The Will Coca Podcast

I just turned 42, and for the first time a birthday didn't make me want to speed up. It made me want to slow down. This episode is about craving the pace of the sleepy town I grew up in, what fly fishing teaches me about patience, what it's like to start thinking about the end of the story, and making time to look inward.

This episode is about what that forced stillness taught me, why I'm saying no to a lot more starting now, and why being a dad isn't just a priority for me — it's the whole point.

My new single Los Angeles is out now, everywhere you listen to music. In this episode, I talk about what inspired it — the years I spent in LA in my twenties, the community of dreamers I found there, and what that season taught me about belonging.

Father's Day looks a lot different these days. In this episode, I share how becoming a dad to Isa, finding community, and leaning into faith have helped transform a day once defined by grief into one filled with gratitude and purpose.

In this episode, I talk about what it really means to trust the process while navigating major life changes—becoming a new dad, turning 41, returning to faith, and rebuilding my health. I share the challenges, If you’re in the middle of your own messy transformation, this one’s for you. Keep going.

As Día de Muertos approaches, I reflect on losing my father nearly eight years ago and how that loss cuts deeper now that I'm a father myself. I share the haunting memory of his slippers by the recliner and coffee mug on the table—reminders that he thought he'd come back, but never did. My birthday this week sparked a realization: instead of worrying about how I'll be remembered, I need to focus on living fully right now—surrounding myself with the right people, being present with my kids, and making every ordinary day count. Because just like my dad's last day, we never know when ours will come. A personal conversation about legacy, memory, and living your one wild and precious life.

What are your non-negotiables? Inspired by a scene from The Bear, I reflect on breaking generational patterns as a new father and why family time isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. Featuring Derek Sivers' "hell yes or no" philosophy and the powerful distinction between surviving and living..

In this episode, I reflect on how this season feels different—a time when I’m craving quiet in a world that never stops talking. From putting my daughter down for a nap to fireside chats and long walks with Denali, I share the simple, grounding moments that remind me what truly matters and how solitude can build real confidence.

In this episode, Will shares how playing the long game in life is a lot like standing at the plate in baseball—leaning into the pitch, trusting what you’ve practiced, and waiting for the right moment to swing. He reflects on the power of patience, the growth that happens in the waiting, and how trusting the process—rather than chasing quick outcomes—can prepare us for the opportunities that matter most

In this episode, I share my journey of breaking through years of writer’s block and finding my way back to writing songs again. It’s a story about persistence, about showing up even when nothing seems to change, and how life often mirrors the creative process. When we keep showing up, we leave space for the things we love most to return to us. This is a hopeful reminder that our dreams are never truly gone—they’re waiting for us on the other side of the silence.

In this episode, I open up about what it means to process trauma as a father. I share how unresolved pain can quietly shape the way we show up for our children, and how facing it head-on can change not only our own lives but the legacy we leave behind. Using the metaphor of building and repairing a house, I talk about the work of healing—acknowledging the cracks, doing the repairs, and learning that true strength isn’t silence, but vulnerability. This is a conversation about breaking cycles, embracing hope, and showing our kids that healing is always possible.

In this episode, Will explores the often-overlooked gap between deciding to change and actually arriving at that change. It’s the messy, unglamorous middle — the space where personal growth happens long before the results are visible. Will talks about how this in-between season can challenge relationships, test your patience, and stir up doubts, but also how it builds resilience, clarity, and emotional honesty. From grieving old versions of yourself to finding a new circle that speaks your language, Will unpacks why the waiting isn’t wasted and how the heart is transformed in the process.

In this episode, Will reflects on how the open road once symbolized freedom and self-discovery—but how becoming a father shifted his definition of adventure. He shares how laying down roots, building a home, and choosing presence over motion revealed a deeper kind of meaning. Sometimes, when we stop chasing what we think we need, we realize we had it all along.

On this episode, Will shares why it’s never too late to start building the life you truly want. He opens up about his recent struggles and how they’ve challenged him to manage expectations, quiet the outside noise, and tune out the doubt—both from others and from within. He also talks about the importance of building a new community of peers who speak the same language and understand the path he's walking

In this episode, Will dives into the legendary Western States 100 endurance run and explores how its grueling challenges mirror the importance of doing hard things in life—pushing limits, embracing discomfort, and discovering what we’re truly capable of.

In this episode, Will explores the surprising parallels between fatherhood and jazz: structure and improvisation, listening and responding, embracing mistakes and finding rhythm in the chaos. Whether you're a dad or simply learning to navigate the unknown, this one’s a soulful reminder that the most meaningful moments aren’t planned — they’re played from the heart.

In this episode, Will shares how he once believed that letting go of logic was foolish. However, after witnessing the birth of his daughter, he came to understand that miracles are very real—and that truly experiencing them requires a willingness to let go.

In this episode, Will reflects on his seasons of change and how they've impacted every area of his life, especially his relationships. He shares insights on recognizing when to pursue something and when it's time to let go. Change, while often difficult, can be a powerful force for good—guiding us toward growth, clarity, and the right community.

Content Advisory: This episode includes discussions of mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Will shares his personal experiences with mental health challenges, offering a candid and heartfelt look into his journey. He explores the emotional highs and lows he's faced, the importance of seeking help, and the power of vulnerability. This episode also highlights the critical need to create safe and supportive environments where honest conversations about mental health can happen without stigma. Whether you're struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to better understand these issues, this episode offers empathy, insight, and hope.

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor. Free confidential 24/7 support at your fingertips.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains a discussion about grief.

On this episode Will talks about how grief can feel like a Goliath at time. How he has navigated his grief since losing his father.