our complete roadmap for first time dads preparing for labor, delivery, postpartum, and life with a newborn. It includes 33 pages, 6 pillars, and 9 printable tools designed to help you stop wondering what you should be doing and start preparing for what comes next. Ask Dudela Have a question you want us to answer? Maybe your wife is pregnant and you have no idea what she needs. Maybe you are struggling through the newborn stage. Maybe your toddler is losing their mind and you cannot figure out why. Maybe you just need another dad's perspective. Leave us a voicemail directly through the Dudela website. We listen to every message and may answer yours on the podcast or during one of our live conversations. Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week Ask your wife one question: What is one thing I could take completely off your plate this week? Then listen. And if you already know the answer, do not make her manage you through it. Take the kids. Make dinner. Handle bedtime. Clean the kitchen. Give her an hour alone. Make the decision. Whatever it is, own it from beginning to end. Being a steady dad is not always about knowing exactly what to say. Sometimes it is simply noticing what your family needs and showing up before someone has to ask.

Trying should be the fun part, right? Trying for a baby is supposed to be the fun part. Then the ovulation strips show up, the fertile window turns into a deadline, and sex starts feeling like something you're clocking into. Nobody really preps dads for that. In this episode, John and Michael sit down outside in Dillon, Colorado (concert crowd noise included) to talk honestly about trying to conceive: John and Viv's five months, Michael and Abigail's six to eight, and every emotion that showed up in between. They get into the stuff most guys never say out loud. The pressure of being "the star of the show" — if you don't perform, there's no baby. The mindset shift of scheduled sex, and how to actually make it fun instead of clinical. What it felt like when a pregnancy test came back negative and not realizing until that night how much the moment meant to his wife. The golf trip Michael was on when Abigail got a negative test the morning of his sister's baby shower, and what he learned about not being emotionally present for it. They also cover the practical side: tracking ovulation, timing morning sex around testosterone levels, why hot tubs are a fertility myth worth knowing about, and when it's worth getting your own levels checked. And the mental side almost nobody addresses — the eight inches between your ears that start asking "is this ever going to work" after a few negative tests in a row. But the bigger point isn't the biology. It's that the trying season, hard as it is, is a chance to build the communication and partnership that carries you into parenthood. John's twins were conceived on Leap Day, an accident neither of them expected, after months of turning a stressful window into something they looked forward to together. If you've been trying for one month or two years, this is a reminder you're not the only one white-knuckling the two-week wait, and you don't have to carry it alone. 🍼 In This Episode What trying to conceive actually feels like for dads, not just moms Why the fertile window creates pressure most men don't talk about Scheduled sex: how to keep intimacy fun instead of clinical The "star of the show" pressure and how to handle an off night What to do when a pregnancy test comes back negative, and how to actually support your wife in that moment Tracking ovulation, morning timing, and other practical strategies Why hot tubs, diet, and drinking habits are worth a second look while trying The mental side of trying to conceive that men rarely admit to How comparison creeps in when friends start having kids Turning the trying season into a foundation for your relationship, not just a means to an end 🎯 If You've Ever Searched trying for a baby, trying to conceive, how to get pregnant, fertile window, ovulation tracking, trying to conceive tips for men, male fertility and pregnancy, scheduled sex trying to conceive, negative pregnancy test, how to support my wife while trying to conceive, husband support while trying to get pregnant, emotional support while trying to conceive, sex while trying to conceive, how long does it take to get pregnant, preparing to become a dad, first time dad advice, pregnancy podcast for dads, fatherhood podcast, new dad podcast This episode is for you.   🧡 Resources for Dads Free Dad Prep Guide - https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide If you're preparing for your first baby, start here. Our free guide covers the things we wish someone had told us before becoming dads and gives you practical ways to start preparing now. Dudela Prep Kit - https://www.thedudelaco.com/kit Want to go deeper? The Dudela Prep Kit is our complete preparation framework for dads, $37, covering pregnancy, birth, postpartum, your relationship, emotions, finances, newborn life, and the transition into fatherhood. 🎙️ Ask Another Dad Going through something you want to talk about? Maybe you're trying for a baby. Maybe pregnancy is kicking your ass. Maybe your newborn won't sleep. Maybe you just need another dad's perspective. Leave John and Michael a voicemail at thedudelaco.com/voicemail, or email [email protected]. We listen to every one and respond when we can. 🤝 Join the Spit-Up Society Sometimes you don't need another article or Google search. You need other dads. The Spit-Up Society is $5 a month and gets you two live Q&A calls with John and Michael every month, a private community, and early access to merch and guides. Join at https://www.thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society   📱 Follow Dudela Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official   💪 Your Challenge This Week If you're currently trying for a baby, have one conversation with your partner that has nothing to do with timing, ovulation, or whether this is "the month." Ask her how she's actually doing with all of this. Then tell her how you're doing too. No fixing it, no strategy, no calendar. Just talk. Before you're mom and dad, you're still the two people building this family together. If trying has started to feel like work, find one way this week to make being together feel like the two of you again.

Every dad has strengths. Every dad has weaknesses. The question is whether you know what yours are. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael revisit one of our most popular conversations about what dads should be focusing on and take it one step deeper. Instead of talking about checklists and preparation, we talk about the man behind the dad. Because becoming a great father is not about pretending you're perfect. It's about knowing yourself well enough to build on your strengths, recognize your blind spots, and intentionally become the dad your family needs. We share honest stories from the past two years of fatherhood, from potty training twins and emotional reactions to the simple moments that reveal who we're becoming. We talk about learning to pause before reacting, giving yourself grace after you mess up, communicating honestly with your spouse, and remembering that your kids are watching far more than they are listening. Your children will copy your habits long before they understand your words. The way you treat your wife. The way you respond to stress. The way you talk about yourself. The way you apologize. The way you lead. Those are the things they'll remember. Whether you're expecting your first baby or you're already chasing toddlers around the house, this episode will challenge you to take an honest look in the mirror and become a more intentional, emotionally steady father. In This Episode • Why every dad needs to know both his strengths and weaknesses • The difference between reacting and responding • How planning ahead helps you stay calm under pressure • Potty training twins and learning patience in real time • Why your kids copy everything you do, even the things you don't notice • Building healthy communication with your spouse through regular check ins • Giving yourself grace after losing your cool • Why apologizing to your kids matters, even when they're too young to understand • Leading your family with intention instead of emotion • How dads and moms naturally bring different strengths to parenting • Practical ways to become proactive instead of reactive • Why becoming a better husband helps you become a better father If You've Ever Searched how to be a better dad fatherhood advice dad emotional regulation how to stop yelling at my kids new dad mindset intentional parenting how to become a patient dad strengths and weaknesses as a parent how to communicate better in marriage new dad tips parenting podcast fatherhood podcast how to be emotionally present how to prepare for fatherhood raising emotionally healthy kids This episode is for you. Resources Mentioned 🧡 Free Dad Prep Guide https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide A practical guide packed with the essential things every expecting dad should know before baby arrives. 💪 Dudela Prep Kit https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit Our complete fatherhood preparation framework covering pregnancy, birth, postpartum, finances, emotions, communication, and practical tools like the Brain Dump and One Word Check In. 🎙️ Ask Dudela Have a question about fatherhood, pregnancy, marriage, or newborn life? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we may answer it on a future episode. 🤝 Join the Spit Up Society Join our live community of dads for just $5 per month. You'll get access to two live Q&A sessions every month where we answer your questions, share practical fatherhood advice, and build community with dads who are in the same season of life. Join here: https://www.thedudelaco.com/Join Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/Dudela or Ko fi https://ko-fi.com/dudela 📱 Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week Ask your spouse one simple question: "What's one strength you see in me as a dad, and what's one area where I could grow?" Listen without getting defensive. Then ask yourself one more question: Am I becoming the kind of dad I hope my kids remember? Growth starts with honesty. And every great dad is still growing.

