Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life

por Michael Jacobs - Working Dads & Fatherhood Expert

Colin C. Thompson on Mental Fitness for Working Dads

How do you stay calm, present, and emotionally available when life keeps pulling you in every direction at once? Colin C. Thompson believes the answer starts with mental fitness. As a coach, speaker, and certified Positive Intelligence practitioner, Colin works with people who feel stuck between pressure, responsibility, and the constant demands of work and family life. His approach focuses on helping dads recognize the thought patterns, habits, and emotional reactions that quietly shape how they show up every day. This conversation explores how working dads can build mental fitness instead of constantly operating in survival mode. Colin breaks down the mental habits that create more presence, patience, emotional control, and healthier work life balance at home and at work. Colin shares how to: Create healthier boundaries between work mode and family mode Transition intentionally from work stress into parenting time Recognize self-sabotaging thoughts before they spiral Stop carrying workplace pressure into family interactions Respond to stressful parenting moments with more calm and less reactivity Model emotional openness and healthy behavior for your kids Reduce comparison and external pressure as a working dad For working dads trying to balance fatherhood, meaningful work, and the emotional pressure that comes with both, this conversation offers practical ways to build stronger mental fitness, healthier boundaries, and more intentional relationships at home. Dig Deeper Kung Fu Theater Rally’s 24K Magic by Bruno Mars Elmo the President Follow Colin On his websites: https://www.oligye.com and https://www.colincthompson.com On Facebook: https://facebook.com/colin.c.thompson On LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/colincthompson/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E34

30 jun 2026

44:08

Matt Campbell on Rebuilding Energy, Presence, and Work Life Balance in Fatherhood

Why do so many working dads feel exhausted even when they’re doing everything "right"? Dr. Matt Campbell believes the problem is not that most people are broken. It’s that they’re depleted. Matt is a clinical psychologist and creator of the Primal Five Framework, which focuses on five foundational areas that shape how we show up every day: sleep, sunlight, movement, connection, and consumption. His work explores how modern life quietly pulls us away from the things our minds and bodies were built for and how that depletion affects everything from patience and anxiety to parenting and meaningful work. Matt shares how to: Recognize when exhaustion is really a capacity problem instead of a time problem Improve work life balance without trying to overhaul your entire life overnight Build routines that reduce decision fatigue and make healthy habits easier Find practical ways to incorporate movement into an already busy schedule Create meaningful connection instead of surface-level social interaction Break cycles of depletion, irritability, anxiety, and overwhelm Matt brings a thoughtful and deeply practical perspective to fatherhood, parenting, and the reality of trying to stay healthy while balancing work, family, and daily responsibilities. Dig Deeper Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Scooby-Doo Theme Song Thunder Road You Never Even Called Me by My Name Follow Matt On his website: https://www.ourprimal5.com/ On his newsletter: https://our-primal-5.kit.com/9b41ee5325 On Instagram: https://instagram.com/ourprimal5 On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-campbell-a5b22910/ Get the Our Primal 5 Workbook: https://amzn.to/48Qoe9h Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E33

23 jun 2026

1:00:33

Mike Weyandt on Presence, Identity, and Navigating Fatherhood Through Uncertainty

What happens when your life changes faster than you can process it? For Mike Weyandt, the shift into fatherhood came all at once. A long, uncertain adoption process suddenly turned into bringing home a newborn in a matter of weeks. At the same time, his career path was in flux, and shortly after, the world shut down. What followed was a season filled with constant change, new responsibilities, and very little time to step back and make sense of it all. Mike brings a rare combination of perspectives. As a former opera performer, he understands what it means to be fully present when it matters most. As a talent leader and executive coach, he has helped others navigate uncertainty in their careers. And as a dad, he has lived through the reality of balancing meaningful work, identity shifts, and the everyday demands of parenting. Mike shares how to: Recognize and interrupt reactive patterns in both work and parenting Build awareness around the thoughts that drive stress and overwhelm Stay present when everything around you feels uncertain Balance ambition with the realities of fatherhood and daily life Move from constant reaction to more intentional decision-making Let go of “should” thinking and challenge inherited assumptions Handle career uncertainty without defaulting to ineffective busy work Accept that growth as a parent and professional is an ongoing practice Mike’s perspective is thoughtful, honest, and deeply practical. Especially for working dads trying to figure out work life balance while navigating change, pressure, and the desire to be more present at home. It’s a reminder that not every season needs to be solved immediately. Sometimes the real work is learning how to stay grounded while everything is still unfolding. Dig Deeper ADHD Never Eat Alone Bluey Crazy by Patsy Cline Follow Mike On his website: analogpractice.work On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweyandt/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E32

