Look to where you're going

Before Dad Day, Adam Kunes and Ben Petchel ran Have Fun Do Good, an adventure travel company that mixed volunteering with adventure. Now that they're dads, they look back at what that job taught them about fatherhood. This episode covers four things: being always on, learning by getting thrown in, setting the tone when plans fall apart, and how you change lives for better or worse, whether that's a trip guest or your own kid. They also catch up on Hill Yeah (a day of walking up and down a hill in Black Mountain, NC), selling hats at Second Sunday in Charleston, and what Adam has been using lately.Guys Being Dads is for dads who want honest talk about work, family and trying to be better at both. If you've been listening, a review helps a lot.Join us:Dad Day newsletter, Mon/Wed/Fri: dadday.coHill Yeah RSVP: dadday.co/hill-yeahDad Gear: Coulée SWIRL Mini coffee maker, $99.99: www.couleecoffee.com/products/swirl-mini

Is AI making dads more productive or just more stressed? On episode 20 of Guys Being Dads, Adam Kunes (founder of Dad Day, dad of three) and Ben Petchel (first-time dad of a five-month-old) talk honestly about how AI is changing work and parenting.Guys Being Dads is a podcast for new dads and dads of young kids. This one is also our first episode on video.We get into why the ideas never stop once you have an AI assistant, and why "done" has to be something you decide for yourself now. We also talk about when you should Google a baby rash versus call your mom, and how to set screen time and AI boundaries before your kids are old enough to need them. Plus Ben's first flight with a baby, robotaxis, the October 60 mile challenge, and the first details on Hill Yeah, our end-of-year Dad Day hike outside Asheville.In this episode0:00 Episode 20 and why we're finally doing video2:23 320+ Dad Day newsletters and the reader emails that keep us going4:50 The October 60 mile challenge in the Dad Day Slack and Strava6:14 Ben's first flight with a baby (and a rookie boarding mistake)10:14 AI as dads: more productive or just more stressed?17:00 The new luxury is putting the phone down18:18 Kids model our behavior, so who do they ask for help?22:40 Defining "done" when the work never ends25:00 Phones, screen time and AI with young kids29:15 Announcing Hill Yeah, a sunrise to sunset dad hike31:12 Gear: the Colugo Compact+ travel stroller and Tracksmith running shoesGear from this episodeColugo Compact+ travel stroller ($199)Tracksmith Eliot Ryder max-cushion running shoe ($220)Join Dad DayGet the Dad Day newsletterJoin the Dad Day communityFollow Dad Day on InstagramWatch Dad Day on YouTubeEnjoying the show? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts. It's the single biggest thing that helps other dads find us.

We're back. After a September sabbatical, a house full of sick kids, and one very aggressive hand washer, Adam and Ben are recording again with 91 days left in 2026.This one is about owning Q4 instead of letting it own you. Between holidays, kids' sports, a 5-month-old, an 8-month-old, and winter creeping in, the calendar is already full. So how do you get to December 26th feeling like you actually did something for yourself? We talk non-negotiables, breaking out of Groundhog Day, planning ahead for the bad-weather months, and mentally prepping for the holiday stuff you already know is gonna suck.Plus: the Dad Day October 60-mile challenge, a pull-up bar that lives in Adam's office, a Goggins detour, gear we're wearing on repeat, and Adam dropping some hoodie history on Ben in real time.What's in this episode:00:00 Back in the studio, sick kids, and why dads don't get sick days02:08 Dad Day updates: Austin moves to spring, more gear videos, the October challenge04:20 60 miles in a month (and a dumb idea to do it in one day)05:47 The Bullbar freestanding pull-up bar and Goggins' torn-up hands07:24 Baby check-ins at 5 months and 8 months09:48 Today's sponsor: Dude Wipes12:07 Owning Q4 with 91 days left16:45 Non-negotiables, Groundhog Day, and planning for winter with a baby21:04 Prepping for the holiday stuff you know will suck23:09 One for you, one for your people, one you're building23:37 Gear: Mugsy Bayside pants, the 4Runner hunt, Luca loafers, the Filson briefcase28:47 When was the hoodie invented? (Adam knew. Ben did not.)Thanks to Dude Wipes for sponsoring this episode. Stock up during Amazon Prime Days, October 6-7.Get Dude WipesJoin the October 60-mile challenge. Run, ruck, walk, push a stroller. It all counts. Search "Dad Day Run Club" under Clubs on Strava (free version works).[Strava link]Stuff we mentioned:Bullbar pull-up bar: bullbarfit.comMugsy Bayside pantsLuca Terra Penny Loafer at HuckberryFilson Dryden BriefcaseJoin the free Dad Day Slack.Get the newsletter: dadday.co/subscribeTell us what you're setting out to do before 2027 hits. Reply to the newsletter or find us in the Slack.

