Post Malone has achieved the kind of global success that most musicians can only dream of, but to Post Malone’s dad, Rich Post, the superstar is still the same child he raised in Texas. Known affectionately to the artist’s massive fanbase as “Papa Post,” Rich has long been a vocal supporter of his son’s career. However, in a recently resurfaced podcast clip, he explains that his immense pride in his son—born Austin Post—has very little to do with chart-topping hits or sold-out arenas.
During an appearance on Jeremy G. Barker’s 90 Proof Wisdom podcast, Rich offered a heartfelt perspective on what it feels like to watch a child ascend to world-class fame. For him, the emotional weight of his son’s success is no different than the milestones of early childhood. “It doesn’t feel any different than watching your 4-year-old son get his first hit off at T-ball,” Rich remarked. “The pride is the same. You can’t manufacture that. You can’t make it up. You can’t fake it. You can’t pretend.”
I’m not a super dad because my son’s a world-known musician. I’m a super dad because I’m Austin Post’s dad. And everybody can be a super dad; everybody can be a super mom or a super parent.
The conversation also touched upon the pivotal moment when Austin decided to leave college to pursue a career in the music industry. Rather than pressuring him toward a traditional path, Rich offered a simple yet profound piece of advice that would define his son’s work ethic. He recalled telling Austin that he didn’t care what career path he chose, as long as he committed to being the best version of himself within that field.
Rich even joked that this standard would have applied regardless of the profession, noting that even if his son had chosen a career picking up dog waste, the expectation of excellence and care would remain the same. This philosophy underscores the importance of character over status—a trait Rich sees in both Austin and his other son, Mitchell.
Ultimately, the message from the Post family is one of authenticity. Rich concluded by praising both of his sons for remaining genuine despite the pressures of the spotlight. It serves as a powerful reminder that while the world may see a celebrity, a parent sees the person they helped shape, and true pride is found in the integrity of the individual rather than the scale of their fame.