The Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast

In this episode, we share our personal journey through marriage, challenges like postpartum depression, and how we built a strong, connected relationship despite setbacks. We discuss practical strategies for communication, equality, and redefining traditional roles to create a thriving marriage.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
02:00 Personal stories and challenges faced in marriage
05:08 Impact of postpartum depression and communication gaps
10:08 The importance of redefining roles and equality
14:53 Building a strong, connected partnership over years
20:14 Community, support, and creating a shared life
25:12 Practical advice for couples and men in marriage
30:13 Introducing their app and community project
35:05 Encouragement for ongoing personal and relationship growth
39:51 Final thoughts and closing

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In this episode, we share our honest experiences of parenting through a challenging summer, the stress, expectations, slowing down, and finding joy in simple moments. We discuss how societal pressures and personal struggles impact our mental health and relationships, emphasizing the importance of grace and perspective.

0:00 — Intro

0:18 — A hard summer

1:45 — No breaks, no help

3:42 — Comparing our summer

5:31 — Teaching patience

6:05 — The pressure of comparison

8:19 — Too much stimulation

10:08 — Boredom was a luxury

11:27 — Are we doing enough?

13:27 — Give yourself grace

14:27 — Present vs. realistic

17:01 — Slow down, don’t speed up

18:10 — What would we miss?

20:12 — Random togetherness

21:33 — Creating a home you don’t need to vacation from

23:59 — Small moments matter

26:21 — Entering a new phase of life

27:51 — Sobriety and daily work

28:03 — Looking beyond yourself

29:09 — The pressure of being the provider

31:31 — Perspective and mental battles

34:23 — You’re not alone

36:24 — Calling it what it is

39:02 — Struggle builds strength

41:38 — Closing and subscribe reminder

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and personal background

00:48 The roommate phase and its effects on marriage

02:18 The importance of stopping competition in relationships

03:28 The dangers of rehearsed arguments and ego defense

04:28 Influence of outside opinions and family on marriage

05:42 Effective communication and understanding each other's perspectives

07:28 Emotional intelligence and gender differences

09:22 Killing the ego to connect emotionally

10:14 Jessica's independence and power struggle in early marriage

12:22 Embracing authenticity and emotional vulnerability

14:12 Redefining strength through emotional intelligence

15:18 The impact of ego on intimacy and sex life

17:11 Reciprocity and unconditional love in marriage

20:32 Addressing purity culture and past relationship influences

22:26 Recommended reading: Ego as the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

23:24 Closing remarks and gratitude

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Order The Tired Dad Book

In this episode, we explore the challenges of postpartum resentment, effective communication in marriage, and breaking generational cycles of divorce.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:19 Postpartum resentment and its effects

01:22 The importance of acknowledging feelings

02:30 Effective communication and empathy

04:24 Building better connection after postpartum

06:35 Handling the roommate phase in marriage

09:27 The importance of apologies and humility

12:17 Understanding triggers and past trauma

16:38 Breaking destructive family cycles

20:24 Resentment and conflict resolution

24:37 Healing and moving forward in marriage

37:24 The impact of divorce on family dynamics

43:00 Creating a healthy environment for children

52:18 Self-compassion and personal growth

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This episode we share candid stories about parenting, marriage, and embracing authenticity in everyday life. From Father's Day celebrations to parenting hacks, kids wearing what they want, to accidentally cussing in front of them, this episode is a heartfelt look at life's beautiful chaos.

Order The Tired Dad Book.

Chapters

00:00 Father's Day Reflections

02:47 The Chaos of Father's Day Morning

05:44 Navigating Parenting Challenges

08:38 The Impact of Language on Kids

11:48 Embracing the Weirdness in Parenting

14:34 Finding Joy in Parenting Moments

17:33 Encouraging Authenticity in Kids

20:15 The Importance of Being Yourself

23:25 Creating Fun Family Moments

28:20 Authenticity in Relationships

32:37 The Pressure of Perfection

38:27 Candid Moments vs. Curated Images

45:10 The Value of Minimalism and Intentional Living

52:14 Embracing the Hard Times

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Order The Tired Dad Book

Join us as we share the journey of new puppy parenthood, parenting without a village, and navigating life's challenges with honesty and humor. This episode offers real insights into balancing parenthood, self-care, and personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Welcoming a New Family Member

