Episodios

  • Parenting Teenage Mental Health-Social Media, Bullying, Suicide | The Dad Compass Podcast Ep12
    May 11 2025

    #DadCompass #MensMentalHealth #TeenDepression

    This week on The Dad Compass, Dmitry and Patrick take you on a roller-coaster ride through fatherhood—from a stranger’s simple act that prevented a teen’s suicide, to the tough-love tactics we use to keep our kids emotionally healthy…and of course wrap it all up with the grossest “Which fluid would you dispense from your fingertips?” challenge ever.

    What You’ll Learn:

    Why male suicide prevention starts with small acts of kindness

    Warning signs every dad should know—and how to open the hard conversations

    Real talk on bullying, social media impact, and teen depression

    Proven check-in routines that help you stay connected with your kids

    The power of tough love vs. unintended enabling

    Heartwarming “fatherhood unscripted” moments—85-mile bike rides, volunteer pride, and academic wins

    A laugh-out-loud question to the end: Which five liquids would YOU squirt from your fingers?

    00:01 – Intro & Mother’s Day Shoutout
    01:37 – Episode Focus: Helping Kids Navigate Mental Health
    04:00 – Leadership Story: How a Stranger Saved a Life
    07:03 – Hidden Struggles: Bullying & First Signs of Despair
    12:47 – Teen Suicide Stats & Social Media’s Role
    15:20 – Personal Bullying Battles & Immigrant Experience
    20:01 – Spotting Teen Isolation & Starting Check-Ins
    24:17 – Pressuring Kids to Speak Up & Switch Friend Groups
    27:20 – Tough Love vs. Enabling: When to Step In
    32:38 – Handling Tears: Why Kids Cry & How to Respond
    35:15 – Kid Moment: “Having a Catch” & Building Confidence
    49:32 – Fatherhood Unscripted: Jackson’s 85-Mile Bike Feat
    58:03 – Fatherhood Unscripted: Ian’s Volunteer Firefighting Pride
    01:02:24 – Logan’s Paper Recommended for Publication
    01:04:19 – Weekly Question: The Ultimate Finger-Fluid Challenge


    If you’re a dad looking for actionable parenting tips, mental health support, and a community of real-life stories—hit Subscribe, 👍Like, and drop a comment below with your finger-fluid picks!

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    1 h y 13 m
  • EP 11 Return of the Dad: Burnout, Therapy & the Mental Load We Carry The Dad Compass Podcast
    May 4 2025

    May the mental health force be with you.

    In this special May Mental Health Awareness Month episode of The Dad Compass, we dive into the heavy and the hilarious. From exploring men’s mental health and burnout to a bizarre news segment involving dildos in Hereford, it’s equal parts therapy and comic relief.

    We talk depression, therapy, emotional suppression, fatherhood struggles, and the hidden toll of being a man in a world that expects silence. This is for the dads, the dudes, the depressed, and those just trying to keep it together.

    Whether you’re new to therapy, stuck in burnout, or just looking for real talk with real laughs — join us.

    🎙️ Catch the full podcast on Spotify & Buzzsprout:
    🎧 Spotify -
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3QcOmPqj4coSwoUvxQ4sEr?si=108f8e6a2f9b4e07

    🌐 Buzzsprout
    https://thedadcompasspodcast.buzzsprout.com

    Timestamps
    00:00 Mental Health Awareness Month and Its Importance
    03:04 Fatherhood Moments and Bonding Experiences
    06:02 The Impact of Prank Calls and Parenting Lessons
    08:57 Navigating Challenges in Fatherhood
    11:59 The NFL Draft and Family Dynamics
    14:47 Weird Shit Weekly: Unusual News Stories
    22:23 The Unusual Dildo Purchases of Hereford
    26:52 Exploring Mental Health and Fatherhood
    27:11 The Struggles of Depression and Addiction
    32:22 The Journey to Therapy and Self-Discovery
    37:44 Understanding Emotional Suppression
    44:26 The Impact of Mental Health on Relationships
    56:59 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
    01:01:03 The Importance of Seeking Help
    01:02:42 The Commitment to Change
    01:03:57 The Value of Connection and Memories
    01:04:55 Therapeutic Conversations
    01:06:50 The Weight of Parental Burnout
    01:07:34 The Internal Battle of Self-Acceptance
    01:10:52 Navigating Honesty in Relationships
    01:15:05 The Art of Bluntness vs. Compassion
    01:22:11 Recap and Reflection on Mental Health
    01:30:38 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

    🔖 #MentalHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealth #FatherhoodMatters #DadLife #DepressionSupport #ParentalBurnout #YouAreEnough #TherapyForMen #TheDadCompass #BreakTheStigma #Burnout #SelfCare #EmotionalSuppression

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    1 h y 30 m
  • EP 10 Herpes Mics, Car Chases & Parenting Fails — Who Do Kids Really Need: Mom or Dad?
    Apr 28 2025

    Join us this week on The Dad Compass Podcast for a wild, unscripted ride through fatherhood, discipline debates, mother vs father parenting moments, and the craziest news stories you've ever heard.

