Nobody hands you a manual when you become a dad. And for too long, most men have been expected to figure it out quietly and without complaint. Devon Neisen is trying to change that. Through his The Imperfect Dads Podcast, he is building a community around truth and honesty, real conversation, and the belief that admitting you don't have all the answers might just make you a better father.
Where did the idea for The Imperfect Dads Podcast come from?
I was living in Nashville and was about to have my third child. My neighbor, Justin Cotton, was about to have his first. He'd always talk about how our conversations about being dads and what we were expecting about fatherhood would be a podcast he would listen to. After a couple times of him mentioning it, I reminded him I went to Belmont University and studied music business and told him I could do all the recording and producing. He said, 'That's great cause I already registered the podcast name.'
In 2022, we launched The Nashville Dads, and the first year was just us meeting up every other week, talking about the exhaustion and joy of having newborns. By 2023, people wanted to come on the podcast and talk about fatherhood. We got connected with Brandon Styll of Nashville Restaurant Radio and started recording out of his space. The podcast went from Justin and I talking about life to learning more about what life was like for dads in Nashville. We started releasing weekly episodes. We started getting to know more musicians, small business owners, and restaurateurs in town. We were lucky enough to talk to Mayor Freddie O'Connell and go on Local on 2.
In 2024, my family decided to move to Colorado. We moved the podcast to being fully remote and learning how to expand outside of Nashville for father's stories. So in 2025 we changed the name to The Imperfect Dads. By then, Justin had his second kid. Between working full-time, being a husband, and having a newborn and a 3-year-old, he decided to step away from the podcast. I took over fully and started reaching out to dads across the country to share their stories, while still keeping a lot of Nashville guests on the show. I started releasing episodes two times a week at that point because of how many dads I had found eager to discuss their stories.
I believe every dad cares deeply about their family but rarely gets asked about it. I'm curious to know what happens when you tell a dad you know he cares and you want to hear his stories. What depth does he show? What does he reveal about his life and his story? What pride does he feel when he communicates the love he shows daily? I'm here to give dads that space to know their love is welcomed, their stories are welcomed, and their experience matters.
What does the word imperfect mean to you?
Imperfect is to imply a comfort with having no idea what you're doing but you really care and are trying your best. The word imperfect I hope disarms the guests. I hope it lets them know I'm not looking for a perfect example or someone who has all the answers. I'm here to say 'Yeah I'm figuring it out as I go. How's it going for you?' and leading with that humility and grace.
What was your background before becoming a podcast host?
I have been a stay at home parent since 2019. After graduating from Belmont in 2010, I worked at NewsChannel 5, Hester and Cook, and Roach Family Dentistry all in Nashville. By 2019, we had two kids and knew it'd be better for our family and mental space if one of us stayed home, and we decided I'd be the best fit for it.
So I worked full-time for nine years and have been a primary parent for seven. I have a good understanding of focusing on career or being primary parent and all of the stress and chaos that comes with it. When a lot of my friends were getting married and I couldn't afford a wedding gift, I would offer to DJ/emcee their weddings. So I've always had fun with music, entertaining people, and making sure people have a good time.
What has surprised you most about the conversations you've had on the podcast?
The emotional depth of fathers. I never thought dads would be so open with discussing the things that worry them about being a dad. I expected dads to share silly stories, moments of being proud of their kids, and laughter. But the amount of dads who are willing to discuss moments of feeling alone, feeling like they could have done things differently, and wanting community is something I never could have predicted.
Has making this podcast changed you personally as a father and the way you parent?
Absolutely. This podcast requires constant curiosity and empathy. I'm learning about dads in all phases of life (some have newborns, teenagers, or adult kids) in all different areas of the country. It reminds me constantly not to start a conversation with assuming I know the outcome. I'd like to think I carry that into my day-to-day life with talking to my kids and wife.
The podcast space is incredibly crowded right now. What makes The Imperfect Dads Podcast different?
This podcast is a great look into the mental space of dads. If you want to know what it looks like to be a dad and a deep dive into the reality of being a dad, that's what I want you to walk away with. I also make everything pretty light-hearted even when talking about heavy issues and moments. My hope is that if you're a dad and listening, you'll think more about your own mental space and know you aren't alone. And if you're a wife and you're like, 'What might be going on in my husband's head?', hopefully this gives you some insight.
What would success feel like a few years down the road?
The biggest compliment and sign of success is when a guest refers their friends to the podcast. If someone says, 'Hey, you need to have this guy on,' it means the world to me and builds community. If I'm able to create an environment and experience where dads are still referring their friends and loved ones, I'll always consider this a success.
What's one thing you miss the most about living in Nashville?
Besides friends and family in town, I miss going to Nashville SC games. I lived two miles from the stadium and had season tickets for three years. I loved going to games, I loved bringing my family, I loved taking friends to their first games, and I loved the experience of watching a town follow and rally behind a soccer team. I never would have thought Nashville would have a soccer team or such a devoted fan base. The League's Cup final against Messi will always be my top sports moment to see in person.
"The amount of dads who are willing to discuss moments of feeling alone, feeling like they could have done things differently, and wanting community is something I never could have predicted."