16 jun 2026

1:03:12

Rob Capili on Rebuilding Life After Divorce and Raising Resilient Kids

What does it actually look like to rebuild your life after everything falls apart? Rob Capili has lived through it. Divorce, career pivots, identity shifts, and the long process of starting over while still showing up as a father. His path has never been linear. From tech to filmmaking to music to entrepreneurship, he has followed curiosity, taken risks, and learned the hard way what matters and what doesn’t. But some of his most important lessons didn't come from success. They came from failure, from relationships that didn't work, and from the responsibility of raising kids through difficult transitions. This conversation is raw, honest, and grounded in real experience. Especially for working dads trying to navigate fatherhood, work life balance, and the pressure to get it right while figuring it out in real time. Rob shares how to: Rebuild your identity and direction after divorce Balance honesty with protecting your children during difficult seasons Let go of perfection and focus on being present as a parent Give kids the space to make their own decisions while still guiding them Shift from outcome-based thinking to focusing on effort and process Recognize what you will and will not tolerate in relationships moving forward Use failure, setbacks, and painful experiences as fuel for growth Follow curiosity and creativity while still carrying real responsibility Rob’s perspective is direct, thoughtful, and often unexpectedly funny. A reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there is a path forward. Dig Deeper Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Barney Back That Azz Up by Juvenile Follow Rob On his website: robcapili.com Lovers Quarrel: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robcapili/lovers-quarrel-a-graphic-novel Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E31

9 jun 2026

50:54

Faisal Ensaun on Taking Ownership of Your Life and Redefining Success as a Dad

What if the life you’re building is the very thing draining you? Faisal Ensaun’s journey spans survival, addiction, reinvention, and ultimately building a life rooted in purpose, ownership, and alignment. From immigrating out of a war-torn country to hitting personal rock bottom, he rebuilt his life by asking harder questions than most people are willing to face. Today, as a coach, entrepreneur, and father, Faisal works with high performers who look successful on the outside but feel disconnected underneath. Faisal’s perspective is intense, honest, and grounded in lived experience. Especially for dads trying to navigate fatherhood, meaningful work, and the pressure to provide without losing themselves in the process. Dig Deeper Gabor Maté Naraka Pink Panther Tom and Jerry Wonderland Scare Away the Dark by Passenger Follow Faisal On his website: https://www.faisalensaun.com/ On his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IhYB1waklQjJWPkDKeU66 On X: https://x.com/faisalensaun On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalensaun/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faisalensaun1 On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@faisalensaun On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faisalensaun On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalensaun/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E30

2 jun 2026

58:25

Anthony Kuo on Escaping the Success Trap and Building a Career That Actually Fits

What happens when you do everything right on paper… and still feel like something is off? Anthony Kuo knows that feeling firsthand. From performing at Carnegie Hall at 17 to climbing the corporate ladder after graduating from NYU Stern, he checked every box most people chase. But underneath the external success, something never quite clicked. Now a career satisfaction coach and founder of Untamed Career, Anthony helps high achievers untangle the gap between success and satisfaction and build careers that actually align with who they are. This conversation explores what many working dads quietly wrestle with. The tension between providing and feeling fulfilled. The pressure to keep going even when something feels misaligned. And the challenge of figuring out what you actually want when the answer is not obvious. Anthony shares how to: Understand the difference between success and satisfaction and why both matter Recognize when your work is draining energy instead of fueling it Break down the overwhelming question of “what do I want?” into something actionable Avoid burnout by paying attention to the process, not just the outcome Navigate career changes without blowing up your life or risking stability Understand how your career choices impact your presence as a parent Dig Deeper NYU Stern School of Business Carnegie Hall ADHD The Song That Never Ends from Lamb Chop Follow Anthony On his website: https://untamedcareer.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untamedcareer/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.kuo On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untamedcareer On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/untamedcareer/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E29

