Explore every episode of the podcast Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Shar on Passion, Burnout, and Work-Life Balance for Working Dads | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:53:30 | |
Why does work that once energized you start to feel like something you can’t turn off? Dr. David Shar studies what happens when people fall out of love with their work and why that shift often happens long before anyone notices. His research shows that for working dads, the challenge is not just workload. It is how work connects to identity, purpose, and the life you are trying to build at home. This conversation reframes passion in a way most people never consider. Not all passion is healthy. Some of it quietly creates burnout, tension, and distance from the people who matter most. David shares how to: • Understand the difference between healthy passion and the kind that leads to burnout • Recognize when guilt at home or at work is a signal of misalignment  • Identify when your work is integrated into your identity versus competing with it • Shift from obsessive work habits to a more sustainable, balanced approach • Influence culture and energy at work even without a leadership title • Align your impact at work with who you are as a parent • Create meaningful work without sacrificing presence at home We talk about fatherhood, identity, and work-life balance that actually holds up under real pressure. Not less ambition, but better alignment between who you are, how you work, and how you show up at home. Dig Deeper Follow David On his website: http://www.davidshar.com On LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshar Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Alan Lazaros on Meaningful Work, Work-Life Balance, and Living from the Inside Out | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:39:50 | |
What if the biggest gap between your work and your life is not your schedule, but how you define success? Alan Lazaros built what most people would call a successful life. High income, fast growth, and clear upward momentum. But after a near-fatal car accident at 26, he was forced to confront a harder question. Was any of it actually meaningful? For working dads trying to balance ambition, work-life balance, and presence at home, this conversation reframes what meaningful work really means and how easily success can drift away from what matters most. Alan shares how to: • Shift from chasing external success to building a life from the inside out • Recognize when your goals are driven by validation instead of values • Avoid building a life that looks successful but feels empty • Focus on long-term growth instead of short-term approval • Close the gap between your intentions and your daily actions • Redefine meaningful work in a way that actually fits your life This conversation is not about abandoning ambition. It's about aiming it in the right direction so your work, your values, and your life are moving together instead of pulling you apart. Dig Deeper Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Adverse Childhood Experiences Score Follow Alan On his website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alazaros88 On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc On his podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelUniversity Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Danny Brassell on Becoming a Better Communicator at Work and at Home | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:57:29 | |
How do you communicate in a way that builds trust, connection, and confidence with your kids, your partner, and the people you work with every day? Danny Brassell has spent decades teaching, coaching, and speaking around the world about storytelling, reading, and communication. This conversation explores how communication is not about polish or performance, but about meeting people where they are and staying present in the moments that matter most. Danny shares how to:
Danny’s insights are practical, honest, and immediately usable for dads who want to communicate more clearly, lead more effectively, and show up better for the people who matter most. Dig Deeper The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lyon Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story Follow Danny On his website: https://www.wellcraftedstoryworkshop.com On X: https://www.x.com/DannyBrassell On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realDannyBrassell On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyBrassell On YouTube: https://youtube.com/DannyBrassell On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DannyBrassell Get your free well crafted story blueprint: www.freestoryguide.com Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Jon Merlin on Building Creative Work Without Sacrificing Family Time | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:44:11 | |
Jon Merlin is a longtime designer who left agency life to start his own creative studio while raising two young daughters. Instead of letting work bleed into every hour, Jon drew a hard line around family time and rebuilt his business around clarity, intention, and values. This conversation explores what it really looks like to pursue entrepreneurship without losing presence at home, and how letting go of perfection can unlock both better work and better parenting. Jon shares how to:
Jon’s perspective is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply practical for dads who want to build something meaningful without missing what matters most. Dig Deeper One Club for Creatives (San Diego) Follow Jon Website: https://jonmerlin.com/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmerlin/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Doug Fleener on Making Better Work and Life Choices Without Burning Out | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:51:38 | |
Why does work keep crowding out family time even when no one is explicitly asking it to? Doug Fleener is an author, coach, and former corporate executive who has lived both sides of the work equation. After years of leadership roles and constant pressure, he intentionally redesigned his work around presence, health, and family. As a dad to grown daughters and a teenager, Doug brings rare perspective on how seasons of fatherhood change what presence really looks like. Doug shares how to:
