• Episode 5 - Dr. Shahab Tabesh (Audio Only.mp3)
    Feb 4 2025

    Episode Title: From War Zones to Dentistry: Dr. Shahab Tabesh on Resilience, Family, and Success

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shahab Tabesh, a dedicated family dentist and co-owner of Romic N. Tabesh Family Dentistry. Born in the middle of a war in Iran, Dr. Tabesh shares his incredible journey—from escaping conflict to building a thriving dental practice in Canada. We dive into the lessons his parents taught him, dental advice, and the mental health challenges faced by medical professionals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent, or just someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and powerful insights.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode:

    • The immigrant experience: From war-torn Iran to Canada
    • Lessons in resilience and hard work from his parents
    • The hidden mental health struggles of dentists and doctors
    • The real reason Dr. Tabesh became a dentist (hint: it wasn’t passion)
    • Why Burlington, Ontario is the perfect place to raise a family
    • Practical tips for parents to protect their kids’ dental health
    • The myths and realities of the dental industry
    • What success truly means across generations

    Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with humor, heart, and valuable life lessons.

    Funny Quotes
    1. "No, because we're not real doctors, we're just dentists, man."
    2. "If your dentist is driving a Lambo, you probably need a new dentist."
    3. "I didn’t become a dentist for passion—I just wanted to hang out with a pretty girl."
    Emotional Quotes
    1. "My parents gave up everything for us. We better not waste this opportunity."
    2. "We didn’t just move—we escaped."
    3. "The loneliest people are often the ones who seem to have it all."
    Fun Quotes
    1. "I thought I was the smartest in class—until I found out the pretty girl was also the smart one."
    2. "I was born in the middle of a war…which is kinda cool."
    3. "I did all my best traveling before I was eight years old."
    Interesting Quotes
    1. "Dentistry isn’t expensive—neglect is."
    2. "The secret to a happy marriage? A common story."
    3. "The biggest problem in dentistry isn’t cavities—it’s isolation."
    Miscellaneous Quotes
    1. "Floss the teeth you want to keep."
    2. "We weren’t computer savvy, but computers were becoming a thing."
    3. "You don’t need a toothbrush—just wipe your kid’s teeth with a cloth."
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Episode 4 - Nelson Borges (Audio Only.mp3)
    Feb 4 2025

    Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health, Anxiety, and Fatherhood with Nelson Borges

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Nelson Borges, founder of Capillary Wave, to discuss men’s mental health, anxiety, fatherhood, and personal growth. Nelson shares his powerful story of overcoming a mental health crisis, the challenges of raising a blended family, and the mission behind his nonprofit, which provides support for men struggling with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. This conversation breaks the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and highlights the importance of connection, vulnerability, and self-care.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode:

    • What triggered Nelson’s first major panic attack and how he recovered
    • The backpack analogy—why emotional burdens pile up over time
    • How Capillary Wave is changing the conversation around men’s mental health
    • Why connection is the #1 factor in mental well-being
    • Parenting lessons from raising a blended family with four kids
    • The importance of purpose and how to build a meaningful life
    • How men can seek help without fear of judgment

    Listen now to hear Nelson’s incredible journey and gain insights into mental health, resilience, and fatherhood.

