Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life
Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life

Gap to Gig – Working Dads' Guide to Fatherhood, Meaningful Work, & Finding Balance in Life

Michael Jacobs - Working Dads & Fatherhood Expert

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Episodes

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Gap to Gig explores the life in between who we are, what we do, and the life we want to build as working dads.Through honest conversations with dads, experts, leaders, and people who have navigated their own twists and turns, host Michael Jacobs explores fatherhood, work-life balance, meaningful work, parenting, identity, ambition, relationships, and what actually matters most in modern life.Most of life's biggest decisions don't belong exclusively to work or family. They live somewhere in between, where the challenge isn't simply succeeding at work or showing up at home, but figuring out how all the pieces fit together.How do you build a meaningful career without losing yourself in it? How do you stay ambitious while remaining present for the people who matter most? How do you navigate career changes, setbacks, uncertainty, and new opportunities while still showing up for your family? How do you know if you're spending your time on the right things?This show is for working dads who feel pulled between responsibility and fulfillment, ambition and presence, work and the rest of life. The dads who don't want to wake up ten years from now wondering where the time went.Every conversation is designed to help you make more intentional choices about your work, your relationships, and the life you're building before the years have a chance to pass you by. Along the way, you'll find practical ideas, fresh perspective, and the confidence that comes from knowing you're not the only dad asking these questions.

