Mitchell Phelps is a father of one (number two is weeks away), Cleveland-based community builder, and the man behind the Daddy's Trollers Social Club. In this episode, Mitchell gets real about the self-imposed pressure men carry into fatherhood, the financial stress they manufacture, the provider identity they inherit from society, and the moment his wife asked him to prove they weren't okay, and he couldn't.

He walks us through his 12-week parental leave with his first child, what it actually looked like to be present through the hard parts, and how he navigated loneliness after relocating to a new city with a newborn. A therapist's simple question, "have you been around people?" changed everything. That led Mitchell to connect with the Daddy's Trollers Social Club, a community for dads that started in Dallas and now has roots in Cleveland.

We also get into male postpartum depression (1 in 10 men experience it and most don't even know), why "daddy bootcamp" is missing the mark, and three practical steps to find your people when you don't know where to start.

If you've ever felt the pressure and couldn't explain where it came from, this one's for you.

Sam is a loving husband, father of a three-year-old, and expecting baby number two this July.

He's a self proclaim workaholic who has spent his career in sales and never really knew how to turn it off.

So what happens when someone like that gets four months of paternity leave?

In this episode of the Soul Sessions Fatherhood Series, Sam shares one of the most vivid descriptions of entering paternity leave I've heard (using a scene from The Matrix to explain the mental shift from constant noise to a blank slate).

We talk about how he redirected his high-achiever energy into fatherhood, the question he used to snap himself back to presence, what it really felt like returning to work as a new dad, and why the second leave is going to be a whole different challenge.

This one is for every high-performing dad or soon-to-be dad wrestling with the tension between ambition and being present. Sam doesn't have it all figured out but he shows up honestly, and that's exactly what this series is about.

Evan Coleman went back to work when his son was 21 days old. The second time around, he had 13 weeks — and it changed everything about how he thinks about fatherhood, work, and what companies still get wrong about paternity leave.

In this conversation, Evan and Damon get into how to structure your leave strategically, how to build a support system when family isn't nearby, and the mindset shift most new dads miss before baby even arrives.

If you're a high-performing dad trying to figure out how to show up fully — at work and at home — this episode is for you.

Most dads want to be more involved and intentional, but the language around fatherhood is often negative or confusing. Paul Sullivan, founder of The Company of Dads, shares the empowering concept of “Lead Dad,” a term that reframes involved fatherhood as uplifting, progressive, and masculine, without stigma. Discover how shifting the narrative can unlock greater engagement at home and in the workplace, helping men and companies thrive together.

In this episode, Paul narrates the origin story of “Lead Dad,” inspired by an Atlantic article and a desire to combat the negative stereotypes of involved fathers. He explains how this simple yet powerful phrase is changing perceptions, inspiring thousands of men who are balancing careers and family in a new way. You'll hear stories of NFL players, corporate leaders, and everyday parents redefining masculinity through involvement, presence, and partnership.

We break down practical tactics for fostering this shift: from monthly “paper tests” to measure engagement and resentment, to implementing low-lift, high-impact policies like shared calendars, flexible hours, and open conversations that challenge stigma. Paul highlights how companies can create resilient cultures by normalizing flexible parenting, empowering men to show up fully at work and home, and reducing the age-old penalties associated with caregiving.

This episode matters because the future of work and family depends on it. As more fathers embrace the role of Lead Dad, the opportunity to build more inclusive, supportive, and productive workplaces grows. By understanding the mental shifts and implementing simple systemic changes, leaders can shape a new normal, where family-first policies drive loyalty, performance, and culture.

Perfect for HR professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and progressive fathers aiming to break stereotypes and foster authentic leadership. If you’re ready to reframe masculinity in your organization or life, this conversation offers clear, actionable steps to start today, and create a legacy of involvement and support that lasts beyond the paycheck.

Paul Sullivan is the founder of The Company of Dads, a media platform and community advancing positive fatherhood. His insights are rooted in extensive research, interviews with high-performing dads, and decades of experience changing the narrative around men's roles at home and work.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of parental leave, especially for leaders and organizations aiming to foster a culture of support and loyalty. Derek Doblin, founder and CEO of Parento, shares his personal journey, industry insights, and actionable strategies to make parental leave a true asset for companies and employees alike.

