*Firstly, apologies for the sound! It's patchy as I'm on my phone, then used AI to get rid of excess noise. It seems to have messed with it also.*
I'm off for a week or 2 and decided to not put out an episode on Christmas day. However I did decide to put out something today.
I feel like New Years is a strange time of year. People hyper committing to completely changing themselves randomly, and then being bummed at themselves when they don't completely change habits they've practiced for decades.
We can all be better. We can all reset. It can take time, but you don't have to wait until the start of a year to try again.
Hope ya'll are well. See you soon.
-Grant
New Years Resolutions. New Years 2026. Happy New Year. Fatherhood. Better Dad. Better Man. Parenthood. Start Anew. Reset. don’t wait until next year. reset mindset. progress not perfection. fatherhood growth. intentional parenting. emotional self regulation
Intentionality is one of the most overlooked skills in modern fatherhood — and it’s quietly costing us our relationships.
In this episode, I talk honestly about what it means to be intentional with your time, your attention, and your children in a world designed to distract you.
This isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being present.
00:00 The Importance of Being Intentional
01:27 Intentionality in Family Life
04:30 The Impact of Technology on Intentionality
07:24 Balancing Work and Family Time
09:30 Practical Tips for Intentional Parenting
11:47 The Broader Benefits of Intentionality
14:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you want a better relationship with your kids — one built on trust, presence, and connection — this episode will challenge and encourage you.
This is part of my ongoing work around integrity, fatherhood, leadership, and intentional living.
🎙️ Check out the other episodes if this resonated
🔗 Subscribe to the youtube channel
🔗 Follow me on Instagram (@grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad)
🔗 My book on this framework is coming soon — join the list for updates
🔗 Work with me at: heartinhand1.com
💬 Comment below with your takeaway from this series.
💬 Join the community of growth-minded dads: skool.com/the-kings-men-7411
Be intentional. Your kids will feel it — and remember it.
The Integrity Series | Episode 5: Full Integration.
This is the final chapter of The Integrity Series —
the point where everything comes together.
Where healing, boundaries, forgiveness, accountability, and conviction finally align.
Where the scattered parts of you unify into a person you can trust.
Where your life stops contradicting itself.
This episode covers the full integration of your integrity, identity, and character — the moment you move from fragmented… to whole.
Because the truth is:
Most people today are walking contradictions.
Strong in one area, weak in another.
Disciplined one week, lost the next.
Healing in one part of life while sabotaging another.
Trying to lead their families without first leading themselves.
Integration is the final step in changing that for good.
In this episode, we unpack:
• The painful but necessary steps of facing yourself
• Why old wounds create ceilings over your life
• How hidden beliefs shape your identity without permission
• Boundaries you inherited — and how to break the harmful ones
• Why forgiveness + grace are rare but essential
• Why accountability is the backbone of integrity
• The danger of outsourcing your values to society
• The epidemic of self-betrayal — and how to end it
• How your True North becomes your engine AND your compass
• How to build a unified internal identity
• The freedom of becoming a person you respect
When you integrate your healing, boundaries, forgiveness, accountability, and True North… something powerful happens:
You become steady.
You stop betraying yourself.
You stop acting differently around different people.
Your life becomes coherent — your actions match your values.
Your confidence becomes inevitable.
Peace becomes normal.
And your quiet strength becomes a model for those around you.
Integration is the moment your life becomes whole. Strong. Anchored. Unshakeable.
This is the path home to the person you were designed to be.
00:00 Introduction to the Integrity Series
00:40 The Goal of the Integrity Series
01:20 Facing Painful Steps
02:01 Removing Limiting Beliefs
03:09 The Importance of Forgiveness and Grace
04:25 Personal Responsibility and Accountability
05:45 Living with Integrity
06:18 Defining Your True North
07:59 Full Integration: Putting It All Together
09:20 The Power of Consistency and Character
11:54 The Problem of Self-Betrayal
14:20 Encouragement and Conclusion
✨ If this episode speaks to you:
🔗 Subscribe to the youtube channel
🔗 Follow me on Instagram (@grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad)
🔗 My book on this framework is coming soon — join the list for updates
🔗 Work with me at: heartinhand1.com
💬 Comment below with your takeaway from this series.
💬 Join the community of growth-minded dads:
skool.com/the-kings-men-7411
integrity, christian men, character development, personal responsibility, christian leadership, true north, healing wounds, accountability, boundaries, forgiveness, masculine identity, faith based growth, mens mental strength, identity formation, christian podcast, stop self betrayal, become a better man, fatherhood leadership, inner strength, consistent living, emotional maturity
The Integrity Series | Episode Four: Finding Your True North
This episode dives into the most important piece of the entire Integrity Series:
👉 Discovering the conviction, belief, and standard that anchors your life.
