The Dad Project

Clarke Carlisle: 5 Suicide Attempts, Addiction, and Learning to Know Who You Are

Nemash Patel — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0000

Clarke Carlisle sits down with Naroop to talk about what it really took to find out who he is, not the footballer, not the public figure, but the man underneath all of it.

They go into his childhood, his relationship with his father, five suicide attempts, alcohol and gambling addiction, the shame of knowing his children felt like an inconvenience, and the slow, difficult work of becoming the husband and father he wanted to be.

This is not a recovery story packaged for inspiration. It's an honest account of what it actually takes to change.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:41 The Most Honest Place to Start: Little Clocky and Who I Am Today
00:04:07 The Foundation of Everything: Knowing Who You Are
00:10:03 Brutal Honesty With Yourself: The First Step to Finding Who You Are
00:14:00 Getting Your Knees Dirty: The Reality of Self-Discovery
00:15:59 The Observer of Your Thoughts: Understanding Your Patterns
00:32:54 Growing Up on a Preston Council Estate: The Making of a People Pleaser
00:38:29 Why Football Meant Everything: The 91st Minute That Changed His Life
00:44:20 The Knee Injury at 20: When Everything Was Taken Away
00:45:46 The First Suicide Attempt at 21: 56 Co-Proxamol and a Can of Carling
00:47:25 The Relentless Cycle: Success on the Outside, Crashing Every Few Months
00:49:21 The Validation Trap: When Your Worth Depends on What Others Think
01:00:10 Fatherhood at 18: The Daughter He Abandoned
01:05:32 Wetting the Bed Until 17: The Pattern That Created a Life
01:08:28 Meeting His Human: The Psychiatric Report as a Second Date Gift
01:11:18 The Therapeutic Journey: From Crisis to Stable to Well to Maintenance
00:18:46 The Watershed Moment: Holding Hands in a Psychiatric Hospital Bed
01:15:36 What Children Actually Need: Presence, Not Presents
01:23:34 The Daily Work: Acceptance, Gratitude, and Nutella Ice Cream
01:20:02 Forgiveness and Responsibility: Doing Your Best With What You Had

Clarke Carlisle is a former Premier League footballer, ex-chairman of the PFA, and one of the most important voices in men's mental health in the UK.

The Dad Project is a podcast and community for men. You don't need to be a dad to be here.

FIND CLARK CARLISLE

THE DAD PROJECT

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Q: Why do men struggle to talk about mental health?

Because most men have spent decades learning that silence equals strength. Clarke explains how that belief becomes the gap between who you are and who you want to be — and why that gap is what destroys men.

Q: How does addiction affect fatherhood?

Clarke describes how during active gambling addiction, his children became an inconvenience. He explains the shame of recognising that, and the work it took to change it.

Q: What is the difference between crisis, stable, and well in mental health recovery?

Clarke uses a knee injury analogy: crisis care, rehabilitation to stability and wellness, then daily maintenance. Recovery is not one thing — it evolves as you do.

Q: How do you rebuild a relationship with your children after addiction?

Clarke talks about reintroducing himself to his eldest daughter not as a father giving instructions, but as someone earning her trust from the outside in. Fatherhood is about presence, not provision.

He Found Out He Had Cancer. Then Went On Stage That Night | Jaz Dhami

Nemash Patel — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0000

He found out he had cancer. That same evening, he had a show. He went on stage and sang his heart out, and nobody in that room knew.

This is one of the most honest conversations we've had on The Dad Project. Jaz opens up about his Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis, losing his brother Harvey to brain cancer, the lifetime of suppressed emotion that he believes contributed to his illness, and how meditation, spirituality, and inner work have changed him as a man, a father, and an artist.

This is not a story about survival. It's a story about what illness forces you to see.

In this episode:

Why he believes suppressed emotion made him ill
How he managed his own cancer while caring for his dying brother
Why he chose a holistic path over chemotherapy and radiotherapy
The morning routine that keeps him grounded
Losing his brother Harvey and learning to live with grief
Generational wisdom, and why we talk about trauma but forget the strength

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:57 Growing Up in Birmingham: The Emotional Regulator
00:06:21 Sent to India at 16: The Making of Resilience
00:12:48 From Shy Kid to Confident Artist: The Power of Visualization
00:19:32 The Day Everything Changed: Cancer Diagnosis
00:27:36 Performing Through Pain: The Show Must Go On
00:31:31 The Hardest Decision: Choosing a Different Path
00:30:57 Three Weeks Later: His Brother's Aneurysm
00:33:23 Becoming the Caregiver: Driving Between Two Cancer Journeys
00:34:54 The Inner Voice: Meditation, Fasting, and Finding God
00:47:14 Cancer Saved My Life: The Awakening
00:47:35 Losing Harvey: The Brother Who Was His Best Friend
00:57:07 Generational Strength: Drawing From Ancestors and Gurus
00:40:07 The Morning Routine: Two Hours of Sacred Time
00:40:40 Creator vs Consumer: Choosing Your Morning Energy
01:08:23 Sitting With Emotion: The Work of Not Distracting
01:19:32 From Pop Star to Purpose: Redefining Success
01:10:28 Savior: The Song That Became a Letter to His Brother
01:25:45 The Only Truth is Death: Detachment and Living Fully
01:26:51 Turning Darkness Into Impact: The Message of Hope

The Dad Project is a podcast and community for men. You don't need to be a dad to be here.

FIND HASSL

THE DAD PROJECT

QUESTIONS THIS VIDEO ANSWERS

Q: Can suppressed emotions cause illness?
Jaz believes his cancer diagnosis was connected to a lifetime of suppressing his own emotions while being available for everyone around him. He links emotional suppression to physical illness and science is beginning to support the idea that what we carry inside us has a direct impact on our health.

Q: How do men deal with grief after losing a brother?
Jaz lost his brother Harvey to brain cancer. He describes sitting with his emotions rather than distracting himself, returning to spiritual practice, and writing a song as part of his healing. He says he doesn't think he'll ever fully accept the loss — but he has found peace in knowing he did everything he could.

Q: How do you stay strong when someone close to you is dying?
Jaz managed his own cancer while attending the majority of his brother's appointments, flying to Germany for medication, and performing publicly throughout. He credits his wife, his spiritual practice, and the discipline he built as a teenager in India with giving him the capacity to keep going.

Q: What is a good morning routine for men's mental health?
Jaz wakes at 5:30am, drinks water with lemon and ginger, meditates for up to an hour using 963Hz frequency meditation followed by a Joe Dispenza guided session, journals for 15 minutes, and does lymphatic drainage on a trampoline. He describes the morning as the window to create rather than consume.

Q: How does spirituality help men through mental health challenges?
Jaz found that meditation and spiritual connection gave him the silence and inner voice he needed to navigate cancer, grief, and identity. He draws on Sikh teachings, ancestral strength, and the idea that going inward, not outward, is where real answers are found.

What Happens in a Woman's Mind Every Time She Walks Alone at Night

Nemash Patel — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0000

She runs one of the fastest-growing safety organisations in the world. She trains women, works with men, and has been in 120 countries. And on a packed train - she froze.

Amy Watson is the founder of HASSL, working to end male violence by changing culture from the ground up, not just giving women more things to do to stay safe.

We cover what men misunderstand about women's daily reality, why healing men is central to women's safety, male loneliness, heartbreak, rejection, and what confident men do differently. Naroop also share my own experience of being intimidated by a man on the Tube, something he’s rarely spoken about publicly.

WHAT WE COVER

→ The mental load women carry that most men never see
→ Why self-confidence in men directly reduces harmful behaviour
→ What men misunderstand about rejection and how to approach women respectfully
→ Why "teaching women to stay safe" doesn't solve the problem
→ The connection between male loneliness, heartbreak and escalating behaviour
→ How social change actually happens
→ Why healing men benefits everyone — including women

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Women's Safety
00:02:40 The Origin Story: From Frustration to Founding Hassel
00:11:27 The Mental Load Women Carry Every Day
00:15:16 Why Society Puts the Burden on Women Instead of Changing Male Behavior
00:24:46 The Train Incident: When Fear Takes Over
00:30:47 A Shared Experience: When It Happened to Me
00:34:54 Understanding Male Violence: What Makes Men Cross Boundaries
00:35:48 The Scale of Change: Working Down From Awareness to Action
00:52:46 Masculinity, Femininity, and Modern Relationships
01:11:26 Male Loneliness and How to Approach Women Respectfully
01:20:25 The Founder's Journey: Sacrifice, Death Threats, and Purpose
01:26:57 Progress Over Perfection: Meeting People Where They Are

FIND HASSL

THE DAD PROJECT

QUESTIONS THIS VIDEO ANSWERS

What do men misunderstand about women's safety?
Most men don't see the constant mental calculations women make just to move through the world. This isn't occasional anxiety, it's a continuous background process. The gap isn't malice; women have normalised these fears so completely they rarely explain them to the men closest to them.

Why does healing men matter for women's safety?
Harmful behaviour toward women stems from unmet emotional needs and lack of self-worth. When men develop genuine confidence and emotional intelligence, the need for harmful validation disappears. Men's mental health and women's safety are not separate issues, they are the same issue.

What is the connection between male loneliness and harmful behaviour?
After a breakup, men often enter profound isolation. Without support networks or emotional language, some men spiral into behaviour that harms others. Men who cannot meet their own emotional needs will always be vulnerable to this.

How should men approach women without making them feel unsafe?
Read the situation. A woman alone at night is not the moment. Go where people expect to socialise. If she says no, move on with warmth, that signals real confidence. Rejection is rarely personal.

Why doesn't telling women to stay safe solve the problem?
It places the burden on the people already experiencing harm. The only meaningful solution is addressing behaviour at its source through culture change, male education, and bystander intervention.

How does low self-worth in men lead to harassment?
A man who lacks confidence seeks the brief sense of power that comes from crossing boundaries. A man with genuine self-respect does not need that reaction. The behaviour is a symptom of internal emptiness.

What does effective culture change around male violence look like?
It starts with men who already understand the problem, equips them with tools, and uses them to reach the next group. Over time this makes harmful behaviour as socially unacceptable as drink driving.

What does heartbreak do to men differently?
Men go into isolation after a breakup. Without the tools to process what happened, loneliness drives unhealthy coping. The path back starts with learning to be enough on your own.

What Happens in a Woman's Mind Every Time She Walks Alone at Night

Nemash Patel — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0000

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Women's Safety
00:02:40 The Origin Story: From Frustration to Founding Hassel
00:11:27 The Mental Load Women Carry Every Day
00:15:16 Why Society Puts the Burden on Women Instead of Changing Male Behavior
00:24:46 The Train Incident: When Fear Takes Over
00:30:47 A Shared Experience: When It Happened to Me
00:34:54 Understanding Male Violence: What Makes Men Cross Boundaries
00:35:48 The Scale of Change: Working Down From Awareness to Action
00:52:46 Masculinity, Femininity, and Modern Relationships
01:11:26 Male Loneliness and How to Approach Women Respectfully
01:20:25 The Founder's Journey: Sacrifice, Death Threats, and Purpose
01:26:57 Progress Over Perfection: Meeting People Where They Are

FIND HASSL

THE DAD PROJECT

They Said No One Would Marry Him. He Proved Them All Wrong." | Amo Raju OBE

Nemash Patel — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0000

What does it feel like to grow up disabled, be told no one would marry you, and carry 17 years of silent pain — all while building one of the most respected charities in the Midlands?

Amo Raju OBE sits down with Naroop Jhooti for one of the most raw, unfiltered conversations The Dad Project has ever hosted. Amo shares the stories he's never told publicly, the aunties who wrote him off at age 8, the 4-hour cry that changed his life at 17, eloping with the woman he loved against caste and family, a hospital chaplain's words that became his life's mantra, and 30 years of silent depression as a CEO at the top of his game.

