Hello and welcome to the Developing Dads Podcast. I’m your host Gordon and alongside my brother Neil, we are going to explore life as two young dads trying to figure this whole parenting thing out. Join us every Monday where we aim to share our thoughts on how we raise our families, invest our time and explore anything and everything that interests us.
In this episode, we catch up for the first time in 2026. We go over our starts to the year with Gordon travelling to Thailand for a holiday with the family, Neil has finally signed up for his ultra marathon, and finally, we discuss the crazy AI developments.
General chat about the Xmas celebrations, everything we've been up to and how we are looking forward to 2026
In Episode 122 of the Developing Dads podcast, hosts Gordon and Neil reflect on the highs and lows of 2025. They discuss personal milestones, family dynamics, and the challenges of balancing work and life. From memorable trips to Paris to navigating health scares and financial planning, this episode offers a candid look at the year that was. Tune in for insights, laughter, and a glimpse into the lives of two dads navigating the complexities of modern family life.
In this episode of the Developing Dad's Podcast, Neil and Gordon engage in a candid conversation about their recent experiences, family life, and the challenges of parenting. They discuss the costs associated with holiday activities, the pressures of modern living, and the joys of family gatherings. The conversation also delves into the complexities of home ownership, financial planning, and the importance of maintaining relationships amidst the chaos of family life. With humour and honesty, they reflect on the ups and downs of being a parent and the decisions that come with it.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
03:22 Commitment to Fitness and Well-being
06:17 Family Holidays and Charity Walks
09:02 The Importance of Quality Time
18:24 Challenges and Accomplishments in Physical Activities
23:04 Consistency and Commitment in Personal and Professional Life
29:06 Chasing Running Goals
31:29 Fitness Routines and Parenthood
34:47 Birthday Party Planning
38:06 Overcoming the Fear of Failure
41:42 AI-Generated Bots
Reconnecting and Highest Download Day
02:15Reviewing Personal Highlights
09:32Reviewing Goals for the Year
21:24Improving Flexibility and Reducing Injury Risk
23:38Prioritizing Family Holidays Over Big Celebrations
29:25Building a Team and Delegating Tasks in Business
39:58Balancing Work and Personal Life for Happiness and Well-being
00:00Introduction and Catching Up
01:06Surprise Announcement
02:49Business Challenges and New Client
04:03Motivation to Grow the Business
05:36Recent Trip to Lisbon
06:09Upcoming Haircut
06:59Neil's Recent Weeks
07:06Lewis and Isla's School Progress
07:39Neil's London Quarterly and Steve Bartlett Live
12:57Takeaways from Steve Bartlett's Talk
20:05Discussion on Skill Stacking
25:02AI Podcasts and Analog Engagement
27:34Slowing down and creating connection
28:30The importance of human experience
29:07The impact of AI-generated content
30:33The potential of AI to improve efficiency
31:05The future of human connection
31:16The challenges of implementing AI in a traditional business
32:12Practical uses of AI in daily life
34:10The excitement of expecting a second child
36:31Preparing for the arrival of the second child
40:11The gender reveal and future plans
44:20The possibility of a family trip
46:10Government support for maternity leave
47:03Closing remarks and future plans for the podcast
In this episode, Gordon and Neil catch up on their recent activities. Neil shares his experience celebrating his 10th anniversary and attending a Danish wedding, discussing the unique traditions involved. Gordon talks about his ongoing illness and reflects on the work-life balance and the choices parents face. They both discuss the challenges of parenting as their children grow older and gain independence, including concerns about academic readiness and preparing for secondary school. They also reflect on the evolving roles of parents as their children become more self-sufficient. The conversation explores the shifting roles and independence that come with parenthood, as well as the future of work and the motivation to return to work. It delves into the challenges of maintaining skills and career progression, and the fear and confidence issues that can arise. The impact of AI and technology on various industries is discussed, along with the need for businesses to adapt and innovate. The conversation also touches on the pillars of business success and the importance of tech literacy in the modern world.
