Episode 221 - Out of Place but Learning to Balance, What a Post Turtle Can Teach A Dad

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves as human post turtles. Maybe it’s that coworker who somehow got promoted to manager and you’re scratching your head wondering how. Or that pop star who’s suddenly the face of everything, but can’t carry a tune in a bucket. The idea is the same—they didn’t get there on their own. Someone lifted them up, put them there, and now they’re just trying to figure out what to do with it.

As dads, we get it. None of us really “earned” fatherhood through a test or certification. One day we were just placed there—sometimes ready, often not. Suddenly, we’re balancing on this narrow post called “Dad Life,” looking down, hoping we don’t fall, wondering who thought this was a good idea anyway.

But here’s the thing about post turtles: even though they didn’t get up there on their own, they’re there now. And like us, they have two choices—freeze up and panic, or adapt and learn to balance. That’s the heart of the dad journey. We might not have all the answers, but we learn on the post. We lean on other dads. We adjust our footing. And maybe, we even learn to enjoy the view from up there.

Reflection Segment

So, who put you on your post? Maybe it was your partner, your parents, your kids, or maybe life itself. The truth is, we’ve all had help. And that’s not something to hide—it’s something to honor. Every dad who’s ever rocked a newborn at 3 AM, every dad who’s shown up to a recital or a soccer game after a long week, every dad trying to be present—each one is a post turtle in his own way. We didn’t get here alone, and we’re not staying balanced by ourselves either.

Next time you feel like a post turtle—awkward, unsure, maybe out of place—remember: it’s normal. You’re not alone on that fence post, and there’s a whole community of dads out here cheering you on, helping you find your balance.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

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

Episode 220 - An Introvert’s Perspective - The Quiet Truth For Dads About Energy and Connection

An Introvert’s Perspective: The Quiet Truth About Energy and Connection

In this episode, the conversation centers on a familiar frustration for many introverts—the misconceptions people have about what it means to be quiet, reserved, or private. The host explores three common phrases that introverts often hear and why they can be both unhelpful and misunderstood.

The first is the casual observation, “You’re so quiet. Are you okay?” For introverts, their quietness is not a sign of something being wrong; it’s simply their natural rhythm. Asking them to defend their silence can make social interactions even more uncomfortable. Quiet is not a problem to be fixed—it’s part of how some people process the world.

The second remark, “You need to get out more,” misses the point of introversion entirely. Introverts do not need more external stimulation to feel complete. Home and solitude are restorative spaces where their energy is recharged. They venture out when they are ready, not when social expectations demand it.

And then there’s, “You need to loosen up.” For an introvert, this can feel like pressure to perform rather than an invitation to connect. Instead of making them feel relaxed, it often highlights the very discomfort they were trying to manage quietly.

To help make sense of these differences, the host offers a vivid analogy: introverts start each day with five coins, and every social interaction costs them one. By the end of the day, their coins are spent—they need alone time to refill their emotional balance. Extroverts, however, begin with zero coins and earn one from every interaction. Their energy grows through engagement and connection.

This simple idea explains why introverts and extroverts sometimes misunderstand each other. When an extrovert suggests happy hour after work, they’re riding a social high, eager to keep going. The introvert, meanwhile, has exhausted their coin supply. The two operate on different energy economies—one earning through interaction, the other conserving through solitude.

But these differences aren’t barriers to friendship or love. They’re opportunities for understanding. When both sides recognize how the other recharges, connection becomes easier and more genuine. Whether you’re an introvert protecting your peace or an extrovert chasing new connections, empathy is the bridge that keeps relationships balanced.

Key Takeaway:

Introversion and extroversion are not opposites—they are complementary ways of managing energy. Understanding the balance between solitude and connection leads to stronger relationships and deeper respect for how others navigate the world.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

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

Episode 219 - Trust, Truth, and Tense Talks - Dad Strategies for Marriage Recovery

Trust is the foundation of any healthy marriage—but when it’s broken, even everyday conversations can feel like navigating a minefield. This episode explores the warning signs that trust is eroding, why it matters for dads, and practical ways to rebuild connection with your partner and kids. Whether you’re just noticing distance or working to heal after hurt, you’re not alone—let’s talk honestly about trust, respect, and hope for your family.

Communication Feels Like Navigating Shaky Ground

When trust is strong, you can talk about anything. When it’s shaky, you walk on eggshells, afraid that any word or topic could set off conflict. Instead of open and spontaneous connection, conversations become guarded and stressful. As a dad and partner, you might find yourself second-guessing every word or avoiding important topics altogether. Taking small, honest steps—like sharing feelings even when it’s tough—can open the path to rebuilding safety and trust.

Checking Up vs. Checking In: Which One Are You Doing?

It’s normal to check in with your partner out of care, but when trust fades, those moments shift into suspicion—“Where were you? Who were you with?” Instead of genuine connection, you find yourself interrogating or feeling interrogated. Choosing to check in daily, with curiosity and respect, helps restore emotional safety and turns tense interactions back into moments of support.

You Default to Negative Interpretations

When trust is lost, it’s easy to assume negative intentions—seeing innocent actions through a lens of doubt. This cycle can reinforce hurt and distance for both partners. One powerful change: choose to believe the best in each other and give your partner the benefit of the doubt, just as you’d want for yourself. This mindset shift can slowly break the cycle and bring hope back to your marriage.

• If trust is low, communication will start to feel tense and unsafe—be gentle with yourself and your partner as you work through it.
• Checking in should be a sign of care, not control. With practice, you can rebuild mutual respect, even after setbacks.
• Dads play a key role in modeling trust and honesty, both in marriage and with their kids.
• Real trust grows from small, consistent choices to communicate openly, assume the best, and repair mistakes together.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

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