Parenting · John and Michael | The best podcast for new dads, expecting fathers, and funny fatherhood stories

The Dudela Podcast | Fatherhood Real Talk for New Dads

by John and Michael | The best podcast for new dads, expecting fathers, and funny fatherhood stories

The Dudela Podcast is the go-to show for first-time dads and expecting fathers who want to feel confident, connected, and actually ready for what's coming. Hosted by John and Michael — two dads who've lived through an emergency C-section, a month-long NICU stay with premature twins, and the sleepless chaos of year one — each episode blends honest conversation, practical advice, and real stories about pregnancy, postpartum, and your baby's first couple of years. Come for the laughs. Leave with a plan. Find your people in the Spit-Up Society. What you'll hear each week Practical dad tips you can use tonight Conversations with pediatric professionals, family therapists, and dads further down the road Honest, unfiltered stories — no fake-perfect parenting Real help with sleep routines, feeding, soothing, milestones, and baby-proofing Marriage and mental health advice that respects your values Money and time systems built for real family life Twin-dad moments, NICU lessons, and faith-filled encouragement Who this show is for First-time dads and expecting fathers New dads in year one Twin dads and NICU-to-home families Partners who want to hand this to the dad in their life Frequently asked Is this just for expecting dads? No — it's for any dad in the first couple years, including twin dads and NICU families. Do the hosts have real experience, or is this just advice? Real experience. John and Michael are first-time dads themselves, including a NICU stay and an emergency C-section. Is there a community beyond the podcast? Yes — the Spit-Up Society ($5/mo) includes live Q&As twice a month, dad hacks, and weekly prompts. Is there anything more than the podcast and community? Yes — The Turn is real 1:1 access to John and Mike through pregnancy, birth, and year one. Only a few spots open at a time. Join the community Instagram: @the_dudela_official Spit-Up Society (live Q&As, dad hacks, discounts, weekly prompts): thedudelaco.com/join/spit-up-society If you've ever searched for any of these, this show is for you: new dad podcast, fatherhood podcast, expecting dad tips, postpartum support for dads, baby sleep schedule, wake windows, soothing a crying baby, colic help, tummy time, bottle feeding, breastfeeding support for partners, introducing solids, baby-led weaning, diaper rash remedies, gas relief, teething tips, first words, first steps, daycare prep, nursery setup, baby-proofing, growth milestones, vaccine visits, sick-day basics, fever checks, reflux signs, safe sleep, swaddles and sleep sacks, pacifier use, traveling with a baby, packing lists, stroller choices, carrier tips, budgeting for a new baby, parental leave, returning to work, staying connected in marriage, dad fitness, mental health for dads, faith and fatherhood, twin routines, NICU to home, community for dads

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Baby Tech & Fatherhood with Babysense CEO Elad Erdan

What does the CEO of Babysense think parents actually need at 3 AM? Maybe less technology, not more. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael sit down wi

Sep 29
51 min

Run it back - The Dudela Family is Growing

Baby #2 Is Coming: What I'm Doing Differently This Pregnancy The Dudela family is growing. Michael and Abigail are expecting baby girl number two, due on Christmas Da

Sep 15
46 min

Our Wives Get Honest About Pregnancy, Postpartum & Us

What do moms actually wish dads understood about pregnancy, postpartum, and becoming parents? This time, we decided to stop answering for them. In this episode of The D

Sep 1
59 min

Trying should be the fun part, right?

Trying should be the fun part, right? Trying for a baby is supposed to be the fun part. Then the ovulation strips show up, the fertile window turns into a deadline, and

Aug 18
34 min

Every Dad Has Strengths and Weaknesses

Every dad has strengths. Every dad has weaknesses. The question is whether you know what yours are. In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, John and Michael revisit one

Jul 28
36 min

Why Every Parent Needs Time Away Together

Everyone tells you to put your kids first. But one of the best things you can do for your kids is invest in the relationship that started your family. In this episode o

Jul 14
32 min

How Much is This Baby Really Going to Cost Me?

Everyone talks about the registry. Everyone talks about the nursery colors. Almost nobody tells you the real number. At Dudela, we believe part of being a steady dad is

Jul 1
42 min

The Emotional Side of Fatherhood Nobody Talks About

The Emotional Side of Fatherhood Nobody Talks About Everyone talks about the baby's emotions. Everyone talks about mom's emotions. Almost nobody talks about dad's. At

Jun 16
30 min

Why We Started Dudela (And What's Next for New Dads)

Most parenting resources focus on moms. Most dads are told to just figure it out. That's exactly why Dudela exists. In this special rewind episode, John and Michael lo

Jun 2
23 min

Family Matters: Designing Your Family on Purpose Part 1

You do not get to pick the family you are born into. But you do get to build the family you lead. In part one of our Family Matters series, John and Michael talk about t

May 13
37 min

BONUS: We Built Something for You

Solo episode from John. Just two minutes. We built the thing we wish we'd had in the third trimester and I want to tell you about it. If your partner is anywhere between

May 13
2 min

Family Matters Part 3: Rhythms, Mission, & Building your family with John Mackey

Parents, in laws, and grandparents can be one of the biggest blessings in early parenthood. They can also be the biggest source of stress if expectations are unclear. Wh

May 13
45 min

Becoming the Dad You Never Had

What happens when you grow up without a steady dad in the house, and you decide you are going to change the story for your kids: In this episode of The Dudela Podcast, J

May 12
40 min

Family Matters: Parents, In Laws, and Protecting Your New Family

Parents, in laws, and grandparents can be one of the biggest blessings in early parenthood. They can also be the biggest source of stress if expectations are unclear. In

Apr 28
48 min

When to Prioritize Yourself as a Dad

Mom and baby are healthy. But am I? A dad to be emailed us this question and it is one of the most common things no one talks about in the early months. Everyone asks how

Mar 24
32 min

Traveling Dad: Work Trips, Dad Guilt, and Growth

Some dads live for the work trip. Some dads hate it. Most of us feel both at the exact same time. In this episode, John and Michael talk about the weird mix of freedom an

Feb 24
29 min

How to Balance Work and a Newborn Without Losing Your Mind

It is the everyday reality for so many families. Two careers. One home full of little people and big needs. John and Michael share what the juggle really looks like in th

Feb 3
30 min

What I Wish I Knew in Year One as a New Dad

It is our final pod of the year and we are looking back at a wild first year of fatherhood. John and Michael share favorite moments, travel wins and fails, and three big

Dec 30 2025
40 min

Surviving Twins: What the First Year Actually Looks Like

What happens when two tiny humans arrive early and your whole world becomes monitors, milk schedules, and a love you did not know your heart could hold In this episode w

Dec 15 2025
39 min

Easy Financial Wins For Dads, Even on a Budget

Money talk that does not make you want to hide. John and Michael unpack the first financial moves that help a young family breathe. Start a 529 and let compounding do the

Nov 25 2025
38 min