Episode 243 - Lonely Dads, When Family, Friends and Your Spouse Just Don't Seem to Be Enough in the Moment

Dave opens up a conversation about one of the most invisible struggles many fathers face: loneliness. With humor, warmth, and honesty, he explores how dads can feel disconnected even while surrounded by the people they love most. In a world where we’re more connected than ever, many dads still find themselves emotionally isolated, carrying the burden of being “the rock” for everyone else while quietly crumbling inside.

The episode begins with a powerful viral message about male loneliness, framing the idea that men are often told to be strong but rarely given permission to be human. From there, Dave reflects on the silent expectations placed on dads—to be stable, reliable, and selfless—and how those expectations can leave no space for vulnerability. He challenges listeners to rethink what real strength means, reminding dads that “strength isn’t silence; it’s honesty.”

Dave dives into five core reflections that touch every father’s experience. He talks about the hidden weight of being the rock, how family love, while deep and genuine, doesn’t always meet every emotional need, and how friendships often fade as fatherhood takes center stage. Rebuilding those friendships, he suggests, starts with simple, intentional steps—sending a text, making a call, or showing up to reconnect. He likens it to kids needing a playdate: dads do too.

The episode also explores the delicate balance between emotional independence and intimacy within marriage. Dave encourages dads to communicate openly about their loneliness without guilt or blame. He reminds listeners that spouses aren’t meant to fix loneliness, but can help support the journey toward healing and wholeness when invited into the conversation with honesty and care.

The final message centers on finding purpose through service. Loneliness, Dave explains, often fades when you build meaning outside yourself—by helping others, volunteering, mentoring, or simply being the guy people can count on. Purpose creates belonging, and being known for your contributions is one of the best antidotes to isolation. For Dave, combating loneliness begins not with self-pity but with action: stepping out of the comfort zone, reconnecting with community, and remembering that vulnerability can be an act of leadership.

Key takeaway: Loneliness doesn’t mean you’re failing as a dad. It means you’re human. Healing begins with honesty—with reaching out, rebuilding old connections, and rediscovering new purpose. Real strength isn’t carrying the weight alone; it’s choosing to be known, supported, and connected again.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 242 - Thoughts on Your Kid Turning 18, How Time Changes and How to Cope With This as a Dad

In this deeply personal episode of Dad Space, host Dave opens 2026 with a reflection that hits every dad square in the heart: by the time your child turns eighteen, you’ve already shared ninety percent of all the in-person time you’ll ever have with them. It’s a sobering truth, but one that sparks an honest and hopeful conversation about presence, priorities, and purpose in fatherhood.

Dave begins by recalling a viral comment from a dad on TikTok whose son just turned fourteen, realizing he’s living through the “final chapters” of his child’s upbringing. The message resonates: the early years that once felt endless now seem fleeting. Between school, work, relationships, and life’s demands, the simple moments families once shared grow harder to schedule—and easier to miss. Dave shares his own family stories, from dirt bike adventures and retreats in rural Ontario to the quiet grief that comes as family gatherings grow more complicated. The memories highlight how time, once taken for granted, becomes the most valuable currency a dad can spend.

From that foundation, the episode moves into practical wisdom. Dave challenges fathers to choose connection over control when kids start asserting independence. Instead of tightening the reins out of fear, he encourages curiosity, trust, and patience—reminding dads that guidance doesn’t mean dominance. When teens begin pulling away, connection thrives when fathers listen without judgment, share activities that create space for conversation, and show unconditional love, even when mistakes happen.

He then explores how to manage career and technology distractions to reclaim real time with family. Modern life pulls attention in every direction, but Dave reminds listeners that presence—not perfection—is the real investment. He advocates for tech-free zones at the dinner table or bedtime, for honoring the “end of work” as an appointment with family, and for changing the language of busyness into one of priority.

Finally, Dave speaks to the emotional evolution of fatherhood: learning to prepare for inevitable transitions while celebrating each new phase. Fatherhood, he says, isn’t static—it’s a journey from caretaker to coach, from counselor to companion. Every milestone, from a first drive to a first apartment, carries a trace of loss and pride intertwined. Acceptance and gratitude, rather than nostalgia, allow dads to keep showing up fully for each moment as it unfolds.

The conversation closes on a hopeful note: dads can’t slow time, but they can fill it with meaning. The challenge is to treat each ordinary day as the gift it truly is—to build a legacy rooted not in possessions or perfection, but in laughter, memories, and love that last long after kids have left home.

