DAD TRIBES PODCAST
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Finding Presence in the Moments That Matter – Dad Tribes Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Tribes Podcast, Andrew O’Brien opens up about one of the deepest struggles every father faces — the guilt of not spending “enough” time with his kids.
What started as an apology to his family turned into a moment of revelation, sparked by his 5-year-old daughter’s simple words:
“Daddy, what are you talking about? We just went hiking.”
That sentence shifted everything. It reminded Andrew — and every dad listening — that our children don’t measure love in hours. They remember moments.
🎙️ Episode Overview
This episode takes an honest look at what it means to be a present father while still providing, building, and leading.
Andrew shares the raw reality of building an empire to support his family — and the guilt that comes with it — until one small voice reframed everything.
He explores how fatherhood isn’t about quantity of time, but the quality of presence, and why dads need to stop beating themselves up for doing what’s required to build a legacy.
Together, we unpack:
- Presence Over Perfection – Why being fully there beats being there all the time
- Guilt & Provision – How to release the guilt that comes with working hard for your family
- Moments That Matter – Why kids remember experiences, not hours
- Building Legacy – How providing today builds freedom tomorrow
- Fatherhood Redefined – Why “being a good dad” doesn’t mean being home 24/7
🗝️ Key Takeaways
1. Kids Remember Moments, Not Hours
Your children don’t see the long hours — they see the memories. One meaningful moment with full presence can outweigh an entire weekend distracted.
“They don’t care how long you’re home. They care that when you’re home… you’re with them.” – Andrew O’Brien
2. Guilt Is the Enemy of Presence
You can’t be present if you’re drowning in guilt. The drive to provide doesn’t make you absent — it makes you responsible.
“You’re being too hard on yourself. Providing for your family is part of being present.”
3. Presence Over Perfection
Forget the pressure to be the perfect dad. What your kids need is your attention — not a flawless version of you.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s 30 minutes or three hours — just be there fully when you’re there.”
4. Work Without Shame
Building a business or working overtime doesn’t make you less of a father. It’s the sacrifice of provision that gives your kids security — and one day, perspective.
5. Lead at Home Like You Lead at Work
Make family time intentional. Schedule it. Protect it. Lead your family with the same discipline and drive you lead your business.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- “Kids don’t count minutes — they remember moments.”
- “Stop feeling guilty for working hard to provide. That’s what a good man does.”
- “When you’re home, be home. Physically and mentally.”
- “Legacy isn’t built in hours — it’s built in presence.”
📺 Watch & Listen
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube → [Watch Here]
💡 Final Thought
You don’t need more hours — you need more presence.
Your kids won’t remember how often you were gone.
They’ll remember that when you were home, you made them feel like they were your whole world..
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