The 20 Best Dads Podcasts (2026)

Dad life is simultaneously hilarious and terrifying. Nobody gives you a manual and the kid doesn't come with a return policy. These shows cover fatherhood with humor, honesty, and the occasional existential crisis. Welcome to the club.

1
The Dad Edge Podcast

The Dad Edge Podcast

Larry Hagner has been putting out episodes of The Dad Edge since 2015, and with over 1,400 installments in the archive, the man clearly has staying power. The format leans heavily on interviews -- Larry brings in therapists, authors, coaches, and fellow dads to talk through the stuff that actually keeps fathers up at night. Marriage friction, emotional intelligence, staying healthy when you have zero free time, figuring out how to discipline without losing your cool.

What sets this apart from generic parenting advice is that Larry gets personal. He talks openly about his own struggles with anger, with feeling disconnected from his wife, with the pressure to perform at work while being present at home. The conversations feel like the kind of honest talk that happens between two guys who actually trust each other, not like a polished TED talk.

The twice-weekly schedule means there's a lot to catch up on, but episodes are usually around 30-45 minutes, which makes them manageable for a commute or a gym session. Larry also sprinkles in solo Q&A episodes where he responds to listener questions directly, which adds a nice community feel.

Rated 4.8 stars with over 1,500 ratings on Apple Podcasts, this one has clearly resonated with a big audience. If you're a dad looking for practical strategies on everything from communication to fitness to just being more intentional, The Dad Edge delivers without the preachy tone that plagues a lot of self-help content.

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2
The Daily Dad

The Daily Dad

Ryan Holiday -- the Stoic philosophy guy behind books like The Obstacle Is the Way -- turns his attention to fatherhood with The Daily Dad. Each episode runs just two to three minutes, which makes it one of the shortest podcasts you'll ever subscribe to. Think of it as a daily micro-meditation on parenting, drawn from historical wisdom, literary references, and Holiday's own experiences raising his kids.

The format is simple: one idea per day, delivered in Holiday's calm, deliberate style. He'll pull from Marcus Aurelius one morning and Fred Rogers the next, weaving together ancient philosophy with modern parenting moments. It's the audio companion to the Daily Dad email newsletter, and the brevity is the whole point -- you get a single thought to carry with you through your day.

With nearly 1,900 episodes and counting, the back catalog is enormous, but since each one is bite-sized, you can dip in anywhere. Fair warning though: listeners have noted that the ad load can feel disproportionate relative to the short episode length. That's a real trade-off.

Rated 4.7 stars on Apple Podcasts from nearly 600 ratings, The Daily Dad works best as a quick morning ritual rather than a deep-listening experience. If you appreciate Stoic thinking and want a gentle nudge toward more thoughtful parenting each day, this fits into even the most packed schedule.

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3
Dad Tired

Dad Tired

Jerrad Lopes started Dad Tired from a pretty straightforward observation: most dads he knew were exhausted, struggling, and not sure where to turn for honest conversation about it. As a husband and father of four, he brings his own messy reality into every episode rather than pretending he's got everything figured out.

This is a faith-based podcast, and Jerrad doesn't shy away from that. Episodes weave together biblical teaching with raw honesty about marriage struggles, parenting failures, anxiety, and the pressure men feel to keep it all together. But it never feels like a Sunday sermon. The tone is more like grabbing coffee with a friend who happens to take his faith seriously -- someone who'll admit he yelled at his kids that morning before talking about what grace actually looks like in practice.

The show mixes solo episodes where Jerrad unpacks a theme with interview conversations featuring pastors, counselors, and other dads working through similar stuff. Topics range from emotional awareness and setting boundaries to navigating mental health as a man of faith. At around 500 episodes released weekly, there's a deep well to draw from.

With a 4.9-star rating from over 1,300 reviews on Apple Podcasts, Dad Tired clearly connects with its audience on a real level. If you're a Christian dad looking for something that feels genuine rather than performative, Jerrad's vulnerability and warmth make this one stand out.

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4
Dads With Daughters

Dads With Daughters

This podcast wrapped up, but the back catalogue holds up well.

Dr. Christopher Lewis built this podcast around a specific niche that doesn't get enough attention: the unique relationship between fathers and daughters. With over 230 weekly episodes, he's carved out a real community for dads who want to be more intentional about raising girls in a world that's still figuring out gender dynamics.

