Extraordinary Dads

About Extraordinary Dads

We’re two ordinary dads with an avid interest in what makes fatherhood extraordinary. Each episode, we sit down with another dad to explore the full spectrum of parenting: from the brightest highs to the toughest lows. We dig into unsung stories of care, love, frustration, joy, disappointment, and everything in between. This podcast is about modern dads navigating the evolving landscape of parenting. Together, we learn and celebrate the practical habits and hard-earned insights that help us feel more successful as parents. Real talk. Honest reflection. Occasional swearing.

Publisher

Donal Murphy and Matthew Marichiba

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 May 2025

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   "It's not proximity. It's how do they feel when they're with you?" Blue, Long-distance Dad

   In this conversation, we explore the unique challenges, strategies, and tactics of long-distance parenting with Blue, who parents a son in England while he himself is based in Western Canada. It's an insightful, enlightening, and uplifting conversation about maintaining emotional connection, creative engagement, long-distance and in-person dynamics, navigating evolving challenges across age ranges, fostering active family bonds within a blended family, and doing it all across continents, across time zones, and across thousands of miles. Learn more about Blue: https://www.bluenetherclift.com/ Listen to Blue's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5n86TtheMzaxqtd0qXpBGb Buy The Distance Dad Playbook: https://dadwithoutborders.gumroad.com/l/wtozu Keywords: parenting, long-distance parenting, fatherhood, emotional availability, long-distance dynamics, long-distance parenting challenges, blended families, parent-child connection, co-parenting, intentional parenting, father-son relationships, parenting across borders, family rituals, child well-being, repairing father-son relationships, modern fatherhood

2. 

   2 May 2026

   "Can I learn fatherhood like learning anything else?", Larry Hagner of the Dad Edge Podcast

   In this episode we talk with Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge Podcast, who shares about his experience coaching fathers, the importance of continuous learning, creating psychological safety for your kids and spouse, and self-care for Dad. Plus, we hear touching stories of losing and finding his biological father, as well as the new experience of fathering now-adult children. Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Matthew & Donal check in 08:16 Larry's Journey into Fatherhood and Podcasting 11:19 The Impact of Larry's Childhood on His Parenting Philosophy 16:12 The Birth of The Dad Edge: A Promise to Change 17:02 Creating Psychological Safety in Parenting 21:04 Encouraging Critical Thinking in Children 21:48 Understanding Different Communication Styles with Kids 22:54 Intentional Parenting: Building Connections with Older Kids 24:43 Navigating Mental Health: Larry's Journey 27:31 Modeling Psychological Safety in Family Dynamics 30:12 Creating Bonds Through Shared Activities 33:06 The Importance of Self-Care for Dads 36:41 Building Community: The Power of Dad Groups 39:47 Prioritizing Marriage: The Foundation of Family Life 42:59 The Continuous Journey of Parenting Resources & Guest Links The Dad Edge Podcast - https://thedadedge.com Check out the Extraordinary Dads podcast Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extraordinary-dads/id1813773395) Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4EPjqhzyg3R2evQXhOzkUT) Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8254fabb-92bd-4878-9604-651dc666a759/extraordinary-dads) Castbox (https://castbox.fm/channel/id6603065?country=us) Goodpods (https://goodpods.com/podcasts/extraordinary-dads-686186) Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1813773395) Pocket Casts (https://pca.st/740hmiex) Keywords fatherhood, parenting, psychological safety, self-care, family, leadership, community, personal growth

3. 

   14 Mar 2026

   “I have to give myself grace.” Manish, Stay-at-home Dad

   In this episode, we have an engaging, thoughtful, and heartfelt conversation with our guest, Manish, a stay-at-home dad. Manish shares his journey from working in tech in Silicon Valley to becoming a full-time parent, highlighting the gifts of being more present in his children's lives and the personal growth that he has experienced because of that. We explore the dynamics of being the stay-at-home parent, the inherentchallenges and rewards, and the societal perceptions surrounding non-traditional parenting roles. Our conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of parenting as a father, the value of community support, and the lessons learned from his own dad that he now consciously applies. Keywords: parenting, stay-at-home dad, parenting roles, non-traditional parenting, fatherhood, parenting challenges, emotional growth, community support, family dynamics, work-life balance

4. 

   25 Jan 2026

   What is the sound of two dads flapping? Part 2: The XOD 1 Year Anniversary!

   In this episode Donal and Matthew reflect on the first year of the Extraordinary Dads podcast. Is it doing what they expected? How is it different than planned? What are we asking of the dads listening? (Spoilers: Get yourself in community. Have more conversations about dadding with your community. Improve a little, bit by bit, wherever and whenever you find the inspiration.)

5. 

