We recently connected with Bryan Ward and have shared our conversation below.
Bryan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Bryan is a devoted father to his two sons, Blake and Brett. He cherished every moment spent with them, cherishing the laughter, the hugs, and the bedtime stories.
One day, as Bryan was reflecting on his own journey as a father, he realized that he had faced many challenges and uncertainties along the way. He remembered the sleepless nights, the overwhelming responsibility, and the constant self-doubt that often accompanies fatherhood. However, he also knew that he had grown and learned from these experiences, becoming a better father with each passing day.
Inspired by his own transformation, Bryan felt a burning desire to help other dads navigate the ups and downs of fatherhood. He wanted to create a space where fathers could come together, share their stories, and learn from one another. And so, the idea for the Dad Up Podcast was born.
Bryan dedicated himself to founding and hosting the Dad Up Podcast, a platform where dads from all walks of life could come together to discuss the joys and challenges of raising children. Through engaging conversations, heartfelt stories, and expert advice, Bryan aimed to provide a supportive community for fathers seeking guidance and inspiration.
With unwavering determination, Bryan set out on his mission. He reached out to fellow dads, parenting experts, and even some celebrity fathers who were willing to share their experiences. Each episode of the Dad Up Podcast became a treasure trove of wisdom, filled with valuable insights and practical tips for dads.
As the podcast gained popularity, Bryan’s impact on the lives of fathers grew exponentially. Dads from around the world tuned in to listen, finding solace in the shared struggles and triumphs of fatherhood. The Dad Up Podcast became a beacon of hope, reminding fathers that they were not alone in their journey.
Over time, Bryan realized that the Dad Up Podcast had become more than just a podcast. It had become a movement, empowering dads to embrace their role as fathers and to strive for greatness. Bryan’s dedication to supporting and uplifting fathers became his life’s purpose, and he continued to pour his heart and soul into the podcast.
Through the Dad Up Podcast, Bryan forged lifelong friendships with fellow dads. Together, they created a community (Dad Up Tribe) that extended beyond the digital realm. The impact of the Dad Up Podcast spread far and wide, inspiring fathers to become more involved, more present, and more loving in their children’s lives.
And so, Bryan starting and hosting the Dad Up Podcast became a tale of transformation, connection, and love. It showed that with a little courage and a lot of passion, one person could make a profound difference in the lives of others. And as Bryan continues to host the Dad Up Podcast today, he knew that he was not just a father to his own children, but a father figure to countless dads around the world.
Dad Up!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Bryan Ward is a husband and proud father of two adult sons. He is also a Marine Corps Veteran. He is a championship basketball coach, but after 20 years coaching, he is now retired. Now his focus is on helping coaching dads on how to be the best they can be for their families.
Bryan is currently the creator and host of a top-rated podcast called Dad Up Podcast. Over the past 4 1/2 years, Bryan has been focusing on helping dads become the best dad they can be for their families. He has coached countless fathers on learning tools and strategies in parenting. He has also been featured on radio, various publications and even been interviewed by CNN for the work he is doing for dads.
Bryan is currently working on his first book, Dad Up, and hopes it will serve as a useful tool for any parent.
Bryan and his wife, Andrea, reside in California with their two sons, Blake and Brett.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
It was a particularly hectic week for me as a dad and podcast host. I had multiple interviews scheduled for the Dad Up Podcast, and at the same time, one of my son’s was going through a challenging situation that needed my attention.
Despite feeling overwhelmed, I knew I had to keep pushing forward. One evening, just minutes before a scheduled interview with a renowned parenting expert, frustration erupted in my home. Everyone in the household was dealing with their own circumstances and I really felt like I had to step in and help.
As I tried to diffuse the tension within the home, I realized that I couldn’t delay the interview any further. I took a deep breath, mustered up all the patience I had, and calmly asked my family if they could give me just a few moments to finish the interview. I promised them that we would address their situation afterward.
They agreed, so I did my best to focus on the conversation at hand. It was challenging to maintain as my mind was drifting to the needs of my family. But, I maintained my composure and listened attentively, but I knew the importance of the discussion for other fathers who would benefit from the expert’s insights.
Throughout the interview, I juggled my role as a dad and podcast host, occasionally muting my microphone to address my family’s needs and provide reassurance. It was a delicate balancing act, but I persevered, determined not to let the situation derail my commitment to my audience and the valuable information the expert had to share.
Finally, the interview came to an end. I thanked the expert for their time and expertise, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. As I unmuted my microphone, I turned my attention fully to my family, who were now calmer and waiting for my undivided attention.
We sat down together, and I listened to their concerns and frustrations, offering them comfort and understanding. It was a reminder that, as a dad, my role extended beyond the podcast. My family needed me to be present and supportive, even during the most stressful moments.
That evening, I reflected on the resilience it took to navigate the challenges of that day. Despite the stress and the pressure, I had remained committed to my role as a dad and podcast host, finding a way to prioritize both responsibilities.
It was a reminder that resilience as a dad and podcast host meant adapting and finding strength in the face of adversity. I learned that sometimes, the most challenging moments can become opportunities for growth and connection. And as I drifted off to sleep that night, I felt a renewed sense of determination to continue my journey of resilience as a dad and podcast host, knowing that my efforts were making a difference in the lives of others.
Dad Up!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As my sons began to hit preteen and teenage years, I noticed that my relationship with alcohol was becoming problematic. It had started innocently enough, as a way to unwind after long days or socialize with friends. But over time, it began to consume more of my life and affected my relationship with my sons.
One evening, as I sat in your living room, I asked my son to get a beer out of the fridge. He reluctantly did as I had asked. However, as he proceeded to hand me said beer, a wave of clarity washed over you. I realized that by asking my son to simply get me a beer, I was also introducing him to alcohol at a somewhat young age and that made me wonder what they think about my drinking. I realized that my drinking was taking away precious moments with my family, moments that I would never be able to get back.
It was a profound realization that struck deep within my heart. I recognized the importance of being present for my sons, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. I knew that if I continued down the path of alcohol dependency, I would miss out on the opportunity to shape their lives and show them the love and support they deserved.
Motivated by this newfound understanding, I made the courageous decision to quit drinking. It was not an easy path, as addiction is a formidable opponent. However, I embarked on a journey of recovery with determination and a deep commitment to being the best husband and father I could be.
The road to sobriety was filled with challenges, but I persevered. I sought support from friends and family. Through this process, I not only learned to overcome my addiction but also discovered a strength and resilience within myself that I didn’t know existed.
As the years went by, I remained steadfast in my sobriety. Every day, I wake up with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to being a positive role model for my sons. I showed them that their well-being and happiness were my top priorities, and that my love for them was stronger than any temptation or struggle I faced.
Now, 15 years later, I can proudly say that I have been sober. My decision to quit drinking has had a profound impact on my life and the lives of my sons. I have been able to create a nurturing and stable environment, fostering open communication and trust.
My story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the love of a parent. Through my journey of sobriety, I have not only transformed my own life but have also inspired others who may be facing similar challenges.
I continue to embrace my role as a loving and sober husband and father, cherishing every moment with family. My story serves as a reminder that it is never too late to make positive changes and prioritize the well-being of those we hold dear.
Dad Up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daduptribe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daduppodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryan.ward.5245
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-ward-0653b821
- Twitter: https://x.com/daduppodcast
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC3YGCtoxbiOMR-fQAeNnxIw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gABehYJQzocS4pm9R4W8A
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dad-up-podcast/id1486764562
Image Credits
Bryan Ward – Personal photos