Dig Deeper Start With What If by Doug Fleener Follow Doug Website: https://www.dougfleener.com On TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@dougfleener On Instagram: https://instagram.com/dougfleener On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554942906442 On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doug-fleener On LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dougfleener Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Stephanie Cordes on Finding Clarity When Success No Longer Feels Right | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:39:18 | |
What do you do when your career looks successful on paper, but something quietly feels off? Stephanie Cordes is a career ownership coach who works with people at the exact moment when professional success and the life they want to live stop pointing in the same direction. She knows this moment personally. After building a successful corporate career, Stephanie realized that checking all the boxes did not automatically mean she was building the right life. Stephanie shares how to: • Recognize quiet misalignment before it turns into burnout • Reevaluate work and life goals as seasons and family needs change • Think beyond job titles and focus on lifestyle, income, and long term direction • Create a personal North Star that guides decisions without locking you into one path • Let go of the belief that every career change means failure • Explore new options while keeping stability for your family • Involve your partner in career decisions as a true team effort • Redefine what providing really means beyond a paycheck Dig Deeper Jamie Siminoff, Founder of Ring Camera Picture by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock Follow Stephanie Website: https://stephahead.com On X: https://x.com/stephcordesTES On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecordesTES On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093172011381 On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemcordes/ On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephcordestes.bsky.social Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Kristian Leavell on Navigating Anxiety, Depression, and the Long Winter Season | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:55:16 | |
Why do anxiety and depression feel heavier during the long winter season, even when nothing is technically “wrong”? Kristian Leavell, licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and dad, returns to talk about the emotional weight winter can bring, especially for fathers carrying responsibility at work and at home. The focus here is awareness, regulation, and small, realistic ways to stay steady when energy is low and motivation fades. Kristian shares how to: • Notice early signs of anxiety and depression by watching patterns, not isolated moments • Treat emotions as useful signals rather than problems to eliminate • Separate thoughts from facts and step out of spirals • Use small, practical actions to interrupt anxiety before it builds • Apply opposite action when motivation disappears • Practice mindfulness in real life, not perfect conditions • Talk with kids about emotions in ways that create trust and safety • Redefine strength as presence, not endurance • Check in on other dads without feeling the need to fix them Dig Deeper ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) How to turn crayons into candles Follow Kristian TherapyTalkWithKris on Instagram TherapyTalkWithKris on YouTube DistinctApproachCounseling.com Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Eddie Torba on Building a Career That Lets You Show Up for Your Kids | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:37:18 | |
What does it mean to succeed at work without missing the moments you never get back? Eddie Torba has spent decades in retail execution and operations, helping major brands adapt, rebuild, and evolve through massive industry change. Along the way, he made intentional career decisions to stay present for his family, from working nights and weekends early on, to shifting into remote corporate roles, to building a small consulting practice on the side. Eddie shares how to: • Design a career around family instead of fitting family into leftover time • Choose flexibility and stability without treating them as opposites • Build trust at work by delivering results, not logging hours • Protect family dinners, school events, and everyday moments that matter • Set boundaries that prevent burnout and protect mental energy • Create morning and weekly routines that support focus and balance • Explore a side path without overwhelming yourself or your family • Be honest about capacity before taking on extra work • Help kids understand the human effort behind convenience and consumption • Teach responsibility, work ethic, and perspective by example • Measure success by presence, not titles or constant availability Eddie’s story is a reminder that careers evolve, seasons change, and showing up consistently for your family is a choice you make again and again. His approach is practical, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the belief that work should support life, not replace it. Dig Deeper EWS Consulting Follow Eddie Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On Threads: threads.com/@gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| AJ Rich on Becoming the Dad You Want to Be in an Anxious World | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:44:08 | |
What does it actually take to feel grounded, confident, and present as a dad when anxiety is rising, expectations are shifting, and the world feels louder than ever? AJ Rich is a licensed marriage and family therapist, practice owner, and doctoral candidate who works almost exclusively with men. After nearly 20 years in corporate leadership, AJ transitioned into clinical work and now helps dads navigate identity, emotional intelligence, anxiety, and growth without losing themselves or their families in the process. In this conversation, AJ shares how men can move beyond coping and toward real psychological wellbeing, even while juggling work pressure, parenting, and constant change. You will hear AJ break down how to: • Understand anxiety as a signal, not a failure • Build emotional intelligence without losing strength or credibility • Develop the language to describe what you are actually feeling • Shift from survival mode into sustainable growth • Redefine success beyond titles, income, or external validation • Identify what is holding you back when you feel stuck Dig Deeper Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart on HBO Max Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown (book) This is How We Do It by Montell Jordan Follow AJ Follow Gap to Gig On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael | |||