Most people follow the crowd.
Most outsource their values to culture, pressure, wounds, or convenience.
But when you do the deep work — healing, forgiving, uprooting blind spots, repairing old boundaries — you gain the clarity to finally see who you really are… and who you are called to become.
In this episode, we cover:
-Why finding your True North last is essential
-How unhealed wounds corrupt your decisions
-Why convictions must be life-giving, not destructive
-Radical accountability allowing total empowerment
-How to disagree without hate
-Why integrity makes decisions easier
-How to walk alone when necessary
-Why True North must be grounded in love, justice, and goodness
-How to build a standard you can live with decades from now
-The difference between feelings and integrity
-How to avoid moral bandwagons and borrowed beliefs
Your True North isn’t a preference.
It isn’t a "vibe".
It isn’t “my truth.”
It’s the highest noble standard you submit your life to — something that protects, elevates, and blesses others while calling you upward.
If you’ve ever felt lost… conflicted… easily influenced… or unsure of who you’re supposed to be…this episode will straighten your spine, strengthen your spirit, and give you the clarity you’ve been praying for.
✨ If this resonates:
🔗 Subscribe for more episodes in The Integrity Series
🔗 Follow me on Instagram @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
🔗 Previous episodes of The Integrity Series are linked below
https://open.spotify.com/show/1uSJKNN5QB2hnzZ762WrKq?si=fVLhd9dDSleMFN8FbzewMQ
🛑 Remember:
Short-term ease usually leads to long-term regret.
Short-term integrity leads to long-term pride.
Let your True North guide you — even when it costs you.
🙏 If this episode helped you, please share it with someone you also think it could help.
👍 LIKE • SUBSCRIBE • SHARE
integrity, True North, Christian men, purpose, conviction, healing wounds, boundaries, personal growth, faith based growth, accountability, character development, Christian podcast, coaching, counselor, counsellor
The Integrity Series | Episode 3: Forgiveness and Grace.
Growing in integrity isn’t just about discipline or doing the “right things.”
It’s about who you become when life gets messy: when you’re hurt, when you fail, when you disappoint yourself… and when others do the same.
In this episode, we go deep into two of the most transformative — yet most avoided — parts of character:
Forgiveness and Grace.
We explore:
• Why real forgiveness frees you instead of enabling others
• How unforgiveness quietly sabotages your confidence, relationships, and integrity
• Why many people refuse to forgive themselves
• The difference between forgiveness and putting yourself back in a toxic situation
• How grace becomes the “adhesive” that repairs your character
• What Jesus modeled about unconditional grace — and why this matters regardless of faith
• How to build relationships where mistakes aren’t weaponized
• Why grace is strength, not weakness
00:00 Introduction to Integrity00:39 The Role of Relationships in Integrity01:39 Understanding Forgiveness06:27 The Power of Self-Forgiveness09:51 Embracing Grace16:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This is a must-listen for any man who wants to grow as a leader, a father, and a man of conviction — while building an unshakeable internal world.
If you’re working on your character, your integrity, or repairing relationships… this episode will hit home.
WORK WITH ME / CONNECT
🎙 Podcast — Hi Struggling, I’m Dad!
🌐 Website + Coaching: heartinhand1.com
📱 Instagram: @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
👨👧👦 For Christian fathers, leaders & men rebuilding their lives from the inside out, check out my community:
skool.com/the-kings-men-7411
Thanks for being here — keep going, keep growing, and choose grace over perfection.
Welcome to Episode Two of The Integrity Series: BOUNDARIES.
If Episode One was about facing yourself and exposing the blind spots that keep sabotaging your relationships, confidence, and character…
Episode Two is about what happens next.
This chapter is where your integrity starts taking shape in the real world — in your relationships, your work, your dynamics, your family system, and your day-to-day decisions.
In this episode we cover:
🔥 Why boundaries feel so hard — especially for good people
🔥 How wounds from childhood shape the boundaries you set (or fail to set)
🔥 The difference between protecting your peace vs. avoiding growth
🔥 How to stop being the one who carries everyone else’s load
🔥 How to identify one-sided relationships and break the cycle
🔥 How to build a life where integrity becomes the compass, not the afterthought
You don’t need to have it all together yet.
You just need to start moving in the direction of what you know is true.
This episode gives you the courage, clarity, and framework to do exactly that.