Key takeaway: You can’t get those first eighteen years back, but you can make the most of every day you have left. Be intentional, stay present, and remember—your kids may grow up fast, but they’ll carry your love for a lifetime.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 241 - The Dad’s Handbook for 2026 - Building Stronger Bonds at Home and Growing Yourself Along the Way

The Dad’s Handbook for 2026: Building Stronger Bonds at Home and Growing Yourself Along the Way

The new year at Dad Space kicks off with a mix of humor, heart, and inspiration as host Dave welcomes dads to 2026—what he calls “the new car smell” version of fatherhood. In this first episode of the year, Dave challenges fathers not just to set the usual resolutions, but to make bold, meaningful commitments that stretch who they are at home and as men. He opens by sharing his own two ambitious goals: a 24-hour podcast creation challenge and a plan to produce daily content for an entire year. Both, he says, come from a desire to test his limits and embrace consistent growth.

From there, the conversation shifts into what Dave calls a “three-part recalibration” for dads. First: your kids. He urges fathers to trade perfection for presence. The greatest gift a dad can give isn’t wrapped—it’s showing up fully, without a phone in hand or a mind lost in work. He shares his concept of “presence over perfection,” encouraging simple family rituals like tech-free walks or bedtime check-ins. The focus isn’t grand gestures but steady availability and curiosity about your child’s world.

Next: your partner. Over time, relationships can fade into comfort and routine. Dave draws a vivid analogy to a pair of jeans that fit perfectly after wear but eventually lose their spark. His challenge to dads? Rekindle that connection. Bring your partner back to the front of your priorities through small, heartfelt actions—shared laughter, mindful conversation, and scheduled time together without distractions. Relationships thrive, he reminds listeners, not through perfection but through gratitude, effort, and laughter.

Finally: yourself. Dave gets candid about how many fathers live their lives on “empty,” giving everything but rarely refueling their own energy. In 2026, he urges dads to flip that pattern—say yes to habits that nourish them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether that’s picking up an old hobby, spending time with friends, or simply blocking out quiet space, dads need to recharge to show up strong for their families.

Throughout the episode, Dave reminds listeners that fatherhood success doesn’t require a total reinvention, just steady recalibration. It’s about small, repeatable habits that turn a busy dad into a grounded one. He closes by inviting fathers to release the regrets of the past year and step into 2026 with purpose—focusing on being present, balanced, and intentional.

Key takeaway: The best version of a dad isn’t perfect—he’s present. This year, commit to showing up for your kids, your partner, and yourself with authenticity, gratitude, and heart. Growth at home begins with the courage to care more deeply and the humility to start fresh.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 240 - Married Name Choices - Taylor Swift or Kelce - Should Women Always Take Their Husband's Last Name with Author Melania Joy Murphy

In this thought-provoking episode of The Dad Space Podcast, host Dave welcomes author and journalist Melania Murphy to discuss her new book, Bound By Love, Not Tradition. The conversation dives deep into the history, culture, and personal dimensions of how and why married couples make decisions about their names – a topic that blends tradition, identity, and empowerment in surprising ways.

Melania shares how her own curiosity as a journalist and her background in behavioral science led her to explore the often unquestioned traditions surrounding married names. She aims to help women, especially first and second-time brides, feel empowered to make intentional choices that honor both their individuality and their partnerships. Through her research and conversations with readers, she uncovered remarkable stories, cultural contrasts, and legal histories from around the world.

Listeners learn the historical roots of customs like women wearing veils, the meaning behind “Mrs.” as “wife of,” and the old British laws of coverture, which once made a woman's legal identity merge with her husband's. Melania uses these insights to show how naming traditions evolved and how modern couples can continue shaping them.

She introduces her SELF framework – Significance, Empowerment, Legacy, and Freedom – a model that encourages introspection and open communication between partners. Through it, couples can weigh the meaning of their names, express what’s important to them, consider family heritage, and understand the freedoms allowed by modern law. Melania also shares relatable, often lighthearted stories, such as couples flipping coins or playing rock-paper-scissors at the altar to decide whose name to take, and others merging names entirely to invent something new.

The discussion moves from history to humor to heartfelt advice for dads and families learning to support their children through nontraditional choices. Melania emphasizes the importance of curiosity and compassion—reminding listeners that traditions evolve, and name choices can be as unique as the couples themselves.

Key Takeaway:

Names are more than tradition—they reflect identity, equality, and partnership. Empowered relationships start with open, judgment-free conversations about what feels authentic for both partners.

