Jon Gustin, The Tired Dad, and his wife Jessica, The Tired Mom, get real, honest, and authentic about their 13-year journey in marriage and parenting. Jon has over 2 million followers on social media and openly shares his vulnerabilities and truths about fatherhood and husbandhood. Jessica joins him to bring perspective from a mom's point of view, sharing what it means to be an involved mother and wife. Together, with their honesty, they make all parents, husbands, and wives feel less alone on this journey.
Get the BOOK In this episode, we share our honest experiences of parenting through a challenging summer, the stress, expectations, slowing down, and finding joy in simple moments. We discuss how societal pressures and personal struggles impact our mental health and relationships, emphasizing the importance of grace and perspective. 0:00 — Intro 0:18 — A hard summer 1:45 — No breaks, no help 3:42 — Comparing our summer 5:31 — Teaching patience 6:05 — The pressure of comparison 8:19 — Too much stimulation 10:08 — Boredom was a luxury 11:27 — Are we doing enough? 13:27 — Give yourself grace 14:27 — Present vs. realistic 17:01 — Slow down, don’t speed up 18:10 — What would we miss? 20:12 — Random togetherness 21:33 — Creating a home you don’t need to vacation from 23:59 — Small moments matter 26:21 — Entering a new phase of life 27:51 — Sobriety and daily work 28:03 — Looking beyond yourself 29:09 — The pressure of being the provider 31:31 — Perspective and mental battles 34:23 — You’re not alone 36:24 — Calling it what it is 39:02 — Struggle builds strength 41:38 — Closing and subscribe reminder Follow The Tired Dad Follow The Tired Mom Follow on YouTube Follow on Substack Follow on Facebook Follow on TikTok Send your questions, comments, and stories to podcast@tireddad.com Send collaboration inquires to collabs@tireddad.com
Get the BOOK Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and personal background 00:48 The roommate phase and its effects on marriage 02:18 The importance of stopping competition in relationships 03:28 The dangers of rehearsed arguments and ego defense 04:28 Influence of outside opinions and family on marriage 05:42 Effective communication and understanding each other's perspectives 07:28 Emotional intelligence and gender differences 09:22 Killing the ego to connect emotionally 10:14 Jessica's independence and power struggle in early marriage 12:22 Embracing authenticity and emotional vulnerability 14:12 Redefining strength through emotional intelligence 15:18 The impact of ego on intimacy and sex life 17:11 Reciprocity and unconditional love in marriage 20:32 Addressing purity culture and past relationship influences 22:26 Recommended reading: Ego as the Enemy by Ryan Holiday 23:24 Closing remarks and gratitude Follow The Tired Dad Follow The Tired Mom Follow on YouTube Follow on Substack Follow on Facebook Follow on TikTok Send your questions, comments, and stories to podcast@tireddad.com Send collaboration inquires to collabs@tireddad.com
Order The Tired Dad Book In this episode, we explore the challenges of postpartum resentment, effective communication in marriage, and breaking generational cycles of divorce. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:19 Postpartum resentment and its effects 01:22 The importance of acknowledging feelings 02:30 Effective communication and empathy 04:24 Building better connection after postpartum 06:35 Handling the roommate phase in marriage 09:27 The importance of apologies and humility 12:17 Understanding triggers and past trauma 16:38 Breaking destructive family cycles 20:24 Resentment and conflict resolution 24:37 Healing and moving forward in marriage 37:24 The impact of divorce on family dynamics 43:00 Creating a healthy environment for children 52:18 Self-compassion and personal growth Follow The Tired Dad Follow The Tired Mom Follow on YouTube Follow on Substack Follow on Facebook Follow on TikTok Send your questions, comments, and stories to podcast@tireddad.com Send collaboration inquires to collabs@tireddad.com
This episode we share candid stories about parenting, marriage, and embracing authenticity in everyday life. From Father's Day celebrations to parenting hacks, kids wearing what they want, to accidentally cussing in front of them, this episode is a heartfelt look at life's beautiful chaos. Order The Tired Dad Book . Chapters 00:00 Father's Day Reflections 02:47 The Chaos of Father's Day Morning 05:44 Navigating Parenting Challenges 08:38 The Impact of Language on Kids 11:48 Embracing the Weirdness in Parenting 14:34 Finding Joy in Parenting Moments 17:33 Encouraging Authenticity in Kids 20:15 The Importance of Being Yourself 23:25 Creating Fun Family Moments 28:20 Authenticity in Relationships 32:37 The Pressure of Perfection 38:27 Candid Moments vs. Curated Images 45:10 The Value of Minimalism and Intentional Living 52:14 Embracing the Hard Times Follow The Tired Dad Follow The Tired Mom Follow on YouTube Follow on Substack Follow on Facebook Follow on TikTok Send your questions, comments, and stories to podcast@tireddad.com Send collaboration inquires to collabs@tireddad.com
