Startup Dad

• Create Your Parent Advisory Board | Mike Leibovich (Dad of 1, Adobe)

  Michael Leibovich is the Head of Growth at Adobe, but at home, he’s dad to a curious two-and-a-half-year-old and husband to a full-time working partner. With a previous career as a touring musician and a current career in creative tech leadership at companies like Vimeo and Abstract, Michael brings an emotionally grounded, inventive lens to fatherhood.In this episode, Michael shares how parenting has reshaped his worldview from his leadership style at work to his daily routines at home. Patience in parenting and work: Michael reflects on the contrast between startup urgency and toddler-paced mornings. Learning to slow down and “trust the process” has become a guiding principle both at home and professionally.Changing the channel: One of Michael’s favorite frameworks for toddler meltdowns is simple: change the channel. Whether it’s bath-time resistance or cereal drama, he shares how quick pivots can shift the energy and restore peace.Tech meets parenting: Michael talks about building a custom AI-powered meal-planning app called Picky Eater to handle his daughter’s shifting food preferences, and how it's just one example of tech meeting real-life parenting.Parenting without Google: Instead of doomscrolling for answers, Michael and his wife formed a text thread with parents they admire. It’s a real-time advisory board filled with insight, lived experience, and calm advice.Music, creativity, and messy art: A former touring musician, Michael is intentional about nurturing creativity at home. From drum time to digitizing toddler scribbles, he shares how he’s creating space for curiosity.Where to find Mike LeibovichLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelleibovich/ Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Michael Leibovich(02:02) The patience of parenting a toddler(03:41) Balancing work and family life(05:13) Navigating toddler tantrums(07:44) Caring for aging parents(11:09) Nurturing creativity in children(14:41) The torrent of preschool artwork(16:38) Michael's musical journey(19:47) Transition from music to tech(20:38) Unique parenting advice approach(28:43) Emergency c-section and complications(31:55) First moments with daughter(34:40) Advice for expecting parents(42:23) Balancing parenting approaches(46:03) Technology and parenting(48:07) AI Solution for picky eaters(51:26) Advice to younger self(54:43) Lightning Round: Parenting products and hacksResources From This Episode:Fidget Spinner Suction Cup: https://www.amazon.com/Suction-Spinner-Sensory-Popping-Auditory/dp/B0BVGZGN3QNoseFrida: https://frida.com/products/nosefrida The Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/Back to the Future: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/Behance: https://www.behance.net/AppFolio: https://www.appfolio.com/Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/Abstract: https://www.abstract.us/Ben Erez Episode: youtube.com/watch?v=st2qxaybgw8Severance: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280740/Adobe Fresco: https://www.adobe.com/products/fresco.htmlPure Volume: https://www.purevolume.com/Napster: https://www.napster.com/us/Limewire: https://limewire.com/Cal Poly: https://www.calpoly.edu/Myspace Records: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace_RecordsHanson: https://hanson.net/homeGin Blossoms: https://www.ginblossoms.net/Jimmy Eat World: https://www.jimmyeatworld.com/The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-giving-tree-shel-silverstein/1100830900Lovable: https://lovable.dev/Bolt: https://bolt.new/https://open.spotify.com/Crocs: https://www.crocs.com/—Support this podcast:For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected] Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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• Parenting is our Founder Superpower | Neil Vidyarthi & Lauren Dugan (Parents of 2, Feel Good Games)