Everyone tells you to put your kids first. But one of the best things you can do for your kids is invest in the relationship that started your family. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael share what happened when they each took their first kid free trips with their wives after becoming parents. From airport freedom and uninterrupted dinners to missing their toddlers and rediscovering what it feels like to simply be husband and wife again, this conversation is an honest look at why healthy marriages create healthy families. Leaving your baby for the first time can feel exciting, terrifying, and even a little guilt inducing. Is it too soon? Will they be okay? Should we even go? We unpack those questions along with practical advice on when to plan your first overnight trip, how to lean on grandparents and your support system, why staying home isn't always enough for a real date night, and how stepping away from your daily routine helps you reconnect as a couple. We also talk about something many new parents experience but rarely say out loud. After months of diapers, bottles, nap schedules, and surviving on little sleep, it's easy to forget the people you were before becoming mom and dad. Taking time away isn't about escaping your kids. It's about strengthening your marriage so you can come home refreshed, connected, and ready to lead your family well. Whether you're expecting your first baby or you're deep in the toddler years, this episode is a reminder that your marriage deserves intentional investment too. In This Episode Why your marriage is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids What it felt like taking our first kid free vacations How long you should actually get away as new parents Date nights versus overnight trips and why both matter The guilt of leaving your child for the first time Why grandparents and your village are essential How becoming parents completely changes the way you travel Helping your kids become comfortable with trusted caregivers Affordable getaway ideas for young families Why getting out of your house helps you reconnect Building a marriage that lasts beyond the parenting years Practical ways to prioritize your spouse without feeling selfish If You've Ever Searched marriage after baby how to reconnect after having a baby date nights after kids when can parents leave baby overnight how to leave baby with grandparents new parent marriage advice how to stay connected after having kids first trip without baby overnight getaway for parents how to prioritize your marriage after kids marriage tips for new parents healthy marriage after children fatherhood podcast new dad podcast parenting podcast This episode is for you. Resources Mentioned 🧡 Free Dad Prep Guide https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide Prepare for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and your baby's first year with practical advice built specifically for expecting dads. 💪 Dudela Prep Kit https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit Our complete fatherhood preparation system with practical tools covering emotions, finances, communication, birth, postpartum, routines, and everything we wish someone had taught us before becoming dads. 🎙️ Ask Dudela Have a question about pregnancy, fatherhood, marriage, or newborn life? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we may answer it in a future episode. 🤝 Join the Spit Up Society Join our live community of dads for just $5 per month. Twice every month we host live Q&A calls where you can ask questions, share wins, learn from other dads, and build real community. Join here: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/Dudela or Ko fi https://ko-fi.com/dudela 📱 Follow Dudela Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_dudela_official/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_dudela_official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDudela-Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dudela-61566037880710/ Your Challenge This Week Pull out your calendar. Find one date with your spouse. Not "sometime next month." An actual date. Maybe it's dinner. Maybe it's coffee. Maybe it's one night away while grandparents watch the kids. Put it on the calendar and protect it. Because one day your kids will grow up and leave home. The marriage you're building today is the relationship you'll still have then.

Everyone talks about the registry. Everyone talks about the nursery colors. Almost nobody tells you the real number. At Dudela, we believe part of being a steady dad is being a prepared one. That means having the money conversation before the bills show up, not after. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael break down the true cost of bringing a baby home, from the moment you see the plus sign through the first year of life. This is the conversation most guys don't have until they're staring at a credit card statement wondering where it all went. The reality is that baby costs hit you in waves you don't see coming. Diapers alone will run through a box in under a month. Insurance deductibles reset the second you move from an individual plan to a family plan, which means you can hit your out of pocket max once during pregnancy and then hit it again when the baby arrives. Hospital bills show up weeks later with numbers that don't match what anyone told you at the appointment. And that's before you've bought a single onesie. In this episode, we walk through real numbers. What a crib, dresser, and rocking chair actually cost. What a good car seat and stroller run you. What the average vaginal birth and C-section cost on insurance, and what the hospital will actually bill you if things go sideways. What a full first year costs excluding childcare, and what childcare itself adds on top of that. We also get into what nobody explains clearly, like why your out of pocket max resets, why five different people at your insurance company can give you five different answers, and why you need to ask the same question more than once before you trust it. We also talk about the tools that help long term. Setting a household number you're both aligned on, even if it's arbitrary. 529 plans. The newer Trump Accounts for kids born within the eligible window. And why "set it and forget it" savings beats obsessing over a balance you can't change yet. Most importantly, we talk about mindset. This isn't about scaring you. It's about giving you the landscape so you can plan instead of react, and so you and your wife are aligned before the first bill lands instead of blindsided by it. 🍼 In This Episode Why the money conversation needs to start before the stroller conversation How fast diapers, wipes, and formula actually add up Why your insurance deductible and out of pocket max reset when you add a baby What a vaginal birth and C-section typically cost on insurance The real hospital bill numbers behind a NICU stay What nursery setup actually costs, room by room Car seats, strollers, and the gear that's worth spending more on The gear that's worth buying used or skipping entirely What a full first year of baby costs, excluding childcare The real range for childcare and daycare per child Why getting a second car seat base is a small cost with a big payoff 529 plans and Trump Accounts explained simply Why aligning on a number as a couple matters more than the number itself 🎯 If You've Ever Searched how much does a baby cost the first year cost of having a baby with insurance baby budget for new dads hospital bill after birth insurance out of pocket max pregnancy how much do diapers cost per month nursery setup cost cost of daycare per month financial planning for new dads how to talk to my wife about money before baby 529 plan for a baby Trump account for kids budgeting for a new baby cost of raising a child in the first year financial stress before baby arrives This episode is for you. 🧡 Resources Mentioned Free Dad Prep Guide Dudela Prep Kit Our complete fatherhood preparation framework, including the financial planning tools and action steps to help you have the money conversation with your wife before the bills start showing up. Ask Dudela Need advice, have a question, or just need to vent? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we'll do our best to respond. Follow Along Instagram: @the_dudela_official TikTok: @the_dudela_official YouTube: The Dudela Official Facebook: The Dudela 💪 Your Challenge This Week Pick a number. Sit down with your wife and agree on a rough monthly number you're aiming to spend on baby expenses. It doesn't have to be right. It just has to be shared. Then ask yourselves: Where can we cut back right now? Where can we grow our income? What's one bill we haven't talked about yet, like insurance, that we need to figure out this week? You don't need the perfect number. You need to be aligned on one.

