Dear Old Dads

We're a dad down this episode, but that doesn't stop us from having a really thoughtful discussion sparked by a listener email. The dad duo touch on learning to parent better than how they were parented, and share vulnerabilities about how they still might be messing up. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

The dads (yes, all of them - Eli FINALLY got his act together to join for an episode) got an interesting listener email about representation in media, and how it has come a long way but also has far to go. They discuss the successes and missteps in specific shows, and discover some surprising media consumption facts about several of the hosts! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddadsFor comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

Eli is out this week, but the Toms discuss a clip from Jordan Peterson with John Stossel, opining on the importance of men being...dangerous?! What in the world is he talking about?! Stossel should just stick with the mustaches. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The dads tackle a couple of listener questions about sharing bad or weird behavior of a loved one's partner, and managing taking care of yourself and your relationship while being full-time parents and full-time employees with barely enough hours leftover in the day to sleep. But first - some ranting about Elon Musk and how much he SUCKS. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Tom brings a story from someone at work with adult children who...stilly really rely on their parents. The dads discuss their upbringing in this respect, and how they're approaching that support structure - housing, finances, etc. - with their kiddos. But first! A vasectomy update! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddadsFor comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

After probably the WILDEST intro in Dear Old Dads' history, the dudes answer a listener email about recreational drug usage after becoming a dad, and provide advice to another listener wanting to provide for their partner more financial and social independence. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddadsFor comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and issues of consent in intimate experiences. Thomas's friend recently had a "not cash money" experience with a date, and the dads discuss consent when someone changes their mind over the course of the evening, the societal failure to support vulnerability when reflecting on your own missteps in those "gray" situations, and whether or not it's tough to evaluate enthusiasm with a potential intimate partner. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

We've got an Am I the Asshole (AITH) post this week that made the dads (and the whole internet) laugh a hearty chuckle. It's more like a This Guy Is The Asshole (TGITA). But then, two of the dads are revealed to be poopy pantses. Only one dad's pants are clean. But whose? Find out. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddadsFor comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

We got a listener email that Eli wants Tom to read us on the air for the first time. There's a detail in it that completely isn't the point, but is absolutely the point. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Phoebe had her first sleepover. The dads talk about that, what their rules are around sleepovers, and at what age they let their kids go on them. Spoiler: for Tom it's the age of 93! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Content Note: This episode includes some discussion of the treatment of marginalized communities under the Trump administration. After reading a post from Reddit, the dads dive into a deep discussion on how men can change men's minds (and if we should even bother) regarding masculinity, the patriarchy, feminism, and politics. Have we already lost to the red-pilled man-o-sphere, or can we still reach people? I think we might have a three bears situation on our hands! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The dads do their best to help a listener with a tough marriage/parenting problem. Their partner behaves terribly both with them and with the kids, but blames it on self-diagnosed mental health issues. Where is the line between accommodating and being taken advantage of? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddadsFor comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Part 2 of 2. The Dads take on the rest of Justin Baldoni's TED Talk. This takes some WILD turns, and you're going to want to listen for Eli's mental breakdown. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Part 1 of 2. Now that he has been outed as a crap and a fake feminist, we wanted to watch Justin Baldoni's TED Talk from 2017 out of morbid curiosity and/or to see if maybe he had made any good points. So was this foreseeable? How would we have looked at this TED talk at the time, not knowing anything about him? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Eli shares TikTok contraband to kick off a discussion on gentle parenting's applicability beyond childhood, and the balance between what Eli refers to as the "musts" and the "oughts". Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Due to a clerical error, the dads recorded a normal episode instead of a monthly bonus. So... everyone gets the bonus!!! It is brought to you by a listicle from Upworthy. The dads go through the 17-item list of Advice that Teens (allegedly) Aren't Ready to Hear. In the patron-only bonus, Eli recounts a truly insane encounter in his neighborhood. Like for real, you cannot miss this one. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Recently, disturbing allegations of abuse by Neil Gaiman were reported on by Vulture. The dudes discuss the issues involved, from kink and the porn industry to relationships with fans to scientology...? In our bonus story (exclusively for patrons!), Eli takes us through an experience he had with that is AN EMOTIONAL JOURNEY. You won't want to miss it! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The dads gather to chat about expectations of men in potentially dangerous situations, and whether or not it reflects on your "manliness" if you leave the conflict to your girlfriend to handle. The dads agree that it makes you a bad partner and person, but does it mean you're less of a man too? Also, patrons hear some breaking news that is freaking the guys out a bit. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

After some talk about playing the lottery, the dads discuss marrying for looks and marrying for money. Also, is Tom capable of dying? Thomas and Eli have a comprehensive debate. You reallllly don't want to miss the Patreon extended edition of this one in which Eli accidentally reveals the extent of his ignorance of how any technology works. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Thomas brings us an impossible conundrum that was shared in an article recently: two couples were undergoing IVF, their samples were mixed up, and they unknowingly gave birth to the other's baby. Would you let your genetic offspring go and continue your family with the baby you've already been raising and loving for a year, or would you want to reunite with your biological child? But the question Lydia knows you've all been waiting for...did the dads remember to rip into it this week? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The Toms would like to talk about some of the greatest parenting advice they ever saw. And it's a meme. Or like, a tweet or something. But it's that good. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