This is a conversation about disability, identity, love, fatherhood, mental health and what it means to be a man who refuses to stay in the box others build for him.

Chapters

00:00:00 The Hospital Chaplain Who Changed Everything
00:02:34 The Turning Point: Four Hours of Crying at Age 17
00:06:13 Growing Up Disabled: The Conversations Had About Him Without Him
00:09:41 Three Little Girls and the Bullying That Changed Everything
00:34:33 The Love Story: Eloping Against Caste and Disability
00:41:20 Twenty-Five Years Without Acceptance: The In-Laws' Rejection
00:56:39 Thirty Years of Hidden Depression: The Therapy Sessions
01:17:31 The Second Awakening: Owning Success and Removing the Mask
01:07:51 Buckingham Palace and Making Noise: The OBE and What Comes Next

Topics covered:

Growing up disabled in a first-generation immigrant family
Being bullied at school and carrying it in silence
The emotional breakdown at 17 that became a turning point
Eloping - marrying against caste with a disabled man no family wanted
25 years of in-law rejection and what it taught him about love
A mini-stroke, a hospital chaplain, and a mantra that changed everything
30 years of secret depression as a CEO
Receiving an OBE and what Mrs Raju said on the drive home
Disability in India, donating 650+ wheelchairs, and fighting global inequality
What it means to become "King of Disabled People"

About The Dad Project
The Dad Project is a podcast and community for real, unfiltered conversations on men's mental health, fatherhood, and the struggles men carry in silence.

Follow Andrew Pritchard
Instagram: @amorajuofficial
LinkedIn: dr-amo-raju-obe-dl-1253a634/
Facebook: @amo.raju.39
TedTalk: He Walks Like a Man

Follow The Dad Project
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#MensMentalHealth #DisabilityAwareness #TheDadProject #AmoRaju #MensWellbeing

He Smuggled £100 Million of Cocaine But One Moment in Prison Made Him Realize He'd Got It All Wrong

Nemash Patel — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:21:00 -0000

What happens when a man who smuggled £100 million worth of cocaine walks back into the same prison that once held him, but this time as the person offering hope?

Andrew Pritchard lived several lives in one lifetime. Sound system operator in the acid house era. Warehouse rave promoter hunted by police task forces. International drug smuggler moving metric tons of cocaine. High security Category A prisoner facing 15 years. And now, prison reform advocate, charity founder and living proof that redemption is possible.

But this conversation isn't just about crime or punishment. It's about identity, fatherhood, legacy and what it truly means to rebuild when everything you thought defined you is stripped away.

Andrew grew up mixed race in 1960s Britain, the son of a white builder and a Jamaican mother who arrived during Windrush. He never had brothers to guide him. He chased belonging through sound systems, illegal raves and eventually organised crime. He became addicted, not to substances, but to the adrenaline, the dopamine hit, the validation that came from being someone people feared and respected.

Then one day in HMP Belmarsh, his father walked into the visiting hall. Andrew saw a broken man. The strong builder he remembered from childhood was now frail, aged, destroyed by his son's choices. That moment changed everything.

In this episode Andrew speaks openly about:

The visit that shattered him and made him question everything
Growing up mixed race and the identity crisis that shaped his choices
Sound system culture and the warehouse rave scene that defined a generation
Why crime is an addiction just like drugs
The hollowness inside that drove him to seek validation through danger
Creating One Postcode, a revolutionary prison program that resolved 93% of gang conflicts
Common sense solutions the system refuses to implement
Walking back into prisons as an authority instead of a prisoner
Meeting the judge who sentenced him to 15 years—and what happened next
The three people every man needs: champion, mentor and sponsor
Writing Empire of the Dirt, his legacy and historical document
Why legacy matters more than money, status or reputation
Where there's life, there's hope, and how to rebuild from rock bottom

Chapters

00:00:00 Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:31 The Visit That Changed Everything: Seeing His Father Broken
00:07:07 Growing Up Mixed Race: The Identity Crisis
00:11:33 From Sound Systems to Warehouse Raves: A Life in the Shadows
00:24:17 The Addiction to Crime: Understanding the Dopamine Hit
00:27:37 The Hollowness Inside: Why He Chose Crime
00:30:01 One Postcode: A Revolutionary Prison Program
00:41:20 Common Sense Solutions: Fixing What's Broken in the System
00:49:00 From Prisoner to Authority: Walking Back Into Prisons
01:12:56 Meeting the Judge Who Sentenced Him to 15 Years
01:30:55 The Three People You Need: Champion, Mentor, and Sponsor
01:21:11 Empire of the Duck: Writing His Legacy
01:29:36 Where There's Life, There's Hope: Final Words of Wisdom

"A leopard may not be able to change his spots, but a leopard can change his mind. You can change. You have to have a reason for changing. If you find something which is better, or something which is more really connecting to you, you won't go back on that road."

Andrew's story proves that your past does not define your future. That hitting rock bottom can become the foundation for something greater. And that the same skills that made you successful as a criminal can be redirected to build legacy, impact and transformation.

If you've ever felt lost, made choices you regret, or wondered if it's too late to change, this episode will show you that redemption isn't just possible. It's waiting for you to decide.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about men's mental health, identity, redemption and what it truly means to rebuild your life.

Follow Andrew Pritchard
Instagram: @andrewpritchardofficial
LinkedIn: Andrew Pritchard
Book: Empire of the Dirt
Website: AP Foundation

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#MensMentalHealth #PrisonReform #Redemption #OrganizedCrime #Identity #MixedRace #TheDadProject #OnePostcode #Legacy #BreakTheSilence #RealStories #AndrewPritchard #Transformation #SecondChances

From Council Estate to Environmental Leader: How Racism, Gang Life and Fatherhood Shaped His Mission

Nemash Patel — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:35:00 -0000

What happens when a young boy desperate to fit in becomes a man who finally learns to stand out?

Ketan Ganatra grew up as the only Asian family on a council estate in South East London. Every day was hostile. Spat at. Punched. Racially abused by neighbours, teachers and strangers. He hid his pain from his parents, mapped routes through school corridors to avoid skinheads and learned to survive by pretending to be someone he wasn't.

At 11 he met two Jamaican brothers who invited him to the youth club. Suddenly he had protection. Respect. A new identity. He became Ket -gold teeth, bandanas, street persona. But beneath it all, he was still the kid who loved nature, who spent hours in libraries reading about ecosystems and who dreamed of a life beyond the estate.

Years later, Ketan would leave gang life behind, fight his way into university despite having no GCSEs, complete a master's degree and build a successful environmental recruitment business—all while navigating a world that told him his name wasn't good enough, his background didn't fit and his face didn't belong.

In this episode Ketan speaks openly about:

Growing up as the only Asian family on a hostile council estate
Daily racial abuse from neighbours, teachers and strangers
Finding acceptance in gang culture and creating a fake persona to survive
Hiding his secret passion for nature and ecology
Community service that reconnected him to his childhood dreams
Going to university with no GCSEs and feeling like an outsider
Being told to change his name to get responses from employers
Keith Draper's 87% interview success rate versus Ketan's silence
Leaving corporate life to start his own business from his parents' box room
Two mortgages, two kids and pretending he had an office in the city
Missing his son's first crawl and deciding to change everything
Building a well in Uganda and reconnecting with his family's roots
Monthly food distribution events and supporting adults with learning difficulties
Running eye treatment camps in India and organising school talks
Fighting for diversity in the environmental sector
Learning to love himself and stop living in comparison
Being the father he wished he'd had and raising grounded children
What true masculinity means beyond the stereotypes

Chapters

00:00:47 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:58 Growing Up on a Council Estate: Daily Racism and Violence
00:11:56 Finding Refuge in Libraries and a Secret Passion for Nature
00:09:10 The Turning Point: From Gang Life to Gold Teeth
00:16:02 Community Service and a Great Crested Newt That Changed His Path
00:33:19 The Keith Draper Experiment: When Your Name Determines Your Future
00:41:32 The Box Room Hustle: Building a Business From Parents' Home
00:39:05 The WhatsApp Video That Changed Everything
01:01:52 Building a Well in Uganda: Completing the Triangle
01:14:52 Redefining Masculinity: The Provider, Not the Performer
01:10:19 Daily Rituals of a 52-Year-Old Who Looks 35
01:06:39 Fatherhood and Phone-Free Forest Walks
00:56:05 From Food Distribution to Eye Camps: A Life of Service
01:18:55 The Mission: Diversifying the Environmental Sector

"I can only compare me to me and I can only compare me to the person I was yesterday. No one else. My competition is me."

Ketan's story proves that your postcode doesn't define your potential. Your name doesn't limit your worth. And the world that rejected you can become the world you transform.

If you've ever felt like you don't belong, if you've hidden parts of yourself to fit in, or if you're building something from nothing while everyone doubts you—this episode will show you that the struggle shapes the strength and the outsider becomes the leader.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about identity, fatherhood, resilience and what it truly means to be a good man.

Follow Ketan Dattani
Instagram: @ketanova
LinkedIn: Ketan Dattani
Company: Buckingham Futures

Follow The Dad Project
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TikTok: @thedadprojecthq
YouTube: @thedadprojecthq
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#MensMentalHealth #Diversity #EnvironmentalSector #GangLife #Identity #Fatherhood #TheDadProject #Entrepreneurship #OvercomingAdversity #RealStories #KetanGanatra #BreakTheSilence #Resilience #PurposeDriven

He Played for England at 17 But Retirement Left Him Sobbing Uncontrollably and He Didn't Know Why

Nemash Patel — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0000

What happens when a man achieves everything he dreamed of and then loses the very thing that gave his life meaning?

Paul Sampson played 17 years of professional rugby. He was the fastest schoolboy in the country. He earned his England cap before he was 21. From the outside, he had it all—speed, talent, recognition and a career most could only dream of. But behind the tries and the caps, Paul was carrying something far heavier than any trophy.

When his father passed away, Paul didn't just lose his dad—he lost his anchor, his voice, his reason for pushing through. Rugby became the medication that kept him going. And when he retired, it felt like his father died all over again.

One Monday morning, Paul sat on his sofa with his head in his hands, crying uncontrollably. His wife walked in and asked him what was wrong. His answer: "I wish I knew."

This is one of the most honest conversations about life after sport, identity loss, grief, mental health and what it truly means to rebuild when everything you've known is stripped away.

In this episode Paul speaks openly about:

Growing up with a father who saw his potential and pushed him constructively
Being called into the full England squad at 17 with no preparation
Making his England debut against South Africa in torrential rain
14 operations and nearly a year out with a devastating knee injury
The loneliness of injury and needing support he didn't know how to ask for
Losing his father at 28 and using rugby to numb the grief
Retiring from rugby and feeling like his dad had died all over again
Breaking down on his sofa and being given an ultimatum—get help or lose his marriage
Therapy, feeling heard for the first time and discovering he was a good person
The dangerous relief of suicidal thoughts and believing he was a burden
Divorce, financial collapse and sleeping in his car to keep coaching kids
Being betrayed by a journalist who twisted his story for tabloid headlines
Starting a Master's degree with £80 in his account
Training as a psychotherapist to help other men off the hook
The relationship with his two boys and what it means to love them like his dad loved him
Why men feel like burdens and how that bright idea is temporary confusion
Asking the universe for help and refusing to stay silent for the sake of ego

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:30 The Making of a Champion: Training With Dad From Age Six
00:13:00 Called Up at 17: The Surreal England Squad Experience
00:17:09 The Pressure of Performance: When Relief Replaced Hunger
00:23:45 Fourteen Operations: The Physical and Mental Toll of Injury
00:34:26 Losing His Hero: When Dad Passed Away at 28
00:41:39 Head in Hands: The Monday Morning Breakdown
00:49:39 The Dangerous Relief: When Ending It All Felt Like a Solution
00:46:39 Therapy Saved My Life: Learning to Feel Heard and Validated
00:54:48 Betrayed by the Press: When Vulnerability Gets Weaponized
00:58:38 Divorce and Co-Parenting: Navigating Fractured Family Dynamics
01:11:50 Eighty Pounds and a Dream: Starting Over at Rock Bottom
01:27:02 Sleeping in the Car: The Reality Behind the Rebuild
01:08:29 The Lightbulb Moment: Understanding Attachment and Meaning
01:18:07 Fatherhood Through Loss: Loving His Sons the Way Dad Loved Him
01:11:50 Finding Purpose: From Rugby Pitch to Harley Street Therapist
01:26:32 The Power of Vulnerability: Why Sharing Your Story Matters
01:29:06 Temporary Confusions: A Message to Men in Crisis

"I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I was feeling an overwhelming sense of loss. My wife said to me, 'What the fuck is wrong with you?' And my response was, 'I wish I knew.'"

