Shows
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!Ep. 36 - "The Language That Builds Legends" with Mike SalemiWelcome to Episode 36 with Mike Salemi"The Language That Builds Legends: How Dads Shape Identity"(Mike’s Dad Stats: One son, age 2)In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Mike Salemi, an elite strength coach turned holistic performance guide, and we dive deep into the evolving role of fatherhood, vitality, and the literal narratives that shape how we lead as men.Mike opens up about his early years competing on the world stage in powerlifting and the physical and emotional burnout that followed. What emerged from that breakdown was a new approach to "men’s work” – one that doesn’t aim to b...2025-06-231h 13
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!Ep. 35 - "Building Cities of Legends" - City Councilman Steve SundbergIn this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with Steve Sundberg—father, entrepreneur, Aurora, Co city councilman, and a man whose story stretches from the plains of Wisconsin to the heart of Africa, and right back home to the Rockies.We unpack Steve’s extraordinary life journey: his love story born in a war-torn refugee zone, the rollercoaster of fatherhood through highs and heartbreaks, and what he’s learned while raising two kids into young adulthood. With humility and humor, Steve shares candid reflections on the challenges of parenting, the importance of presence, and why supportive, fun, and pr...2025-06-161h 19
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!Ep. 34: "Police Lieutenant Perspectives on Fatherhood" - with David SmithIn this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD!, I sit down with Hampton Roads Police Lieutenant David Smith to explore what it takes to be a protector both on the beat and at home. We dive into the challenges of transitioning from “badge‐mode” to “dad‐mode,” and David shares the simple yet powerful rituals he uses—like dropping his duty gear, taking a deep breath, and immediately giving his kids a hug—to leave work stress at the precinct and show up fully for his family.You’ll hear how David’s experience on SWAT and as a precinct leader expo...2025-06-041h 19
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!Ep. 33 - "Limitless, Playful, Present" - The Dad Philosophy of Ben WillsonIn this episode of WHOA DAD! GO DAD! I sit down with my friend Ben Willson, a man with an admirable level of positivity and with what seems to be a bottomless well of intentionality. Ben’s journey into fatherhood—and back again, through loss and healing—is one of those rare stories that grabs your heart and offers real wisdom in return.We unpack his three guiding words—limitless, playful, present—and explore how those values shape not just his parenting but his life philosophy. Ben reflects on what it means to live with intentionality, how humor is one of his sup...2025-04-041h 24
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!Ep. 32 - "The Pursuit of Elite Athletics" - with Cory HeitzWelcome to a new year of "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" and Episode 32, where I delve into the intricacies of fatherhood and elite athletic pursuits with Cory Heitz. Cory brings a rich tapestry of experiences, from his upbringing in a family steeped in a rich basketball legacy to his formative years at the Air Force Academy and subsequent military service. These layers of his life profoundly shape his approach to parenting, coaching, and his business endeavors.In this episode, we explore:Cory's Unique Background: Raised in a family where basketball and military service were prevalent, Cory...2025-03-241h 16
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 31: Featuring Cody ClicknerWelcome to Episode Thirty One with Cody Clickner
(Cody’s Dad Stats: Three sons, ages 8, 6, and 1, and a 3-year-old daughter)
Welcome to episode 31 of "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" with Cody Clickner. After decades in the energy sector as a production engineer, Cody founded “Well Information Technologies” which is a modern job reporting tool for the Oil & Gas industry. Beyond being an energy entrepreneur, Cody is adventure seeker, husband, and father of four.
In this episode, Cody delves into his personal journey from having his career...2024-12-301h 07
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 30: Featuring Scott BainWelcome to Episode Thirty with Scott Bain
(Scott’s Dad Stats: Two sons - ages 26 and 31)
Welcome to episode 30 of "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" with my confidant, Scott Bain. Scott was once my client when I ran business development for a video production company, and as the decades have piled up, it’s a treat to call him my friend and contemporary.
As you’ll hear in this episode, Scott is a bonafide student of life, and we get the good fortune of some of the deep wisdom he serves up from his though...2024-12-191h 39
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 29: Featuring Ryan DarilekThis is Episode Twenty-Nine with Ryan Darilek
(Ryan’s Dad Stats: Seven sons - ages 7, 8, 17, 20, 20, 28 & 32)
Welcome to an intense and moving episode of "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" with my friend Ryan Darilek. Amongst several career endeavors, Ryan is the Chairman of EmBrave, an organization out of Colorado Springs that facilitates transformational improvement in the lives of people faced with homelessness, mental health difficulties, and justice-related issues. The organization is focused on bringing light to those in their darkest hour, and in a poetic set of events, Ryan was once a client of the organization.