Learn more about Melania’s work and pick up her book at melaniajoy.com or your favorite bookstore.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 239 - Happy Holidays from Dad Space - Keeping You Company During the Holidays, A Special Message for Single Dads

In this Christmas Eve episode, host Dave Campbell speaks directly to dads navigating the holiday season with warmth and practicality. Set against the backdrop of a busy, emotional time, the episode centers on presence, resilience, and everyday acts that strengthen family bonds, especially for single dads who may be sharing holidays with kids without a partner.

Dave grounds the listener in his own holiday memories, from crowded houses and cozy chaos to moments of wonder and the everyday rituals that make the season memorable. He paints a vivid picture of holiday prep, family traditions, and the small, meaningful moments that often feel more significant than the grand gifts under the tree. Across these anecdotes, the throughline is clear: being present, intentional, and kind to oneself is the foundation for a joyful holiday, even when circumstances are imperfect.

Central themes emerge as practical guidance for listeners:

• Grieving is a natural part of the season. Acknowledging losses, whether of a breakup, a changed family dynamic, or a tradition that no longer fits, can build empathy and resilience. The episode normalizes healthy grieving as a step toward deeper love and connection.
• Imagination and adaptation matter. Dads are encouraged to reimagine traditions to fit their current reality, inviting kids to co-create new rituals or shift environments to something like a vacation rental or a smaller, more intimate gathering. Creativity becomes a tool to keep the holidays meaningful rather than stressful.
• Creativity in everyday parenting. The focus is on time with kids and simple rituals rather than perfection. Shared activities, small surprises, and maintaining anchor traditions where possible help provide stability for children.
• The power of laughter and community. Even when physical time with kids is limited, joy and humor can be cultivated through a supportive network—friends, family, faith groups, or neighbors—so the season remains a source of warmth and connection.
• Rest as a responsibility. The episode emphasizes that a father’s ability to show up fully depends on rest and self-care. Holidays are part of a larger year of fatherhood, not a single moment; replenishing energy ensures presence beyond just Christmastime.

Five actionable steps for this year’s holidays are highlighted to help dads head into 2026 with intention:

• Allow space to grieve and process losses.
• Reimagine traditions with kids input.
• Prioritize time with children through simple, meaningful activities.
• Build a support circle for humor, encouragement, and accountability.
• Protect rest and self-care to stay grounded during the season.

The episode invites dads to share their holiday wins and challenges, fostering a sense of community within Dad Space. The closing message reinforces that being a dad during the holidays isn’t about perfection but about showing up with warmth, presence, and focus on what truly matters: the faces, relationships, and everyday moments that make family meaningful.

Key takeaway: Presence, not perfection, shapes the holidays. By grieving where needed, reimagining traditions, prioritizing time with kids, leaning on supportive communities, and resting well, dads can give their families a season of connection and hope that extends into the new year.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 238 - Blissful Unawareness - A Daily Break for Dads from the Noise

This episode invites listeners to rethink their relationship with daily information overload by embracing brief, intentional moments of blissful unawareness. Dave reflects on childhood simplicity and proposes practical ways for busy dads to protect mental space, reduce stress, and model healthier boundaries for their families.

A calmer start to the day

The conversation suggests starting mornings with a pause before diving into screens, news, and tasks. A short, device-free ritual—like a quiet moment or a small walk—helps center attention, lowers anxiety, and sets a steadier tone for the hours ahead. This approach frames calm mornings as a foundation for presence with loved ones and clearer decision making.

Being blissfully unaware as a daily practice

Being briefly unaware of world events isn’t ignorance but a protective habit. By lowering cognitive load, parents can devote energy to family, creativity, and self-care. The episode argues that this daily space supports focus on parenting and work tasks without being overwhelmed by a relentless information stream.

Strategies to create mental space

Listeners are offered concrete ideas to cultivate daily calm:

• schedule short, device-free windows to let thoughts breathe
• curate news and social feeds to prevent constant scrolling
• design mornings and evenings around connection, rest, and purpose
• set boundaries around notifications during family time
• model unplugged presence for kids through balanced media use

A mindset for families

Mental space is framed as a shared value that strengthens family dynamics. By protecting attention, parents foster calmer homes, better decisions, and deeper connections with children and partners. The key message is to treat mindful spacing as a core family principle, not a luxury.

Key takeaway for listeners

In a hyper-connected era, carving out daily moments of blissful unawareness can restore calm, sharpen focus, and deepen family bonds. By choosing when to engage with news and screens, parents model resilient, present lives for their children.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 237 - Technology & Parenting - The Digital Dad’s Dilemma

In this episode, host Dave tackles the digital dilemma many modern parents face: how to raise kids in a world saturated with phones, social media, and constant online access, while maintaining healthy boundaries and meaningful real-life connection. He reflects on growing up before smartphones, contrasts that with today’s connected landscape, and invites listeners to consider a practical, phased approach to technology in the family.

