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

From Dude to Dad: Rookie Season Recap

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 searchedhow to be a present dadhow to give my spouse gracenew dad tips for the first yearbaby travel checklist and airport ruleshow to balance work and family as a dadfatherhood podcast for first time dadscommunity 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
 
 
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Double Trouble: The First Year With Twins

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 searchedhow to survive the first year with twinstwin pregnancy MoDi and TTTS explainedNICU twins what to expecttwin sleep schedule and feeding routinehow to support my wife after a C sectionpostpartum anxiety help for couplestwin gear checklist for newbornshow to bond with two babiesfirst time dad twin tipsChristian parenting podcast for new dads
This episode is for you.
🫶 Join the Spit Up SocietyA space for dads who are showing up, learning, and doing their best every daythedudelaco.com/join
📱 Follow alongInstagram at the_dudela_official

Easy Financial Wins For Dads, Even on a Budget

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 Focus On Right Now? Pregame for Fatherhood Before Baby Arrives

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 fatherhooddad advice before babyhow to support my pregnant wifewhat to expect as a new dadreal talk for Christian dadsnesting for dadspregnancy advice for husbandsdad prep checklisthow to define your parenting styleChristian 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

How Mentorship & Community Make You A Better Dad

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 dadfatherhood mentorshipChristian dad podcastmale friendship after 30raising kids without phonesdad support groupvulnerability in marriagereal talk for Christian dadsfaith based parenting podcasthow to find community as a dadparenting with convictiondad burnout recoveryemotional regulation for menstay at home dad advicehow to lead your home spirituallybest podcasts for new dadsChristian masculinity redefinedhow to build legacy as a fatherintentional fatherhood
This episode is for you.
📱 Follow Matt Thomas and Learn More About Marrow - linkedin.com/in/matthomasco
🫶 Join the Spit Up Society DiscordA space for real dads who are trying to show up with presence and purpose👉 thedudelaco.com/join

Finding Your Rhythm as a New Dad

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
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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

Coffee, Chaos & Kids: Stay-At-Home Dad Life

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 dadstay at home dad podcastChristian fatherhoodleading your family with faithhow to show up at homeletting go of ego in marriagefaith based parentingmasculinity and fatherhoodCatholic parenting podcastspiritual leadership for dadsreal life dad podcastmodern stay at home dadraising kids with purposebeing home with toddlersfatherhood identityhusband and father rolesparenting with graceredefining success as a dadThis episode is for you.📱 Follow Bryan Romeo@thedomesticdadlife🫶 Join the Spit Up Society DiscordA space for dads who are showing up learning and doing their best every day👉 thedudelaco.com/join

Showing Up Present: Sobriety & New Dad Life with Corey Davis

Episode 7: Showing Up Present: Sobriety & New Dad Life with Corey DavisBecoming 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 helpWhat Soba Golf is, who it’s for, and how it’s changing the gameWhy community is essential for dads, not just for sobrietyWhat to do when parenting feels intense and overwhelmingFinding peace when you miss your kid five minutes after bedtimeHow to stay connected to your wife through the chaos of parentingThe tension between being a dad and being your own personWhy it’s okay to not feel present—and what you can do about itPractical advice for the newborn phase, night shifts, and sleepWhat your kids learn from how you treat yourself and your partnerIf 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 exhaustedThis 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

Deadlifts to Diapers: Your Dad Fitness PlanNo 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 gymThe 36-minute dad workout formulaCreating a home gym setup on a budgetWhy your lower back is your most valuable asset as a dadSimple meal prep hacks (including life-saving breakfast burritos)How to bounce back after vacation, illness, or burnoutWhy fitness is about longevity—not six-packsHow your kids learn about health by watching youWays to support your wife’s fitness without being “that guy”Plus: cold showers, protein bars, and the now-famous curl belt at stoplightsIf 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 dadsThis 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/joinWe'll be posting weekly workouts, dad hacks, and wellness tips from real dads doing their best in the chaos. No shame. Just gains.

How To Be A Husband, A Dad, and A Dude

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 parentingWhy authenticity on social media matters for dads tooHow marriage changes after kids—and what to do about itBalancing work, parenting, and self-care as a dadOvercoming stereotypes and leading with vulnerabilityModern fatherhood tips that actually helpBuilding a dad community online and IRLLaugh-out-loud moments from raising toddlers and failing DIYsWhy communication with your partner is the ultimate dad hackand 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