| Paul Terrell on Grit, Recovery, and Rebuilding Life as a Dad | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:44:04 | |
How do you rebuild your life when everything breaks at once and you still have kids who need you every minute of the day? After a devastating spinal injury and years of recovery, Paul Terrell became a stay at home dad who had to relearn how to walk, talk, type, and parent with new physical limitations. Later he returned to work and eventually became a top performing enterprise account executive in PropTech and FinTech. His story is one of grit, patience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family. Paul shares how to: • Relearn everyday life while caring for two young kids • Parent with physical limitations and find creative ways to adapt • Build mental toughness when progress feels painfully slow • Return to the workforce with confidence after years away • Use AI, systems, and prep work to compete at a high level again • Navigate the emotional shift from being the primary caregiver to traveling constantly for work • Strengthen a marriage through shared effort, support, and role changes • Turn stay at home parenting into quantifiable wins on a resume • Carry lessons from parenting into sales, negotiation, and leadership • Protect health, energy, and family time in a metrics driven role • Help kids understand work, money, teamwork, and responsibility • Break big goals into smaller ones and use data to track personal progress Paul’s story is honest, inspiring, and packed with practical wisdom for any dad rebuilding after a tough season or trying to figure out what comes next. Dig Deeper Follow Paul Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Sean Waldron on Creativity, Healing, and the Work That Starts at Home | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:56:49 | |
What happens when you realize the real work of your life is happening at home, not at your job? Sean Waldron returns for a deeper conversation about creativity, fatherhood, and the stories that shape us. He shares how filming with his son became a doorway into connection, why every dad has creative gifts even if they do not see themselves as creative, and how bringing your work skills into your home can strengthen the bond with your kids. Sean opens up about: • Entering his child’s world and why validation matters so much • How creativity shows up in everyday parenting • Using the skills you practice at work to build connection at home • The danger of tying your worth to your job • Why every dad carries a creative spark • How good is built in small moments inside your home • Growing up with fractured support and transforming that pain into purpose • The heart behind ROAR and the documentary Silly Cannonballs • The healing conversation he needed to have with his father before he could tell this story • Building habits and protecting your morning to stay grounded • Navigating perfection, mastery, and the pursuit of honesty This conversation goes deeper into purpose, identity, generational patterns, and the kind of dad you want to become. It is raw, thoughtful, and full of clarity about what truly matters. Dig Deeper Gap to Gig Episode 6: Sean Waldron on Purpose, Creativity, and Becoming a Present Dad Follow Sean Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Sean Waldron on Purpose, Creativity, and Becoming a Present Dad | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:04:23 | |
How do you hold onto your creative identity while trying to be the parent you want to be? Sean Waldron has built a life around creativity from music to video production to brand storytelling. He has freelanced, gone in-house, flipped houses, and wrestled with the tension between purpose and practical responsibilities. Becoming a dad pushed him to rethink all of it. Sean shares how to:
If you have ever felt torn between your creative passions, your responsibilities, and the desire to show up well for your kids, this conversation offers clarity, grounding, and a reminder that purpose is built one small moment at a time. Dig Deeper Reset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David Murray Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy Follow Sean Follow Gap to Gig On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael | |||
| David Marcus on Fatherhood, Emotional Presence, and Raising Kids in a Stressed World | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:53:59 | |
Why do so many working dads feel disconnected from their kids even when they are physically present? Modern fatherhood comes with pressures that did not exist a generation ago. Constant work demands, two-income households, packed schedules, and technology that never turns off have pushed many families into reactive mode. And when stress builds, connection is often the first thing to break. Dr. David Marcus, a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience working with families under stress, explains what is really happening beneath those moments of disconnection and how dads can show up differently. David shares how to: • Become a calming, steady presence when your child is overwhelmed • Understand why kids fear their emotions will push parents away  • Avoid reactive parenting patterns that get passed down unconsciously • Help children develop an emotional language instead of acting out • Respond in a way that allows your child to open up rather than shut down • Handle conflict without damaging trust or connection • Repair moments when you lose your temper and rebuild respect • Stay emotionally present even when work stress is high • Recognize when you are “filled up” and shifting into reaction mode • Create a home environment where kids feel safe expressing themselves This conversation is for working dads trying to balance fatherhood, work, and emotional presence in a world that rarely slows down. Dig Deeper My Big Fat Greek Wedding: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/ Michael Jordan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan The Waltons: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068149/ Cats in the Cradle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-KWa3tL-0 Father & Son: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6zaCV4niKk Sunrise, Sunset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBJeF_Lav2o Follow David On his website: https://parentrx.org Email: dsmarcusphd@parentrx.org Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Kristian Leavell on Finding Calm and Becoming the Dad You Want to Be | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:54:49 | |
