The 'Why, Dad?' Podcast

In this episode, Paul and Andrew delve into the significance of community for men, particularly fathers. They discuss the paradox of being more connected yet feeling lonelier than ever, emphasizing the need for genuine relationships and support systems. The conversation explores what constitutes a healthy community, the importance of fraternity, and how men can benefit from surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals. They also share their vision for building a local community of dads and the steps they are taking to foster connections among men.

Takeaways

• Community is essential for emotional and mental survival.
• Men thrive when they are part of a fraternity.
• Having diverse perspectives in a community enriches personal growth.
• Loneliness is a growing issue despite technological connectivity.
• Men need spaces to share experiences and challenges.
• Building a community requires intentional effort and engagement.
• Fraternity among men fosters accountability and support.
• Shared interests and goals strengthen community bonds.
• Community can help navigate the complexities of fatherhood.
• Investing in relationships outside of family is crucial for personal development.

In this episode, Paul and Andrew sit down with Troy Fink: husband, dad of three, pastor, founder, and CEO of Gammit Tech, the team behind Loovy, a smart potty training device built to make one of the toughest early parenting seasons a little more fun and a lot less chaotic.

Troy shares his story of becoming a dad at 19, walking through addiction, and how surrendering his life to God reshaped everything from his identity to how he shows up as a father. We also dig into what it looks like to raise kids with decades of parenting under your belt, why men need a clear sense of purpose, and how Loovy was born out of not wanting to miss the moments he did the first time around.

In this episode, we talk about:

Becoming a teenage dad and realizing years later that he wasn’t showing up the way his son needed

The emptiness of chasing parties, stuff, and status when you’re avoiding your real calling

How faith, community, and a recovery program became the turning point for Troy’s life

What “equations of grace” are and how biblical wisdom has shaped the way he parents

Parenting chapter two and three: raising a teenager and two little ones with a totally different foundation

Why he believes fatherhood is a man’s highest calling

The origin story of Loovy and how it turns potty training into a game instead of a war zone

About Troy

Troy Fink is a husband, dad of three, pastor, and founding partner / CEO of Gammit Tech. He leads the team building Loovy, a smart potty training device that uses lights, music, and feedback to help kids learn to use the toilet while keeping parents sane. His journey has taken him from working at his dad’s car dealership, to pastoring, to leading a startup that sits at the intersection of tech and parenting.

Where to find Troy and Loovy

• https://www.goloovy.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/goloovy/
• https://www.instagram.com/pastortroyfink/

In this episode of the Why Dad Podcast, hosts Andrew Stolpestad and Paul Wandrey delve into the complexities of family dynamics, discussing the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the role of chosen family. They share personal stories and insights on navigating family drama, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. The conversation also touches on the balance between supporting family members and prioritizing self-care, as well as the philosophical concepts of personalism and individualism. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own family experiences and the lessons learned along the way.

Takeaways

• The importance of having open conversations about family dynamics.
• Navigating family drama requires understanding and empathy.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for personal growth.
• It's essential to prioritize self-care while supporting family.
• Chosen family can provide support and understanding.
• Communication is key in resolving family conflicts.
• Personalism balances individual needs with community responsibilities.
• Family drama is a common experience for many.
• Support should empower rather than enable unhealthy behaviors.
• Reflecting on personal experiences can lead to valuable insights.

In this episode, Paul, Andrew, and Marchem Pfeiffer discuss the challenges of burnout and recovery for dads. Marchem shares his personal journey from military service to becoming a leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, healing, and accountability. They explore the impact of workplace PTSD, the overlap between leadership and parenting, and the necessity of building a supportive community. Marchem provides practical tools for navigating life's challenges and highlights the significance of coping mechanisms to avoid burnout. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of knowing oneself and prioritizing mental health.

• Burnout is a common issue for dads, but recovery is possible.
• Self-advocacy is crucial for mental health and parenting.
• Understanding your needs is the first step to recovery.
• Healing requires accountability and self-reflection.
• Workplace PTSD can have lasting effects on personal life.
• Creating a healthy work environment is essential for well-being.
• Leadership skills can be applied to parenting.
• Admitting mistakes fosters respect and accountability.
• Coping mechanisms are vital to avoid burnout.
• Building a supportive community enhances personal growth.

🌐 Website: https://www.marchempfeiffer.com/

📘 Book: Navigating Leadership: From Toxicity to Triumph (Amazon link)

🧭 Core Alignment Quiz & Diagnostic: marchempfeiffer.com/core-alignment

✍️ Medium: @marchempfeiffer