Order The Tired Dad Book Join us as we share the journey of new puppy parenthood, parenting without a village, and navigating life's challenges with honesty and humor. This episode offers real insights into balancing parenthood, self-care, and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Welcoming a New Family Member 10:47 Parenting Without a Village 24:08 Navigating the Challenges of Parenthood 25:11 Navigating Life's Challenges Together 28:00 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health 29:56 Finding Balance in a Digital World 33:20 The Journey of Parenting and Learning 33:35 Sharing Personal Stories in Recovery 38:43 The Importance of Authentic Voices 41:33 Overcoming Shyness and Building Confidence 46:54 Imprinting and Parenting Styles 49:52 The Reality of Parenting Struggles 52:30 A Father's Day Reflection Follow The Tired Dad Follow The Tired Mom Follow on YouTube Follow on Substack Follow on Facebook Follow on TikTok Send your questions, comments, and stories to podcast@tireddad.com Send collaboration inquires to collabs@tireddad.com
Order My New Book, The Tired Dad In this episode, we talk about Max. His life, where he came from, the struggles he carried, and the impact he had on our family. Losing him has been one of the hardest things I’ve experienced, and this conversation is really about grief, love, healing, and the reminder that our time with the people and animals we love is never long enough. Chapters 00:00 Facing Health Scares 05:02 Navigating Difficult Decisions with Pets 13:49 The Impact of Loss on Family 32:12 Finding New Beginnings After Grief Follow The Tired Dad Follow The Tired Mom Follow on YouTube Follow on Substack Follow on Facebook Follow on TikTok Send your questions, comments, and stories to podcast@tireddad.com Send collaboration inquires to collabs@tireddad.com
Order My New Book, The Tired Dad In this episode of The Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast, we reflected on what life has looked like after the release of my book and the emotions that come with putting something so personal into the world. We talked about parenting, public speaking, and how becoming parents changes the way we see time, grief, success, and even ourselves. We had a deep conversation about the fleeting nature of childhood, the sacrifices that come with raising a family, and why connection and presence matter more than material things. We also talked honestly about relationships, expectations, balancing ambition with family life, and trying to find genuine human connection in a world that can often feel transactional. Later in the episode, we shifted into a conversation about health, breast cancer awareness, misinformation online, lifestyle choices, supplements, and the importance of critical thinking when it comes to medical advice. We wrapped up by discussing reading, lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and the values we hope to pass down to our children. As always, thank you for listening and continuing to grow with us. Keep showing up. Chapters 00:00 Book Release Reflections 03:14 Parenting and Public Speaking 06:04 The Passage of Time in Parenting 08:57 Embracing Grief in Parenting 11:45 The Sacrifices of Parenthood 14:40 Connection Over Materialism 17:59 The Importance of Presence 20:44 Navigating Relationships and Expectations 23:42 Success vs. Family Time 26:26 Genuine Connections in a Transactional World 29:39 Finding Meaning in Everyday Moments 32:40 The Illusion of Material Happiness 35:31 Teaching Values to the Next Generation 44:02 Navigating Breast Cancer Awareness 47:32 Misinformation in Medical Advice 51:24 Lifestyle Choices and Cancer Risk 56:05 The Evolution of Health Supplements 01:01:01 The Importance of Reading and Learning 01:14:06 Emotional Intelligence in Parenting Follow on The Tired Dad Podcast on Instagram Follow The Tired Dad Follow The Tired Mom Follow on YouTube Follow on Substack Follow on Facebook Follow on TikTok Send your questions, comments, and stories to podcast@tireddad.com Send collaboration inquires to collabs@tireddad.com
In this episode, we open up about the ups and downs of the intimacy in our marriage and what made it better. Sharing how communication and personal choices have strengthened our bond. We also discuss the importance of instilling confidence in our daughter and the lessons we've learned about ego and showing up for our loved ones. Order The Tired Dad Book Chapters Introduction and Reflections 0:00 Co-Sleeping and Parenting Choices 1:41 Intimacy and Communication 6:29 Cannabis and Personal Choices 14:03 Parenting and Building Confidence 35:44 Ego and Personal Growth 47:04 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement 51:16