    🤣 From a rogue woodpecker vandalizing cars during mating season, to karaoke microphones giving out herpes (yes, seriously), to a Florida man offering vodka spritzers to cops mid-chase — we cover it all while reflecting on real fatherhood wins and fails.

    💬 We also tackle a deep listener question: When do kids need mom vs when do they need dad? Expect raw honesty, relatable dad struggles, and unfiltered humor as we discuss discipline, emotional support, and life lessons we’re still figuring out.

    🎯 Topics include:

    • Why kids act differently with moms vs dads
    • Teaching kids to lose gracefully (without losing your mind)
    • Who's really doing the "heavy lifting" in parenting?
    • Bucket list dreams: crossing Russia & NFL stadium tours

    🔥 New Segment: Weird Sh*t Weekly — where the most ridiculous, hilarious news takes center stage!

    🎧 Listen, laugh, and leave your hot takes in the comments:🟡 How do YOU handle mom vs dad moments?🟡 What's #1 on your bucket list?🟡 Team Dad or Team Mom when it comes to discipline?

    📣 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw, hilarious, and heartfelt dad conversations.

    🎙️ Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3QcOmPqj4coSwoUvxQ4sEr?si=_0bEjCLORFm0MwVyTvEj9Q⁠🎙️ Full episodes on Buzzsprout: ⁠https://thedadcompasspodcast.buzzsprout.com⁠

    #DadCompassPodcast #ParentingPodcast #FatherhoodJourney #PodcastClip #DadLifeUnfiltered


    ⏰ Chapter Markers (Timestamps):

    00:00 - Comedic Butchered Intro and Technical Failures01:30 - Weird Sh*t Weekly: Woodpecker Destroys Cars04:05 - Karaoke Herpes: Microphone Mayhem07:00 - Vodka Spritzer Offered to Police During Car Chase08:30 - BONUS: 100,000 Eggs Stolen & Car Theft Stupidity10:00 - Fatherhood Unscripted Moments: Game Night Lessons16:00 - Teaching Kids to Lose and Win Gracefully20:00 - Parenting Roles: Who Does What — Mom vs Dad30:00 - Emotional Support vs Discipline: Breaking it Down38:00 - Real Life Discipline: The Cereal Bag Incident45:00 - Homework Battles and the New Math Rant55:00 - Dad Life: Tech Troubles, Car Talks & Emotional Gaps58:00 - Bucket Lists: Racing Across Russia and NFL Dreams1:05:00 - Kid Screams About Dad’s Chinese Girlfriend!? 🤣1:06:30 - Closing Thoughts and Final Call to Action




    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • Ep 9 Why Faith, Family & Fatherhood Hit Different at Easter
    Apr 20 2025
    In this heartfelt episode of The Dad Compass Podcast, we open up about our experiences with fatherhood, navigating Easter traditions, and what faith and spirituality mean to us as dads. From childhood memories to teaching our kids the value of being good people — no matter their beliefs — this is a real, unscripted conversation about life, love, and the messiness in between.


    We dive into what it's like growing up with different views on religion, the importance of family gatherings during the holidays, and how we’re learning to parent with compassion, curiosity, and honesty. Whether you're deep in your faith, questioning everything, or just here for the Easter eggs and dad jokes — you’re in good company.

    👨‍👧‍👦 We Talk About:

    • Personal beliefs around religion and parenting
    • The beauty (and chaos) of family during the holidays
    • Being good role models without needing all the answers
    • Teaching values through connection, not just rules
    • How one-on-one moments with our kids change everything
    • The real talk on being good dads in a complicated world

    🎧 Audio gear: Shure SM7B + Riverside.fm + Rode Caster Pro 1 for clean, professional podcast sound.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Family Dynamics
    03:03 Reflections on Parenting and Role Models
    05:52 Easter Traditions and Family Gatherings
    12:01 Exploring Beliefs and Religion
    19:58 Personal Values and Parenting Philosophy
    29:14 Exploring Personal Beliefs and Religion
    29:58 The Impact of Family Background on Faith
    31:58 The Struggle with Understanding Evil
    33:02 Personal Stories of Loss and Faith
    38:57 Traditions and Family Gatherings During Holidays
    42:07 The Journey Towards Religious Understanding
    50:00 Finding Personal Meaning in Religion
    55:04 Reflections on Role Models and Influence

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    1 h y 4 m
  • The Dad Compass Ep 8 This One Got A Little Wild With Special Guest Logan
    Apr 14 2025

    In this episode of The Dad Compass podcast, we’re joined by an awesome guest — Logan, the man, the myth, the legend. What starts as banter turns into a rich, reflective conversation on the ever-evolving world of parenting — from the chaos of teaching teens how to drive to deeper moments about childhood, divorce, creativity, and defining what success really means as a dad.