Paul's story proves that success doesn't protect you from suffering. Fame doesn't shield you from grief. And when life strips away everything you thought made you who you are, that's when you discover who you truly are.

If you're struggling with identity after a career ends, grieving someone you can't let go of, or trying to rebuild when everything feels broken—this episode will show you that it's possible to come back stronger, wiser and more aligned than ever before.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about men's mental health, grief, identity and the courage it takes to rebuild.

Follow Paul Sampson
Instagram: @paulsampson15
LinkedIn: @paulsampsonuk
Website: true-north.space

Follow The Dad Project
Instagram: @thedadprojecthq
TikTok: @thedadprojecthq
YouTube: @thedadprojecthq
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LinkedIn: The Dad Project

#MensMentalHealth #RugbyMentalHealth #Grief #IdentityLoss #LifeAfterSport #SuicidePrevention #TheDadProject #Fatherhood #EnglandRugby #HealingJourney #RealStories #PaulSampson #BreakTheSilence

A Father's Mission: How He Turned a Simple Water Wheel Into Freedom for Thousands of Indian Girls

Nemash Patel — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0000

What happens when a water cooler delivery becomes the spark that changes thousands of lives?

Shaz Memon was standing in his office when a heavy water bottle slipped from his hands and rolled down the stairs. In that moment, a simple thought crossed his mind, what if this could help solve a problem he'd known about for years? That thought became Wells and Wheels, a charity that has transformed the lives of thousands of girls in rural India.

But this conversation isn't just about charity. It's about fatherhood, purpose, identity, the meaning of success and what it truly means to be a good man.

Shaz is a businessman, a father, and a man driven by service. He runs a successful company designing websites for dentists across the UK, but his real fulfilment comes from something much deeper-helping young girls escape the dangerous daily grind of water collection so they can go to school, dream bigger and build a future.

In this episode Shaz speaks openly about:

The moment a water bottle changed everything
How fatherhood shifted his entire perspective on responsibility
Why he turned down £800,000 in contracts to focus on one thing
The reality of water collection for young girls in rural India
Building a charity from a single Instagram post
A $20,000 donation from a stranger who watched his documentary
Schools in India complaining they're full for the first time in 20 years
Mastering the art of switching off and protecting your mental health
Why profit is in doing less, not more
The difference between absent fathers by choice and absent fathers by distraction
Why playing with your children is the most important thing you can do
How his father's generosity shaped who he became
What it means to hold yourself to a higher standard

Chapters

00:01:40 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:03:04 The Empathy That Drives Service: Learning From a Father's Example
00:05:14 A Water Cooler Moment: How Wells and Wheels Was Born
00:14:21 The Journey No Child Should Make: Water Collection in Rural India
00:16:39 Fatherhood Changes Everything: Why Having a Daughter Matters
00:21:20 Schools Overflowing: The Unexpected Impact of Freedom
00:23:12 The Documentary: Transporting People to See the Truth
00:31:30 Money, Success, and What Really Matters: Redefining Wealth
00:33:31 Just Play With Your Children: The One Parenting Rule That Matters
00:35:38 Absent Fathers and Present Pressure: The Modern Parenting Dilemma
00:40:21 The Men's Mental Health Crisis: Pressure, Comparison, and Finding Support
00:42:36 Learning to Feel and Process: Building Emotional Resilience
00:47:21 Mastering the Art of Switching Off: Protecting Your Peace
00:54:31 I'm the Wheel Man: The Power of Singular Focus
00:56:36 Burning the Boats: The Day Jazz Walked Away From 800k
01:00:52 High Standards and Low Frequencies: Choosing Your Circle Wisely
01:08:12 Being Remembered as a Good Man: The Legacy That Matters

"I'm a billionaire because I can eat where I like, I can buy clothes whenever I want, I can wake up and I've got freedom. There is no more money you can give me today that is going to give me more peace, more freedom than I have now."

Shaz proves that success isn't measured by how much you accumulate but by how much you give, how present you are and whether you're living aligned to your values. His story shows that one man with focus, belief and a desire to serve can create ripples that reach thousands.

If you're a father trying to balance work and presence, an entrepreneur chasing purpose over profit, or someone searching for meaning beyond the grind—this episode will challenge how you see success, masculinity and what it means to leave a legacy.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about fatherhood, purpose, service and what it truly means to be a good man.

Follow Shaz Memon
Instagram: @shaz.memon
Facebook: @digimaxdental
Website: www.digimaxdental.co.uk

Follow Wells and Wheels
Instagram: @wells.on.wheels
Facebook: @wellsonwheelsuk
Website: www.wellsonwheels.co.uk
Documentary: Available on Amazon Prime

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#Fatherhood #PurposeDriven #MensMentalHealth #Charity #WellsAndWheels #ServiceOverProfit #TheDadProject #Legacy #Entrepreneurship #BeingAGoodMan #RealStories

He Played for England and Went to the Olympics But Nobody Knew He Was Suffering in Silence

Nemash Patel — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0000

What happens when a Premier League footballer achieves everything he dreamed of and still feels like he’s drowning?

Marvin Sordell lived the dream. Premier League football. England Under-21s. Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. From the outside, he had it all. Inside, he was breaking.

At 21 he was playing for his country while fighting severe depression.
At 23 he thought about retiring.
At 28 he left football completely because staying was destroying him.

This is one of the most honest conversations on men’s mental health, pressure, identity and the hidden cost of success.

Marvin speaks openly about:

Being rejected at Chelsea and rebuilding at Watford
Breaking into the Premier League with Bolton
How early success brought pressure he couldn’t explain
Severe depression at the height of his career
His suicide attempt that nobody knew about
Therapy and understanding the weight he carried
Why we teach people to handle failure but not success
Feeling worthless when he wasn’t playing well
The loneliness of suffering in silence
Co-parenting with respect
Running multiple businesses
Redefining purpose away from football

Chapters

00:01:12 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:00:00 The Gratitude Paradox: Finding Peace in Both Highs and Lows
00:01:52 Who is Marvin: A Father With No Quiet Mornings
00:06:01 The Daily Grind: Practice Over Play
00:07:23 Courage Without Guarantees: Jumping In With Both Feet
00:08:42 From Chelsea Rejection to Fulham Success: Learning From Failure
00:09:55 Climbing the Ladder: When Winning is Just the Beginning
00:10:46 Failure as DNA: The Mental Toll of Elite Football
00:18:48 The First Year Struggle: When Football Stopped Being Fun
00:22:52 The Summer That Changed Everything: Choosing to Go Again
00:24:06 Breaking Into the First Team: Finding Freedom Again
00:26:17 Success and Suffering: The Worst Points at the Highest Peak
00:26:47 The Psychologist's Insight: We're Not Taught to Handle Success
00:27:30 When Success Brings the Past to the Surface
00:33:54 The Weight of Failure: Sleepless Nights and Endless Replays
00:35:15 Money Doesn't Equal Happiness: What People Don't See
00:38:35 2013: The Overdose and the Silence That Followed
00:42:39 Breaking the Silence: Why Marvin Finally Spoke Out
00:46:30 The Cultural Silence: Why Men Don't Share Their Stories
00:28:34 Retiring at 28: Choosing Mental Health Over Football
00:48:56 Generational Trauma and Cultural Barriers to Mental Health
00:50:56 Purpose Beyond Football: Leaving Things Better Than You Found Them
00:51:48 Raising Kids With Values: Polite, Hardworking, and Honest
00:54:25 Teaching Through Struggle: Letting Kids Solve Their Own Problems
00:58:00 Co-Parenting and Putting Kids First: Finding Peace in Their Happiness
01:00:05 Grateful for the Lows: Why Every Experience Matters
01:00:58 Making the Most of One Life: Outlandish Dreams and No Regrets

He also reflects on childhood trauma, antidepressants, pressure from fans, and why tying your identity to performance destroys your wellbeing.

\"If you want to be grateful for all of the positive things in your life, you have to also be grateful for all of the negative things in your life. They both made you who you are. If you're happy with who you are, then you're happy with everything that made you who you are.\"

Marvin now focuses on mental health advocacy, building businesses that create positive change and raising his children with honesty, hard work and kindness. His story shows that strength isn’t about avoiding struggle. It’s about speaking before the weight becomes too much.

If you’re chasing a goal, dealing with pressure, or trying to find meaning after everything you worked for falls apart, this episode will give you clarity and comfort.

🔔 Subscribe for more raw, real conversations that break the silence around men's mental health.

Follow Marvin Sordell
Instagram: @marvinsordell
X: x.com/MarvinSordell
Website: www.swoop.social

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#MensMentalHealth #PremierLeague #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #Depression #TheDadProject #FootballMentalHealth #BreakTheSilence #HealingJourney #RealStories #MarvinSordell

The Truth About Child Sexual Abuse | Jeremy Indica on His Story, The System & What Parents Must Know

Nemash Patel — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0000

What happens when a trusted friend becomes a child's worst nightmare?

Jeremy Indica was eight years old when his father's friend began sexually abusing him. For over a year, in his own home, under his father's nose, a predator groomed and violated him and Jeremy told no one. Not because he didn't want to. Because he didn't even know he could.

This is one of the most difficult, necessary, and powerful conversations The Dad Project has ever aired. Jeremy takes us through the unthinkable—the details of his abuse, the decades of silence, the night terrors at 25, and the moment he finally told his father, shattering him completely.

But this episode isn't just about trauma. It's about transformation.

Jeremy left a six-figure aerospace engineering career designing Formula One parts to dedicate his life to protecting children. He now speaks in schools, trains teachers and police, runs the platform Something to Say, and fights to change the laws around child safeguarding in the UK.

This conversation goes deep into:
• The reality of child sexual abuse—what it actually is, how grooming works, and why children stay silent
• How childhood trauma resurfaces in adulthood and affects relationships, intimacy, and mental health
• Why the education system, parents, and schools must work together to protect children
• The dangers of online grooming, gaming chat rooms, and pornography's role in creating offenders
• What parents must teach their children about body safety and consent—at every age
• Jeremy's confrontation with his abuser, his arrest, and being taken to court
• Why we need to understand offenders to safeguard the next generation

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:07 The Question No One Asks: What Actually Happened
00:04:30 Eight Years Old: When the Abuse Began
00:09:40 The Grooming Process: How Predators Manipulate Children
00:15:01 The Abuse Escalates: Moments Frozen in Memory
00:18:12 Hidden in Plain Sight: Why No One Noticed
00:35:01 The Abuser's Profile: Understanding Predators to Protect Children
00:47:41 Twenty-Five and Shattered: When the Memories Returned
00:27:11 Telling His Father: A Scream of Pain
00:54:06 Breaking the Silence: The First Friend
01:07:38 The Open Mic Journey: Finding His Voice
01:17:10 From Engineering to Advocacy: Building Something to Say
01:21:34 Speaking in Schools: Protecting the Next Generation
01:24:17 Practical Advice for Parents: Creating Safe Environments
01:31:35 The Digital Danger: Protecting Children Online
01:34:16 The Vision: Changing Laws and Saving Lives

"If you're ever worried or feeling uncomfortable about anything, please remember, you can always come to me because I will help you and you will never be in trouble for what's gone on."

