Dads Interrupted

The Moment That Redefined Fatherhood with Jeff Hittner

When Jeff Hittner learned he couldn’t become a biological father, it shattered his definition of success — and ultimately transformed it. In this episode of Dads Interrupted, Jeff shares how grief, therapy, and courage helped him redefine what fatherhood really means. Together, we explore the tension between career and family, why asking for help is a leadership superpower, and how healing yourself is the first step to being the dad you want to be. Topics: * Redefining fatherhood through grief * The balance between ambition and presence * Emotional courage and asking for help * The messy middle of modern fatherhood * Why healing yourself changes everything Takeaway: Jeff reminds us that ambition and fatherhood don’t have to compete... but only when we lead from alignment, not ego. Learn more: Ambitious Dads [https://www.ambitiousdads.com/] — About the Host: Hi, I'm Fred Van Riper—husband, father, former construction professional, and creator of the Connection Architecture Process. I help growth-oriented leaders become more clear, confident, and connected through transformational leadership development. I work with leaders who are successful on paper but know there's another level available—leaders who want to architect genuine connection rather than hope for it. Whether you're leading teams, building businesses, or navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood, everything starts with how you lead yourself. This podcast explores the intersection of leadership, connection, and authentic living. No corporate fluff. No outdated "authority" models. Just real conversations about the invisible forces that shape how we show up—and practical tools to transform them. My approach combines unconventional methods with proven frameworks because breakthrough moments happen when we bypass the analytical mind and access our authentic leadership wisdom. Think leadership archaeology, emotional weather systems, and connection as a competitive advantage. Ready to go deeper? The Connection Blueprint is my flagship 3-week leadership development experience launching September 2025. This live "course" is designed for leaders who see connection skills as leadership development, not crisis management. Reserve your spot here. [https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/connection-blueprint] Want immediate insight? Book a free Strategy Call [https://calendly.com/setyourkeystones/strategy-call-icon-leadership] to explore how the Connection Architecture Process applies to your specific leadership challenges. Looking for resources you can dive into right now? Check out my complete toolkit. [https://linktr.ee/seatatthetablecoaching] Everything begins with how you lead yourself. Your success, how you handle failure, conflict, and challenging emotions—it all connects back to how connected you are to yourself and others. Let's architect that connection together. ---- Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.

From Aerospace to Alignment with Alex Egeler

When aerospace engineer turned executive Alex Egeler stepped away from his high-powered career, he expected freedom. What he didn’t expect was the identity crisis that followed. In this episode of Dads Interrupted, Alex shares how becoming a dad “interrupted” his career in the best possible way—and why letting go of outdated ideas of success helped him find purpose, presence, and a career that truly fits his life. Topics include: * The leap from aerospace executive to lead dad and coach * Why success isn’t about hours worked, but energy and impact * How empathy became Alex’s greatest leadership (and parenting) superpower * The myth of working parents being “less valuable” * Practical steps for finding work that aligns with family life * A simple daily practice to rebalance work, parenting, and self Takeaway: Alex reminds us that being “interrupted” isn’t a setback—it’s an invitation to realign with what matters most. Need career coaching? ↓ Connect with Alex: empathicegg.com [http://www.empathicegg.com] Alex's Custom Career Clarity GPT: Career Clarity GPT [https://www.empathicegg.com/clarity_gpt] Find Alex on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-egeler-empathic-egg/] About the Host: Hi, I'm Fred Van Riper—husband, father, former construction professional, and creator of the Connection Architecture Process. I help growth-oriented leaders become more clear, confident, and connected through transformational leadership development. I work with leaders who are successful on paper but know there's another level available—leaders who want to architect genuine connection rather than hope for it. Whether you're leading teams, building businesses, or navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood, everything starts with how you lead yourself. This podcast explores the intersection of leadership, connection, and authentic living. No corporate fluff. No outdated "authority" models. Just real conversations about the invisible forces that shape how we show up—and practical tools to transform them. My approach combines unconventional methods with proven frameworks because breakthrough moments happen when we bypass the analytical mind and access our authentic leadership wisdom. Think leadership archaeology, emotional weather systems, and connection as a competitive advantage. Ready to go deeper? The Connection Blueprint is my flagship 3-week leadership development experience launching September 2025. This live "course" is designed for leaders who see connection skills as leadership development, not crisis management. Reserve your spot here. [https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/connection-blueprint] Want immediate insight? Book a free Strategy Call [https://calendly.com/setyourkeystones/strategy-call-icon-leadership] to explore how the Connection Architecture Process applies to your specific leadership challenges. Looking for resources you can dive into right now? Check out my complete toolkit. [https://linktr.ee/seatatthetablecoaching] Everything begins with how you lead yourself. Your success, how you handle failure, conflict, and challenging emotions—it all connects back to how connected you are to yourself and others. Let's architect that connection together. ---- Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.