The format is almost entirely interview-based. Each week, Chris brings on a different guest -- sometimes another dad sharing his story, sometimes a parenting expert, author, or psychologist who specializes in father-daughter relationships. Conversations cover everything from teaching consent and emotional resilience to handling the teenage years without completely losing the connection you built when they were little.

Chris has a warm, unhurried interview style. He asks genuine questions and lets his guests talk, which means you get a real range of perspectives rather than one person's philosophy repeated over and over. The academic background (he holds a doctorate) shows in how thoughtfully he frames topics, but he keeps the language accessible and grounded.

The show's mission is about helping fathers become active, engaged participants in raising what Chris calls "strong independent women." It's not preachy about it -- more like a weekly reminder that showing up matters, and here are some specific ways to do it better. If you're a dad to daughters at any age, this one fills a gap that most general parenting podcasts leave wide open.

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DILF (Dad I'd Like To Friend)

DILF (Dad I'd Like To Friend)

Kevin Seldon created DILF -- Dad I'd Like To Friend -- after realizing that most parenting podcasts talked endlessly about the kids but almost never about the parents themselves. The show is built around a straightforward idea: dads need to take care of their own mental health if they want to show up well for their families. It sounds obvious, but somehow nobody was really saying it out loud.

The format is mostly interview-based, with Kevin sitting down with other fathers, therapists, and wellness experts to talk about anxiety, depression, identity loss, co-parenting friction, and the loneliness that a lot of men experience after becoming parents but rarely admit to. He also brings his wife on for honest co-parenting conversations, which adds a perspective that purely dad-hosted shows miss entirely. There are shorter Quick Hit episodes mixed in for when you just need something brief during a school pickup line.

With 58 episodes, a perfect 5.0-star rating from 113 reviews on Apple Podcasts, and a spot inside the top 10 US parenting charts, the show has clearly struck a nerve. Notable guests include Elan Lee (the creator of Exploding Kittens) and Dan Doty from the men's group organization Evryman. The conversations go places most dad podcasts avoid -- not because the topics are shocking, but because Kevin creates an environment where men feel safe enough to be genuinely vulnerable.

The whole project ties into a nonprofit focused on improving fathers' mental health globally, so there's real mission behind it. If you've ever felt like fatherhood swallowed your identity whole and you're not sure who you are anymore outside of Dad, this podcast gets it.

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6
The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent

The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent

Maggie Dent is one of Australia's most recognized parenting educators, known especially as a champion of boys and men. With The Good Enough Dad, she flips the usual podcast formula by interviewing fathers rather than telling them what to do. The title itself sets the tone: perfection is not the goal, and showing up imperfectly still counts.

Across two seasons and around 45 episodes, Maggie sits down with dads from wildly different backgrounds -- professional athletes, musicians, military veterans, authors, and plenty of regular guys just trying to figure it out. The conversations are honest and frequently moving. Guests talk about their own fathers, their failures, the moments they got it right, and the pressure they feel to perform a version of masculinity that doesn't always leave room for tenderness.

Maggie's interview style is gentle but probing. She has a knack for getting men to open up in ways they probably don't in their everyday lives, and her decades of experience working with families gives the conversations real depth. There's a strong Australian flavor here -- many guests are from Down Under -- which gives it a distinct character compared to the American-dominated dad podcast space.

The weekly episodes are well-produced and run at a comfortable length for a single listening session. If you're drawn to the idea that good enough really is good enough, and you want to hear real men talk honestly about the messy, beautiful work of fatherhood, Maggie Dent has created something genuinely special here.

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How Other Dads Dad with Hamish Blake

How Other Dads Dad with Hamish Blake

This podcast wrapped up, but the back catalogue holds up well.

Hamish Blake is one of Australia's biggest comedians and TV personalities, so when he decided to make a podcast about fatherhood, the result was never going to be a dry parenting manual. Alongside producer Tim Bartley, Hamish chats with other dads he admires -- actors, athletes, musicians, writers -- to steal their hard-earned wisdom and figure out how to "dad a tiny bit better."

The magic here is Hamish's natural curiosity and comic timing. He asks the questions most dads think but rarely say out loud, and the humor keeps things light even when the conversations get surprisingly emotional. One episode might have a guest talking about creative ways to play with toddlers, and the next gets into the deep end of grief, career sacrifice, or the fear of repeating your own father's mistakes.

