This one is for the dads! The perfect episode to listen to if you have a baby on the way or if you’re in the thick of it with your precious newborn. Welcome to the second episode of The Critical Window—we’re joined by Joel Byars to talk about what it’s really like to become a new dad. Joel is a clean comedian, podcast host, and first-time father who’s doing it all—balancing a thriving comedy career, life on the road, marriage, and the chaos (and beauty) of raising a newborn. We meet Joel with the research around early childhood development, as he shares his real experiences with sleep deprivation, relationship changes, non-stop crying, the challenges of balancing travel and family, and the big question: “Why didn’t anyone teach us how critical the first three years are, especially before leaving the hospital?” This episode is part survival guide, part love letter to new dads, and a reminder that showing up in these first three years matters more than you know.
