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The Dad Manual

The Dad Manual

Written by: Tony Cooper
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About this listen

The Dad Manual is a fatherhood podcast hosted by Tony Cooper, featuring honest conversations with dads about the real, unfiltered journey of parenthood. This parenting podcast for dads explores everything from the excitement of being a first time dad to navigating the teenage years. As one of the best podcasts for expecting dads and experienced fathers alike, we dive deep into what it actually means to be a modern dad—the struggles, the growth, the mistakes, and the moments that change you forever. Whether you're looking for a new dad podcast or seasoned parenting wisdom, this family podcast delivers the honest guidance you won't find in books.© 2025 Tony Cooper Parenting Relationships
Episodes
  • Co-Parenting with Intention: Building a Better Legacy for Sons
    Dec 30 2025

    When one positive pregnancy test changes everything, transformation becomes inevitable.

    Diego Kuri's life shifted the moment he discovered he was becoming a father. From addressing his relationship with alcohol to breaking cycles of rage and anxiety, Diego shares how fatherhood pushed him toward becoming his best self. Now co-parenting two strong-willed boys in Miami, he's navigating the balance between nature and nurture, breaking generational patterns, and creating a legacy of presence and unconditional love. This conversation explores the inner work required to show up authentically for your children.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Discovering fatherhood can trigger immediate personal transformation
    • Leading by example is the most powerful parenting tool
    • Breaking generational trauma is the greatest legacy we can leave
    • Co-parenting requires flexibility, communication, and shared values
    • Strong personalities in children reflect opportunities for self-awareness
    • Inner work before crisis prevents future disconnection with kids
    • Nature shapes who children are, but values guide how they navigate life
    • Presence and unconditional love matter more than perfection
    • Small moments of joy often become the most treasured memories
    • Starting therapy or self-work early creates healthier parent-child relationships

    If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com.

    Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/

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    52 mins
  • Aggression and Masculinity in Parenting with Circling Founder Guy Sengstock
    Dec 16 2025

    What happens when a master of human connection realizes he's barely talked about his most important role?

    Guy Sengstock, co-founder of Circling and dialogical practices expert, joins me to explore the implicit nature of fatherhood. With a 22-year-old son and a 4-year-old, Guy shares raw insights on the wonder of witnessing consciousness emerge, the profound regret of signing away proximity to his eldest, and why aggression needs socialization, not suppression. We discuss how fathers teach most powerfully when they're not trying, the cosmological significance of rough-and-tumble play, and what it means to midwife young beings into self-awareness.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Why parenting happens most powerfully in implicit, unplanned moments
    • The respect and otherness experienced during childbirth
    • How physical play socializes healthy masculine aggression
    • The deep regret of allowing distance from your child
    • What it means to be present with wonder as a father
    • How perspective becomes a father's greatest gift
    • Why ending generational trauma matters more than legacy
    • The importance of being fully present at birth and beyond

    If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com.

    Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/

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    56 mins
  • Everything I Learned as a Girl Dad - Raising Daughters with Tony Elliott
    Dec 2 2025

    Tony Elliott shares his journey raising two daughters through the lens of game styles, Love & Logic principles, and real-world trial and error. From tea parties to state championships, discover how understanding biological styles under pressure transforms parenting. Tony opens up about being harder on daughters versus sons, navigating different game styles between siblings, and why supporting the mother is the single most important job for any new dad. Whether you're a new dad podcast listener or raising teenagers, this conversation offers wisdom earned through decades of fatherhood.


    Key Takeaways:

    • How Love & Logic consequences with empathy shaped parenting decisions
    • Understanding your child's biological game style reduces conflict
    • Girl dads experience unexpected fulfillment in father-daughter relationships
    • Supporting the mother is the primary job for new fathers
    • You don't need all the answers right now—solve one problem at a time
    • Being present at every event matters more than you realize
    • Different game styles require different parenting approaches
    • Sleep deprivation is the first problem to solve together
    • Your job transitions from provider to supporter as kids grow
    • The joy in their accomplishments surpasses any personal achievement

    If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com.

    Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/

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    49 mins
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