The Dad Manual

You can be physically present every single day — and still miss everything that matters.

Evan Miller is a husband, father of two, and someone who's learned the hard way that showing up isn't enough — you have to actually be there. In this conversation, Tony and Evan explore the difference between attendance and presence, navigating stepfatherhood, raising kids who can handle real conversations, and how sobriety transformed Evan's relationship with his family. Evan also unpacks a jaw-dropping family origin story involving a 23andMe test, a baseball player, and a secret that stayed buried for four decades.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Presence and attendance are two completely different things — and your kids know the difference.
  2. Stepparenting adds layers of complexity that two-parent households don't face — respect that reality.
  3. Nature plays a massive role in who your children become, regardless of your parenting environment.
  4. Unwavering love and support doesn't mean accepting bad behavior — it means the two are never confused.
  5. Treating your kids like capable human beings, not fragile children, builds confident, articulate adults.
  6. Alcohol and other disconnectors rob you of time you can't get back — even when you're in the room.
  7. Patience isn't a natural gift — it's a skill you develop, and physical exercise helps more than you think.
  8. Letting kids experience failure, discomfort, and hard conversations is part of the job.
  9. Your kids don't need to be shielded from the world — they need to be prepared for it.
  10. The way you model ambition, activity, and a full life is one of the most powerful parenting tools you have.
If you enjoyed The Dad Manual, leave us a rating on your podcast app! If you loved it, share this episode with a Dad! Send your questions to dadmanualpodcast@gmail.com.

Connect with Tony Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonycooper/

Creators and Guests

Host
Tony Cooper
Tony Cooper is the founder of Playing the Game of Business, a business coach, father, and podcast host.

What is The Dad Manual?

The Dad Manual is a fatherhood podcast hosted by Tony Cooper, featuring honest conversations with dads about the real, unfiltered journey of parenthood. This parenting podcast for dads explores everything from the excitement of being a first time dad to navigating the teenage years. As one of the best podcasts for expecting dads and experienced fathers alike, we dive deep into what it actually means to be a modern dad—the struggles, the growth, the mistakes, and the moments that change you forever. Whether you're looking for a new dad podcast or seasoned parenting wisdom, this family podcast delivers the honest guidance you won't find in books.