...2024-12-121h 11
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 28: Featuring Ken LewisWelcome to Episode Twenty-Eight with Ken Lewis
(Ken’s Dad Stats: Two daughters, ages 8 and 6)
Welcome to another profoundly moving episode of "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" Today, we're joined by Ken Lewis, a former Air Force explosive ordinance disposal technician turned high-performance business coach and trainer. In this episode, Ken opens up with rare vulnerability about his transition from the high-stakes world of bomb disposal to the adventures and challenges of fatherhood.
For New Dads: Ken shares invaluable lessons on the art of high-performance unde...2024-12-041h 35
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 27: Featuring Michael CollinsWelcome to Episode Twenty-Seven with Michael Collins
(Michael’s Dad Stats: 11-year-old son, five-year-old daughter.)
Hey, new dads and dad-veterans! Presenting you with another fantastic dive into the deep end of fatherhood on "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" This week, I’m thrilled to bring you an episode with Michael Collins, with a forte for storytelling and communications, who’s turned the art of improv into a phenomenal parenting tool.
For the fledgling fathers like myself: Imagine fatherhood as a never-ending improv show where your tiny tots are the unpredictable co-stars. Michael tea...2024-11-271h 17
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 26: Featuring Josh BonacciWelcome to Episode Twenty-Six with Josh Bonacci
(Josh’s Dad Stats: Two sons, seven and five-and-a-half years old, and a three year old daughter.)
Fathers and dad-fans, jump into this episode of "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" where I riff with the remarkable Josh Bonacci, a dad who's mastered the art of balancing a demanding career with the joys and challenges of fatherhood.
Josh and I met in our college years where we bonded over Fight Club, lifting weights, and gin and tonics. It’s fun to look back and see how much more life and interests we have to bond...2024-11-211h 18
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 25: Yours Truly (Dave Momper)Welcome to Episode Twenty-Five with Yours Truly
(My Dad Stats: 13 Month-Old Son)
In honor of one year as a father and hitting 25 episodes, here are 20 questions and my candid answers as I reflect on the past year being a new dad, as well as the wisdom I've gathered from 24 podcast conversations with other dads. This was a fun exercise for me to reflect and think deeply about what I've learned and what the experience has been stepping into fatherhood.
Onward!
-Dave Momper
Leadership Coach and Brand New Dad
...2024-11-181h 14
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 24: Featuring Kipp AdlerWelcome to Episode Twenty Four with Kipp Adler
(Kipp’s Dad Stats: 2-Year-Old Daughter, 4-Month-Old Son)
Hey Dads, and dad-fans,
Get ready for another episode of "Whoa Dad! Go Dad!" where I sit down with the ever-adventurous Kipp Adler, a seasoned journalist and documentarian whose tales from around the globe shed light on the extraordinary challenge and joy of fatherhood. This episode is a goldmine for new dads seeking to deepen their understanding of what it takes to raise the next generation. Kipp brings his unique experiences, from navigating cultural complexities in the Mid...2024-10-231h 25
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 23: Featuring Jeremiah ReddickWelcome to Episode Twenty Three with Jeremiah Reddick
(Jeremiah’s Dad Stats: Step daughter, daughter, 2.5 year-old angeled-son)
Hey Dads, and dad-fans,
Welcome back to another episode of "WHOA DAD! GO DAD!" I'm your host, Dave Momper, and today we're diving deep - and I mean DEEP - into a fatherhood story that’s both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Our guest, Jeremiah Reddick, reveals a raw journey of love, loss, and resilience. In 2018, due to a rare genetic mutation, Jeremiah’s two and half-year-old son, Torin passed away, in his arms.
My friend Jeremiah boldly shares his experience with this unimaginable scenar...2024-10-181h 28
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 22: Featuring Frank O'HalloranWelcome to Episode Twenty Two with Frank O’Halloran
(Frank’s Dad Stats: 20 Year-old Daughter)
Back in 2019 I sat across a dinner table with Frank, at a new colleague’s home, sipping damn good wine, and getting to know some new teammates who all happened to be in Denver. Frank and I hit it off, and despite being 5,386 miles apart more often than not, we’ve found ourselves on a number of client projects around the country and catch up often to talk shop about the world, fatherhood, and leadership.
