In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner welcomes Khe Hy, a former Wall Street Managing Director who left behind a lucrative career to focus on creativity, presence, and fatherhood. Khe shares his journey of evolving through three distinct chapters of life: his pre-fatherhood years, the transformative period of active parenting, and his current entrepreneurial pursuits in AI. He discusses the emotional complexities of watching his children grow and the bittersweet nature of the "magic window" of early childhood, where he felt most needed.

Khe reflects on the challenges of balancing ambition with the desire to foster intrinsic motivation in his daughters, as well as the importance of modeling emotional growth and resilience. He delves into the concept of internal family systems and how it has influenced his understanding of emotions and relationships. The conversation touches on fears surrounding modern parenting, including issues like cyberbullying and societal pressures related to body image. Khe emphasizes the significance of living authentically and following one's passions, rather than seeking validation through external achievements. The episode concludes with a humorous anecdote about a chaotic flight experience with his young daughter, highlighting the messy realities of parenthood.

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In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner welcomes his friend and neighbor, Dave Inglis, a Canadian executive and couples coach living in Valencia, Spain. The conversation delves into the complexities of blended family dynamics, as Dave shares his journey of becoming a stepdad to two teenagers while also welcoming a biological son, Will. He reflects on the challenges and joys of navigating relationships with his wife Jen and her ex-husband, Aaron, emphasizing the importance of non-attachment and flexibility in parenting. The discussion also touches on the significance of solitude and self-inquiry in personal growth, as Dave reveals his unique practices inspired by shamanism. Throughout the episode, the two dads explore the messy realities of fatherhood, including humorous anecdotes and the ongoing evolution of their roles as parents.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

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In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner welcomes Bob Glazer, the founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a leader in partnership marketing. Bob, a serial entrepreneur and author of seven books, shares his insights on fatherhood, parenting challenges, and the importance of instilling values in children. With three kids nearing adulthood, he discusses his concerns about their preparedness for the realities of the world, particularly in a tech-driven society.

Bob emphasizes the significance of work ethic, responsibility, and the need for children to experience struggle to develop resilience. He also reflects on his own parenting journey, sharing personal anecdotes about balancing career ambitions with family life and the lessons learned from his experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and allowing children to learn from their mistakes. Throughout the episode, Bob advocates for intentional parenting and the value of leading by example, encouraging fathers to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about success and personal growth.

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Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner engages in a heartfelt conversation with Morgan Rich, a coach and facilitator dedicated to supporting men in navigating their inner struggles and finding purpose. Morgan, a father of two adult children and author of the book "The Invitation Beyond: Reclaiming Healthy Masculinity," shares his insights on fatherhood, personal growth, and the complexities of modern parenting.

The discussion begins with Morgan reflecting on the challenges he faced during his journey as a father, particularly after his separation from his children's mother when they were in high school. He candidly discusses the emotional rift that developed between him and his daughter, who felt betrayed by his new relationship. Morgan emphasizes the importance of being present and navigating the ups and downs of fatherhood, highlighting how his own experiences with loss and trauma shaped his approach to parenting.

Morgan recounts the profound moments of connection he shared with his children, particularly the simple yet meaningful times spent reading bedtime stories. He expresses a deep appreciation for these fleeting moments and the love he felt for his children, acknowledging the unpredictability of life and the importance of savoring each experience.

As the conversation progresses, Morgan shares the deliberate process he undertook to mend his relationship with his daughter. He emphasizes the significance of patience and self-care, recognizing that his daughter's struggles were part of her journey into adulthood. Morgan's commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and offering unconditional love ultimately led to a reconciliation, demonstrating that fatherhood is not about perfection but about being present and learning from challenges.

The episode also delves into the dynamics of co-parenting, with Morgan reflecting on his experiences during and after his marriage. He acknowledges the difficulties of communication and the importance of being honest about one's feelings. Morgan's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, including participation in men's retreats and shadow work, has equipped him to show up as a better father and role model.

Throughout the episode, Morgan emphasizes the need for fathers to embrace vulnerability and the messiness of parenthood. He shares a humorous yet relatable story about being barfed on by his young son during a flight, illustrating the unpredictable nature of parenting and the importance of finding humor in challenging situations.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

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In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Kelly Flanagan, a clinical psychologist, author, and father of three. The discussion centers around the challenges and emotional complexities of fatherhood, particularly as children grow into young adults.

Jeff opens the episode by emphasizing the importance of honest conversations among fathers about their fears, ambitions, and the realities of parenting. He introduces Kelly, who shares insights from his experiences as a father and a mental health professional. Kelly reflects on his own parenting journey, noting that despite having a 22-year-old son, Aiden, who is pursuing a career in comedy, the challenges of parenting do not diminish but rather evolve over time. He discusses the emotional energy invested in each of his children, highlighting the need for balance and attention among them.