With three seasons and about 40 episodes, it's a manageable listen -- no overwhelming back catalog to wade through. The production quality is polished, and episodes run long enough to really get somewhere (usually 45-60 minutes) without dragging.

Rated 4.8 stars on Apple Podcasts, the show has built a loyal following. There's a distinctly Australian sensibility to the whole thing -- self-deprecating, warm, allergic to anything that sounds too earnest or self-important. If you want a fatherhood podcast that makes you laugh and think in equal measure, Hamish Blake's conversational charm makes this one of the most enjoyable listens in the dad podcast space.

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Top Dad

Top Dad

Ken and Matt are two Midwestern dads who started recording a podcast in 2020 and just kept going. 240 episodes later, Top Dad has become one of the most consistently entertaining comedy-parenting shows around. The premise is simple: two regular guys talking about the absurdity of raising kids, told through the lens of minivan ownership, youth sports sidelines, and the general chaos of suburban family life.

The show leans hard into humor. Episodes have titles like Waterparks, Lightbulbs and Dad-level Bright Ideas and French Toast and Fresh Starts, and the conversations bounce between genuinely funny observations and surprisingly thoughtful reflections on what it means to be present for your kids. There is a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia woven throughout -- Ken and Matt clearly grew up in the era of TGIF television and are now processing parenthood through that cultural filter.

New episodes drop weekly, which is impressive for a show that has been running for over five years without missing a beat. The 4.8-star rating from 48 reviews on Apple Podcasts reflects a loyal audience that keeps coming back for the rapport between the hosts. They have an easy, natural chemistry that makes you feel like you are hanging out with friends rather than listening to content creators performing for an audience.

This is not the podcast for deep parenting strategy or expert interviews. It is the podcast for when you have had a long day, the kids are finally asleep, and you just want to laugh with a couple of guys who understand exactly what your life looks like right now. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.

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The Modern Dads Podcast

The Modern Dads Podcast

This podcast wrapped up, but the back catalogue holds up well.

The Modern Dads Podcast came from City Dads Group, an organization that's been building community for involved fathers since before "dad podcasts" were really a thing. Hosts Marc and Adam brought a genuine chemistry to their conversations -- relaxed, funny, and totally unscripted in the best way. They talked to guests about everything from newborn survival strategies to the social isolation that can hit stay-at-home dads hard.

Across about 100 episodes, the show covered a lot of ground: mental health, marriage under stress, navigating different parenting philosophies, diversity in the dad community, and the very real identity shift that happens when your whole life suddenly revolves around someone else's nap schedule. Guests ranged from parenting experts to regular dads sharing their unfiltered experiences.

What listeners consistently praised was how organic the show felt. Marc and Adam didn't talk at their audience -- they talked with each other and with their guests in a way that made you feel included in the conversation. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion was also ahead of its time for the dad podcast space.

Important note: the show hasn't released new episodes since mid-2021, so this is effectively a concluded podcast. But the back catalog still holds up remarkably well. The conversations about work-life balance, partner dynamics, and finding your identity as an engaged father are as relevant now as they were when they aired. If you don't mind listening to a finished series, there's a lot of good material here.

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Dad to Dads Podcast

Dad to Dads Podcast

Host Robert built the Dad to Dads Podcast around a conviction that too many fathers are sitting on the sidelines of their children's lives, and that changing that starts with honest conversation. Each week, he brings on a different guest -- family lawyers, basketball coaches, authors, therapists, fitness experts, even other podcasters -- to talk through the real challenges men face as parents.

The topics hit hard and specific. Recent episodes have tackled co-parenting after divorce with a family attorney, teen anxiety with a Gen Z specialist, and the intersection of masculinity and emotional availability. Robert also gets into faith, grief, marital intimacy, and the identity crisis that can hit when a man's sense of self gets buried under responsibilities. Episodes run 40 minutes to over an hour, giving conversations enough room to go somewhere meaningful.

With 58 episodes, a 5.0-star rating, and a consistent weekly release schedule, the show has been steadily growing since its 2023 launch. The production is straightforward -- no flashy segments or sound effects, just two people having a real conversation. Robert's interview style is warm but direct. He asks the questions that a lot of dads are thinking about but don't have anyone in their lives to ask.