PRE ORDER BOOK We got so emotional on this one! Grab a tissue and join us for the most authentic, vulnerable episode to date. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Time's Fleeting Nature 02:36 Travel Adventures and Nostalgic Memories 05:31 Experiences with Travel Accommodations 08:37 Meeting Influential Figures and Overcoming Nerves 11:21 Reflections on Personal Growth and Achievements 14:26 Support and Validation from Unexpected Sources 17:25 The Importance of Genuine Support in Relationships 22:51 Navigating Parental Relationships and Boundaries 27:19 The Emotional Journey of Parenting 32:13 Finding Perspective in Parenting Challenges 38:09 The Importance of Connection and Community 43:15 Hope and Resilience in Difficult Times
Pre Order my Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784324/the-tired-dad-by-jon-gustin/ This episode features a heartfelt conversation about parenting, personal growth, overcoming addiction, and the transformative power of sobriety. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Adventures 02:48 Finding Joy in Kids' Activities 06:04 The Challenges of Parenting Young Children 09:01 Navigating Emotional Development in Kids 11:38 Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships 14:50 The Role of Grandparents in Parenting 17:31 Nostalgia and Family Connections 19:35 Full Circle Moments: From Austin to Podcasting 24:32 Struggles with Addiction and Mental Health 32:42 The Hidden Life of an Addict 34:32 The Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery
Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad Pre-Order The Tired Dad (00:00) Introduction—Setting the tone with real talk on parenting and life (02:04) The significance of home as a safe space for kids and the importance of emotional support (08:55) Shifting parenting styles and the rise of modern, empathetic approaches (11:29) Understanding bullies and their backgrounds; inner child perspectives (15:09) Road rage and everyday scenarios as expressions of personal struggles (17:44) The lessons from martial arts: self-control, humility, and true strength (21:07) Discussing martial arts levels and the benefits of consistently practicing Jujitsu (24:38) The humorous side of martial arts practice—blue belts and playful competitiveness (36:55) Reflections on community, friendships, and the idyllic outdoor lifestyle in Florida (42:18) The impact of environment and seasonal changes on mental health (43:42) Time zones and daylight hours—how location shapes daily life (45:14) Relationship insights—comparing past loves with current partners (52:30) The evolution of skateboarding culture—from outsider activity to Olympic sport (55:27) Upcoming podcast guest appearances and personal milestones
Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad Pre-Order The Tired Dad In this episode, Jess and I open up about our experiences with mental health and the realities of raising kids in a social media-driven world. We share our personal struggles, what we’re learning along the way, and why authenticity, boundaries, and staying connected as a family matter more than ever. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Parenting, mental health, and honesty 00:19 – Jess shares her ADHD diagnosis journey 01:24 – Childhood experiences and managing symptoms 02:36 – Family reactions to the diagnosis 03:59 – High school years and organization struggles 04:57 – Social pressure and its impact on parenting 06:28 – Illness and canceled spring break plans 08:54 – Embracing imperfect family moments 10:20 – Spring break highlights and simple joys 12:47 – Parenting in a social media-driven world 15:13 – Kids, YouTube, and consumerism concerns 18:49 – Setting boundaries and protecting childhood 23:09 – Mental health and excessive phone use 26:31 – Addiction, recovery, and seeking help 39:00 – Supporting loved ones through struggles 44:01 – Kindness, community, and reducing screen time 44:36 – Healthier alternatives to social media 45:39 – Final thoughts and encouragement
Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad Pre-Order The Tired Dad 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 00:18 - How parenting can isolate social life 01:10 - The impact of sobriety and limited social opportunities 02:09 - Longing for female friendship and deep connection 03:07 - Recalling pre-parenthood friendships and their depth 03:45 - Winter isolation and planning spontaneous meetups 04:21 - The importance of informal hangouts and neighborhood bonds 04:52 - Building new friendships without a long shared history 05:03 - Challenges of starting over socially in adulthood 06:44 - Men’s struggle with connection, interests, and shared hobbies 07:43 - Common male pursuits: exercise, golf, food, and hunting 08:50 - The cultural differences in interests and hobbies 09:04 - Parenting phase differences and social opportunities with young children 10:24 - Male loneliness epidemic and emotional health 11:51 - The effect of fulfilled childhood friendships on current loneliness 