What does it really feel like to become a dad for the first time?
In the first episode of Season 3 of The Fathering Project Podcast, Dr James Brown sits down with screenwriter, author and first-time dad Zachary Perez to talk about the reality of becoming a father – the uncertainty, identity shifts, unexpected emotions and everyday moments that shape the early months of fatherhood.
Zachary is the author of Becoming Dad, a candid, journal-like account of his first 100 days as a father. Written in real time, the book captures the messy, funny and deeply personal experience of learning how to navigate life with a new baby.
Together, James and Zachary explore what it means to find your feet as a new dad, let go of expectations, ask for help and embrace the fact that none of us has fatherhood completely figured out.
In this episode, they discuss:
- The process of becoming a dad and how fatherhood can reshape your identity
- The gap between the father you imagined you’d be and the reality of new parenthood
- The pressure men can feel to know what they’re doing – and why it’s okay not to
- Building a network of other dads and finding your “tribe”
- Learning from your own experiences while consciously choosing the kind of father you want to be
Whether you’re a new dad, preparing for fatherhood or simply curious about what the early days are really like, this is an honest conversation about learning, adapting and showing up.
Because becoming a dad isn’t something you master overnight. You figure it out – one day at a time.
