Good dads are present. Great dads are intentional. That single idea reshaped how we think about modern fatherhood after talking with Jeff Hittner, founder of Ambitious Dads, dad of two boys, and a former elite gymnast who knows what commitment feels like when it is done at full intensity.
Jeff joins us from Valencia, Spain, and the story behind that move quickly becomes a lesson in parenting mindset, family leadership, and building a home that aligns with your values rather than running on autopilot.
We talk through the reality of relocating during the pandemic, the stress and isolation of early 2020 in New York City, and how a “one-year plan” turned into a life where the kids are thriving. Jeff shares what changes when your environment supports curiosity: surf and sailing classes, a culture that takes meals seriously, and a weekly rhythm built around fresh markets and cooking together. If you care about raising confident kids, this is a practical look at how daily routines create long-term identity.
From there, we go deeper into the inner game of fatherhood: self-talk, growth mindset, and emotional regulation. Jeff explains how learning his triggers started with painful moments and honest conversations, and how “tagging out” helped him build real patience over time. He also lays out the six “dad gaps” he sees across 200+ interviews, including time, brotherhood, confidence, co-parenting, legacy, and role models, plus why many dads can describe a business vision but struggle to name a fatherhood philosophy.
If you want a clearer definition of success as a dad, a stronger intentional parenting framework, and tools you can use today, listen all the way through. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway: what does intentional fatherhood look like in your home?
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