The Emotional Side of Fatherhood Nobody Talks About Everyone talks about the baby's emotions. Everyone talks about mom's emotions. Almost nobody talks about dad's. At Dudela, we believe one of the most important jobs of a father is becoming emotionally steady. Not emotionless. Not perfect. Steady. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael dive into one of the most overlooked parts of fatherhood: your emotional health. Whether you're expecting your first baby, navigating pregnancy with your partner, or already in the thick of diapers, sleep deprivation, toddler meltdowns, and family responsibilities, this conversation is for you. The reality is that fatherhood can be emotionally exhausting. You're carrying work stress, financial pressure, relationship dynamics, family responsibilities, and the weight of wanting to be a great dad. Most guys respond the same way. They bottle it up. They push through. They tell themselves they'll deal with it later. But eventually, later shows up. In this episode, we unpack what it means to become a steady dad emotionally. Not a perfect dad. Not a dad who never struggles. A dad who understands what he's feeling, processes it in healthy ways, and shows up for his family with consistency instead of chaos. We share practical tools from the Dudela Prep Kit, including the Brain Dump exercise and the One Word Check In. We talk about finding safe places to process emotions, building friendships that can handle real conversations, and why getting your emotions out of your head and into the open changes everything. Most importantly, we talk about giving yourself grace. Fatherhood is hard because you care. The fact that you're thinking about these things means you're already doing more than most. 🍼 In This Episode • Why fatherhood is an emotional rollercoaster before and after baby arrives • What it means to be a steady dad emotionally • Why dads tend to bottle up emotions instead of processing them • Finding healthy outlets before bringing stress home • The power of friendship and honest conversations between dads • How exercise, movement, and getting outside help regulate emotions • The Brain Dump exercise and why it clears mental clutter • The One Word Check In and how it reveals emotional patterns over time • Why emotional awareness creates a calmer home environment • Giving yourself grace during difficult seasons of fatherhood • What to do when you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or stuck   🎯 If You've Ever Searched dad mental health new dad anxiety fatherhood emotions how to deal with stress as a dad dad burnout how to support my pregnant wife emotional regulation for dads new father emotional changes how to be a better husband and father managing stress during pregnancy dad support group fatherhood podcast mental health for fathers how to stay calm with toddlers how to stop bringing work stress home This episode is for you.   🧡 Resources Mentioned • Free Dad Prep Guide https://www.thedudelaco.com/guide • Dudela Prep Kit https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit Our complete fatherhood preparation framework featuring the Brain Dump exercise, One Word Check In, and practical tools for navigating pregnancy, birth, and the first year of fatherhood. • Ask Dudela Need advice, have a question, or just need to vent? Leave us a voicemail directly on our website and we'll do our best to respond. • Follow Along Instagram: @the_dudela_official TikTok: @the_dudela_official YouTube: The Dudela Official Facebook: The Dudela   💪 Your Challenge This Week Try a Brain Dump. Set a timer for five minutes and write down everything taking up space in your head. Work stress. Financial stress. Relationship stress. Home projects. Random to dos. Everything.   Then ask yourself: What actually deserves my attention today? What can wait? What am I carrying that I don't need to carry anymore?   You might be surprised how much lighter you feel.

Most parenting resources focus on moms. Most dads are told to just figure it out. That's exactly why Dudela exists. In this special rewind episode, John and Michael look back at where Dudela started, how two first time dads found themselves navigating emergency C sections, NICU stays, difficult pregnancies, sleepless nights, and the overwhelming transition into fatherhood, and why they felt called to build something specifically for dads. What started as a joke on a family vacation became a podcast, a community, and now a growing collection of resources designed to help dads show up with more confidence during one of the biggest transitions of their lives. John shares the story of bringing premature twin girls into the world after a high risk pregnancy, months of uncertainty, and a month long NICU stay. Michael opens up about an emergency C section that completely changed the birth plan in a matter of minutes. Together, they reflect on what they learned, what surprised them, and what they wish every expecting dad knew before stepping into the delivery room. But this episode is not just about looking back. It's about where Dudela is headed next. We introduce the Dudela Prep Kit, a practical guide built from everything we've learned through our own experiences, conversations with experts, and questions from hundreds of dads. We also share our vision for the future of Dudela, including workshops, community support, resources for new fathers, and creating a place where dads can ask honest questions without feeling judged. Whether you're expecting your first baby, preparing for delivery day, surviving the newborn stage, or simply trying to become the dad you want to be, this episode is for you. Here's what we cover: • The unexpected story behind the name Dudela • What becoming a dad actually felt like for both of us • Emergency C sections, NICU stays, and the moments that changed everything • Why most dads feel unprepared for pregnancy and birth • The mindset shift from spectator to active partner • The value of having other dads in your corner • Lessons learned from 22 episodes and conversations with incredible guests • The biggest questions expecting dads ask us • A behind the scenes look at the new Dudela Prep Kit • What's next for the Dudela community and how we're planning to help more dads If you've ever searched: new dad advice, first time father tips, how to prepare for a baby as a dad, what dads should know before birth, NICU dad experience, emergency C section support, pregnancy resources for dads, fatherhood podcast, new parent preparation, dad community, expecting father checklist, newborn survival guide for dads, fatherhood support group, how to support your wife during pregnancy, becoming a dad for the first time This episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: • The Dudela Prep Kit • Free Dad Prep Guide • The Spit Up Society Dad Community Homework: If you're expecting, ask yourself this question: "What kind of dad do I want my child to remember?" Write down three words. Keep them somewhere visible. Start becoming that dad today. If you know a guy who's expecting a baby, send him this episode. And if Dudela has helped you in any way, share the podcast with another dad. That's how this community grows. Ready to feel more prepared for fatherhood? Grab the free Dad Prep Guide and check out the Dudela Prep Kit at thedudelaco.com.

You do not get to pick the family you are born into. But you do get to build the family you lead. In part one of our Family Matters series, John and Michael talk about the me to we shift that happens when you go from single guy to husband to dad. Your priorities change fast. Time gets tighter. Opinions multiply. And if you do not define your family values, routines, and traditions, something else will. This episode is a practical starter kit for designing your family on purpose. We talk dinner table culture, small traditions that your kids will remember forever, and the conversations you need to have with your spouse before outside expectations start steering your home. We also unpack how different family backgrounds collide once you get married, especially around holidays and extended family. One spouse may be used to big loud gatherings, the other may be used to quiet holidays with just a few people. Neither is wrong, but you have to talk about it before it becomes tension. You will hear simple ideas you can start this week like highs and lows at the table, pancakes and Disney mornings, Sunday snuggles, and an outdoor goal that gets everyone moving. We also give you one of the best questions a dad can ask when he feels unsure. What do you want your kids to say about your home when they are grown. Because you are writing that story right now. Here is what we cover The me to we shift and why your priorities change immediately How to decide what kind of family you want to be, not just what kind of dad Dinner table culture and why consistency beats perfection Simple routines that kids thrive on, even as toddlers Easy conversation starters for kids, highs and lows, giggle and wiggle, and more How to talk with your wife about values before you announce them to the world Big family holidays versus quiet holidays and finding middle ground Traditions you loved growing up and traditions you are ready to leave behind The outside goal, one thousand hours outdoors and why it shapes your week The question that changes everything, what do you want your kids to say about you Values you can design around church, activity, nutrition, and technology boundaries A simple way to audit your family culture, look at your bank statement and calendar If you have ever searched how to build a strong family culture how to create family traditions family values for new parents how to lead your family as a dad marriage after baby communication holiday boundaries with in laws how to set family routines with toddlers dinner table routine for kids screen time boundaries for families how to be intentional as a parent new dad podcast family values fatherhood podcast about family culture This episode is for you. Homework Ask each other this question and write it down What do we want our kids to say about our home in twenty years Callouts • Send us one family value you are building right now and we will share favorites in a future episode • Join the Spit Up Society for weekly prompts, dad hacks, and community     family culture, family values, family traditions, new dad, fatherhood, marriage communication, dinner table routine, toddler routine, holiday boundaries, in laws, screen time boundaries, outdoor family time, intentional parenting