The guest roster is notably diverse in background and expertise, from the founder of Superhuman Fathers to grief counselors and relationship coaches. If you are a dad looking for a podcast that treats fatherhood as something worth getting better at -- not through guilt but through genuine growth -- Robert's show delivers week after week without pretending any of it is easy.

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Dope Black Dads Podcast

Dope Black Dads Podcast

Marvyn Harrison launched Dope Black Dads to fill a gap he saw in the fatherhood conversation -- specifically, the near-total absence of Black men's voices in the parenting podcast world. The result is a show that's part parenting talk, part cultural commentary, and part honest discussion about masculinity, relationships, and identity.

Don't come here expecting conversations about nappies and bottle warmers -- the show says as much upfront. Instead, Marvyn and his guests tackle co-parenting after separation, dating as a father, workplace discrimination, adoption stories, and the particular pressures Black fathers face navigating systems that weren't built with them in mind. The format mixes solo episodes, one-on-one interviews, and panel discussions, keeping the show's rhythm unpredictable in a good way.

With over 200 episodes released twice weekly, Marvyn has built something with real depth and range. The tone walks a careful line between serious and entertaining -- you might get a candid conversation about mental health followed by a passionate debate about the best Netflix show. That tonal variety is part of what makes it feel like a real community rather than a lecture series.

Rated 4.8 stars on Apple Podcasts, the show has earned praise for its authenticity and its willingness to go places other dad podcasts won't. If you're looking for fatherhood content that centers the Black experience without flattening it into a single narrative, Dope Black Dads offers perspective and personality in equal measure.

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Fatherhood Unscripted: A Dad Life and Parenting Podcast

Fatherhood Unscripted: A Dad Life and Parenting Podcast

Alec Hansen and DJ Clendenin co-host Fatherhood Unscripted with the kind of raw honesty that makes you realize how much polish most podcasts hide behind. The show's name is literal -- these are unfiltered conversations about what it actually feels like to be a dad, not what Instagram says it should feel like. They talk about snapping at your kids and regretting it ten seconds later. They talk about the gap between the father you want to be and the one who shows up on a bad Tuesday.

The format alternates between the two hosts hashing things out together and bringing in guests like relationship coaches, men's group founders, and other dads who are actively working on themselves. Recent episodes have covered emotional regulation, the tension between being a provider and being present, generational trauma patterns, and what it actually means to build a legacy your kids will remember. Faith plays a role in many conversations, but it is woven in naturally rather than pushed as a requirement.

With 115 episodes releasing weekly and the show still going strong into 2026, Alec and DJ have built something with real staying power. The 4-star rating from a small number of reviewers undersells the show -- the actual conversations are thoughtful, specific, and refreshingly free of the motivational-poster energy that drags down a lot of men's podcasts.

The best episodes are the ones where both hosts admit they got something wrong that week and then work through what they could have done differently. That willingness to be publicly imperfect is exactly what makes Fatherhood Unscripted worth listening to. It is not about having answers. It is about being the kind of dad who keeps asking the questions.

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The Art of Fatherhood Podcast

The Art of Fatherhood Podcast

Art Eddy -- yes, his actual name is Art, and the podcast is called Art of Fatherhood, which is the kind of coincidence you just have to appreciate -- has spent 100 episodes interviewing fathers from every corner of professional life. Actors, athletes, entrepreneurs, authors, and coaches all sit down with Art to talk about what fatherhood has taught them and what they're still figuring out.

The signature segment is the "Fatherhood Quick Five" that closes each episode, where Art fires off five rapid questions to his guests. It's a fun way to get past the rehearsed answers and see how someone actually thinks about parenting in the moment. The rest of each conversation follows a relaxed interview format -- Art asks about childhood influences, parenting philosophies, and the values guests are trying to pass on to their kids.

Listeners regularly note that Art has a talent for making his guests comfortable. The conversations feel natural rather than stiff, and guests tend to share more than they probably planned to. Notable past guests include Bill Fagerbakke, Martellus Bennett, and Jim Lampley, but the lesser-known dads often produce the most memorable episodes.

