Professional CrossFit athlete Noah Ohlsen is used to heavy lifts, but fatherhood might be his biggest challenge yet. The Miami-based fitness icon opens up about his newborn son, the emotional rollercoaster of early parenting, and why staying grounded and smiling matters more than ever.
From CrossFit Podiums to Pampers
Most people know Noah Ohlsen as a CrossFit Games powerhouse, the Miami kid with the golden retriever, the megawatt smile, and the engine that never quits.
These days, his mornings start less with barbells and more with bottles. At just three months into fatherhood, Noah is learning the art of balance: supporting his wife after a tough delivery, finding rhythms as a new dad, and keeping the whole house smiling in the process.
“My heart swells with love thinking about all of the best parts of Oliver,” he says. “He’s an incredibly happy boy, smiling most of the time that he’s awake!”
The Hard Part
Like any new parent, Noah has faced his share of curveballs. Their delivery was not easy. A week-long NICU stay tested everyone’s nerves. Since then, he has been the calm anchor at home, helping his wife navigate the post-birth anxiety that many couples quietly battle.
“The hardest part,” he says, “has been seeing her struggle and trying to support her, reminding her that he’s perfectly healthy now, while still doing all the right things to keep it that way.”
That mix of empathy, patience, and quiet strength is the kind of fitness that does not show up on leaderboards.
The Good Stuff
For every tough moment, there are a thousand small joys. Noah lights up talking about his son, Oliver. The smiles, the chatter, the laughter that fills their mornings. “Seeing him and my wife laugh with each other melts my heart,” he says.
And while new parent life can be a blur of bottles, burps, and naps, the Ohlsens are already finding their rhythm: early mornings, family walks with their dog Max, and lots of tummy time before Noah sneaks in a quick gym session.
Lessons From the Trenches
What he wishes he knew before becoming a dad:
“Two bads and a good: how much your upper back burns when you’re rocking a baby to sleep for 10+ minutes, how little free time you have for simple things like reading a book, and how big you can love something so little right away.”
The best advice he’s gotten:
“Spend as much time with your baby and their mama early on as you can.”
Every story Noah tells circles back to being present, a quality that is as rare in high-performance sports as it is in modern fatherhood.
Balancing the Chaos
When life piles on, training, travel, business, and baby duty, Noah’s strategy is simple: breathe, stay calm, and lead with steadiness.
“Everything always works out,” he says. “I try to be the steady and confident leader in the house that everyone can count on.”
He is also mastering the underrated art of scheduling, making sure work, workouts, and family time do not compete but coexist. “And I always try to connect lovingly with my wife,” he adds. “Bonus if Oliver and Max are part of the embrace.”
Staying Grounded
For Noah, training is not just a career. It is therapy.
“Getting in a workout keeps me mentally and physically healthy,” he says. “But disconnecting from my phone and spending real, quality time with mama and baby, that’s the reset I need most.”
That balance between effort and ease, hustle and heart, defines this next chapter.
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Non-Negotiables
Being a fun and happy dad. That is his line in the sand.
“I want to make sure I’m smiling as often as I can,” he says. “If that’s in his nature too, I’ll know I did something right.”
Off-Duty Dad Mode
When he is not training or changing diapers, Noah’s simple pleasures still look like movement and movies. “Workout again, lol,” he jokes. “And going to the cinema. I miss that a good bit.”
Follow his journey on Instagram and YouTube @nohlsen.
The Takeaway
Fatherhood hits every muscle, the heart most of all.
Noah Ohlsen proves that being a strong dad is not just about lifting weight. It is about carrying the people you love with patience, joy, and a grin that says, we got this.
Meet Sean
Sean Nguyen wears a lot of hats: commercial floor slinger by day, community fish club driver by night, and full-time dad all the time.
He’s raising two kids, ages 20 months and 4, while keeping up with work, family, and a few pre-dawn surf sessions. Somehow, he makes it all work — and still finds time to chase redfish after hours.
The Hard Part
For Sean, time is everything.