Solo episode from John. Just two minutes. We built the thing we wish we'd had in the third trimester and I want to tell you about it. If your partner is anywhere between week 28 and 40 and you've been feeling like you're missing something you can't quite name, this one's for you.   Get the Dudela Prep Kit here   Or if that link does't work, type this url into your browser: https://dudelaco.gumroad.com/l/dudela-prep-kit

Parents, in laws, and grandparents can be one of the biggest blessings in early parenthood. They can also be the biggest source of stress if expectations are unclear. What does it actually look like to design your family on purpose and not just react to life? In part three of our Family Matters series, John and Michael sit down with Josh Mackey, husband, dad of two daughters, and pastor in Denver, to talk about the rhythms, values, and mission that shape a family from the inside out. Josh brings both his own story as a dad and years of walking alongside other families through the hard stuff, and he does not hold back. The conversation starts with the identity shift that hits you the moment you become a dad. Not just your schedule and your money, but who you are. How your kids are becoming like you whether you like it or not. And how that reality is either terrifying or one of the most motivating things you can hear. Josh introduces one of the most practical tools we have heard yet. An acronym built on your family name where each letter stands for a value you actually want to live. Corny? Maybe. Powerful? Absolutely. His daughter already walks past the sign in their kitchen every day. We also dig into Sabbath, not as a religious rule but as a rhythm of real renewal. The difference between vegging and actually being restored. How to protect a day for the things that fill you up, good food, good people, and yes, ice cream. And how that rhythm looks different in every season of life so you do not need to have it figured out before you start. Then Josh brings the book Family on Mission into the conversation. There is a difference between having a family and a mission that compete with each other, making your family your mission and isolating them from the world, and doing family on mission where your kids are invited into your purpose and your work. They see what you actually do. They learn by watching you, not just by being told. And we talk about failure. Because you are going to mess it up. The question is whether you model what it looks like to say you are sorry, to disagree without destroying each other, and to let your kids see that brokenness followed by forgiveness is not weakness. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Here is what we cover Why becoming a dad is a more radical identity shift than even marriage How your kids are learning from you by osmosis whether you are teaching them or not The family name acronym tool Josh and Carissa built and how to make your own version Sabbath as a rhythm of renewal versus vegging, and why it matters for your whole family Why the goal is not hitting parenting benchmarks but building a vision for who you want to be Family and mission competing versus family on mission together Inviting your kids into your work and purpose and why we lost that after the industrial revolution Why little consistent moments matter more than big surprise experiences Modeling disagreement and repair so your kids learn what healthy conflict actually looks like Why being the dad who says I am sorry is one of the most countercultural and powerful things you can do A word for dads afraid of screwing up, you will, and that is okay If you have ever searched how to build a family culture as a dad family values and mission christian family rhythms how to stop reacting and start leading your family how to set a vision for your family how to teach kids about conflict and forgiveness family on mission fatherhood identity shift new dad advice pastor advice for new dads family acronym values tool how to build family traditions with toddlers sabbath for families what does sabbath look like practically parenting and purpose how to invite kids into your work how to say sorry to your kids how to model healthy marriage for your children This episode is for you. Homework Sit down with your spouse and ask: What does it mean to be the [your last name] family? Write down three values and see if you can make them stick to a word or phrase you will actually remember. Try one intentional Sabbath this month. It does not have to be perfect. Just protect one day and fill it with the things that actually restore you. Callouts Send us your family acronym or value statement and we will share favorites in a future episode Join the Spit Up Society for weekly prompts, dad hacks, and community Tags: fatherhood, family values, family mission, family rhythms, sabbath for families, dad identity, christian fatherhood, family culture, how to lead your family, modeling forgiveness, healthy conflict in marriage, family on mission, new dad advice, parenting vision, family traditions, dad podcast, dudela

What happens when you grow up without a steady dad in the house, and you decide you are going to change the story for your kids: In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael sit down with Howie Hutchinson, a husband and dad of two in Denver, to talk about fatherhood after divorce, step parents, and rebuilding a relationship with your dad as an adult. Howie shares what it was like growing up mostly in a single parent home after his parents split, what he had to figure out on his own as a boy, and the pressure he carried for years to become the best dad possible. This conversation is honest, hopeful, and full of practical wisdom. You will hear a powerful turning point moment when Howie told his dad that if their relationship stayed the same, he did not want to invest in a relationship between his dad and his future kids. What happened next surprised him, and it changed the direction of their relationship for the last fourteen years. We talk about why presence matters most in the early years, why supporting your wife and building a healthy family unit is a gift to your kids, and how to avoid building your whole parenting identity in reaction to what you did not have. Howie also shares what his therapist wife taught him about grace, perspective, and the idea that maybe you got your dad’s best. It is a challenging thought, and it is freeing. You will also hear practical ideas you can use right away, including a journal that goes back and forth between parent and child, plus a long term question every dad should ask. What do you want friendship with your kids to look like when they are adults, and what can you do today to build toward that Here is what we cover • Growing up with a dad on the fringes and what you learn from peers instead • Divorce at nine and how it shapes a kid’s story about their father • Stepdad dynamics and what he wishes he had asked for sooner • The pressure to be the best dad and how to cool it on the pressure • A hard conversation with his dad one month before his first child was born • Rebuilding a relationship with your dad and being grateful for what you have now • Presence as a dad and why just being there matters more than you think • Supporting your wife and building a healthy family unit kids can trust • Parenting a son versus parenting a daughter and why dads shape confidence • Sliding door moments and choosing to step into connection • A back and forth journal habit that builds real relationship • How to have a million small conversations instead of one big talk If you have ever searched how to be a present dad dad advice for kids of divorce healing father wounds rebuilding relationship with my dad generational trauma and parenting how to be a better husband and father father daughter relationship and confidence how to raise a son without a dad stepdad relationship advice parent child journal prompts how to talk to kids about sex early have small conversations not one big talk fatherhood podcast for dads This episode is for you.   fatherhood, present dad, generational healing, kids of divorce, rebuilding relationship with dad, marriage and parenting, father daughter relationship, raising sons, stepdad, family unit, dad pressure, parenting habits, parent child journal, small conversations, new dad podcast

