The Athlete Dad

The Athlete Dad

The Athlete Dad is hosted by Ben Gibson, an outdoor adventure athlete turned Dad who explores the intersection of physical pursuits and fatherhood. The show follows the stories of Athlete Dads as they attempt to pursue their athletic dreams while balancing their family responsibilities. We hear wide-ranging stories from modeling ambition to integrating families into passions, triumphs, failures, harrowing adventures, and how high-performing athlete Dads also win at home.

#14: Josiah Middaugh (Professional Triathlete) - The path to going pro and parenting athletes
The Athlete Dad
#14: Josiah Middaugh (Professional Triathlete) - The path to going pro and parenting athletes

Recent Episodes

#14: Josiah Middaugh (Professional Triathlete) - The path to going pro and parenting athletes
4
Oct. 29, 2024

#14: Josiah Middaugh (Professional Triathlete) - The path to going pro and parenting athletes

Josiah Middaugh ( @josiahmiddaugh ) is a multi-sport athlete of all seasons, though primarily an extremely accomplished professional triathlete competing in Xterra triathlons (off-road triathlons). You'll discover Josiah's thoughtful strategies for integrating rigorous training schedules with his roles as a husband and father, all while maintaining peak performance. Josiah opens up about his unique upbringing in a northern Michigan commune, where a close-knit community and outdoor adventures lai
#13: Andrew "Cotty" Cotton (Big Wave Surfer) - Riding the Highs and Lows of Surfing and Fatherhood
3
May 14, 2024

#13: Andrew "Cotty" Cotton (Big Wave Surfer) - Riding the Highs and Lows of Surfing and Fatherhood

Send us a Text Message. Imagine straddling the line between the ferocious power of the ocean's biggest waves and the gentle, yet perpetual, tug of fatherhood. This episode takes you on an epic journey with Andrew Cotton, a titan of big wave surfing, as he shares the deeply personal narrative of his life's adventures and tribulations. From his humble beginnings in North Devon to the breath-taking swells of Nazaré, we traverse Cotty's path to a professional surfing career, his friendship and colla
#12: Olen Netteberg (Long Distance Hiking Dad) - The Adventure of Fatherhood on the Triple Crown Trails
2
Feb. 20, 2024

#12: Olen Netteberg (Long Distance Hiking Dad) - The Adventure of Fatherhood on the Triple Crown Trails

Embark on an adventure with Olen Netteberg ( @olennetteburg ) as he recounts the trials, triumphs, and trails of his family's awe-inspiring quest to conquer the Triple Crown of hiking. Together with his wife, Denae, and their intrepid children, Olen weaves a tale of resilience that defies the conventions of both parenting and exploration. Their journey is not just about the paths traveled but also the life lessons gathered among the wilds of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and P
#11: Karl Egloff (Mountain Athlete) - Balancing family with racing up the world's tallest peaks
1
Feb. 6, 2024

#11: Karl Egloff (Mountain Athlete) - Balancing family with racing up the world's tallest peaks

Karl Egloff ( @karl.egloff ) is a professional mountain guide and athlete, most well known for his world record speed ascents of some of the world's tallest peaks, including Makalu (27,838') and Denali (20,310'). In this episode, Karl discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with his passion for mountain climbing. He shares how his early exposure to the mountains and his father's influence shaped his love for climbing. He emphasizes the importance of teaching his children di
#10: Chris Larsen (Competitive Cyclist and Entrepreneur) - Raising Athlete Kids and Approaching Fatherhood with Intention
10
Oct. 5, 2023

#10: Chris Larsen (Competitive Cyclist and Entrepreneur) - Raising Athlete Kids and Approaching Fatherhood with Intention

Chris Larsen ( @christopheralarsen ) is a former competitive cyclist, entrepreneur, and father of two who joins us on a captivating exploration the unique challenges of being an athlete dad raising athlete kids. The exhilarating journey from his days as a competitive cyclist to a dedicated father provides a fresh perspective packed with practical tools and frameworks for how to approach parenting. In our conversation, we discuss everything from the ups and downs of nurturing children's passions,
#9: Garrett McNamara (Big Wave Surfer) - Seeking Balance and Presence Amongst the Waves of Fatherhood
9
Sept. 5, 2023

#9: Garrett McNamara (Big Wave Surfer) - Seeking Balance and Presence Amongst the Waves of Fatherhood

Brace yourselves as we ride untamed waves with legendary surfer, Garrett McNamara, as we unravel the intricate bond between surfing and fatherhood. Garrett is best known as one of the most prolific big wave surfers in the history of surfing, having surfed some of the largest waves on earth, including a 78-foot wave - a world record at the time. Delving deeper into McNamara's life, we explore his spiritual connection to surfing, and how it's driven his life and career, helping him maintain his e