What does it really take to be present as a dad while juggling work, pressure, and your own mental health? Kristian Leavell, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and dad, brings both clinical insight and lived experience to this honest conversation about the weight many fathers carry and how to navigate it with clarity and compassion. Kristian shares how to: • Be truthful about what you feel and what you need • Understand the voice behind internal pressure and self doubt • Redefine what it means to provide for your family • Manage guilt around work, parenting, and expectations • Let go of perfectionism and the anxiety under it • Reset when you feel disconnected from yourself or your family • Build routines that protect your mental health • Model emotional honesty for your kids while keeping boundaries • Build real community even when adult friendships feel difficult • Cross the swamp of discomfort to become the parent you want to be If you feel stretched thin, quietly anxious, or simply trying to show up better for yourself and your family, this episode offers grounded guidance and a way forward. Dig Deeper Kristian’s video about being a girl dad Instagram | TikTok Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls by TLC The Man Who Sold the World by Nirvana Follow Kristian TherapyTalkWithKris on Instagram DistinctApproachCounseling.com Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Erin Aldrich Shean on Redefining Success for the Season You’re In | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:44:46 | |
What happens when the chapter you spent years chasing finally ends and you’re left asking what comes next? In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Erin Aldrich Shean, a former Olympic and professional athlete who has reinvented herself multiple times across sports, corporate strategy, and now career coaching. Erin helps people navigate life and work transitions using her LAND method, a framework built around learning, alignment, networking, and delivery. Erin shares how to: Redefine success when life shifts and old identities fall away Find clarity before rushing into the next job or direction Ask for support instead of trying to figure everything out alone Balance ambition with the life you want at home Navigate seasons of grind and seasons of rest Align your values with the work you choose Keep your network warm and active after you land Take care of yourself so you can show up fully for your family Whether you’re returning to work, pivoting into something new, or simply trying to make sense of the season you’re in, this conversation offers perspective, honesty, and practical ways to move forward with more clarity and less pressure. Dig Deeper Ascension Coaching and Consulting Ascension Coaching and Consulting on LinkedIn I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Jacob Stone on Reentering the Workforce and Bringing Your Whole Self to Work | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:34:00 | |
What really happens behind the scenes in hiring and how can dads returning to work stand out? In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Jacob Stone, HR consultant and founder of WorqTap, who’s spent over a decade helping companies hire smarter and helping people land roles that actually fit their lives. Jacob shares what most job seekers never hear: • What’s really going on inside hiring teams (and how to stand out). • Why soft skills like adaptability and communication matter more than technical ones. • How parenting builds the exact qualities employers need. • How to reframe career gaps with confidence. • Why networking, not algorithms, gets you hired. Whether you’re reentering the workforce, changing careers, or just trying to build meaningful work around family life, this episode will help you bring your full story to the table. Dig Deeper Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Jesse Holmes on Building Momentum in 10 Minutes a Day | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:29:44 | |
In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Jesse Holmes, a performance coach who helps entrepreneurs and parents make measurable progress in just 10 minutes a day. Jesse shares how to: • Build clarity and confidence through small, consistent actions. • Find your focus when life feels chaotic. • Apply “deep work” principles to parenting, relationships, and self-care. • Turn daily 10-minute wins into lasting momentum. • Balance business growth with family life — without burning out. Whether you’re rebuilding your career, starting something new, or simply trying to stay present at home, this conversation will help you take the next step toward growth that feels sustainable. Dig Deeper Follow Jesse Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| John Tarnoff on Finding Your Next Chapter | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:54:39 | |
What happens when your career suddenly stops fitting your life? In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with John Tarnoff, an executive coach who rebuilt his career after the tech bubble burst and now helps mid-career professionals rediscover purpose and confidence. John shares how to: • Navigate uncertainty and rebuild resilience. • Reframe “returning to work” as moving forward, not backward. • Turn personal experiences — even parenting — into professional strengths. • Rebuild confidence by acting before you feel ready. • Create community instead of just “networking.” If you’re a dad redefining success, shifting careers, or searching for meaningful work that fits real life, this episode will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. Dig Deeper Pema Chödrön https://pemachodronfoundation.org Gampo Abbey https://gampoabbey.org/ Comfortable with Uncertainty https://amzn.to/4oNRCTc Julia Cameron https://juliacameronlive.com/ The Artist’s Way https://amzn.to/4hClP5h Ikigai https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai\_japanese\_secret\_to\_a\_joyful\_life.html Ikigai Venn diagram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#/media/File:Diagramo\_de\_Ikigajo\_-en.svg You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR\_Ff5A8Rk Follow John John Tarnoff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/ Mid-Career Lab community https://midcareerlab.com/ John Tarnoff website https://johntarnoff.com/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Welcome to Gap to Gig: For Dads Redefining Work and Family | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:02:10 | |