12:49 - Recognizing loneliness and seasonal depression 13:25 - The tendency to isolate and burnout management 14:28 - The need for planned adult outings and social planning 15:38 - Moving out of toddler survival mode into a more balanced phase 16:25 - The joys of children’s self-expression and growth 17:14 - Balancing sports, commitments, and family priorities 18:08 - Age and interest alignment in extracurricular activities 19:08 - Debating sports legends and cultural icons 20:46 - The emotional significance of witnessing childhood milestones 23:44 - Parenting moments, memories, and the fleeting nature of childhood routines 28:23 - Recognizing and celebrating children’s independence and growth 29:29 - The influence of children’s communication and emotional development 33:05 - Teaching children life skills like gratitude and boundaries 34:30 - The importance of modeling good behavior, not just compliance 35:42 - The emotional depth of parenting and self-regulation 36:47 - Continuing to show up and care despite fatigue 37:04 - Exciting announcement: pre-ordering the host’s book, special incentives, and a playlist 38:03 - Closing remarks and gratitude for listeners Subscribe to my weekly reflections on Substack Follow The Tired Dad on Instagram Follow The Tired Mom on Instagram Subscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTok Follow on Facebook For partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com
Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad Pre-Order The Tired Dad Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Marriage Dynamics 02:54 The Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships 05:35 Empathy and Understanding in Marriage 08:38 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 11:43 Navigating Financial Dynamics in Relationships 14:50 The Role of Fathers in Family Dynamics 17:37 Men's Mental Health and Loneliness 20:14 Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes 23:33 The Importance of Open Communication 26:33 Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children 29:16 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Parenting 32:11 Confronting Insecurities in Relationships 35:11 The Power of Conversation in Relationships 38:20 Creating a Better Future for Our Children 41:15 Conclusion and Call to Action Subscribe to my weekly reflections on Substack Follow The Tired Dad on Instagram Follow The Tired Mom on Instagram Subscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTok Follow on Facebook For partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com
Pre-Order a Signed Copy of The Tired Dad Pre-Order The Tired Dad Another conversation of stuff consuming our lives. The Gilmore Girls Tour, Adderall and does it help or is it just drugs? My audiobook recording experience, modern dads, and more! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Studio Tour 02:57 Exploring the Warner Brothers Studio Tour 05:49 Recording the Audiobook Experience 11:33 Insights on Music and Nashville Studios 17:34 The Journey of Writing and Parenting 23:38 Final Thoughts on the Book and Its Impact 26:36 Exploring Literature and Personal Connections 28:27 The Journey of Writing and Parenthood 30:08 The Importance of Fatherhood and Unique Perspectives 33:55 Candid Moments and Self-Perception 34:23 Navigating Mental Health and Medication 38:55 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact 42:18 Finding Joy in Dance and Self-Identity 44:18 Balancing Parenthood and Personal Needs 46:12 The Modern Dad's Role in Family Dynamics 55:06 Partnership in Marriage and Parenting
Pre Order My Book Here Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Marriage 02:02 Uncomfortable Conversations with Kids 05:05 Sharing Personal Stories and Mistakes 10:23 The Impact of Parental Vulnerability 12:10 Navigating Puberty and Parent-Child Relationships 17:35 The Consequences of Naivety and Trust 24:18 Creating Safe Spaces for Open Dialogue 30:02 The Importance of Healing for Parents 34:28 Managing Household Responsibilities 49:42 Teamwork in Marriage and Parenting Subscribe to my weekly reflections on Substack Follow The Tired Dad on Instagram Follow The Tired Mom on Instagram Subscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTok Follow on Facebook For partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com
Pre Order My Book Here In this episode of the Tired Dad and Tired Mom Podcast, Jessica and I talk life. We touch on winter weather, family trips we already miss while we are still in them, and our love for reading, not just for knowledge but for perspective. We talk about why it matters to understand how other people see the world, even when we do not fully agree. We get into money too. Living below your means. Being intentional. Building a life that actually feels good to come home to instead of chasing more just to keep up. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:11 Winter Weather and School Days 03:14 Life in Cold Climates 05:18 Life on Mackinac Island 09:54 Exploring Northern Michigan 12:22 Family Vacations and Experiences 20:17 Book Reviews and Recommendations 29:27 Reading Preferences and Audiobooks 39:04 Conversations and Understanding 46:22 Living Below Your Means 01:00:43 Financial Wisdom and Future Planning 01:11:14 Unspoken Rules in Marriage Subscribe to my weekly reflections on Substack Follow The Tired Dad on Instagram Follow The Tired Mom on Instagram Subscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTok Follow on Facebook For partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com
