Gap to Gig
Gap to Gig

Gap to Gig

Michael Jacobs

Overview
Episodes

Details

Build the life you’re working for.

Gap to Gig is the podcast for dads who want to crush it at work and still show up at home.

Each week, host Michael Jacobs talks with dads, founders, career experts, and creators about what it really takes to balance meaningful work and active fatherhood. From navigating career transitions and side hustles to staying present for hockey games and bedtime stories, Gap to Gig helps you create a life that feels steady, fulfilling, and built to last.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home dad reentering the workforce, a working dad craving more purpose, or a creator building your own path, you’ll find stories and systems to help you move forward with confidence.

Expect honest conversations about:

  • Work-life balance that actually lasts
  • Career change and meaningful work without losing yourself
  • Parenting and productivity that fit real life
  • Fatherhood, identity, and growth in the modern world
  • Mindset and systems that keep both business and family running smoothly

No fluff. No hustle-culture noise. Just real stories, practical tools, and genuine conversations about being a dad who wants both: meaningful work and a meaningful life.

If you’ve ever felt pulled between your career ambitions and your kids’ soccer schedules, you’re not alone. Each episode offers ideas you can apply right away, whether that’s a way to structure your week, handle burnout, or rethink what success really means for you and your family.

The show blends personal storytelling, expert insights, and actionable takeaways from guests who are building careers, companies, and creative projects that fit their lives, not the other way around.

Recent episodes feature:

  • Entrepreneurs who’ve built businesses around their families
  • Career coaches helping dads find work that fits their values
  • Creatives balancing passion projects with parenting
  • Productivity pros teaching how to reclaim time and focus
  • Everyday dads sharing their journeys from burnout to balance

If you’re ready to rethink success, build balance that lasts, and create space for what matters most, this podcast is for you.

Gap to Gig: Helping dads build the life they’re working for.

New episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen.

