In this episode, we sit down with Brian Anderson, founder of Fathering Together and Director of Foundation Relations at i.c. stars, to explore the deeper meaning of presence—in fatherhood, relationships, and everyday life. We talk about what it really means to be present, not just physically and mentally, but spiritually as well. Brian shares insights from his work coaching dads, helping them build deeper connections with their children and loved ones. We discuss: The role of presence in parenting and how to truly see your kids Why casual kindness can change lives in ways we don’t always realize How spirituality—however you define it—shapes our relationships The importance of recognizing life’s small moments and building meaningful connections Practical ways to engage with your kids, from gratitude at the dinner table to shared kitchen adventures This episode is packed with wisdom, real talk, and actionable insights for anyone looking to deepen their relationships and show up fully for the people who matter most. About Brian: Brian Anderson works at i.c.stars as the Director of Foundation Relations. His primary goal is to help the rest of us understand the brilliant tech endeavors of their interns especially if we don’t talk tech very well. Outside of i.c.stars, he’s a committed husband, father, and gender equity advocate balancing his time between building Lego structures and kitchen adventures with his two daughters. Find Brian on: Linkedin Email Brian at: brian@fatheringtogether.org For info on i.c. stars: https://www.icstars.org/ For info on Fathering Together: https://fatheringtogether.org/ About your host: Fred Van Riper is a men’s coach, corporate facilitator and dad of 12+ years. As a Certified Fair Play Method Facilitator, Fred calls men 𝙞𝙣—into deeper connection, shared responsibility, and a vision of leadership that includes equity at home, in the workplace, and in the community. And in doing so, he sets men 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚—free from outdated societal expectations, restrictive masculinity, and the silent burdens that keep them from the thriving relationships and fulfilling lives they truly want. Breaking old patterns isn’t about losing power—it’s about 𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 something far greater: respect, intimacy, and a legacy of partnership that strengthens not only your marriage but the world your children will inherit. Seat at the Table Coaching RESOURCE: REBOOT CAMP is your space to sharpen self-leadership, level up resilience, and connect with men on the same path. Join the movement. SEAT AT THE TABLE COACHING.com - Check out our website to learn more. THE COMMUNICATION EDGE NEWSLETTER - Join the free email community for your weekly edge to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here. Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.…

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Sullivan , accomplished journalist, author, and founder of The Company of Dads , the first platform dedicated to supporting lead dads. Paul shares his journey from writing for esteemed publications like The New York Times and Golf Magazine to creating a community that redefines modern fatherhood. We dive into: Paul's inspiring transition from a thriving journalism career to becoming the "lead dad" in his family. What it means to be a lead dad and how it differs from traditional parenting roles. The pressures and expectations dads face today, and why many feel isolated or underprepared for the role. The joy of uninterrupted moments with family and how to create them in a busy life. How The Company of Dads is fostering connection, support, and advocacy for fathers who take the lead at home. Paul's personal stories, wisdom, and practical advice offer a fresh perspective on the evolving role of dads in the family. Whether you're a lead dad, working parent, or someone striving for balance, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire and empower. What You’ll Learn: Why focusing on one thing at a time can bring unparalleled joy to parenting. The importance of vulnerability and authentic conversations in redefining fatherhood. How embracing the lead dad role can enhance your family life and support your partner's career. About Our Guest: Paul Sullivan is a journalist with over 25 years of experience, having written for publications like The New York Times , Money , Conde Nast Portfolio , The International Herald Tribune , Barron’s , The Boston Globe , and Food & Wine . From 2000 to 2006, he was a reporter, editor and columnist at the Financial Times . He got his start as a reporter at Bloomberg and Institutional Investor . He’s the author of two books, Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don’t and The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of the Super Wealthy . As the founder of The Company of Dads , Paul is on a mission to create a supportive community for fathers taking on the primary caregiving role. Tune In To Hear Paul’s Story: Discover how embracing the lead dad identity reshaped Paul’s life and why he believes it’s time to break outdated stereotypes of fatherhood. The Company of Dads newsletter: The Dad Website - The Company of Dads Paul's socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullivanpaulj/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-company-of-dads/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/thecompanyofdads/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/sullivanpaulj/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/thecompanyofdads FB - https://www.facebook.com/paul.sullivan.522/ X - https://twitter.com/companyofdads X - https://twitter.com/sullivanpaul Seat at the Table Coaching RESOURCE: REBOOT CAMP , a group coaching community of men committed to growth & self-leadership mastery. Do the deep work necessary to become your best self with other men in the trenches with you. Join the waitlist to claim your spot today! SEAT AT THE TABLE COACHING.com - Check out our website to learn more. THE COMMUNICATION EDGE NEWSLETTER - Join my free email community for your weekly edge to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here. Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.…

