What happens when a gay dad, mental health therapist, and certified sex therapist sits down to talk about fatherhood, relationships, and raising two daughters?

In Episode 29 of the Rise & Dad Podcast, Kevin sits down with Jamie, a father of two who, alongside his husband Tom, built their family through surrogacy.

Jamie shares his journey from growing up knowing he wanted to be a father, even when that future wasn't always easy to imagine, to navigating surrogacy, raising two young daughters, and building a family with two dads.

As a therapist who has worked with couples and families, Jamie offers an honest perspective on intentional fatherhood, emotional accountability, sex after having children, and why maintaining intimacy with your partner matters just as much after becoming parents.

🚀 In this episode, Jamie opens up about:

✅ Growing up gay and always knowing he wanted to become a dad

✅ The emotional, financial, and logistical journey of surrogacy

✅ What raising two daughters in a two-dad household actually looks like

✅ Why fathers should apologize to their children and model accountability

✅ How to raise kind, emotionally aware, and confident kids

✅ Why being a present father should be the expectation, not the exception

✅ How parenting changes your relationship with your partner

✅ Why a sex therapist actually recommends scheduling sex

✅ Keeping intimacy alive while raising young children

✅ The sacrifices, challenges, and unexpected joys of fatherhood From two dads navigating everyday parenting to a sex therapist sharing relationship advice, this episode is a reminder that families can look different while sharing the same desire to raise happy, loved, and supported children.

Whether you're a new dad, a girl dad, an LGBTQ+ parent, or simply trying to become a more intentional father and partner, there's something in this conversation for you.

Dad, entrepreneur, producer, and former restaurant owner Michael Halter has spent years building businesses and creative projects, but one of his most important roles has been being a stay-at-home dad to his two kids, now 17 and 13. In this episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, Michael opens up about what happens when the little kids you've spent years raising suddenly become teenagers with lives of their own.

Michael sits down with Host, Kevin Del Ro, and talks about the emotional shift from being at the center of your children's world to slowly taking a backseat as they gain independence, start dating, drive, spend more time with friends, and begin becoming adults. He shares why he believes parents should give their kids room to experience life, make mistakes, and learn—while making sure the foundation and communication at home are always there. Beyond fatherhood, Michael discusses balancing family with entrepreneurship and creative projects, including his production work and co-founding Birdie Juice.

🚀 In this episode Michael opens up about:

✅ Life as a stay-at-home dad raising teenagers

✅ The emotional transition from raising kids to watching them become adults

✅ Raising a 17-year-old daughter and navigating dating, independence, and trust

✅ Parenting teenagers in the age of smartphones and social media

✅ Becoming the kind of father his own dad was to him

🔥 If this episode resonated, LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE — share with a dad raising teenagers or preparing for those years.

Dad content creator and marathon runner Kyle Bradshaw has built a following by sharing honest reminders about fatherhood while running the streets of Florida. In this episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, Kyle shares why some of the most meaningful parts of being a dad happen in the ordinary, everyday moments. Kyle opens up about raising a six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, adjusting to the kindergarten years, balancing work and family, and the constant challenge of being the present and intentional dad he wants to be. From leaving the dishes in the sink to play Spider-Man and Venom with his son, to letting his kids crawl into bed in the middle of the night, Kyle talks about recognizing that these stages of fatherhood don't last forever—and why sometimes the things that feel inconvenient today are the moments we'll miss the most. 🚀 In this episode Kyle opens up about:

✅ Why being present can be one of the hardest parts of fatherhood

✅ Choosing playtime with your kids over the never-ending to-do list

✅ Raising a son and daughter through different stages of childhood

✅ How running gives him time to reflect on becoming a better dad

✅ Teaching kids hard work by letting them see you struggle and persevere

✅ Why ordinary days with your kids can become the most meaningful ones

✅ The challenge of becoming the dad you want to be

✅ Why showing up every day matters more than being a perfect father

Former Seattle Seahawks legend and Super Bowl XLVIII Champion Cliff Avril has accomplished almost everything on the football field, but in this episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, he shares why being a father is the achievement he's most proud of. Cliff opens up about raising two boys, balancing life after the NFL, parenting teenagers, teaching respect, building character, and why becoming a dad completely changed his perspective on success.

