A Conversation With My Dad
This episode of Well•ish Living with Dani is a special one. It marks the one-year anniversary of the podcast — a milestone that still feels surreal to say out loud.
When I started this podcast, I hoped to create honest conversations about health, wellness, and what it looks like to live well in real life. What I didn’t fully anticipate was how much it would deepen my connections with people I already love — especially my dad.
For this anniversary episode, I invited one of my most loyal listeners to join me: my dad.
Learning About Each Other in a New Way
My dad has been part of my life for… well, my entire life. But through the podcast, we’ve found a new way to connect. He’s shared that listening each week has helped him understand me — not just as his daughter, but as a person passionate about wellness, growth, and living intentionally.
Hearing that was incredibly meaningful to me. Our post-episode conversations, the reflections he shares, and the way he engages with the ideas from the show have genuinely filled my heart.
What Wellness Has Looked Like for Him
One of the things that stood out most during our conversation was how the podcast has influenced my dad’s own approach to wellness — especially movement.
Over the past year, he’s made a consistent commitment to exercising regularly, not just for physical strength, but for mental clarity and resilience. During a time of significant life transitions, movement has become an anchor for him.
One of my favorite things he shared? He listens to audiobooks while he works out — combining learning and movement in a way that actually feels enjoyable. It’s a perfect example of what I talk about often: finding your unique version of wellness.
Well•ish Experiments, Perfectly Imperfect
We also talked about the “Well•ish Experiments” I share at the end of each episode. My dad admitted he doesn’t always follow them exactly — and honestly, that might be the most well•ish thing of all.
Instead of striving for perfection, he takes the spirit of the experiment and adapts it to his own life. Whether it’s reconnecting with old friends or approaching challenges with more intention, he lets the ideas spark reflection rather than pressure.
That, to me, is the heart of well•ish living: wellness that supports you.
A Full-Circle Moment
As we talked, I found myself reflecting on how proud I am of my dad — his resilience, his curiosity, and his willingness to keep growing at every stage of life. He reminded me of something important too: parents don’t always have to be the teachers. Sometimes, they need to be the listeners.
That simple truth felt like a full-circle moment.
Gratitude, Always
This podcast has given me so much over the past year — connection, creativity, purpose, and unexpected moments like this one. Sharing this conversation with my dad was one of the most meaningful ways I could celebrate the anniversary.
To him, and to every listener who has spent time with me this past year: thank you. I’m endlessly grateful.
Here’s to another year of living well•ish — imperfectly, intentionally, and together
Stay Well•ish!
Dani
