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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 237 - Technology & Parenting - The Digital Dad’s Dilemma

In this episode, host Dave tackles the digital dilemma many modern parents face: how to raise kids in a world saturated with phones, social media, and constant online access, while maintaining healthy boundaries and meaningful real-life connection. He reflects on growing up before smartphones, contrasts that with today’s connected landscape, and invites listeners to consider a practical, phased approach to technology in the family.

A narrative arc on growing up in a connected era

Dave sets the scene by comparing his own childhood to the current reality where portable devices are ubiquitous. He notes how different life feels when the family’s daily routines aren’t dominated by constant screen time, and frames the episode around creating intentional parenting guidelines for digital life. The conversation establishes the overarching goal: help families navigate the balance between online exploration and real-world learning, work, and relationships. The personal touch—stories about family, pets, and everyday life—anchors the discussion in real-world experience rather than abstract theory. This framing invites listeners to reflect on their own digital boundaries and family norms.

Key questions and practical guidance

The episode centers on concrete, actionable questions: when should kids get their own phones? how should privacy, safety, and privacy settings be handled? what boundaries around screen time and content are appropriate? how can trust and open communication be built so kids feel comfortable reporting issues without fear of punishment? Dave emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and that milestones should be tailored to each family’s values and circumstances. He advocates a phased approach to device adoption, starting with a family device or supervised access before granting personal, unsupervised use. A recurring theme is modeling good behavior—parents must practice the habits they want to instill in their kids.

Guardrails, education, and family contracts

A core portion of the discussion focuses on practical guardrails and education:

• establish a trust-first framework so kids feel safe bringing questions or mistakes to parents
• teach digital literacy, source verification, and critical thinking about online information
• discuss data privacy, strong passwords, and the implications of algorithm-driven content
• explain the economics of online behavior, including in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads
• implement a family tech contract with clear expectations, supervision, and progressive autonomy

The modern paradox of connectivity

Dave acknowledges the paradox of twenty-first-century communication: advanced tools enable global reach and instant connection, yet genuine human interaction can feel more distant. The episode encourages leveraging AI and video platforms thoughtfully to complement, not replace, in-person relationships. The takeaway is a balanced approach that uses technology to enhance family life while preserving meaningful face-to-face time.

Key takeaway for listeners

A thoughtful, phased, and values-driven approach to kids’ technology use—rooted in trust, open communication, and practical guardrails—helps families navigate the digital age without losing sight of real-world connection and learning. As devices become more integrated into daily life, establishing clear family expectations and modeling responsible use empowers children to become discerning, responsible digital citizens

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten

Episode 236 - Raising Daughters - Modeling Respect and Kindness as a Dad

As fathers, we're often the first men our daughters look to for clues on how the world works. Your actions speak louder than words, setting the bar for how they expect to be treated and how they treat others. Let's break it down with practical steps you can start today

Fathers shape their daughters' views of relationships from day one. By showing respect - treating people with fairness, dignity, and empathy - you teach her to demand the same in her life. Kindness isn't innate; it's a skill kids learn by watching you respond patiently to frustration, help a neighbor, or listen without judgment.

children imitate what they see, especially from dads. When you model respect toward your partner, strangers, or even in traffic, she internalizes it as normal. This builds her confidence to spot unhealthy dynamics later and fosters generosity that ripples through her life.

Start small: Notice how you talk to service workers or handle disagreements at home. Your daughter absorbs it all, turning your everyday habits into her lifelong compass

• Treat your partner as an equal: Use kind words, share chores without grudge, and show affection openly. This demonstrates mutual respect and equality, helping her envision healthy partnerships.​
• Honor boundaries: Listen when she says no, respect her opinions even if they differ, and apologize sincerely when you mess up. Patience here teaches her self-worth.​
• Show empathy everywhere: Acknowledge others' feelings—"That must be tough for them"—and act on it, like helping an elderly neighbor. She'll mirror this compassion

Quality time amplifies this: Sit at her level for playdates or chats. Role-play scenarios, like sharing toys, to practice respect in action. Your presence proves she matters

Kindness thrives on repetition. Call out her good deeds - "That was so kind sharing your markers!" - to reinforce them. Read books about empathy together, discussing characters' choices on repeat reads.

Make it collaborative: Brainstorm acts like baking for a teacher or leaving notes for siblings. At home, recognize Mom's efforts aloud - "Thanks for handling dinner, that helps us all" - to normalize appreciation

Extend it outward: Shovel a neighbor's walk as a family or write thank-yous. These build habits that carry to school and beyond, proving kindness starts close by

Dads, your daily respect and kindness aren't just nice - they're the blueprint for your daughter's world. Model it relentlessly, and watch her build a life of strong, compassionate connections. Thanks for tuning into Dad Space - share your stories in the comments, subscribe for more, and go be that dad today

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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 235 - Date Night Done Right - Tips for Rekindling Marital Romance

Marriage doesn't run on autopilot after the diapers and soccer practices pile up. Dads often prioritize provider mode, but romance keeps the foundation solid for your whole family. Studies show couples who date regularly report higher satisfaction and better parenting teamwork, your kids thrive when mom and dad are connected.​

Neglect that spark, and resentment builds fast. Think about it: when was your last uninterrupted conversation with your wife that wasn't about bills or bedtime? Date nights rebuild intimacy, reduce stress, and model healthy love for your children. As dads, we're wired to lead here, step up intentionally.​

• Plan Ahead Like a Pro: Block the calendar now—swap kids with another dad couple or hire a sitter monthly. No excuses; treat it like a non-negotiable work meeting. Start small: coffee runs if dinners feel daunting.
• Ditch the Routine: Skip Applebee's every time. Recreate your early dates - picnic in the park, stargazing drive, or dance lesson. Novelty releases dopamine, mimicking those honeymoon vibes.
• Focus on Her World: Ask open questions about her day, dreams, stresses - not just yours. Listen 80%, talk 20%. Bonus: Compliment non-physical stuff like her patience with the kids.
• Keep It Low-Pressure: Home dates count, cook together, unplug phones, play her favorite playlist. Physical touch without expectations rebuilds comfort.
• Follow Through Post-Date: Text the next day recapping a highlight. Momentum matters; one date sparks the next.