This is the sentence every parent needs to say. Every child needs to hear. And every adult who was once that child needs to know it's never too late to speak.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, survivor, or someone who wants to understand how to protect the children in your life—this episode will change how you see safeguarding, silence, and the power of speaking out.

🔔 Subscribe for conversations that matter. Share this episode with every parent, teacher, and safeguarding professional you know.

Follow Jeremy Indica
Instagram: @jeremyindica
TikTok: @jeremyindika
Something to Say: @somethingtosay_
Website: www.jeremyindika.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-indika-31673573/

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LinkedIn: The Dad Project

#ChildSafeguarding #SexualAbuseSurvivor #ParentingAwareness #TheDadProject #ProtectChildren #BreakTheSilence #TraumaRecovery #MensMentalHealth #SurvivorStories #Safeguarding #ChildProtection #JeremyIndica #SpeakOut #HealingJourney

Why Understanding Your Partner’s Cycle Improves Your Relationship and Your Own Downtime

Nemash Patel — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0000

Reshma Patel spent years living the life she thought she was supposed to live. A comfortable marriage. Children. A stable home. A successful career as a dietitian. From the outside everything looked perfect, but inside she felt lost, disconnected and unsure of who she really was.

When her marriage ended in her mid-30s, her entire identity collapsed. She had never paid bills, never handled finances and never lived alone. At the same time both her father and her ex-partner’s father became seriously unwell, creating overwhelming pressure and emotional turmoil.

Reshma describes locking herself away during lockdown, feeling broken and rebuilding her life piece by piece. She learned independence, bought her own home, started therapy and began putting herself first for the first time in her life. Fitness became her daily anchor, helping her rebuild confidence, strength and self-worth.

She also speaks about her culture, motherhood, friendships, divorce, emotional growth and the importance of choosing yourself even when it feels terrifying.

Today Reshma helps others understand their relationship with food, stress and mental health and has become a woman her children would be proud of.

This is a powerful and relatable story of losing yourself and finding your way back.

Themes

Losing identity in marriage
Divorce and emotional collapse
Cultural pressure on women
Rebuilding independence
Mental health during separation
Fitness and self-worth
Co-parenting with respect
Supportive relationships
Reinvention and confidence

Why this episode matters

Reshma shows what many women live through silently — giving everything to others until there is nothing left for themselves. Her journey proves that rebuilding your identity is possible at any stage of life.

Chapters

00:00:00 Understanding Men's Relationship with Food
00:01:17 Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:53 Meeting Rashma: From Comfort Zone to Courage
00:06:04 The Gut-Brain Connection and Hormonal Health
00:12:04 The Executive's Dilemma: High-Functioning Alcoholics and Burnout
00:19:09 Finding Downtime in a 24/7 World
00:29:25 Life Before: The Comfortable Cage
00:36:24 Divorce During Lockdown: When Two Fathers Fall Apart
00:47:51 Co-Parenting and Finding Friendship After Marriage
00:54:58 Reinventing Rashma: From Gym Anxiety to Pull-Up Queen
01:03:08 Coaching Men Through Crisis: The Real Work
01:14:01 Legacy of Happiness: Being the Mother Her Children Need

"I want my kids to look back and say, you did it on your own. And we know that if something goes wrong in our lives, we'll be fine because we've evidence that as parents, you will be absolutely fine because we were."

Whether you're trapped in a life that looks perfect but feels empty, struggling through divorce, or trying to understand how your body and mind connect—this episode will challenge everything you think you know about strength, identity, and what it means to truly show up for yourself.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about transformation, mental health, and finding yourself after losing everything.

Follow Reshma Patel
Instagram: @thedietitianglobal
LinkedIn: @reshma-patel-the-dietitian
Website: www.thedietitian.com/

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#WomensMentalHealth #DivorceRecovery #IdentityJourney #AsianWomen #SelfWorth #TheDadProject #HealingJourney #Reinvention #RealStories

He Hit a Midlife Health Crisis at 49 and One Moment Made Him Change His Life Completely

Nemash Patel — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jason Smith spent years climbing the corporate ladder until he realised he was outsourcing his entire role as a dad. He left his job to be present for his son, but when the routine disappeared he felt lost. His identity collapsed, his confidence vanished and his physical and mental health spiralled.

Within 18 months he was warned he was heading towards type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and fatty liver disease. He was drinking heavily, barely moving and felt deeply unhappy.

One day an image he saw online stopped him in his tracks. In that moment he knew he had to change. He quit alcohol overnight, started walking daily and began rebuilding his mind and body from the ground up. He posted every day for accountability, joined a sober community and slowly became the man he wished he had always been.

In this conversation Jason talks about identity loss, midlife crisis, depression, health fear, self-belief, discipline and how fitness became the anchor that rebuilt him. He explains why so many men struggle in silence and how simple habits changed his entire life.

Jason now works as a personal trainer and coach helping people aged 45–60 take control of their health, confidence and future.

This is a grounded and inspiring story about midlife transformation, presence and becoming the parent you always intended to be.

Themes

Midlife identity loss
Leaving career for fatherhood
Depression and emptiness
Health crisis and lifestyle disease
Alcohol dependency
Accountability and habit change
Fitness as emotional recovery
Rebuilding confidence
Helping others through lived experience

Why this episode matters

Jason shows how quickly a man’s life can unravel when identity disappears — and how fast it can change when belief returns. His story proves it is never too late to rebuild your health, mindset and purpose.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:45 Leaving Corporate Life to Become a Present Father
00:05:20 The Power of Presence: Redefining Fatherhood
00:12:13 The Identity Crisis: When Your Job Title Disappears
00:15:10 Depression, Diabetes, and Rock Bottom at 49
00:22:10 Finding Your True Self Through a Child's Eyes
00:28:03 The Hobbit Moment: When Everything Changed
00:36:07 From Wine to Wellness: The Journey to Sobriety
00:41:02 Rediscovering Adventure at 49: Mountain Bikes and Swimming Lessons
00:49:01 From Client to Coach: Finding Purpose in Fitness
00:58:20 The Mental Game: Why Fitness is Really About Self-Image
01:17:44 A Father's Promise: Don't Become a Burden to Your Children

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about men's mental health, fatherhood, and finding purpose in midlife.

Follow Jason Smith
Instagram: @fitinmidlife
TikTok: @fitinmidlife
Facebook: @fitinmidlife

Follow The Dad Project
Instagram: @thedadprojecthq
TikTok: @thedadprojecthq
YouTube: @thedadprojecthq
X (Twitter): @thedadprojecthq
LinkedIn: The Dad Project

#MensMentalHealth #MidlifeCrisis #HealthTransformation #SoberLiving #FitnessOver40 #Fatherhood #TheDadProject #LifestyleChange #RealStories #HealingJourney

He Survived Childhood Trauma and the Marines but Never Learned How To Feel Until Much Later

Nemash Patel — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:30:00 -0000

Chris Davies grew up in chaos. Violence, instability and emotional neglect shaped his early years and left deep marks he carried into adulthood. After his father died, he felt a strong pull to create legacy and purpose, so he joined the Royal Marines. The training, the identity and the intensity gave him structure, but it also deepened the emotional numbness he had learned as a child.

In this conversation Chris speaks openly about childhood trauma, Marines training, emotional shutdown and the long period of his life where he cut himself off from feeling. He explains how leaving the forces left him without identity or direction and how the breakdown of a relationship forced him to confront everything he had been avoiding.

Chris shares how men’s work, breathwork, grounding and nervous system awareness helped him rebuild himself piece by piece. He now supports men through the same journey, helping them reconnect with their bodies, emotions and strength in healthier ways.

This episode is raw, honest and deeply relevant to any man who has learned to stay numb in order to survive.

Themes

Childhood trauma
Royal Marines training
Emotional numbness
Identity loss after leaving the forces
Relationship breakdown
Nervous system regulation
Men’s work and breathwork
Masculinity and vulnerability

Why this episode matter

Many men learn to suppress emotion to survive trauma, the forces or difficult environments. Chris shows what happens when that silence breaks and how men can rebuild from the inside out.

Chapters

00:00:00 The Burden of Becoming Your Best Self
00:01:03 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:38 The Black Sheep: Chris's Childhood and Early Wisdom
00:08:40 A Father's Death and the Search for Legacy
00:15:07 Joining the Marines: Purpose, Fear, and Brotherhood
00:17:55 Modern Masculinity and the Loss of Purpose
00:26:56 Combat in Afghanistan: Facing Death as a Valiman
00:29:52 Leaving the Military and Finding Breathwork
00:40:41 The Science and Spirit of Breathwork
01:02:46 Sacred Sons and Men's Work
01:12:15 Why Men Resist Healing
01:26:52 Breaking the Cycle for Future Generations

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to support powerful conversations that men need to hear.

Connect with Chris
Instagram: @the_chrisdavies/

Follow The Dad Project
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TikTok: @thedadprojecthq
YouTube: @thedadprojecthq
X (Twitter): @thedadprojecthq
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#MensMentalHealth #RoyalMarines #VeteranMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #ChildhoodTrauma #EmotionalAwareness #HealingJourney #MensWork #TheDadProject #Resilience #RealStories

A Psychotherapist Explains Why So Many Men Feel Lost Lonely and Disconnected Today

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:40:47 -0000

Glen Ross is an integrative psychotherapist and brain coach who works with men struggling across the full spectrum of mental health. In this conversation he explains why so many men feel disconnected, overwhelmed and stuck in survival mode without realising it.

Glen breaks down dopamine driven “over masculinity,” the loss of empathy and connection in modern men and the emotional cost of always being in action mode. He introduces the minus 5 to zero and zero to plus 5 mental health model and explains why men at rock bottom often feel worse when they consume positive advice designed for people already thriving.

He talks about emotional avoidance, gratitude misuse, cold plunges, routines, distractions and the ways men use “self improvement” to run from their pain. Glen also shares how trauma shapes the body, why timing matters for recovery and how to build awareness of what you are actually feeling.

This episode gives a clear and practical understanding of the pressures men face today and offers grounded insight into what real healing looks like.

Themes

Modern masculinity
Survival mode
Loneliness in men
Dopamine and serotonin patterns
Trauma and emotional avoidance
Why self improvement backfires
Mental health models
Emotional awareness and timing
Men struggling in silence

Why this episode matters

Many men try to fix themselves with habits, routines and discipline while avoiding the emotions underneath. Glen explains why this approach fails and what actually helps men move forward.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:47 The Message: Why Glenn Said Yes to This Podcast
00:09:50 Understanding Emotional Intelligence and Literacy
00:20:08 Learning How to Ask for Help
00:24:27 The Three D's: Dismiss, Devalue, Demonize
00:31:35 Cause vs Effect: Treating the Root Problem
00:38:09 Desperation vs Inspiration: What Drives Change
01:00:22 Masculinity, Femininity, and the Chemistry of Connection
01:23:03 Shadow Work: Integrating Your Whole Self
01:17:31 Single Fatherhood and Building the Banks
01:09:30 Digital Dissociation and the Future Crisis
01:28:07 Adaptations: Why We Are Who We Are
01:34:07 Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and Belief Systems
01:41:24 Leaving Things Better Than You Found Them

🔔 If this conversation resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it.

Follow Glen Ross
Instagram: www.instagram.com/glenrosstherapy
Website: www.glenross.co

Follow The Dad Project

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TikTok: @thedadprojecthq
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#MensMentalHealth #Masculinity #Loneliness #SelfImprovement #HealingJourney #TheDadProject #EmotionalAwareness #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters

He Was Diagnosed With Stage 4 Cancer on His 25th Birthday and Spent Two Years Ignoring the Signs

Nemash Patel — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:30:00 -0000

Dilan spent two years living with symptoms he didn’t understand. Itchy skin, night sweats, fatigue and lumps in his neck all appeared long before he realised something was wrong. He thought it was stress, heat or dry skin. He never imagined cancer.