  Lauren Dugan and Neil Vidyarthi are the husband-and-wife co-founders of Feel Good Games, creators of Little Magic Stories, an AI storytelling platform designed to spark creativity and independence in kids. They’re also parents of two boys (ages 3 and 8), longtime partners in both life and work, and startup veterans bringing a playful, grounded perspective to the founder-parent journey.In this episode, Neil and Lauren talk about how parenting fuels their creativity, how they’ve evolved their marriage while running a company together, and why their son insists he’s the real CEO. We discussed:From bedtime stories to startup idea: How their son’s early-morning storytelling sessions inspired the vision for Little Magic Stories, and why they included him as “co-creators” from day one.Building a company with your spouse: What Neil and Lauren have learned about navigating startup stress, creative tension, and parenting chaos as co-founders and partners and the systems they use to stay grounded.Parenting with freedom and play: Why they embrace a “gardener not engineer” model of parenting, how they balance screen time and independence, and the moments that made them rethink control and creativity.The case for structured chaos: From timeboxing and project boards to flexible rituals and tag-team parenting, Neil and Lauren share the habits that help them stay focused while juggling business, marriage, and raising two kids.Redefining success as parent-founders: Why they believe having children has made them more ambitious, not less, and how they’ve reshaped their values around creativity, joy, and freedom.Where to find Lauren DuganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurendugan/ X: https://x.com/lauren_dugan?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/laurencdugan/Where to find Neil VidyarthiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilv/X: https://x.com/neilvidyarthiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilv9999/Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Neil Vidyarthi and Lauren Dugan(02:56) The dynamics of working with family(05:29) Balancing work and family life(13:52) Inspiration behind Feel Good Games(18:30) Advice for founders and parents(33:30) Parenting challenges and social media(34:20) Ash's CEO video(36:09) Parenting philosophies and boundaries(39:20) Kids and technology(43:12) Creative uses of AI in parenting(44:50) Parenting mistakes and lessons(47:59) Connecting with Feel Good Games(49:43) Lightning round: routines, quirks, and family timeShow references:Yoto: https://eu.yotoplay.com/Wipes Warmer: https://urbanessentials.com.ph/products/prince-lionheart-ultimate-wipes-warmer-dispenserGreat Wolf Lodge: https://www.greatwolf.com/Super Mario Brothers: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6718170/My Neighbor Totoro: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096283/The Karate Kid: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/Beetlejuice: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/Todoist: https://www.todoist.com/Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/Avail: https://www.avail.co/landlords/featuresFeel Good Games: https://www.feelgoodgames.xyz/Little Magic Stories: https://www.littlemagicstories.com/Robert Wolfe’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bsi-iOjodMPokemon: https://www.pokemon.com/usPomodoro: https://pomofocus.io/Time Boxing: https://clockify.me/timeboxingThe Freedom App: https://freedom.to/Jay Vidyarthi - Reclaim Your Mind: https://www.jayvidyarthi.com/Game of Thrones: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/Reed Hastings: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reed_HastingsArachnaphobia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099052/The Tao of Parenting The Ageless Wisdom of Taoism and the Art of Raising Children By Greta K. Nagel: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/331083/the-tao-of-parenting-by-greta-k-nagel/Cry Babies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11067738/—For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected] Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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• Parenting is Deeply Unnatural: Advice from a 6x Founder on Becoming a Dad | Aaron White (Dad of 1, AppyAI, Profitwell, Vendr)