With a 4.9-star rating from 47 reviews on Apple Podcasts, the show punches above its weight in terms of listener satisfaction. Episodes come weekly and clock in at a manageable length for a single listen. If you enjoy hearing how different men approach the same fundamental challenge of raising good humans, Art's genuine curiosity makes every conversation worth your time.

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15 Minutes with Dad

15 Minutes with Dad

Lirec Williams keeps things tight. Each episode of 15 Minutes with Dad runs between 11 and 21 minutes, which makes it one of the most time-efficient parenting podcasts you will find. But do not mistake brevity for lack of depth -- Lirec packs real substance into every episode, drawing from his expertise in parenting, personal growth, and leadership.

The show centers on emotional presence as the foundation of good fathering. Lirec talks a lot about co-parenting communication, triggers and trauma responses, breaking generational cycles, and the specific ways fathers can build trust with their children through consistency and emotional availability. Recent episodes have covered how predictability creates safety for kids, how men can unlearn harmful conditioning around masculinity, and the silent partner syndrome that erodes relationships from the inside.

With 79 episodes and a near-daily release schedule, the back catalog is growing fast. The format is mostly solo -- Lirec sharing insights and frameworks in a direct, no-filler style -- with occasional guest conversations mixed in. His delivery is calm and grounded, like a mentor who has seen enough to know that yelling about change never actually produces it.

The 5.0-star rating reflects a small but dedicated audience. The show's real strength is its accessibility: if you have a fifteen-minute window during lunch or while walking the dog, you can listen to a complete episode and walk away with something actionable. For dads who are specifically working through co-parenting dynamics, emotional regulation, or the aftermath of a separation, Lirec's focused approach offers more practical value per minute than most hour-long shows manage.

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The Secret Life of Dads Podcast

The Secret Life of Dads Podcast

Mathew and Lawrence host The Secret Life of Dads with the kind of energy you get when two mates who genuinely enjoy each other's company hit record and start talking about their kids. The tagline says it all: they discuss fatherhood "whilst having some lols and learning valuable lessons." It's a comedy-parenting hybrid that doesn't take itself too seriously but still manages to get into real stuff.

The interview format brings in a rotating cast of guests -- everyone from fitness coaches and nutritionists to grief counselors and relationship therapists. The range of topics is wider than you might expect from a show filed under comedy: postnatal fitness, sports nutrition for active kids, mental health struggles, keeping your relationship with your partner alive after the baby arrives, and processing grief as a father. The humor makes the heavier topics more approachable rather than less serious.

With around 68 episodes and a roughly weekly release schedule, the show is still building its catalog. The production has a slightly British flavor -- casual, self-deprecating, with the kind of banter that makes you feel like you're overhearing a conversation at the pub rather than listening to a polished broadcast.

The show markets itself as offering "a rare insight into the psyche of 'the dad,'" and it delivers on that promise by creating space for men to talk about feelings they might not bring up anywhere else. If you want your parenting wisdom served with a side of genuine laughs, Mathew and Lawrence make for good company.

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The Good, The Dad & The Ugly: The Fatherhood Podcast

The Good, The Dad & The Ugly: The Fatherhood Podcast

This podcast wrapped up, but the back catalogue holds up well.

Seth Singh Jennings and Jamie Tucker describe themselves as "a few guys who haven't a clue," which is about the most honest tagline a parenting podcast could ask for. The Good, The Dad & The Ugly leans into the chaos and confusion of new fatherhood with a mix of humor, guest interviews, and occasionally useful advice.

The show runs on two tracks: full-length monthly episodes that go deep on a specific topic, and shorter weekly "Baby Bites" segments for quicker hits. Topics span everything you'd worry about as a new or expecting dad -- first aid basics, nutrition, breastfeeding support from the partner's perspective, gender equality in parenting, and how fathers are (or aren't) represented in media and advertising.

Guests include midwives, chefs, radio personalities, and parenting professionals, giving the show a varied texture. Seth and Jamie keep the tone light and self-deprecating even when the subject matter gets serious. The British sensibility runs strong here -- expect dry wit and a willingness to admit ignorance rather than pretend expertise.

With about 43 episodes across the catalog, this is a smaller show, and the mixed reviews (2.5 stars on Apple Podcasts) suggest it's not for everyone. The production is more casual than polished, which some listeners love and others find rough. But if you appreciate the "figuring it out together" vibe over slick presentation, and you want a fatherhood podcast that doesn't take itself too seriously, The Good, The Dad & The Ugly has a scrappy charm that bigger shows sometimes lack.