    With real stories, raw honesty, and plenty of laughs, we explore sibling dynamics, life lessons learned the hard way, and how letting kids make mistakes is actually one of the greatest gifts we can give them. It’s a heartfelt and hilarious ride through the messy, meaningful reality of being a father.

    👨‍👧‍👦 Whether you're guiding your teen behind the wheel or navigating your own parenting journey, this episode is a reminder that fatherhood is never a straight road — but it’s one hell of a ride when we travel it together.

    ⏳ Chapters:
    00:00 – Introduction / Fatherhood Unscripted / Banter
    08:04 – Welcome Logan: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
    12:51 – Driving Lessons and Life Skills
    20:12 – Navigating Childhood Memories
    25:56 – The Role of the Oldest Sibling
    29:07 – Taking on Responsibilities Early
    37:31 – Reflections on Parenting and Growth
    43:56 – Navigating Childhood Challenges
    46:14 – The Evolution of Parenting Styles
    51:31 – Learning Through Mistakes
    57:00 – The Journey of Self-Discovery
    01:01:39 – Pride and Growth in Relationships
    01:06:50 – Defining Success and Creative Aspirations
    01:12:42 – The Key to Laughter
    01:17:55 – Question of The Week: Logan's Answer
    01:21:59 – Dmitry’s Answer
    01:26:23 – Patrick’s Answer
    01:28:34 – Wrapping Up with Gratitude

    🧭 Key Takeaways:
    Parenting evolves with time, reflection, and patience.

    Kids grow when they're allowed to fail and figure it out.

    Driving lessons teach more than driving — they teach trust.

    Childhood experiences shape both parents and kids.

    Divorce and co-parenting shift parenting dynamics.

    Pride in your child’s creativity is a powerful motivator.

    Humor and storytelling bring healing and connection.

    Being a good person matters more than traditional success.

    Conversations with your kids build lifelong understanding.

    Every dad has a story — and every story matters.

    📺 Subscribe for weekly unscripted convos on fatherhood, manhood, and breaking generational cycles:
    The Dad Compass Podcast - YouTube


    ❓ Question of the Week

    Your Life Story just became a movie at your current age -
    what kind of movie is it going to be ?
    and who is playing you in this movie?

    give us your answer in the comments and let us know how you felt about todays episode!

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    1 h y 35 m
  • Dad Guilt & Doing Kickflips with Cavemen | The Dad Compass Ep. 7
    Apr 6 2025

    "Teaching Cavemen How to Kickflip " - One Of The Greats


    🎙️ Dad Guilt, Meltdowns & Getting “Fired” at Home — this episode of The Dad Compass podcast dives into the everyday chaos and comedy of modern fatherhood. If you're searching for real talk parenting, dad life stories, or how to be a better dad, you’ll feel right at home here.

    Navigate dad guilt after yelling, and show up intentionally for their kids — even when things get messy. From parenting neurodivergent children to funny dad fails (like the infamous cheese debate), this is a raw and relatable conversation packed with humor, heart, and healing.

    👨‍👧‍👦 Whether you’re a new dad, stay-at-home dad, or just trying to be more present, this fatherhood podcast delivers stories you’ll nod your head to — and maybe even laugh (or cringe) at. — it’s just two dads talking out loud, laughing through the chaos, and figuring it out one step at a time

    ⏳ Chapters:
    00:00 – Funny Moments
    00:45 – Introduction
    02:29 – Fatherhood Unscripted
    13:35 – Why Are we Even Talking About Cheese?
    18:14 – Dad Guilt Is Real — Let’s Talk About It
    21:42 – When Yelling Turns Into Regret: The Parenting Paradox
    24:03 – Driving Shenanigans & Dad-Mode Humor
    25:51 – Staying Calm in the Chaos: Parenting Peacefully
    29:47 – Parenting an Autistic Child: Honesty, Heart, & Hope
    40:02 – The Cost of Selfishness: Reflecting on Missed Moments
    44:46 – Navigating Parental Guilt
    50:32 – Story Time: Dads, Kids, and Lessons Learned
    53:13 – Leadership Starts at Home (and Spills Into Work)
    01:00:09 – Cant Get fired from being a Parent ..
    01:06:24 – Question of the Week: Let’s Hear Your Thoughts
    01:21:11 – Final Reflections & What’s Coming Next

    📺 Subscribe for weekly deep-dives into fatherhood, manhood & breaking generational cycles:
    🔔 / @dmitryunscripted

    Question of the week |

    If you had a time machine where would you travel and what would you do ?

