Dad Space Podcast - for Dads by Dads cover art

Dad Space Podcast - for Dads by Dads

Dad Space Podcast - for Dads by Dads

By: Dave Campbell
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DadSpace - A Podcast for Dads by Dads. Dad Space is a safe space to ask questions, learn from other Dads and grow in community! We equip Dads with how to tips, marriage tips, family insights and even the occasional Dad Joke! Great guests will join us to share their Dad journey with you. Whether you are a new Dad, a Step-Dad, an empty nester or Grandparent! Dad Space is a safe space for Dads to connect and do life together! Visit DadSpace.ca for all things Dad!Dave Campbell Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Navigating the Empty Nest with David Campbell Guesting on the Great Dad Podcast

    Navigating the Empty Nest with David Campbell Guesting on the Great Dad Podcast
    Jun 29 2026

    Episode 266 - Navigating the Empty Nest with David Campbell Guesting on the Great Dad Podcast

    In this special Shared Mic Series episode of Dad Space, host Dave Campbell shares a conversation from his appearance on the GreatDad.com podcast with host Paul. The discussion centers on a topic that many fathers eventually face but few are prepared for: navigating the transition to an empty nest.

    Dave reflects on his own experience as a father of three children and the unexpected reality of watching his family dynamic change almost overnight. What began as a full and active household became a home for two, forcing both Dave and his wife to confront the emotional, relational, and personal challenges that accompany this major life transition. Their differing reactions highlight an important truth: no two parents experience an empty nest in exactly the same way.

    Throughout the conversation, Dave and Paul explore how fathers often tie their identity to their roles as providers, coaches, chauffeurs, and supporters of their children. When those responsibilities begin to fade, many dads are left wondering who they are beyond fatherhood. The discussion examines the importance of intentionally investing in personal interests, friendships, hobbies, and marital relationships long before children leave home.

    The episode also shines a light on the growing challenge of loneliness among men. Dave shares how many fathers gradually lose connections with friends and social circles as family responsibilities increase. As children grow up and move on, those missing relationships can leave a significant gap. Building community, creating meaningful friendships, and finding purpose outside of parenting become essential parts of maintaining emotional well-being.

    Listeners will also hear practical advice for dads approaching this season of life, including strengthening their relationship with their partner, making time for personal passions, and actively creating a support network. Dave encourages fathers to avoid living on autopilot and instead approach life with intention, purpose, and a commitment to personal growth.

    The conversation highlights the work being done by GreatDad.com, a platform dedicated to supporting fathers through resources, conversations, coaching, and discussions about modern fatherhood. Paul's mission of helping dads navigate challenges and build stronger families aligns closely with the themes explored throughout this episode.

    Key Takeaway

    Fatherhood is a lifelong journey, but it should not be your only identity. By investing in relationships, community, personal interests, and your own well-being, you can navigate major life transitions with greater purpose, resilience, and fulfillment.

    Feeling anxious about your kids leaving home? Wondering what comes next after the “full house” years? In this candid and insightful episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with fellow dad and podcast expert David Campbell to explore the emotional landscape of empty nesting. David shares his real-life experience going from a bustling house to a quiet home—for both him and his wife, this transition brought unexpected challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a stay-at-home dad, a working parent, or simply looking for wisdom as your family enters new phases, this episode offers reassurance, actionable tips, and relatable stories for every dad.

    https://greatdad.com/

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    https://dadspace.ca

    Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!?

    https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave

    music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

    Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
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    45 mins
  • Celebrating Father's Day - Dad, Embrace Your Day, You Have Earned This