Raising Resilient Sons in a World That Undermines Them with Jeff Nelligan

How do you raise confident, resilient kids when the world feels stacked against them? Jeff Nelligan, a father of three and author of Four Lessons from My Three Sons, joins the show to break down how everyday dads can build ambition, emotional strength, and personal conduct into the DNA of their kids — no yelling, no lectures, just strategy and presence. In this episode, Jeff shares his story: from Capitol Hill to the bleachers with his boys, from military discipline to emotional safety. We also get personal about how generational resilience, Māori heritage, and structured rituals shaped how he raised three sons who went on to thrive at West Point, Williams College, and the Naval Academy. Topics include: * Why culture will parent your kids if you don’t * How to raise emotionally tough sons without shutting them down * The underrated power of “bleacher time” and nightly walks * Building lifelong trust through small daily actions * Why resilience in parenting starts with personal resilience Takeaway: You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be present, intentional, and unafraid to lead. Fatherhood is a team sport — start playing like it. 📚 Connect with Jeff: 📖 NelliganBooks.com [http://nelliganbooks.com] 📬 Jeff@ResilientSons.com 📘 Four Lessons from My Three Sons - Get the Book Now [https://www.amazon.com/Four-Lessons-Three-Sons-Resilient-ebook/dp/B0CBN6XPTL/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=] 🗞 Featured in: USA Today, NPR, Fatherly, Parents Magazine About the Host: Hi, I'm Fred Van Riper—husband, father, former construction professional, and creator of the Connection Architecture Process. I help growth-oriented leaders become more clear, confident, and connected through transformational leadership development. I work with leaders who are successful on paper but know there's another level available—leaders who want to architect genuine connection rather than hope for it. Whether you're leading teams, building businesses, or navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood, everything starts with how you lead yourself. This podcast explores the intersection of leadership, connection, and authentic living. No corporate fluff. No outdated "authority" models. Just real conversations about the invisible forces that shape how we show up—and practical tools to transform them. My approach combines unconventional methods with proven frameworks because breakthrough moments happen when we bypass the analytical mind and access our authentic leadership wisdom. Think leadership archaeology, emotional weather systems, and connection as a competitive advantage. Ready to go deeper? The Connection Blueprint is my flagship 3-week leadership development experience launching September 2025. This live "course" is designed for leaders who see connection skills as leadership development, not crisis management. Reserve your spot here. [https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/connection-blueprint] Want immediate insight? Book a free Strategy Call [https://calendly.com/setyourkeystones/strategy-call-icon-leadership] to explore how the Connection Architecture Process applies to your specific leadership challenges. Looking for resources you can dive into right now? Check out my complete toolkit. [https://linktr.ee/seatatthetablecoaching] Everything begins with how you lead yourself. Your success, how you handle failure, conflict, and challenging emotions—it all connects back to how connected you are to yourself and others. Let's architect that connection together. ---- Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.