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Dudes And Dads Podcast

Dudes And Dads Podcast

Brothers Joel and Andy started Dudes And Dads with a simple pitch: help men be better dudes and better dads through community, conversation, and storytelling. Eight seasons and over 150 episodes later, the sibling dynamic still drives the show's energy. There's an ease between them that makes even the heavier conversations feel grounded and approachable.

The format is interview-heavy, with guests ranging from entrepreneurs and coaches to therapists and regular fathers sharing their stories. Topics go beyond typical parenting fare into entrepreneurship, resilience after loss, forgiveness, navigating young adult children entering the workforce, and the particular challenges of maintaining friendships as a busy dad. The biweekly release schedule gives each episode room to breathe.

What works here is the show's emphasis on storytelling over advice-giving. Joel and Andy aren't lecturing from a podium -- they're sitting across from someone and asking, "What's your story?" That approach pulls out genuine moments that prescriptive parenting content rarely reaches. Episodes about grief, career pivots, and family safety hit differently when they come from someone's lived experience rather than a bullet-point list.

With a 4.9-star rating from 31 reviews on Apple Podcasts, the audience is clearly invested. The brother dynamic gives the show a built-in warmth that solo-hosted podcasts have to work harder to create. If you're looking for a dad podcast that's as much about becoming a better man as it is about raising kids, Dudes And Dads strikes that balance naturally.

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Good Dads Podcast

Good Dads Podcast

Good Dads Podcast comes from the Good Dads organization, and it shows in the best way. This isn't one person's take on fatherhood -- it's a rotating team of hosts including J. Fotsch, Brian Mattson, Jason Hynson, Will Cox, and Diana Dudenhoeffer who bring different perspectives and professional backgrounds to the table. Having a woman on the hosting team adds a dimension most dad podcasts miss entirely.

The show covers the full spectrum of fatherhood experiences. They've featured brand new dads, over-the-road truckers trying to parent from the highway, single fathers, divorced dads rebuilding their relationships with their kids, and dads of twins who look like they haven't slept since 2019. Recent episodes tackle practical concerns like helping kids succeed in school, teaching financial responsibility, handling peer pressure, and choosing discipline strategies that actually work.

With about 100 episodes and a perfect 5.0-star rating from 17 reviews on Apple Podcasts, it's a smaller show that punches well above its weight. The tone is encouraging without being naive -- these hosts acknowledge that fatherhood is genuinely hard and that not everyone starts from the same place. There's a strong community service angle here, which means the advice tends to be practical and accessible rather than aspirational.

Episodes release on a consistent weekly to biweekly schedule and stay at a manageable length. If you want a dad podcast with multiple voices, real diversity of experience, and a focus on actionable guidance rather than abstract philosophy, Good Dads delivers quiet, steady value.

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The Birthing Dads Podcast

The Birthing Dads Podcast

The Birthing Dads Podcast fills a surprisingly empty niche: preparing men for the actual experience of being in the delivery room. Host Steven Kennedy, working through The Prepare Dad Foundation, makes a compelling point -- men have been attending births for 50 years now, yet the resources specifically addressing what dads should expect and how they can help are almost nonexistent.

The show alternates between two distinct series. "Birth Story Sessions" feature individual fathers sharing their raw, unfiltered experiences of being present during childbirth -- the fear, the awe, the moments of feeling completely useless, and the ones where they got it right. "Expert Sessions" bring in professionals from maternal health, psychology, and family support to provide more structured guidance on labor support techniques, perinatal mental health, and relationship dynamics during the transition to parenthood.

With about 20 episodes released biweekly, this is still a young podcast building its library. The production is earnest and focused, with Steven clearly driven by a genuine mission rather than chasing downloads. Topics include infant sleep challenges, supporting a partner through postpartum recovery, and the difficult subject of grief support for families experiencing perinatal loss.

This podcast is particularly valuable for expectant fathers or dads in the early months who feel like every other resource was written for their partner, not for them. It's a niche show, but it fills that niche with real care and useful specificity.

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The Single Dads Podcast

The Single Dads Podcast

This podcast wrapped up, but the back catalogue holds up well.