    Celebrating Father's Day - Dad, Embrace Your Day, You Have Earned This
    Jun 22 2026
    Episode 265 - Celebrating Father's Day - Dad, Embrace Your Day, You Have Earned ThisThis Father’s Day episode of Dad Space is both a celebration and a reflection, marking four years of conversations dedicated to supporting dads around the world. Dave opens with gratitude, recognizing the growth of the podcast and the global community that has formed around a shared goal: becoming better fathers through connection, encouragement, and honest conversation.At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful message: celebrate Father’s Day your way. Rather than following expectations or pressure on how the day “should” look, dads are encouraged to take ownership of the day and shape it or what they truly need. For some, that might mean quiet time alone, a coffee before the house wakes up, or a moment to reflect. For others, it is about intentional time with family, creating memories through shared experiences, laughter, and presence.Dave highlights how fleeting these moments can be, especially as children grow older, reminding listeners to value and prioritize time with their kids while they can. He also encourages dads to reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been put aside, whether that is a hobby, a passion, or simply time to recharge. Fatherhood often centers on giving to others, but this day serves as a reminder that self-care matters too.The episode also acknowledges that Father’s Day can be complex. For some, it may be their first as a new dad, while others may be facing distance, loss, or difficult family circumstances. In those moments, the message is clear: you are not alone, and your impact as a father is not measured by one day, but by the consistent presence and effort you show every day.Dave reflects on the incredible reach of Dad Space, now heard in over 75 countries, emphasizing the universal nature of fatherhood. Despite different cultures and experiences, dads everywhere share the same desire to show up, grow, and support their families.The episode closes with appreciation for the listeners who make the show possible and an open invitation for dads to share their stories, connect, and be part of the community.Four years ago, Dad Space started with a simple idea: dads need space too.As we celebrate our fourth anniversary this Father's Day, I wanted to take a moment to recognize something pretty incredible. Dad Space may be recorded here in Canada, but this community of dads has become truly global.When I first hit record on that very first episode, I never imagined these conversations would travel around the world. Yet today, Dad Space has been downloaded by listeners in more than 75 countries and territories.Of course, our largest audience comes from the United States, followed by Canada. But then the map starts to get really interesting.We have dads and listeners joining us from Germany, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, India, China, Hong Kong, France, Norway, Italy, Brazil, Spain, New Zealand, Finland, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.The conversations continue across Russia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Belgium, Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, the Cayman Islands, the Netherlands, Estonia, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Lithuania, Sweden, Switzerland, Indonesia, Ireland, Austria, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Qatar.And it doesn't stop there.Dad Space has reached listeners in Argentina, Bangladesh, Denmark, Guatemala, Iraq, Panama, Poland, Taiwan, Bahrain, Belize, Botswana, Colombia, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, Romania, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.Think about that for a moment.Different languages.Different cultures.Different traditions.Different time zones.Yet we all share something in common.We're trying to become better dads.Whether you're listening during your morning commute in Toronto, sitting in traffic in Texas, walking through London, enjoying a coffee in Melbourne, relaxing in Singapore, or winding down after work in Germany, we're connected by a shared journey called fatherhood.The challenges may look different.The opportunities may look different.But the desire to show up for our families is universal.So on this Father's Day, and as Dad Space celebrates four years of conversations, I want to say thank you.Thank you for listening.Thank you for sharing episodes.Thank you for supporting the show.Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your parenting journey.Most of all, thank you for proving that dads everywhere are looking for connection, encouragement, and community.From Canada to the world, thank you for making Dad Space part of your story.Happy Father's Day.And wherever you're listening from today, know that there's a seat for you here in Dad Space.Key takeaway: Fatherhood is not defined by a single day or grand gestures...
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    20 mins
  • The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About Fatherhood

    The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About Fatherhood
    Jun 15 2026

    Episode 264 - The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About Fatherhood

    In this Father’s Day month episode of Dad Space, Dave explores a simple but powerful idea: what if the rules of a library could guide how we show up as dads? Drawing from the quiet structure and shared expectations of a public library, he builds a thoughtful framework for fatherhood rooted in presence, respect, and growth.

    Libraries are calm, welcoming spaces where people come to learn without judgment, and Dave suggests our homes can reflect that same environment. Instead of reacting quickly or loudly, dads can create emotional “quiet spaces” where kids feel safe to think, process, and be heard. The focus shifts from having all the answers to offering a steady, calm presence.

    The episode also highlights the importance of reciprocity in relationships. Just like borrowed books must be returned, trust and respect within a family require ongoing investment. Time, encouragement, and even apologies are part of giving back and strengthening those bonds.

    Dave emphasizes creating a home where everyone feels they belong. Each child is different, and great dads make space for those differences rather than forcing sameness. He also reminds listeners that seeking help is not weakness. Like a librarian guiding you to the right resource, growth in fatherhood often comes from learning, asking questions, and leaning on others.

    There is a strong focus on being intentional with time. Childhood is filled with moments that do not last forever, and being present during those seasons matters. Alongside this is the need for consistency. Just as libraries rely on organization, families benefit from clear expectations, routines, and values that create stability.

    The episode also encourages dads to become storytellers, preserving family history and sharing life lessons that shape identity. At the same time, Dave acknowledges that there is no single “right way” to parent. Like the many books on a library shelf, different perspectives can help dads grow and adapt.

    Ultimately, a healthy family is built through shared contribution. Everyone has a role, and inviting kids to participate fosters ownership and connection.

    Key takeaway: Great fatherhood is not about having all the answers, but about how consistently you show up with presence, intention, and a willingness to learn and grow alongside your family.

    The Dad's Library Framework

    If libraries could give parenting advice, it might sound something like this:

    • Stay calm when things get loud.
    • Invest back into your relationships.
    • Make everyone feel welcome.
    • Ask for help when you need it.
    • Handle hearts with care.
    • Don't miss the season you're in.
    • Keep learning.
    • Create consistency.
    • Be present.
    • Share your story.
    • Stay humble.
    • Build a family culture where everyone contributes.

    A library isn't valuable because of the books on the shelves. It's valuable because of what happens when people engage with them.

    The same is true of fatherhood.

    Being a great dad isn't about what you own, what you earn, or what you know. It's about how you show up, day after day, helping the people around you learn, grow, and write the next chapter of their own story.

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    https://dadspace.ca

    Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!?

    https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave

    music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

    Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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