In this episode, Neil and Gordon catch up after a long break from podcasting. They discuss recent activities, including dealing with business challenges and investing in quality jeans. They also share highlights such as a date night and a comedy show. The conversation turns to reflections on 10 years of marriage and the challenges and growth they have experienced. They discuss future plans, including travel and navigating the teenage years. They end by setting goals for the next 10 years of their relationship. The conversation explores the significance of weddings and vow renewals, the financial considerations that come with them, and the rarity of gathering loved ones. It also delves into taking responsibility for loneliness, Neil's new job and imposter syndrome, putting oneself out there, the logistics and cost of weddings, and concludes with closing remarks.
In this episode, Gordon and Neil catch up on their recent activities and discuss the challenges and decisions involved in youth sports. They explore the concept of success and how it is often defined by societal metrics. The conversation delves into the commitment and time investment required for team sports and the potential benefits for children. They also discuss the importance of variety and allowing children to explore different activities before focusing on one or a few. Overall, the episode highlights the considerations and trade-offs involved in parenting and supporting children's interests. The conversation explores the themes of socialising and making friends, bribing children into activities, pushing children to overcome fears, the role of pushing in personal growth, and navigating parenthood and self-doubt.
In this episode, Neil and Gordon discuss their personal updates and delve into the topic of work-life balance. They explore the challenges of prioritising career and family and the importance of setting boundaries. They also discuss the addictive nature of success and the need to find stillness and balance in life. The conversation concludes with plans to attend a football match together. In this conversation, Gordon and Neil discuss various topics including planning a football game, Neil's first football game, birthday discussion, work-life balance, and career changes.Takeaways: - Balancing work and family life requires setting clear boundaries and effective communication. - Success often comes with consequences and it's important to consider the trade-offs. - Finding stillness and balance in life is crucial for overall happiness and well-being. - Prioritising family and career is a personal decision that requires open and honest conversations with loved ones. Planning events with friends can be exciting and enjoyable. - Trying new experiences, like attending a football game, can be a fun way to expand your horizons. - Discussing and planning birthdays with friends can lead to thoughtful and meaningful celebrations. - Finding a balance between work and personal life is important for overall well-being. - Considering and making career changes can bring new opportunities and personal growth.
In this episode of the Developing Dads podcast, Gordon and Neil catch up on their recent experiences and discuss the importance of role modelling as fathers. They share stories about their weekends, including Neil's half marathon and his children's achievements in football. Gordon talks about his business restructuring and the benefits of participating in a mastermind group. They also discuss the mental challenges of running and the importance of setting goals. The conversation touches on the impact of role modelling on children's behaviour, including exercise habits and financial literacy. Overall, the episode emphasises the importance of small actions and open communication in shaping children's values and behaviours. The conversation covers various aspects of parenting, including money and financial conversations, open communication and conflict resolution, teaching manners and politeness, being a role model for children, the impact of parental behaviour on children, and scheduling challenges and commitment.Takeaways - Money is often a central topic in conversations between parents, as they discuss saving, budgeting, and making financial decisions for the family. - Open communication and conflict resolution are important in parenting, as they teach children how to express their feelings and resolve conflicts healthily.- Teaching manners and politeness to children is essential, as it helps them develop social skills and respect for others. - Parents serve as role models for their children, and their behaviour and actions greatly influence how children behave and interact with others.- Scheduling challenges and commitment can make it difficult for parents to find time for important conversations and activities, but it's important to prioritize and make time for family.
In this conversation, Neil recaps his Christmas holiday and shares his goals for 2024. He discusses feeling overwhelmed and the need for rest, as well as the importance of taking interventions in relationships. Neil also talks about the significance of his upcoming 10th anniversary and the desire to go on a big family holiday. He emphasises the need to disconnect from technology and focus on personal growth, including running an ultramarathon and increasing mobility. Neil shares his business and financial goals, as well as the value of mentorship.Takeaways - Take time to rest and prioritise self-care when feeling overwhelmed. - Plan special experiences and interventions to keep relationships strong. - Set goals for personal growth, such as running an ultramarathon or increasing mobility. - Focus on business and financial goals, and seek mentorship for guidance and support.