Kiowa Saunders didn't have an easy childhood growing up. His mom and dad divorced when he was 9 months old. He saw his dad once or twice a year until age 18. He tells us that it's clear looking back that his parents didn't try very hard to be parents. But he did have a mentor in Oakland, CA who raised him. Big Jim was a father figure for Ki. Ki's story is a story of triumph through adversity. Today, Ki is the founder and owner of GROW LLC, husband, and father of two. Ki's main goals, in his words, are to "be the best husband I can be, to be the best father I can be, and to make a shit ton of money." In this episode, we talk about how important it is to set goals, and get aligned with them, so that you know what direction you're headed. Ki talks about reverse engineering his 1000 day plan, and how he and his wife handle conflict. An entrepreneur since his teenage years selling candy and soda and weed out of his locker, Ki now helps businesses develop and commercialize food products, distribution networks, and sales opportunities. Today, we chat about taking the entrepreneurial spirit and applying it to your most important relationships. Some gold hidden within if you dare to listen... All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To check out what Kiowa's up to: Website: Grow LLC Instagram: Kiowa Saunders RESOURCE: Join the waitlist for the Connection Catalyst Programming today! Mindset and skill set training to help you get (re)connected by helping you make simple shifts in the ways you communicate and show up in your most important relationships. If 1:1 or group coach offerings is your jam, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.…

John Sendim is a registered psychotherapist and the Founder & Director of Uplift Therapy for Men practicing in Toronto, Ontario. He is also a husband and a father of his 2-year old daughter. In this episode, John shares the value he sees in joining a men's group to find a sense of community. John lets us in on what Uplift Therapy for Men is all about, shares some common themes he sees men struggle with, and offers insight into using anger as data. He admits to his own biggest struggle . . . and he shares the story of his own father's passing and how he became the caregiver after his dad suffered a stroke. All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To check out what John's up to: Website: Uplift Therapy for Men LinkedIn: John Sendim RESOURCE: Join the waitlist for the Connection Catalyst Programming today! Mindset and skill set training to help you get (re)connected by helping you make simple shifts in the ways you communicate and show up in your most important relationships. If 1:1 or group coach offerings is your jam, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.…

Adam Feck is the founder of Forward 46, a fractional sales management company and the father of 3 girls. Prior to Forward 46, Adam has worked in a variety of roles - from orthopedic operating rooms to volunteering in the fire and EMS service to ski patroller to owning an orthopedic medical device distributorship to growing a SaaS startup - it seems like there isn't much Adam hasn't done or seen. And yet, Adam is humble, still seeking growth and opportunities to learn and share his insights along the way. That's exactly what he has come on Dads Interrupted to do. Today, Adam discusses what he's learned after 25 years of marriage and raising 3 daughters, ages 22, 19, and 16, with his wife Julie. We cover feedback, negative self-talk, sales performance, communication... And he gives away his biggest secret to a successful marriage. All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To check out what Adam's up to: Website: Forward 46 LinkedIn: Adam Feck Book mention: The Four Agreements Happiness Engineering by Dr. Ali Binazir article - "What are the chances of being born?" | "What are the odds?" infographic RESOURCE: Join the waitlist for the Connection Catalyst Programming today! Mindset and skill set training to help you get (re)connected by helping you make simple shifts in the ways you communicate and show up in your most important relationships. If 1:1 or group coach offerings is your jam, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper…

Owner and founder of Black Seahorse Kustoms out of Lincoln, Nebraska, Nick Brown is a dad on a mission to make a positive impact and be the best version of himself. His latest efforts to do just that include feeding the homeless on Fridays at the city mission, and back in April when we recorded this conversation, Nick was about to embark on a 12-mile backpack hike to raise awareness for the Lincoln Public Schools Extra Mile Walk. (To learn more about the Extra Mile walk, click here . To donate to the Food Bank of Lincoln, click here ) Nick and I talk about some masculinity myths that he actively pushes back against and some communication challenges a lot of men face. He fills us in on the challenging but rewarding experience of being a foster dad. And this episode just so happens to include one of my favorite stories from this season . . . Nick shares a story from his high school days where he felt his worth and value being dismissed, and what he did instead to create his own value. It's a story of integrity and of turning a negative event into a positive experience. Of how personal sacrifice can show others just how much you value them. This conversation highlights Nick while he's busy trying to highlight everyone else around him. All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To check out what Nick's up to: Instagram - Personal Instagram - Black Seahorse Kustoms To buy some of Nick's artwork: Etsy Website: Black Seahorse Kustoms RESOURCE: Join the waitlist for the Connection Catalyst Programming today! Mindset and skill set training to help you get (re)connected by helping you make simple shifts in the ways you communicate and show up in your most important relationships. If 1:1 or group coach offerings is your jam, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper…

Boyd is a former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and dad of 3 girls. He openly discusses his own struggles as a dad, while making it abundantly clear that being a dad is the greatest role he's played . . . and that's saying A LOT. He drops some serious insights on the need for the right mindset around mistakes. Boyd shares the complicated nature of his relationship with his own father, and how he was able to learn what NOT to do as a father from him. This conversation is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. RESOURCE: Ready to take on a growth and ownership mindset in your relationships? For the latest info on my 1:1 and group coach offerings, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper…