What if the goal isn’t just finding work, but finding work that fits your life? Gap to Gig is the podcast for dads balancing career, family, and purpose. Hosted by entrepreneur and dad Michael Jacobs, each week features real conversations with fathers, founders, and experts who are redefining success and creating careers that fit real life. If you’re navigating career change, exploring freelance or flexible work, or looking for meaningful work without missing the moments that matter most, this show is for you. In this trailer, hear what’s coming: honest stories, practical strategies, and a few laughs along the way. Follow or subscribe to Gap to Gig on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice to start building a life that feels like yours, not someone else’s version of success. Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Scott Maderer on Aligning Work, Fatherhood, and What Matters Most | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:51:30 | |
What happens when you realize the career you built doesn’t actually align with the life you want? Scott Maderer built a successful career in finance, checked the right boxes, and did the things ambitious professionals are supposed to do. But eventually he realized something important was missing. The work that once looked impressive on paper no longer felt connected to his values, his purpose, or the kind of impact he wanted to make. That realization led Scott to step away from corporate finance and build a new path helping leaders and entrepreneurs align their work with what truly matters. Scott shares how to:
Dig Deeper Follow Scott On his website: inspiredstewardship.com/gaptogig On his podcast: https://inspiredstewardship.com/podcast/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardcoach/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredStewardship On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Inspired_Stewardship On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csmaderer/ Read his book, Inspired Living: https://amzn.to/472IjZ7 Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Loren Silverman on Reclaiming Your Identity Beyond Productivity | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:43:31 | |
What happens when your self-worth quietly becomes tied to your output? After nearly two decades leading digital transformation work for major brands, Loren Silverman realized that success on paper didn’t equal fulfillment in real life. The titles, the grind, the constant responsibility all looked right from the outside. But underneath, something felt off. That realization didn’t lead to a dramatic overnight reinvention. It led to something much simpler and far more powerful: pause, awareness, and small, repeatable shifts. Today, Loren helps high-responsibility professionals untangle identity from productivity, align actions with values, and build healthier boundaries without losing ambition. Loren shares how to: • Recognize when your reaction is bigger than the moment • Separate your identity from your professional output • Align daily actions with personal values • Protect energy, not just time • Use small, consistent changes instead of heroic life overhauls • Practice active listening to improve presence at home • Create boundaries that actually hold under pressure • Reframe slowing down as strength rather than weakness • Catch burnout before it becomes depletion • Pause long enough to make better decisions This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and practical for any dad who feels stretched between responsibility and presence, and wants a steadier, more intentional way forward. Dig Deeper House of the Rising Sun by The Animals Follow Loren On his website: https://www.silvermancoach.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loren.silverman/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loren.silverman On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorensilverman/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Julia Toothacre on Redefining Meaningful Work Through Life’s Seasons | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:50:29 | |
What does meaningful work actually look like once you become a parent? For many professionals, the answer changes. Priorities shift. Energy changes. The things that once felt exciting or important can suddenly feel disconnected from the life you want to build. Career strategist Julia Toothacre works with high-performing professionals who look successful on paper but quietly feel stuck, burned out, or misaligned. Her work focuses on helping people take ownership of their careers while navigating the pressures of family, ambition, and changing priorities. Julia explains why meaningful work is often misunderstood and why the answer usually isn’t a dramatic career overhaul. More often, it comes from understanding the season of life you are in and aligning your choices with what matters most right now. Julia shares how to: • Understand why meaningful work means different things to different people • Recognize when feeling “stuck” is coming from internal pressure rather than external reality • Think about career risk differently once kids enter the picture • Identify when a job is temporarily demanding versus fundamentally misaligned • Manage career transitions without making emotional or reactive decisions • Spot the early warning signs of burnout before they escalate Dig Deeper Follow Julia On her website: ridethetidecollective.com On her podcast, Control Your Career: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridethetidecollective On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RideTheTideCollective On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ridethetidecollective On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ridethetidecol On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Alex Tuck on Timeboxing Your Way to Meaningful Work and Present Fatherhood | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:51:53 | |