26 may 2026

51:34

Shaun Dawson on Fatherhood, Identity, and Redefining Work-Life Balance for Dads

What does it really mean to succeed as a dad when work, ambition, and identity are all pulling in different directions? Shaun Dawson, tech leader, father of two, and host of the Raising Men podcast, challenges the idea that success is defined by output alone. He shares a more grounded perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, and what working dads often get wrong when they focus too heavily on providing financially while overlooking emotional presence. Shaun shares how to: Redefine success beyond income and external achievement Build emotional security for your kids, not just financial security Separate identity from output and rethink what actually gives your life meaning Recognize when ego is shaping your parenting decisions Stay present during everyday moments that are easy to overlook but impossible to get back Navigate the tension between guiding your kids and letting them become who they are This is a thoughtful and honest conversation for working dads trying to build a life that balances fatherhood, meaningful work, and a deeper sense of identity. Dig Deeper Conan the Barbarian Raising Men by Eric Davis Bluey Dairy Queen Piano Man Follow Shaun On his website and podcast: https://raising.men/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/ On Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/ On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingMen_Podcast On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-men/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingmenpodcast Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E28

19 may 2026

54:50

Paul Comfort on Finding Meaningful Work and Work-Life Balance as a Dad

What if the reason work feels off is not the job itself, but a lack of clarity about what you are actually built to do? Paul Comfort has spent decades helping people identify their strengths, align their careers with purpose, and build lives that feel both successful and meaningful. His work centers on the idea that most people never take the time to understand what they are uniquely wired to do. For dads trying to navigate fatherhood, career decisions, meaningful work, and work-life balance, lack of clarity can lead to frustration, burnout, and a constant feeling of being pulled in too many directions. Paul shares how to: Identify your natural strengths and use them to guide career decisions Recognize when you are in the wrong role versus the wrong season Align your work with your values, personality, and long-term goals Make better decisions about transitions, promotions, and opportunities Help your kids think about their own strengths and future paths Dig Deeper Command & Conquer PEG Channel DiSC Profile Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Barney Free Fallin’ Follow Paul On LinkedIn On Instagram On his show, Transit Unplugged TV On his podcast, Transit Unplugged Check out his book, Find Your X Factor, and take the assessment Pre-order his book from B&N Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E27

12 may 2026

53:45

Antwaun Thompson on Raising Confident Kids Through Better Parenting and Coaching

What if the way you show up after the game matters more than the game itself? After more than three decades coaching and mentoring young people, Antwaun Thompson has seen a clear shift. Kids today are facing more pressure, less confidence, and more noise than ever before. And for many parents, especially working dads trying to navigate fatherhood and work-life balance, it's not always clear how to support them the right way. This conversation focuses on what kids actually need from their parents, not just in youth sports, but in everyday life. Antwaun shares how to: Build confidence in your kids through connection instead of constant correction Give feedback that helps growth instead of creating pressure Understand the hidden pressure kids feel from parents, coaches, teammates, and themselves Involve your kids in decisions so they build ownership and responsibility Create an environment where kids contribute instead of just participate Dig Deeper Dean Smith The Flintstones Let’s Stay Together by Al Green Follow Antwaun On his non-profit, JLT Fieldhouse On his website On Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders with Coach T On TeenSpeak - Empowering Today’s Youth On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube On TikTok On LinkedIn Check out his book, S.E.A. of Success Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E26

5 may 2026

54:53

David Shar on Passion, Burnout, and Work-Life Balance for Working Dads

Why does work that once energized you start to feel like something you can’t turn off? Dr. David Shar studies what happens when people fall out of love with their work and why that shift often happens long before anyone notices. His research shows that for working dads, the challenge is not just workload. It is how work connects to identity, purpose, and the life you are trying to build at home. This conversation reframes passion in a way most people never consider. Not all passion is healthy. Some of it quietly creates burnout, tension, and distance from the people who matter most. David shares how to: • Understand the difference between healthy passion and the kind that leads to burnout • Recognize when guilt at home or at work is a signal of misalignment • Identify when your work is integrated into your identity versus competing with it • Shift from obsessive work habits to a more sustainable, balanced approach • Influence culture and energy at work even without a leadership title • Align your impact at work with who you are as a parent • Create meaningful work without sacrificing presence at home We talk about fatherhood, identity, and work-life balance that actually holds up under real pressure. Not less ambition, but better alignment between who you are, how you work, and how you show up at home. Dig Deeper University of Maryland Cold Stone Creamery The Crips and Bloods Safeway ChatGPT Wicked Marvel Cinematic Universe Dinosaur Train The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Follow David On his website: http://www.davidshar.com On LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshar Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/

E25

28 abr 2026

53:30

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