Hit the big 4-0 of Two Dads in Tech. Ten months, 40 episodes, countless lessons—and now, some raw reflection. From protein-packed mornings and fitness shifts, to startup pivots, ego battles, and redefining what “success” really looks like, this one is equal parts candid founder therapy and dad-life download. Troy opens up on shutting down big ideas, shifting Demo from software to services, and why chasing balance matters more than chasing hype. Daniel presses on the real questions: where is the pod falling short, what keeps founders up at night, and how do you balance growth with family? Whether you’re a SaaS builder, services hustler, or parent trying to keep perspective, this milestone episode is packed with insight, laughs, and hard-earned truth.
Show Notes: (0:00) Episode 40 milestone intro & community shoutout (2:00) Troy’s 200g protein smoothie hack & fitness rituals (4:10) Is comparison really the thief of joy? (6:00) Reflecting on 10 months and 40 episodes of podcasting (6:30) Where are we falling short? Guests, learning, and entertainment balance (7:20) The pivot at Demo: from “YouTube for software” to services model (11:20) 80 conversations, no product-market fit, and killing the idea (13:00) Is software still “sexy” or is it all about services now? (17:00) What energizes vs. what drains a founder (20:00) Ego, fear of failure, and struggling behind the scenes (21:30) Why billionaires regret missing family time—and how dads in tech stay present (24:00) Hard lessons in hiring, marketing, and setting KPIs (27:00) Busting myths about hustle culture vs. 9-to-5 balance (31:00) The reality of B2B marketplaces, procurement, and tech stacks (35:00) Becoming a reseller & services-first founder (38:00) Why services solve pain instantly compared to software (41:00) Lawn care wars, mowing misery & the “dad badge” of green grass (43:00) Troy’s shift from bodybuilding to Metabolic training & chasing longevity (46:00) Signing up for a half-marathon without training (47:30) Health risks, ignoring doctors, and embracing vulnerability (49:00) Wrapping 40 episodes—what’s next for Two Dads in Tech