Parents, in laws, and grandparents can be one of the biggest blessings in early parenthood. They can also be the biggest source of stress if expectations are unclear. In part two of our Family Matters series, John and Michael talk about how to navigate family involvement during pregnancy, the hospital, and those first few weeks at home. We start with the good stuff. Date nights and babysitters you trust. The joy of multi generational moments. Watching grandparents light up with your baby. It is a short window in life and it is genuinely beautiful. Then we get practical. You and your wife need a plan before the baby arrives. What do we want the first hours to look like. What do we want the hospital time to feel like. Do we want visitors right away or do we want space. When do we want family to come to the house. What kind of help do we actually want. Because if you do not set expectations, feelings get hurt fast even when everyone means well. We also talk meal trains, how to make them actually helpful, and how to communicate that dropping food off is not always a visit. We share the small things that felt huge, notes and prayers, meals packaged to reheat, DoorDash credits, even groceries and premade oven meals. We also share one simple hack for out of town family visits. Come after you are home and settled, then use the help for real rest if they are willing. Then we go there. As dads, you and your wife hold the keys to the grandparent role. That is uncomfortable to say, but it is true. Titles do not automatically equal access. Your kids are sponges, and if a relationship is unhealthy or values are being undermined, you have a responsibility to protect your family unit. We talk about how to think through that without being dramatic, how to communicate your strategy to family, and how to invite the village into the same playbook you are using, sleep, teething, routines, and safety standards that have changed since our parents raised kids. Here is what we cover • Why this season is a rare multi generational window and why it matters • Date nights, babysitters, and the reality of leaving your toddler with someone new • Hospital expectations and why hour one can get tense fast • How to decide who visits, when, and what you want the first hours to feel like • Out of town family strategy, come after you are home and settled • The meal train rules that make it truly helpful, drop and go, not a dinner party • Meal ideas that actually serve new parents, reheatable portions, notes, DoorDash, groceries • Updating grandparents on modern safety, sleep sacks, no loose blankets, no stuffed animals in crib • Sharing your family playbook so grandparents can follow your routines without guessing • The truth, you hold the keys to the grandparent role and you can set limits when needed • Kids are sponges, why boundaries matter more than you think If you have ever searched hospital visitors after baby when can grandparents visit newborn boundaries with in laws after baby how to tell family no visitors meal train ideas for new parents DoorDash meal train option how to communicate expectations with grandparents safe sleep rules for grandparents sleep sack no blanket crib how to set family boundaries as new parents grandparents undermining parents protecting family values as parents family boundaries after having a baby This episode is for you. Callouts • Before baby comes, have this conversation with your spouse, what do we want the first hours, first week, and first month to look like • If you have a great meal train idea, send it to us and we will share favorites in a future episode • Join the Spit Up Society for weekly prompts, dad hacks, and community Tags: in laws, grandparents, newborn boundaries, hospital visitors, meal train, postpartum support, new parents, family values, safe sleep, marriage communication, fatherhood podcast, new dad tips

Mom and baby are healthy. But am I? A dad to be emailed us this question and it is one of the most common things no one talks about in the early months. Everyone asks how mom is doing and how baby is doing. Almost no one asks how dad is holding up. John and Michael unpack the mental side of new fatherhood, the tension of wanting to feel healthy again, and the question every new dad wrestles with. Is it selfish to prioritize myself right now. This episode is practical and encouraging. We talk about how fatherhood rewrites your routine, why the goal is not getting your old life back, and how to build a new version that fits the season you are in. You will hear how tiny pockets of time can actually be enough, why the engine light feeling is a signal to reassess before burnout hits, and how communicating what you need to your partner is the opposite of selfish. It is leadership. We also cover life giving habits for dads, what to do if your old hobbies no longer fit, and how to start with one anchor instead of trying to rebuild everything at once. From workouts that fit into real life, to new hobbies, to sleep strategies that buy your sanity back, this is a field guide for dads who want to show up steady for their family without running themselves into the ground. In this episode • Why nobody asks how dad is doing and why that matters • The engine light moment and how to reassess before burnout • How fatherhood rewrites your routine and why you need a new one • The difference between being efficient and being restored • Small windows of time and how to use them well • Communicating needs with your partner and not dumping the load • Asking your wife what she needs too and why it builds trust • When old hobbies do not fit right now and how to adapt without quitting forever • Picking one anchor habit that gives you life and making it consistent • Building community so you are not doing this alone • Quick mentions of sleep help and the value of routines for kids and parents • Steady Dad cohort and why support matters when you feel stretched thin If you have ever searched dad burnout new dad mental health is it selfish to take time for myself as a dad how to support my postpartum wife and still be okay how to build a routine with a newborn workout routine for new dads how to be a present dad without losing yourself how to communicate needs in marriage after baby how to find community as a new dad how to recharge as a father This episode is for you. Callouts • If you are feeling stretched thin, tell us what you are missing most from your old routine and we will share ideas and encouragement • Apply for the Steady Dad cohort on our site if you want a small group and a clear plan   new dad, fatherhood, dad mental health, dad burnout, routines for parents, marriage after baby, communication, newborn life, working parents, self care for dads, workout for dads, community for dads, Steady Dad

Some dads live for the work trip. Some dads hate it. Most of us feel both at the exact same time. In this episode, John and Michael talk about the weird mix of freedom and guilt that hits the moment you close the hotel door. No bedtime. No monitor. No toys on the floor. And then out of nowhere you miss your kids more than you expected. John shares his first extended trip away from the girls and what actually helped. Prepping food before leaving, setting clear expectations with Viv, and making daily FaceTime a nonnegotiable even if it is only five minutes. They get real about the moments that trigger resentment on both sides. The conference dinner photos while your spouse has poop on them. The missed souvenir. The sleep that is somehow worse even without a baby monitor because your dad brain is still listening for cries. This episode is a practical guide for any dad who travels for work or needs a night away. How to communicate expectations before you go, how to show up from a distance, how to use tech like FaceTime and Marco Polo to stay present, and how to plan support so your partner is not carrying the whole load alone. If you have ever felt guilty for enjoying quiet time or frustrated that you cannot be in two places at once, you are not alone. Here is what we cover Why the first hotel room exhale feels amazing and then immediately painful The baby monitor problem and when you actually stop using it How fast the missing them feeling hits and why FaceTime makes it harder and sweeter Setting expectations before you leave and why daily check ins matter even if they are short Practical prep that helps your spouse meals, snacks, breakfasts, and a simple support plan The community factor and why doing it alone is brutal and deserves respect What to do when you miss an expectation and your partner is frustrated How to respond without snapping and why seen, valued, and heard is the whole point Ways to help from afar DoorDash, surprises, and being proactive during nap windows Rapid fire alone time truths toilet time, sleep patterns, and the best part of being away If you have ever searched dad traveling for work how to help my wife when I travel work trip guilt as a dad how often to FaceTime kids when away how to set expectations in marriage how to support a partner during bedtime solo how to leave work at work as a dad single parent life respect and support Marco Polo app for family updates how to stop resenting my spouse This episode is for you. Callouts If you travel a lot for work, message us. We want your best tips and we may feature them in a future episode If you have done deployments or long stretches away, we would love to learn from you on a future pod Join the Spit Up Society for weekly prompts, dad hacks, and community support