Two weeks before his 25th birthday he went to the GP. The doctor printed a referral form and the word “cancer” was written at the top.
On his 25th birthday he sat in front of a haematologist and heard the words “stage 4B Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”
He says that for the first two or three days he genuinely thought he was going to die.

In this episode Dilan talks about fear, identity loss and the emotional collapse that came with the diagnosis. He explains how his mother became his anchor, how friendships changed and what it felt like to shift from a healthy young man to a cancer patient overnight. He shares the treatment, the breakdowns and the mindset that helped him fight.

He also talks about rebuilding his body, confidence and purpose through habits, discipline and gratitude.

This is a powerful story about survival, perspective and learning to value every part of life again.

Themes

Stage 4 cancer
Diagnosis on his 25th birthday
Two years of missed symptoms
Fear and identity loss
Mental resilience
Mother–son connection
Rebuilding after illness
Gratitude and perspective

Why this episode matters

Dilan’s story shows how quickly life can change and how important it is to listen to your body. His journey gives perspective, hope and a clear view of what real resilience looks like.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:27 The Invisible Child: Growing Up Insecure and Isolated
00:08:15 Anger as Armor: When Emotions Become Violence
00:08:57 Finding an Outlet: The Beginning of a Fitness Journey
00:11:00 More Than Muscles: Why Men Need Physical Fitness
00:23:11 The Diagnosis: Stage 4 Cancer on His 25th Birthday
00:29:30 The First Three Days: Confronting Death
00:32:42 Chemotherapy and the Holistic Path
00:39:15 Questioning Western Medicine: Food, Alcohol, and Cancer
00:41:36 The Body's Wake-Up Call: Cancer as a Message
00:46:28 Rebirth at 25: The Man Who Stopped Giving a Shit
00:54:30 The Epiphany: A Glimpse of the Future
00:59:59 DNA Fitness: Transforming Lives Beyond the Physical
01:04:59 Practical Tools: Journaling, Meditation, and Self-Healing
01:10:20 Breaking Generational Patterns: Fatherhood Done Differently
01:22:19 The Power of Community: Why Men Need Men
01:25:49 Legacy of Love: What Matters in the End

Follow Dilan / DNA Fitness

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dnafitnessuk
Website: www.dnafitnessuk.com/

Follow The Dad Project

Instagram: @thedadprojecthq
TikTok: @thedadprojecthq
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#MensMentalHealth #HealingJourney #MindsetShift #CancerSurvivor #SelfHealing #AuthenticLiving #DNAFitness #TheDadProject #PurposeDriven #TransformationJourney

He Coaches CEOs and World Leaders but Never Learned How To Face His Own Pain

Nemash Patel — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

René Carayol built a global career advising leaders, CEOs and prime ministers. But behind the authority and confidence was a man raised to be strong, silent and unshakeable. Growing up in a Gambian family, he learned early that men do not talk about fear, grief or weakness. They keep moving.

In this conversation René opens up about losing his mother young, becoming a single father and carrying emotional weight without ever speaking about it. He talks about the pressure on Black men to be strong, the guilt and shame men hold inside and the moment he realised how much that silence was costing him.

René reflects on the death of his sister, the impact it had on his emotional world and how fatherhood softened him and changed the way he leads, loves and lives. He explains why men need permission to be vulnerable and how real strength comes from honesty, not silence.

This is an intimate and powerful episode on masculinity, grief, identity and the lifelong journey of learning to open up.

Themes

Masculinity and emotional suppression
Single fatherhood
Grief and loss
Black male identity
Cultural expectations
Leadership and vulnerability
Shame and silence
Fatherhood and purpose
Emotional growth and reflection

Why this episode matters

Many men grow up believing that strength means silence. René’s story shows how harmful that belief can be and how life changes when men finally speak their truth.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:40 Meeting René: The Man Behind the Corner Office
00:06:31 The Immigrant's Dream: From Gambia to London
00:09:56 Finding Your Spike: The Power of Strengths Over Weaknesses
00:21:38 The Four Friends: Building Your Support Network
00:25:15 Invisible in Plain Sight: The Reality of Being a Black Father
00:23:01 Seventeen Uncles: How a Football Team Became Family
00:19:22 The Mentoring Secret: Why Mentors Gain More Than Mentees
00:33:47 Empowerment Over Delegation: The New Leadership Model
00:35:10 The Loneliest Job: Inside the CEO's Corner Office
00:48:17 When She Left: Becoming a Single Father at University
00:49:20 The Day the Guilt Disappeared: A Son's Pride
01:09:36 Loss and Resilience: Losing His Wife to Cancer
01:13:50 The Unbreakable Bond: Single Parenting Creates Connection
01:18:25 May 2nd: Grief, Remembrance, and Being There for Each Other
01:17:28 The Postman's Kindness: Light in Dark Places
01:06:12 The 3am Phone Call: What True Coaching Looks Like
01:19:34 50% Fatherless: The Crisis Facing Young Men Today
01:22:13 Look Out for Each Other: René's Message to Men
01:22:43 A Decent Father: How René Wants to Be Remembered

Follow René Carayol
Website: www.carayol.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/renecarayol
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ReneCarayol
X: www.x.com/renecarayol

#SingleDad #Fatherhood #MentalHealthMatters #Leadership #Loss #Healing #TheDadProject #ParentingWithPurpose #MasculinityRedefined #VulnerabilityIsStrength #MenSupportingMen

He Lost Over £200,000 to Gambling Addiction Until One Moment With His Son Changed Everything

Nemash Patel — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Harj spent years trapped in a gambling addiction that controlled every part of his life. He hid his behaviour, lied to the people he loved and spiralled into more than £200,000 of losses, debt, fear and shame. The addiction took over quietly, and he carried the weight alone.

Everything changed the day his young son looked at him and said, “I’m so lucky.”
That moment broke him. It forced him to see the father he wanted to be and the man he had become.

In this episode Harj speaks openly about addiction, relapse, urges and rebuilding trust. He explains how shame keeps men silent, why gambling can take over without warning and how cultural expectations can make it even harder to speak up. He also shares the steps that helped him recover: honesty, accountability, structure, community and doing the inner work one day at a time.

This is a powerful story about falling apart, choosing change and showing up for your child with everything you have.

Themes

Gambling addiction
Shame and secrecy
Fatherhood as a turning point
Punjabi cultural expectations
Relapse and recovery
Self worth and identity
Accountability and honesty
Rebuilding trust

Why this episode matters

Gambling addiction is often silent and hidden. Harj shows what it really takes to confront it, rebuild your life and step back into fatherhood with clarity and purpose.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:03:44 A Punjabi Childhood: Alcoholism and Freedom
00:13:27 The Life of the Party: Seeking Validation Everywhere
00:25:48 First Steps into Gambling: The Casino Lights
00:29:16 The Addiction Deepens: From Casinos to Constant Betting
00:38:01 The Toxic Mistress: Living a Double Life
00:53:31 Rock Bottom: The Day His Wife Discovered Everything
01:10:05 The Darkest Night: A Suicide Attempt on the M1
01:16:01 McDonald's Chips: When His Son Saved His Life
01:19:56 The Road to Recovery: Finding the Right Help
01:40:00 Breaking Generational Trauma: Teaching Love Over Wealth
01:32:44 Swatch Care: Turning Pain into Purpose

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#Fatherhood #GamblingAddiction #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #TheDadProject #AddictionRecovery #SelfGrowth #DadLife #ParentingSupport #EmotionalWellbeing

He Robbed 12 Banks, Nearly Took His Own Life and Then Found Himself in a Prison Cell

Nemash Patel — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Reed Domingo’s life reads like a film. He grew up in a loving family, built a successful life in California and spent years trying to become a father through IVF. After nine failed rounds, heavy debt and constant pressure, he slowly unravelled. The stress pushed him into growing weed and eventually to the darkest moment of his life, when he sat alone with a gun in his mouth and thought about ending everything.

His daughter saved him.
That moment stopped him from pulling the trigger.

Still drowning in debt, he made a desperate decision. Using information from bank training, Reed discovered he could rob banks without threats or weapons. Over twelve months he walked into twelve banks, handed over a note and left with the cash he needed to survive. No violence. No disguises. Just desperation.

The FBI eventually tracked him down and arrested him at gunpoint. Reed spent four years in federal prison, where he discovered something unexpected. He became a teacher, earned the respect of inmates across every background and finally understood who he really was.

After serving his time he was deported, permanently banned from the United States and separated from his wife and daughter. Reed rebuilt his life in the UK and found healing, love and a deeper understanding of himself. His daughter later learned the truth about his past and accepted him without judgement.

Reed’s story is about pressure, pain, fatherhood, accountability and redemption. His message is simple: wherever you are in life, that is where you are meant to be.

This episode is one of the most moving conversations ever recorded on The Dad Project.

Themes

• Suicide ideation
• IVF heartbreak
• Debt and pressure
• Fatherhood and devotion
• Crime born from desperation
• FBI arrest
• Prison and identity
• Teaching and purpose
• Deportation and separation
• Emotional resilience
• Acceptance and forgiveness
• Finding yourself at rock bottom

Why this episode matters

Reed shows how fast life can unravel when pressure builds in silence. His story reveals the hidden struggles men carry, the desperation that can push someone to the edge and the strength it takes to rebuild after losing everything.

Chapters

00:01:23 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:02:10 Meeting Reed: A Life That Reads Like a Movie
00:03:00 South African Roots and Immigration to the UK
00:03:56 Boarding School: Preparation for the Unexpected
00:05:50 Parental Love and Discipline: Lessons in Independence
00:10:42 Academic Struggles and Finding His Own Path
00:15:55 California Dreaming: A Two-Week Trip Becomes 20 Years
00:20:25 Meeting Patrice: Love and the IVF Journey Begins
00:23:41 Nine Attempts, ,000, and a Miracle Named Angelique
00:33:34 Chummy: A Father's Greatest Love
00:41:19 Financial Collapse: Debt, Desperation, and Dark Thoughts
00:46:53 A Gun in His Mouth: The Moment That Changed Everything
00:49:57 Bank Training and a Dangerous Idea
00:52:16 The Motorcycle Bandit: Robbing 12 Banks
00:56:23 The Note, The Method, and No Violence
01:04:37 Five AM Knock: The FBI Comes Calling
01:07:31 Terminal Island: Finding Himself Behind Bars
01:14:47 Mr. Reed: Teaching in Prison and Becoming Whole
01:07:39 Deportation and Separation: Losing America and His Daughter
01:18:51 The Philosophy: You Are Exactly Where You're Supposed to Be
01:33:12 Protecting Your Child: Never Speak Ill of Their Other Parent
01:29:19 The Ship Story: Hiding the Truth from a Child
01:24:49 Meeting Alexis: Finding Love After Everything
01:21:19 Gratitude and Redemption: A Gentleman's Heart

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#MensMentalHealth #BankRobberyStory #PrisonRedemption #SuicideAwareness #Fatherhood #IVFJourney #MentalHealthMatters #LifeRebuilding #TheDadProject #Resilience #RealStories #HealingJourney

She Breaks Down Shame, Anger and Addiction and Explains What Men Are Really Carrying Inside

Nemash Patel — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jacky Power is a therapist and poet who specialises in addiction and men’s emotional wellbeing. In this conversation she explains what shame really feels like, why men hide their pain and how unresolved emotions shape behaviour in ways most people never see.

Jacky talks about anger, frustration and the nervous system responses that men slip into when they feel overwhelmed. She describes how boys learn early to disconnect from their feelings and why so many men numb themselves with work, alcohol, porn, scrolling or anything that stops them from sitting with discomfort.