Beyond football, Cliff discusses the lessons he learned from his Haitian immigrant parents, why serving your community matters, how sports build resilience, and the importance of showing your children what love, hard work, and humility look like every day. Whether you're a dad, an NFL fan, raising sons, or simply trying to become a better parent, this conversation is packed with wisdom you'll carry long after the episode ends.

🚀 In this episode Cliff opens up about:

✅Life after winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks

✅Raising teenage boys with respect and discipline

✅The parenting lessons Cliff learned from his own father

✅Why adversity is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children

✅Balancing business, philanthropy, marriage, and fatherhood

✅Teaching kids gratitude, service, and humility

✅Balancing work and family without sacrificing either

In this candid episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin DelRo sits down with Phil Bailey — media agency owner, restaurateur, former basketball player, and father of three (Quincy, 2; Kobe, 1; Jaxxon, 14). Phil shares a raw and hopeful fatherhood journey: becoming a dad at 22, stepping into recovery, learning co‑parenting, and building intentional daily rituals (cooking nightly, bedtime whispers of “Daddy loves you”) while running multiple businesses.

🚀 In this episode Phil opens up about:

✅ The shock and growth of early fatherhood — having a son at 22

✅ Co‑parenting Jackson and turning a rocky start into a strong relationship

✅ Raising two under two: routines, discipline, and finding peace in chaos

✅ Choosing recovery and refocusing priorities after a life‑changing arrest

✅ Practical strategies for balance: schedule intimacy, intentional parenting, and “show up” mentality

✅ The long game — what he hopes his kids will say about him in 20 years This episode blends vulnerability, practical tactics, and real examples for dads navigating messy, meaningful lives.

In this episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin DelRo talks with Pat Barber, the creator of the Fathers Guild, CrossFit coach‑trainer, and father of four boys (13, 10, 7, 3). Pat breaks down his middle‑ground approach to modern fatherhood: personal development first, practical rituals second. He shares experiments he runs on himself (the “no‑yelling” month, daily 10‑second hugs), his take on boundaries vs. softness, and how to meaningfully show love to kids through all love languages. Pat also explains why he stepped into social media despite hating the platform and how to “play the game” without selling out.

🚀 In this episode Pat shares:

✅ Why personal development is the foundation of great parenting

✅ Practical rituals: daily hugs, intentional challenges, and coaching tactics

✅ Balancing strength/boundaries with warmth and touch

✅ How to handle internet backlash and use social media strategically

✅ What dads can do to stay present, healthy, and effective

In this thoughtful episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro sits down with his neighbor Bharath — a Seattle-based product manager, Mumbai native, and father of two daughters (Sahana, 6, and Sameera, 3). Bharath opens up about growing up in India, his relationship with his dad, navigating grief while raising young kids, and the intentional practices he uses to build connection and resilience in his family.

🚀 In this episode Bharath shares candid, practical, and emotional insights on:

✅ How his dad’s silence taught him to be vocal about love and pride

✅ Simple daily rituals that build closeness (movie nights, pancake mornings)

✅ Balancing ambition and kindness when raising kids across cultures

✅ Letting kids see you sad — and how that creates empathy

✅ Keeping the “magic” alive despite adult stress and busy routines

✅ Funny, real parenting moments (Trader Joe’s banana incident!) This episode blends vulnerability, cultural perspective, and actionable parenting ideas — great for any dad trying to be intentional and present.

🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad!

#riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #MindfulParenting #Dads #GriefAndParenting #CulturalParenting #IntentionalParenting #Kids #Family #Empathy

In this episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro talks with David Kaplan — founder of Death & Co., hospitality leader, and dad to six-year-old Aria. David opens up about blending leadership and parenting, the power of bringing kids into your work life, how therapy strengthened his marriage and fathering, and practical ways he stays present for his daughter even while running a growing company.

In this episode David shares:

✅ How leading a company informed his parenting (and vice versa)

✅ Why therapy and better communication transformed his relationship with his wife ✅ Practical tips for showing up fully (commit to the bit, involve your kids)

✅ The joy of one-on-one time and small rituals (daddy-daughter adventures, espresso mornings)

✅ Honest struggles: travel, burnout, and the daily challenge of being present

🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real dad talk! #riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #KidsPerspective #5YearOld #ParentingAdvice #Daughter #Family #Love #Inspiration