The Intentional Dad Ep. 3 - Teaching Empathy and Resilience

In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch sit down with Herb Cody, a dedicated father from Nixa, Missouri, to discuss how life’s challenges shape empathy, resilience and intentional fatherhood.

Herb shares his personal journey of navigating fatherhood through life-altering experiences, including his own near-fatal accident and his wife’s traumatic brain injury. He explains how he balanced being both a father and caretaker, how his community stepped in to support his family and how he instilled resilience and compassion in his children.

This episode is a powerful look at overcoming adversity, staying present as a dad and fostering emotional strength in your children.

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Episode Highlights

[02:39]
"I had to be mom and dad while taking care of my wife’s recovery. I don’t even remember how I did it—I just knew I had to."

[05:36]
"The community really stepped in. Other parents, friends, even teammates’ families—it reminded me that none of us have to do this alone."

[07:06]
"You never know what someone else is going through. Be there for them. Stand up when you see someone struggling."

[10:59]
"You can’t plan for life-changing moments. You just have to be there, show up, and figure it out one step at a time."

[12:14]
"We called it ‘Herb-achi Night’—just a fun way to bring laughter into our home when times were hard."

[16:04]
"I didn’t know what to say or do, but I was there. And sometimes, that’s enough."

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Resources

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