In episode 45, we finally reunite in person and dive into a lively conversation about the weird, wonderful world of modern fatherhood. From late-night guitar solo practice and punk rock nostalgia to R2-D2 builds and DIY parenting fixes, we reflect on how our own childhoods, hobbies, and daily chaos shape the dads we are today. Along the way, we each draft our dream “Mount Rushmore of Dad Superpowers” — including calm under pressure, expert negotiation, and the ever-critical ability to summon snacks on demand. It's a mix of real talk, laughs, and reminders that parenting is part patience, part planning, and part magic trick.

Key Points:

• Catching up in person and bonding over guitar solos & pop-punk playlists

• Parenting wins and struggles: sleep habits, routines, and child independence

• How scouting and structured youth programs shaped our values

• The “Dad Superpowers” we wish for (and sometimes have!)

  • Calm in chaos

  • Master negotiator

  • Inspirational motivator

  • Pro-level scheduler

  • Snack summoner

  • DIY fix-it wizard

• The importance of showing up, being present, and staying curious as dads

👉 Come swap stories, powers, and parenting wins in our Discord community: https://discord.gg/2zwPEqpCyG

In this episode, we kick things off with our Hygge Question of the Week: “Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?”—which leads us down a few unexpected and hilarious memory lanes. Then we put our homeowner hats on for a Would You Rather.

From there, we dive into the heart of the episode: how becoming dads has reshaped the way we see our own parents. We reflect on the generational differences in parenting styles, how much more we appreciate what our parents went through, and the way those realizations are shaping how we raise our own kids. Along the way, we swap stories about daycare transitions, robot builds, yard work fails, and sweet moments with our kids that keep us grounded (and sometimes covered in mud or glitter).

🔗 Join the conversation in our Discord: https://discord.gg/2zwPEqpCyG

Key Points

• We answer the Hygge Question: Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever met? and play Would You Rather

• Reflecting on how fatherhood has changed our view of our own parents

• Pete shares yard work struggles and a homemade phone case story from Lacey

• Derek talks about daycare transitions and building a battle droid with Jack

• Discussion on grief after losing a pet and how kids process it differently

• Challenges and wins with home maintenance and DIY repairs

• The evolving identity of being “grown-ups” and comparing parenting generations

• Creative projects with our kids—from robots to stuffed animals

In episode 43, we dive deep into personal challenges that have recently touched our lives. We share the emotional burden of Pete's family's health issues, including the heartbreak of losing our beloved dog, Penny, to lymphoma, and grappling with the complexities of aging loved ones undergoing serious health procedures. Amid these trials, we discuss the resilience shown by our kids and the small joys that light up our days. The conversation also explores our growth through these experiences, underscoring the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook despite life's inevitable hardships. We also tackle our Hygge question of the day: "Is being sensitive a strength or a weakness?"

Key Points:

• Dealing with Loss and Health Crises: We open up about the recent loss of Penny, the emotional impact of her lymphoma diagnosis, and the challenges faced with Pete’s mother’s surgery and grandmother’s dementia.

• Children’s Resilience and Independence: We highlight moments like Lacey's newfound independence in breakfast-making, showcasing the small victories that bring us joy.

• Navigating Personal and Professional Goals: The conversation turns to the feelings of underwhelm despite achieving significant milestones, reflecting on the continual balancing act between personal aspirations and parenting duties.

• Exploring Personal Growth and Adulthood Challenges: We discuss the broader challenges of adulthood, emphasizing the importance of evolving and maintaining a positive perspective.

• Engaging in Meaningful Conversations: Throughout the episode, we stress the value of open dialogue about difficult topics, offering insights and shared experiences to help others navigate similar paths.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us on our Discord server!