She explains how shame creates isolation, how connection helps the nervous system feel safe again and why men need “brave spaces” where they can speak honestly without being judged. Jacky also shares practical tools for emotional awareness, communication, timing difficult conversations and noticing the signals your body gives you before you unravel.

The episode explores addiction, childhood patterns, unmet needs, relationships, fatherhood and how we can support adolescent boys in a world full of pressure.

This is one of the most insightful episodes in the series and offers a clear, compassionate understanding of what men carry inside.

Themes

Shame and self worth
Anger and emotional regulation
Nervous system responses
Addiction as coping
Numbing behaviours in men
Masculinity and vulnerability
Relationships and communication
Childhood wounds and unmet needs
Raising adolescent boys
Safe and brave spaces for men
Poetry as emotional expression

Why this episode matters

Many men carry pain they cannot name. Jacky gives language to that hidden world and offers practical ways to understand, process and talk about difficult emotions.

Chapters

00:01:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:45 Meeting Jackie Power: Poetry, Therapy and Noticing Untold Stories
00:06:44 Understanding the Window of Tolerance: Fight, Flight and Freeze
00:08:12 Emotional Fatigue and the Bucket Analogy
00:11:43 When Men Need Help: Recognizing the Signs
00:13:52 Creating Safe Spaces vs Brave Spaces for Vulnerability
00:14:15 The Struggle to Surrender: Why Vulnerability is Strength
00:15:44 Breaking Free from Family Roles and Systems
00:16:49 Healthy Masculinity: Showing Up as Human
00:18:16 The Art of Arguing: Communication in Relationships
00:30:35 Removing Distractions: Finding Answers Within
00:34:27 The Mirror Test: Learning to Say 'I Love You' to Yourself
00:34:58 Understanding Shame: Bringing It Into the Light
00:29:10 Music as Emotional Expression: Alternative Ways to Feel
00:40:20 Addiction: Pain, Medicating and the Path to Recovery
00:50:31 Poetry as Code: Jackie's Creative Outlet for Healing
00:53:43 Being Authentic: The Freedom of Showing Up as Yourself
01:04:54 Supporting Adolescent Boys: The Next Generation
01:09:42 Legacy: Encouraging You to Be the You-est You

🔔 Like, share, and subscribe to support The Dad Project and help redefine masculinity, one honest conversation at a time.

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#MensMentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Fatherhood #Shame #Healing #TheDadProject #EmotionalHealth #ModernMasculinity #RelationshipAdvice #PoetryHealing

Govind & Jasleen on Healing Family Trauma and Forgiveness | The Dad Project | Episode 13

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:29 -0000

In this deeply emotional episode of The Dad Project, siblings Govind and Jasleen open up about their turbulent childhood growing up in a household marked by parental conflict, alcohol abuse, and emotional trauma. Together, they explore: ⦿ The long-term impact of witnessing domestic tension ⦿ How childhood shaped their views on relationships and masculinity ⦿ Why Jasleen became a “defender” of her mother ⦿ Govind’s battle with commitment, emotional openness, and therapy ⦿ The rare chance they had to reconnect and forgive their father before he passed away Their raw, honest conversation sheds light on how unresolved generational trauma can influence how we love, cope, and grow and how empathy, communication, and sibling support can be powerful tools in healing. Whether you're navigating family dynamics, reflecting on your upbringing, or trying to break toxic cycles, this episode offers hope and perspective. 00:00 Intro 00:49 Sibling dynamics growing up 04:17 Living through parental conflict 08:04 Early trauma and emotional scars 13:05 Seeking therapy and healing 16:46 Understanding their father’s past 20:59 Impact on adult relationships 24:53 Cultural expectations and stigma 28:34 Fatherhood, regret, and reconciliation 32:34 Advice for men on the brink 36:01 Reconnecting as siblings 41:07 Defining modern masculinity 46:05 Emotional openness in relationships 51:50 Forgiveness, grief, and growth Follow The Dad Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadprojecthq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedadprojecthq TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedadprojecthq YouTube: @thedadprojecthq X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/thedadprojecthq LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-dad-project/ 🔔 Subscribe to hear more courageous stories breaking the stigma around men’s mental health.

They Grew Up Raising Themselves While Their Parents Fell Apart and Spent Years Healing From It

Nemash Patel — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jasleen and Govind grew up in a home filled with conflict, secrecy and emotional instability. Their mother would often escape to Jasleen’s room to cry and share adult problems with her, including their father’s affairs and anger. From as young as age 10, Jasleen became her mother’s emotional protector, carrying burdens no child should hold.

Govind experienced the same chaos and felt forced to grow up fast. Both siblings talk openly about acting more like caretakers than children and how the constant tension shaped their sense of safety, identity and confidence. Jasleen reflects on losing parts of her childhood and blocking memories, while Govind describes the pressure to stay strong despite the pain around him.

In this conversation they speak about healing, therapy, forgiveness and the difficult process of breaking generational patterns. Their bond as siblings became a lifeline in a home where emotional stability was fragile.

This episode is a powerful look at childhood trauma, family conflict and the long road to rebuilding your inner world.

Themes

Childhood trauma
Parental conflict and affairs
Emotional parentification
Lost childhood
Sibling bonding through distress
Healing and therapy
Forgiveness and rebuilding
Cultural silence around family issues

Why this episode matters

Many adults carry wounds from childhood homes filled with conflict. Jasleen and Govind give voice to those hidden experiences and show how healing begins with honesty and understanding.

Chapters

00:00:49 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:35 Growing Up Together: A Brother and Sister's Bond
00:03:48 Behind Closed Doors: When Parents' Problems Become Children's Burdens
00:08:45 The Defender and The Protector: Taking on Adult Roles as Children
00:13:32 Generational Trauma: Understanding Why Dad Did What He Did
00:36:26 The Separation: When Everything Falls Apart
00:46:02 What Makes a Good Man: Perspectives from a Son and Daughter
00:30:08 Communication Over Confrontation: Saving Relationships Before It's Too Late
00:09:57 The Reunion: Dad Moves Back In and Finding Forgiveness
00:54:07 Healing and Closure: Conversations That Changed Everything
01:11:32 A Message to Children and Parents: Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

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🔔 Subscribe to hear more courageous stories breaking the stigma around men’s mental health.

He Carried Someone Else’s Pain for Three Years Until He Completely Lost Himself

Nemash Patel — Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Prashil spent three years carrying emotional weight that was never his to hold. He poured everything into supporting someone else and slowly lost his identity in the process. When the relationship ended, he finally stopped and realised he no longer recognised the person staring back at him in the mirror.

In this episode Prashil talks honestly about burnout, self abandonment, emotional overload and the quiet collapse that happens when men give all of themselves without taking care of their own needs. He reflects on losing his sense of worth, feeling empty and trying to rebuild his identity after years of silence.

He also speaks about connection, alignment, community and the deep conversations that helped him find clarity again. His story is a powerful reminder of how easy it is for men to lose themselves and how important it is to speak up before the weight becomes too much.

This conversation offers depth, vulnerability and a clear look at what emotional recovery really takes.

Themes

Emotional weight and burnout
Losing identity
Self abandonment
Masculine silence
Reflection and self awareness
Rebuilding confidence
Connection and alignment
Healing after long term strain

Why this episode matters

Many men give everything to others and quietly fall apart. Prashil’s honesty shows how identity can erode and how healing begins with recognising your own worth again.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: The Weight of Emotional Burden
00:00:50 Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:03:11 Childhood and the Scars of Bullying
00:08:00 Finding Strength and Making Friends
00:11:10 From Staples to Web Design: Early Career Journey
00:15:23 Childhood Sweethearts to Marriage Breakdown
00:18:52 Rock Bottom: The Night That Changed Everything
00:20:44 Carrying Three Years of Pain: Losing Yourself
00:27:05 Alcohol, Isolation, and Contemplating Suicide
00:30:07 The Turning Point: Choosing to Be a Success Story
00:40:22 Why Vulnerability is Strength, Not Weakness
00:42:49 Challenges as Growth: The Path Forward
00:32:22 Losing a Friend: The Catalyst for Change
00:52:27 Manifestation and the Power of Energy
00:58:20 The Weekend That Changed His Life Forever
01:02:37 Breaking Generational Trauma as a Father
01:06:28 Legacy: Healing the World One Person at a Time

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and help more dads find strength in vulnerability.

Follow Prashil Mistry

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theindianlifecoach
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theindianlifecoach
Website: www.theindianlifecoach.co.uk/

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#MensMentalHealth #Fatherhood #Growth #Vulnerability #TheDadProject

He Tried To End His Life and Survived and That Moment Became the Turning Point That Saved Him

Nemash Patel — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Juggy planned to end his life by driving into a motorway bridge. He felt trapped, overwhelmed and exhausted by the weight he had carried in silence. When he survived the crash and walked away unharmed, everything changed. Seeing his father break down in tears forced him to realise that there was still something to fight for.

In this episode Juggy speaks openly about the darkest period of his life, the pressure he felt growing up, the expectations placed on him and the silent suffering that led to that moment. He talks about rebuilding himself physically and mentally, becoming The Indian Body Coach and finding purpose through helping others.

He also reflects on fatherhood, identity and the lessons he wants to pass on to his children. Juggy’s story is raw, honest and full of the strength it takes to choose life when everything feels impossible.

This is one of the most powerful conversations in the series.

Themes

Suicide attempt and survival
Depression and silent suffering
Childhood pressure and strict expectations
Fitness as healing
Fatherhood and purpose
Identity and self worth
Mental health in men of colour
Rebuilding after rock bottom

Why this episode matters

Many men suffer quietly until they reach breaking point. Juggy’s story shows that speaking up, surviving and rebuilding can change everything.

Chapters

00:00:00 The Crash That Saved His Life: Juggy's Suicide Attempt
00:00:52 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:41 The Indian Body Coach: From Childhood to Purpose
00:05:30 Losing His Grandfather: The Beginning of the Dark Hole
00:10:17 Drowning in Alcohol: Every Night at University
00:13:06 The Diagnosis No One Talked About: Depression and Anxiety at 20
00:15:35 Why Nutrition? A Son's Love for His Father
00:17:37 The Bridge, The Crash, and Walking Away: A Second Chance
00:21:55 Seeing the World Through Gray: Understanding Real Depression
00:27:18 Sharing His Story and Losing Everyone: The Cost of Vulnerability
00:31:09 Jesse: The Wife Who Sees His Worth
00:32:29 From Dreams to Reality: Marriage, Kids, and the Countryside
00:33:18 The Vision: Thousands on Stage, Transforming Lives Worldwide
00:34:47 From Seven Pound Fifty Sessions to Transformation Specialist
00:36:41 Beyond Physical Results: Uncovering Why You Don't Love Yourself
00:38:35 The Three Pillars: Physical, Physiological, and Psychological
00:40:45 Why People Want You to Stay the Same
00:43:45 The Man She Married: How Fitness Transforms Families
00:47:26 Raising Conscious Sons: Discipline Now, Freedom Later
00:50:43 The Tech Problem: Protecting Real Connection in an AI World
00:51:35 Finding Your Tribe: Community Events and Pain to Purpose
00:52:57 Gratitude and Acceptance: The Power of Embracing Challenges
00:56:25 The Legacy: Facilitating Transformation from Within

Follow Juggy
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YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JuggySidhuTheIndianBodyCoach

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#MensMentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #TheDadProject #Fatherhood #Transformation #Purpose #FitnessJourney #Resilience #MentalHealthMatters

Nemash Patel on Divorce, Single Fatherhood & Finding His Purpose | The Dad Project | Episode 10

