Dad Without Borders

Hot Tips and Winning As a Long Distant Parent

This is a chance to share some recent "wins" as a long-distance parent and offer some hot tips to anyone that might need some advice in navigating long-distance relationships with their kids. It is not easy to be away from your kids, even for a week. I have to deal with many months separated from my oldest son who lives in the UK, and making him feel like a part of my family here in Canada is not an easy task. But my three young sons are incredibly close and this it the result of thoughtful, ...

My EMDR Therapy & Effective Parenting (from a Distance)

This week I share my recent experience with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) - dealing with the trauma of a child custody trial - as an effective way to deal with any residue impact on the mind and body. It was a really interesting and productive experience for me and I want to encourage other Dads to consider seeking therapy in some form if they have not already done so. As part of the parenting journey, we need to own our own shit and confront our demons to become the be...

Parenting for a Peaceful Home with Life Coach and Author Drew Tupper

A great conversation about how to show up as a parent with the author of Parenting for a Peaceful Home. Drew Tupper is an Author, life coach, husband, and father of two. He has dedicated his life to seeking truth and creating purpose. He practices these intentions by examining and analyzing questions such as: Why are we here? How should we live? What matters? And how can we BE so that our lives are an outward projection of our being? He has overcome struggle and knows what it feels like to ...

Kids Are Not Responsible for Your Emotions

I was in a counselling session yesterday with Catherine Williams, a registered social worker. A friend of the show and someone who has been a great source of inspiration and support over the years. One of the topics that was discussed was the fact that it is important that kids don't feel responsible for their parent's emotions. This had me reflecting on some of the situation I have been in as a parent, when I am being triggered or I voice my frustrations. It was a great reminder for me to...

Tech Intentional Parenting with Consultant Emily Cherkin

Resources: The article Emily wrote that mentioned a fake Snapchat account: https://emilycherkin.medium.com/im-43-i-made-a-fake-snapchat-account-pretending-to-be-a-15-year-old-3c7e7a7e1786 Everyschool.org is where you can find the EdTech Triangle My YouTube channel with Tech-Intentional Tips videos: YouTube Brief Bio: Emily Cherkin, MA Ed, is The Screentime Consultant, an internationally recognized consultant who has worked with families and schools over the last fifteen years. A former ...

Welcoming A New Baby to the World

We have a new baby boy! Dad Without Borders is back after a summer break enjoying family time as we transition into life with a new baby and juggling the needs of three sons aged 0, 3 and 9. I have lots more to say about this, but in this episode I focus on sharing my experience of welcoming our baby boy into the world.

Waiting for the New Baby and Trying to Stay Calm

So the baby is now several days over due. We are waiting patiently for labour to start. We are all feeling calm but are we ready? I am sharing some post labour thoughts as we get ready for the big event. Is it time to head to the hospital? Will the mid wife make it on time? Is it time to leave the home and head to the hospital. We are an hour drive from the hospital and the mid wife is even further away. Do we pull the trigger and leave our toddler with family and friends? As we prepare o...

Ex Military Policeman & Inspired Father Supporting Dads

This episode starts with a brief update as today is the due date of our baby boy (my third son). I then get into conversation with Eric Taylor aka The Breastfeeding Father, an ex military man who is now studying clinical psychology with a focus on children and adolescents. Eric is based in Canada with his wife and baby, but it also has a young daughter living in the USA. Covid has been incredibly challenging for them with a long period of separation between him and his daughter. We talk ab...

The Challenges of Becoming a Dad & Supporting Other Men To Be Better Fathers

This is a great conversation with Curt Storring from Dad.Work. We share the struggles of becoming a father. The episode starts with some personal updates, including the fact that we are about to have a baby (boy number 3!) and gearing up for that reality. In this episode we learn about Curt who lives in an authentic way as a father after a difficult transition to parenting left him feeling "overwhelmed, angry and lonely" ultimately not being the father that he wanted to be. "The first few ...

