In this episode, host Dave Tallant sits down with his two adult sons to ask one question: ”How did I actually show up?”
What follows is a raw, unfiltered reflection on fatherhood, love, coaching, mistakes, and healing. From sideline yelling to quiet car rides home, from working the midnight shift to showing up as a more present version of himself, this is the kind of conversation every father and son needs to hear.
Together, they unpack the complex bond forged through sports, discipline, and sacrifice, discovering, in the process, the redemptive power of vulnerability and truth. This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, growth, and the courage to ask the hard questions that matter.
The conversation moves through joyful memories, deep regrets, and the lessons that shaped them all. Whether you're a dad raising young athletes or an adult child reflecting on your upbringing, this episode offers perspective, healing, and hope.
“When you stand in vulnerability, you create that clarity and connection.”
Or as one son put it: “We didn’t know what version of you would walk through the door , the great dad or the angry dad.”
Key Takeaways
How asking “How did I show up?” can transform your relationships
The silent damage of performance-based parenting
The healing power of saying “I love watching you play”
How tough love shaped two sons’ character and careers
Why truth-telling builds lasting trust and connection
Connect with Dave Tallant:
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!