SummaryIn this episode, Neil and Gordon discuss their Christmas preparations and reflect on the events of the past year. They talk about socializing, family visits, and the excitement of the holiday season. They also share their experiences with business growth and personal achievements throughout the year. From camping trips to live music events, they highlight the memorable moments and milestones of each month. Overall, it has been a year of building businesses, creating memories with family and friends, and embracing the joys and challenges of fatherhood. The conversation covers the months of July to December, with highlights including birthdays, trips, concerts, and family holidays. The hosts reflect on their experiences and the importance of creating special moments for loved ones. They discuss the balance between work and personal life, as well as the significance of community and shared experiences. The conversation concludes with anticipation for the upcoming Christmas celebrations and plans for the new year.Takeaways- Christmas is a time for socializing and spending time with family and friends.- Business growth and personal achievements are important milestones to celebrate.- Camping trips, live music events, and other activities create lasting memories.- Fatherhood brings both joys and challenges, and it's important to embrace them.- Reflecting on the past year helps to appreciate the progress and experiences.
00:00Introduction and Personal Updates
13:11Nativity Plays and Christmas Preparations
18:04Running and Fitness Goals
23:42Christmas Shopping and High Street Retail
25:22Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk
30:21Wealth and Rich List
31:32Inflation and Money Printing
31:49Bill Gates Podcast
32:10Spreading of Messages and Conspiracy Theories
33:08The Power of the Internet and Social Media
33:52Online Shopping and Comparison
35:14Motivation and Discipline
36:40The Myth of Finding Motivation
37:26The Benefits of Exercise
38:25The Quirky Background of Fred Again
41:56Closing Remarks
In this episode, we have a very special guest for episode 100 of the Developing Dads podcast, Don Kandasamy. We explore dad life. Thank you to everyone who listens to this podcast. We do it for our great great grandchildren but either way, all the messages (3.5) about how you've been enjoying our chats have been amazing. Here's to another 100.
In this episode, we explore the things we want to achieve by the time we are 40. From saving £100,000 in a pension to buying a holiday home or even going to F1 Paddock Pass.
In this episode, we explore the things we might do differently. From buying a first home, and staying in relationships too long to saving earlier and for longer than we did.
In this episode, we catch up after a couple of weeks off. Neil was on holiday and we run through a couple of busy weeks at work for Gordon.
In this short and sweet episode we find out how Vegas went for Gordon. The fun experience of surprises and what Neils been up to.
In this episode, we chat through all things related to dad life but focus on the topic of happiness and is it even possible to feel too happy?
In this episode, we explore some thoughts of the week alongside Neil asking Gordon questions about why he's made some of the choices he's made through the years.
In this episode, we explore what we have been up to given we have missed an upload. Everything from whether we encourage sons more than daughters when it comes to sports to negotiating new work.
In this episode, we discuss our favourite pieces of content to consume across lots of different platforms. From Podcasts to YouTube to books to Instagram Accounts.
Neils List
Podcasts DOAC Huberman Rich Roll Against All Odds Lex Fridman Nick Bare
Books Daily Stoic Daily Dad
YouTube Not really into it as much Fergus Crawley Nick Bare
Instagram one.life.truck.it
Gordon's List:
Podcasts Modern Wisdom Colin and Samir Iced Coffee Hour DOAC Fulhamish
Books Derek Sivers Mark Manson Will Storr
YouTube Shmee150 Peter Mckinnon Casey Neistat Matt Deavaila
Instagram Thetinmen
In this episode, we discuss how your 30s are basically about surviving. Debt, responsibilities, lack of sleep, less healthy, more pressure. The list can go on.
In this episode, we explore how dads can take better care of themselves. From simple things like sharing Brene Brown's tip to communicate with your partner how you feel to having some alone time.
In this episode, we sit down for a random dad chat. The main thing that comes up is around the feelings of what to do when in a funk. Should you embrace it? Should you work your way out of it? If so how?
In this episode, we interview Gordon's father-in-law, David Williams. We go into what dad life was like in 1991 and how it compares to 2023 and even learn more about what it was like working as a Diplomat and raising children all across the world.
In this episode, we explore the first 6 months of 2023. How are we getting on with our goals and if we've set anymore.
In this episode, we explore whether routine is something that can help you as a parent. Does it make you a bad parent if you don't stick to a routine?
In this episode, we use Diary of a CEO, Steven Barletts conversation cards. These are from the Diary of a CEO podcast where guests have asked the next guest a certain question. This opens an insightful discussion on things like, 'What is the greatest wealth in your life' to 'What is the greatest gift a human has given you'.