These aren't fluffy ideas; they're battle-tested from dads who've been there. One listener shared how weekly walks turned their rocky patch around.​

Watch out for fatigue excuses - "I'm too tired after work." Flip it: date nights recharge you. Another trap? Treating it like a kid event - leave parenting talk at home.

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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 234 - Movember Comes to an End, Dad Space Continues, An Encouragement for Dads

Movember may be over, but the heart of the conversation continues on Dad Space: men’s health is everyone’s health, and the ripple effects of a well-supported dad reach partners, kids, and communities. This episode closes a 30-episodes-in-30-days run by thanking listeners for showing up and, more importantly, taking action—not out of guilt or pressure, but from encouragement and practical ideas that translate into daily life. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t fit into a month; it’s a year-round practice that touches mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional “muscles,” and small, consistent steps at home matter most.

Carrying Movember forward

The show re-centers men’s health as a family issue, urging dads to keep the conversations and check-ins going beyond November. Listeners shared that they didn’t just consume content—they tried ideas from guests and resources, proving that encouragement plus doable steps beats being lectured any day. The host frames December as a chance to keep momentum, with the podcast serving as a companion and catalyst for sustainable change.

December mindset for dads

As gift season ramps up, the challenge is clear: resist overspending and invest in presence. The story of kids unable to recall last year’s presents becomes a nudge to prioritize memory-making over material lists. Schedule simple rituals—movie nights, popcorn, hot chocolate, and unhurried time on the couch—because those are the moments kids will remember next year. Your presence teaches better than a pile of boxes ever could.

What’s next on Dad Space

Expect new “mini series” that go deeper into single topics across several episodes, keeping the practical, encouraging tone that invites action without shame. The show is actively gathering books, podcasts, speakers, and courses that have helped real dads, and it’s widening the guest bench—dads, moms, experts, and storytellers who can sharpen, encourage, and broaden the conversation. Listeners are invited to submit resources and potential guests, including themselves, to keep building a helpful, shared knowledge base.

A few invitations

Share a resource that changed your dad journey so others can benefit.

Pitch a guest or your own story—diverse voices make the space stronger.

Put family time on the calendar this month; protect it like any important meeting.

If your kids are young, check out the Daily Santa Podcast and explore kid-safe listening via the Kids Pod app for a festive, family-friendly countdown.

Key takeaway: The best gift you can give your family is a healthy, present you—keep building those daily habits, make time together non-negotiable, and let encouragement fuel action long after Movember ends.

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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 233 - The Holiday Season is Coming - A Podcast for You to Share With Your Kids - The Daily Santa Podcast

In this episode of the Dad Space podcast, host Dave wraps up the intense Movember challenge of 30 episodes in 30 days, reflecting on the exhaustion and gratitude of pushing through daily conversations for dads worldwide. As Thanksgiving approaches in the US and holiday seasons begin globally, he pivots to a festive family recommendation: his kid-focused Daily Santa Podcast, launching December 1st with 25 daily episodes counting down to Christmas like an audio advent calendar—minus the chocolate. Even for non-Santa households, the show's underlying storyline emphasizes becoming better humans through lessons on kindness, sibling harmony, neighborly love, and personal growth under Santa's watchful eye, perfect for bedtime listening or daytime play.

Dave pulls back the curtain on the chaotic creation process, revealing how each episode is crafted live on the day it's due, juggling dozens of tracks for sound effects, music, and voices—from the announcer and weather reporters to live North Pole street updates and recurring jokes that build a connected narrative across the series. Standouts include Santa's social media-savvy elf Selfie, who snaps endless selfies, causes hilarious mayhem, and stars in blooper reels at every episode's end, earning fans like Dave's wife and even coworkers sneaking listens at the office. Listeners worldwide, including US and Canadian military stationed overseas, have shared how it feels like a taste of home, with bonus perks like Dave's wife's favorite Christmas cookie recipe available for download on DailySantaPodcast.com, plus early previews on YouTube.

The episode closes on an intimate note, transitioning from holiday cheer to a raw monologue addressing male loneliness as a silent epidemic. Dave speaks directly to men carrying unseen burdens—tired yet unrelenting, strong yet human—urging them to break the silence by reaching out via email, voice message, or calls for help, affirming that real strength lies in honesty and that every dad's presence matters deeply to family, friends, and the world.

Key Takeaway: Amid holiday hustle and personal struggles, prioritize connection—share festive podcasts with your kids to build better family habits, and remember to check in on fellow dads, because asking for or offering support turns isolation into strength. Visit DailySantaPodcast.com for links, recipes, and more Dad Space episodes ahead.

https://dailysantapodcast.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

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