It is the everyday reality for so many families. Two careers. One home full of little people and big needs. John and Michael share what the juggle really looks like in their house and the simple systems that keep the wheels on. From daycare drop offs and dinner triage to shared calendars, phone limits, and a weekly reset for marriage, this is honest help for working parents who want to show up at work and at home without burning out. Expect real stories, honest laughs, and practical ideas you can use tonight. We talk packing the diaper bag the night before, the twenty minute tidy that actually gets done, and how to divide tasks without keeping score. We cover commute rituals that turn off work brain, quick weeknight meals, and the small routines that make mornings smoother. There is real talk about guilt, energy slumps, and how to step in when your partner can only give ten percent. Presence beats perfection. Small systems beat heroic sprints. In this episode • Daycare prep that saves time bag, labels, and an always ready checklist • Morning and evening rhythms plus the twenty minute tidy • How to communicate needs without keeping score • Work boundaries that protect family time including simple phone rules • Meal planning for real life leftovers, sheet pan dinners, and one cook day • Shared calendars that reduce mental load and missed handoffs • Reading your partner’s day and stepping in with care not criticism • Cleaning as you go dishes, floors, and the playroom cycle • A weekly at home date night that does not need a sitter • Mindset for busy seasons permission to pause and reset If you have ever searched working parents routine daycare checklist for dads how to balance work and family as a dad shared family calendar ideas quick weeknight dinners for parents phone boundaries for home time how to stop keeping score in marriage leaving work at work how to feel less guilty as a working parent This episode is for you. Callouts • Try a Sunday Power Hour this week to start the week calm • Block a weekly at home date night and protect it like a meeting • Join the Spit Up Society for prompts, dad hacks, and community working parents, daycare prep, morning routine, evening routine, twenty minute tidy, shared calendar, phone boundaries, weeknight dinners, marriage communication, mental load, work life balance dads, fatherhood podcast, new dad tips, presence over perfection, community for dads

It is our final pod of the year and we are looking back at a wild first year of fatherhood. John and Michael share favorite moments, travel wins and fails, and three big lessons that changed how we show up at home. Presence beats performance. Grace is not optional. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Expect real stories, honest laughs, and practical ideas you can use tonight. We talk baby milestones and the walking phase, Costco runs with double carts, bottle stations that take over the kitchen, and a few stats from our Dad Wrapped that will make you smile and maybe gag. We also preview what is coming in 2026 including Dad Prep Week, the Dad Reset, and coaching options for dads who want community and accountability. If you are a new dad or a dad to be, this episode will help you feel seen and ready for the next season. In this episode • Presence over performance and why moments beat metrics • Grace for yourself and your partner when expectations miss • Filling your cup without disappearing from the family • First laughs, first steps, and why this stage is magic • Travel tips with babies including help at security and customs • Bottle washing sanity, laundry loads, and diaper realities • Community for dads and how to find mentors and peers • What is coming in 2026 free guides, group coaching, and more If you have ever searched how to be a present dad how to give my spouse grace new dad tips for the first year baby travel checklist and airport rules how to balance work and family as a dad fatherhood podcast for first time dads community for dads and mentors This episode is for you. Callouts: • Grab Dad Prep Week on our site for a simple seven day reset • Try the Dad Reset three day series if you feel stuck or short fused • Join the Spit Up Society for weekly prompts, dad hacks, and community     new dad, first year of fatherhood, dad wrapped, presence over performance, grace in marriage, dad mental health, baby travel tips, bottle washing, diapers, walking milestone, community for dads, fatherhood podcast, new dad tips, work life balance dads, dad prep week, dad reset

What happens when two tiny humans arrive early and your whole world becomes monitors, milk schedules, and a love you did not know your heart could hold In this episode we sit down with Viv to tell the real story of our first year with twins. From high risk appointments and a calm C section at thirty four weeks to those first hours in the NICU, we share the choices we faced and the grace that met us. We talk about split emotions when one baby is calm and the other needs everything right now, the bottle station that takes over the kitchen, and the simple habits that helped us keep joy at the center. This conversation is warm, honest, and unfiltered. It is the field guide we wished we had on day one and the pep talk we still need on the tired days. 🍼 Here is what we cover • MoDi twin monitoring and what doctors are watching for • Cerclage basics and why frequent checks brought peace • A calm C section plan at thirty four weeks and what to expect day of • NICU day one choices donor milk, formula, room setup for two • Split emotions with two babies and how to give yourself grace • Postpartum anxiety, repair, and the daily ways dads can support • Sleep and feeding setups that save sanity with two at once • Evidence of life as a family motto that beats perfectionism • Building a village when family is far and which small asks work • Twin gear that actually helps from double pillows to dual cameras • First trips and travel tips that keep it simple and fun 🎯 If you have ever searched how to survive the first year with twins twin pregnancy MoDi and TTTS explained NICU twins what to expect twin sleep schedule and feeding routine how to support my wife after a C section postpartum anxiety help for couples twin gear checklist for newborns how to bond with two babies first time dad twin tips Christian parenting podcast for new dads This episode is for you. 🫶 Join the Spit Up Society A space for dads who are showing up, learning, and doing their best every day thedudelaco.com/join 📱 Follow along Instagram at the_dudela_official

Money talk that does not make you want to hide. John and Michael unpack the first financial moves that help a young family breathe. Start a 529 and let compounding do the heavy lifting, learn why Colorado offers a match and how fifteen a month per child gets the ball rolling, and see how friends and grandparents can contribute with a simple link. Hear how a whole life policy for each child can build cash value for their future down payment or other needs, and why a larger term life policy for dad can eliminate debt and carry the family through a hard season. We compare credit cards to a home equity line, talk through simple budgeting habits, and share holiday ideas that favor experiences and future savings over more plastic stuff. The theme is clear. Start small and stay consistent. Your future self will thank you. In this episode • What a 529 is and why tax free growth matters • Colorado match basics and a starter plan at fifteen a month per child • How friends and grandparents can give directly to the account • Whole life for kids and how cash value can fund real life goals • Term life targets for dad that cover debts, mortgage, and one year of salary • Using a home equity line to wipe out high interest cards • A simple weekly budget rhythm in a shared Google Sheet • Holiday gifts that fund the future instead of filling closets • Permission to start tiny and build as income grows Quick takeaways • Pick one action and start today • Automate transfers so you never miss • Revisit coverage and limits once a year • Share the load with your partner and set a monthly money date • Experiences beat stuff almost every time Resources mentioned • Colorado CollegeInvest site for 529 setup • Vanguard plan option inside CollegeInvest • Start a simple shareable, Google Sheets budget with categories for groceries, gas, baby items, and goals • Your local bank or credit union for a home equity line inquiry This Episode is for you if you've ever searched: new dad, fatherhood, family finance, 529 plan, college savings, whole life, term life, budget, debt payoff, HELOC, baby budget, holiday ideas for families, faith and fatherhood

What should I actually be focusing on right now? That was the question a dad to be emailed us this week, and if you have ever been in that waiting season, excited and overwhelmed, wondering what really matters before the baby comes, this one is for you. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael share a real, two part answer shaped by their first year as dads. From nesting chaos and diaper debates to emotional connection and personal growth, this conversation is funny, honest, and packed with practical takeaways. You will hear stories about the reality of helping during nesting mode, what it means to show up for your partner when you cannot fix everything, and how defining the kind of dad you want to be changes everything once your baby arrives. This is equal parts reflection and field guide, real talk for new and expecting dads trying to prepare for a role no one can truly prepare you for. Here’s what we unpack: • Why focus on your partner is the single best advice for every dad to be • What nesting actually looks like and why you will be cleaning the top of the fridge • How to support your partner emotionally instead of just doing things • The two pronged approach being there for her and building your own foundation • How to define the kind of dad you want to become before you are in it • The dad types, smoker dad, CrossFit dad, hobbyist dad, chill dad, and what they reveal about us • How your strengths and flaws both get amplified in fatherhood • Why the fear of losing yourself is not the end of the story • The truth about what life really looks like one year later If you have ever searched: how to prepare for fatherhood dad advice before baby how to support my pregnant wife what to expect as a new dad real talk for Christian dads nesting for dads pregnancy advice for husbands dad prep checklist how to define your parenting style Christian parenting podcast This episode is for you. 🧡 Resources Mentioned: • Taking Cara Babies Course (Affiliate Link) • The Happiest Baby on the Block • The Expectant Father • Join the Spit Up Society Discord