Nathan - Winning Custody of his Children and Setting Up Dad Advocates

There are a couple of personal parenting thoughts at the start of this podcast. First, I encourage all parents to take their young children to their local skatepark. This may well be the main theme of a future episode. There are so many reasons to visit your local skatepark with your young children. Second, I receive a heart warming message from my eldest boy (8 years old) who lives overseas (when he isn't visiting for his holidays). This week I am in conversation with is Nathan from Dad Adv...

Winning Custody & Setting Up Dad Advocates to Support Fathers

A conversation with Nathan, founder of Dads Advocate. There are a couple of personal parenting thoughts at the start of this podcast. First, I encourage all parents to take their young children to their local skatepark. This may well be the main theme of a future episode. There are so many reasons to visit your local skatepark with your young children. Second, I receive a heart warming message from my eldest boy (8 years old) who lives overseas (when he isn't visiting for his holidays). Thi...

Conscious Stories for Kids & Connecting Deeper as Parents with Author Andrew Newman

This is a wonderful conversation about the importance of connecting with our children on a deeper level and becoming more aware as parents of our own triggers. Andrew is an author of 18 conscious story books for children that are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your kids on a deeper level at bedtime. Andrew has spent many years in mens groups around the world and is very aware of the struggles of both men and fathers. He has also been on his own healing journey and understands the imp...

Conscious Stories for Kids & Connecting Deeper as Parents

A great episode with author Andrew Newman, writer of Conscious Stories for children. This is a wonderful conversation about the importance of connecting with our children on a deeper level and becoming more aware as parents of our own triggers. Andrew is an author of 18 conscious story books for children that are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your kids on a deeper level at bedtime. Andrew has spent many years in mens groups around the world and is very aware of the struggles of bot...

Skiing with Kids and Learning to Parent on the Mountain

I have successfully introduced both my boys (now 3 and 8) to skiing at a young age. So how did I do it? I want to share some tips and tricks and some thoughts about the bigger lessons of parenting that are a byproduct of the experience we both share as father and son(s) (but of course it relates to any parent/child relationship). Skiing with young kids is a lesson in patience and trust. Building my boys confidence and testing their boundaries are skills that can be transferred to everyday li...

Dylan - Dealing with Grief as a Dad, Falling in Love Again & Finding Life is Better With Adventure

Dylan was faced with tragic loss when his wife was pregnant with their son. He shares the experience of grieving while having to show up every day as a parent to his new born child. It's a heartbreaking story but it's also inspiring how Dylan was able to process the grief and successfully manage his life as a new father. The key to his success was taking care of his mental health and ultimately it's a happy ending with a blended family and a new wife. It was a real pleasure connecting to Dyla...

Dealing with Grief as a Dad & Falling in Love Again

A conversation with Dylan from @betterwithadventure Dylan was faced with tragic loss when his wife was pregnant with their son. He shares the experience of grieving while having to show up every day as a parent to his new born child. It's a heartbreaking story but it's also inspiring how Dylan was able to process the grief and successfully manage his life as a new father. The key to his success was taking care of his mental health and ultimately it's a happy ending with a blended family and ...

Stu - Dad Who Rebuilds his Life & Writes a Book to Share the Secrets to a Successful Life

Stu is a father, husband, entrepreneur, author, angle investor, board member and volunteer. He worked on the International Equity Trading Desk at Morgan Stanley in NYC, co-founded TIX China, a Shanghai-based trading company and served as Orange County’s President of Tech Coast Angels, the largest angels investment group. He now has a book:

Rebuilding Life as a Dad & Saving the Marriage

Stu is a father, husband, entrepreneur, author, angle investor, board member and volunteer. He worked on the International Equity Trading Desk at Morgan Stanley in NYC, co-founded TIX China, a Shanghai-based trading company and served as Orange County’s President of Tech Coast Angels, the largest angels investment group. He now has a book:

Entrepreneur in Texas, Juggling 5 kids and Maintaining a Healthy Marriage

Check out DJohns podcast! Website: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast/  

D Johns - Dad and Entrepreneur in Texas, Juggling 5 kids and Maintaining a Healthy Marriage

Check out DJohns podcast! Website: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast/  

D Johns - Being a Dad in Texas, Juggling 5 kids and Maintaining a Healthy Marriage

Check out DJohns podcast! Website: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast/  

Jamie - Healing Trauma in the Jungles of Peru with Ayahuasca then Becoming Dad to Twin Boys

Jamie shares a fascinating story about traveling to the Peruvian jungle to take part in an Ayahuasca Ceremony to help him heal from his childhood trauma. The experience helps him to get sober and be the Dad that he wants to be and he's now the father of two 3 year old twin boys. It's an incredible story about death of ego and meeting the higher power of love which leads Jamie to purge addiction and substance abuse. A wild ride! Inspired by his Mother and Grandmother, Jamie has been cooking f...