In this episode we explore the inequalities that face fathers in the UK. We discuss how maternity and paternity rules in this country need to be changed so fathers can be more present in the up bringing of their children.
In this short episode we explore the challenges faced by modern day dads. Expectations to be more than just a household provider and what that perhaps means.
[00:01:08] Society and cultural changes.
[00:03:30] Peaky Blinders outfit choice.
[00:08:31] Scottish entrepreneurship awards. [00:11:09] Wealth and success mindset.
[00:17:10] Political and social commentary.
[00:20:00] Importance of in-person networking.
[00:21:43] Personal brand importance.
[00:26:10] Creating a Podcast Easily.
[00:28:39] Networking in the fitness industry.
[00:33:55] Kids playing in the park.
[00:35:34] Parenting anxieties.
[00:39:41] Stupid things we've done.
[00:42:34] Identity and fitness limbo.
[00:46:03] Secondhand goods and weird interactions.
[00:49:35] Selling luxury items for profit.
In this episode we explore our experiences raising girls. We talk about what it's been like so far, how we are dealing with the now and what we think the future will look like being girl dads.
In this episode, we go into some Random Dad Chat. This includes all sorts of things from parenting styles and when to back each other as parents to Neil actually booking himself onto an Ultra Marathon like he said he would.
In this episode, Gordon is joined by Adam Boyd-Brown, the parent health coach. He works as a Personal Trainer coaching mums and dads to be better, healthier, stronger versions of themselves. We explore tips and tricks on how he has used to stay fit and healthy whilst becoming a new dad at the same time.
In this episode we discuss how we've managed to achieve a podcast in the top 1% of all podcasts across the world. From tips and tricks to solutions we've used to get there. To be honest it really wasn't that hard to get into the top 1% of podcasts in the world lol but we've some how done it.
In this episode, we explore how to find a work-life balance as a new dad. What are things you can do to juggle time with family, time at work and time with friends?
In this episode, we go over how we've got on with our goals for 2023. Q1 is done and we have been reminded of what we have and haven't achieved this year so far.
This is a solo episode with Gordon. Where he goes through all of his notable moments as a first time dad.
In this episode we explore the effect Ai will have on our kids and their job prospects. Talking about the recent advancements of Chat GPT and also Mo Gawdats book on Scary Smart.
In this episode, we explore Neil's 9 years of marriage and how he managed to make it so far.
Well, this one is strange. It's been a couple of weeks since we caught up on the pod so we go into what we've been up to. Neil was in London and accidentally found himself at a feminist convention. Gordon had the busiest 2 weeks which it included filming for the world's strongest men in Columbus, Ohio.
In this episode Neil completes his first solo pod. He goes through his running obsession and what benefits he's seen from running every week for about 8 years.
In this episode, we chat through our busy week and discuss friends that have and do suffer from mental health issues. We go through how we try to help and perhaps some of the best ways to deal with it.
In this episode, we go into a random dad chat. We haven't spoken for a couple of weeks so we catch up on all things dad life. We also explore the idea of what kind of dad do we want to be and how we negotiate between compassion and assertivness.
In this episode we explore the uselessness feeling in the first 6 to 18 months of fatherhood.
In this episode we discuss Olivia moving into a separation anxiety stage and we end up going through Neil's experiences raising his kids.
In this episode we try to talk about motivation and disipline but I think we might have to save that one for another time because apparently it's car stealing season in London. Gordon had his car stolen last week so we delve in to that. If you end up getting to the end you've done well LOL.
In this episode, we discuss our new year shinanigans with Neil going swimming with naked pensioners in Peterhead amongst other random dad chats.
With 2023 just starting we explore our goals for the new year. Some of the same from 2022 but also exploring some new ones for 2023.
In this episode, we explore how the goals we set in episode one have gone. From Neil getting close to hitting 1000 miles in a year to Gordon again moaning about the cost and time of his house renovations lol.
In this episode, we explore 2022 and go through a few of our highlights. From time with family to Gordon's first year with Olivia his daughter. Lots of highs and some lows but we've both had a great year especially given we have managed a whole year of podcasting.
In this episode, we cover what the first parent's evening was like. How we deal with handing over the care and attention of others to our kids.
In this episode, we shoot for a random dad chat and end up talking about whether we would want to spend time alone even with the amazing families that we have.