No idea if we're being scammed or not but assuming it's real, he's got a lot to tell us about his horrific Christmas. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Lydia joins Thomas and Eli to talk about a recent NYT article about the hidden grief of not becoming a grandparent. How would we feel if our children decided they didn't want kids? (Fingers crossed, this should hopefully be the last of the no-Tom episodes!) Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Lydia and Heath are with us as we tackle a listener question about a situation regarding their child's karate class, and we discuss what makes a coach good or bad. We're releasing the patron version for everyone because the bonus story just needs to be heard. It features t And yes, the audio still sucks since this was the same recording session. Last one! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

We were not able to locate the actor who normally plays Tom so in this episode he has been replaced by the combined forces of Lydia Smith and Heath Enright. The 4 of us discuss an article about a free-range parenting experiment. Note: I (Thomas) made a blunder in the recording of this podcast and had to use backup audio which combines Lydia and I. As a result, the quality is a little sub-optimal to a degree that may even be noticeable to normal human people. I could apologize, but no one is more upset about it than me, so does that really make sense? I think I'll apologize to myself and then not accept my own apology. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Eli had an interesting situation come up with Max involving another kid being potentially a bad influence. What should we do in this situation? And then he realizes he has never told us his infamous "Pot Party" story... Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Tom shares a post from Reddit's Am I the Asshole and the dads debate the asshole-ranking of all of the characters involved. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Eli's got a parenting question and his facebook parenting group has... answers. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The dads discuss politeness - what it is, how to instill it in your kids, and if it actually matters in the world. Also, how polite should we be with our closest friends and partners, and is there harm to being too polite in those relationships? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

We all know video games are how satan steals your kids' souls. But what if that's all they want to do? And what if they become homicidal maniacs while playing them? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Parenting is so friggen hard nowadays that the Surgeon General had to issue a report saying so. He probably received a few too many emails from his kid's school and was like ENOUGH, I'm writing a report. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The dads all came in to record a new episode after the results of the election, and reflect on how to talk to kids about what happened, what may happen in this future administration, and what our responsibility is to others as we navigate the darkest timeline. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Did Eli overreact to another parent's verbal reminders for Max to "Dracula Sneeze?" How should we approach these sorts of situations to best advocate for our children? Should we be bossing other people's kids around or what? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The Curry household has an intense curfew debate. Is Tom insane this time? Or is it the children who are wrong. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Shall we...rip into it? Thomas kicks things off in sharing perhaps a breakthrough (dear god please) with Screamy Smith, and Tom carries us home with an Am I The Asshole post about children needing to earn celebration. Stick around for Eli's impression of his sister! Rip into it. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

After a brief half of the episode talking sovereign citizens for some reason, the dads discuss the challenges of libido mismatches. Rip into it. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The dads start off with a conversation about people diagnosing themselves with stuff using TikTok and other methods, but then the episode is diverted with a stunning revelation about Eli's brain... Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Tom was having some deep thoughts on consent and how we're teaching it to our boys. Is it possibly damaging to their self-esteem? How could we do it better? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

This is a personal one - Tom shares an important update about a member of the Curry family, with their permission. But first! A story about how Tom may have actually changed the toxically masculine heart and mind of a car salesman. Also patrons, no need to listen to the end of the show if you're in the Facebook group. You already got the only necessary part of this particular Disneyland story from Lydia. What Thomas shares here is basically the same info...this is definitely not Lydia writing this. Promise. Rip into it. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The Dads are back already?! You better believe it. We're here for part two of our discussion regarding micro-cheating, working our way through that 21-item listicle. Some major revelations are shared between the dads. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

We couldn't fit the fun of this one in a single episode, so we have a two-parter where the dads go through a list of behaviors that are considered examples of micro-cheating...or are they? You'll be surprised on who teams up for some of these! BUT FIRST - an imperative update on whether or not Thomas could do a pull-up! AND AFTER - a fantastic story from the Curry Clan! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Let's face it, men can be pretty delusional about their athletic and physical abilities. But surely, none of the men on THIS podcast, right? RIGHT??? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The Smiths went to Disneyland and much happiness (and insanity) ensued! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Eli shares a story from when he solo parented Max during Anna's very real-sounding-named fiddle festival, and the dads discuss what it means to have a child that's different in some way and the things they have to keep in mind when experiencing a world not necessarily built for them. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Eli witnessed an interaction in Target that raised the questions: How do you tell your kids when you can't afford something? Or, how do you tell them when you absolutely could afford something, but they really don't need it and have too much already? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

The dads are back with some more Doug Emhoff/Tim Walz content. A son dared to feel unrestricted joy and love for his dad at a thrilling time, and after some important discussino, the dudes are here to make fun of the right wing tweets that are upset about it. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Republicans see themselves as the party of men and manliness, but are they? Or are they the party whiny fragile little weird douchebags? Democrats, on the other hand, have some great examples of masculinity this election cycle: Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Governor Tim Walz - America's Dads. And this episode was recorded before the DNC even started. (You can tell because Thomas isn't openly sobbing the entire time about Gus Walz.) Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Phoebe got a haircut recently and picked out something different than most kids her age, but it just spoke to her. The dads examine their own childhood approach to invention and reinvention of their self, and the methods they employ to help raise happy and healthy young adults that aren't as hung up on changing things up. Also somehow we talk for an extended period of time about the CEO of Jimmy John's being...intimate...with a shark. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Today's discussion is focused on a tweet that caused a bit of a stir between the child-rearing and the child-free regarding finding meaning in life without children. Will the dads end up three-bearsing it? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

Recently, Tom has been challenging a family dynamic that is unwittingly "othering" one of the kids. The dads talk about being a black sheep, and the role parents can play in mitigating that risk in the future. And only patrons get to hear the bonus story where Tom had the chance to...rip into it. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected] For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!