  Aaron White, founder of six companies including Appy People, Profitwell, Boundless and Blissfully discusses the intersection of startup life and fatherhood. In this episode, he shares how the challenges of becoming a parent have reshaped his approach to leadership, the unexpected lessons he's learned, and his evolving perspective on success. We discussed:The unpredictable journey of parenthood: Aaron talks about the trauma of his son’s premature birth, the shock of an emergency C-section, and the mental toll of navigating the NICU. Through it all, Aaron reflects on how he and his wife adapted, growing through the challenges and celebrating their son’s healthy arrival.The realities of modern parenting: With no extended family nearby, Aaron describes the strain of modern, nuclear family dynamics. He discusses the unnatural pressure on parents to "do it all" and the importance of asking for help, especially in those exhausting first few months. His mantra: don’t feel guilty about getting help.Learning new strengths as a parent: Parenting has brought out a new side of Aaron that he didn’t expect. He shares how he’s surprised himself with his patience, endurance, and the emotional connection he has developed with his son. Parenting has tested him in ways far beyond his previous experiences with endurance sports.Just say yes: Whether it’s career, parenthood, or life, Aaron advocates saying yes to opportunities. From taking on new projects to engaging with his son, he believes saying yes to difficult things leads to growth.Your child becomes who you believe them to be: Aaron explains how a positive perspective and belief in his son’s potential have shaped their relationship and how he approaches fatherhood.Where to find Aaron WhiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmwhite/ X: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmwhite/ Website: www.appy.aiWhere to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Aaron White(01:50) Diving into API AI and building businesses with AI(02:52) The future of AI and its impact(05:43) Balancing startup life and parenthood(16:41) Modern parenting and embracing help(20:14) Surprising discoveries of fatherhood(29:18) Reengaging with the world as a parent(33:26) Empathy and Leadership as a Parent(40:25) The importance of partnership in parenting(44:23) Technology and parenting in the modern age(47:02) Creative uses of AI for parenting(48:40) Advice for future founders and dads(51:02) Lightning round: wipe warmers and hatch nightlightsShow references:Wipe warmers: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Diaper-Wipe-Warmers/zgbs/baby-products/677976011Hatch Nightlights: https://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Baby-Machine-Trainer-Soother/dp/B08QVG9759?th=1Mushed Parnips: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239206/mashed-parsnips/What Does The Fox Say?: https://youtu.be/jofNR_WkoCE?si=Glykjvv2W3wP0OaJThe Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/The Ewok Adventure: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087225/Kilimanjaro: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/kilimanjaro/Suno: Suno.com—For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected] Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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• You Don’t Own Your Kids, You Borrow Them | Olav Sindre Kriken (Dad of 3, Tana)

  Olav Sindre Kriken is a four-time founder, husband, and father of three who’s currently leading Tana, an AI-powered productivity startup. Originally from a small town in Norway, Olav now lives in Palo Alto, and splits his time between scaling a company and staying deeply present for his family. He believes his family is the most important startup he’ll ever build.In this episode, Olav reflects on what it means to raise resilient, independent kids in a tech-saturated world, how parenting frameworks shape his decisions as a founder, and why being a dad made him rethink everything about success and legacy. We discussed:From dad dates to startup deadlines: Why Olav sets aside sacred, tech-free time with each of his kids every week, and how that ritual strengthens their relationships, even during long stretches apart.Parenting with one voice: Olav shares how he and his wife approach disagreements as co-founders of their family, and why behind-the-scenes alignment helps create stability for their kids.Letting kids struggle: How growing up in Norway taught Olav that adversity is essential, and why he believes challenge, failure, and independence are some of the greatest gifts you can give your children.The power of modeling: From bedtime story world-building to watching their dad lead a company, Olav’s kids are already writing business plans and experimenting with entrepreneurship, all without being told to.Tech is not the enemy: Olav makes the case for embracing technology at home, from ChatGPT storytime to self-taught art via YouTube. He explains how AI can support creativity and learning when paired with values and conversation.Where to find Olav Sindre KrikenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriken/ X: https://x.com/OlavSindreWhere to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Olav Sindre Kriken(00:58) Kids come through You, not from you(01:54) Parenting in Norway vs. the US(08:36) Dad Dates are quality time with kids(10:39) Balancing startup life and family time(12:38) Unified parenting approach with one voice(22:23) Parenting frameworks and philosophies(29:38) Modeling entrepreneurship for kids(32:00) Daughter's mask business(32:46) Parenting through example(33:36) Embracing technology for kids(36:57) Creative uses of AI in parenting(39:08) The story of the son and the window(41:12) Say “Yes” More(44:57) Lightning Round(49:28) Funniest and Most Embarrassing Parenting MomentsShow references:Rocking chair with vibration: https://www.amazon.com/Massage-Recliner-Vibration-Ergonomic-Overstuffed/dp/B0D41M8TRV?th=1 First Time Dad by Jason Petterson: https://www.amazon.com/First-Time-Dad-Understanding-Parenthood/dp/1088045677Salish: https://www.youtube.com/@salishmatterCars: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/Star Wars: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls070150896/Tana: https://tana.inc/Magnus Hillestad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magnushillestad/Sanity: https://www.sanity.io/The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, 20th Anniversary Edition by Patrick M. Lencioni: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team-patrick-m-lencioni/1100520484The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prophet-kahlil-gibran/1116648147Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ChatGPT: Chatgpt.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/YouTube Kids: https://www.youtubekids.com/The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-catcher-in-the-rye-j-d-salinger/1100192775Liverpool FC: https://www.liverpoolfc.com/Manchester United: https://www.manutd.com/Frozen: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/Richard Branson: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-bransonBeyonce: https://beyonce.com/Capybara: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/cabybara-facts—For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected] Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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• How I Learned To Model Emotional Intelligence | Roger Einstoss (Dad of 2, Braintly)

