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 lastsCareer change and meaningful work without losing yourselfParenting and productivity that fit real lifeFatherhood, identity, and growth in the modern worldMindset and systems that keep both business and family running smoothlyNo 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 familiesCareer coaches helping dads find work that fits their valuesCreatives balancing passion projects with parentingProductivity pros teaching how to reclaim time and focusEveryday dads sharing their journeys from burnout to balanceIf 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

Stephanie Cordes on Finding Clarity When Success No Longer Feels Right
JAN 27, 2026
Stephanie Cordes on Finding Clarity When Success No Longer Feels Right
<p>What do you do when your career looks successful on paper, but something quietly feels off?</p><p>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.</p><p>Stephanie shares how to:</p><p>• Recognize quiet misalignment before it turns into burnout</p><p>• Reevaluate work and life goals as seasons and family needs change</p><p>• Think beyond job titles and focus on lifestyle, income, and long term direction</p><p>• Create a personal North Star that guides decisions without locking you into one path</p><p>• Let go of the belief that every career change means failure</p><p>• Explore new options while keeping stability for your family</p><p>• Involve your partner in career decisions as a true team effort</p><p>• Redefine what providing really means beyond a paycheck</p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ring.com">Ring Camera</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-siminoff-aaa44238a">Jamie Siminoff, Founder of Ring Camera</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-c154896b-0b76-46ae-be0c-6ed9ae3223c7">Kim Possible</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/rKFx0MMqb48">Picture by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aquaphorus.com">Aquaphor</a></p><p><strong>Follow Stephanie</strong></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://stephahead.com">https://stephahead.com</a></p><p>On X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/stephcordesTES">https://x.com/stephcordesTES</a></p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecordesTES">https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecordesTES</a></p><p>On Facebook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093172011381">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093172011381</a></p><p>On LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemcordes/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemcordes/</a></p><p>On Bluesky: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/stephcordestes.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/stephcordestes.bsky.social</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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39 MIN
Kristian Leavell on Navigating Anxiety, Depression, and the Long Winter Season
JAN 20, 2026
Kristian Leavell on Navigating Anxiety, Depression, and the Long Winter Season
<p>Why do anxiety and depression feel heavier during the long winter season, even when nothing is technically “wrong”?</p><p>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.</p><p>Kristian shares how to:</p><p>• Notice early signs of anxiety and depression by watching patterns, not isolated moments</p><p>• Treat emotions as useful signals rather than problems to eliminate</p><p>• Separate thoughts from facts and step out of spirals</p><p>• Use small, practical actions to interrupt anxiety before it builds</p><p>• Apply opposite action when motivation disappears</p><p>• Practice mindfulness in real life, not perfect conditions</p><p>• Talk with kids about emotions in ways that create trust and safety</p><p>• Redefine strength as presence, not endurance</p><p>• Check in on other dads without feeling the need to fix them</p><p></p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy">ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cogbtherapy.com/cbt-blog/cognitive-defusion-techniques-and-exercises">Cognitive Fusion</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22838-dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt">DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jetsons">The Jetsons</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.marthastewart.com/diy-emergency-candles-11809143">How to turn crayons into candles</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/_ywKerDSjLc">Crash the Gates by Yellowcard</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://www.youtube.com/@therapytalkwithkris">TherapyTalkWithKris on YouTube</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://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>
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55 MIN
Eddie Torba on Building a Career That Lets You Show Up for Your Kids
JAN 13, 2026
Eddie Torba on Building a Career That Lets You Show Up for Your Kids