“Being present is a non-negotiable promise I made the day my daughter was born. Life moves fast. Work, goals, family—it all blurs if you let it. I used to chase every opportunity like there was a finish line. Now, success means being in the moment, not just moving through it.”
That lesson sits at the core of everything he does. He’s not chasing hustle culture; he’s chasing presence.
The Reward
It’s not the big milestones that hit hardest. It’s the little wins.
“Seeing my kids grow, learn, and light up. That’s the good stuff.”
Lessons Learned
Sean keeps it simple:
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Listen to your wife.
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Know your baby gear.
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And for the love of fatherhood, a swaddle is not a bib.
Advice That Stuck
“One day your kids will tell stories about their dad. Make sure they’ve got something good to say.”
That one line hits like a mission statement for modern fatherhood.
A Day in the Life
The Nguyen house runs on discipline and caffeine. Sean’s up at 5 a.m. for some light training and time with his Rottie before the day kicks off. Coffee brews while he makes lunches and breakfast as his wife gets the kids ready.
Depending on the schedule, they tag-team drop-offs, then it’s go time. Sean spends the day building community, running the Fish Club, and chasing small wins. Afternoons are family-only. Once the kids are down for the night, he hits the gym, clears his head, then resets for the next round.
Balance Is a Team Sport
Sean’s secret weapon is simple: a shared calendar and honest communication.
“When everything hits at once, I step back, rank what matters, and tag-team with my wife. Communication turns chaos into a plan.”
It’s a real-world version of what we preach in Dad Wisdom: Progress Over Perfection — showing up and staying flexible matters more than getting it “right.”
How He Stays Grounded
Reflection is Sean’s reset button.
“Every once in a while, you have to pause and look at what your effort has produced. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Reflection isn’t regret. It’s refueling.”
It’s a practice that reminds him why he works so hard in the first place.
Non-Negotiables
Presence. “If I’m there, I’m all in. No distractions. Just dad.”
Solo Time
When the grind slows, you’ll find Sean chasing waves or stalking redfish with the After Work Fish Club.
“Surfing clears the head. Fishing keeps me patient. Both remind me that the best moments aren’t rushed.”
Follow his journey on Instagram:
@afterworkfishclub / @vin_nguyen
Dad Day Takeaway
Sean Nguyen’s version of fatherhood is simple: show up early, often, and with purpose. He’s proof that being a rad dad isn’t about doing everything. It’s about being all in for what matters most.
Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes has run across deserts, mountains, and time zones. But his most meaningful marathon? Fatherhood. The legendary endurance athlete shares his take on parenting, purpose, and why leading by example is the real finish line.
Meet Dean Karnazes
From: California + Greece
Kids: Two (ages 27 and 30)
Gig: Full-time adult and part-time legend
If you’ve ever read Ultramarathon Man or seen footage of Dean running through the night, you know this guy doesn’t do “average.” But talk to him about being a dad, and the conversation shifts from medals to meaning. “You only have one crack at parenthood,” he says. “Don’t screw it up.”
The Hardest Part
Even for a world-class runner, parenting came with its own kind of fatigue.
“The hardest part was not stressing over money when the kids were young,” Dean says. “Every day was hectic, crazy, and beautiful.”
Sound familiar? Whether you’re juggling deadlines or diapers, it’s the same balancing act: showing up, staying steady, and hoping the kids see you doing your best.
The Reward
“The lessons we’ve taught each other,” Dean says simply. That’s the real trophy.
He’s quick to point out that his parents have also found joy in the process — grandparenting included. “I’ve enjoyed my kids immensely, but so have my parents. The grandparent experience is special.”
The Wisdom
If Dean has one rule for modern dads, it’s this: lead by example.
“Kids are quick to spot hypocrisy,” he says. “You can’t tell them to exercise and eat well if you’re not doing the same.”
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being consistent. Whether you’re lacing up for a jog or putting down your phone at dinner, they’re watching.
“A parent must maintain their own life,” Dean adds. “Yes, family consumes most of your time and energy. But don’t lose your outside interests.”
