Advertise on podcast: Dads Who Lead Podcast

Your teenager is not meant to stay your dependent forever—and the way you handle the shift from 17 to 18 can either fracture trust or forge a deeper bond. 119Thomas Pfanner and Pete Armstrong unpack the hard, beautiful work of raising young adults with enough courage, honesty, and spiritual grounding to let them become who they were created to be. What starts as a conversation about children becoming adults turns into something far more personal: the father wounds, mother wounds, control patterns, and inherited fears that shape how we parent. Thomas shares how his son’s growing independence exposed his tendency to equate support with proving himself. Pete opens up about the painful moments that pushed him to stop trying to control his daughter and start trusting her agency. https://www.instagram.com/pete.j.armstrong/

Thomas Pfanner talks with Aaron about the real reason busy dads fall off track, why “all or nothing” thinking keeps sabotaging progress, and how a simple daily structure can make fitness, family time, and work stop competing with each other. Aaron also shares the personal story behind his path from the Marine Corps to bodybuilding, powerlifting, and freestyle footbag - and why staying playful matters more than most men realize.

What if your child’s diagnosis wasn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of the father you were meant to become? In this episode, Nick Simpson shares the honest, emotional journey of raising his daughter Ellie and how that challenge has reshaped his marriage, his mindset, and his purpose as a dad.

This episode pulls back the curtain on how traffickers really work — and why the most dangerous threats often begin as “kindness,” not force. Jeff Tiegs shares hard-earned lessons from Special Forces, fatherhood, and building Skull Games, giving parents and leaders a sharper eye for grooming, isolation, and the kind of strength that actually protects people.

Most men are unaware of how their childhood experiences shape their ability to love deeply and authentically. Kevin Thompson, author of The Love Styles, uncovers the surprising link between attachment theory, spiritual growth, and healthy relationships—showing how understanding your love style can revolutionize your marriage, fatherhood, and personal faith. Book Release: 8/4/26 The Creation of Us: How to Build a Great Marriage Without Losing Yourself https://www.amazon.com/Creation-Us-Marriage-Without-Yourself/dp/0802439330

In this episode, Thomas Pfanner and Aaron Guyett share how dads can lead with humility, consistency, and biblical conviction in the home. Aaron opens up about his own journey and the lessons he learned about self-governance, example, and true authority. You’ll hear practical ways to build routines, model faith, and guide your kids before the world shapes them first.

In this episode, Doug reveals the scientific and practical tools to decode your emotional landscape. You’ll discover why emotions like anger, fear, and jealousy are not signs of weakness, but vital signals that guide your decisions and relationships. Through powerful stories—from a teenager’s life-changing football coach to timeless quotes from Gandhi, Lincoln, and Einstein—Doug uncovers how feeling your emotions authentically and naming them can bring immediate relief and lasting peace. https://choosingemotions.com/

In this episode, Thomas sits down with Pastor Dave White for a powerful conversation about masculinity, identity, and what it really means to be a man in today’s culture. Dave shares how his research led him back to Genesis and the biblical foundation of manhood, challenging common cultural ideas about strength, success, and worth. They also unpack the difference between external symbols of masculinity and the deeper inner character that actually shapes a life, a family, and a legacy. Thomas opens up about his own story, making the conversation personal, honest, and relatable for dads and men at every stage. By the end, the episode points to a bigger question: are we building our identity on the noise around us, or on God’s design for who we are? Listen to the end for a grounded, eye-opening take that may change how you think about manhood, family, and purpose.

Dennis shares his 20+ years of experience in mentoring boys, developed from a deep personal journey through hardship and a desire to shape future leaders. He discusses how traditional approaches are reactionary and often ineffective, instead unveiling a proactive system that builds character, resilience, and emotional intelligence from within. He emphasizes the importance of community, trust, and vulnerability—teaching boys to confront their fears, embrace discomfort, and develop the self-discipline to thrive. www.buildingmen.io

In this episode, Thomas shares his journey from seeking validation through superficial success to discovering divine purpose and authentic fulfillment. You'll discover how to shift from running away from your fears and insecurities toward embracing them as fuel for growth. Thomas breaks down how the "game loop"—a simple framework of daily practices—can help you master your mindset, emotions, and relationships, ultimately transforming your identity as a dad, leader, and man. The 1Up Effect by Thomas Edwards   Set for release on June 2, 2026 Buy your copy on Amazon today!

This episode is perfect for dads committed to leveling up their leadership—whether you’re seeking more active weekends, stronger family bonds, or memorable shared experiences. Don’t let another weekend slip away. Take control, plan ahead, and turn your family time into one of the most impactful investments you’ll ever make. dadswholead.com

In this episode, you'll discover how Nickys' childhood in Iran, escaping tyranny, shaped his relentless passion for freedom and entrepreneurship. He breaks down how understanding your true mission can elevate your leadership at home and in business, with concrete frameworks like the “Ideal Client Model” that help clarify your message. Learn the secrets behind turning small, heartfelt shifts into monumental results.

Most dads are unknowingly killing their kids’ development by trying to control the outcomes — and often doing it out of ego. What if the key to raising confident, resilient children isn't more commands or rewards, but instead creating environments that teach lessons naturally?   Free Leadership Coaching Consult https://calendly.com/thomaspfanner/20-minute-networking

Dive into the transformative journey of understanding the subconscious mind with Thomas Pfanner. Fresh from a coaches training in Medellin, he unravels the myths surrounding fear and belief systems. Discover how subconscious programming shapes our reality and learn practical steps to rewrite these codes for personal growth.This episode challenges the notion of denial and emphasizes embracing both strengths and weaknesses. Stay tuned for actionable insights that can redefine your approach to life and leadership. dadswholead.com

Most of us face unimaginable challenges in silence, but Ty Gibson's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of small daily gains. From being one of the first juvenile diabetics to wear an insulin pump in the 1970s to enduring kidney and pancreas transplants, Ty's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to transform life's hurdles into motivation will leave you inspired and ready to face your own battles with renewed strength.In this episode, Ty shares the gritty reality of living with type 1 diabetes before modern technology, revealing how perseverance and attitude can change everything. You'll discover how he navigated primitive insulin pumps that resembled shoeboxes, the emotional toll of juggling blood sugars, and the profound lessons learned from his mother's selfless donation of a kidney. His story illuminates the importance of resilience through multiple life-altering surgeries, aging challenges, and the heartbreak of health setbacks—all while maintaining a forward-looking mindset.We break down Ty's transformative "No Options" philosophy, rooted in three powerful pillars: choosing growth over despair, finding hope amidst chaos, and using humor to navigate life's toughest moments. You'll learn actionable frameworks like the "1% growth mindset," tiny habits that lead to monumental change, and the importance of celebrating small wins. These insights are invaluable for any parent, leader, or individual seeking to turn adversity into an advantage—and to live a life full of color rather than black and white. https://tygipson.com/