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:38:23 -0000

In this heartfelt episode of The Dad Project Podcast, host Naroop Jhooti sits down with Nemash Patel, a single father who shares his powerful story of navigating divorce, overcoming emotional struggles, and discovering a renewed sense of purpose. Nemash opens up about the fear of losing his children after separation, coping mechanisms that helped him rebuild his life, and how becoming part of The Dad Project transformed his personal growth and mission in life. Honest, vulnerable, and deeply moving, this conversation explores how pain can become purpose, and how helping others can heal your own wounds. 🎧 Packed with honesty, hope, and practical wisdom, this episode is essential listening for any father experiencing life's toughest challenges. 00:00:00 Finding Purpose Through The Dad Project 00:01:26 Meet Nemash: A Single Dad's Journey 00:04:13 What Fatherhood Means to Nemash 00:08:29 The Impact of Separation Anxiety 00:11:46 Staying for the Kids 00:13:11 Rediscovering Life After Divorce 00:15:18 Nemash's Dreams and Ambitions 00:16:59 Emotional Impact of Divorce 00:18:41 Choosing Fitness Over Depression 00:22:06 Father's Influence and Legacy 00:24:04 Overcompensating as a Single Dad 00:26:42 Joining The Dad Project 00:30:43 Nemash's Vision for the Future 00:34:01 Why Nemash Wants to Help Others 00:36:26 Creating a Safe Space for Fathers 00:37:14 Personal Growth Through Helping Others 00:40:00 A Sense of Purpose and Duty 00:42:26 How Nemash Wants to Be Remembered 00:43:49 Final Reflections and Future Aspirations 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and help more dads embrace their journey. 📲 Follow Nemash: Instagram: instagram.com/nemashpatel Facebook: facebook.com/nemash TikTok: tiktok.com/@nemashpatel LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nemash-patel/ 📲 Follow The Dad Project: Instagram: instagram.com/thedadprojecthq Facebook: facebook.com/thedadprojecthq TikTok: tiktok.com/@thedadprojecthq YouTube: @thedadprojecthq X (Twitter): x.com/thedadprojecthq LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-dad-project #SingleDad #DivorceJourney #Fatherhood #MentalHealth #Healing #FindingPurpose #ParentingTips #TheDadProject #FatherhoodAdvice #OvercomingChallenges

Divorce Broke Him Completely and He Had To Rebuild His Life From the Ground Up

Nemash Patel — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:30:00 -0000

Nemash opens up about the moment his marriage ended and how it shattered him. He talks about the shock, the embarrassment and the fear of judgment that followed. The separation forced him to confront years of ignored emotions, poor coping habits and the quiet belief that he was not enough.

In this conversation he speaks honestly about loneliness, depression and trying to hold himself together while feeling completely lost. Nemash reflects on the expectations placed on men in Asian communities and how those pressures stopped him from asking for help sooner.

He also shares the steps he took to rebuild himself: discipline, training, therapy, brotherhood, routine and learning to speak honestly about how he felt. Fatherhood became a major part of that journey and helped him find direction and purpose again.

This episode offers a raw look at identity, healing and the long road back after your life falls apart.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health
00:01:21 Single Fatherhood: What Being a Dad Really Means
00:03:22 The Fear of Losing Everything: Divorce and Separation
00:08:57 Four Years of Silence: Living Through a Dying Marriage
00:17:03 The Shower Tears: Confronting Depression Without Medication
00:19:09 From Gym to Healing: Turning Pain Into Purpose
00:13:04 Finding Balance: Being Present for Kids and Yourself
00:24:41 The October Message: How The Dad Project Partnership Began
00:33:40 The Superpower of Helping: Why We Must Do Something
00:42:22 Legacy and Purpose: How Nirmish Wants to Be Remembered

Themes

Divorce and emotional collapse
Identity loss and self worth
Depression and loneliness
Cultural expectations of men
Healing and rebuilding
Discipline and routine
Fatherhood and purpose
Speaking honestly after years of silence

Why this episode matters

Many men break silently after a marriage ends. Nemash’s honesty gives a voice to that experience and shows what rebuilding actually looks like.

🎧 This episode of The Dad Project Podcast features a powerful conversation between host Naroop Jhooti and his father, Bindy Jhooti, exploring resilience, family, and overcoming life's toughest challenges.

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and inspire others.

📲 Follow Nemash

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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nemash-patel/

📲 Follow The Dad Project

#SingleDad #DivorceJourney #Fatherhood #MentalHealth #Healing #FindingPurpose #ParentingTips #TheDadProject #FatherhoodAdvice #OvercomingChallenges

Owais Khan on Bullying, Reality TV & Overcoming His Stammer | The Dad Project Podcast | Episode 9

Nemash Patel — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0000

Owais grew up battling a stammer and years of bullying. The daily pressure at school, the fear of speaking and the constant judgement from others shaped his confidence and the way he saw himself. He carried those wounds into adulthood, hiding behind image, performance and the need to be accepted.

In this episode he talks openly about the loneliness he felt as a child, the anxiety that followed him into every room and the emotional weight of trying to fit in while feeling different. Owais shares how reality TV and modelling gave him visibility but also exposed insecurities he never dealt with.

He reflects on identity, self worth, healing childhood experiences and the inner work he had to do to rebuild himself. His story highlights the long term impact of bullying and the courage it takes for men to speak honestly about their past.

This is a powerful conversation about confidence, shame, growth and finding your voice after years of silence.

Why this episode matters

Many men carry childhood wounds into adulthood without realising how deeply they still affect them. Owais shows what healing looks like when you stop hiding and start speaking your truth.

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and inspire others.

Follow Owais Khan

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Follow Action for Stammering Children
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#Fatherhood #MentalHealth #Bullying #OvercomingChallenges #Resilience #StammeringAwareness #TheDadProject #ParentingTips #FatherhoodAdvice

He Carried a Lifetime of Pressure Until It Finally Broke Him and Forced Him To Rethink Everything

Nemash Patel — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0000

Bindy is the father of Naroop and international artist Jay Sean.

His story begins in Delhi and later Southall, where he grew up watching his uncle become one of the first Indian businessmen in the area. That early influence shaped everything Bindy believed about success, responsibility and what a man is expected to carry.

He admired his uncle deeply but also saw the hidden pressure behind the success, including addiction and the emotional weight that came with it. Those mixed messages pushed Bindy towards business from a young age. He built factories, worked long hours and carried the silent stress of providing for his family.

When the factory closed, the pressure intensified. Bindy faced years of uncertainty, judgement from others and moments where he felt completely alone. Friends questioned his parenting choices, especially his decision to support his son’s passion for music rather than push him toward a “safer” career.

In this honest conversation, Bindy speaks about vulnerability, identity, cultural expectations, family pressures and the moments as a father that moved him deeply. He reflects on the sacrifices men make quietly, the weight they carry for their families and what it took to stop, breathe and rebuild his life.

This is a powerful father to son story about resilience, pressure, honesty and redefining success on your own terms.

Themes

Fatherhood and identity
Supporting a child’s dreams
Business pressure and burnout
Cultural expectations
Childhood influence and addiction
Silent emotional struggles
Vulnerability in men

Why this episode matters

Many men hide the pressure they carry for their families. Bindy’s honesty gives language to those silent moments and shows how strength is built through truth, not pretending.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: A Father and Son Break the Silence
00:02:09 Growing Up in Delhi: The Foundation of Bindy's Journey
00:02:51 Uncle's Legacy: Lessons in Addiction and Ambition
00:07:57 Think and Grow Rich: A Book That Changed Everything
00:08:56 Building an Empire: From 10 to 500 Employees
00:13:07 The Collapse: When Everything Came Crashing Down
00:17:14 Resilience in Crisis: How Bindy Stayed Strong
00:19:52 The Candle Dream: Finding Purpose Through Vision
00:21:52 Supporting Sons Through Uncertainty: Nick's Music and Rupert's Path
00:36:32 The Dad Project: Why This Work Matters
00:32:16 Men and Mental Health: Breaking Generational Patterns
00:29:26 Divorce and Family: The Unspoken Parent Perspective
00:34:22 The Importance of Environment: Changing the Soil
00:40:40 Keep Moving Forward: Progress Over Perfection
00:43:07 Legacy and Impact: How Bindy Wants to Be Remembered
00:44:24 Live Your Dream, Fulfill Mine: A Father's Gift to His Son
00:46:43 Learning to Live: The Conversation Every Father and Son Needs

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and inspire others.

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#TheDadProject #Podcast #Fatherhood #Resilience #OvercomingObstacles #MentalStrength

He Lost Both Parents and His Marriage and Had To Learn How To Be a Single Dad On His Own

Nemash Patel — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Arun became a single dad in 2019 after losing both of his parents and going through a divorce.

His daughter went to live with his ex, her side of the family pulled away, and he found himself parenting his son while feeling completely alone.

In this episode Arun talks honestly about grief, separation and the shock of seeing his whole life change in a short space of time. He shares how stepping back from his career as an accountant allowed him to focus on his son, including homeschooling him through lockdown and rebuilding their bond day by day.

Arun also speaks about the emotional impact of loneliness, learning to be vulnerable, finding support through new friendships and how volunteering became a key part of his healing. He reflects on the cultural views around divorce, the sacrifices he made for fatherhood and what really matters when you are raising a child on your own.

This is a grounded and very human look at loss, fatherhood and starting again when life has stripped away what you thought was secure.

Themes

Losing both parents
Divorce and separation
Single fatherhood
Loneliness and mental health
Stepping back from career for fatherhood
Volunteering and purpose
Cultural views on divorce
Vulnerability and support systems

Why this episode matters
Many men face grief, divorce and single fatherhood in silence. Arun shows what it looks like to prioritise your child, rebuild your life and slowly find purpose again.

Chapters

00:00:00 The Only Person Who Genuinely Cares: Opening Reflections on Single Fatherhood
00:00:18 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Single Fathers of Colour
00:01:34 Loss, Separation, and Starting Over: Arun's Journey Begins
00:02:43 The Dark Days: Loneliness and Learning to Survive
00:03:58 Lockdown and Homeschooling: Finding Connection Through Crisis
00:07:09 The Power of Presence: Walking Hand in Hand to School
00:05:42 Adventures Together: From Dubai to Rome
00:08:36 Becoming a Single Parent: Learning Both Roles
00:10:58 Coping Mechanisms: Throwing Yourself Into the Relationship
00:11:57 Marriage for Life: When Your Identity Shatters
00:13:36 The One Constant: Why Your Child Becomes Everything
00:14:44 You Can't Give Up on Yourself: Finding Strength for Your Children
00:15:58 Breaking Down Vulnerability: Why Men Need to Talk
00:19:05 From Bereavement Client to Volunteer: Turning Pain Into Purpose
00:20:09 Absorbing Pain Like a Sponge: The Challenges of Helping Others
00:21:02 Volunteering at the NHS and Coffee Mornings: Finding Connection Through Service
00:22:49 The Career Sacrifice: Choosing Your Son Over Success
00:23:53 You Only Get This Time Once: The Priceless School Run
00:24:32 Replacing Old Memories with New Ones: The Mindset Shift
00:26:04 Advice for New Single Dads: Cherish Every Moment
00:26:40 The Lonely Evenings: Coping When Your Child Isn't There
00:28:03 Building Your New Life: Volunteer Work and Social Circles
00:29:01 The Stigma Question: Single Dads of Colour in Modern Britain
00:30:13 Indian Culture and Divorce: Times Have Changed
00:32:04 Closing Reflections: Positives, Growth, and Gratitude

🎧 This episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and inspiration for single parents and anyone navigating life’s challenges.

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and inspire more fathers to embrace their journey.

#SingleDad #FatherhoodJourney #Parenting #Resilience #CoParenting #TheDadProject #OvercomingChallenges #ParentingTips #FatherhoodAdvice

He Fought for 50 50 Custody While Raising His Autistic Son and Trying to Hold Himself Together

Nemash Patel — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0000

Kiran became a single father after his marriage ended. In the early days he was overwhelmed by separation, sudden life changes and the pressure of learning how to parent an autistic child on his own.