In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss the importance of focusing on where you're going in life, parenting lessons, social media's impact, and upcoming events. They share personal stories, insights on mindset, and practical tips for staying focused and intentional.Links: Dad Day NewsletterBuilt for More Experience Filson Dryden Briefcase

In this episode of Guys Being Dads, Adam and Ben explore the importance of enjoying the present moment, balancing work and family, and finding happiness amidst life's hustle. They share personal stories, insights on setting goals, and practical tips for embracing joy now.Links:Dad Day NewsletterGo West - Tony KnaptonToyota 4Runner Car Review

In this episode, Adam and Ben explore the nuances of living away from family, the importance of intentionality in parenting, and navigating life's transitions with resilience and perspective. They share personal stories, listener calls, and practical insights to help listeners find balance and purpose.Key Topics:Living away from family and its impact on parenting and relationshipsThe importance of intentionality and presence in daily lifeOvercoming analysis paralysis and taking actionThe role of routine and boredom in personal growthBalancing career, family, and personal development Resources:Can't Hurt Me by David GogginsJUNGMAVEN T-Shirts Marine Layer Hemp T-Shirts Adidas Adizero Evo SL Shoes Want more?Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Join Adam and Ben as they explore the importance of taking action, embracing authenticity, and overcoming fear in personal growth and entrepreneurship. This episode offers practical insights and real talk for dads and aspiring creators alike.Resources:Ethos Life InsuranceDad Day NewsletterLand Cruiser Review VideoTakeaways:Just start before you're ready; action beats perfection.Authenticity resonates more than polished perfection.Courage is required for every new step in life.Consistency and persistence outperform quick wins.Surround yourself with motivated, positive influences.

In this lively episode, Adam and Ben discuss the complexities of family dynamics, the realities of fatherhood, and unexpected adventures. They share humorous stories, insights on balancing family relationships, and tips for navigating in-laws, all while keeping it real and relatable for dads everywhere. Main Topics: The unpredictability of family interactions and maintaining boundariesFatherhood milestones and adjusting to the chaos of kidsNavigating in-laws and managing different parenting stylesThe importance of communication and love as family glueThe humorous side of parenting mishaps and trip preparationsMentions of the DG mindset podcast and personal growth through storytellingUpcoming events and how to connect via newsletter and social channels Resources & Links: DG Mindset Podcast by Derek GrantEthos Life InsuranceBuilt For More Event Are you getting the Dad Day NewsletterSign up here

In this episode, Adam and Ben catch up on their personal lives, share parenting insights, and discuss the importance of authentic storytelling and community support for new dads. TakeawaysCommunicate openly with your partner about routines and expectations.Seek advice from trusted community sources rather than everyone.Prioritize self-care and personal time to maintain balance.Share authentic stories to connect and inspire other dads.Celebrate the unique experiences of first-time fatherhood.Dad Day Instagram Go West Series on YouTube Huckberry ShoutoutSign up for Dad Day here

In this episode of Guys Being Dads, Ben is officially a dad, and the first few weeks of newborn life have humbled him fast.We catch up on baby Emma Parker’s arrival, what life has really been like as a first-time dad, whether hiring a doula was worth it, and why “dad brain” is already very real. Adam also gives a quick recap of the first Dad Day event in Charleston, the next Built For More experience in Austin, and his unexpected journey into dad gear reviews after a 140,000-view car video.In this episode, we talk about:Newborn life as a first-time dadSleep shifts, cabin fever, and letting family helpWhether a doula is worth itDad brain and the “blimp in the road”The first Dad Day event in CharlestonWhat’s next for Built For MoreAdam’s accidental YouTuber eraReal dad gear reviews, beach umbrellas includedBasically: new babies, surf lessons, beach umbrellas, imposter syndrome, and two guys trying to keep the podcast alive.Are you on the list? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.