One of my favorite quotes f...2024-09-201h 14
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 21: Featuring Charles LimWelcome to Episode Twenty One with Charles Lim
(Charles’ Dad Stats: 2.5 month-old son)
Since the day I met Charles, I’ve been struck by his thought process and how explores an idea. He’s simply a light-hearted, gentle, wizard in the making. This podcast is nothing short of Charles doing what he does best and pondering life’s greatest questions, life’s greatest roles, and life’s greatest experiences, and making some sense of the grand adventure.
Whether you are a brand new dad in his 40s, like...2024-08-211h 25
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 20: Featuring Shane StowellWelcome to Episode Twenty with Shane Stowell
(Shane’s Dad Stats: Twin daughters age 18, and a 20 year old son)
Along with being a husband and a recent empty nester to three young-adult aged kiddos, Shane is an Executive Leadership Advisor for a number of Fortune 50 organizations, an entrepreneur, and a clinical psychologist.
I met Shane in 2013 as he facilitated the Leadership Development program I was enrolled in with the Downtown Denver Partnership. Over the years since, Shane has been a sounding board of mine and...2024-08-141h 14
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 19: Featuring Colin DowWelcome to Episode Nineteen with Colin Dow
(Colin’s Dad Stats: Two daughters, four and two years old)
Like anything in life, fatherhood is a game of sorts. Fortunately, my guest Colin Dow played college football for University of Montana and had a short stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, so he has a knack for the hustle and mettle that fatherhood takes.
It’s because of Episode One of WHOA DAD! GO DAD! and a mutual friend that Colin and I now have the good...2024-08-091h 16
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 18: Featuring Anthony AlbaneseWelcome to Episode Eighteen with Anthony Albanese
(Anthony’s Dad Stats: a 12-year-old, a 10-year-old, and four-and-half-year-old twins)
It’s an honor and a privilege to share this conversation with my friend Anthony and to publish it on a “bow-tie Tuesday!”
Anthony is a commercial real estate professional based in Denver, with extensive experience serving clients both nationally and internationally. He has a broad perspective on the commercial real estate landscape, influenced by trends such as remote work and corporate culture evolution. Additionally, Anthony has held si...2024-07-301h 13
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 17: Featuring Joe ValentiWelcome to Episode Seventeen with Joe Valenti
(Joe’s Dad Stats: Three kids, ages 14, 8, and 4)
Meet Joe Valenti. Having known Joe since 8th grade, and gone through a similar coming of age story as suburban highschools growing up in the 90s, it’s quite the honor to talk shop explore the juxtaposition of fatherhood.
In my conversation with Joe, I was struck by his adeptness at balancing a demanding career in the energy sector with the even more challenging role of fatherhood. He approaches parenting with a refreshing simplicity, always emphasizing the importance of just being there for his chil...2024-07-0959 min
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 16: Featuring Donny DustWelcome to Episode Sixteen with Donny Dust
(Donny’s Dad Stats: Sons - 15 and 18 Years Old)
If Donny Dust wants you to know one thing, it’s that when you properly tap in to your wild side, you can access everything you actually need. Take a moment and just think about that…
You might know Donny from the TV show “Alone” or maybe his survival YouTube channel with some of the best self reliance advice on the inter-webs.
Donny’s story as a pro...2024-06-131h 20
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 15: Featuring Ryan BramwellWelcome to Episode Fifteen with Ryan Bramwell.
(Ryan’s Dad Stats: Son - 8 Years Old)
"My son gets to see this, and I communicate to him, you know, sometimes our children sometimes think that daddy is the greatest, and he can do no wrong. But I tell him, no, there's a lot of hard work. I don't know what I'm doing. I'm learning."
Over a decade ago, Ryan and I were both in the bustling creative community in the RiNo Arts District of Denver. Ryan’s...2024-05-301h 04
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 14: Featuring Shawn Michael WalkerWelcome to Episode Fourten with Shawn Michael Walker.
(Shawn’s Dad Stats: 17-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 9-year-old)
If you sat down with my friend Shawn Michael Walker and he could only give you one piece of advice, it would be “don’t burn the day away.” It’s this mantra that he truly lives out as an individual, as a father to three and a husband, and one that has come to define his family’s ways. It’s fun to see and fun to hear about.