10:47 Parenting Without a Village

24:08 Navigating the Challenges of Parenthood

25:11 Navigating Life's Challenges Together

28:00 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health

29:56 Finding Balance in a Digital World

33:20 The Journey of Parenting and Learning

33:35 Sharing Personal Stories in Recovery

38:43 The Importance of Authentic Voices

41:33 Overcoming Shyness and Building Confidence

46:54 Imprinting and Parenting Styles

49:52 The Reality of Parenting Struggles

52:30 A Father's Day Reflection

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Order My New Book, The Tired Dad

In this episode, we talk about Max. His life, where he came from, the struggles he carried, and the impact he had on our family. Losing him has been one of the hardest things I’ve experienced, and this conversation is really about grief, love, healing, and the reminder that our time with the people and animals we love is never long enough.

Chapters

00:00 Facing Health Scares

05:02 Navigating Difficult Decisions with Pets

13:49 The Impact of Loss on Family

32:12 Finding New Beginnings After Grief

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Order My New Book, The Tired Dad

In this episode of The Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast, we reflected on what life has looked like after the release of my book and the emotions that come with putting something so personal into the world. We talked about parenting, public speaking, and how becoming parents changes the way we see time, grief, success, and even ourselves.

We had a deep conversation about the fleeting nature of childhood, the sacrifices that come with raising a family, and why connection and presence matter more than material things. We also talked honestly about relationships, expectations, balancing ambition with family life, and trying to find genuine human connection in a world that can often feel transactional.

Later in the episode, we shifted into a conversation about health, breast cancer awareness, misinformation online, lifestyle choices, supplements, and the importance of critical thinking when it comes to medical advice. We wrapped up by discussing reading, lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and the values we hope to pass down to our children.

As always, thank you for listening and continuing to grow with us.

Keep showing up.

Chapters

00:00 Book Release Reflections

03:14 Parenting and Public Speaking

06:04 The Passage of Time in Parenting

08:57 Embracing Grief in Parenting

11:45 The Sacrifices of Parenthood

14:40 Connection Over Materialism

17:59 The Importance of Presence

20:44 Navigating Relationships and Expectations

23:42 Success vs. Family Time

26:26 Genuine Connections in a Transactional World

29:39 Finding Meaning in Everyday Moments

32:40 The Illusion of Material Happiness

35:31 Teaching Values to the Next Generation

44:02 Navigating Breast Cancer Awareness

47:32 Misinformation in Medical Advice

51:24 Lifestyle Choices and Cancer Risk

56:05 The Evolution of Health Supplements

01:01:01 The Importance of Reading and Learning

01:14:06 Emotional Intelligence in Parenting

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In this episode, we open up about the ups and downs of the intimacy in our marriage and what made it better. Sharing how communication and personal choices have strengthened our bond. We also discuss the importance of instilling confidence in our daughter and the lessons we've learned about ego and showing up for our loved ones.

Order The Tired Dad Book

Chapters

Introduction and Reflections

0:00

Co-Sleeping and Parenting Choices

1:41

Intimacy and Communication

6:29

Cannabis and Personal Choices

14:03

Parenting and Building Confidence

35:44

Ego and Personal Growth

47:04

Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

51:16

PRE ORDER BOOK

We got so emotional on this one! Grab a tissue and join us for the most authentic, vulnerable episode to date.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Time's Fleeting Nature

02:36 Travel Adventures and Nostalgic Memories

05:31 Experiences with Travel Accommodations

08:37 Meeting Influential Figures and Overcoming Nerves

11:21 Reflections on Personal Growth and Achievements

14:26 Support and Validation from Unexpected Sources

17:25 The Importance of Genuine Support in Relationships

22:51 Navigating Parental Relationships and Boundaries

27:19 The Emotional Journey of Parenting

32:13 Finding Perspective in Parenting Challenges

38:09 The Importance of Connection and Community

43:15 Hope and Resilience in Difficult Times

Pre Order my Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784324/the-tired-dad-by-jon-gustin/

This episode features a heartfelt conversation about parenting, personal growth, overcoming addiction, and the transformative power of sobriety.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Adventures

02:48 Finding Joy in Kids' Activities

06:04 The Challenges of Parenting Young Children

09:01 Navigating Emotional Development in Kids

11:38 Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships

14:50 The Role of Grandparents in Parenting

17:31 Nostalgia and Family Connections

19:35 Full Circle Moments: From Austin to Podcasting

24:32 Struggles with Addiction and Mental Health

32:42 The Hidden Life of an Addict

34:32 The Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery

Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad

Pre-Order The Tired Dad

(00:00) Introduction—Setting the tone with real talk on parenting and life

(02:04) The significance of home as a safe space for kids and the importance of emotional support