Why I Quit Being the Breadwinner (And My Marriage Got Better) with Brian Page

What if running your home like a business could bring more love, peace, and partnership into your marriage? In this powerhouse conversation, certified Fair Play© facilitator and founder of Modern Husbands, Brian Page, shares the systems, mindset shifts, and real-life hacks that transformed his marriage from survival mode to thriving teamwork. We talk about ditching outdated gender roles, redefining what it means to provide, and how to stop micromanaging each other into burnout. With humor, depth, and practical tools, Brian pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a home life that supports your dreams — not drains them. Topics include: * Why “helping” at home isn’t the same as taking ownership * The Fair Play© system and how it eliminates resentment * Ditching gendered tasks: how to think like a team, not a stereotype * A father’s money story — and how it shaped a new legacy * Real hacks for managing domestic labor (yes, there's a spreadsheet involved) Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between being a strong provider and an engaged partner. You can be both — especially when you install the right systems, stop chasing approval, and start building the life you and your partner actually want. About Brian Page Brian Page is the founder of Modern Husbands and a nationally recognized personal finance educator, Fair Play facilitator, and advocate for modern marriage systems. With over 15 years of experience teaching economics and personal finance — and a slew of honors including being named a CNN Money Hero and a Milken Foundation award recipient — Brian blends practical expertise with lived experience. He’s Fair Play Certified®, holds a Master’s in Education, and has served as a consultant to institutions like the Wharton School, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Next Gen Personal Finance. Married since 2002, Brian and his wife — an executive in the financial sector — have three kids and have traded roles as breadwinner and caregiver. His work helps couples rebalance the load at home, strengthen their partnership, and design a life built on teamwork, not tradition. Grab resources and connect with Brian here: Modern Husbands [https://www.modernhusbands.com/] About the Host: Hi, I'm Fred Van Riper—husband, father, former construction professional, and creator of the Connection Architecture Process. I help growth-oriented leaders become more clear, confident, and connected through transformational leadership development. I work with leaders who are successful on paper but know there's another level available—leaders who want to architect genuine connection rather than hope for it. Whether you're leading teams, building businesses, or navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood, everything starts with how you lead yourself. This podcast explores the intersection of leadership, connection, and authentic living. No corporate fluff. No outdated "authority" models. Just real conversations about the invisible forces that shape how we show up—and practical tools to transform them. My approach combines unconventional methods with proven frameworks because breakthrough moments happen when we bypass the analytical mind and access our authentic leadership wisdom. Think leadership archaeology, emotional weather systems, and connection as a competitive advantage. Ready to go deeper? The Connection Blueprint is my flagship 3-week leadership development experience launching September 2025. This live "course" is designed for leaders who see connection skills as leadership development, not crisis management. Reserve your spot here. [https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/connection-blueprint] Want immediate insight? Book a free Strategy Call [https://calendly.com/setyourkeystones/strategy-call-icon-leadership] to explore how the Connection Architecture Process applies to your specific leadership challenges. Looking for resources you can dive into right now? Check out my complete toolkit. [https://linktr.ee/seatatthetablecoaching] Everything begins with how you lead yourself. Your success, how you handle failure, conflict, and challenging emotions—it all connects back to how connected you are to yourself and others. Let's architect that connection together. ---- Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.

Why Great Couples Still Break Up (and How to Make Sure You Don’t) with Nick Brancato

