In this episode of Listings and Lullabies, Varun and Vikas dive into the real-life challenges and wins of modern fatherhood. From juggling careers and raising young children to handling screen time and prioritizing mental wellness, this honest conversation unpacks the pressure parents face—especially dads trying to “do it all.” The hosts reflect on setting healthy boundaries, leading with presence, and the importance of giving back during the holiday season. It’s a grounded, inspiring episode for every parent looking to show up better—at home and in the world.

Takeaways

• 👶 Fatherhood is a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and unforgettable moments.
• ⚖️ Balancing work and family is tough—but you're not alone.
• 🤝 Sharing your struggles helps break the pressure of “perfect parenting.”
• 🚫📱 Setting boundaries (especially with screens) matters for kids and parents.
• 🧘 Mindfulness and presence = better parenting and stronger relationships.
• 🎉 Celebrate the small wins—they add up to big impact.
• 🧠 Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
• 💬 Vulnerability leads to deeper connections with your kids.
• 🎁 Teaching kids to give back builds empathy and gratitude.
• 🕰️ Quality time > Quantity. Be there when it counts.

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

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In this episode of Listings and Lullabies, Dr. Ravi Patel joins Varun and Vikas to share his deeply personal journey into fatherhood while building a wellness startup, Club 5 Health. From the emotional shift of becoming a dad to the daily grind of growing a business, Dr. Patel opens up about redefining success, building community, and the small habits that lead to a healthier life. Packed with real talk, wellness tips, and entrepreneurial wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for every parent balancing passion and purpose.

Takeways
- Fatherhood shifted Dr. Patel’s mindset to appreciate life’s smaller, meaningful moments.
- Balancing a business and family life is a real challenge—but also a powerful motivator.
- His company, Club 5 Health, focuses on using technology to improve quality of life.
- Simple health habits like cooking at home can have a big impact on wellness.
- Being a dad has made him a more empathetic leader and listener.
- Community support is crucial for navigating both parenting and entrepreneurship.
- Consistency, intuition, and communication are key in both parenting and business.

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey

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In this season-shaping episode of Listings and Lullabies, Varun Varma and Vikas Sondhi get raw and real about what it means to be a modern-day girl dad while running a successful business. From breaking real estate records to diaper duty, they unpack how they balance family life, entrepreneurship, AI-driven workflows, and staying grounded in community. This is more than just a podcast—it’s a blueprint for intentional fatherhood, a support circle for ambitious dads, and a call to every man trying to show up better.

If you’re a dad who’s building something—for your family, your career, or your legacy—this one’s for you.

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey

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In this powerful episode, Varun and Vikas sit down with Christian Bradley to explore the raw, redemptive journey of fatherhood. From past mistakes to co-parenting challenges and the road to reconnection, Christian shares how accountability, forgiveness, and presence reshaped his relationship with his daughter. A moving conversation about second chances, emotional growth, and what it truly means to be a girl dad today.

Takeaways

• Christian Bradley shares his journey as a girl dad.
• He reflects on his past as a deadbeat dad.
• Building relationships takes time and effort.
• Forgiveness is essential in co-parenting.
• Redemption is a gradual process.
• It's crucial to prioritize the child's well-being.
• Intentional relationships add value to life.
• Christian's daughter has taught him about resilience.
• He emphasizes the importance of being present.
• The conversation highlights the struggles and triumphs of fatherhood. The importance of doing right by one's children.

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey

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In this episode, Varun Varma, guest Madeline Anderson, and producer Vikas Sondhi discuss the importance of fatherhood, focusing on how dads can connect with their daughters through inclusion and communication. They share personal stories, including Madeline's recent wedding and the emotional moments shared with her father. The conversation also touches on balancing work and life, exploring Cincinnati's culture, and the upcoming launch of Madeline's podcast.

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the journey of creating a podcast and an audiobook, discussing the importance of personal storytelling and the challenges of publishing. They explore the significance of human connection, especially in the context of fatherhood, and the value of capturing moments through journaling. The discussion emphasizes taking actionable steps in creative endeavors and the impact of including family in one's journey.

Takeaways

• Dads should include their daughters in their activities to strengthen their bond.
• Communication is essential for building a strong relationship with children.
• Balancing work and family life is a common challenge for fathers.
• Inclusion helps daughters feel valued and understood.
• Personal experiences shape the way we connect with our children.
• It's important to set realistic expectations for family time.
• Daughters appreciate understanding the reasons behind their father's work.
• Creating memorable moments, like weddings, strengthens family ties.
• Exploring local culture can enhance family experiences.
• It's never too late to improve relationships with children. The process of creating an audiobook can be deeply personal.
• Breaking down large projects into smaller tasks makes them manageable.
• Self-publishing can be a valid choice for first-time authors.
• Networking and building relationships are crucial for success.
• In-person connections enhance the podcasting experience.
• Journaling can help capture precious moments in parenting.
• Including children in your world fosters better relationships.
• Every stage of a child's life is temporary and should be appreciated.
• Human connection is fundamental to all relationships.
• Taking action is essential to turning dreams into reality.

