Rise and Dad Podcast

Welcome to the ”Rise & Dad Podcast” – a podcast and perspective on life as a dad from dads who are intentional about their fatherhood. The podcast is a vibrant space dedicated to exploring the diverse world of fatherhood through authentic storytelling and insightful conversations! Join us as we interview dads from all walks of life, sharing their unique perspectives, experiences, and wisdom on parenting. Whether they’re stay-at-home dads, working fathers, single dads, or LGBT dads, each episode provides valuable tips, advice, and heartfelt stories that resonate with both seasoned fathers and those just beginning their journey. What You Can Expect: -Inspiring Interviews: Hear personal stories and lessons learned from dads across different backgrounds. -Practical Advice: Gain actionable parenting tips and strategies to enhance your fatherhood journey. -Community Insights: Explore the challenges and joys of raising children in today’s diverse society. -Supportive Environment: Connect with a community of fathers dedicated to being intentional and engaged in their parenting. Subscribe now and be part of our mission to elevate fatherhood stories, empower dads, and create a supportive community where all dad experiences are celebrated! Don’t forget to like, donwload, and share to help us continue doing what we love.
Welcome to the ”Rise & Dad Podcast” – a podcast and perspective on life as a dad from dads who are intentional about their fatherhood. The podcast is a vibrant space dedicated to exploring the diverse world of fatherhood through authentic storytelling and insightful conversations! Join us as we interview dads from all walks of life, sharing their unique perspectives, experiences, and wisdom on parenting. Whether they’re stay-at-home dads, working fathers, single dads, or LGBT dads, each episode provides valuable tips, advice, and heartfelt stories that resonate with both seasoned fathers and those just beginning their journey. What You Can Expect: -Inspiring Interviews: Hear personal stories and lessons learned from dads across different backgrounds. -Practical Advice: Gain actionable parenting tips and strategies to enhance your fatherhood journey. -Community Insights: Explore the challenges and joys of raising children in today’s diverse society. -Supportive Environment: Connect with a community of fathers dedicated to being intentional and engaged in their parenting. Subscribe now and be part of our mission to elevate fatherhood stories, empower dads, and create a supportive community where all dad experiences are celebrated! Don’t forget to like, donwload, and share to help us continue doing what we love.
Episodes
Episodes
Aug 25, 2026
Kyle, the Marathon Dad
Aug 25, 2026
Aug 25, 2026
34 min
Dad content creator and marathon runner Kyle Bradshaw has built a following by sharing honest reminders about fatherhood while running the streets of Florida. In this episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, Kyle shares why some of the most meaningful parts of being a dad happen in the ordinary, everyday moments. Kyle opens up about raising a six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, adjusting to the kindergarten years, balancing work and family, and the constant challenge of being the present and intentional dad he wants to be. From leaving the dishes in the sink to play Spider-Man and Venom with his son, to letting his kids crawl into bed in the middle of the night, Kyle talks about recognizing that these stages of fatherhood don't last forever—and why sometimes the things that feel inconvenient today are the moments we'll miss the most. 🚀 In this episode Kyle opens up about:
✅ Why being present can be one of the hardest parts of fatherhood
✅ Choosing playtime with your kids over the never-ending to-do list
✅ Raising a son and daughter through different stages of childhood
✅ How running gives him time to reflect on becoming a better dad
✅ Teaching kids hard work by letting them see you struggle and persevere
✅ Why ordinary days with your kids can become the most meaningful ones
✅ The challenge of becoming the dad you want to be
✅ Why showing up every day matters more than being a perfect father
Aug 25, 2026
34 min
Jul 27, 2026
Cliff Avril, the NFL Dad
Jul 27, 2026
Jul 27, 2026
57 min
Former Seattle Seahawks legend and Super Bowl XLVIII Champion Cliff Avril has accomplished almost everything on the football field, but in this episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, he shares why being a father is the achievement he's most proud of. Cliff opens up about raising two boys, balancing life after the NFL, parenting teenagers, teaching respect, building character, and why becoming a dad completely changed his perspective on success.
Beyond football, Cliff discusses the lessons he learned from his Haitian immigrant parents, why serving your community matters, how sports build resilience, and the importance of showing your children what love, hard work, and humility look like every day. Whether you're a dad, an NFL fan, raising sons, or simply trying to become a better parent, this conversation is packed with wisdom you'll carry long after the episode ends.
🚀 In this episode Cliff opens up about:
✅Life after winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks
✅Raising teenage boys with respect and discipline
✅The parenting lessons Cliff learned from his own father
✅Why adversity is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children
✅Balancing business, philanthropy, marriage, and fatherhood
✅Teaching kids gratitude, service, and humility
✅Balancing work and family without sacrificing either
Jul 27, 2026
57 min
Jul 14, 2026
Phil, the Comeback Dad
Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
1 hr 5 min
In this candid episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin DelRo sits down with Phil Bailey — media agency owner, restaurateur, former basketball player, and father of three (Quincy, 2; Kobe, 1; Jaxxon, 14). Phil shares a raw and hopeful fatherhood journey: becoming a dad at 22, stepping into recovery, learning co‑parenting, and building intentional daily rituals (cooking nightly, bedtime whispers of “Daddy loves you”) while running multiple businesses.