In this episode, we explore the lead-up to Xmas this year. How the current financial markets are influencing our decisions but also how we navigate the presents thing. We also get into memories of what we experienced as kids.
In this episode, we reflect on what 50 episodes have taught us. Whether we have enjoyed it, what might be next and maybe even if we decide to continue it.
In this episode, we explore where you spend more of your time and how it's so important to choose a suitable partner, cherish the early days of your kids growing up and deal with being alone for a lot of that time.
In this episode, we explore Neil's new moustache. We also discuss the idea of what it means to give to charity. Is it something that is stoking the status game or purely because people are selfless? Do we need to complete a challenge to ask people to donate to charity?
In this episode, we have another random dad chat. Covering a number of things but more notably how we discipline our kids. Do we take the talking route where we negotiate or do we just lay down the law?
In this episode, we explore how we navigate and 'get over' the hard times we've experienced in our lives.
In this episode, we discuss how we protect our kids from lots of different dangers that are out there. From the physical to the mental. We also explore how we balance this with ensuring our kids aren't 'wrapped in cotton wool'.
In this episode, we explore whether or not you should have kids. Considering things like time, money, sleep and even discussing the transformation you need, as a man, in your ego.
In this episode, we go into how we struggle with time as dads. What kind of commitments we make, how they serve us and how we ultimately choose. Apart from that, it's also full of random dad chat and an invasion from Neils kids lol
In this episode, we explore how having kids changes the way you think. The decisions you make in your twenties can be so much freer and even wasteful. As a dad, there's a clear choice. You either spend your time with your kids and partner or you don't. When you don't it better be worth it.
In this episode, we discuss what our retirement looks like. What do we dream about it and what are we practically doing to get there? We also discuss a number of other aspects of dad life with Olivia taking her first steps and Neil managing to party until 1 am.
In this episode we discover Neil manage to save BrewDog James's life. Well not quite but he certainly helped him when he had a pretty awful accident. We also run through a bunch of random dad chats we have been thinking about recently. From never setting goals to the crazy thing that is Tik Tok and how it compares to YouTube.
In this episode we discuss whether or not we are ok putting our kids out on the internet. From the risks to the benefits. We even stretch into the idea that kids in the future might end up sueing their parents.
In this episode, we explore how we've assessed risk before kids vs now having a family. Looking at things like buying your first house, living with more pressure and tips for breaking things down.
In this episode we explore the first year as a dad. Olivia (Gordon's daughter) has turned 1 so we go through how things have been. From intial shock through to stuff we've prioritised in the first year.
In this episode we explore mental health. After Paddy 'the baddy' Pimblett heart warming speech following his UFC win about his friend committing suicide. Mental health is something we've both never knowingly suffered with. That being said we go into our history with mental health and when we, perhaps have suffered with our own mental health. From Neil going from 1 to 3 kids in one swoop and how Gordon has had some pretty tough lows.
In this episode we discuss Neils journey losing his job in 2013 after the oil crash in Aberdeen. From having 30-days to figure out what he was going to do to what it feels like being a dad and facing this kind of adversity.
In this episode we explore what we think our current purpose is, how we've defined it and what we are doing to work toward it. We also try to help understand how purpose has changed throughout our lives from unencumbered 20 somethings to now dads.
In this episode, we go through the ins and outs of how we travel with our family. From things we've bought to how to entertain them on a long flight.
In this episode, we run through how the first 6-months of the year have gone. Review the goals we set in episode one and how much progress we have made on them.
In this episode, I ask Neil loads of questions that he doesn't know are coming. We talk about how he wanted to move to Orkney and not tell me about it to his fondest childhood memories.
In this episode, we catch up after taking a week off podcasting. This one is in person for a change so we cover all kinds of topics from fathers rights to is there a God.
In this episode, we run through a few tips and tricks to help dads stay fit, and healthy and solutions to switching off from a hectic life. We cover everything from time auditing, nap times and how to destress.
In this episode, we delve into part 2 of the birth stories from a dad's perspective. We go into Neil having his second round in a birthing suite. This time with twins on the way. I try to delve into things a little deeper and expand on some of what we went through in part 1.
In this episode, we explore some hard moments of being dads. From Neil surviving having twins after already having one to Gordon helping his wife through the tough 2-4 weeks post birth and worrying about the baby blues.
