John O’Leary welcomes Rob Kenney, lovingly known as the “Dad of the Internet” to the Live Inspired Podcast to share how his YouTube channel Dad, How Do I? has grown to over five million followers seeking practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and, of course, a steady dose of dad jokes.
Rob Kenney, lovingly known as the “Dad of the Internet,” created Dad, How Do I?, a YouTube channel that has grown to more than five million followers seeking practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and, of course, a steady dose of dad jokes. And yet, behind the laughter is a story of resilience, forgiveness, and showing up when it matters most.
At just 14 years old, Rob’s father walked out, leaving him and his seven siblings to figure out life on their own. Years later, Rob transformed that pain into purpose, using his platform to share how-to tips, hope and inspiration.
Today, Rob shares how his faith gave him strength, how forgiving his father set him free, and why his mission to serve others continues to grow.
My friends, you’ll leave today’s conversation with a renewed sense of hope, the courage to forgive, and maybe even the confidence to tie a tie or unclog a drain.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Went South when they went North: When Rob’s parents moved from Wichita to New Orleans to Seattle, their marriage began to struggle and soon divorced.
- Around 14 years old, Rob’s dad decided he was done raising kids and his older siblings would have to take him and his younger siblings in, or go into the foster care system. His 23-year-old brother took Rob in and helped guide him.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 – For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
- Looking to model a different example of a spouse and parent to his children, Rob has prayed for the wisdom to understand the fine line being their parent and their peer.
- “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison an d hoping it hurts the other person. It was killing me.”
- During COVID , Rob became known as the “Dad of the Internet” when he started sharing simple videos such as “How to Tie a Tie,” or “How to Fix a Running Toilet,” and yet he hopes that his channel is more about showing others they aren’t alone.
- Rob starts his videos with “Hey kids!” and ends with “I love you and I’m proud of you.”
- “We are leaky vessels. We constantly need to be reminded of the things we forget.”
- Connect with Rob on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Becky James Hatter, former President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. For more than three decades, Becky has seen how positive relationships can transform not just a child’s life, but their mentor’s and entire communities as well. Like Rob, Becky believes in the power of pouring love, wisdom, and support into the next generation. Listen to Becky James Hatter on ep. 59.
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ROB KENNEY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. The innocence of being able to be friends with everyone. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. The Bible. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Jesus. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Things are temporary. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Don't go to Central. Go to a junior college. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. I tried to please God the best I could. Pleasing people is difficult because it's a moving target. Doing the best to please the Lord gives me a foundation to be able to have peace with the fact that not everybody's is going to like me.