What if the key to balance is not working less, but working with intention? Alex Tuck runs a remote-first consulting firm from a farm in Vermont while raising four young kids with his wife. His approach is simple but disciplined: block the time, protect the priorities, and design work to fit life, not the other way around. From quarterly OKRs to daily timeboxing, Alex has built both a company and a family rhythm around clarity and structure. But beneath the systems is something deeper. A belief that work matters. Health matters. Relationships matter. And none of them should consume the others. Alex shares how to: • Use timeboxing to reduce overwhelm and increase focus • Break big goals into daily commitments that actually get done • Protect personal time with the same intensity as client work • Build a remote culture that values flexibility over utilization • Model boundaries so your team feels safe taking time off • Create phone free zones that increase connection at home • Adjust work rhythms when kids, travel, or life get chaotic • Invite your kids into decision making so they feel ownership • Replace guilt with intentional tradeoffs • Design meaningful work that supports, not competes with, family This conversation is practical, honest, and full of real world examples for dads trying to build something worthwhile without losing the people they are building it for. Dig Deeper Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-Sanders One Thing at a Time newsletter by Marc Zao-Sanders Follow Alex On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextuck On his website: https://www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Merry Korn on Turning Professional Loss into Purpose-Driven Work | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:46:17 | |
What happens when the job you thought would carry you to the finish line disappears overnight? Two months into what she believed would be her final role, Merry Korn was let go. She was a single parent with two teenagers, college tuition looming, and no clear path forward. The fear was real. The pressure was immediate. Staying in bed was not an option. What followed was not an overnight success story. It was a series of hard conversations, informational interviews, small courageous steps, and a refusal to surrender. From those early survival decisions, Merry went on to found and scale a for-profit social enterprise that employed more than 1,300 people across 30 states, prioritizing jobs for people with severe disabilities, disabled veterans, and individuals living in the most impoverished communities. Merry shares how to:
Dig Deeper Follow Merry On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrykorn On X: https://X.com/korn_merry45334 On Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpearlkorn On Facebook: https://facebook.com/firedtoinspired On her website, Fired to Inspired: https://firedtoinspired.com Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Tony Berardo on Redefining Success Around Time, Health, and Fatherhood | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:03:06 | |
What happens when health scares, job loss, and family tragedy collide all at once? After having part of his lung removed, being laid off during the pandemic, and losing his father-in-law the same day he was discharged from the hospital, Tony Berardo was forced to confront a hard truth: work was taking up too much of the wrong space in his life. Instead of chasing security, status, and a bigger paycheck, Tony rebuilt his life around something far more valuable: time. Today, he’s the founder of Human Dad, a content creator, and an entrepreneur who prioritizes presence over prestige. He makes less money than he once did, but he has more clarity, more intention, and more time with his daughter. Tony shares how to: • Reevaluate success after health scares and job loss • Shift from “work-life balance” to protecting time as your most valuable asset • Build a side hustle before making the leap into entrepreneurship • Lower financial stress by living below your means • Model discipline, boundaries, and healthy habits for your kids • Choose presence over prestige Tony’s perspective is raw, direct, and deeply practical. For any dad questioning whether the grind is worth it, this conversation offers a clear reminder: your time is the real currency. Dig Deeper Follow Tony Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||
| Brad Leeman on Leading at Home Through Presence, Play, and Preparation | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:03:29 | |
What does leadership look like when the mission is your family and the stakes are emotional, not tactical? Brad Leeman is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, combat aviator, and F-35 test pilot who spent nearly two decades leading in environments where preparation, clarity, and execution were non-negotiable. After transitioning out of the military, Brad became an entrepreneur and founder of SwingSesh, a company built around a simple belief: parents should not be spectators in their kids’ lives. This conversation explores how elite performance principles translate and sometimes fail to translate into fatherhood. Brad shares why presence matters, how small daily rituals create connection, and why modeling behavior shapes a child’s inner voice far more than lectures ever could. Brad walks through how he and his wife intentionally design family rhythms, why play is a serious leadership skill, and how dads can rethink fitness, work, and ambition. Brad shares how to:
Dig Deeper Harvard Graduate School of Design How to Build Extreme Willpower | David Goggins & Dr. Andrew Huberman Picture by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock Follow Brad On his website: https://www.swingsesh.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamswingsesh/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingSesh/ Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig On X: x.com/gaptogig On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/ Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com Follow Michael On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/ | |||