For him, that means running, reading Homer, eating souvlaki, and sipping ouzo. “What more is there to life?” he laughs.
The Takeaway
Dean Karnazes’ parenting philosophy is simple but powerful: don’t just tell your kids how to live — show them. You don’t need to be an ultramarathoner to apply it. Just be the kind of man your kids want to mirror. Be the one who still chases things, still laughs, still finds joy in the daily miles of fatherhood.
Dad Day Takeaway
Be the dad who runs his race, literally or not. Your kids don’t need perfection. They need your pace, your passion, and your presence.
Entrepreneur and restaurateur Michael Chernow has built multiple businesses, but his real focus is on being present at home. From 5 a.m. breathwork to tech-free dinners, he’s redefining what balance looks like for the modern dad.
Location: New York City, NY
Kids: Two boys, ages 7 and 10
Follow Michael: @MichaelChernow
Who is Michael Chernow?
Michael Chernow is a New York City entrepreneur known not just for his businesses, but for how he shows up at home. While building brands and navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship, he’s raising two boys and intentionally shaping what modern fatherhood looks like.
“The most joy I experience in life is when I am with my boys. That’s when I’m most alive.”
The Hardest Part of Parenting
Michael’s answer is one every working parent will feel in their bones.
“Balancing work and family. I have managed my time like a ninja to ensure I don’t miss anything that matters.”
It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being where it counts, and being all there when you are.
Best Advice for New Dads
“Having rituals with my sons has been something I will never let go of.”
Morning routines. Family dinners. Bedtime talks. Rituals aren’t just structure; they’re the scaffolding of connection. According to Michael, the magic lives in those repeatable moments that create safety, rhythm, and memories your kids will carry forever.
What a Typical Dad Day Looks Like
“I wake up at 5:15 a.m. I spend the first 45 minutes on breathwork and movement. Then I wake the boys up and make them breakfast. I walk them to school, go to work, and make sure we eat dinner together at the table, no phones. The day ends with a check-in and bedtime routine.”
Discipline and presence. No screens at the table. No shortcuts at bedtime. Just intentional energy in the moments that matter most.
Dad Life Non-Negotiable
“No phones at any tables, ever.”
Call it old school, but it’s the kind of boundary that builds real connection in a world obsessed with distraction.
Favorite Part of Fatherhood
“Hanging with my kids is when I feel the most joy. Simple as that.” Whether it’s playing, talking, or just being together, presence is the point.
What He Wishes He Knew Before Becoming a Dad
“You’re not always going to be right. Owning when you’re wrong is as powerful as showing up.”
That’s a masterclass in humility. Modern fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about accountability, teachability, and being real.
When He’s Flying Solo
“Fitness is my thing. I love to train. I’ve also gotten super into archery. It helps me reset.”
Every dad needs a way to recharge outside of work and family. Find yours. Then show up better because of it.
Final Word
Michael Chernow reminds us that great dads aren’t just providers. They’re guides, anchors, and memory makers. His approach to rituals, presence, and intentional boundaries is a blueprint for dads trying to do life well.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present and consistent.
Jason Khalipa, CrossFit Games champ and founder of NCFIT, shares his blueprint for modern fatherhood. From garage workouts to family dinners, his philosophy is simple: win the day by showing up strong for the people who matter most.
Meet Jason Khalipa
From: San Jose, CA
Kids: Two (ages 11 and 14)
Gig: Founder of NCFIT gyms and digital fitness company
Jason Khalipa built an empire around grit, discipline, and sweat. But when his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, he discovered a new kind of strength. The kind that shows up in the quiet moments, in hospital rooms, and in the daily grind of being a present dad.
“You only have one shot at this,” he says. “So make it count.”
The Hardest Part
“Just when you think you have it figured out, you don’t,” Jason says. Parenting, like training, is a constant evolution. You don’t hit one PR and call it done. You keep learning, adjusting, and showing up. “It’s a never-ending process of growth as a parent and husband.”
That humility—the willingness to keep learning—is the muscle most dads forget to train.
The Reward
“Watching life and experiences through their eyes,” Jason says.
