In this thoughtful episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro sits down with his neighbor Bharath — a Seattle-based product manager, Mumbai native, and father of two daughters (Sahana, 6, and Sameera, 3). Bharath opens up about growing up in India, his relationship with his dad, navigating grief while raising young kids, and the intentional practices he uses to build connection and resilience in his family.

🚀 In this episode Bharath shares candid, practical, and emotional insights on:

✅ How his dad’s silence taught him to be vocal about love and pride

✅ Simple daily rituals that build closeness (movie nights, pancake mornings)

✅ Balancing ambition and kindness when raising kids across cultures

✅ Letting kids see you sad — and how that creates empathy

✅ Keeping the “magic” alive despite adult stress and busy routines

✅ Funny, real parenting moments (Trader Joe’s banana incident!) This episode blends vulnerability, cultural perspective, and actionable parenting ideas — great for any dad trying to be intentional and present.

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#riseanddadpodcast #Fatherhood #Parenting #MindfulParenting #Dads #GriefAndParenting #CulturalParenting #IntentionalParenting #Kids #Family #Empathy

In this episode of the Rise & Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro talks with David Kaplan — founder of Death & Co., hospitality leader, and dad to six-year-old Aria. David opens up about blending leadership and parenting, the power of bringing kids into your work life, how therapy strengthened his marriage and fathering, and practical ways he stays present for his daughter even while running a growing company.

In this episode David shares:

✅ How leading a company informed his parenting (and vice versa)

✅ Why therapy and better communication transformed his relationship with his wife ✅ Practical tips for showing up fully (commit to the bit, involve your kids)

✅ The joy of one-on-one time and small rituals (daddy-daughter adventures, espresso mornings)

✅ Honest struggles: travel, burnout, and the daily challenge of being present

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In this thoughtful episode of the Rise and Dad Podcast, host Kevin Del Ro sits down with Michael Bartley — filmmaker, founder of creative agency 100%, SIFF board member, and father of identical 10-year-old twins Jack and Charlie. Michael opens up about being adopted and choosing his family name, how creativity and agency leadership shape his parenting, and the practical systems he uses to raise independent, accountable kids.

🚀 In this episode Michael shares candid, practical, and emotional insights on:

✅ Why structure and clear expectations help twins thrive (and reduce whining)

✅ Speaking to kids like adults — setting goals, finish lines, and autonomy

✅ Giving kids big assignments (kids plan a “fabulous day”) to teach execution

✅ Balancing intense creative work with being fully present at home

✅ Raising two distinct kids who are nonetheless each other’s built‑in best friend

✅ Long-term thinking: building a relationship your kids will want at 25 and beyond This episode mixes creative leadership, parenting strategy, and heart — perfect for dads raising multiples or any parent who wants kids who own their choices.