Daring to Dad

Who Am I Without the Job? with John Shearer

What happens when the title, the paycheck, or the role you’ve always played no longer feels like enough?
In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with therapist John Shearer, founder of Kickstart Men’s Therapy in Ontario. John shares his powerful story of leaving behind a successful corporate career to find something more real, more honest—and more connected to who he truly is.
We talk about the pressure men feel to constantly prove themselves, why so many guys give up on therapy, and what it means to show up as a man, a father, and a human being—without all the masks.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure of who you are beyond your job or your role—this conversation is for you.
Topics Covered:
✔️ Why so few men become therapists (and why we need more)
✔️ The real reason men drop out of therapy
✔️ How identity and self-worth get tangled up in work and status
✔️ What women often don’t understand about the male experience
✔️ How to reconnect with purpose, family, and self
Follow & Connect: 🎧 Subscribe to Daring to Dad for more conversations on fatherhood, masculinity, and personal growth.
📲 Follow Ryan on Instagram at @daringtodad.
📲 Learn more about John Shearer and Kickstart Men’s Therapy at kickstartmenstherapy.ca and @kickstartmenstherapy
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

Finding Purpose, Connection & Fatherhood with Ryan Olufson

What’s really holding men back from living the life they want? And how can we start to break free from feeling stuck?
In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with Ryan Olufson, a certified Primal Question coach who helps men uncover the deep, often hidden questions that shape their identity, relationships, and decisions. We talk about how childhood experiences influence our search for purpose, why isolation is one of the biggest threats to modern masculinity, and how fatherhood forces us to confront our own past in unexpected ways.
Ryan shares practical tools for breaking free from limiting beliefs, finding meaningful community, and learning to work from a place of rest—rather than exhaustion. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or just searching for something more in your life, this conversation is for you.
Topics Covered:
✔️ The Primal Question—and how it shapes your life choices✔️ Why so many men struggle with friendships and community✔️ The hidden impact of father wounds and how to heal them✔️ The difference between therapy and coaching—and why both matter✔️ How to show up fully for your kids (even when life is overwhelming)
Follow & Connect:
🎧 Subscribe to Daring to Dad for more conversations on fatherhood, masculinity, and personal growth.📲 Follow Ryan Walton on Instagram at @daringtodad and online at datingtodad.com📲 Connect with Ryan Olufson and explore his coaching work at GrowthTakesCourage.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

Breaking Free from Hypermasculinity with Patch McCormick

Why do so many men struggle to connect with their emotions? And what does it really take to break free from the pressures of hypermasculinity?
In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with therapist Patch McCormick to explore the journey from emotional disconnection to deeper self-awareness and relational strength. Patch shares how his high-stakes career in advertising led him to a personal crisis and ultimately, to the world of men's mental health. We unpack the stigma around therapy, the appeal of hypermasculinity, and practical steps for men looking to build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
If you're curious about how to navigate masculinity in a way that feels powerful, grounded, and real—this conversation is for you.
Topics Covered:✔️ Why men avoid therapy (and how to change that)✔️ The impact of hypermasculinity on relationships✔️ How to build emotional resilience without losing your edge✔️ The difference between therapy and coaching—and how to choose what’s right for you
Follow & Connect:🎧 Subscribe to Daring to Dad for more conversations on fatherhood, masculinity, and personal growth.📲 Follow Ryan on Instagram @DaringToDad.📲 Follow Patch McCormick on Instagram @TalkToPatch
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

Why Men’s Mental Health Needs a New Approach with Dr. Audra Horney

Men’s mental health is often overlooked, misunderstood, and full of misconceptions. Why do so many men hesitate to seek therapy? And how can we create spaces where they actually feel supported?
In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with Dr. Audra Horney, a licensed psychologist who specializes in therapy for men. We break down the real barriers keeping men from getting the help they deserve. We discuss why therapy is often unintentionally feminized, how language impacts mental health support, and why shaming men into therapy isn’t the answer.
Dr. Horney also shares practical steps for supporting the men in your life, the role of social media in mental health advocacy, and what therapists and society at large can do to create real change. If you’ve ever wondered how we can do better for men’s mental health, this episode is for you.
🔹 Topics Covered:✔️ The biggest myths about men and therapy✔️ Why therapy has been feminized and how that affects men✔️ How to encourage men to seek help without shaming them✔️ The power of language in mental health treatment✔️ What workplaces and communities can do to support men✔️ How men’s healing benefits everyone
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📲 Connect with Dr. Audra Horney:Instagram & TikTok: @Dr.Audra.Horney
📢 Share this episode! Tag me on social @DaringToDad and let’s keep this conversation going.