He lights up when talking about his kids’ energy and curiosity. “They never let things be boring. Watching them grow into awesome young adults is the best part.”
Those everyday moments—game days, dinner talks, small wins—are what make the miles worth it.
The Wisdom
Jason’s advice hits like one of his workouts: direct, practical, no fluff.
“Read all the books, but realize there isn’t a book for your child. Take a regular check-in to ask yourself, ‘How am I doing?’ If you do that, the likelihood of waking up one day thinking you’ve done a terrible job parenting will be slim.”
And then there’s the line that stuck with him from one of the hardest nights of his life.
“The night my daughter got diagnosed with leukemia, the nurse told my wife and me, ‘Keep your date nights.’ Best advice we’ve ever received. If we aren’t locked in, we can’t show up our best for our kids.”
That’s the Khalipa code: protect your marriage, protect your family.
The Routine
Jason’s days are built with intention:
Before 6:30 a.m. – Garage workout from his Train Hard app.
Morning – Helps get the kids ready and shares school drop-off duties with his wife, Ashley.
Daytime – Creates content, records podcasts, and runs the business.
Midday – Shooting range or BJJ for a mental reset.
Evening – Sports with his son, dinner at 6 p.m., bed by 9.
Weekly – Date nights and weekend getaways with Ashley.
He sums it up simply: Family. Fitness. Business.
The Reset
“Working out,” Jason says. “It’s the best thing a dad can do to protect and provide for his family.” Physical strength isn’t about vanity for him. It’s about being capable—mentally and physically—for the people who depend on you.
The Hobbies
When he’s not coaching or creating, Jason’s all-in on adventure: shooting, BJJ, traveling, pickleball, golf, and exploring new restaurants with the family.
Follow him on Instagram at @jasonkhalipa
Sheboygan-based entrepreneur Tony Knapton is building two businesses, raising three kids, and still finding time for golf and movie nights. His approach to fatherhood is grounded, flexible, and full of perspective — a reminder that being a great dad isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Kids: Three (ages 6, 4, and 2)
Follow Tony: @tony__knapton
“Ever since having kids, I feel like time goes twice as fast. It’s already hard to balance all aspects of life, and then trying to stay as present as possible at the same time is a challenge.”
Tony Knapton is an entrepreneur, dad of three, and the force behind Radry Golf and White Dot Market. Between school drop-offs, meetings, and bedtime chaos, he’s learning how to build both a business and a legacy at home.
The Hardest Part of Parenting
For Tony, it’s all about time. “Not understanding where the time goes,” he says with a laugh. “Ever since having kids, I feel like time moves twice as fast.” Between running multiple businesses and raising three young kids, staying present is a constant challenge — but one he’s committed to tackling.
The Most Rewarding Part
Despite the chaos, the reward is clear. “Knowing how proud they are that I’m their dad is a pretty special feeling,” he says. That pride, from little voices and wide eyes, keeps him going when the calendar gets packed.
What He Wishes He Knew Before Becoming a Dad
“Everyone talks about the child,” Tony says, “but the dynamic change with your spouse is something I wish I was prepared for.” He’s learned that becoming parents means shifting priorities. “You’re no longer number one for a while, and that’s okay — just keep finding time for each other, no matter how small.”
The Perspective That Stuck
It wasn’t advice as much as perspective. “Empty nesters always say they’d give anything to have fingerprints on the windows and toys everywhere again,” Tony says. “I think about that often.” It’s a reminder that the mess and noise are the good parts — fleeting proof that this season is worth savoring.
A Typical Dad Day
Mornings start early. “We get the kids ready, drop the two older ones at school, and take the youngest to the sitter,” he says. Then it’s a quick gym session before diving into work. Midday means a kindergarten pickup and another sitter handoff before the afternoon sprint. By 4 p.m., it’s time for the round of pickups, dinner, and family wind-down.
“It’s a full day,” Tony laughs. “Who does pickups or mornings depends on who has meetings that day. A bedtime calendar sync with mom is crucial.”