WORK WITH ME / CONNECT🎙 Podcast — Hi Struggling, I’m Dad!
🌐 Website + Coaching: heartinhand1.com
📱 Instagram: @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
👨👧👦 For Christian fathers, leaders & men rebuilding their lives from the inside out, check out my community:
skool.com/the-kings-men-7411If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs it.
Your integrity matters more than you think.
— Grant
boundaries, setting boundaries, how to set boundaries, emotional boundaries, relational boundaries, christian boundaries, christian men personal growth, integrity series, integrity podcast, personal integrity, healing childhood wounds, self respect for men, christian fatherhood, how to stop people pleasing, people pleasing recovery, healthy relationships, rebuilding your life, emotional maturity for men, christian coaching, personal growth for dads, becoming a better man, becoming who God made you to be, spiritual growth for men, identity and integrity, internal healing, blind spots in relationships, fixing unhealthy dynamics, one sided relationships, codependency healing, how to say no, confidence for christian men, christian counseling, self improvement for men
Welcome to The Integrity Series — Episode 1: Face Yourself.
Integrity is more than honesty — it’s the compass that guides every decision you make. Without it, success feels hollow and self-respect fades.
This episode is about confronting your blind spots, the small compromises that slowly erode your character, and learning to live aligned with who you truly are.
When you face yourself honestly — your fears, your failures, your compromises — you stop betraying yourself and start becoming someone you’re proud of.
In this episode, Grant Berardi shares how integrity restores peace, direction, and meaning to your life — even when it costs you comfort or approval.
📍 You’ll learn:
-Why self-betrayal keeps you stuck in patterns you hate
-How to identify your blind spots and false beliefs
-link between integrity, inner peace, and purpose
-Why owning your mistakes is the start of real strength
💬 Join the community of Christian, growth-minded dads: skool.com/the-kings-men-7411
👨👧👦 For Dads Who Want to Lead with Purpose:
Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you grow as a man, father, and husband — with honesty, faith, and practical insight.
Work with me: heartinhand1.com
📸 Follow on Instagram:
@grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
Digital ID: Convenience or Control?
Digital ID is being sold to us as convenience, safety, and “progress.”
But once your identity, access, money, medical records, and daily life are tied to one digital key…the one who controls that key controls you.
In this episode I’m stepping outside my normal parenting content because this topic matters for every father, every mother, and every family.
What’s happening right now with Digital ID around the world has massive consequences — and if we don’t pay attention, our kids will inherit a world where freedom is conditional.
Over the last few years we’ve watched patterns emerge:
• mandatory digital identity systems
• centralized biometric databases
• accounts frozen for non-compliance
• arrests over social media posts
• the rise of surveillance-driven “safety” measures
• a growing acceptance of two-tier societies
And it’s not theory — it’s already here.
-Vietnam locked millions out of their bank accounts overnight.
-India’s ID system denied food and pensions to the elderly.
-China ties digital identity to social credit and access to daily life.
-The UK is pushing mandatory ID just to work.
-Australia is using a “protect the kids” policy to usher in facial scans and biometric verification.
All packaged as “for your safety.”
All justified as “the greater good.”
All done in systems where dissent is punished and compliance is rewarded.
Sound familiar?
We saw these patterns during COVID.
It wasn’t about health — it became about access.
And Digital ID is built on the same infrastructure.
I’m not telling you what to think.
I’m asking you to look, learn, and prepare — especially if you’re a parent.
Your kids deserve freedom.
They deserve privacy.
They deserve a future where they don’t have to “earn” access to their own life.
Whether you agree with me or not, you owe it to yourself and your family to understand what Digital ID really is, what it’s already doing in other countries, and what it could become.
Don’t be fearful — be aware.
Be discerning.
Be a protector of your home.
👇 Articles and sources are linked below — do your own research:
https://www.opengovpartnership.org/stories/navigating-the-risks-and-rewards-of-digital-id-systems
https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1721534/more-than-86-million-bank-accounts-to-be-terminated-from-september-1
https://thewire.in/politics/rights/digital-exclusion-poor-elderly-face-the-brunt-of-aadhaar-based-authentication-errors
https://bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/how-did-massive-aadhaar-data-leak-happen-its-impact
https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2025-07-09/china-centralized-internet-id-system-officially-launched
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/12/12/chinas-chilling-social-credit-blacklist
https://sccei.fsi.stanford.edu/china-briefs/assessing-chinas-national-model-social-credit-system
And if you want to be part of a community of strong Christian men pursuing growth, courage, integrity, and truth…I’ll leave a link below.