Rethinking Masculinity, Fatherhood & Growth with Ludo Gabriele

What does it truly mean to be a man today? In this episode of Daring to Dad, I sit down with Ludo Gabriele, writer, thought leader, and founder of WokeDaddy.com, to explore the complexities of masculinity, fatherhood, and personal growth.
Ludo shares his deeply personal journey and how missing his son’s first steps led him to question everything, why fatherhood changed the way he saw himself, and how his views on masculinity have evolved over the years. We dive into the challenges men face today, from societal expectations to the impact of social media, and why the conversation about men needs to move beyond extreme narratives.
This episode is raw, thought-provoking, and filled with insights that will challenge the way you think about masculinity, identity, and the power of change. Whether you're a father, a son, or someone curious about the shifting landscape of gender roles, this conversation is for you.
Topics We Cover:✔️ The moment that changed everything for Ludo as a father✔️ Why allowing yourself to evolve is a strength, not a weakness✔️ Raising boys vs. raising girls—how the challenges differ✔️ How social media shapes (and distorts) conversations about men✔️ Moving beyond the extremes and why we need a more balanced discussion on masculinity
🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people find the show.
📲 Follow Ludo Gabriele:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludogabriele/ 
📲 Follow [Your Name] & [Podcast Name]:🔗 Instagram: @daringtodad🔗 TikTok: daring.to.dad🔗 Website: www.daringtodad.com 
 

Redefining Masculinity, Trauma, and Spiritual Growth with Zack Alexander

Welcome back to season 2 of the Daring to Dad podcast! I'm kicking of the season with Zack Alexander, a spiritual and leadership mentor whose transformative journey is reshaping conversations around trauma, masculinity, and personal growth.
From leaving a full scholarship at a top law school to diving deep into the worlds of trauma integration and grounded spirituality, Zack shares how he’s helping individuals—and especially men—connect with their healthiest, most authentic selves.
Together, Zack and I explore:
The societal barriers men face in embracing their emotions and spirituality
The complex interplay between trauma, self-discovery, and healing
The rise of social media in shaping wellness conversations—for better or worse
The importance of authenticity in an era of influencer culture
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, a fresh perspective on personal growth, or actionable insights into navigating life’s challenges, this conversation will leave you thinking deeply about how to connect with yourself and the world around you.
Don’t miss this compelling discussion packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and transformative ideas.
Follow Zack Alexander:Instagram: @iamzackalexander

Navigating Change: Manhood, Parenting, and Purpose Beyond Belief with Joshua Harris

In this episode of Daring to Dad, Ryan sits down with Joshua Harris to explore the profound journey of personal transformation and self-discovery. Many will recognize Josh from his years as a prominent voice within a certain faith community, but today, he is forging a new path as a seeker, creative, and advocate for personal growth. Josh shares his story of stepping away from a rigid, fear-based religious framework and embracing a life filled with exploration, creativity, and connection.
Together, Ryan and Josh dive into the complexities of life transitions and the courage it takes to redefine one’s identity. They explore the ways in which our beliefs—especially around manhood, parenting, and community—evolve over time and how that evolution is essential to personal growth. Josh reflects on the impact of public persona and the challenges he’s faced navigating life after leaving a faith-based environment, highlighting the importance of fostering genuine community and compassion.
This conversation emphasizes the need to understand generational differences, the role of curiosity and empathy in building strong relationships, and the significance of staying open to change, both in ourselves and in those around us. Josh’s insights offer listeners a fresh perspective on navigating the ever-evolving journey of identity and purpose.
Whether you’re questioning long-held beliefs or simply seeking inspiration on personal growth, this episode with Joshua Harris is a thought-provoking listen that sheds light on the value of connection, curiosity, and the freedom to grow.

Ryan Meeks on Embracing Death as a Life Guide

Summary:
This week's guest is Ryan Meeks. Ryan, along with his wife Michelle, has dedicated his life to guiding others toward healing, self-discovery, and deeper connection. With a background that spans 20 years as an ordained minister, Ryan now offers what he calls '(UN)Spiritual Direction'—a pragmatic, heart-centered approach to cultivating a sacred way of living beyond traditional religious frameworks. In this conversation he shares his journey through masculinity, fatherhood, and the transformative experiences that shaped his identity. He reflects on the influence of his grandfather, the impact of death on his perspective, and his departure from traditional faith. Ryan discusses the lessons learned from his battle with cancer and how psychedelics have played a role in his personal growth and understanding of emotional health.Podcast Moments: 
00:00 Exploring Masculinity and Fatherhood
06:39 The Impact of Death on Life Perspective
11:24 Navigating Faith and Identity
18:42 Lessons from Cancer
34:30 Psychedelics and Personal Transformation
Learn more about Ryan's work at www.loveisthepoint.com 

Embodied Leadership with Travis Streb

In this episode of the Daring to Dad podcast, Ryan reconnects with seasoned coach, Travis Streb, who shares insights on his work with men and couples, the emotional complexities of parenting, and the importance of integration in life. They discuss the fears parents face in today's world, the significance of community, and practical steps for men to reconnect with themselves and others. Travis emphasizes the need for men to engage with nature, spirituality, and their bodies to achieve a sense of wholeness and connection.
 
Connect with Travis at travisstreb.com 

Breaking the Cycle with Ryan Rucker

What is the impact of growing up without a father? What impact does it have on the families that come next? In this conversation, Ryan Rucker shares his journey of navigating fatherhood without a father figure in his life. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, the lessons learned from his mother and grandmother, and how he strives to be a present and involved father. The conversation explores themes of masculinity, the importance of community, and the need for empathy in understanding the complexities of fatherhood. Rucker also reflects on his reconnection with his biological father and the insights gained from that experience, emphasizing the importance of breaking generational patterns and fostering emotional intelligence in parenting.