    Funny Quotes
    1. "We took all their clothes away… and made them earn them back!"
    2. "My dad’s medical advice? Whiskey and warm lemon water."
    3. "Nobody’s here for free—so I made my daughter’s boyfriend cut the lawn!"
    Emotional Quotes
    1. "I let her love me so I didn’t stay in bed all day."
    2. "This can’t be the rest of my life. This sucks."
    3. "My dad told me, ‘We’re not friends, but I’m your best friend.’"
    Fun Quotes
    1. "My dream daily driver? A ’77 Pontiac Trans Am—T-tops off, back to high school!"
    2. "Give me crab, lobster, or my mom’s octopus stew—seafood all day!"
    3. "We made pottery, built wine holders—none of us are Picassos, but it was awesome!"
    Interesting Quotes
    1. "When we don’t have purpose, we seek pleasure."
    2. "We plan a wedding, we plan a divorce—but we don’t plan being divorced parents."
    3. "My panic attack felt like a heart attack—then it lasted for months."
    Miscellaneous Quotes
    1. "I became my dad—and I didn’t even realize it."
    2. "If you chase butterflies, they fly away—but if you build a garden, they come to you."
    3. "70% of men don’t seek help. 70% of suicides? Adult men."
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Episode 3 - Lance Slack (Audio Only.mp3)
    Feb 4 2025
    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, we sit down with Lance Slack to discuss fatherhood, resilience, and personal growth. Lance shares his experiences growing up in a tough environment, raising children—including one with autism—and navigating major life transitions. He also talks about his latest venture, Storyay, a creative storytelling platform designed to inspire literacy in kids. With a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and valuable life lessons, this conversation is a must-listen for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for inspiration on overcoming life’s obstacles.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode:
    • Growing up in a tough environment and learning resilience
    • Lessons from fatherhood, including raising a child with autism
    • Balancing personal and professional life through major transitions
    • The power of storytelling and how it shapes childhood literacy
    • Creating meaningful impact through entrepreneurship with Storyay
    Funny Quotes
    1. "That's a new—that's a first. Lance romance just now on this—that’s amazing. Must be ChatGPT."
    2. "I just thought, fine. I don’t care. I’ll take the thousand bucks. I’ll spend it on cocaine... I didn’t."
    3. "Colors are dependent upon the mood. They’re dependent upon what they’re used for. My favorite color is pizza."
    Emotional Quotes
    1. "My father made a choice to not have me in his life. And so therefore, he missed out. Too bad for him."
    2. "There was this moment of grief, like mourning. Like, my daughter is gone now. That was f*ing weird."**
    3. "All I want is for my kids to be happy. At the end of the day, that’s it."
    Fun Quotes
    1. "Find a big guy, let him beat me up, laugh about it, and then we were best friends. That was my move every school year."
    2. "My kid loved the Slap Chop. We got him a Slap Chop and a Grady for his birthday, and he was so excited."
    3. "Anything with a hot tub. I don’t care. It can be a building with wheels. It’s fun."
    Interesting Quotes
    1. "My mom worked 16 hours a day, and the rest of the time she was reading. She wasn’t a TV person. She just read everything."
    2. "Kids today are more empathetic than we were. They actually listen to how others feel. Maybe that’s what made them ‘soft.’"
    3. "The message matters more than the medium. Without a good message, nothing else ends up mattering as much."
    Miscellaneous Quotes
    1. "You need to be polite, you need to not be an asshole, and try to give something back to the world. I don’t care what it is."
    2. "You could walk away at any time, as my father did. But once you say, ‘I’m gonna do this,’ then you have to do it."
    3. "I remember putting iceberg lettuce on my bologna sandwich because I thought, well, that’s some vegetable."
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Episode 2 - Mike Yates (Audio Only.mp3)
    Feb 4 2025
    In this episode of *Sh*t My Dad Taught Me*, we sit down with Mike Yates, president of Sunrise Construction & SmartWall Solutions, to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, father, and community leader. Mike shares valuable lessons on running a successful business, balancing work and family, and overcoming personal struggles, including his experience with mental health. From hilarious dad moments to deep reflections on life, this conversation is packed with insights, humor, and wisdom. **Topics Discussed in This Episode:** - How Mike Yates built a thriving construction business from the ground up - The biggest lessons Mike learned from his father and how they shaped his approach to parenting - The importance of mental health and how Mike overcame anxiety to become a better leader and dad - Hilarious dad moments, including “the secret seat” and family traditions - The story behind Mike’s connection with Nelk and his Muskoka cottage rental - Why 2025 is all about prioritizing family, health, and energy for Mike Listen now for an inspiring and entertaining conversation filled with real-life lessons and dad wisdom! Funny Quotes
    1. "Listening, Mike just took his pants off."​
    2. "You talk about a sippy cup right now, bro?"​
    3. "Say the alphabet backwards. Go ahead. Not a chance."​
    Emotional Quotes
    1. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team."​
    2. "My wife, she wears her heart on her sleeve—you can't design a better person than that."​
    3. "He accomplished that. He is my role model."​
    Fun Quotes
    1. "We call it a burby and a rummy… and see, we got this!"​
    2. "I just want a truck with a secret seat!"​
    3. "Let's get those boys renting his place again. Spend the money, bro!"​
    Interesting Quotes
    1. "Use your brains, not your muscles."​
    2. "There's no party sippers. Why is that a thing?"​
    3. "You never know what a kid’s gonna remember."​
    Miscellaneous Quotes
    1. "If my kids want a second story, they’re getting a second story."​
    2. "I could feel the cable heating up… and stretching. This is bad."​
    3. "Life’s short. Pick up the phone and call."​

    I rent my cottage and they happened to be one of the guests at our cottage (NELK)

    In 2025, I’m shutting down that voice that says, ‘You’re tired.’ My kids come first—no excuses

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    1 hr and 25 mins