Balancing It All
When it comes to balance, Tony’s honest. “I don’t, to be honest. One of the three is usually taking a back seat at any given time,” he says. “But I’m thankful for having my own business. The flexibility helps a ton.”
For him, fatherhood isn’t about mastering balance — it’s about learning to shift it gracefully.
Staying Grounded
Friday pizza and movie nights are sacred. “They’re pretty ironclad in the schedule,” he says. No meetings, no distractions, just the family and a couch full of kids. It’s the ritual that resets the week.
When He’s Flying Solo
Golf is Tony’s escape hatch. “It knocks a few things off the checklist — friends, nature, competition, exercise,” he says. “A great reset for my mental health.”
It’s his version of therapy, a quiet few hours that keep the rest of life in rhythm.
Final Word
Tony Knapton is proof that fatherhood and entrepreneurship can coexist. His version of balance isn’t perfect, but it’s real — full of love, flexibility, and a few good golf swings.
You can’t slow time down. But you can choose to be there while it’s flying by.
“You Are No Longer the Priority — They Are”
Location: Colorado
Gig: Offers programming for military and everyday gym goers
Kids: Three (ages 15, 13, and 1 month)
Dad Superpower: Showing up, no matter how full the plate
If you know Josh Bridges, you probably know him as the former Navy SEAL turned elite CrossFit athlete, or maybe as the guy who can outwork just about anyone. But if you ask him what role defines him most these days, he’ll tell you: dad.
Bridges has three kids — two teenagers and a newborn — which means he’s living every chapter of fatherhood at once. His mornings start early, because they always have. “Wake up, make breakfast, get them to school,” he says. “Come home, work out, get work done, then pick them up and get them to whatever sport they’re in. Come home, make dinner, get their workout in, then relax and watch some TV before bed.”
It’s a rhythm. It’s a grind. And it’s a choice.
When you’ve built your career on intensity, slowing down doesn’t come naturally. “The hardest part of parenting has been realizing you have to let them fail so they can learn,” Josh says. “Not being overbearing, but pushing them when they need it.” That balance — discipline without control, guidance without suffocation — is something he’s still refining.
But when he talks about his kids’ passions, his tone shifts. “Watching them grow and have passions of their own,” he says. “That’s the most rewarding part.”
It’s easy to see how his background bleeds into his parenting style. The SEAL mindset — attention to detail, structure, endurance — now applies to school drop-offs and youth sports. Yet, even in that structure, he’s learned to loosen his grip.
“Never wish them to be any other age than they are,” he says. “They’re that age once.”
That’s not something he picked up from a leadership manual. It’s a lesson earned in the daily, sometimes monotonous, always sacred reps of fatherhood.
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Just Show Up
When Bridges first became a dad, he says he didn’t realize how much life would reorient around someone else. “You are no longer the priority,” he says. “They are.”
It’s a simple truth, but one that carries weight. His advice for other dads isn’t about optimizing time or hacking routines. It’s about presence. “Just show up,” he says. Whether that’s for school pick-up, a backyard catch, or just sitting in the living room while they talk about their day.
“I try to be present in whatever part of the day I’m in,” he adds, “and give it the attention it deserves.”
That kind of focus doesn’t come from a self-help book. It comes from reps — from treating each part of the day as a set that matters.
Golf, Grit, and Gratitude
When he does get a moment to himself, you’ll find Josh on the golf course or getting another workout in. Physical movement isn’t just habit; it’s his reset button.
He’s not a “favorite part” kind of guy, but when pressed, he admits there’s something special about watching his kids compete. “I wouldn’t say favorite,” he says, “but I really love watching their sports.”
And if there’s one thing he wishes he’d known before becoming a dad? “That time is a gift,” he says. “Never take any moment for granted.”
The message is simple, but it hits hard. For a man whose career revolved around pushing limits, fatherhood isn’t about performance — it’s about presence.
Josh Bridges isn’t trying to be the perfect dad. He’s just showing up, every single day. And maybe that’s the whole point.