💬 Join the community: skool.com/the-kings-men-7411
00:00 Introduction to Digital ID Concerns
00:40 Digital ID in the UK: A Mandatory Shift
02:08 Australia's Social Media Ban and Digital ID
04:27 Global Examples: Vietnam and India
08:48 China's Digital ID and Social Credit System
10:43 The Implications of Digital ID
18:36 Call to Action: Protecting Freedom and Privacy
👨👧👦 For Dads Who Want to Lead with Purpose:
Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you grow as a man, father, and husband — with honesty, faith, and practical insight.
Work with me: heartinhand1.com
📸 Follow on Instagram:
@grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
Rumble: rumble.com/user/GrantBerardi
#Fatherhood #ChristianMen #Purpose #Faith #MensPodcast #DadLife #Leadership #HiStrugglingImDad
💬 Join the community of growth-minded dads:
skool.com/the-kings-men-7411
Don't Break the Promises You Make to Yourself
Keeping the promises you make to yourself is one of the hardest — and most important — forms of integrity.
In this episode, I dive into why so many of us struggle to follow through on our own word — even when we know better.
Whether it’s breaking habits, neglecting our health, or falling short on spiritual discipline, every broken promise chips away at our self-trust and confidence.
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll start tomorrow,” or “I’ll be more patient next time,” only to fall back into old patterns — this episode is for you.
I share personal experiences of frustration, failure, and honesty in his own walk — and why learning to take your own advice might be the key to real change.
🎧 You’ll learn:
-Why keeping promises to yourself builds integrity and self-respect
-How self-betrayal slowly erodes your confidence and clarity
-The link between discipline, faith, and self-trust
-How to start following through — even when it’s hard
If you’ve been feeling stuck, inconsistent, or disconnected from your best self, this episode will help you realign with who you’re meant to be.
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Self-Promises
00:37 Personal Reflections and Frustrations
01:25 The Value of Transparency
02:30 Struggles with Consistency
03:51 Taking Your Own Advice
05:06 The Role of Discipline
06:19 Building New Habits
08:00 Self-Esteem and Trust
09:58 Conclusion and Community Invitation
👨👧👦 For Dads Who Want to Lead with Purpose:
Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you grow as a man, father, and husband — with honesty, faith, and practical insight.
Work with me:
heartinhand1.com
📸 Follow on Instagram:
@grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
#Fatherhood #ChristianMen #Purpose #Faith #MensPodcast #DadLife #Leadership #HiStrugglingImDad
Rediscovering Purpose as a Father | When a Father Loses His Purpose (and How to Find It Again)
In this episode, I explore what it really means to rediscover your purpose as a father.
We live in a world that tells men to chase success, money, and status — but purpose runs deeper.
It’s the anchor that keeps you grounded when life gets messy.
It’s what reminds you why you show up for your family, even when you’re tired, stretched, or uncertain.
Through honest reflection and practical wisdom, I break down how purpose shapes the way we lead, love, and live as dads.
I speak to the fathers who are trying their best to stay present, to build integrity, and to model God’s love — even in their imperfection.
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost your spark or drifted from what truly matters, this episode will remind you who you are and why your role as a father matters more than you think.
🔹 In this episode:
-What true purpose looks like for fathers-How to reconnect with your “why” in everyday life
-How to lead your kids through example — not perfection
-Why purpose, not motivation, is the key to consistency
-How God’s grace and love guide us back when we lose our way
00:00 Rediscovering Purpose As A Father
00:02 Understanding the Depth of Purpose
00:43 Purpose in Fatherhood
01:28 Teaching by Example
05:19 Challenges and Distractions
06:44 Balancing Obligations and Family
07:22 Communicating with Your Kids
14:14 The Importance of Presence
15:44 Anchoring Yourself with Purpose
16:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
👨👧👦 For Dads Who Want to Lead with Purpose:
Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you grow as a man, father, and husband — with honesty, faith, and practical insight.
📸 Follow on Instagram: @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
💬 Join the community of growth-minded dads: skool.com/the-kings-men-7411
#Fatherhood #ChristianMen #Purpose #Faith #MensPodcast #DadLife #Leadership #HiStrugglingImDad
Less Input, More Peace: Why You’re Overwhelmed (and How to Find Clarity Again)
Ever feel mentally overloaded — like there’s too much noise and not enough peace?
Between social media, constant news, endless content, and even the pressure to “always be learning,” our minds and bodies are drowning in input.
