What happens to a man when fatherhood doesn’t look anything like he imagined?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Bo, a 33-year-old dad from Kansas City who has spent the last seven years living on high alert.

His son Elgin suffered a severe brain injury at birth and requires 24-hour care. Every day, Bo watches oxygen levels. Every night, he sleeps beside a monitor that could change everything in a second, keeping in mind this is after tragically losing his daughter 1 year before Elgin was born.

But this isn’t just a story about special needs parenting, it’s more than that.

It’s a story about identity. About losing a child and still choosing to love again. About radical acceptance when life doesn’t bend. About loneliness, exhaustion, fear — and the quiet, relentless decision to stay in the ring and fight

Bo speaks with brutal honesty about what it costs to keep showing up… and why he refuses to walk away from the ring.

There are times when I feel we forget the mic is on and Bo says ‘I need him more than he needs me’. It felt like something went off for me, he was right and I think so many parents would think the same, but not say out loud… such a brave dad on all levels.

This episode is for any dad who has ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or stretched to his limits. It’s about resilience, perspective, and the kind of strength that doesn’t shout — it just stays.

Check out Bo’s social media and get into how he does life… it’s real unfiltered dad journeys.

https://youtube.com/@theimaginarydad?si=aULOBUacr8jJ02ON

https://www.tiktok.com/@theimaginarydadproject?_r=1&_t=ZS-93vvn5dMlYu

https://linktr.ee/theimaginarydadproject?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

https://tr.ee/EyFKkNDy0v

In this episode of Real Unfiltered Dad Journeys, I sit down with my longtime friend Phil for one of the most open and honest conversations we’ve ever had. We explore how his understanding of fatherhood has shifted from “protector and provider” to “guide and guardrails,” and how walking, silence, and self-reflection have become essential tools for staying grounded. Phil speaks candidly about triggers, patience, the pressure to financially “ring-fence” his family, and the fear of not being around long enough for his kids. At the heart of our conversation is a powerful reminder: even the toughest moments of parenting are still a privilege.

In this episode, I talk with Aaron — a devoted dad to his seven-year-old son, Noah, who is neurodiverse. Arran opens up about a social-media post he made after a school rejected a child with autism, sparking a powerful discussion on inclusion and the importance of understanding neurodiversity rather than labeling it.

He shares how fatherhood has transformed his outlook — teaching him patience, empathy, and the value of seeing the world through his son’s eyes. We discuss the pressures men face to meet expectations, and how true success as a dad isn’t about achievements but being emotionally present and consistent.

Arran also talks about the role of physical and mental health in showing up for family, challenging the stigma around therapy, and encouraging fathers to seek support. We close by reflecting on legacy, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep growing — for ourselves and for our kids.

Arran’s Podcast - Breaking the mask

https://open.spotify.com/show/0qzSSJxxkO8FkVYVMWzFjR?si=y1A-vBwjQueZRAUDhwY1-w

https://www.instagram.com/breaking_the_mask?igsh=MWQ0ZnhrYXFsdTNuZw==