What do you do when you realize you're trying to lead a family without ever having been shown how? Where do you go when you want to be a strong husband and father, but you're running on empty? In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, we sit down with Matt Thomas — father of four, leadership coach, and founder of Marrow — to talk about the life-changing power of mentorship, male friendship, and intentional community. Matt opens up about what happens when dads isolate, why we are not built to go it alone, and how real growth often starts in the places we’re most tempted to hide. This conversation is part storytelling, part challenge, and all heart. From young fatherhood and failed plans to mountain retreats and hard-won wisdom, Matt offers a vision of fatherhood that is full of strength, surrender, and support. Here’s what we unpack: • Why fatherhood cannot be done alone • The difference between transparency and vulnerability • How mentorship rewires your view of manhood and leadership • What happens when men stop pretending and start practicing • Preparing your kids for the real world without fear • Raising kids with intention in a phone-saturated culture • How to recover from moments of failure as a dad • Why emotional presence is just as critical as financial provision • The danger of manufactured risk vs the need for real risk • How community helps you hold the line when everything feels hard • What happens at a Marrow retreat and why every dad needs it • The slow, deep work of becoming the man your family needs If you’ve ever searched: how to be a better dad fatherhood mentorship Christian dad podcast male friendship after 30 raising kids without phones dad support group vulnerability in marriage real talk for Christian dads faith based parenting podcast how to find community as a dad parenting with conviction dad burnout recovery emotional regulation for men stay at home dad advice how to lead your home spiritually best podcasts for new dads Christian masculinity redefined how to build legacy as a father intentional fatherhood This episode is for you. 📱 Follow Matt Thomas and Learn More About Marrow - linkedin.com/in/matthomasco 🫶 Join the Spit Up Society Discord A space for real dads who are trying to show up with presence and purpose 👉 thedudelaco.com/join

What happens when a routine-driven fitness guy becomes a new dad and suddenly the schedule gets thrown out the window? In this episode we sit down with Ryan George: husband, dad to an 11-month-old, and the voice behind a growing fitness and fatherhood presence online. Known for his passion for routines, workouts, and goal setting, Ryan opens up about how becoming a dad forced him to pivot, communicate better with his wife, and give himself grace. We talk about routines, marriage, fitness, grace, and how to still pursue goals when life looks nothing like it used to. This conversation is real, practical, and encouraging for any dad navigating the early years. Here’s what we cover:
• Why the first three months of fatherhood can feel like a funk
• How Ryan and his wife align their fitness goals and schedules
• What it looks like to build an environment at home for success
• The role of grace when workouts, meals, and routines fall apart
• Communication habits that keep a marriage steady in the chaos
• The value of goal setting for fitness, family, and business
• How to celebrate wins and not get buried by setbacks
• Why being a present dad is more important than a perfect routine If you’ve ever searched:
new dad routine podcast
fitness for new dads
dad life and workout balance
grace in early fatherhood
marriage communication with kids
goal setting as a parent
how to stay consistent as a dad
new dad funk first 3 months
Christian fatherhood and fitness
practical dad podcast This episode is for you. 📱 Follow Ryan George
Instagram: @Ryan_Jos3ph
Instagram: @MariaaGeorge (his wife) 🫶 Join the Spit Up Society Discord
A space for dads who are showing up, learning, and doing their best every day
👉 thedudelaco.com/join

What happens when a driven hard working man trades the hustle of the outside world for the daily rhythm of home life? In this episode we sit down with Bryan Romeo, husband, father of three, and the voice behind @thedomesticdadlife. Formerly known online as The Catholic Dad, Bryan has since rebranded to reflect his calling as a full time, in the trenches, domestic dad. We talk about identity, ego, humility, marriage, and what it looks like to truly lead your family not just by providing but by being present. This conversation is warm, honest, and unfiltered. His toddler even interrupts the episode (and we left it in) because that’s what real life looks like. 🍼 Here’s what we cover: • The transition from career ambition to finding purpose at home • Bryan’s journey from Catholic Dad to Domestic Dad • Why showing up at home is its own kind of difficult • How to lead with love and loosen your grip on control • Making space for faith in daily fatherhood • What spiritual leadership in the home can look like • The small daily habits that shape long term legacy • Finding new rhythms in marriage parenting and prayer • Letting go of perfection and choosing presence instead • Embracing interruptions and finding joy in the moment 🎯 If you’ve ever searched: how to be a present dad stay at home dad podcast Christian fatherhood leading your family with faith how to show up at home letting go of ego in marriage faith based parenting masculinity and fatherhood Catholic parenting podcast spiritual leadership for dads real life dad podcast modern stay at home dad raising kids with purpose being home with toddlers fatherhood identity husband and father roles parenting with grace redefining success as a dad This episode is for you. 📱 Follow Bryan Romeo @thedomesticdadlife 🫶 Join the Spit Up Society Discord A space for dads who are showing up learning and doing their best every day 👉 thedudelaco.com/join

Episode 7: Showing Up Present: Sobriety & New Dad Life with Corey Davis Becoming a dad changes everything—and for Corey Davis, it also meant launching a new business, deepening his sobriety journey, and redefining what it means to be fully present as a father. In this honest, thoughtful, and deeply helpful episode of The Dudela Podcast, Corey shares his story of getting sober at 22, building Soba Golf (a wellness-driven, sober-friendly golf community), and raising two daughters just 13 months apart. We talk about the real struggles of new parenthood, how to build presence in the chaos, and why community may be the most important part of the journey. Whether you're a new dad, a girl dad, a sober dad, or just trying to be more present—this one hits hard in the best way. Here's what we covered: Corey’s journey to 15 years of sobriety—and what made him finally get help What Soba Golf is, who it’s for, and how it’s changing the game Why community is essential for dads, not just for sobriety What to do when parenting feels intense and overwhelming Finding peace when you miss your kid five minutes after bedtime How to stay connected to your wife through the chaos of parenting The tension between being a dad and being your own person Why it’s okay to not feel present—and what you can do about it Practical advice for the newborn phase, night shifts, and sleep What your kids learn from how you treat yourself and your partner If you’ve ever searched: how to be present as a dad, how to stay sober as a parent, sober dad community, what to do when parenting feels overwhelming, postpartum marriage advice, how to stay connected after baby, how to be a good dad, parenting with purpose, dad guilt at night, sobriety and fatherhood, golf without drinking, dad community support, mindful parenting podcast, sober podcast for men, how to survive the first year of parenting, present parenting tips, spiritual parenting for dads, dad burnout, when both parents are exhausted This episode is for you. Want to connect with Corey or learn more about Soba Golf? Follow him at @sobagolfco and visit soba.golf ✨ Want more connection and community like this? Join the Spit-Up Society Discord where we’re talking real fatherhood every day: 👉 thedudelaco.com/join

