Episode 240 - Married Name Choices - Taylor Swift or Kelce - Should Women Always Take Their Husband's Last Name with Author Melania Joy Murphy

In this thought-provoking episode of The Dad Space Podcast, host Dave welcomes author and journalist Melania Murphy to discuss her new book, Bound By Love, Not Tradition. The conversation dives deep into the history, culture, and personal dimensions of how and why married couples make decisions about their names – a topic that blends tradition, identity, and empowerment in surprising ways.

Melania shares how her own curiosity as a journalist and her background in behavioral science led her to explore the often unquestioned traditions surrounding married names. She aims to help women, especially first and second-time brides, feel empowered to make intentional choices that honor both their individuality and their partnerships. Through her research and conversations with readers, she uncovered remarkable stories, cultural contrasts, and legal histories from around the world.

Listeners learn the historical roots of customs like women wearing veils, the meaning behind “Mrs.” as “wife of,” and the old British laws of coverture, which once made a woman's legal identity merge with her husband's. Melania uses these insights to show how naming traditions evolved and how modern couples can continue shaping them.

She introduces her SELF framework – Significance, Empowerment, Legacy, and Freedom – a model that encourages introspection and open communication between partners. Through it, couples can weigh the meaning of their names, express what’s important to them, consider family heritage, and understand the freedoms allowed by modern law. Melania also shares relatable, often lighthearted stories, such as couples flipping coins or playing rock-paper-scissors at the altar to decide whose name to take, and others merging names entirely to invent something new.

The discussion moves from history to humor to heartfelt advice for dads and families learning to support their children through nontraditional choices. Melania emphasizes the importance of curiosity and compassion—reminding listeners that traditions evolve, and name choices can be as unique as the couples themselves.

Key Takeaway:

Names are more than tradition—they reflect identity, equality, and partnership. Empowered relationships start with open, judgment-free conversations about what feels authentic for both partners.

Learn more about Melania’s work and pick up her book at melaniajoy.com or your favorite bookstore.

___

https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 239 - Happy Holidays from Dad Space - Keeping You Company During the Holidays, A Special Message for Single Dads

In this Christmas Eve episode, host Dave Campbell speaks directly to dads navigating the holiday season with warmth and practicality. Set against the backdrop of a busy, emotional time, the episode centers on presence, resilience, and everyday acts that strengthen family bonds, especially for single dads who may be sharing holidays with kids without a partner.

Dave grounds the listener in his own holiday memories, from crowded houses and cozy chaos to moments of wonder and the everyday rituals that make the season memorable. He paints a vivid picture of holiday prep, family traditions, and the small, meaningful moments that often feel more significant than the grand gifts under the tree. Across these anecdotes, the throughline is clear: being present, intentional, and kind to oneself is the foundation for a joyful holiday, even when circumstances are imperfect.

Central themes emerge as practical guidance for listeners:

• Grieving is a natural part of the season. Acknowledging losses, whether of a breakup, a changed family dynamic, or a tradition that no longer fits, can build empathy and resilience. The episode normalizes healthy grieving as a step toward deeper love and connection.
• Imagination and adaptation matter. Dads are encouraged to reimagine traditions to fit their current reality, inviting kids to co-create new rituals or shift environments to something like a vacation rental or a smaller, more intimate gathering. Creativity becomes a tool to keep the holidays meaningful rather than stressful.
• Creativity in everyday parenting. The focus is on time with kids and simple rituals rather than perfection. Shared activities, small surprises, and maintaining anchor traditions where possible help provide stability for children.
• The power of laughter and community. Even when physical time with kids is limited, joy and humor can be cultivated through a supportive network—friends, family, faith groups, or neighbors—so the season remains a source of warmth and connection.
• Rest as a responsibility. The episode emphasizes that a father’s ability to show up fully depends on rest and self-care. Holidays are part of a larger year of fatherhood, not a single moment; replenishing energy ensures presence beyond just Christmastime.

Five actionable steps for this year’s holidays are highlighted to help dads head into 2026 with intention:

• Allow space to grieve and process losses.
• Reimagine traditions with kids input.
• Prioritize time with children through simple, meaningful activities.
• Build a support circle for humor, encouragement, and accountability.
• Protect rest and self-care to stay grounded during the season.

The episode invites dads to share their holiday wins and challenges, fostering a sense of community within Dad Space. The closing message reinforces that being a dad during the holidays isn’t about perfection but about showing up with warmth, presence, and focus on what truly matters: the faces, relationships, and everyday moments that make family meaningful.

Key takeaway: Presence, not perfection, shapes the holidays. By grieving where needed, reimagining traditions, prioritizing time with kids, leaning on supportive communities, and resting well, dads can give their families a season of connection and hope that extends into the new year.

___

https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 238 - Blissful Unawareness - A Daily Break for Dads from the Noise

This episode invites listeners to rethink their relationship with daily information overload by embracing brief, intentional moments of blissful unawareness. Dave reflects on childhood simplicity and proposes practical ways for busy dads to protect mental space, reduce stress, and model healthier boundaries for their families.

A calmer start to the day

The conversation suggests starting mornings with a pause before diving into screens, news, and tasks. A short, device-free ritual—like a quiet moment or a small walk—helps center attention, lowers anxiety, and sets a steadier tone for the hours ahead. This approach frames calm mornings as a foundation for presence with loved ones and clearer decision making.

Being blissfully unaware as a daily practice

Being briefly unaware of world events isn’t ignorance but a protective habit. By lowering cognitive load, parents can devote energy to family, creativity, and self-care. The episode argues that this daily space supports focus on parenting and work tasks without being overwhelmed by a relentless information stream.

Strategies to create mental space

Listeners are offered concrete ideas to cultivate daily calm:

• schedule short, device-free windows to let thoughts breathe
• curate news and social feeds to prevent constant scrolling
• design mornings and evenings around connection, rest, and purpose
• set boundaries around notifications during family time
• model unplugged presence for kids through balanced media use

A mindset for families

Mental space is framed as a shared value that strengthens family dynamics. By protecting attention, parents foster calmer homes, better decisions, and deeper connections with children and partners. The key message is to treat mindful spacing as a core family principle, not a luxury.

Key takeaway for listeners

In a hyper-connected era, carving out daily moments of blissful unawareness can restore calm, sharpen focus, and deepen family bonds. By choosing when to engage with news and screens, parents model resilient, present lives for their children.

___

https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270