Teaching Your Kids How to Love and Giving them Permission Cry

This week is a solocast with my reflections on the challenges of being a long distance parent and the importance of teaching your kid(s) how to show and express love in a healthy relationship by leading by example. I am also talking about the positive aspects of a kid(s) experiencing different lifestyles and as a parent being able to share with them, the life you want for them. The other topic that comes up this week is giving boys (in particular) permission to cry and express emotion. We hav...

Sean Larsen PhD - Military Dads, Long Distance Dadding, Teenagers, Time Outs, Santa Claus & More

Following on from our recent episode when Sean talks about his PhD dissertation "Becoming a Father and Being a Man", Sean talks about his Masters thesis exploring the experience of Military Dads which including the challenges of long distance relationships and the Mother as the gate keeper of the home. Our conversation meanders through some interesting topics which includes: -the transition between military service and family time; -shutting off emotions to cope; -attachment years and h...

Sex & Relationship Therapist Talks Life After Child Birth & What Dads Need to Know

Tabitha's Blog Supporting Teenage Boys: https://theboysarealright.substack.com/p/the-boys-are-alrightwith-me-writing?r=pnvee&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=twitter

My Kid Got Covid & Reflecting on The Power of Your Thoughts as a Dad

Dealing with my kid getting Covid and not being able to catch his scheduled flight to Canada for Christmas, this is a reflection about how our thoughts can have impacts on our feelings which in turn in the process our kids. We choose how we show up in the world, and how we react to unexpected events and challenges. So can we use our thoughts to parent in a more effective way with better outcomes? Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwit...

Mike - Dealing with Long Distance Parenting Challenges & Supporting Men's Health

It's another content rich show with two parts! Part 1. Mike is a London UK Dad that in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic has recently had to cope with the challenges of his young son moving overseas to Mallorca. After a disappointing experience in UK court, Mike talks positively about moving forward. Part 2. The pro debrief is with Sean, with over 17 years working as a therapist with families and children and a PhD in counselling psychology with his dissertation looking at the experiences...

Sean - Dad and Therapist with MA & PhD in Counselling Psychology, Discusses the Transition of Men to Fatherhood

This is a rich conversation that really dives into the experience of being a Dad. Sean really has done his homework over the last few years. He has an MA and PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria in Canada with over 15 years experience as a therapist working with families and teenagers. He's also a father to two young children. Sean's Masters study looked at "Being a Father in the Military" and his dissertation was on "Becoming a father and Being as Man", so he reall...

Tips and Tricks for Avoiding and Dealing with Meltdowns

This episode is a 'solocast' offering direct parenting advice for Dads on a particular topic based on personal experience with guidance from professionals. This episode covers the toddler meltdown and how to use Jedi mind tricks to deal with or avoid meltdowns. Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simpleca...

Adam - Dealing with Depression as a Dad & Becoming a Conscious Parent

Find out more about becoming a Conscious Dad: https://www.consciousdads.com/  

The Parenting Journal & How To Co-Parent with Smoother Handovers

This episode is a 'solocast' offering direct parenting advice for Dads on a particular topic based on personal experience with guidance from professionals. This episode covers the topic journaling as an integral of part of handover, also known as changeover, when co parenting. It is also a great tool for any parent. You will find this episode useful if: You are you a co-parenting Dad trying to navigate handovers? If you are trying to find effective ways of communicating with the other pare...