Follow Josh: @bridgesj3
Editor’s Note: On a personal note, I’ve been following Josh’s Operation LFG programming for a while now — and it’s been awesome. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense training plan built by a dad who still walks the talk, this is it.
RAD DAD: Zach Neal
Former pro ballplayer turned GolfDads founder, learning that the real game is time well spent.
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Gig: GolfDads CEO & Private Pitching Instructor
Kids: Two (ages 4 years and 8 months)
Dad Superpower: Finding rhythm between structure and joy
“I’ve Surrendered to Father Time”
After a career in professional baseball, Zach Neal knows a thing or two about focus. But since hanging up his cleats, he’s found a new arena that tests him even more — fatherhood.
“The hardest part of being a parent,” Zach says, “is managing your time efficiently. I’m around my kids a lot throughout the day, so organizing my time effectively helps with that.”
He laughs when he thinks about the transition from no kids to one — then from one to two. “That second jump was a big one,” he says. “The lack of sleep hits you hard at first, but it goes by fast. You’re through the hardest part before you even realize it.”
Time is a recurring theme for Zach. It’s both the challenge and the reward. “They grow so fast,” he says. “Time starts to take on a whole new meaning. It’s become so much more valuable.”
Enjoy the Ride
If there’s one message he wants new dads to hear, it’s this: enjoy it while it’s happening.
“I’ve tried to slow time down,” he says. “There’s no way to do it. I’ve surrendered to Father Time and decided to just enjoy each day for what it is — knowing it’ll never come back.”
He pauses, thoughtful.
“They’ll never be as little as they were the day before. You’ve got to cherish the small moments.”
That sense of awareness runs through everything Zach does. Whether he’s packing GolfDads orders, giving a pitching lesson, or just making coffee with his 8-month-old before the house wakes up, there’s a rhythm — equal parts hustle and gratitude.
A Day in the Life
“A typical dad day for me is pretty special,” he says. “I usually wake up with my 8-month-old around six. We hang out, make coffee, throw on MLB Rundown or a golf tournament from the night before. Sometimes we go out for coffee at our favorite spot in Fort Worth. Then breakfast with the family, take my daughter to school, drop off packages, and get to work.”
After that, it’s work, workouts, and more family time. “Reading bedtime stories is always the best part of the day,” he says.
Organization, for Zach, isn’t optional — it’s the backbone of being present. “Writing things down helps me clear mental space,” he says. “Time management, discipline, and organization are how I balance it all.”
Golf, Grit, and Good Music
When it’s time to reset, he heads for the course. “If I don’t get to work out or sweat, it throws me off,” he says. “Golf’s more than just an escape — it’s a physical and mental challenge, time in nature, and one of the best resets there is.”
He’s also a man who appreciates a good vibe. “If I could do nothing but play golf, fly fish, and listen to music, I’d be all set,” he says. “Throw on some Dead or Sturgill Simpson, make a good steak, maybe drive my ’72 FJ40 Land Cruiser on a cool Texas day. That’s heaven.”
Love in Motion
What’s his favorite part about having kids? “The love and affection,” Zach says without hesitation. “Showing them new things, taking them new places, traveling together. Watching the world through their eyes.”
It’s that combination — drive, gratitude, and a sense of wonder — that defines him.
Zach Neal isn’t just teaching his kids how to play the game. He’s teaching them how to enjoy the ride.
Follow Zach: @_golf_dads | @zach_neal_
Rad Dad Feature: Wylie Robinson of Rumpl
If you’ve ever tossed a Rumpl blanket in the back of your car before a road trip or picnic, you’ve got Wylie Robinson to thank. The idea sparked during a van trip through the Sierras, when a busted heater and some duct tape led Wylie to ask:
“Why can’t outdoor blankets be as warm, durable, and technical as sleeping bags?”
From that moment, Rumpl was born. Fast forward a few years, and Wylie’s now running a brand that’s become a go-to for adventurers and backyard loungers alike. But even more important? He’s a dad to two young boys and fully immersed in the ride of fatherhood.
@schoonas
“Being a dad has redefined how I think about time.”