   26 Nov 2025

   "I'm the Dad he wishes he was." Steve, Martial Arts School Owner

   In this conversation, Steve, owner of the Santa Cruz GracieJiu-Jitsu Martial Arts School, shares insights into his life as a father and martial arts instructor. He discusses balancing parenting and self-care, education choices for his sons, and the lessons learned from Jiu-Jitsu that apply to life and fatherhood. Steve reflects on his own upbringing, the death of his mother, his absentee father, and how that motivates him to strive to be a better dad for his children. He also talks about the complicated evolution of his relationship with his dad in adulthood and how forgiveness and redemption are playing a part in the ongoing healing of that relationship. More information on Santa Cruz Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Martial ArtsSchool: www.graciesantacruz.com Keywords: parenting, jiu-jitsu, education, homeschooling, bullying, self-defense, personal growth, self-care, absentee father, forgiveness, redemption, entrepreneurship

6. 

   19 Oct 2025

   "It's shaping me. I also get to change and grow." - Jeremy, Music Producer Dad

   In this conversation, Jeremy (a DIFFERENT Jeremy than last time!), a music producer and entrepreneur shares his experiences as a single dad with joint custody. He dwells on the importance of patience, presence, and creativity in his parenting approach. Jeremy reflects on the influence of his parents and heritage, and shares his viewpoint as a Black father in a predominantly white community. Jeremy’s conversation highlights the growth, learning and awesomeness  that comes with being a dad. Check out Jeremy's production studio Sonivore at www.sonivores.com, or follow his Instagam @sonivore. Apologies for the creaky chair noise throughout this episode, folks! We kinda botched the studio setup for this recording, and the mic captured a bunch of ambient noise. We learn and we move on! Keywords: parenting, joint custody, patience, creativity, emotional intelligence, cultural identity, music, family dynamics, black fatherhood, personal growth

7. 

   9 Sept 2025

   "Froggy Baby Daddy!" - Jeremy, New Dad

   In this engaging episode of the Extraordinary Dads podcast, we sit down with Jeremy, a new dad navigating the joys and challenges of parenting an 18-month-old. Jeremy shares his experiences of balancing work and family life, the unexpected realities of fatherhood, the importance of patience and presence, and the pressures and expectations that come with striving for perfection. He reflects on the influence of his own upbringing and the support of his family, offering insights into the evolving journey of being a dad. Join us for this heartfelt conversation about the trials and triumphs of early parenthood. Keywords: parenting, fatherhood, labor, work-life-balance, perfectionism, mindfulness, presence, hybrid work, working from home, self-care, screen time, devices, grandparents, family support, job search, community support, summer camps.

8. 

   13 Aug 2025

   "If you've met one person on the spectrum, you've met one person on the spectrum." - Chad, Autism Dad

   In this episode Chad, an “Autism dad,” shares his journey of parenting a neurodivergent child, and how it has shaped his marriage and family life. Chad discusses how his own diagnosis has brought insight and empathy into his approach to parenting his child. This episode offers a candid look at the unique joys and struggles of raising a neurodivergent child, emphasizing the importance of understanding, patience, partnership and love in fostering a supportive family environment. All this, plus lost chickens and Freemasons! Keywords: Parenting, Fatherhood, Teenager, Neurodivergence, Autism Spectrum, Perspective, Marriage, Family, Personal Growth, Celebrate the Small Victories, Kindness to Self References: The Virtues Guide, published 1991 - no longer in print, but copies can be found on ebay or other used book sellers.

9. 

   6 Jul 2025

   "Dada Car!" - Max, Firefighter Dad

   Firefighter Max Shih discusses balancing a demanding career with the challenges of parenthood, emphasizing communication, community support, and lessons learned from his own father in this interview.

10. 

    31 May 2025

    "Being there. Being present. Being available and not turning kids down." - Larry, Dad of Dads!

    Larry, father and grandfather, shares his experiences on being a dad to grown children, reflecting on parenting styles and evolving family dynamics in an interview with Donal and Matthew.

11. 

    16 May 2025

    "Money as a means to family experiences." - Tom, financial advisor

    Financial advisor Tom discusses using money to create meaningful family experiences, teaching values, and achieving work-life balance as a father of twins in this interview.

12. 

    9 May 2025

    "Grow where you're planted" - Dan, Old Dad

    Dan, an older father and Catholic chaplain, shares his experiences of parenting past 60 and integrating spirituality into his daughter's life, offering insights on adapting to fatherhood at a later stage in this interview.

13. 

    8 May 2025

    "Logic and reason!" - Erik, Young Dad

    Erik, a young father of three, shares his experiences with gentle parenting, family support, and emotional awareness, reflecting on personal growth and the impact of his father's death in this interview.

14. 

    7 May 2025

    "What is the sound of two dads flapping?" - Matthew & Donal kick things off

    Hosts Matthew and Donal discuss bedtime routines, reading habits, homeschooling, and self-care, sharing their recent experiences and challenges in parenting as they explore ways to support children in this episode.

15. 

    4 May 2025

    Origin Story

    The hosts of Extraordinary Dads podcast discuss the origins of their project and share proud parenting moments, current challenges, and practical tips in their inaugural episode.

Who has been a guest on Extraordinary Dads

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Max Shih
• Larry
• Tom
• Dan
• Erik

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

3.7 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

6

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Extraordinary Dads

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Extraordinary Dads