My Guest Appearance on The Power of Man Podcast

Driven 2 Thrive has always been more than a tagline for me—it’s a calling, a mission, and a way of life that revolves around empowering men, fathers, and families. Recently, I had the incredible honor of appearing on The Power of Man Podcast with host Rory Paquette, an experience that reminded me just how transformative it can be when two like-minded people come together to discuss faith, fatherhood, and living a purposeful life.

During this conversation, I had the chance to share my own journey: from my early days grappling with various challenges, to finding my footing in the realm of coaching and launching my own shows—the “Driven to Thrive Broadcast” and the “Read Me a Story Dad” podcast. What made this discussion so special was how many core values Rory and I share. We’re both fathers who place family at the center of everything, and we both understand that men must be healthy and strong—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—in order to lead. That leadership can take many forms, whether it’s leading in our communities, or simply being the dependable dad our children look up to.
One of the major themes we touched on was how men can find deeper purpose once they step into who they were truly created to be. In many cases, we start life on auto-pilot, aiming for the so-called “American Dream” of a house, a job, and a family, only to discover that something is missing. There’s a longing for more—a sense that we each have a calling beyond simply existing and paying bills. For me, that longing surfaced years ago in a series of events that prompted me to leave behind what felt like a rut and dedicate myself to helping men transform their lives from the inside out.

Rory and I also talked at length about fatherhood. Being a father to two daughters has been one of my greatest joys, and it influences every decision I make. My daughters have seen me wake up early to keep forging ahead with my passion projects. They’ve watched me pivot careers, embrace a deeper sense of mission, and ultimately discover what it means to live in alignment with my calling. Whether the topic is nutrition, faith, or mental resilience, I make sure that my girls see an example of someone who shows up wholeheartedly.

That passion for helping the next generation is what led me to start “Read Me a Story Dad”—a simple yet powerful idea: read a children’s book aloud once a week so that any child, no matter their circumstances, can have a safe and fun place to hear a story. It began as a service for kids who might not have a father figure present, or whose parents are working multiple jobs. It quickly became a heartfelt project that brings families together. There’s no advertising or strings attached—just a desire to spark a child’s imagination and remind them that they’re loved.

But none of this would be possible—or sustainable—without a guiding “why.” Rory asked me about how men who feel alone or lack strong male role models can find their purpose. My response always begins with urging them to dig down to the core of their “why.” Ask yourself why you’re seeking change or redemption in the first place. Don’t stop at the first superficial answer. Keep digging deeper until you uncover a reason so powerful and compelling that no obstacle will derail you. Once you anchor yourself in that genuine purpose, everything else begins to align, from your relationships to your daily habits.

Throughout our conversation on The Power of Man, we revisited how community is also essential. Men often think we have to do everything on our own, but that’s far from the truth. When we connect with supportive peers, role models, or mentors, our ability to grow skyrockets. This principle underlies my approach with the Driven to Thrive Broadcast: every episode aims to offer tangible takeaways that men can implement immediately, whether it’s a time-management strategy, a physical health tip, or a relationship-building exercise.
Ultimately, what resonates most about this podcast appearance is the reminder that we are all works in progress. The victories I’ve experienced—overcoming difficulties in my youth, making a major pivot in my career, and stepping fully into fatherhood—wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful if I wasn’t continuing to learn, adapt, and serve. Every morning, I wake up driven not just to survive, but to thrive—and to help others do the same.

I hope that by sharing the conversation I had with Rory, you’ll find new insights, fresh inspiration, and the encouragement to keep building the life you’re called to lead. Fatherhood, community, and intentional living aren’t merely buzzwords; they’re pillars that can transform not just one household, but entire communities when men commit to being present and purposeful. If you take only one thing away, let it be this: your life matters, your actions count, and you have the capacity to elevate not just your own household, but the world around you—one intentional step at a time.