Eric - Being Dad as Adventurous Social Media Influencer and Real Life Captain Fantastic

Eric is a Dad that trusts his instincts and dives into adventures with his family, often based out of an old school bus. He really is the modern day Captain Fantastic (a film I encourage you to watch). Living in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Western Canada, as a ski patroller and paramedic Eric found that he had a growing following on social media as he documented his kids skiing, sharing the edits on YouTube and Instagram. Find out how his social media blew up and how he navigates lif...

Being Dad as Adventurous Social Media Influencer and Real Life Captain Fantastic

Eric is a Dad that trusts his instincts and dives into adventures with his family, often based out of an old school bus. He really is the modern day Captain Fantastic (a film I encourage you to watch). Living in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Western Canada, as a ski patroller and paramedic Eric found that he had a growing following on social media as he documented his kids skiing, sharing the edits on YouTube and Instagram. Find out how his social media blew up and how he navigates lif...

Gerry - Being a Dad as Fire Chief, Indigenous Elder and Chaplain with Mennonite Roots

Seth - Dad as Nelson Tiny Homes Master Carpenter & the Challenges of Adulting

It's another content rich show with two parts: Part 1: insightful conversation with another special guest Dad, Seth from Nelson Tiny Houses discusses the challenges of communicating, the flood of emotions as a parent, anger management, the financial stress of parenting, finding a perfect lifestyle for the kids, challenges of being a Dad and a business owner, screen time (or not?) for kids and much more...read more below Part 2: the debrief with professional feedback is provided by one of ou...

Judson - Dad as a Ski Guide, Dealing with Fertility Clinics, Pandemic Challenges & Tackling Forest Fires

Judson didn't always want a kid but when he and his partner decided they wanted to start a family they struggled to get pregnant. After a few dark years which included consulting with Doctors, dealing with fertility clinics, and ultimately finding out about embryo adoption, they finally found a path to becoming parents. Judson talks frankly about the challenges of IVF, the high costs and the difficulties and their journey to adopting an embryo. A fascinating story that leads us into talking ...

Brendan - Dad Creates the Ultimate Substitute for Coffee & Launches New Business with Young Kids

It's another content rich show with two parts: Part 1 insightful conversation with another special guest Dad, Brendan discusses finding balance with young kids as their new business takes off and their second child is about to be born...read more below Part 2 the debrief with professional feedback provided by one of our in-house specialists, psychologist Todd Kettner, about how your emotional connection to your work can impact your kids...read more below Part 1: Baby number two is on the w...

Nelson - Punk Rock Dad, the Importance of Maintaining Healthy Relationships & How to Talk to Teenagers

Nelson - Punk Rock Dad, the Importance of Maintaining Healthy Relationships & Talking to Teenagers

It's another content rich show with two parts: Part 1 insightful conversation with another special guest Dad Part 2 the debrief with professional feedback provided by one of our in-house specialists Part 1: A candid conversation with Nelson who was the skateboarding black sheep of his family. Raised by old school British parents he left home at an early age and became a Father in his 20s. He's grown up now, and at the age of 50 reflects on raising his son and two step daughters, with the yo...

Jeremy - Being Dad in Canada's Adventure Capital and Sleeping as a Family

It's another content rich show with two parts: Part 1 insightful conversation with another special guest Dad Part 2 the debrief with professional feedback provided by one of our in-house specialists Part 1: Location, location, location. Living in Squamish, Canada's climbing mecca in the Sea to Sky corridor, just north of Vancouver, means that Jeremy gets to climb 3 or 4 times a week. Not bad for a full time Dad that works as a teacher. Nestled between the Coastal Mountains and the Pacific O...

Guy - English Dad Surviving a Pandemic and Adulting as a Parent in his 50s

An Englishman living on the borders of Wales raising two young boys with his wife, reflects on parenting through a pandemic with both parents working full time. Guy is the Executive Director of Mountain Training England and as an ex teacher, Guy is ready for any challenge involving teenagers but he's no expert with babies. While his wife runs a tight ship with the young kids, Guy is all hands on deck but has a different attitude with a more laidback approach and can't wait for the dreaded tee...