Deadlifts to Diapers: Your Dad Fitness Plan No time to work out? Lower back always sore? Kids always screaming? Welcome to dad life. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan Murphy—former college football player, certified strength coach, and full-time dad of two—for the ultimate guide to realistic fitness for real dads. From sneaking in 36-minute workouts to building a home gym with nothing but a kettlebell and a dream, Jordan gives actual strategies that work when your hands (and arms) are full of kids. Here's what we break down in this episode: How to work out with no time and no gym The 36-minute dad workout formula Creating a home gym setup on a budget Why your lower back is your most valuable asset as a dad Simple meal prep hacks (including life-saving breakfast burritos) How to bounce back after vacation, illness, or burnout Why fitness is about longevity—not six-packs How your kids learn about health by watching you Ways to support your wife’s fitness without being “that guy” Plus: cold showers, protein bars, and the now-famous curl belt at stoplights If you’ve ever Googled: dad workout plan, how to get fit after baby, home workouts for new dads, dad bod recovery, tired dad fitness, fitness after twins, how to stay fit with kids, quick workouts for busy dads, stay-at-home dad workout, husband workout routine, dad health hacks, mental health for dads, dad energy tips, how to support wife postpartum, dad diet plan, parenting and fitness, home gym on a budget, realistic fitness goals for dads This episode is for you. Want the actual workout circuits Jordan uses? Join the Spit-Up Society Discord and check the new workout channel 👉 thedudelaco.com/join We'll be posting weekly workouts, dad hacks, and wellness tips from real dads doing their best in the chaos. No shame. Just gains.

Dad Guilt? Feeling Like You’re Failing as a Father? This Episode Is for You. We’re joined by Elliot from @TheHusbandDad, and we’re diving DEEP into what it means to be a dad in 2025, and how to show up for your kids and your partner without burning out. From fatherhood guilt and dad pressure, to marriage after babies and the evolving role of husbands...this episode is a must-listen for every modern father. Whether you're a first-time dad, twin dad, stay-at-home dad, working dad, or just doing your best with zero sleep, Elliot shares actionable tips and honest stories that every dad (and every couple) needs to hear. Here's what we covered: What is dad guilt and how do you manage it? How to be a present husband and father in the chaos of parenting Why authenticity on social media matters for dads too How marriage changes after kids—and what to do about it Balancing work, parenting, and self-care as a dad Overcoming stereotypes and leading with vulnerability Modern fatherhood tips that actually help Building a dad community online and IRL Laugh-out-loud moments from raising toddlers and failing DIYs Why communication with your partner is the ultimate dad hack and MORE! Listen now if you've ever searched: how to be a better dad, dad guilt after yelling, dad guilt after divorce, stay at home dad burnout, dad guilt with newborn, tired dad, new dad podcast, parenting podcast for men, twin dad podcast, exhausted father, dad resentment, working dad guilt, husband not helping with baby, balancing marriage and fatherhood, what’s it like being a dad, overwhelmed dad, dad community, dad mental health, positive fatherhood, modern dad struggles, raising kids with intention, how to help your wife after baby, funny dad stories, dad fails, honest dad podcast, Christian dad podcast, being a present father, how to support your wife in motherhood, how to co-parent well, marriage after kids, dads on social media, funny parenting podcast, best podcast for new dads, dad rage, emotional labor for dads 🔗 LET’S CONNECT! •Follow Elliot: ⁠@thehusbanddad⁠ •Join the Spit-Up Society: ⁠thedudelaco.com/join⁠

Wondering if you can actually travel with a baby or toddler? Scared of meltdowns on planes? Stressed about packing bottles, diapers, and strollers? You are NOT alone, Dad! This week we’re breaking down exactly how to travel with little ones, what to expect, and how to keep your sanity while showing your kids the world. We get real about traveling with babies, toddlers, and twins — the good, the bad, and the truly hilarious moments. From prepping your travel day to handling public diaper blowouts, we’ll help you plan, pivot, and keep things fun. This week’s episode covers: - How to pack for a trip with a baby - Flying with a baby for the first time (and how to stay calm!) - Road trip with a toddler or infant - How many diapers to pack for flights - TSA rules for baby formula and breastmilk - What to do if your car seat gets lost - Travel gear essentials for dads - Keeping baby’s routine on the road - Renting baby gear vs. bringing it all - Managing expectations (yours and theirs!) - Creating family memories while traveling - Strategies for managing naps, feedings, and sleep - Why you should still travel with your kids - and MORE! Ready to build a lifetime of memories — even with a diaper bag in hand? Hit play and let’s go, Dad. LINKS: - Join the Spit-Up Society (our free dad community): TheDudelaCo.com/join - Follow us on Instagram: @the_dudela_official - Get gear recommendations and travel checklists at: TheDudelaCo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- traveling with a baby traveling with a toddler flying with a baby packing list for traveling with baby first flight with a baby road trip with baby tips for traveling with kids best baby travel gear how to travel with a baby how to travel with a toddler baby travel hacks dad travel podcast traveling with twins family travel with kids baby sleep while traveling how to pack for travel with kids travel with kids podcast how to travel with an infant traveling with a baby under 1 tips for flying with a newborn

ALL the things new dads NEED to hear (but rarely do) — from pregnancy shock to showing up well This week, we sat down with Leila from the Learning to Mom podcast to get real about what it’s actually like becoming a parent — especially when you didn’t see it coming. We talked through: Laila’s surprise pregnancy story and journey to choosing life What prenatal depression looks like (and why it often gets missed) What partners actually need to do during pregnancy How shame and fear can shape early parenthood What women wish dads understood during those early months Encouragement for dads who feel unprepared Why you don’t “lose yourself” — you grow Whether you're expecting twins (like John), navigating emotions, or wondering how to support your partner better, this episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and gut-check wisdom from both sides of the parenting equation. 🍼 JOIN the Spit-Up Society (our free dad community): TheDudelaCo.com/join 🎧 Listen to Learning to Mom: https://www.learningtomompodcast.com/ Follow Laila: @learningtomom.podcast Get other Dudela updates: TheDudelaCo.com ---------------------------------------------- dads during pregnancy, partner support for pregnancy, how to help pregnant wife, prenatal depression symptoms, unexpected pregnancy story, dad podcast for new fathers, christian parent podcast, learning to mom podcast, pregnancy mental health, twin dad, first-time dad advice, podcast for expecting dads, partner’s role in pregnancy, pregnancy shame, how to support pregnant partner

In this episode, we sit down with Catie Schwein, certified doula, founder of Beyond Birth Denver, and mom of two, to unpack everything dads didn’t know they needed to know. We talk about what doulas actually do (hint: it’s way more than just birth support), how they help moms and dads through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, and how Catie’s background as a PA led her into this world. Catie shares the biggest misconceptions about doulas, the surprising tools she keeps in her birth bag (ever heard of a labor comb?), and her top tips for first-time dads trying to figure out how to help. We also cover the difference between OB and GYN, when to hire a doula, and what dads should never forget to pack in the hospital bag. Whether you're weeks away from welcoming a baby or just trying to understand your role in the delivery room, this episode is full of honest insight, funny moments, and practical advice for navigating dadhood with confidence. Guest: Catie Schwein Instagram: @beyondbirthdenver Facebook: Beyond Birth Denver Community Group Follow us: Instagram: @the_dudela_official TikTok: @the_dudela_official YouTube: @TheDudela-Official Subscribe, rate, and tell your buddy who just found out he’s gonna be a dad.

Turning dudes into dads — one diaper at a time. Meet John and Michael, two new dads navigating fatherhood with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of spit-up. In our first episode, we unpack what Dudela is all about and why new dads need this now more than ever.