Dr. Jason Frishman's dad didn't say the words "I love you" often. But he did write him a magical story. Perhaps that's why Jason is a narrative therapist and men's coach today. He openly acknowledges that although he is a men's coach and therapist, he still has his own work to do. Jason tells us his kids are his best teachers and shares how they remind him how important that is. He talks about the importance of accountability, of being on the path to being the best father he can be, and of including adventure, fun and playfulness into your fatherhood journey. Jason shares his unique spin on his core values self-assessment to drive actionable core behaviors. Throughout the conversation, you'll hear insights and tips that emphasize the power of storytelling - how telling our stories in community can heal us from the inside out. And perhaps to consider that you don't just have a story to tell, but a story to craft. The words we use matter, and this conversation doesn't disappoint! All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To connect with Jason, check out: Dr. Jason Frishman, Father. Men's Coach. Psychologist. LinkedIn Jason's website: Connected Fathers RESOURCE: Ready to take on a growth and ownership mindset in your relationships? For the latest info on my 1:1 and group coach offerings, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! We are so grateful to all of our listeners. None of this is possible without your support and feedback, so thank you! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper…

Surprise! It's a boy . . . hold on, wait, nope . . . actually, it's a girl! Wade Hetrick is a team building and leadership expert with years of service in the U.S. Air Force and has worked with some of the most elite teams in the Department of Defense. He has recruited, built, and led teams of 5 to 500 people in combat and training operations and has over 3,500 flight hours, mostly in the C-17. But parenting has proven a formidable "opponent" for Wade, as he quickly realized there is no parenting playbook. So, he's developing his own with his wife, Katie. Good thing Wade knows a thing or two about the power of adaptability. He also leans heavily on his military leadership experience while acknowledging that it is strength for men to seek outside help and counseling. In this episode, Wade shares about his relationship with his own father and grandfather, and he talks openly about fathering his son Harvey, who is autistic. And he surprises us when he shares his surprise that he and Katie are, in fact, having a girl, after first being told by the doctors it's a boy. We discuss the advantages of journaling, and Wade drops some nuggets of wisdom about how important therapy is not only for when some more serious mental health issues arise, but also as a preventative measure. Finally, Wade shares a story about the time he and Katie almost accidentally joined a cult! All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To connect with Wade, check out: Wade Hetrick, Personal Coach, Speaker, Leader, Aviator, Consultant LinkedIn | Instagram RESOURCE: Ready to take on a growth and ownership mindset in your relationships? For the latest info on my 1:1 and group coach offerings, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper…

It had been over 6 months and Kyle's son Brody wouldn't talk to him ... wouldn't return his texts. Kyle is a CEO at the YMCA in Seattle and a leading executive leadership coach who, in how own words, is "supposed to be this person that knows how to build relationships and I can't ... do it with my own son." He openly discusses the pain he felt and shares his consistent efforts despite not receiving the outcome he wanted: a connection with his son that he once had. Kyle shares his visionary leadership framework of raising the B.A.R. - Belonging, Achievement, Relationships. We talk about Kyle's unique living situation with his ex-wife so that he could remain a connected dad. We discuss what antiracism is and Kyle's gives us his top actionable tips and reveals how everyone can apply Kyle's B.A.R. framework at their companies and in their communities. All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To connect with Kyle, hire him for leadership training, or see more about the work he is doing, check out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylecronk/ RESOURCE: Ready to take on a growth and ownership mindset in your relationships? For the latest info on my 1:1 and group coach offerings, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper…

Self-described quasi stepdad Darren Kanthal bravely talks about his struggle with anger and the importance of awareness and repair. Darren is a leadership and career coach and he is a dad to two kids with his girlfriend Rachel. Darren candidly speaks about the challenges of feeling confident as a stepdad and being able to understand and name his emotions. As boys, we are often told to diminish our emotions other than anger, so Darren has "cheat sheets" that help him and his clients identify their primary and secondary emotions. Darren's willingness to open up and share vulnerably with us here inspired me to dive deeper into my own experiences and emotions ... something that is uncomfortable but so worth it. I hope this episode helps you unlock some things that help you in your own life and relationships. All this and more... This... is Dads Interrupted. To connect with Darren, hire him for leadership and career coaching, or see more about the work he is doing, check out: Darren Kanthal, Executive & Leadership Coach LinkedIn His website: The Kanthal Group RESOURCE: Ready to take on a growth and ownership mindset in your relationships? For the latest info on my 1:1 and group coach offerings, check out: https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/ Join my free email community, The 3 Point Advantage, for your weekly advantage to elevate your communication, leadership, and relationships here: The 3 Point Advantage newsletter Say hi on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Get my latest insights on LinkedIn LIKE THIS EPISODE? It'd be amazing if you took 15-30 seconds and share it, rate it, review it and follow the show! Send feedback to me directly on Instagram @frederickvanriper…

Dads Interrupted aims to inspire men and dads to continue having vulnerable conversations with each other so we can all learn and grow together. It is here to provide a safe space for men and dads to listen, feel a sense of community, not feel so alone, and to chime in with their own stories in the comments and reviews. If you like what you hear, please share, like, review, and follow so you don't miss future episodes. If there is a topic you'd like covered, please let us know!…