In this episode, I share a personal reflection on the power of less input — and how creating space can bring your mind, body, and spirit back into balance.
From fasting and digital detoxing to setting healthy boundaries with social media and relationships, this is a practical and soulful reminder that peace comes through simplicity.
We talk about:
🧠 The hidden toll of constant consumption (and why rest isn’t laziness)
📱 How social media overload fuels anxiety, distraction, and comparison
🥦 The power of fasting — not just from food, but from noise
🙏 Why less input = more clarity, peace, and spiritual alignment
💡 How to identify what’s really “inflammatory” in your life — mentally, physically, and relationally
If you’ve been feeling foggy, overstimulated, or disconnected from yourself — this one’s for you.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Overwhelming Input of Modern Life
01:02 The Physical Impact of Constant Input
01:38 Personal Experience: Fasting for Physical Relief
02:59 The Concept of Less Input, More Peace
05:18 Social Media Detox Strategies
07:58 The Benefits of Silence and Simplicity
12:35 Evaluating Relationships for Peace and Joy
13:50 Conclusion: Embracing Less for a Fuller Life
🎧 Listen to the full episode → https://www.youtube.com/@grantberardi
📸 Follow me on Instagram → @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
💬 Leave a comment: What’s one area of your life you could trim down this week to find more peace?
Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com
About This Podcast
"Hi Struggling, I’m Dad!" is a show for fathers who want to grow in emotional intelligence, leadership, and faith — to lead their families with courage, connection, and conviction.
Each week, Grant Berardi (counselor & coach) helps you break cycles of disconnection, lead with love, and build a lasting family legacy.
The Dad Disconnect: How to Build a Real Relationship With Your Kids
So many fathers want to connect deeply with their kids — but don’t know how.
They love their children, they work hard, they provide… yet somehow, there’s still a distance.
In this episode, we explore “The Dad Disconnect” — why it happens, how it’s shaped by our upbringing, and what you can do to rebuild a genuine emotional connection with your kids.
Grant unpacks the subtle ways fathers accidentally create emotional distance — through overprotection, quick judgment, or trying to “fix” too fast — and how to instead become a safe, approachable, and trusted presence in your children’s lives.
If you’ve ever wondered why your kids don’t open up to you… or how to bridge that growing emotional gap… this episode will help you reconnect with truth, grace, and courage.
🧭 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
-Why being a father isn’t the same as being your kid’s friend — and how to balance both.
-How overprotection can create emotional distance (and what healthy protection looks like).
-The generational patterns that keep dads emotionally disconnected.
-Practical ways to become a safe place for your kids.
-How to take genuine interest in your children’s world — even if it’s different from yours.
-How your words, tone, and habits shape your child’s sense of security and worth.
-Why showing imperfection and grace builds stronger family trust than perfection ever could.
00:00 Introduction: The Dad Disconnect
00:41 Balancing Leadership and Friendship
02:07 The Emotional Disconnect
04:13 Being a Safe Space for Kids
07:33 Impact of Your Own Upbringing
08:55 Taking an Interest in Your Kids
10:06 Bringing your Kids Alongside You
13:02 Modeling Behavior and Handling Failure
15:47 Challenging Negative Views on Parenthood
19:08 Setting Goals for Better Relationships
21:18 Conclusion: Heart-Led Parenting
💬 Key Question for Dads:
Are you a safe place for your kids — even when they’re not at their best?
❤️ About This Podcast
"Hi Struggling, I’m Dad!" is a show for fathers who want to grow in emotional intelligence, leadership, and faith — to lead their families with courage, connection, and conviction.
Each week, Grant Berardi (counselor & coach for Christian fathers) helps you break cycles of disconnection, lead with love, and build a lasting family legacy.
🔗 Connect with Grant
👋 If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
📱 Follow me on Instagram:
@grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com
Division is Killing Our Humanity
I was shaken—like many of you—after seeing the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
But what shocked me even more than the act itself… was watching people celebrate his death.
In this episode, I unpack:
* Why civil discourse is dying in our culture
* The dangerous rise of celebrating violence against people we disagree with
* How division and dehumanization are tearing communities apart
* Why we must return to grace, humility, and seeing each other as *human first*
👉 Whether you agree with Charlie Kirk or not, this isn’t about politics—it’s about compassion, humanity, and the future we’re modeling for our kids.
🎧 Listen in, let’s challenge ourselves to love first, ask questions to understand, respectfully disagree, and remember that treating others how we’d want to be treated is never outdated.
If this message resonates, please like, share, and comment with your thoughts below.
I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated division in your own life.
