Meet Zack Telander — Austin-based musician, new dad, and the kind of guy who’ll rip a guitar solo at night and crush a diaper change at sunrise. You can find him on Instagram (@zack_telander) and hear his music on Spotify (search “Telander” and turn it up).

His take on fatherhood is honest, grounded, and absolutely on-brand for the Rad Dad universe.

The Dad Who Had to Slow Down to Keep Up

Zack has lived most of his adult life in go-mode. Music careers don’t care about “balance.” They’re fast, unpredictable, and built on momentum.

Then Charlie arrived.

The hardest part for him wasn’t the sleepless nights, although those are real. It was learning to slow down, to let the world shrink to the size of a baby’s hand gripping his finger.

Funny thing. The hardest part became the best part.

Every morning he goes on a walk with his wife, daughter, and their dog. No rushing. No forcing. Just a young family moving through the world together. He told us it’s the one thing he’d happily do forever.

That’s the type of dad moment you remember when you’re old.

Duty Over Balance

A lot of dads talk about “balance.” Zack laughs at that idea.

He told us, “I don’t. It’s my duty to be a good dad and husband first.” No life hacks. No elaborate systems. Just simple duty and excitement to show up for his family. And when things get overwhelming, he returns to the things that reset him: playing guitar, singing, and lifting. The essentials.

He also protects two non-negotiables:
• Alone time
• Real dates with your partner

Quick Hits From Zack

Hardest part of parenting:
Slowing down. And yes, the sleep.

Most rewarding part:
Those morning family walks.

Wish he knew earlier:
Kids bring emotional balance.

Best advice he’s gotten:
“Your kids are watching everything you do. So do right.”
(A perfect Dad Wisdom fit. )

Typical day:
Up around 6:30, diaper, bottle, walk, play, nap. Repeat until bedtime.

Reset button:
Guitar, singing, the gym.

Flying solo hobbies:
Guinness, wings, YouTube. A legendary trio.

Why This Q&A Stuck With Us

Zack is the blueprint for the modern dad. Creative but grounded. Driven but present. Intentional without being precious about it. He is not chasing balance. He is not chasing perfection (we’ve talked about that one. Progress beats perfect every time. ) He is chasing presence.

Dad Day Takeaway

Slow down. Walk with your people. Keep one ritual that reminds you who you are outside of diapers and bottles. Remember your kids are watching. Let them see a life that’s worth following.

Want more of Zack? Follow him on IG (@zack_telander) and stream his music on Spotify. Perfect soundtrack for that early morning stroller walk. 🎧👶🏼

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