Pre Order My Book Here In this episode, Jess and I talk about life in the middle of chaos, from getting snowed in to helping our kids process the loss of a pet. We also dive into the “Nihilist Penguin” idea and what it says about identity, social media, and mental health. At the core, we’re just trying to raise kids who feel safe being themselves, in a home built on acceptance, creativity, and love. We’re figuring it out as we go. 00:00 Weathering the Storm 05:38 Navigating Pet Loss 11:42 The Nihilist Penguin 17:34 Raising Weird Kids 23:44 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting 29:36 Creating a Positive Environment for Kids Subscribe to my weekly reflections on Substack Follow The Tired Dad on Instagram Follow The Tired Mom on Instagram Subscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTok Follow on Facebook For partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com
Pre Order My Book Here Get 50% OFF your first order of Nutre Meals PLUS free shipping when you use promo code “TIREDDAD” at www.gonutre.com In this conversation, I talk about the everyday stuff that makes up family life. From trying to figure out meals, to dealing with kids getting sick, to what we’re watching at night and even the books we read in high school. It’s a mix of random moments and real life. We get into personal growth and how knowing things doesn’t mean much if you don’t actually execute. I share what the process of writing this book has been like, the doubts, the motivation, and why I felt called to do it in the first place. We also reflect on marriage, relationships, and how everything shifts when you have a family. At the end of it, it comes back to chasing your dreams, doing the work, and hopefully setting the example for your kids to do the same. Chapters 00:00 Lunch Break Conversations 02:53 Family Dynamics and Meal Prep 05:49 Sickness and Family Care 09:00 Thrillers and Entertainment Preferences 11:52 Book Recommendations and Reading Preferences 14:51 High School Literature and Its Impact 17:44 Negative Influences and Overcoming Challenges 20:41 Personal Growth and Relationships 23:40 Execution Over Knowledge 26:43 The Importance of Following Dreams 29:29 Parenting and Marriage Dynamics 32:36 Self-Help and Personal Development 35:31 The Journey of Writing a Book 38:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections Subscribe to my weekly reflections on Substack Follow The Tired Dad on Instagram Follow The Tired Mom on Instagram Subscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTok Follow on Facebook For partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com
In this episode, we talk about setting up our new podcast studio and how that whole process has been equal parts exciting and chaotic. From there, the conversation shifts into something we deal with daily: ADHD in a relationship and what that looks like while raising kids. We share how ADHD shows up differently for each of us and how learning to understand those differences has changed the way we communicate and divide responsibilities. We talk about building simple systems to survive the day-to-day, parenting kids who are encouraged to be themselves, and finding a balance between social lives, activities, and family time. We also reflect on how different childhood looks now compared to when we were growing up, especially with how convenience has reshaped social skills and resilience. At the heart of it all, this episode is about showing up for your partner, your kids, and yourself, even when you’re still figuring it out. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the New Podcast Studio 02:55 Understanding ADD in Relationships 05:43 Dividing Responsibilities in Parenting 08:47 Managing Overwhelm and Daily Routines 11:49 The Importance of Structure and Systems 14:46 Encouraging Self-Expression in Children 17:58 Navigating Social Interactions with Kids 20:43 Balancing Extracurricular Activities 23:37 Reflections on Childhood Experiences 26:35 The Impact of Convenience on Social Skills 29:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Subscribe to my weekly reflections on Substack Follow The Tired Dad on Instagram Follow The Tired Mom on Instagram Subscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTok Follow on Facebook For partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com