He talks honestly about asking for more time with his son, why he felt uncomfortable even though he knew he was entitled to it, and the long journey toward a 50 50 arrangement. He shares the challenges that came with autism, from sensory triggers and meltdowns to development delays and the routines his son depended on.

Kiran explains how he educated himself, attended courses, changed his work life and structured everything around being present. He also opens up about therapy, burnout, fear and the moment he realised he needed help.

This is a grounded, honest look at fatherhood, separation and raising a child with additional needs.

Themes

Parenting an autistic child
Sudden separation
Asking for custody
Structure and routine
Sensory triggers and meltdowns
Rebuilding life as a single dad
Emotional cycles and identity

Why this episode matters
Many single fathers feel unprepared for the emotional and practical demands of raising a child with additional needs. Kiran’s story gives real insight into the pressure men carry and the strength they find.

🔔 Don't miss this inspiring episode! Like, subscribe, and share to support The Dad Project and highlight the incredible journeys of single fathers everywhere.

Follow Kiran Dhilan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k17_pan/

#SingleDadsOfColor #Fatherhood #ParentingJourney #Resilience #AutismAwareness #TheDadProject #EqualCustody #ParentingChallenges #FatherhoodInspiration

Growing Up Without His Father Shaped Everything He Became as a Dad

Nemash Patel — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Dale is the founder of @raisingboys_2men, a fast growing Instagram community with over 560,000 followers.

Known for his honest parenting content, Aaron uses his own childhood experiences to help fathers show up better for their sons.

In this conversation, Aaron opens up about being raised by his mum while his father lived nearby with another family and saw him in secret. He talks about the impact this had on his confidence, his sense of belonging and the way it shaped the type of father he wanted to become.

Aaron also shares open thoughts on co parenting, putting children first and learning how to break patterns that start in childhood but follow men into adulthood.

This episode gives a real look at fatherhood, identity and the emotional work men do behind closed doors.

Themes

Growing up without an active father
Feeling hidden or secondary as a child
Identity and confidence in boys
Co parenting as a single dad
Breaking childhood patterns
Putting children first

Why this episode matters
Many men repeat what they grew up with. Aaron’s story shows what it takes to notice old wounds and choose a different path for your children.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: What Makes a Great Dad
00:02:32 Growing Up Without a Father: The KFC Promise
00:03:30 Breaking the Cycle: Becoming a Single Dad at 21
00:04:35 The Weight of Broken Promises: Trust Issues and Childhood Trauma
00:05:22 Twice a Single Dad: Patterns and Self-Reflection
00:08:34 Navigating the Stepdad Situation: Letting Go and Trusting
00:10:20 The Amicable Approach: Peace Over Conflict
00:11:34 Therapy and Healing: Emptying the Backpack of Bricks
00:13:26 Emotional Openness: The Strength in Vulnerability
00:14:21 Accountability: The Foundation of Growth
00:15:15 Your Vulnerabilities Will Be Your Strengths
00:17:59 The Birth of Raising Boys to Men: An Organic Journey
00:20:19 The Desire to Help Young People: Breaking Generational Patterns
00:21:05 The Most Common Question: Dealing with Another Man Around Your Child
00:35:54 The Child Comes First: Redefining What Makes a Good Dad
00:38:03 Boundaries in Co-Parenting: When a New Partner Enters the Picture
00:40:11 Male Role Models: The Andrew Tate Generation
00:41:55 The Most Viral Content: Why Finances Hit Hardest
00:26:23 Doors Closing and Opening: Heartbreak Before the Platform
00:27:47 Advice for Struggling Dads: Acceptance and Self-Care
00:32:01 How You Respond Defines You: A Father's Wisdom
00:34:05 The Stigma of Single Dads of Color: Shattering Assumptions
00:43:52 Closing Reflections: Everything Happens for a Reason

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and inspire more fathers to embrace their journey.

Follow Aaron Dale
Instagram: www.instagram.com/raisingboys_2men
Podcast: www.youtube.com/@raisingboys_2men

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#SingleFather #Fatherhood #ParentingJourney #Resilience #SingleDadStories #TheDadProject #CoParenting #ParentingTips #FatherhoodAdvice #OvercomingChallenges

He Became a Single Dad of Two Girls and the Early Months Nearly Broke Him Completely

Nemash Patel — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0000

Raj became a single father to two young daughters.

The early days felt overwhelming, waves of blame, anger, confusion and moments where he didn’t know who to talk to or what to do next.

He describes the emotional cycles many men go through after separation, how thoughts spiral, and how guilt and pressure sit on your shoulders when you’re trying to keep life steady for your children.

Raj also talks about staying present, taking each day as it comes, and building a co-parenting relationship that puts his daughters first.

This is a conversation about the inner experience men rarely share, the weight, the doubt and the slow work of finding your ground again.

Themes

Becoming a single father
Emotional cycles after separation
Guilt and self-blame
Staying present with children
Co-parenting
Identity and self-worth

Why this episode matters
Many men go silent after separation. Raj shows the emotional reality most dads never talk about and how to move forward.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and help more dads find the strength to thrive.

Follow The Dad Project
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Facebook - www.facebook.com/thedadprojecthq
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thedadprojecthq
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X - www.x.com/thedadprojecthqthedadprojecthq
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/the-dad-project/

#SingleFather #Fatherhood #ParentingTips #Resilience #SingleDadStories #TheDadProject #FatherhoodJourney #ParentingAdvice #OvercomingChallenges #EntrepreneurDad

How Brenton Amedee Found Strength as a Single Father | Resilience and Success | Episode 3

Nemash Patel — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:53:55 -0000

In this inspiring episode of The Dad Project, Brenton Amedee, a single father, investment banker, and entrepreneur, opens up about his journey to overcoming challenges and thriving after divorce. Brenton shares how he balanced raising his children with managing a career in banking and running a successful outdoor laser tag business. Through heartfelt stories, Brenton talks about embracing vulnerability, making sacrifices to create stability for his kids, and finding strength in community. He also addresses the stigmas faced by single fathers, especially fathers of colour, and offers powerful advice for others navigating similar challenges. If you’re a single parent looking for inspiration, tips on resilience, or just an uplifting story about fatherhood and personal growth, this episode is for you. 00:00 Intro 00:40 Exploring the vision and goals of The Dad Project 01:16 Introducing Brenton Amedee and his personal journey 02:15 Discussing the emotional challenges of becoming a single dad 03:37 Strategies for staying connected with kids after separation 04:42 Reflecting on childhood experiences and their impact on parenting 06:25 Sharing sacrifices made to provide stability for children 07:45 Facing the challenges of moving and maintaining a sense of normalcy 09:10 Balancing the different needs of daughters and sons as a parent 12:05 Personal growth and resilience gained through tough times 14:10 Embracing vulnerability as a strength and lessons from therapy 16:15 Encouraging new single fathers to stay strong and communicate 18:33 The critical role of self-care in thriving as a single dad 19:36 Building positivity with gratitude and fostering a healthy mindset 20:44 Tackling the stigma around single fathers of colour 22:15 Balancing work, social life, and quality time with kids 24:05 Thriving after challenges and achieving success in work and family life 25:33 Creating and maintaining strong relationships with children 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and help more dads find the strength to thrive. Follow The Dad Project Instagram - www.instagram.com/thedadprojecthq Facebook - www.facebook.com/thedadprojecthq TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thedadprojecthq YouTube - @thedadprojecthq X - www.x.com/thedadprojecthqthedadprojecthq LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/the-dad-project/ #SingleFather #Fatherhood #ParentingTips #Resilience #SingleDadStories #TheDadProject #FatherhoodJourney #ParentingAdvice #OvercomingChallenges #EntrepreneurDad

He Raised His Kids Alone While Working Two Jobs — This Is What It Did to Him

Nemash Patel — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0000

Brenton balanced banking, running a business and raising his children after separation.

The pressure almost broke him, but the love for his kids pushed him through every difficult moment.

He opens up about loneliness, sacrifice, rebuilding confidence, and finding strength when life feels impossible.

This is a story every father, husband and man should hear.

Themes:

Lone parenting
Men coping with pressure
Identity after divorce
Cultural expectations
Resilience and rebuilding

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Single Fatherhood
00:02:46 The Hardest Decision: Leaving the Family Home
00:04:35 Drawing Strength from Childhood Pain
00:06:29 Sacrifice and Living Arrangements: From Family Home to Small Flat
00:08:43 A Father's Fear: I Don't Want Them to Not Want to Come
00:09:51 Understanding Daughters: Shopping Trips and Bracelets
00:11:49 Vulnerability as Strength: Learning It's Okay to Not Be Okay
00:14:07 The Power of Communication: Finding People Who Understand
00:15:40 Advice for Men Going Through Separation
00:17:02 Self-Care and Sport: The Necessity of Looking After Yourself
00:21:08 Breaking the Stigma: Single Fathers of Colour and Presence
00:23:08 Quality Over Quantity: More Time as a Single Dad
00:24:35 Thriving Now: Investment Banking and Laser Tag Dreams
00:26:46 Time Doesn't Heal: Mindset Does

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and help more dads find the strength to thrive.

Follow The Dad Project
Instagram - www.instagram.com/thedadprojecthq
Facebook - www.facebook.com/thedadprojecthq
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thedadprojecthq
YouTube - www.youtube.com/@thedadprojecthq
X - www.x.com/thedadprojecthqthedadprojecthq
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/the-dad-project/

#SingleFather #Fatherhood #ParentingTips #Resilience #SingleDadStories #TheDadProject #FatherhoodJourney #ParentingAdvice #OvercomingChallenges #EntrepreneurDad

Raj Dhesi on Resilience, Sacrifice, and Overcoming Grief as a Single Father | Episode 2

Nemash Patel — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Raj became a single father during COVID.

Weeks after his daughter’s birth, separation meant losing the early moments every dad dreams of.

In this episode, he talks about the grief, the guilt and the pressure he carried, and how he rebuilt his bond with his daughter through resilience, community and emotional honesty.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding your life together by a thread, Raj’s story will hit you hard.

Themes:

Separation and fatherhood
Grief and loss
Self-worth
Healing and identity
Expectations on men
Cultural pressure

Asian Parents Network Website: www.aspnetwork.org.uk

Follow The Dad Project
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Naroop on Single Parenthood, Resilience, and the Launch of The Dad Project | Episode 1

Nemash Patel — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Many men never speak about the moment everything falls apart.

For Naroop, it was the end of a 26-year relationship and the shock of becoming a single father to a young daughter.

In this conversation, he shares how he rebuilt his identity, found strength in the darkest period of his life, and created The Dad Project as a space for honest talks about men’s mental health, fatherhood, healing and self-worth.

If you’re a man carrying stress, pressure or silent weight, you’ll hear something in this episode that stays with you.

Themes:

Single fatherhood
Identity after separation
Emotional resilience
Modern masculinity
Men opening up
Self-worth and purpose

Timestamps:

Join us for an inspiring debut!

Follow Naroop Instagram - www.instagram.com/itsnaroop
Follow Amit and Naroop Instagram - www.instagram.com/amitandnaroop
Website - www.amitandnaroop.com

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Trailer: The Dad Project

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:38:59 -0000

In Season 1, host Naroop Jhooti brings their voices to life. It’s time to celebrate fatherhood and break down the stigma. First episode drops 14th November! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and right here on YouTube. Follow Naroop Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itsnaroop/ Follow Amit and Naroop Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amitandnaroop/ Website - https://www.amitandnaroop.com/ Follow The Dad Project Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedadprojecthq Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedadprojecthq TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thedadprojecthq YouTube - @thedadprojecthq X - https://www.x.com/thedadprojecthqthedadprojecthq LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-dad-project/ Connect and Subscribe for More Inspiring Stories from Single Fathers Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of The Dad Project, where we share raw, powerful stories of single fathers navigating parenthood with resilience and hope.