Key Topics Covered:

• The importance of modeling parental leave as a leader to drive cultural change
• How parental leave supports long-term employee retention and company loyalty
• Overcoming common misconceptions about parental leave costs and ROI
• The shift from insurance-centric to experience-focused sales approaches
• Customization of parental leave policies based on company philosophy, not industry norms
• The critical role of leadership mindset in adopting generous parental policies
• Practical tips for CEO and HR engagement during parental leave
• The impact of messaging and public example on brand and employee perception
• Industry trends: blue-collar vs. tech companies' approaches to parental leave
• The future of parental support resources, tools, and digital programs

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode's focus on leadership and parental leave

00:29 - Derek Doblin's background and motivation to start Parento

02:11 - The personal significance of paternity leave and bonding

03:01 - How Parento supports parents through insurance and resources

04:14 - Building a company for a demographic outside the founder’s experience

05:18 - The social impact and ROI of paid parental leave from a finance perspective

07:11 - Challenges in selling parental leave benefits to HR and finance teams

08:38 - How shifting focus to employee experience increases sales success

09:36 - Marketing insights: positioning parental leave as a strategic advantage

10:30 - The importance of leadership buy-in and company philosophy over industry norms

12:13 - Engaging senior leadership and the mindset shift required

13:41 - Personal experiences as a CEO taking parental leave

15:11 - Conversations with family and support systems during leave

16:42 - The significance of intentional bonding and presence as a parent

17:53 - Changing perceptions and showcasing leadership by example

19:15 - The public commitment and brand reinforcement through parental leave

20:48 - Advice for CEOs: planning, communication, and embracing primary caregiving roles

21:38 - Rethinking parental leave as a strategic asset in talent management

23:00 - Upcoming innovations at Parento and resources for companies

24:12 - Final thoughts: the cultural shift towards normalizing involved parenting

In this episode, Kevin Reed (a sales manager) shares his insights on navigating paternity leave, balancing work and fatherhood, and maintaining personal projects during early parenthood. Whether you're a new dad or planning for one, his practical advice and candid reflections offer valuable guidance.

This episode offers a practical, honest look at what it takes to balance new fatherhood, work, and personal growth. Kevin’s experiences underscore the importance of community, planning, and self-compassion during this transformative life stage.

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.parentoleave.com/

Key Topics:

• Kevin's experience discovering his pregnancy and initial thoughts on paternity leave (0:53 - 2:15)
• Perceptions of paternity leave in society and workplace norms (2:43 - 3:50)
• How Kevin planned and structured his paternity leave, including cultural travel considerations (4:05 - 6:44)
• Strategies for support at work, including Slack channels and team management during parental leave (5:06 - 12:43)
• Challenges of sleep deprivation and emotional resilience in early fatherhood (13:27 - 15:45)
• Mantras and advice for navigating the mental and emotional aspects of new parenthood (15:45 - 17:06)
• Tips for preparing for an upcoming arrival and balancing outside projects with new parent responsibilities (17:06 - 22:13)
• The importance of ongoing personal projects and maintaining identity outside of parenting (22:13 - 23:52)

In this episode, Kenny Hill shares his personal experience with paternity leave, its impact on his family and career, and practical advice for new fathers and companies alike. Discover how intentional leave can redefine your approach to fatherhood, leadership, and work-life balance.

Key Topics

• The significance of paternity leave for new dads
• How to mentally and emotionally prepare for leave
• Differences between PTO and extended parental leave
• Managing work responsibilities and trust in your team
• Strategic timing and staggering of parental leave with your partner
• Personal growth and reflection during time off
• How leave influences leadership and company culture
• Supporting partners through postpartum and early parenting
• Tips for companies to support employee parental leave
• Long-term benefits of taking time off for family and career

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction: Why paternity leave matters
01:18 - Kenny introduces himself as a dad and professional
02:16 - The meaning of paternity leave and expectations
03:55 - Benefits of taking extended leave versus PTO
04:58 - How leave allows for reflection and reevaluation of fatherhood
06:13 - Managing work during leave and building trust in your team
07:28 - Differences between first-time leave and subsequent times
10:38 - How to coordinate staggered parental leave with your partner
13:40 - The career impact of taking family leave
15:23 - Personal growth and mental clarity during time off
16:54 - Advice for first-time dads and managers considering leave
18:36 - Embracing the unstructured nature of parenting time
20:29 - Company considerations for supporting parental leave
22:38 - Supporting your partner and the emotional aspects of fatherhood
24:33 - Connecting with Kenny for further advice and support

This episode delves into the complexities of setting and maintaining personal boundaries during the holiday season, especially with family. It explores the challenges and strategies for ensuring self-respect and healthy relationships.