Scott Fischer and Frank Ortega co-host The Single Dads Podcast from a place of lived experience, and that authenticity comes through in every episode. This show is specifically for fathers navigating life after separation or divorce -- the custody battles, the co-parenting negotiations, the dating scene when you've got kids, and the emotional weight that comes with all of it.

The format is mostly the two hosts talking through topics together, with a conversational style that feels like you're sitting in on a support group run by two guys who've actually been through it. They cover co-parenting dynamics, emotional wellness, building a community when your social life imploded alongside your marriage, and the practical mechanics of single fatherhood that nobody prepares you for.

What makes this show hit home for its listeners is the emotional honesty. One reviewer said the podcast helped them "get outta that dark hole of depression and horrible thoughts," which tells you everything about the kind of impact Scott and Frank are having. They don't sugarcoat the difficulty, but they also don't wallow -- there's a forward-looking energy that keeps things from getting too heavy.

With 68 episodes and a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews on Apple Podcasts, the show has built a dedicated following. The release schedule is episodic rather than strictly weekly, so new content comes when it comes. If you're a single dad feeling isolated or overwhelmed, hearing two other guys talk openly about the same struggles can be the kind of lifeline that's hard to find elsewhere.

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Fatherhood doesn't come with a manual, and even if it did, the manual would be wrong half the time because every kid is different. There's a particular kind of relief in hearing another dad describe the exact situation you're in, whether that's a toddler who won't sleep, a teenager who won't talk, or the quiet guilt of wondering if you're doing any of this right. That's what podcasts for dads are good at: making you feel less like you're figuring it out alone. Because the truth is, most dads don't have a group of friends they regularly talk to about this stuff. The podcast fills a gap that a lot of men don't even realize exists until they hear it.

Why dad podcasts actually help

The best podcasts for dads cover a wider range than you might expect. Some are straight comedy, hosts mining the absurdity of parenting for laughs, and honestly, sometimes laughing about the chaos is the most therapeutic thing available. There's something about hearing a guy describe the creative negotiations his four-year-old deploys at bedtime that makes your own battles feel less exhausting. Others go deeper into mental health, identity, and the pressure that comes with trying to be present at home while also performing at work. A lot of top dads podcasts address how fatherhood itself has changed. Expectations are different now than they were a generation ago, and many dads are navigating co-parenting arrangements, stay-at-home roles, or family structures that don't have a clear template. The conversations happening on these shows reflect that reality without pretending there are easy answers.

The shows that work best tend to feel like real conversations rather than lectures. Two dads talking about their actual weeks, including the parts that went badly, is more useful than any expert dispensing tips from a podium. That said, some shows do the expert-interview format well, especially when they bring on child psychologists or family therapists who give specific, actionable advice rather than vague platitudes. If you're looking for good dads podcasts that go beyond surface-level parenting tips, seek out shows that aren't afraid to discuss the harder stuff: feeling overwhelmed, relationship strain, or the loneliness that can come with early parenthood. The episodes that land hardest are usually the ones where someone admits to something they thought only they struggled with.

Picking a show that fits your situation

With so many dads podcasts to listen to, start with your current life stage. A show focused on newborns won't be much help if your kids are in middle school, and vice versa. Dads podcasts for beginners often work well for expecting fathers or first-time dads who want a sense of what's coming without the sugar-coating. Beyond that, think about tone. Do you want something that makes you laugh, something that makes you think, or something that gives you specific strategies for a problem you're dealing with this week? Some listeners keep a few shows in rotation to cover different moods. A comedy show for the morning commute, something more reflective for a weekend run.

Most popular dads podcasts are available everywhere. You can find dads podcasts on Spotify, dads podcasts on Apple Podcasts, and the usual other apps. Nearly all are free dads podcasts. Listener reviews tend to be helpful here because other dads will mention what stage of parenting they're in and whether the show felt relevant to their specific situation. New dads podcasts 2026 keep appearing as more fathers decide to share their experiences publicly, which means the options keep getting better and more specific. Try a few, stick with the ones where the hosts sound like people you'd actually want to grab a beer with, and don't worry about finding the single perfect show. Your needs will change as your kids grow, and your podcast rotation probably should too. The show that saves your sanity during the infant stage might bore you once you're dealing with school-age problems, and that's fine.

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