In this episode, we talk all about what makes us happy and how we define it. From our own childhood memories to some of our recent happiest moments. This one was recorded in person outside Tower Bridge. This hopefully will inspire a number of other in-person episodes in the future.
We start a new series called Random Dad Chat. In this episode we cover random things a 3-year-old says, bribes, praise, rewards, and punishments, arguing as parents, giving kids some flexibility and big life's choices (working hard vs taking time now)...
In this episode, we go through the first 6-months of becoming a dad. From how things change from a relationship perspective, the cost of getting going on the dad's life journey and a few thoughts on Neil going from 1 to 3 in a very abrupt space.
In this episode, Neil asks me blind questions about all things being a dad, how I have dealt with certain situations and if I have any habit or belief that has changed me in the last 5yrs. A great episode that I really enjoyed. Already looking forward to my opportunity to interview Neil.
In this episode, we discuss the jobs we've had over the years. From working as kitchen porters, public vs private sector and dramatically changing careers.
In this episode, we invite Luke Johson to the Podcast. He is a fitness entrepreneur and dad of three. We cover everything from what it was like finding out he's becoming a dad to running his business alongside being a dad to three children.
I and Neil took a few days off after batch recording a number of episodes. We return with a wee catch up on what we have been up to in the last 2-3weeks.
From digital detox to getting back into the gym.l
We sit down with our 2nd guest Ali Abdaal discussing everything from dad life, raising kids to burn out and our upbringing.
We delve into who inspires us from the Iron Cowboy to the soup making charity workers. Next time you think about getting inspiration from someone - look around you instead of the celebrity or famous person.
In this episode, we go through things that we haven't done but want to. From getting tattoos to Neil looking at becoming an Ironman. I guess we are potentially committed to fulfilling these.....
In this episode, we decide to discuss where we grew up. This was a 60-acre farm in the middle of rural Aberdeenshire. From drunken late-night runs home to learning the cycle of life and death on a farm.
In this episode myself and Neil interview fitness legend, Scott Baptie. We go into his journey from a blogger to now having over a decade of experience working in the online fitness coaching world.
Scott goes over how he's built his business from a simple blog on the internet to now working with hundreds of clients all over the world. I hope you enjoy the exploration of Scott's business and his entrepreneurial pursuits.
In this episode, we go into how our lives changed becomes dads. From our perspectives on work, drinking with mates becomes totally different and how much stuff you need to go out with a baby in town.
Another Greenhorn Fitness Podcast from the unpublished archives. We go into all sorts of topics from Ollie's physique pursuits, losing his muscle training for an Ironman and then regaining it whilst experimenting with bodybuilding drugs.
I hope you enjoy the journey through Ollies fitness persuits.
In this episode, we explore our journeys trying and failing (at times) to flex our entrepreneurial muscles. From spending £5000 on a website and never using it to Neil getting banned on the internet. We discuss why we didn't carry on those businesses that potentially had momentum? What made us stop? Would be start them again?
In this episode, we take an old, never published episode of the Greenhorn Fitness Podcast. Gordon is joined by Paul Standell. He is Personal Trainer, Online Coach and Educator from London.
We go into the old days of fitness where macro tracking didn't exist and explore the present-day fitness community.
What would we have done differently when we were 20? What are the things that help us now?
In this episode, we go through various ideas and lessons that we would change when we were 20 and the things we do now to help improve our lives.
Tim Ferris Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/096TX9Cov1jjI1jxureble?si=wavXlrrAQnWej9OXR7ahag
We take the behemoth that is social media. Talking through how they affect us and our families. Neils thoughts on how he's going to tackle social media with a 6yr old and how Gordon has built his business off that back everything to do with social media.
In this episode, we cover all things that keep us up at night. From the fear of death and how that might happen to Neil passing out at the dentist.
Something I've been keen (Gordon) to discuss with Neil. We go through our experiences supporting our partners through birth. The feelings we went through, things that we think could help and a few tips/suggestions to think about for future dads.
In episode 3 we cover Gordon's bodybuilding journey and Neil's running experiences. From how hard dieting for a competition is and the influence Neil has on his kids with his running.
In this episode, we talk all about our best and worst financial decisions. From challenging house purchases to focusing on what money is doing for us.