👋 If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
📱 Follow me on Instagram: @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
#charliekirk #charliekirkshooting #fatherhood #parenting #christiandads
Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com
"Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!" is a podcast dedicated to helping people be the best parents, partners and people they can possibly be.
I'm Grant Berardi, a father of 5 kids, a husband of 15 years, a qualified counsellor and coach with over a decade of experience.
This podcast was made due to my passion for helping others reach their fullest potential in as many aspects of their life as possible.
This podcast embodies this passion but also sees the funny side even in the difficult moments. Integrity, character, ownership, leadership and relationship are key themes throughout.
I've made these outlets because I've struggled with fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, and would have loved to have had help from someone along the way.
I want to be that help for others.
All the best,
-Grant Berardi
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it speaks to you or someone you love.
How to Help Your Kids Through Grief | Parenting Guide
Grief is one of the hardest things we face as humans—and as parents, it can feel impossible to know how to explain it to our kids. We don’t want to scare them, we don’t want to make them sad… but grief is sad. It’s messy, it’s complex, and it’s unavoidable.
In this episode, I share from personal experience—losing my own dad, supporting a close friend through the loss of his father, and navigating conversations with my own kids—about how to talk to children about grief in an honest, grounded, and hopeful way.
Here’s what we cover:
📍 Why honesty matters more than sugarcoating
📍 How to explain that grief is unavoidable but normal
📍 “Sneak attack” grief moments and how to handle them
📍 Why grief is complex (and why that’s okay)
📍 How you can feel peace about where someone is, while still being sad they’re not here
📍 Different kinds of grief (not just death)
📍 How grief often starts before loss
📍 Practical ways to help your kids (and yourself) lean into grief
As dads and parents, we can’t shield our kids from pain—but we can guide them through it. By leaning into grief instead of avoiding it, we model resilience, honesty, and courage.
If you’ve ever wondered how to handle conversations about death, loss, or sadness with your kids, this episode will give you a framework that’s real, compassionate, and hopeful.
00:00 Introduction: Personal Story of Grief
01:27 The Importance of Teaching Kids About Grief
02:46 Be Honest About Grief
04:23 Grief is Unavoidable
06:29 Grief Can Be Unexpected
09:06 Grief is Complex
11:50 Finding Peace Amidst Grief
14:47 Grief Beyond Death
16:19 Grief Can Start Before the End
18:58 Conclusion: Supporting Kids Through Grief
–––
👋 If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
🎙️ Listen to more episodes of Hi Struggling, I’m Dad here: www.youtube.com/@grantberardi
📱 Follow me on Instagram: @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
–––
#grief #fatherhood #parenting #christiandads #family
Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com
"Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!" is a podcast dedicated to helping people be the best parents, partners and people they can possibly be.
I'm Grant Berardi, a father of 5 kids, a husband of 15 years, a qualified counsellor and coach with over a decade of experience.
This podcast was made due to my passion for helping others reach their fullest potential in as many aspects of their life as possible.
This podcast embodies this passion but also sees the funny side even in the difficult moments. Integrity, character, ownership, leadership and relationship are key themes throughout.
I've made these outlets because I've struggled with fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, and would have loved to have had help from someone along the way. I want to be that help for others.
All the best,
-Grant Berardi
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it speaks to you or someone you love.
Being a dad doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being real.
Too many fathers grow up believing that failure is something to fear, that apologizing is weakness, or that admitting mistakes will make their kids respect them less.
The truth is the opposite: when you’re willing to be fallible, you don’t just become a better dad—you give your kids permission to grow, fail, and try again without fear.
In this episode, I share why being fallible matters, how it makes you more relatable to your kids, and how it builds trust, authenticity, and resilience in your family.
Your children don’t need a perfect father—they need a present one who owns his mistakes, shows integrity, and keeps moving forward.
If you’ve ever struggled with the fear of failure, or with admitting your mistakes as a dad, this conversation will encourage you to see fallibility as a strength, not a weakness.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Embracing Fallibility as a Parent
01:09 The Unrealistic Standards of Infallibility
02:15 The Importance of Apologizing and Owning Mistakes
03:31 Teaching Kids to Embrace Failure
04:31 Practical Steps to Show Fallibility
07:18 Relatability Through Fallibility
10:25 Encouraging Integrity and Honesty
12:14 Conclusion: The Benefits of Being Fallible
Subscribe for more conversations on fatherhood, faith, and growth.
Your kids don’t need a perfect dad.
They need you.