A narrative arc on growing up in a connected era

Dave sets the scene by comparing his own childhood to the current reality where portable devices are ubiquitous. He notes how different life feels when the family’s daily routines aren’t dominated by constant screen time, and frames the episode around creating intentional parenting guidelines for digital life. The conversation establishes the overarching goal: help families navigate the balance between online exploration and real-world learning, work, and relationships. The personal touch—stories about family, pets, and everyday life—anchors the discussion in real-world experience rather than abstract theory. This framing invites listeners to reflect on their own digital boundaries and family norms.

Key questions and practical guidance

The episode centers on concrete, actionable questions: when should kids get their own phones? how should privacy, safety, and privacy settings be handled? what boundaries around screen time and content are appropriate? how can trust and open communication be built so kids feel comfortable reporting issues without fear of punishment? Dave emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and that milestones should be tailored to each family’s values and circumstances. He advocates a phased approach to device adoption, starting with a family device or supervised access before granting personal, unsupervised use. A recurring theme is modeling good behavior—parents must practice the habits they want to instill in their kids.

Guardrails, education, and family contracts

A core portion of the discussion focuses on practical guardrails and education:

• establish a trust-first framework so kids feel safe bringing questions or mistakes to parents
• teach digital literacy, source verification, and critical thinking about online information
• discuss data privacy, strong passwords, and the implications of algorithm-driven content
• explain the economics of online behavior, including in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads
• implement a family tech contract with clear expectations, supervision, and progressive autonomy

The modern paradox of connectivity

Dave acknowledges the paradox of twenty-first-century communication: advanced tools enable global reach and instant connection, yet genuine human interaction can feel more distant. The episode encourages leveraging AI and video platforms thoughtfully to complement, not replace, in-person relationships. The takeaway is a balanced approach that uses technology to enhance family life while preserving meaningful face-to-face time.

Key takeaway for listeners

A thoughtful, phased, and values-driven approach to kids’ technology use—rooted in trust, open communication, and practical guardrails—helps families navigate the digital age without losing sight of real-world connection and learning. As devices become more integrated into daily life, establishing clear family expectations and modeling responsible use empowers children to become discerning, responsible digital citizens

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten

Episode 236 - Raising Daughters - Modeling Respect and Kindness as a Dad

As fathers, we're often the first men our daughters look to for clues on how the world works. Your actions speak louder than words, setting the bar for how they expect to be treated and how they treat others. Let's break it down with practical steps you can start today

Fathers shape their daughters' views of relationships from day one. By showing respect - treating people with fairness, dignity, and empathy - you teach her to demand the same in her life. Kindness isn't innate; it's a skill kids learn by watching you respond patiently to frustration, help a neighbor, or listen without judgment.

children imitate what they see, especially from dads. When you model respect toward your partner, strangers, or even in traffic, she internalizes it as normal. This builds her confidence to spot unhealthy dynamics later and fosters generosity that ripples through her life.

Start small: Notice how you talk to service workers or handle disagreements at home. Your daughter absorbs it all, turning your everyday habits into her lifelong compass

• Treat your partner as an equal: Use kind words, share chores without grudge, and show affection openly. This demonstrates mutual respect and equality, helping her envision healthy partnerships.​
• Honor boundaries: Listen when she says no, respect her opinions even if they differ, and apologize sincerely when you mess up. Patience here teaches her self-worth.​
• Show empathy everywhere: Acknowledge others' feelings—"That must be tough for them"—and act on it, like helping an elderly neighbor. She'll mirror this compassion

Quality time amplifies this: Sit at her level for playdates or chats. Role-play scenarios, like sharing toys, to practice respect in action. Your presence proves she matters

Kindness thrives on repetition. Call out her good deeds - "That was so kind sharing your markers!" - to reinforce them. Read books about empathy together, discussing characters' choices on repeat reads.

Make it collaborative: Brainstorm acts like baking for a teacher or leaving notes for siblings. At home, recognize Mom's efforts aloud - "Thanks for handling dinner, that helps us all" - to normalize appreciation

Extend it outward: Shovel a neighbor's walk as a family or write thank-yous. These build habits that carry to school and beyond, proving kindness starts close by

Dads, your daily respect and kindness aren't just nice - they're the blueprint for your daughter's world. Model it relentlessly, and watch her build a life of strong, compassionate connections. Thanks for tuning into Dad Space - share your stories in the comments, subscribe for more, and go be that dad today

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270