As the founder and CEO of Rumpl, Wylie’s days are full — but being a dad has shifted his priorities in a big way. “I’ve had to recalibrate how I think about productivity, creativity, and what actually matters,” he told us. “Sometimes the most meaningful part of my day is sitting on the floor building a LEGO tower.”
His favorite part of being a dad? “The chaos. And the clarity that comes from it.” Like many dads, Wylie’s learned that juggling business with family means something’s always in motion — but there’s something grounding in the mess.
On Balance and Solo Time
Wylie finds balance in nature — trail runs, sunrise surf sessions, or early morning time before the house wakes up. “Being outside clears my head and helps me show up better for my kids.” He’s also big on creating intentional one-on-one moments with each of his sons — even if it’s a quick bike ride or time tinkering in the garage.
Advice for New Dads
“Your kid doesn’t need a perfect dad. They need a present one.”
For Wylie, showing up consistently — even if imperfectly — is the whole point. Whether that means changing course mid-day to be home for dinner or just listening more than talking, his parenting approach is about presence over perfection.
Want to learn more?
Check out Wylie’s work over at Rumpl.com or follow their adventures on @gorumpl.
And if you’re a rad dad (or know one) building something cool — hit us up. We’re always looking for stories worth sharing.
RAD DAD: Shaun Murray
Pro wakeboarder turned full-time family man who still finds joy in the chaos — and on the water.
Location: Orlando, FL
Gig: Pro Wakeboarder / YouTuber
Kids: Three daughters (ages 16, 14, and 10)
Dad Superpower: Making life one long highlight reel
“Show Up Empty-Handed”
When Shaun Murray walks into his house, he’s not holding a phone, a backpack, or a to-do list. He’s holding space.
“Show up empty-handed,” he says. “When you come home, leave everything in the car. You can then pick up kids, hug kids, hug your wife, and even ask them if they wanna come outside to help you carry things in.”
It’s a small shift — but it’s the kind of dad advice that sticks. A simple cue that says I’m here.
Shaun’s the rare kind of dad who can balance competition-level drive with genuine ease. Maybe it’s the water. Maybe it’s years of high-speed crashes that taught him what really matters. But when you talk to him about parenting, the words that come up most are “laugh,” “listen,” and “be present.”
The Ride and the Reset
Murray’s mornings start early. “Up before 6 a.m. usually,” he says. “Coffee, read a few pages of the Bible, and pray. Then I start getting the kids up and ready for school.”
After that, his day could go anywhere — creating YouTube content, shooting wakeboard footage, working on the backyard obstacle course (yes, American Ninja Warrior style), or testing out his new griddle. “I like building and creating,” he says. “I love my griddle for cooking on rather than a grill.”
When you’re raising three girls while running your own career, the lines between work and life can blur fast. His secret? Focus where your feet are.
“I travel a decent amount,” he says. “So I try to be present when I’m home. I take family trips whenever possible. And when things get crazy, I reset by playing music — guitar, piano — or operating heavy equipment. Even the R.C. kind, like when I was on the Sandbox Boys Podcast.”
Only Shaun could make bulldozers sound therapeutic.
Wisdom That Sticks
Some of his best parenting advice comes from his own dad.
“He told me, ‘You become who your friends are, so choose them wisely,’” Shaun says. “That’s had a big impact on me, and I tell my kids the same thing.”
Another gem from his old man: write it down. “My dad made a book of funny things we said as kids. You think you’ll always remember, but you won’t. So now I keep a note on my phone — ‘Funny things my kids said’ — with their ages when they said it.”
That’s the kind of move that turns nostalgia into a discipline.
All In, Every Time
Ask Shaun what’s been hardest about fatherhood and he doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Guiding kids toward making the right decisions — and them continuing to like me while doing so.”
It’s the eternal dad paradox: lead without losing the connection. But his reward? “Laughing with them,” he says. “Getting on the boat together and watching them start to drive while I’m wakeboarding — pretty epic.”
That’s the moment he lives for: the intersection of freedom, trust, and fun.
Follow Shaun: YouTube @Shaun.Murray | Instagram