{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Hot Topics Ep. 5 - Burnout to Balance: Prioritizing Self-Care as a Dad","description":"In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Shelby Smith, a family physician and father of three, to explore the essential yet often neglected topic of self-care for dads. With honesty and warmth, Dr. Smith shares how his personal and professional experiences have transformed his understanding of burnout, mindfulness and the importance of being present\u2014mentally and emotionally\u2014for his family. From engaging in early morning exercise and guided meditation to establishing digital boundaries and learning to say no to overcommitments, he provides practical strategies for achieving balance amid the chaos of parenting.   Key points include how situational stress affects both mind and body, why parents must protect their presence as much as their provision and how saying \u201cno\u201d is an essential part of family wellness. The conversation underscores that while balance may never be perfect, intentionality, vulnerability and supportive friendships can help dads shift from reactive to reflective parenting. Episode Highlights [03:08] \u2013 \u201cWe\u2019re never going to get this thing right\u2026 but we\u2019re trying to do the best we can.\u201d [07:12] \u2013 \u201cTell me what happened between then and now\u2026 and inevitably there\u2019s going to be some change in a situation.\u201d [10:54] \u2013 \u201cYou have to take care of yourself first before you can be there for everyone else.\u201d [18:28] \u2013 \u201cOur kids aren\u2019t going to remember the toys we got\u2026 they\u2019re going to remember this time.\u201d [20:13] \u2013 \u201cEach Friday I put on an auto-reply\u2026 I don\u2019t check my email on the weekend.\u201d [27:36] \u2013 \u201cYou only say yes if it\u2019s a \u2018hell yes.\u2019\u201d [31:59] \u2013 \u201cIf I can think about mindfulness every morning when I wake up, it\u2019ll be an okay day.\u201d [33:18] \u2013 \u201cIt just takes more effort to cultivate friendships\u2026 but it\u2019s so important.\u201d Resources\ud83d\udce9 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! \ud83c\udf10 Learn more at gooddads.com \ud83d\udce7 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com ","author_name":"Good Dads Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.gooddads.com\/","html":"