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The 'Why, Dad?' Podcast

Redefining Fatherhood One Habit at a Time

About

Welcome to the 'Why, Dad?' podcast! Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to become the best man, husband, and father we can be. Fed by our unique perspectives of a young father and an aspiring one, we tackle essential questions with curiosity and honesty: How do we grow into the roles we aspire to? How do we love our children deeply and guide them toward true happiness, peace, success, and fulfillment?

We dive into the messy realities of parenting, navigating fraught emotions, unexpected curveballs, and seemingly insurmountable challenges. By uncovering the truths and principles behind parenting, we aim to share practical ways to lead our families with grace and resilience, offering insights and stories to inspire dads everywhere.

Latest Episodes

Matt Edmundson: Fridge Rights, Kebab Vans, and Raising Great Kids
Episode 16: Matt Edmundson: Fridge Rights, Kebab Vans, and Raising Great Kids

šŸ”— Connect with Matt Edmundson

Website & Full Bio
mattedmundson.com

LinkedIn
Accessible via his site, but confirmed: linkedin.com/in/mattedmundson

Instagram
@mattedmundson

The eCommerce Podcast (hosted by Matt)

Also widely available on Spotify and other platforms

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Gentle Parenting: Spineless or Stronger Than You Think?
Episode 15: Gentle Parenting: Spineless or Stronger Than You Think?

šŸ§  Topics Covered:

  • What gentle parenting actually means
  • The difference between permissive and respectful
  • Why ā€œbeing the adultā€ doesnā€™t mean being the boss
  • Handling triggers without shame
  • How we model emotional regulation
  • Where weā€™ve gotten it wrongā€”and what weā€™ve learned
  • Why connection gives your discipline more power

šŸŽÆ This episode is for:

  • Dads trying to be intentional but overwhelmed
  • Parents unsure about the ā€œsoftā€ stuff
  • Anyone whoā€™s yelled then regretted it
  • Folks wondering if respectful parenting is too nice
...

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Parenting on Empty: Why Showing Up Still Matters
Episode 14: Parenting on Empty: Why Showing Up Still Matters

šŸ”‘ What We Talk About:
Why ā€œbeing thereā€ isnā€™t always easy, but it always matters
How dads carry pressure to fix things instead of just be there
The pilot-in-turbulence metaphor that redefined Nickā€™s parenting mindset
Learning to shift from resentment to gratitude in daily chaos
Accepting failure and showing your kids that love is consistent, not perfect

šŸ’„ This Weekā€™s Challenge:
Next time you walk into chaos after a long day, take a breath. Instead of trying to fix everything, try just being present ā€” tired, imperfect, but available.

šŸŽ§ Listen & Subscribe:
Find Why, Dad? on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your podcasts.
Follow us on Instagram @whydadpod for real dad talk, one post at a time.

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How Do You Give What You Don't Have? Taking Care of Yourself to Take Care of Your Kids
Episode 13: How Do You Give What You Don't Have? Taking Care of Yourself to Take Care of Your Kids

What We Talk About:
šŸ§  Why mental health maintenance (not just crisis response) is essential
šŸ„¦ How nutrition, sleep, and blood sugar affect emotional regulation
šŸ‹ļø The connection between movement, play, and showing up well as a dad
šŸ§ƒ Why your discipline slips when your energy does
šŸ’¬ Modeling emotional health for your kids by doing your own inner work
šŸŽÆ Letting go of shame and starting small when building healthy habits

Quotes from the Episode:

ā€œWe think discipline is about our kidsā€”but we need it for ourselves first.ā€
ā€œYou canā€™t regulate your kidā€™s nervous system if yours is shot from no sleep and four donuts.ā€
ā€œTherapy isnā€™t a fix button. Itā€™s maintenance for the mind.ā€

This Weekā€™s Challenge:
Take inventory of one area: sleep, nutrition, movement, or emotional processing. Whatā€™s one step you could take this week to support your health so you can better support your family?

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Meet the Hosts

Paul Wandrey, co-host of The 'Why, Dad?' Podcast

Paul Wandrey

I married Sarah in 2019 and we are now blessed with two kids here on earth and two in heaven. Shortly after we lost our daughter, Isla, born at 22 weeks, I found myself lacking the energy, skills, and know-how to be the husband and dad my wife and daughter needed and deserved. On top of that, I wanted Isla to know that she has a kick-ass dad who loves her and, had she lived, one who would have supported her and set her up for the best life possible.

But how could I do this? By leveling up and starting to show up the way my family so desperately required. Easier said than done, but I was and am determined to figure this out. This podcast is a way for me to make this happen and if I can help anyone else along the way, all the better.

Andrew Stolpestad, co-host of The 'Why, Dad?' Podcast

Andrew Stolpestad

Hi I'm Andrew, only two people in the world get to call me Andy, and Paul isn't one of them.

I grew up in a very Catholic household, and even attended seminary for a while. I'm your typical Minnesota boy. Fishing, hunting and outdoors are my hobbies and passions.

Currently I am a PUNK (professional uncle no kids of my own) to two nieces and three nephews. I am on the market and dream of having my own family. So when Paul asked me about this podcast I was more than eager to join him. What better way to prepare myself for fatherhood and being a husband than to discuss the topics with a dad and close friend?

We would love to hear from you!

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