Send us a text

Fatherhood has a funny way of keeping score quietly.

You don’t get a report card.

You don’t get instant feedback.

Most days, you’re just hoping you didn’t mess things up too badly.

Over the past year on Dad Hat Shenanigans, one question kept surfacing in different forms:

“What’s your best advice for dads?”

This episode is the answer to that question.

In this special year-end reflection, Brent steps into the mic solo to share 33 pieces of advice from 33 real dads—guests from across the season who opened up about presence, consistency, mistakes, repair, leadership, and what actually matters when you’re raising kids.

These aren’t theories or polished soundbites.

They’re lived lessons.

The kind you learn at the kitchen table, on the drive home, or sitting on the edge of a kid’s bed at night.

Some of the themes that come up again and again:

• Why showing up beats getting it right
• How repair matters more than perfection
• Why listening builds more trust than lecturing
• What it really means to lead at home
• How to think in generations, not just today

This episode is designed to be listened to slowly.

Paused.

Revisited.

If you’re a dad finishing the year tired, unsure, or quietly wondering if you’re doing enough—this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• 33 concise, hard-earned lessons from real fathers
• Honest reflections on mistakes, growth, and repair
• Why presence matters more than perfection
• How consistency shapes kids more than intensity
• A reminder that even on your worst days—showing up still counts

Who This Episode Is For

• Dads who feel the weight of responsibility
• Fathers navigating busy seasons
• Men who want to lead well at home without pretending to have it all figured out
• Anyone who believes fatherhood is about progress, not perfection

Memorable Quotes

• “Your kids don’t need a perfect dad. They need a present one.”
• “Who you are matters more than what you say.”
• “Showing up on your worst days still counts.”

Connect With the Show

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another dad who needs the reminder.

And if you haven’t yet, follow Dad Hat Shenanigans Podcast. real conversations about fatherhood—no filters, no pretending.

Sponsors:

My Pillow

Free MyPillow Promo Code "TFM" for up to 80% off your entire order at MyPillow!

To get the best specials ever go to MyPillow.com/TFM or call 800-796-9775 and use promo code "TFM"

Support our podcast:

Support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thefallibleman

Want to Share Your Message with the World?
Looking to be a guest on a podcast and reach a wider audience? Or maybe you host your own podcast and want to find amazing, high-quality guests—without the hassle?

If you answered yes, PodMatch is exactly what you need. Join Here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/dhsp

E035 of the Dad Hat Shenanigans Podcast: The Unfiltered Truth of Being a Dad

Want to be a guest on Dad Hat Shenanigans: The Unfiltered Truth of Being a Dad? Send D Brent Dowlen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/dadhatshenaniganspodcast