Ever feel like your identity has been completely swallowed by parenthood? You're not alone.

Mark kicks off this episode with the wild tale of his whirlwind trip to California—a dream content creation opportunity that came with equal parts excitement and anxiety. Between the language barriers, tight deadlines, and nagging suspicion that he might be getting scammed, Mark barely had time to process that he was living out his professional dream. But the real struggle wasn't the work itself; it was the guilt of leaving his family behind and the realization that these experiences would be more meaningful with his wife by his side.

This adventure opens up a candid conversation about maintaining your personal identity while being a parent. We dive into the refreshing perspective that while we love our children deeply, it's perfectly normal to find aspects of parenting challenging. As one therapist puts it, "Parenthood has a right to all of my time, money, love and devotion—but not all of my identity." This sentiment hit home for all of us who've felt the pressure to make parenting our entire existence.

The most powerful moments come when discussing those rare parenting wins that make the struggles worthwhile. Dave shares how his 13-year-old son has transformed from competitive to compassionate during their runs together, while Mark witnesses his nephew showing remarkable empathy by comforting a devastated quarterback after a crushing loss. Brian adds insight from his niece about how her parents built her confidence by encouraging her to handle difficult situations herself rather than intervening.

These stories remind us why we do this work—those fleeting moments when we glimpse the adults our children are becoming, shaped by the values we've been quietly modeling all along. Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about finding joy in the parenting journey while holding onto who you are beyond being "just" a mom or dad.