Shaw...2024-05-241h 19
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 13: Featuring Justin LeVettWelcome to Episode Thirteen with Justin LeVett
(Justin’s Dad Stats: Daughter - 4 Years Old)
Justin is a professional photographer, an avid biker, and a former youth pastor which had him running two full time careers! I’ve had the good fortune to know Justin for almost a decade as he generously donated his photography skills to CreativeMornings/Denver while I was the host of the chapter and on the team.
Justin’s vantage as a father is so special and unique. He and his wife...2024-05-081h 13
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 12: Featuring David DelgadoWelcome to Episode Twelve with David Delgado
(David’s Dad Stats: Son - 4 weeks old)
David and I have shared a few hours together every other Saturday morning since early this year, being a part of a father’s circle that meets virtually. Five or six of us come together to share tales and trials of fatherhood, to lend each other an ear and an open heart, and to bask in the good fortune of our roles as dads.
This conversation is rich with deep...2024-05-021h 15
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 11: Featuring George PietrogalloWelcome to Episode Eleven with George Pietrogallo
(George’s Dad Stats: Son - 33, Daughter - 31)
My first interaction with George was the night before a client workshop in Detroit, Michigan, last year. We found a sports bar near the hotel and bellied up to the bar for some dinner and then engaged with a few locals in small talk about local sports, family, politics, business, and life. It was as though we were on the set of Cheers just making friends with everyone, and yapping with the bartender. I was amazed at the gift of ga...2024-04-171h 20
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 10: Featuring Andrew SchrempWelcome to Episode Ten with Andrew Schremp
(Andrew’s Dad Stats: Two Boys, 2.5 years and 8 months.)
Andrew is the kind of man you want shoulder-to-shoulder when you are doing anything of importance; throwing a frisbee, building a deck, growing a business, figuring out life, listening to Randy Rogers Band at the Troubador in West Hollywood, or piloting a rocket to Mars. You know, stuff like that. Most of which we have done together, or will do together.
Andrew and I became fast friends in the...2024-04-091h 38
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 9: Featuring Mike FaulhaberWelcome to Episode Nine with Mike Faulhaber
(Mike’s Dad Stats: Two Boys, Three Girls, ages 15 to 29, two biological and three step children.)
My friendship with Mike has spanned nearly 20 years, beginning with us both joining the same recruiting class for the financial services firm called Northwestern Mutual. The nature of the industry and the role as a financial representative had us in the trenches of cold calling, sales, advisory, business building, constant rejection, and a daily grind that was needed to deliver on the high expectations of clients an...2024-04-051h 11
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 8: Featuring Dan GomerWelcome to Episode Eight with Dan Gomer
(Dan’s Dad Stats: Two Kiddos, Ages 13 and 10 )
Dan once cooked me and a friend a gourmet breakfast in the middle of central Colorado, with a massive camping griddle, at the foot these magical granite hills which perched up to the east of us, and which provided a westerly gaze out towards Hartzel, Co. Later that eve, that very vantage point proved to be one of the most memorable sunset experiences we could ask for. As the evening approached, the skies to th...2024-04-0256 min
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 7: Featuring Wylie NelsonWelcome to Episode Seven with Wylie Nelson
(Wylie’s Dad Stats: Two Kiddos, Ages Seven and Five )
I’ve known Wylie and his wife since the early days of being “grown ups” in our twenties when weekends in Denver were spent running around Wash Park, or racing up to the then-mostly-uncrowded slopes of the mountains. On any weeknight, you might find us riding bikes to neighborhood bars despite our next-day-full-time-job obligations. We’ve traveled to Mexico together to watch friends get married, and we’ve been able to watch each other grow up and take on great careers.
In the mid-2000...2024-03-281h 12
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 6: Featuring RJ OwenWelcome to Episode Six with RJ Owen
(RJ’s Dad Stats: Four kids, elementary school-aged through high school)
RJ Owen is a UX Designer, a coffee nut, a Physics major, and a modest CrossFitter. He wouldn’t admit it, but he’s one of the funniest people I know.
