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

For many busy working dads, life doesn't feel overwhelming because of one big problem. It feels overwhelming because of dozens of small frustrations that quietly pile up every day.Jacqui Myslinski has spent her career helping businesses create better systems, but the same principles she uses to simplify operations at work have transformed the way she and her family approach life at home. From reducing daily stress to setting clearer expectations with kids, Jacqui believes the right systems create more freedom.Jacqui shares how to:Identify the recurring frustrations that create unnecessary stressBuild simple systems that reduce mental load at home and make busy weeks feel more manageableSet clear expectations with kids instead of assuming they'll "just know"Create routines that encourage independence without overwhelming your familyReplace constant reactions with intentional habitsMake work life balance feel more manageable through small, consistent improvementsJacqui offers a practical perspective for busy working dads navigating fatherhood, work life balance, parenting, meaningful work, and the everyday realities of balancing family, career, and home.Dig DeeperNotionMario KartYes DayDomino’s Pizza 30 Minutes or LessRugratsSpidey and His Amazing FriendsJanis JoplinPiano ManFollow JacquiOn her websiteOn TikTokOn YouTubeOn LinkedInSign up for her masterclassFollow Gap to GigOn InstagramOn TikTokOn XOn YouTubeOn your podcast player of choiceSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletterFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn

Many working dads spend years chasing the next promotion, milestone, or achievement, believing success will finally bring fulfillment, but when your definition of success comes from everyone else's expectations, it's easy to lose sight of the life you're actually trying to build.Kurt Bush has spent decades leading teams across manufacturing and nonprofit organizations before becoming a trauma-informed coach, certified Internal Family Systems practitioner, and co-founder of Brimstone Coaching Group. He's discovered that many high achievers aren't struggling because they lack ambition. They're exhausted because they're pursuing goals that no longer align with who they are.Kurt shares how to:Define success based on your own values instead of outside expectationsFocus on how you show up instead of outcomes you can't controlBuild a simple habit of reflection that creates lasting personal growthNavigate modern dad challenges with greater self-awarenessStrengthen your relationships by responding instead of reactingPursue meaningful work without losing yourself along the wayKurt offers a thoughtful perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, dad identity and ambition, and the importance of aligning your work, relationships, and decisions with what matters most to you.Dig DeeperInternal Family Systems TheoryWhistler, BCCombined No-HittersPhineas and FerbOnly Want To Be With YouFollow KurtOn his websiteOn his podcast, Live Fully. Lead Authentically.On InstagramOn LinkedInRead his book, Live Fully, Lead AuthenticallyFollow Gap to GigOn InstagramOn TikTokOn XOn YouTubeOn your podcast player of choiceSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletterFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn

Many dads work hard to provide for their families, yet still feel like they're missing the moments that matter most. The challenge often isn't a lack of time. It's carrying the stress, distractions, and pressure of work into the people who need us most.Mitesh Khatri is a corporate strategist, author of Fight or Father: Using CALM to Stop Reacting and Start Connecting, and a father who discovered that being physically present isn't the same as being emotionally present. After his young son quietly pointed out, "You're always on your phone, Dad," Mitesh began exploring nervous system regulation, movement, and practical habits that helped him reconnect with his family and himself.Mitesh shares how to:Recognize the difference between providing for your family and being truly presentCreate stronger connections with your children through everyday momentsModel healthy behaviors your kids will carry into adulthoodPrioritize presence at home without sacrificing meaningful workMitesh offers practical insights for working dads navigating fatherhood, work life balance, and the daily pressure to succeed while staying connected to the people who matter most.We explore presence at home, fatherhood mental health, modern dad challenges, parenting, and the small shifts that can strengthen your relationships, your leadership, and the example you set for your children.Dig DeeperGold Coast MarathonBeyond BlueAtomic HabitsGabor MatéSlip ’N SlideTony RobbinsAwaken the Giant WithinPaw PatrolBillie JeanFollow MiteshOn his websiteRead his book, Fight or Father: Using CALM to Stop Reacting and Start Connecting (US 🇺🇸 / AUS 🇦🇺) Follow Gap to GigOn InstagramOn TikTokOn XOn YouTubeOn your podcast player of choiceSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletterFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn

School plays an important role in preparing our kids for the future. But some of the lessons they'll rely on most aren't taught in a classroom.Rob Heller is an entrepreneur, author, youth development expert, and founder of Boost, a personal development program that helps teenagers build the people skills, character, and healthy mindset they need to thrive long after graduation.In this episode, you'll learn how to:Help kids develop people skills that shape lifelong relationshipsBuild character, confidence, and resilience through everyday experiencesPrepare teenagers for adulthood beyond grades and test scoresModel the behaviors your children are quietly learning from youNavigate technology without sacrificing real-world connectionEncourage a healthy mindset through struggle, growth, and accountabilityHelp kids set meaningful goals and overcome obstaclesReinforce the lessons that school alone can't teachWhether you're navigating fatherhood for the first time or simply trying to be more intentional as a working dad, this conversation is a reminder that some of the most important lessons children learn come from your example. From communication and character to resilience and presence at home, Rob shares practical insights to help parents prepare their kids for life beyond the classroom.Dig DeeperHow to Win Friends & Influence PeopleThink and Grow RichSesame StreetRapper’s DelightFollow RobOn his websiteOn InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeOn TikTokOn LinkedInOn his newsletterRead his book, The Missing Course for Today's YouthFollow Gap to GigOn InstagramOn TikTokOn XOn YouTubeOn your podcast player of choiceSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletterFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn

Raising resilient kids isn’t about protecting them from every challenge. It’s about preparing them to face challenges with confidence, character, and resilience.Stephen Clifford is an author, youth coach, speaker, and creator of the Forgotten Wisdom children’s book series. Together with his wife, he’s intentionally raising his children to embrace accountability, gratitude, perseverance, and failure as part of growth, while recognizing that every child learns differently.Stephen shares how to:Raise resilient kids without trying to eliminate every obstacleHelp children build confidence by learning from failureAdapt your parenting style to fit each child’s unique personalityTeach accountability and gratitude through everyday momentsModel the values you hope your kids will carry into adulthoodBalance the demands of fatherhood, meaningful work, and being a working dadCreate family traditions that reinforce character over achievementThink beyond today’s parenting decisions to the legacy you’re building for future generationsStephen offers practical encouragement for working dads navigating fatherhood, modern dad challenges, and the responsibility of raising children with character in an increasingly comfortable world.Dig DeeperThe Berenstain BearsRunning of the Bulls - PamplonaTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesNinja RapZombie by The CranberriesFollow StephenOn his websiteOn AmazonOn InstagramOn YouTubeOn LinkedInTaylor’s Job Safari on InstagramTaylor’s Job Safari on YouTubeFollow Gap to GigOn InstagramOn TikTokOn XOn YouTubeOn your podcast player of choiceSign up for the Gap to Gig newsletterFollow MichaelOn LinkedIn