I was raised by a single father, so I’ve always had a deep respect for how difficult and essential good fathering is. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. David Wen, a clinical psychologist specializing in parents, children, and families. We talk about why anger is often the first challenge for fathers, and the tension between what you received growing up and the kind of father you want to be. We explore how small moments with your child can make a lasting difference. We also talk about self-care, emotional regulation, and simple in-the-moment tools when things escalate, along with the pressure many fathers carry as providers and how it impacts their capacity to show up at home.
***
Dr. David Wen is a licensed clinical psychologist at Hope+Wellness who specializes in working with children, parents, and fathers. He brings clinical expertise and lived experience to his work, supporting dads and parents in showing up in ways that feel meaningful, even in the face of real-world parenting challenges.
His approach is grounded in evidence-based therapy and delivered with a style that is warm, direct, and attuned to both parents and children. Learn more: https://www.hope-wellness.com/david-wen-psyd
**
00:00 Inner calling: from engineer to psychologist
02:00 Absent father, immigrant family, raised by four women
05:00 How do you give what you never received?
07:00 Inherited temper and breaking the cycle
09:00 How becoming a psychologist taught him to parent
10:00 Working with fathers: anger is the first thing to address
11:00 Parenting is a skill — not just instinct
13:00 Inherent love vs. learned nurturing
26:00 Is it healthy for men to express anger?
28:00 Dr. Victoria's story: raised by a stressed single father
30:00 Self-care isn't selfish — quality over quantity
34:00 In-the-moment coping skills: deep breaths, walk away, be random
36:00 Kids don't break — but parents do
38:00 Special time: five minutes of focused attention changes everything
40:00 Join their world — get to know your kid
43:00 Fatherhood and intuition — starting antidepressants as self-awareness
50:00 Capacity, coping skills, and the weight fathers carry
51:00 The provider pressure — learning to be the plus one
52:00 Advice for new dads: get your temper in check first
54:00 Your values as a North Star for parenting
55:00 Encouragement for dads feeling ashamed or disconnected
56:00 First steps when you feel distant from your child
57:00 When the child feels wronged: how to still reach out
59:00 How therapy helps fathers — being seen and supported
01:01:00 Book rec: 1-2-3 Magic
***
CONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIA
Podcast Website: www.innercalling.org
Dr .Victoria: www.victoriaranade.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade
Hope+Wellness, boutique mental health care that's kind, compassionate, and evidence-based. A place where you are genuinely seen & understood. Founded by Dr. Victoria: https://www.hope-wellness.com
* * * *
WHAT IS INNERCALLING?
innercalling is a podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP that brings together leaders, scientists, clinicians, authors, artists, and everyday people to explore what it means to stay grounded in inner wisdom, creativity, purpose, and our shared humanity during rapidly changing times. Inspired by the tradition of clinical psychology, each episode is a conversation that honors the human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for growth and resilience that lives within each of us.
WHO IS DR. VICTORIA?
Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. Fun fact: You're one of my greatest inspirations. I made this podcast so you would know you're not alone.✌🏼💛
I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:
info@innercalling.org
#parenting #adhd #adhdawareness #parentingtips #parentingjourney #fatherhood #fatherhoodjourney
","author_name":"Dr. Victoria Ranade"}