Recent Episodes

Kristian Leavell on Finding Calm and Becoming the Dad You Want to Be
DEC 9, 2025
Kristian Leavell on Finding Calm and Becoming the Dad You Want to Be
<p>What does it really take to be present as a dad while juggling work, pressure, and your own mental health?</p><p>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.</p><p>Kristian shares how to:</p><p>• Be truthful about what you feel and what you need</p><p>• Understand the voice behind internal pressure and self doubt</p><p>• Redefine what it means to provide for your family</p><p>• Manage guilt around work, parenting, and expectations</p><p>• Let go of perfectionism and the anxiety under it</p><p>• Reset when you feel disconnected from yourself or your family</p><p>• Build routines that protect your mental health</p><p>• Model emotional honesty for your kids while keeping boundaries</p><p>• Build real community even when adult friendships feel difficult</p><p>• Cross the swamp of discomfort to become the parent you want to be</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p>Kristian’s video about being a girl dad <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQLDoqfDnHH">Instagram</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8DoLst6/">TikTok</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/8WEtxJ4-sh4">Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls by TLC</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Lopes">Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/fregObNcHC8">The Man Who Sold the World by Nirvana</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.txst.edu">Texas State</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Follow Kristian</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@therapytokwithkris">TherapyTokWithKris on TikTok</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/therapytalkwithkris">TherapyTalkWithKris on Instagram</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://DistinctApproachCounseling.com">DistinctApproachCounseling.com</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email Kris</a></p><p></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></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><p></p>
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54 MIN
Erin Aldrich Shean on Redefining Success for the Season You’re In
DEC 2, 2025
Erin Aldrich Shean on Redefining Success for the Season You’re In
<p>What happens when the chapter you spent years chasing finally ends and you’re left asking what comes next?</p><p>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.</p><p>Erin shares how to:</p><p>Redefine success when life shifts and old identities fall away</p><p>Find clarity before rushing into the next job or direction</p><p>Ask for support instead of trying to figure everything out alone</p><p>Balance ambition with the life you want at home</p><p>Navigate seasons of grind and seasons of rest</p><p>Align your values with the work you choose</p><p>Keep your network warm and active after you land</p><p>Take care of yourself so you can show up fully for your family</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ascensioncoaching.co/land-professional">LAND Method</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai%255C_japanese%255C_secret%255C_to%255C_a%255C_joyful%255C_life.html">Ikigai</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ascensioncoaching.co">Ascension Coaching and Consulting</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascension-coaching1">Ascension Coaching and Consulting on LinkedIn</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/6dYWe1c3OyU?si=bogNHtidewhyW7Zg">I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor</a></p><p></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></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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44 MIN
Jacob Stone on Reentering the Workforce and Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
NOV 25, 2025
Jacob Stone on Reentering the Workforce and Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
<p>What really happens behind the scenes in hiring and how can dads returning to work stand out?</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Jacob shares what most job seekers never hear:</p><p> • What’s really going on inside hiring teams (and how to stand out).</p><p> • Why soft skills like adaptability and communication matter more than technical ones.</p><p> • How parenting builds the exact qualities employers need.</p><p> • How to reframe career gaps with confidence.</p><p> • Why networking, not algorithms, gets you hired.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.worqtap.com/">WorqTap</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/kdfF0cOC50w">Paul Revere by Beastie Boys</a></p><p></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></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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34 MIN
Jesse Holmes on Building Momentum in 10 Minutes a Day
NOV 18, 2025
Jesse Holmes on Building Momentum in 10 Minutes a Day
<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Jesse shares how to:</p><p> • Build clarity and confidence through small, consistent actions.</p><p> • Find your focus when life feels chaotic.</p><p> • Apply “deep work” principles to parenting, relationships, and self-care.</p><p> • Turn daily 10-minute wins into lasting momentum.</p><p> • Balance business growth with family life — without burning out.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://effortless-growth.aweb.page/p/9b6cd641-60e5-4f84-9e36-5979335e356f">Jesse’s Breakout Planner</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AOYTybjIso">Fergalicious by Fergie</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Follow Jesse</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/jesse.holmes.124206">Jesse Holmes on Facebook</a></p><p></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></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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29 MIN
John Tarnoff on Finding Your Next Chapter
NOV 11, 2025
John Tarnoff on Finding Your Next Chapter
<p>What happens when your career suddenly stops fitting your life?</p><p>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.</p><p>John shares how to:</p><p> • Navigate uncertainty and rebuild resilience.</p><p> • Reframe “returning to work” as moving forward, not backward.</p><p> • Turn personal experiences — even parenting — into professional strengths.</p><p> • Rebuild confidence by acting before you feel ready.</p><p> • Create community instead of just “networking.”</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p>Pema Chödrön <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pemachodronfoundation.org">https://pemachodronfoundation.org</a></p><p>Gampo Abbey <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://gampoabbey.org/">https://gampoabbey.org/</a></p><p>Comfortable with Uncertainty <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4oNRCTc">https://amzn.to/4oNRCTc</a></p><p>Julia Cameron <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://juliacameronlive.com/">https://juliacameronlive.com/</a></p><p>The Artist’s Way <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4hClP5h">https://amzn.to/4hClP5h</a></p><p>Ikigai <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai\_japanese\_secret\_to\_a\_joyful\_life.html">https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai\_japanese\_secret\_to\_a\_joyful\_life.html</a></p><p>Ikigai Venn diagram <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#/media/File:Diagramo\_de\_Ikigajo\_-en.svg">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#/media/File:Diagramo\_de\_Ikigajo\_-en.svg</a></p><p>You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR\_Ff5A8Rk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR\_Ff5A8Rk</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Follow John</strong></p><p>John Tarnoff on LinkedIn <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/</a></p><p>Mid-Career Lab community <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://midcareerlab.com/">https://midcareerlab.com/</a></p><p>John Tarnoff website <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://johntarnoff.com/">https://johntarnoff.com/</a></p><p></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></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