After 10 years of working together with RJ to build the Denver chapter of CreativeMornings, and serving the Denver creative community, it’s fair to say that I’ve had hundreds and hundreds of hours of heart-to-h...2024-03-261h 07
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 5: Featuring Ben SeymourWelcome to Episode 5 with Ben Seymour
(Ben’s Dad Stats: Two boys - age 13, age 7)
"I don't want to be legendary. We are not doing this for glory." - Says the most humble man I know, aka: burday burd, aka: Ben Seymour.
My history with Ben Seymour is rich. For two years around 2012 we spearheaded business growth, with him as our Executive Producer and me as the head of Business Development, for a creative content agency in Denver called Postmodern. We roamed the RINO neighborhood north of downtown before the cool kids conquered it. We’ve won awards together, we’v...2024-03-211h 13
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 4: Featuring Dan FortuneWelcome to Episode 4 with Dan Fortune
(Dan's Dad stats: Two kids - A daughter age 7, and a son age 4)
This is a special interview, being that just a few days prior to our recording, Dan lost a dear friend and family member who notably helped shape Dan’s fatherhood style. We dedicate this podcast conversation to Tony, Dan’s brother-in-law, the husband of Dan’s sister, and a man who raised his own children to be adventurous, loving, and passionate humans. It is a bold move for Dan to share his take on fatherhood with me, wi...2024-03-191h 12
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 3: Featuring Mayur VyasJoin the fatherhood convo with Mayur Vyas. Mayur is a student of the stoics, he’s a father of two, and the man knows how to use humor incredibly well when building a brand online. I almost can’t believe I got to sit down with one of Linkedin’s “TOP VOICES,” and #theCFOGuy himself. Mayur is a CFO, Advisor, Investor, and Speaker, and based out of Tysons, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.
After years of friendship with Mayur, it’s his wit and work ethic that I admire the most. And now we can all admire his thinking...2024-03-141h 09
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 2: Featuring Austin LiberatoEpisode Two is here! Allow me to introduce my once long ago part-time-supposed roommate, Austin Liberato. Austin is a professional photographer, a world traveler, and a Texan by birth but a Coloradan by heart. He is often found on surf board and bike, catching the rhythm of the elements. I adore this guy and it’s fun to see how our lives have changed since we first met, both be wandering bachelors, using the same house as a basecamp for life’s adventures and as we joke about, supposedly living together.
I love how Austin describes his son...2024-03-121h 25
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - Episode 1: Featuring Mark GuayJump into this discussion with me and my good friend Mark Guay.
(Dad stats: One son, age 2.5)
Mark is an Integral Leadership Coach & Facilitator, growth-minded father of Rowen, and absolute sage if I may say so! Mark lives in NY overlooking the Hudson Valley, by way of a beach life in San Diego, CA,. Mark often hosts gatherings for entrepreneurial- and family-minded men. He and I are cut from the same cloth in many ways and you'll enjoy the rapport we have together.
This detailed narrative explores themes of fatherhood...2024-03-111h 12
WHOA DAD! GO DAD!WHOA DAD! GO DAD! - IntroductionHello new dads and soon to be dads! I'm your host, Dave Momper. I'm a new dad myself and I wanted to introduce myself and this podcast. There are so many valuable conversations coming up that I've had with everyday great dads, and I cannot wait to share them. Join me as I discuss Leadership, Adventure, and Raising Legends, and seek out the answers to what it takes to take on the ultimate role! Enjoy. 2024-03-0404 min
The Becoming Kings PodcastThe Freedom to Stay Curious & Listen w/ Dave MomperIn this episode you’ll learn about…Nature Dave strikes again! (0:55)Thrival Concepts & leadership development. (2:08)Fireside chatting & Christmas cheer. (12:27)Johnny King don’t care. (25:37)Using your voice for freedom. (37:47)The biggest pitfall in all of our human interactions... (49:09)Imagine a world where we weren’t allowed to think critically? (59:58)The guide to meaningful conversations. (1:08:32)
2020-11-301h 15
The Leader Assistant Podcast with Jeremy Burrows#49: Dave Momper on Listening IntelligenceWe hear a lot about Emotional Intelligence these days, but what about Listening Intelligence? This week's episode will help you re-think how you listen to others, and how they listen (or don't) to you. Dave Momper is a certified listening practitioner who helps executives build productive and innovative teams fueled by trust and confidence. In this episode, David and I talk about the practice of listening, six common things that make listening challenging, how listening intelligence interacts with emotional intelligence, and why it's important for assistants to know what their executive's listening style is. Show...2020-02-231h 01