Find us on all of your favorite podcast streaming apps!
Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

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Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/girldads.podcast/

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey

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In this episode of Listings and Lullabies, host Varun Varma and co-host Vikas Sondhi welcome Hammad Siddiqi, a seasoned father and community figure, to discuss the unique experiences of being a 'girl dad.' The conversation explores the challenges and joys of parenting daughters, the influence of cultural backgrounds, and the importance of honesty and communication in fatherhood. Hamad shares insights from his own journey as a father, navigating dual cultures, and the lessons learned from his upbringing. The episode emphasizes the significance of being a positive role model for daughters and the impact of parenting styles on children's development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the multifaceted aspects of parenting, emphasizing the importance of physical affection, the challenges of raising teenagers, and the legacy that parents leave through their children. They discuss the lessons learned from their daughters, the balance between work and family life, and the impact of social media on modern parenting. The dialogue highlights the need for patience, understanding, and open communication in nurturing healthy relationships with children. In this episode, the speakers delve into the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of open communication between parents and children. They discuss the need for parents to express their intentions clearly, instill strong values, and provide core advice that children can carry with them throughout their lives. The conversation also touches on the societal dangers that children face today, the cultural perspectives on protection, and the necessity of raising awareness about these issues. Ultimately, the speakers highlight the evolution of parenting practices and the importance of adapting to new understandings of child psychology. In this episode, the conversation delves into the profound impact of parenting on children's development, emphasizing the importance of healthy habits and the influence of parental actions. The speakers reflect on the joys and challenges of parenting, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about cherishing childhood moments. They also discuss the significance of community engagement through a career in community development banking, the role of control in life and politics, and the value of authentic friendships. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights and aspirations, along with a reminder of upcoming community events.

Takeaways:

• Nobody's prepared to be a girl dad.
• Every day is different in parenting.
• Honesty in your relationship with your kids is crucial.
• You can pick the best of both cultures.
• Being present and available is key to fatherhood.
• You are the benchmark for every man she will ever see.
• Lead with love and understanding in parenting.
• Cultural differences can enrich parenting experiences.
• Open communication helps in understanding children's perspectives.
• Parenting is a journey of learning and growth. Kids need physical affection to feel secure.
• Parents set the benc

Find us on all of your favorite podcast streaming apps!
Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

Learn more and engage with us at:
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Instagram:
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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey

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In this episode, Varun and Vikas discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, particularly focusing on the development of Varun's daughter Zyanna and the dynamics of having a new baby, Sahil. They explore the importance of educational choices, particularly Montessori, and the role of community support for parents, especially girl dads. The conversation also touches on cultural traditions, work-life balance, and the current state of the real estate market. In this episode, Vikas Sondhi and Varun Varma discuss the current state of the real estate market, focusing on rising property taxes, the role of real estate agents, and the importance of understanding representation agreements. They explore the shifting dynamics of buyer power, inventory issues, and the necessity for potential buyers and sellers to educate themselves about the market. Varun emphasizes the value of real estate agents as resources beyond transactions, encouraging open communication and transparency in client-agent relationships.

Takeaways

• Zyanna is starting to form sentences and communicate more clearly.
• Parenting dynamics shift with the introduction of a new sibling.
• The role of older siblings can shape the younger sibling's development.
• Community support is vital for parents navigating their journeys.
• Montessori education is seen as beneficial for child development.
• Parents aspire to provide better opportunities for their children than they had.
• Cultural traditions play an important role in family life.
• Work-life balance becomes more complex with multiple young children.
• Real estate market dynamics are influenced by economic changes.
• Building a supportive community can ease parenting challenges. Property taxes are rising significantly, impacting homeowners.
• Real estate agents can provide valuable resources beyond buying and selling.
• Understanding representation agreements is crucial for clients.
• Buyers currently have more power in negotiations due to market shifts.
• It's important to educate oneself about the real estate process.
• Life changes often necessitate moving, regardless of market conditions.
• Real estate agents should maintain open communication with clients.
• Market trends indicate a potential shift towards a buyer's market.
• Investors should be aware of off-market opportunities.
• Engaging with community forums can provide valuable insights.

Find us on all of your favorite podcast streaming apps!
Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

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https://www.instagram.com/girldads.podcast/

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Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey

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Summary

In this episode of Listings and Lullabies, hosts Varun Varma and Vikas Sondhi welcome Madeline Anderson, author of 'The Girl Dad'. They discuss the unique perspective of a daughter on the father-daughter relationship, the journey of writing the book, and the valuable lessons learned from both dads and daughters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of connection, understanding love languages, and the role of mothers in shaping these relationships. Madeline shares insights on how fathers can positively impact their daughters' lives and the significance of being present and intentional in parenting. In this engaging conversation, Varun Varma, Vikas Sondhi, and Madeline Anderson delve into the complexities of social media's impact on mental health, the challenges of parenting in a digital age, and the importance of fostering strong father-daughter relationships. They explore personal anecdotes, future aspirations, and the mission behind the Girl Dad Network, emphasizing the need for intentional living and the nurturing of self-worth in children.

Takeaways

• The book 'The Girl Dad' offers a unique perspective from a daughter's viewpoint.
• Dads can learn valuable lessons from their daughters' experiences.
• The importance of being intentional in parenting is crucial for building strong relationships.
• Understanding a daughter's love language can enhance the father-daughter bond.
• Daughters often look to their fathers as role models for future relationships.
• The journey of writing the book was a fulfilling and purposeful experience for Madeline.
• Mothers play a significant role in the dynamics of father-daughter relationships.
• Dads should strive to be present and engaged in their daughters' lives.
• The impact of a father's actions can shape a daughter's expectations in relationships.
• Getting to know your daughter on a deeper level is essential for effective parenting. Social media can negatively impact mental health.
• It's crucial to create time away from technology for children.
• Building confidence in children helps them navigate social media.
• Fathers play a vital role in shaping their daughters' self-esteem.
• Intentional living is essential for meaningful relationships.
• Outdoor activities can strengthen family bonds.
• Understanding the impact of social media is important for parents.
• The Girl Dad Network aims to improve father-daughter relationships.
• Dads can learn from each other through shared experiences.
• Strong family units lead to a better society.

Find us on all of your favorite podcast streaming apps!
Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey with Varun Varma

Learn more and engage with us at:
https://www.girldadspodcast.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/girldads.podcast/

Youtube:
Listings & Lullabies: A Girl Dad's Journey

TikTok:
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