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    1 h y 19 m
  • Kids & Parents on Screens: Real Talk from The Dad Compass Podcast
    Mar 30 2025

    🎙️ Fatherhood Meets Real Talk: How Screen Time Impacts Modern Parenting

    In this episode of The Dad Compass, we dive deep into the real-life challenges of balancing screen time and family life. From surprising statistics on how much time children (and parents!) actually spend in front of screens, to heartfelt stories of personal struggles and victories, we share practical tips on setting boundaries, staying present, and fostering genuine connections with your kids. Whether you’re dealing with toddlers, teenagers, or juggling work from home, this conversation offers actionable advice and honesty about navigating digital distractions in the modern age.

    🟡 Key Topics:

    • Real Stats on Children’s Screen Usage
    • Screen Time & Attention Span
    • Educational vs. Entertaining Content
    • Navigating Social Media for Kids & Teens
    • Parents’ Phone Habits & Guilt
    • Being Present: Prioritizing Face-to-Face Time
    • Practical Ways to Set Boundaries

    ⏳ Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction
    00:18 Fatherhood Unscripted: Patrick
    03:44 Fatherhood Unscripted: Dmitry
    06:22 Screen Time Impact on Kids
    09:06 Statistics on Children’s Screen Time Usage
    10:59 Navigating Teenagers and Screen Time
    12:20 Understanding Screen Time Needs for Children on the Spectrum
    15:13 The Impact of Screen Time on Attention Spans
    19:52 Educational Content vs. Screen Time
    28:26 Parents and Their Screen Time Habits
    37:17 Navigating Social Media and Its Impact
    42:07 The Challenge of Screen Time Management
    43:22 Self-Reflection and Parenting Advice
    47:46 Being Present: The Importance of Attention
    50:46 Superhero Powers: The Question
    01:00:20 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics
    01:01:33 Intro Bloopers

    Join the Conversation!

    What’s your biggest struggle with screen time—your kids or your own phone? Share your thoughts below and let’s tackle this together.

    #TheDadCompass #FatherhoodUnscripted #ScreenTime #ParentingJourney #FamilyLife #ParentingPodcast #DigitalParenting #WorkLifeBalance #BeingPresent #ParentingTips

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    1 h y 2 m
  • Fatherless Fathers: Childhood Trauma, Healing, and the Power of Being Dad | The Dad Compass Ep. 5
    Mar 23 2025

    In this powerful and unscripted episode of The Dad Compass Podcast, co-hosts Patrick and Dmitry sit down for their most vulnerable conversation yet—diving deep into their experiences growing up fatherless, navigating trauma, and becoming the dads they never had.

    🎙️ Patrick shares what it was like growing up without his biological father, and later losing connection with his stepfather and half-brothers for over 20 years. He reflects on how texting with his teenage sons tests his patience, and how fatherhood has forced him to develop new communication skills. Patrick opens up about finding strength through mentorship, father figures, and his grandfather’s tough love—revealing how those influences helped shape the grounded, intentional dad he is today.

    🎙️ Dmitry shares his intense story of growing up in Russia, experiencing abuse and neglect, witnessing violence, and being placed in an orphanage before being adopted into the U.S. He talks about reconnecting with his birth mother, the emotional weight of being “paid for,” and how his trauma created both trust issues and a powerful drive to be a fully present father. He opens up about how fatherhood has helped him rediscover love and purpose.

    👨‍👧‍👦 This is a must-listen for any dad (or future dad) who’s ever wondered:

    • Can I be a good father if I never had one?
    • How do I break generational cycles?
    • What does healing look like for men?
    • How can I connect with my kids in the digital age?

    📌 Topics we cover:

    • Fatherless childhoods and abandonment
    • Texting vs. calling your teenagers
    • Growing up in Russia with addiction and violence
    • Reuniting with lost family members
    • Learning how to love through fatherhood
    • Being a strong emotional anchor for your kids
    • Masculinity, mentorship, and manhood
    • Surviving trauma and thriving as a dad

    👉 YOUR TURN: If money wasn’t a problem, where would you take your family on vacation? 🌍
    Comment below—we'd love to hear your answer!

    📺 Subscribe for more real, raw, and relatable dad talk:
    🔔 https://youtube.com/@TheDadCompass

    Más Menos
    1 h y 47 m
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