🚀 In this episode Phil opens up about:
✅ The shock and growth of early fatherhood — having a son at 22
✅ Co‑parenting Jackson and turning a rocky start into a strong relationship
✅ Raising two under two: routines, discipline, and finding peace in chaos
✅ Choosing recovery and refocusing priorities after a life‑changing arrest
✅ Practical strategies for balance: schedule intimacy, intentional parenting, and “show up” mentality
✅ The long game — what he hopes his kids will say about him in 20 years This episode blends vulnerability, practical tactics, and real examples for dads navigating messy, meaningful lives.
Jul 14, 2026
1 hr 5 min
Jun 29, 2026
Pat, the Fathers Guild Dad
Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
59 min
In this episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin DelRo talks with Pat Barber, the creator of the Fathers Guild, CrossFit coach‑trainer, and father of four boys (13, 10, 7, 3). Pat breaks down his middle‑ground approach to modern fatherhood: personal development first, practical rituals second. He shares experiments he runs on himself (the “no‑yelling” month, daily 10‑second hugs), his take on boundaries vs. softness, and how to meaningfully show love to kids through all love languages. Pat also explains why he stepped into social media despite hating the platform and how to “play the game” without selling out.
🚀 In this episode Pat shares:
✅ Why personal development is the foundation of great parenting
✅ Practical rituals: daily hugs, intentional challenges, and coaching tactics
✅ Balancing strength/boundaries with warmth and touch
✅ How to handle internet backlash and use social media strategically
✅ What dads can do to stay present, healthy, and effective
Jun 29, 2026
59 min
Jun 16, 2026
Bharath, the Modern Indian Dad
Jun 16, 2026
Jun 16, 2026
46 min
In this thoughtful episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro sits down with his neighbor Bharath — a Seattle-based product manager, Mumbai native, and father of two daughters (Sahana, 6, and Sameera, 3). Bharath opens up about growing up in India, his relationship with his dad, navigating grief while raising young kids, and the intentional practices he uses to build connection and resilience in his family.
🚀 In this episode Bharath shares candid, practical, and emotional insights on:
✅ How his dad’s silence taught him to be vocal about love and pride
✅ Simple daily rituals that build closeness (movie nights, pancake mornings)
✅ Balancing ambition and kindness when raising kids across cultures
✅ Letting kids see you sad — and how that creates empathy
✅ Keeping the “magic” alive despite adult stress and busy routines
✅ Funny, real parenting moments (Trader Joe’s banana incident!) This episode blends vulnerability, cultural perspective, and actionable parenting ideas — great for any dad trying to be intentional and present.
🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad!
#riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #MindfulParenting #Dads #GriefAndParenting #CulturalParenting #IntentionalParenting #Kids #Family #Empathy
Jun 16, 2026
46 min
Jun 2, 2026
David, the Death & Co Dad
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
49 min
In this episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro talks with David Kaplan — founder of Death & Co., hospitality leader, and dad to six-year-old Aria. David opens up about blending leadership and parenting, the power of bringing kids into your work life, how therapy strengthened his marriage and fathering, and practical ways he stays present for his daughter even while running a growing company.
In this episode David shares:
✅ How leading a company informed his parenting (and vice versa)
✅ Why therapy and better communication transformed his relationship with his wife ✅ Practical tips for showing up fully (commit to the bit, involve your kids)
✅ The joy of one-on-one time and small rituals (daddy-daughter adventures, espresso mornings)
✅ Honest struggles: travel, burnout, and the daily challenge of being present
🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real dad talk! #riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #KidsPerspective #5YearOld #ParentingAdvice #Daughter #Family #Love #Inspiration
Jun 2, 2026
49 min
May 27, 2026
Michael, the Creative Agency Dad
May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
43 min
In this thoughtful episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro sits down with Michael Bartley — filmmaker, founder of creative agency 100%, SIFF board member, and father of identical 10-year-old twins Jack and Charlie. Michael opens up about being adopted and choosing his family name, how creativity and agency leadership shape his parenting, and the practical systems he uses to raise independent, accountable kids.
🚀 In this episode Michael shares candid, practical, and emotional insights on:
✅ Why structure and clear expectations help twins thrive (and reduce whining)
✅ Speaking to kids like adults — setting goals, finish lines, and autonomy
✅ Giving kids big assignments (kids plan a “fabulous day”) to teach execution
✅ Balancing intense creative work with being fully present at home
✅ Raising two distinct kids who are nonetheless each other’s built‑in best friend
✅ Long-term thinking: building a relationship your kids will want at 25 and beyond This episode mixes creative leadership, parenting strategy, and heart — perfect for dads raising multiples or any parent who wants kids who own their choices.
May 27, 2026
43 min
Oct 28, 2025
Rui, the Kindergarten Daughter
Oct 28, 2025
Oct 28, 2025
31 min
In this heartwarming and unprecedented episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, Kevin Del Ro interviews his own 5-year-old daughter, Rui! 👧 Hear fatherhood and parenting advice straight from the source as Rui shares her clear and insightful perspective on what it's like to be a kid, what dads should know, and the importance of love and connection.
🚀 In this episode, Rui provides surprisingly profound insights on:
✅ What makes kindergarten a little less scary
✅ How to handle tough emotions (the "snake breath" technique!)
✅ Why routines are so important to kids
✅ The power of a simple hug and "I love you"
✅ The best ways to connect with your kids, according to a kid! This is a truly unique experience you won't want to miss!
🔥 If this episode resonated with you, hit that LIKE button and share it with a fellow dad! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real dad talk! #riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #KidsPerspective #UniquePodcast #5YearOld #ParentingAdvice #Daughter #Family #Love #Inspiration
Oct 28, 2025
31 min