Recent Episodes

Faisal Ensaun on Taking Ownership of Your Life and Redefining Success as a Dad
JUN 2, 2026
Faisal Ensaun on Taking Ownership of Your Life and Redefining Success as a Dad
<p>What if the life you’re building is the very thing draining you?</p><p>Faisal Ensaun’s journey spans survival, addiction, reinvention, and ultimately building a life rooted in purpose, ownership, and alignment. From immigrating out of a war-torn country to hitting personal rock bottom, he rebuilt his life by asking harder questions than most people are willing to face.</p><p>Today, as a coach, entrepreneur, and father, Faisal works with high performers who look successful on the outside but feel disconnected underneath.</p><p>Faisal’s perspective is intense, honest, and grounded in lived experience. Especially for dads trying to navigate fatherhood, meaningful work, and the pressure to provide without losing themselves in the process.</p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://drgabormate.com/addiction/">Gabor Maté</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naraka_(Buddhism)">Naraka</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy0ZoiJVmQk">Pink Panther</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37522729/">Tom and Jerry</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sixflags.com/canadaswonderland">Wonderland</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWKTFuAFcOY">Scare Away the Dark by Passenger</a></p><p><strong>Follow Faisal</strong></p><p>On his website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.faisalensaun.com/">https://www.faisalensaun.com/</a></p><p>On his podcast: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2IhYB1waklQjJWPkDKeU66">https://open.spotify.com/show/2IhYB1waklQjJWPkDKeU66</a></p><p>On X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/faisalensaun">https://x.com/faisalensaun</a></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/faisalensaun/">https://www.instagram.com/faisalensaun/</a></p><p>On Facebook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/faisalensaun1">https://www.facebook.com/faisalensaun1</a></p><p>On TikTok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@faisalensaun">https://www.tiktok.com/@faisalensaun</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@faisalensaun">https://www.youtube.com/@faisalensaun</a></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalensaun/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalensaun/</a></p><p><strong>Follow Gap to Gig</strong></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/gaptogig">instagram.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On TikTok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tiktok.com/@gaptogig">tiktok.com/@gaptogig</a></p><p>On X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://x.com/gaptogig">x.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/@gaptogig">youtube.com/@gaptogig</a></p><p>On your podcast player of choice: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/">https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/</a></p><p>Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://gaptogig.com">gaptogig.com</a></p><p><strong>Follow Michael</strong></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/</a></p>
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58 MIN
Anthony Kuo on Escaping the Success Trap and Building a Career That Actually Fits
MAY 26, 2026
Anthony Kuo on Escaping the Success Trap and Building a Career That Actually Fits
<p>What happens when you do everything right on paper… and still feel like something is off?</p><p>Anthony Kuo knows that feeling firsthand. From performing at Carnegie Hall at 17 to climbing the corporate ladder after graduating from NYU Stern, he checked every box most people chase. But underneath the external success, something never quite clicked.</p><p>Now a career satisfaction coach and founder of Untamed Career, Anthony helps high achievers untangle the gap between success and satisfaction and build careers that actually align with who they are.</p><p>This conversation explores what many working dads quietly wrestle with. The tension between providing and feeling fulfilled. The pressure to keep going even when something feels misaligned. And the challenge of figuring out what you actually want when the answer is not obvious.</p><p>Anthony shares how to:</p><ul><li>Understand the difference between success and satisfaction and why both matter</li><li>Recognize when your work is draining energy instead of fueling it</li><li>Break down the overwhelming question of “what do I want?” into something actionable</li><li>Avoid burnout by paying attention to the process, not just the outcome</li><li>Navigate career changes without blowing up your life or risking stability</li><li>Understand how your career choices impact your presence as a parent</li></ul><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stern.nyu.edu/">NYU Stern School of Business</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.carnegiehall.org">Carnegie Hall</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd">ADHD</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz6OGVCdov8">The Song That Never Ends from Lamb Chop</a></p><p><strong>Follow Anthony</strong></p><p>On his website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://untamedcareer.com">https://untamedcareer.com</a></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/untamedcareer/">https://www.instagram.com/untamedcareer/</a></p><p>On Facebook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.kuo">https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.kuo</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@untamedcareer">https://www.youtube.com/@untamedcareer</a></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/untamedcareer/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/untamedcareer/</a></p><p><strong>Follow Gap to Gig</strong></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/gaptogig">instagram.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On TikTok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tiktok.com/@gaptogig">tiktok.com/@gaptogig</a></p><p>On X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://x.com/gaptogig">x.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg">youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg</a></p><p>On your podcast player of choice: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/">https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/</a></p><p>Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://gaptogig.com">gaptogig.com</a></p><p><strong>Follow Michael</strong></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/</a></p>
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51 MIN
Shaun Dawson on Fatherhood, Identity, and Redefining Work-Life Balance for Dads
MAY 19, 2026
Shaun Dawson on Fatherhood, Identity, and Redefining Work-Life Balance for Dads
<p>What does it really mean to succeed as a dad when work, ambition, and identity are all pulling in different directions?</p><p>Shaun Dawson, tech leader, father of two, and host of the Raising Men podcast, challenges the idea that success is defined by output alone. He shares a more grounded perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, and what working dads often get wrong when they focus too heavily on providing financially while overlooking emotional presence.</p><p>Shaun shares how to:</p><ul><li>Redefine success beyond income and external achievement</li><li>Build emotional security for your kids, not just financial security</li><li>Separate identity from output and rethink what actually gives your life meaning</li><li>Recognize when ego is shaping your parenting decisions</li><li>Stay present during everyday moments that are easy to overlook but impossible to get back</li><li>Navigate the tension between guiding your kids and letting them become who they are</li></ul><p>This is a thoughtful and honest conversation for working dads trying to build a life that balances fatherhood, meaningful work, and a deeper sense of identity.