  Roger Einstoss is the founder of Braintly, a software development company specializing in helping U.S.-based companies build and scale their engineering teams in Latin America. He's also a husband, father of two young kids, and passionate about balancing work and family while maintaining emotional intelligence in his parenting.In this episode, Roger shares his unique perspective on parenting in Argentina, how he approaches fatherhood as a team effort with his wife, and how his entrepreneurial journey allowed him the flexibility to be present for his family. We discussed:Parenting as a team: Roger and his wife approach parenting as a true partnership, where both share responsibilities equally. He discusses how their teamwork allows them to stay present in their children’s lives, even while both manage demanding careers.Parenting in Argentina vs. the U.S.: Roger compares parenting styles between Argentina and the U.S., noting key differences in how children leave home for university and how families prioritize close-knit bonds.The importance of emotional intelligence: Growing up without a focus on emotional intelligence, Roger reflects on how he learned to model it for his own children. He shares practical strategies for fostering emotional awareness and resilience in his kids.Work-life balance and quality time: With two young kids and a demanding job, Roger discusses how he maximizes quality time with his family, including how he manages travel and work commitments while staying emotionally connected.Entrepreneurship and family flexibility: Roger explains why he chose to build his own company to gain the freedom to be a present father, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in both work and family life.Where to find Roger EinstossLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogereinstoss/ X: https://x.com/reinstossWhere to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Roger Einstoss, founder of Brantley and dad of two(02:00) Growing up in Argentina and starting coding at 15(04:30) Family inspiration and advice from Roger’s uncle(05:01) Balancing family and business life(06:33) Parenting differences between Argentina and the U.S.(08:00) The importance of living near extended family in Argentina(09:00) Shared parenting responsibilities with Karina(11:20) Both parents working from home: Balancing family and career(16:21) Economic challenges in Argentina and the impact on families(18:34) Starting Brantley and connecting Argentine talent with U.S.(21:08) Roger’s approach to teaching emotional intelligence to kids(23:48) Advice to his younger self: Relax, and embrace flexibility in parenting(25:30) Defining quality time with kids and staying present(28:30) Staying connected with family while traveling for work(32:10) Struggles and rewards of balancing business travel and family life(36:15) Parenting through the eyes of an entrepreneur(38:40) The role of emotional intelligence in shaping family dynamics(40:00) Roger’s perspective on being a present, involved dad(44:30) Lightning round: Parenting must-haves and quirksResources From This Episode:Skibidi Toilet: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27814427/ Skibidi Toilet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skibidi_ToiletDiana and Roma / Kids Diana Show:https://www.youtube.com/c/KidsDianaShow Inside Out: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/Braintly: https://www.braintly.com/Lionel Messi: https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/The Simpsons: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/Mercado Libre: https://mercadolibre.com/Lego: https://www.lego.com/en-usWhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/ChatGPT: www.chatgpt.comBath kneeler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y3YP5FTDiana and Roma: https://www.youtube.com/@KidsRomaShowMarvel Series: https://www.marvel.com/—For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected] Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

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