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Why are you a father?
Why should you show up when it’s hard?
Why does being a dad actually matter?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Paul Wandrey of the Why Dad Podcast to unpack the question most men never slow down enough to answer.

We talk about grief, miscarriage, losing a child, emotional exhaustion, anger, therapy, and the pressure to be the “strong oak” for your family. But what if real strength isn’t about being unbreakable?

This episode dives into:

• How loss reshapes a man’s identity as a father
• The myth of emotional stoicism in men
• Processing grief without shutting down
• Holding boundaries without losing connection
• How to redefine strength as a husband and dad
• Why defining your “why” changes everything

If you’ve ever felt tired, frustrated, disconnected, or unsure how to lead your family well… this one is for you.

Stronger. Mindful. Present.

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Podcast

00:00 Becoming a Dad: The Steeper Learning Curve & the Big “Why?”

00:37 Welcome to The Daughter Podcast + Meet Paul

01:48 What “Why Dad?” Really Means (Kids’ Questions, Future Fathers, Showing Up)

04:10 Intentional Fatherhood & Paul’s Co-Host Perspective (Before You Have Kids)

06:07 Sponsor Break: People Will Hunt

06:53 Paul’s Origin Story: 1 of 9, Military/Catholic Upbringing, Seminary Years

08:43 Loss, Grief, and Fatherhood Tested: Miscarriage & Isla’s 22-Week Birth

12:38 Turning Pain Into Purpose: Becoming the Best Dad + Starting a Podcast

14:47 Processing Miscarriage as a Couple: Dad vs. Mom Experience

23:21 Honoring Amelia: Naming, Art, and Learning How to Support Sarah

26:55 The “newborn smell” & instant bonding as a dad

29:32 Racing to the hospital: unexpected labor at 22 weeks

31:02 In the OR: helplessness, waiting, and Isla’s final moments

33:31 After the loss: choosing to heal together (not break apart)

35:47 Redefining strength for dads: grief, pressure, and leading as one

41:01 Tools that helped: therapy, anger triggers, and parenting with empathy

46:48 Modeling growth (not perfection) + the host’s own dad journey

52:47 Looking 50 years ahead: health, presence, and lasting connection

56:16 Advice to dads in grief: find your “why” and keep recentering

58:42 Where to find Why Dad + final thanks, subscribe, and newsletter outro

Guest Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, any organizations, companies, or institutions mentioned, or corporate entities represented by the host.

Our aim is to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue. While we strive for accuracy and balance, it's important to recognize that opinions may vary. We encourage critical thinking and further expl

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