About

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Bueller? OK, if it isn't obvious now, you won't get these radical movie references. 

radical / răd′ĭ-kəl / adjective

1. Arising from or going to a root or source; basic.
2. Departing markedly from the usual or customary; extreme or drastic.
3. Relating to or advocating fundamental or revolutionary changes in current practices, conditions, or institutions. 

*From The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

If you haven't noticed yet, my use of "rad" and the Tron-like Rad Dad logo, I'm a child of the 80's. The music, movies, clothing, and general culture of that era are personal nostalgia that bring me joy. Aside from the 80's and all things rad, I'm a dad. My family and I are also nature lovers (we have a goal of visiting every National Park) hence the outdoor imagery you'll see on the site. 

OK, so what?

Today's life moves at "Ludicrous Speed" - sorry, last reference - for now. Despite the references, life and the speed at which it moves these days, is most certainly dashed with hardship and tribulations - a distant land compared to the blue sky, crystal water, and sandy beach in the image above. Same goes for what you see from others on social media and hear from friends and colleagues at social gatherings. 

Life isn't always sexy and living it is hard. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The truth isn't necessarily ugly, it's just not sexy in most peoples minds so they don't share openly. Society has proven this is especially true with men. Not a great stat, especially for dads who want to be their best.

Enter a not so novel idea... growing together is easier than going it alone.

OK, who's behind Rad Dad? 

I'm Adam Van Bavel. Rad Dad (the site) is a documentation of my ongoing personal journey to be a better father, a better husband, and ultimately, live a better life. I'm a married 40-ish year old with two active sons. I've worked nearly 50 jobs in my 30 or so working years. 

I firmly believe in adversity and diversity being the cornerstones to having an advantage mindset.

I'm also a HSP, Long COVID RECOVER advocate, and a neophyte Stoic.

Don't know what I'm talking about, but interested? Keep reading - you're likely a kindred spirit.  

While I'm no coach, Rad Dad is my personal archive of people/products/services that exist in my toolbox to "Be Better Today Than Yesterday." I'm in "Perpetual Beta", as my friend and high performance business consultant, Chris Steer says.

In addition to the details shared in the "Why" section of this site, my focus resides heavily around creating community for other HSP, Long COVID, and Stoic dad's.

HSP refers to "Highly Sensitive Person", Long COVID refers to those who have been infected with COVID and continue to have symptoms months/years after initial infection, and Stoic refers to the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. 

For details on HSP:

https://bit.ly/What_Is_A_Highly_Sensitive_Person

For details on Long COVID RECOVER:

https://bit.ly/What_is_Long_COVID

For details on Stoicism:

https://bit.ly/What_Is_Stoicism

My hope is for my journey to be relatable to what other dads are going through. As my journey progresses and the community grows, Rad Dad is a place to learn, share, and grow together. Ultimately, I'd like Rad Dad (the community) to create valuable resources and connections which directly impact the lives of father's globally.

I look forward to connecting and appreciate you taking the time to visit Rad Dad 🙏

P.S. If you're on LinkedIn, you can connect with me here.