When did your relationship stop feeling like a team effort? In this power-packed episode, Frederick sits down with Nick Brancato—relationship strategist, personal development coach, and author of Prioritize Us—to unpack why so many couples fall into “priority drift,” and how to realign before it’s too late. Nick shares the simple but powerful Total Difference Score (TDS) test, a practical framework to help couples measure their alignment, spot silent tension before it explodes, and build back daily connection. This conversation is honest, heartfelt, and full of actionable tools for anyone ready to stop coasting and start co-creating in their relationship. Topics include: * What “priority drift” is—and why even loving couples fall into it * The Total Difference Score (TDS) and how to use it to measure alignment * Why commitment is a daily decision, not a one-time promise * Simple rituals that build trust, intimacy, and shared direction * How to have the right conversations before resentment sets in Takeaway: If you don’t check in with your partner, you risk checking out of your relationship. Alignment doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. NICK BRANCATO is a seasoned personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master’s degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide clients through life’s challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. Nick’s holistic process incorporates meditation, guided visualization, and hypnotherapy, emphasizing both emotional insight and actionable steps. By fostering deeper connections and mental clarity, Nick empowers couples to transform tension into trust and misalignment into mutual success, creating lasting, meaningful change in their relationships. Get a digital copy of Nick’s book Prioritize Us FREE at nickbrancato.com [http://nickbrancato.com] Find Nick here: https://www.nickbrancato.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nickbrancato.com%252F%26user_uuid%3D367281dd-94f3-4dec-b46a-9bf22bd25328%26stage%3D1%26hmac%3D8e3b38c7454b26920e0a5e3927a0927c088ca19f6bdde5916dd712f30a425054&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0Pd4Tem-nbuzDvCnxNMam3] https://www.instagram.com/personaldevcoach/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.instagram.com%252Fpersonaldevcoach%252F%26user_uuid%3D367281dd-94f3-4dec-b46a-9bf22bd25328%26stage%3D1%26hmac%3D4a2b708741b6fc08a6dbc74db6636b6ef0871590bd55c419583eea14399d867a&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3lGE-E2d_xg2xOiW5UVOTk] https://www.amazon.com/Prioritize-Us-Unlock-Lasting-Priority/dp/B0DLVNWTJD [https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.amazon.com%252FPrioritize-Us-Unlock-Lasting-Priority%252Fdp%252FB0DLVNWTJD%26user_uuid%3D367281dd-94f3-4dec-b46a-9bf22bd25328%26stage%3D1%26hmac%3D3a5aa0aa83466a78dd60bb555049b42a2ec9cc1fc9d44cec93c0711d67adc936&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0_emOuS-tFjKSXAErGQB9b] About the Host: Hi, I'm Fred Van Riper—husband, father, former construction professional, and creator of the Connection Architecture Process. I help growth-oriented leaders become more clear, confident, and connected through transformational leadership development. I work with leaders who are successful on paper but know there's another level available—leaders who want to architect genuine connection rather than hope for it. Whether you're leading teams, building businesses, or navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood, everything starts with how you lead yourself. This podcast explores the intersection of leadership, connection, and authentic living. No corporate fluff. No outdated "authority" models. Just real conversations about the invisible forces that shape how we show up—and practical tools to transform them. My approach combines unconventional methods with proven frameworks because breakthrough moments happen when we bypass the analytical mind and access our authentic leadership wisdom. Think leadership archaeology, emotional weather systems, and connection as a competitive advantage. Ready to go deeper? The Connection Blueprint is my flagship 3-week leadership development experience launching September 2025. This live "course" is designed for leaders who see connection skills as leadership development, not crisis management. Reserve your spot here. [https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/connection-blueprint] Want immediate insight? Book a free Strategy Call [https://calendly.com/setyourkeystones/strategy-call-icon-leadership] to explore how the Connection Architecture Process applies to your specific leadership challenges. Looking for resources you can dive into right now? Check out my complete toolkit. [https://linktr.ee/seatatthetablecoaching] Everything begins with how you lead yourself. Your success, how you handle failure, conflict, and challenging emotions—it all connects back to how connected you are to yourself and others. Let's architect that connection together. ---- Disclaimer: The content contained herein is for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat a viewer/listener with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist but is for the purpose of educating the viewer about new approaches to working on personal problems. Viewers/listeners should use this podcast at their own risk, with the understanding that we are not liable for its impact or effect on its users. Viewing/listening to the podcast does not form a practitioner/client relationship between the viewer/listener.