Kirkland - Health & Wellness Expert, Life Coach, Elder & Granddaddy

As a certified guide and life coach, directing one of the world's top fitness retreats and health spas, Kirkland is an engaged Grandaddy to 5 young children and he is now in his third marriage while maintaining a close relationship with all his adult kids that he raised in the eclectic mountain town of Nelson, British Columbia. Kirkland has wisdom to share. Practicing meditation since he was 17, with a reverence for nature and a community oriented parent who has been involved in a local men...

Secure Attachment, Long Distance Parenting & Raising Healthy Kids

This is a great episode for Dads that face separation from their kids due to work or life situations. Great news - you can successfully parent from a distance and build and/or maintain a secure attachment! In fact any parent will find this episode useful no matter what age your kids are...and great news for any parents that weren't able to establish a secure attachment when your kids were young, it is never too late! I am talking with Catherine who is a Master of Social Work and a Registered...

Steve O - Cyclist, Podcaster, Endurance Athlete and a Work in Progress

Parenting is an endurance test and Steve O has been training all his life. He's an amateur endurance athlete and dedicated cyclist with a passion for long distance rides and he's built a community around his related podcast MyBack40. It's not easy being a parent. If anybody tells you different they are lying or they aren't trying hard enough. Or maybe it comes more naturally to some? Steve feels like he's flailing, struggles with anger management issues and finds himself weeping in the corne...

Asif - Tech Worker Trading the City for the Mountain Lifestyle

Asif is originally from Tanzania, raised in an Indian family but when he is 7 years old his Father dies suddenly and Asif finds himself immigrating to Vancouver in Western Canada, adjusting to life without a male role model. Years later Asif finds himself in Toronto stumbling into a career as a "tech worker" embracing the rat race of city living. When his second child arrives he and his partner make the conscious effort to secure a quieter lifestyle in a remote mountain community in Western C...

Paul - International Dad Working Overseas, Moonlighting as a Ski Bum

Is the money worth it? Paul was an international Dad working in oil and gas, moonlighting as a ski bum. Looking back was the money and the extended time away from the family worth it? In the end the career and extended periods away from the family cost him his marriage but as a Dad, Paul has developed a strong bond with his teenage girls and maintains a positive outlook. So with the experience of an extended international divorce and child custody battle, what has Paul learnt looking back? Or...

Jacob - City Slicker to Farming Dad, Reconnecting with Indigenous Roots

Jacob is an award winning business man living in the city but when he becomes a Dad it's not long before he and his wife decide to sell everything and head north to homestead and raise his two boys, while reconnecting to his indigenous roots. In the early 2000s he won Young Male Entrepreneur of the Year at the Indigenous Business Awards, enjoying a comfortable life in Victoria on the West Coast of Canada. Reflecting on his tough childhood, when Jacob became a Dad he and his wife decided to ...

Pablo - Spanish Dad in England, Traveling the World and Finding Adventure

I invite you to listen to this fun and inspirational conversation with Pablo, an expat Spaniard, husband and father of 3 kids ages 10 - 14 now living in south west England. Pablo talks openly about early struggles of adjusting to life in a foreign country, feeling disconnected to his first born and a thoughtful reflection about taking the kids out of school and travelling overseas for extended trips. His lovely wife Rebecca plays a cameo role and we have lots of open discussion about engaging...

David - Parenting as a Teacher and Nurturing Curiosity

David shares his wisdom of Dadding as a teacher and discusses how this influences his parenting style with the benefits of being a teacher raising his own kids. We talk about engaging in activities with kids and encouraging their curiosity. Other hot topics include: problem solving and fixing stuff; raising boys with an age gap; keeping the magic of Santa alive; finding time for Dad; and that old topic, dealing with sleeping issues. Please enjoy! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwitho...

Greg - Stand Up Comedian to Step Dadding

Greg shares his experience of transitioning from stand up comedian to husband and Step Dad. After finding stable work in sales he has now blended his passion for comedy and as an entrepreneur runs a successful coaching business "Work Happy". Greg shares some great insight about parenting and admits his challenges in selling golf to his teenage daughter. We talk about how to be a successful parent, navigating the challenges of teenage years, screen time, the importance of humour and the benefi...