{"podcast":{"title":"The Dad Manual","slug":"the-dad-manual-7554137","podcast_index_feed_id":7554137,"rss_url":"https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-dad-manual","website_url":null,"image_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/PcJcfVx2Sw5jO2OtWhkgYMldD7j3a6caz7IkVMF6G0k/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zMWVh/NTk0NDViNmUyYWZl/Zjk4NDk3NWVjMWEy/NWYxYi5wbmc.jpg","author":"Andy Milad","episode_count":30,"summary":"The Dad Manual is a fatherhood podcast hosted by Tony Cooper, featuring honest conversations with dads about the real, unfiltered journey of parenthood. This parenting podcast for dads explores everything from the excitement of being a first time dad to navigating the teenage years. As one of the best podcasts for expecting dads and experienced fathers alike, we dive deep into what it actually means to be a modern dad—the struggles, the growth, the mistakes, and the moments that change you forever. Whether you're looking for a new dad podcast or seasoned parenting wisdom, this family podcast delivers the honest guidance you won't find in books.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-14T22:17:03.182957+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-dad-manual-7554137"},"episode":{"title":"Ep 21: What Boarding School Taught Me About Being a Better Father","slug":"ep-21-what-boarding-school-taught-me-about-being-a-better-father","published_at":"2026-05-19T11:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-dad-manual-7554137/ep-21-what-boarding-school-taught-me-about-being-a-better-father","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-dad-manual-7554137","url":"https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d71b485","audio_url":"https://media.transistor.fm/7d71b485/e8eb3df7.mp3","summary":"What does a British boarding school, a bucket of talcum powder, and men's work have to do with becoming a great dad? Tony sits down with Steven Fielding — father of two teenage sons, men's work facilitator, and someone who has done the deep interior work to understand how his past shaped his parenting. Steven opens up about growing up with an absent father, being sent to boarding school at 10, navigating divorce while keeping his boys at the center, and why intentional fatherhood starts long before your first child arrives. Key Takeaways: Early hands-on involvement — diapering, feeding, swaddling — pays real dividends in your relationship with your kids years later The psychological imprint of childhood separation, including \"boarding school syndrome,\" can follow men well into adulthood Teenage boys need a father who is stepping back strategically, not battling them — your job shifts from protecting to supporting It's never too late to take responsibility and apologize to your kids for moments you could have handled better Co-regulation and nervous system awareness are practical parenting tools, not just therapy concepts Men's work and brotherhood aren't just personal development — they make you a better father Devices and screen time are a real challenge; the answer isn't panic, it's redirecting focus to what you can control in your own household Separation and divorce don't end your job as an intentional father — how you show up after matters just as much Communicating your needs without neediness is a skill — and one worth developing before you're in crisis Start the interior work early. Create a list of intentions before you become a dad. Lead. If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send…","meta_description":"What does a British boarding school, a bucket of talcum powder, and men's work have to do with becoming a great dad? Tony sits down with Steven Fielding —…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2725,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-dad-manual-7554137/episodes/ep-21-what-boarding-school-taught-me-about-being-a-better-father/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-dad-manual-7554137/ep-21-what-boarding-school-taught-me-about-being-a-better-father.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}