#Fatherhood #ChristianDads #Parenting #FearOfFailure #MensGrowth
The Importance of Fathers | Father’s Day Encouragement
Fatherhood is one of the most powerful roles a man can hold.
This Father’s Day in Australia was the first one without my dad, and it stirred something in me.
It reminded me just how vital fathers are—not only in their children’s lives but also in families and society as a whole.
I didn't expect to take this turn in this episode, but when I started talking I felt that some fathers out there needed encouragement.
Encouragement whilst going through a dark time, having dark thoughts.
Encouragement that they don't have to give up and that they are worth more than what they believe.
You are important. Your family are better off with you here.
In this episode, I talk about:💡
Why fathers are more than “providers”—they’re examples, leaders, and protectors
💡 The impact of father absence on kids (studies on incarceration, teen pregnancy, depression, and more)
💡 The difference between just “being there” as a dad vs. being fully present and invested
💡 Why your family needs you—even when you feel like you’re not enough
💡 How fatherhood shapes the next generation through example, love, and commitment
If you’ve ever felt the weight of fatherhood, or even wondered if your family would be better off without you, I want you to hear this clearly: you matter more than you realize. Your presence, your effort, your willingness to keep trying—it changes everything.
Fatherhood is too important to half-commit. It’s a gift, a responsibility, and one of the greatest joys in life.
🙏 If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it.
Links & Resources:🎙 Listen to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uSJKNN5QB2hnzZ762WrKq
📸 Follow me on Instagram: @hi_struggling_im_dad and @grantberardi
Subscribe on Youtube: @grantberardi
Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com
"Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!" is a podcast dedicated to helping people be the best parents, partners and people they can possibly be.
I'm Grant Berardi, a father of 5 kids, a husband of 15 years, a qualified counsellor and coach with over a decade of experience.
This podcast was made due to my passion for helping others reach their fullest potential in as many aspects of their life as possible.
This podcast embodies this passion but also sees the funny side even in the difficult moments. Integrity, character, ownership, leadership and relationship are key themes throughout.
I've made these outlets because I've struggled with fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, and would have loved to have had help from someone along the way.
I want to be that help for others.
All the best,
-Grant Berardi
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it speaks to you or someone you love.
We’ve all been there.
You start making progress, things are going well… and then out of nowhere, you sabotage yourself.
You slip back into old habits, old beliefs, and the same familiar patterns.
Why?
Because deep down, many of us don’t believe we’re worth more than the pain we’ve gotten used to.
We cut ourselves down because we’re uncomfortable with winning.
In this episode, I break down:
✅ Why self-sabotage happens when life is going well
✅ The hidden beliefs that keep us stuck at the same level
✅ How to rewire your identity and plant healthier beliefs
✅ Why conviction beats comfort if you want lasting growth
✅ The power of putting in the reps and stacking small wins
If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but keep getting in your own way, this is for you. You are worth more than you think. You’re capable of amazing things. And it starts by building the evidence, day by day.
👊 Keep going. Keep showing up. Uproot those old beliefs and watch your life — and your family’s life — transform.
00:00 Self-Sabotage: Recognizing the Problem
00:21 Understanding Self-Sabotage in Success
01:57 Exploring Self-Worth and Deservedness
03:11 Aligning Behavior with Self-Perception
04:08 Identifying and Addressing Self-Sabotage Patterns
05:34 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
09:23 Building a New Identity Through Affirmed Actions
10:22 The Power of Accountability and Community
12:59 Addressing and Debunking Core Beliefs
20:24 Financial Self-Sabotage: Recognizing the Patterns
25:08 Believing in Your Potential and Practicing New Beliefs
28:16 Conclusion: Embrace Your Worth and Potential
Links & Resources:
🎙 Listen to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uSJKNN5QB2hnzZ762WrKq
📸 Follow me on Instagram: @hi_struggling_im_dad and @grantberardi
Subscribe on Youtube:
@grantberardi
Want counselling and coaching support from me? -
www.heartinhand1.com
"Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!" is a podcast dedicated to helping people be the best parents, partners and people they can possibly be.
I'm Grant Berardi, a father of 5 kids, a husband of 15 years, a qualified counsellor and coach with over a decade of experience.
This podcast was made due to my passion for helping others reach their fullest potential in as many aspects of their life as possible.
This podcast embodies this passion but also sees the funny side even in the difficult moments.
Integrity, character, ownership, leadership and relationship are key themes throughout.
I've made these outlets because I've struggled with fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, and would have loved to have had help from someone along the way.
I want to be that help for others.
All the best, -Grant Berardi
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it speaks to you or someone you love.