</p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conan_the_Barbarian">Conan the Barbarian</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/3OaHLu4">Raising Men by Eric Davis</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bluey.tv/">Bluey</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dairyqueen.com/">Dairy Queen</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxEPV4kolz0">Piano Man</a></p><p><strong>Follow Shaun</strong></p><p>On his website and podcast: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://raising.men/">https://raising.men/</a> </p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/">https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/</a></p><p>On Facebook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/">https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingMen_Podcast">https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingMen_Podcast</a></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-men/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-men/</a></p><p>On TikTok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingmenpodcast">https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingmenpodcast</a></p><p><strong>Follow Gap to Gig</strong></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/gaptogig">instagram.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On TikTok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tiktok.com/@gaptogig">tiktok.com/@gaptogig</a></p><p>On X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://x.com/gaptogig">x.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg">youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg</a></p><p>On your podcast player of choice: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/">https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/</a></p><p>Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://gaptogig.com">gaptogig.com</a></p><p><strong>Follow Michael</strong></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/</a></p>
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54 MIN
Paul Comfort on Finding Meaningful Work and Work-Life Balance as a Dad
MAY 12, 2026
Paul Comfort on Finding Meaningful Work and Work-Life Balance as a Dad
<p>What if the reason work feels off is not the job itself, but a lack of clarity about what you are actually built to do?</p><p>Paul Comfort has spent decades helping people identify their strengths, align their careers with purpose, and build lives that feel both successful and meaningful. His work centers on the idea that most people never take the time to understand what they are uniquely wired to do.</p><p>For dads trying to navigate fatherhood, career decisions, meaningful work, and work-life balance, lack of clarity can lead to frustration, burnout, and a constant feeling of being pulled in too many directions.</p><p>Paul shares how to:</p><ul><li>Identify your natural strengths and use them to guide career decisions</li><li>Recognize when you are in the wrong role versus the wrong season</li><li>Align your work with your values, personality, and long-term goals</li><li>Make better decisions about transitions, promotions, and opportunities</li><li>Help your kids think about their own strengths and future paths</li></ul><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer">Command &amp; Conquer</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fcc.gov/media/public-educational-and-governmental-access-channels-peg-channels">PEG Channel</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc">DiSC Profile</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%2527s_hierarchy_of_needs_">Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oeiO19qaDmQ">Barney</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lWJXDG2i0A">Free Fallin’</a></p><p><strong>Follow Paul</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcomfort">On LinkedIn</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/paulwcomfort">On Instagram</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TransitUnpluggedTV">On his show, Transit Unplugged TV</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/">On his podcast, Transit Unplugged</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://findyourxfactor.ai/">Check out his book, Find Your X Factor, and take the assessment</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/find-your-x-factor-paul-comfort/1148750775">Pre-order his book from B&amp;N</a></p><p><strong>Follow Gap to Gig</strong></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/gaptogig">instagram.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On TikTok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tiktok.com/@gaptogig">tiktok.com/@gaptogig</a></p><p>On X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://x.com/gaptogig">x.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg">youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg</a></p><p>On your podcast player of choice: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/">https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/</a></p><p>Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://gaptogig.com">gaptogig.com</a></p><p><strong>Follow Michael</strong></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/</a></p>
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53 MIN
Antwaun Thompson on Raising Confident Kids Through Better Parenting and Coaching
MAY 5, 2026
Antwaun Thompson on Raising Confident Kids Through Better Parenting and Coaching
<p>What if the way you show up after the game matters more than the game itself?</p><p>After more than three decades coaching and mentoring young people, Antwaun Thompson has seen a clear shift. Kids today are facing more pressure, less confidence, and more noise than ever before. And for many parents, especially working dads trying to navigate fatherhood and work-life balance, it's not always clear how to support them the right way.</p><p>This conversation focuses on what kids actually need from their parents, not just in youth sports, but in everyday life.</p><p>Antwaun shares how to:</p><ul><li>Build confidence in your kids through connection instead of constant correction</li><li>Give feedback that helps growth instead of creating pressure</li><li>Understand the hidden pressure kids feel from parents, coaches, teammates, and themselves</li><li>Involve your kids in decisions so they build ownership and responsibility</li><li>Create an environment where kids contribute instead of just participate</li></ul><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Smith">Dean Smith</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s13X66BFd8">The Flintstones</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXx6RDzR6eM">Let’s Stay Together by Al Green</a></p><p><strong>Follow Antwaun</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jltfieldhouse.org/">On his non-profit, JLT Fieldhouse</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://coachtscorner.com/">On his website</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2EGAhBcyKyoSdwAgTv7OmH">On Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders with Coach T</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3vzYlYjNAKsoWjpKJObObH">On TeenSpeak - Empowering Today’s Youth</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/coachts_corner">On Instagram</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/coachtscorner">On Facebook</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjJRsI6602F1mGKR3NZtog">On YouTube</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/coachtscorner">On TikTok</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/antwaunt/">On LinkedIn</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/3Ogextu">Check out his book, S.E.A. of Success</a></p><p><strong>Follow Gap to Gig</strong></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/gaptogig">instagram.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On TikTok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tiktok.com/@gaptogig">tiktok.com/@gaptogig</a></p><p>On X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://x.com/gaptogig">x.com/gaptogig</a></p><p>On YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg">youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg</a></p><p>On your podcast player of choice: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/">https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/</a></p><p>Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://gaptogig.com">gaptogig.com</a></p><p><strong>Follow Michael</strong></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/</a></p>
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54 MIN