The conversation delves into the concept of emotional energy and how it varies among children. Kelly shares his realization that as his children grow older, the time spent with them becomes more precious, prompting him to prioritize their emotional needs over work commitments. He acknowledges the ongoing challenges of parenting, regardless of the children's ages, and the importance of being present in their lives.

As the discussion progresses, Kelly opens up about a pivotal moment in his marriage during a particularly stressful time in their lives. He recounts how the COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant stress and emotional turmoil, leading him to a transformative realization about the importance of keeping his heart open. Inspired by Michael Singer's book, "The Untethered Soul," Kelly adopted a New Year's resolution to notice when his heart was closing and to actively work on opening it back up. This practice has since become a cornerstone of his approach to relationships, including those with his wife and children.

Jeff and Kelly explore the nuances of emotional expression, particularly the cultural stigma surrounding sadness. They discuss how children naturally express their emotions and the importance of creating a safe space for them to do so. Kelly emphasizes that sadness is a natural emotion that should be embraced rather than suppressed, as it can lead to greater emotional openness and connection.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Ambitious Dads podcast, host Jeff Hittner engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Grose, a prominent Australian parenting educator and author of twelve books on parenting. With a background as a former teacher, Michael shares his journey into parenting education, which began unexpectedly while pursuing a master's degree in education. He discusses how his experiences as a teacher and a father to three adult children have shaped his insights into parenting.

The episode delves into the evolving landscape of parenting, highlighting the shift from traditional discipline and behavior management to a focus on resilience, emotional regulation, and the challenges posed by the digital age. Michael emphasizes the importance of parents being aware of their own mental health and wellness, as it directly impacts their children. He advocates for the necessity of self-care and the establishment of personal time for parents, encouraging dads to prioritize their own needs alongside their parenting responsibilities.

Michael and Jeff explore the differences in parenting styles between mothers and fathers, noting that mothers often provide nurturing and emotional support, while fathers tend to encourage independence and problem-solving. This dynamic is crucial for children's development, as it allows them to learn from both parental figures. Michael also addresses the common fears fathers have regarding their children's adolescence, offering insights on how to maintain connections during this challenging phase.

Throughout the episode, Michael shares practical strategies for effective discipline, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about choices and consequences. He highlights the value of positive reinforcement and consistent communication, suggesting that parents should catch their children doing the right thing and guide them in resolving conflicts.

As the conversation unfolds, Michael reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health and development, noting the long-term effects of isolation and the need for parents to adapt their approaches to parenting in a post-pandemic world. The episode concludes with a call for fathers to embrace their unique roles and responsibilities, fostering a supportive environment for their children while also taking care of their own well-being.

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Critchlow to delve into the art of juggling professional ambitions with the beautiful chaos of fatherhood.

In this episode, Tom shares his unique journey from being an independent consultant to transitioning back into the corporate world—all while taking his family on a year-and-a-half road trip during the COVID pandemic. 🚗🏞️ Discover how owning his schedule allowed him to be present for precious family moments, like bath time with his kids.

We explore the evolving landscape of parenting in a tech-saturated era, where explaining abstract job roles to young minds requires creativity and patience. From the humorous side of parenting—think projectile vomiting—to the importance of unstructured play, this episode is packed with candid insights and personal stories.

Tom opens up about the unexpected joys and challenges of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of real conversations about these experiences. Whether you're an ambitious dad striving to nurture meaningful family connections or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is for you.

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Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Join us as we dive into the unique experience of navigating parenthood while leading a startup.

When Jean-Luc Zehnder founded his company, Virtido, in the same month his first child was born, he found himself nurturing two newborns: a business and a baby. In this episode, Jean-Luc opens up about the raw challenges of managing a growing family alongside a budding enterprise.

Here’s what you can expect:

🔹 Jean-Luc’s insights into balancing the financial uncertainties and lifestyle adjustments necessary for work-life harmony, including downsizing their home for stability.
🔹 A candid look at the dynamics of raising three boys and the importance of recognizing each child's unique role within the family.
🔹 Strategies for building a supportive work culture and the significance of mental fitness in personal and professional realms.
🔹 Reflections on maintaining a healthy partnership and the struggles of letting go as a parent.

Jean-Luc's personal stories provide encouragement and valuable insights for entrepreneurial dads, especially those navigating parenthood without local family support.

🎧 Tune in now to gain heartfelt parenting insights and learn how to thrive with both a newborn and a new business.

Sign Up for the Ambitious Dads Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousdads.com

Connect with Jeff Hittner: https://jeffhittner.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of the Ambitious Dads Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!