Bold & Strong: Coffee Chat With Dads Being Dudes – Michael & Weston

 

By Melissa Face

I just began this blog series last month, titled it Coffee Chats With Moms, and I’m already veering away from that name. It’s for a great reason, though: it’s June, and it’s time to celebrate fatherhood! 

I was scrolling through Instagram when I first saw Dads Being Dudes. The logo caught my attention right away, and then I read their description. “Two dudes being new dads. Join our journey of parenting.” 

How cool! Parenting tips and support for new fathers! I had to know more, so I reached out to the founders of the Dads Being Dudes podcast, Michael and Weston, and asked if we could chat over coffee. They were almost as excited as I was! Here is what they had to say:

 

Me: What is your favorite coffee drink?

Michael: I eat pretty healthy, so during the week I just have my coffee black, no cream or sugar. However, if I splurge on the weekend then my favorite “cheat” coffee is an iced mocha with extra cream and sugar from Dunks.

Weston: My favorite coffee by far is a sweet vanilla cream cold brew from Starbucks.

 

Me: What gave you the idea for the Dads Being Dudes podcast, and how did you get started?

Michael: I’ve always wanted to start a business or a brand but could never figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I had the idea for a surfing podcast with one of my best friends, but he shot the idea down. Once I had the idea for a podcast in my head, the excitement took over and I wanted to start something ASAP. That led me to thinking about all the times I wanted to learn something about becoming a father but didn’t have the time to read. I started digging into dad podcasts but couldn’t find one I liked the vibe of, so I decided I should start my own. I pitched the idea to my best friend who is also a new dad and he was in. From there we got to work on the concept.

 

Me: How do you and your co-host know each other?

Michael: We actually met through our brothers. I was new in town and our two older brothers were in the same grade and became friends. They introduced us and ever since then we’ve been best friends. That was 16 years ago now.

 

Me: Did you always hope to be a father?

Michael: Yes, I did. My parents got divorced when I was in 3rd grade, and I didn’t talk to my dad for about 12 years. We have a great relationship now, but that missing link made me always want to be the best dad I could be.

 

Me: What are you most excited to teach/share with your child?

Weston: The thing I’m most excited to teach my son is sports, I think golf especially because that is also something you can do together and a sport you can play forever.

 

Me: What kind of dad do you want to be?

Weston: The kind of dad I want to be is the calm dad, doesn’t often get mad dad, and always around dad. I want to see my son grow and watch him do whatever he enjoys. My parents always came to my sporting events from little league to high school and that really meant a lot and felt good always having them around. I hope to do the same.

 

Me: How involved do you plan to be? Diaper changing? Late-night feedings?

Michael: I plan to be very involved as a dad. My wife is a saint and deserves to have me help at least 50% of the time. I plan on doing the diaper changes, late night feedings and as many baths as I can. I think it’s a great opportunity to do them together and have some good laughs when we mess up.

 

Me: How are you currently supporting your wife during pregnancy?

Michael: This is actually the topic of episode 3 of our podcast.  I think the biggest way that I can be supportive is simply just being there for her. We have a great relationship, so I’m able to make a lot of jokes and “make fun” of the changes she’s going through. This doesn’t work for everyone, but it definitely makes us laugh. However, I know her very well so I know when she’s not in a mood for a joke and just needs the more “supportive husband” to be there for her and just listen.

 

Me: What are some funny dad mess-ups you’ve heard or made?

Weston:  1. I told my wife to take notes on me changing a diaper and later realized I was actually putting the diaper on backwards. 2. I was tossing around a ping pong ball as Ollie was lying down on his play pad. I then forgot to catch it and smashed it off his forehead. 3. Twice when we were still at the hospital, I was holding Ollie and I was holding him so tight that I was actually making him overheat and the nurse got worried and had us strip him so he would cool off.

 

Me: Who is the best TV dad?

Weston: One TV dad that comes to mind is Al Bundy from Married With Children. He was an absolute riot and just seemed like no matter how tough times were he still managed to keep the family happy and going. 

 

Me: Do you think dads get a bad rap that they don’t deserve?

Michael: I do think that dads get a bad rap. I would say it’s mostly self- induced though. One of the first things I did upon becoming a new dad was join some dad facebook groups. Most of the content people share is uplifting and positive, but there are some who post stereotypical things such as being a “money maker” or their wife “nagging them”. This group is obviously what sticks out to the public. I focus on the positives, but I think as a whole, dads can be categorized into that bad group and it’s unfortunate because I see a lot of great dads out there who are involved with their kids.

 

Me: What do you think moms need to understand about dads?

Weston: One thing I think moms need to understand about dads is that we can actually take care of the baby when you need to get things done or leave for a while. We do want to help even if you don’t ask. We can always help, we just need to put down the tools, video games, grill spatula, TV remote, weed whacker, and the beer.

Michael and Weston are hilarious and down-to-earth. They don’t hold anything back in their weekly podcasts (check out the Mother’s Day minisode), and they are gaining quite the fan base. Since I reached out to them, I have seen their followers nearly double on Instagram and for good reason. They regularly post dad hacks, funny quotes, and advice for men who are entering the world of bottles, burp cloths, and boppies (if you don’t know what those are, you will soon). 

Dads Being Dudes is a breath of fresh air in the world of fatherhood, but don’t take my word for it. See for yourself at one of the links below!

 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dads_being_dudes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dads-Being-Dudes-114969293480201

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF4SZdBno1ew4rdneEsu-DA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dadsbeingdudes

Website: https://www.dadsbeingdudes.com

 
***I Love You More Than Coffee is available for preorder. Order your copy here.