Why Discipline is ACTUALLY Freedom
Most of us think discipline kills spontaneity. In reality, it creates space for the things you love, growth, confidence, and time for what matters.
In this episode I unpack why motivation is a short surge, discipline is the backbone, and how simple practices can give you more freedom every day.
What you’ll learn:
-The real difference between **motivation vs. discipline** (and why one can’t be trusted)
-How discipline helps you do more of what you love—not less
-Practical ways to make habits stick: alarms, environment design, and habit stacking
-How to set a daily rhythm you can actually keep (without going “all or nothing”)
-Smart trade-offs: saying yes to long-term goals without saying no to life
If this helped, share it with someone who’s chasing progress over comfort.
Subscribe for more on faith, fatherhood, and building a life that actually matters.
#DisciplineEqualsFreedom #MotivationVsDiscipline #HabitStacking #AtomicHabits #ChristianMen #FaithAndFatherhood #BuildYourLife
00:00 Why Discipline is Actually Freedom
00:55 Personal Experiences with Discipline
02:53 The Nature of Discipline and Sacrifice
04:48 Motivation vs. Discipline
06:08 The Benefits of Discipline
08:52 Creating a Discipline Plan
13:10 Habit Stacking for Success
16:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Links & Resources:🎙
Listen to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uSJKNN5QB2hnzZ762WrKq
📸 Follow me on Instagram:
@hi_struggling_im_dad and @grantberardi
Subscribe on Youtube: @grantberardi
Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com
"Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!" is a podcast dedicated to helping people be the best parents, partners and people they can possibly be.
I'm Grant Berardi, a father of 5 kids, a husband of 15 years, a qualified counsellor and coach with over a decade of experience.
This podcast was made due to my passion for helping others reach their fullest potential in as many aspects of their life as possible.
This podcast embodies this passion but also sees the funny side even in the difficult moments.
Integrity, character, ownership, leadership and relationship are key themes throughout.
I've made these outlets because I've struggled with fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, and would have loved to have had help from someone along the way.
I want to be that help for others.
All the best,
-Grant Berardi
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it speaks to you or someone you love.
This week I’ve been unwell, but I felt convicted to still show up and share something that’s been weighing on my heart: conviction and calling.
We all have those things that keep nudging us, that won’t leave us alone—the projects, goals, or changes we feel deeply compelled to pursue.
But often, the hardest part is taking that first step into the unknown.
👉 In this short but powerful episode, I share:
-Why your new life will cost you your old one
-Why comfort often keeps us stuck in patterns we don’t even want
-How to take the first block toward what really matters
-Encouragement for anyone who feels called to step into something new, but uncertain where to begin
If you’ve felt that pull on your heart lately—the conviction that won’t go away—this episode is for you.
Links & Resources:
🎙 Listen to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uSJKNN5QB2hnzZ762WrKq
📸 Follow me on Instagram:
@hi_struggling_im_dad and @grantberardi
Subscribe on Youtube: @grantberardi
Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com
"Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!" is a podcast dedicated to helping people be the best parents, partners and people they can possibly be.
I'm Grant Berardi, a father of 5 kids, a husband of 15 years, a qualified counsellor and coach with over a decade of experience.
This podcast was made due to my passion for helping others reach their fullest potential in as many aspects of their life as possible.
This podcast embodies this passion but also sees the funny side even in the difficult moments.
Integrity, character, ownership, leadership and relationship are key themes throughout.
I've made these outlets because I've struggled with fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, and would have loved to have had help from someone along the way.
I want to be that help for others.
All the best,
-Grant Berardi
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it speaks to you or someone you love.
I'm not going to give the crafted Youtube description I normally do.
I spoke from the heart, unscripted and raw in this one.
Yes, my episodes are also normally unscripted bar some talking points, but this one I had 1 mission to talk about and just pressed record.
A year ago whilst praying, I felt very clearly that God told me to "start a community".
But, I chickened out. I doubted the "how" and logistics of it. I didn't have an audience, it didn't make sense to me, and I avoided it, for a full 12 months.
But the pull to do this hasn't gone away, which is why I'm making this now. I am passionate about helping others, and have felt for a while now to help men and fathers to grow into their fullest potential. Particularly in key areas like fatherhood, as Christians, and as a husband.
So this is my declaration and a glimpse into what's to come.
I hope you join me.
-Grant
Links & Resources:🎙 Listen to the podcast on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uSJKNN5QB2hnzZ762WrKq
📸 Follow me on Instagram: @hi_struggling_im_dad and @grantberardi
Subscribe on Youtube: @grantberardi