(08:55) Shifting parenting styles and the rise of modern, empathetic approaches

(11:29) Understanding bullies and their backgrounds; inner child perspectives

(15:09) Road rage and everyday scenarios as expressions of personal struggles

(17:44) The lessons from martial arts: self-control, humility, and true strength

(21:07) Discussing martial arts levels and the benefits of consistently practicing Jujitsu

(24:38) The humorous side of martial arts practice—blue belts and playful competitiveness

(36:55) Reflections on community, friendships, and the idyllic outdoor lifestyle in Florida

(42:18) The impact of environment and seasonal changes on mental health

(43:42) Time zones and daylight hours—how location shapes daily life

(45:14) Relationship insights—comparing past loves with current partners

(52:30) The evolution of skateboarding culture—from outsider activity to Olympic sport

(55:27) Upcoming podcast guest appearances and personal milestones

Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad

Pre-Order The Tired Dad

In this episode, Jess and I open up about our experiences with mental health and the realities of raising kids in a social media-driven world. We share our personal struggles, what we’re learning along the way, and why authenticity, boundaries, and staying connected as a family matter more than ever.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Parenting, mental health, and honesty
00:19 – Jess shares her ADHD diagnosis journey
01:24 – Childhood experiences and managing symptoms
02:36 – Family reactions to the diagnosis
03:59 – High school years and organization struggles
04:57 – Social pressure and its impact on parenting
06:28 – Illness and canceled spring break plans
08:54 – Embracing imperfect family moments
10:20 – Spring break highlights and simple joys
12:47 – Parenting in a social media-driven world
15:13 – Kids, YouTube, and consumerism concerns
18:49 – Setting boundaries and protecting childhood
23:09 – Mental health and excessive phone use
26:31 – Addiction, recovery, and seeking help
39:00 – Supporting loved ones through struggles
44:01 – Kindness, community, and reducing screen time
44:36 – Healthier alternatives to social media
45:39 – Final thoughts and encouragement

Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad

Pre-Order The Tired Dad

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview
00:18 - How parenting can isolate social life
01:10 - The impact of sobriety and limited social opportunities
02:09 - Longing for female friendship and deep connection
03:07 - Recalling pre-parenthood friendships and their depth
03:45 - Winter isolation and planning spontaneous meetups
04:21 - The importance of informal hangouts and neighborhood bonds
04:52 - Building new friendships without a long shared history
05:03 - Challenges of starting over socially in adulthood
06:44 - Men’s struggle with connection, interests, and shared hobbies
07:43 - Common male pursuits: exercise, golf, food, and hunting
08:50 - The cultural differences in interests and hobbies
09:04 - Parenting phase differences and social opportunities with young children
10:24 - Male loneliness epidemic and emotional health
11:51 - The effect of fulfilled childhood friendships on current loneliness
12:49 - Recognizing loneliness and seasonal depression
13:25 - The tendency to isolate and burnout management
14:28 - The need for planned adult outings and social planning
15:38 - Moving out of toddler survival mode into a more balanced phase
16:25 - The joys of children’s self-expression and growth
17:14 - Balancing sports, commitments, and family priorities
18:08 - Age and interest alignment in extracurricular activities
19:08 - Debating sports legends and cultural icons
20:46 - The emotional significance of witnessing childhood milestones
23:44 - Parenting moments, memories, and the fleeting nature of childhood routines
28:23 - Recognizing and celebrating children’s independence and growth
29:29 - The influence of children’s communication and emotional development
33:05 - Teaching children life skills like gratitude and boundaries
34:30 - The importance of modeling good behavior, not just compliance
35:42 - The emotional depth of parenting and self-regulation
36:47 - Continuing to show up and care despite fatigue
37:04 - Exciting announcement: pre-ordering the host’s book, special incentives, and a playlist
38:03 - Closing remarks and gratitude for listeners

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Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad

Pre-Order The Tired Dad

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Marriage Dynamics

02:54 The Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships

05:35 Empathy and Understanding in Marriage

08:38 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

11:43 Navigating Financial Dynamics in Relationships

14:50 The Role of Fathers in Family Dynamics

17:37 Men's Mental Health and Loneliness

20:14 Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes

23:33 The Importance of Open Communication

26:33 Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children

29:16 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Parenting

32:11 Confronting Insecurities in Relationships

35:11 The Power of Conversation in Relationships

38:20 Creating a Better Future for Our Children

41:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Pre-Order The Tired Dad

Another conversation of stuff consuming our lives. The Gilmore Girls Tour, Adderall and does it help or is it just drugs? My audiobook recording experience, modern dads, and more!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Studio Tour

02:57 Exploring the Warner Brothers Studio Tour

05:49 Recording the Audiobook Experience

11:33 Insights on Music and Nashville Studios

17:34 The Journey of Writing and Parenting

23:38 Final Thoughts on the Book and Its Impact

26:36 Exploring Literature and Personal Connections

28:27 The Journey of Writing and Parenthood

30:08 The Importance of Fatherhood and Unique Perspectives

33:55 Candid Moments and Self-Perception

34:23 Navigating Mental Health and Medication

38:55 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

42:18 Finding Joy in Dance and Self-Identity

44:18 Balancing Parenthood and Personal Needs

46:12 The Modern Dad's Role in Family Dynamics

55:06 Partnership in Marriage and Parenting

Pre Order My Book Here

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Marriage

02:02 Uncomfortable Conversations with Kids

05:05 Sharing Personal Stories and Mistakes

10:23 The Impact of Parental Vulnerability

12:10 Navigating Puberty and Parent-Child Relationships

17:35 The Consequences of Naivety and Trust

24:18 Creating Safe Spaces for Open Dialogue

30:02 The Importance of Healing for Parents

34:28 Managing Household Responsibilities

49:42 Teamwork in Marriage and Parenting

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In this episode of the Tired Dad and Tired Mom Podcast, Jessica and I talk life.

We touch on winter weather, family trips we already miss while we are still in them, and our love for reading, not just for knowledge but for perspective. We talk about why it matters to understand how other people see the world, even when we do not fully agree.

We get into money too. Living below your means. Being intentional. Building a life that actually feels good to come home to instead of chasing more just to keep up.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:11 Winter Weather and School Days

03:14 Life in Cold Climates

05:18 Life on Mackinac Island

09:54 Exploring Northern Michigan

12:22 Family Vacations and Experiences

20:17 Book Reviews and Recommendations

29:27 Reading Preferences and Audiobooks

39:04 Conversations and Understanding

46:22 Living Below Your Means

01:00:43 Financial Wisdom and Future Planning

01:11:14 Unspoken Rules in Marriage

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In this episode, Jess and I talk about life in the middle of chaos, from getting snowed in to helping our kids process the loss of a pet. We also dive into the “Nihilist Penguin” idea and what it says about identity, social media, and mental health.

At the core, we’re just trying to raise kids who feel safe being themselves, in a home built on acceptance, creativity, and love. We’re figuring it out as we go.

00:00 Weathering the Storm

05:38 Navigating Pet Loss

11:42 The Nihilist Penguin

17:34 Raising Weird Kids

23:44 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting

29:36 Creating a Positive Environment for Kids

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Pre Order My Book Here

Get 50% OFF your first order of Nutre Meals PLUS free shipping when you use promo code “TIREDDAD” at www.gonutre.com

In this conversation, I talk about the everyday stuff that makes up family life. From trying to figure out meals, to dealing with kids getting sick, to what we’re watching at night and even the books we read in high school. It’s a mix of random moments and real life.

We get into personal growth and how knowing things doesn’t mean much if you don’t actually execute. I share what the process of writing this book has been like, the doubts, the motivation, and why I felt called to do it in the first place.

We also reflect on marriage, relationships, and how everything shifts when you have a family. At the end of it, it comes back to chasing your dreams, doing the work, and hopefully setting the example for your kids to do the same.

Chapters

00:00 Lunch Break Conversations

02:53 Family Dynamics and Meal Prep

05:49 Sickness and Family Care

09:00 Thrillers and Entertainment Preferences

11:52 Book Recommendations and Reading Preferences

14:51 High School Literature and Its Impact

17:44 Negative Influences and Overcoming Challenges

20:41 Personal Growth and Relationships

23:40 Execution Over Knowledge

26:43 The Importance of Following Dreams

29:29 Parenting and Marriage Dynamics

32:36 Self-Help and Personal Development

35:31 The Journey of Writing a Book

38:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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