<p>What does it mean to succeed at work without missing the moments you never get back?</p><p>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.</p><p>Eddie shares how to:</p><p>• Design a career around family instead of fitting family into leftover time</p><p>• Choose flexibility and stability without treating them as opposites</p><p>• Build trust at work by delivering results, not logging hours</p><p>• Protect family dinners, school events, and everyday moments that matter</p><p>• Set boundaries that prevent burnout and protect mental energy</p><p>• Create morning and weekly routines that support focus and balance</p><p>• Explore a side path without overwhelming yourself or your family</p><p>• Be honest about capacity before taking on extra work</p><p>• Help kids understand the human effort behind convenience and consumption</p><p>• Teach responsibility, work ethic, and perspective by example</p><p>• Measure success by presence, not titles or constant availability</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://adpopulumllc.com">Ad Populum</a></p><p>EWS Consulting</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.partycity.com">Party City</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-d21f9ec9-14f4-4c26-ba02-199108dac9ff">Duck Tales</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/CenzjSEkDDA">Duck Tales theme song</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/9n5G0qFBsHM">Knee Deep by Zach Brown Band</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jimmybuffett.com">Jimmy Buffett</a></p><p><strong>Follow Eddie</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email Eddie</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 Threads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://threads.com/@gaptogig">threads.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>Follow Michael</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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37 MIN
AJ Rich on Becoming the Dad You Want to Be in an Anxious World
JAN 6, 2026
AJ Rich on Becoming the Dad You Want to Be in an Anxious World
<p>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?</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>You will hear AJ break down how to:</p><p> • Understand anxiety as a signal, not a failure</p><p> • Build emotional intelligence without losing strength or credibility</p><p> • Develop the language to describe what you are actually feeling</p><p> • Shift from survival mode into sustainable growth</p><p> • Redefine success beyond titles, income, or external validation</p><p> • Identify what is holding you back when you feel stuck</p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://feelingswheel.com/">Feelings wheel</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://brenebrown.com/">Brené Brown</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/brene-brown-atlas-of-the-heart/dfad262e-b764-4b92-ae63-72886f8a0d81">Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart on HBO Max</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/48VuP1b">Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown (book)</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/learn-more/perma-theory-well-being-and-perma-workshops">PERMA Theory of Well-Being</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://disneynow.com/show/4b10dfb6-0545-4d2f-9342-bdc9ad1766a9">Doc McStuffins</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://disneynow.com/show/0300df0e-abd0-4cc6-9a68-1ffad0f3f5c6">Sofia the First</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mysubwaycareer.com/careers-us-en">Subway Sandwich Artist</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thetakeout.com/1851859/what-happened-target-food-courts/">Food Avenue in Target</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/kNAZa-ORLIU?si=bP-w9n5ZymmkS9Ve">This is How We Do It by Montell Jordan</a></p><p><strong>Follow AJ</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ajrichtherapy.com">AJ Family Therapy, Inc.</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email AJ</a></p><p><strong>Follow Gap to Gig</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/gaptogig">On Instagram</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@gaptogig">On TikTok</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.x.com/gaptogig">On X</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.threads.com/@gaptogig">On Threads</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg">On YouTube</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/">On your podcast player of choice</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.gaptogig.com">Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter</a></p><p>Follow Michael</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/">On LinkedIn</a></p>
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44 MIN
Paul Terrell on Grit, Recovery, and Rebuilding Life as a Dad
DEC 30, 2025
Paul Terrell on Grit, Recovery, and Rebuilding Life as a Dad
<p>How do you rebuild your life when everything breaks at once and you still have kids who need you every minute of the day?</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Paul shares how to:</p><p> • Relearn everyday life while caring for two young kids</p><p> • Parent with physical limitations and find creative ways to adapt</p><p> • Build mental toughness when progress feels painfully slow</p><p> • Return to the workforce with confidence after years away</p><p> • Use AI, systems, and prep work to compete at a high level again</p><p> • Navigate the emotional shift from being the primary caregiver to traveling constantly for work</p><p> • Strengthen a marriage through shared effort, support, and role changes</p><p> • Turn stay at home parenting into quantifiable wins on a resume</p><p> • Carry lessons from parenting into sales, negotiation, and leadership</p><p> • Protect health, energy, and family time in a metrics driven role</p><p> • Help kids understand work, money, teamwork, and responsibility</p><p> • Break big goals into smaller ones and use data to track personal progress</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.yardi.com">Yardi</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_investment_trust">REIT</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.plaud.ai">Plaud</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ">Bohemian Rhapsody</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GliyDgAGQI">Nuthin' but a "G" Thang</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Follow Paul</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-terrell-55935b24/">Paul Terrell on LinkedIn</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/crabcakesandsteaks/">Paul Terrell on Instagram</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