Welcome To Fatherhood

S5E2: How To Prepare Your Child Today For the Uncertainty of Tomorrow

Welcome to episode 2 of season 5! In this episode I share a helpful perspective a fellow dad shared that's helped me become less anxious about the uncertainty of the future my children will inhabit. I know this perspective will also be helpful for you! Let's connect to let me know what you think: [email protected]  OR DM me @welcometofatherhoodpod on IG

S5E1: Are You Satisfied with the Life You're Currently Living?

Welcome to episode 1 of this new season (my fifth!) In this episode, I invite you to ask yourself this question, "Are you satisfied with the version of life you're currently living today, right now?" This is the question that's occupied my mind in recent weeks, and it's led me down a disorienting rabbit hole in the best possible way.  How have you approached feelings of nonfulfillment and dissatisfaction? What has caused you to feel this way in your experience as a man, father? And what so...

S4E23: An Update & Challenging the Double Standards of Fatherhood

Experiencing a miscarriage as a man is a difficult journey. It's a path I've walked and it led to the creation of "The Miscarriage Dad" platform—aimed at educating, raising awareness, and supporting men and fathers who find themselves in this heart-wrenching terrain. It's an unfortunate reality that compelled me to reinvent my Instagram presence, focusing a little less on the Welcome to Fatherhood brand, to create a much-needed safe space for men grappling with loss. Theme Music Dreamweaver...

S4E22: A Tale of Injustice and Perseverance (ft. Gary Ivory)

Have you ever wondered how deep the rabbit hole of systemic failures and biases in the family court system can go? I invite you to join me in my riveting conversation with Gary Ivory, a resilient father who battled the beast for 16 agonizing years, and learn about his journey of survival, justice, and relentless fight for his child. Gary, a nonprofit executive and author, shares an emotional roller coaster of a narrative that reflects the harsh realities of the family court system and its im...

S4E21: Men, Miscarriage, and Grief (ft. Brandon Byrnes)

When you think about the journey of becoming a parent, the excitement and joy of expecting a child often come to mind. But what happens when that journey is abruptly halted by the heartbreak of pregnancy loss? I recently had the privilege of speaking with Brandon Byrnes, a brave father who opened up about his own experience with miscarriage and the subsequent road to healing. Together, we explored the rollercoaster of emotions that come with such a loss and the importance of sharing our stor...

Empowering Dads: Involving Fathers in the Journey

This episode concludes my conversation with Scott Mair. How can dads be more involved in the pregnancy journey and the early stages of their child's life? This is a question we explore. We discuss the importance of engaging both parents from the beginning of the pregnancy, creating a level playing field for open communication, and understanding each other's roles and responsibilities. Scott also shares his thoughts on supporting both parents' mental health during the perinatal period, the...

S4E20: Empowering Dads: Involving Fathers in the Journey (ft. Scott Mair)

This episode concludes my conversation with Scott Mair. How can dads be more involved in the pregnancy journey and the early stages of their child's life? This is a question we explore. We discuss the importance of engaging both parents from the beginning of the pregnancy, creating a level playing field for open communication, and understanding each other's roles and responsibilities. Scott also shares his thoughts on supporting both parents' mental health during the perinatal period, the...

Empowering Dads: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Strength (ft. Scott Mair)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Scott Mair, a husband and father of 7 boys ranging from 20-4 years old. Privately, Scott enjoys spending time home educating his children with his wife Sarah and traveling with them while trying to remain outdoors as much as possible. Are we truly supporting fathers in their journey through parenthood? Join us in our eye-opening conversation as we explore the evolving roles of fathers and the challenges they face. As we discuss the importa...

S4E19: Empowering Dads: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Strength (ft. Scott Mair)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Scott Mair, a husband and father of 7 boys ranging from 20-4 years old. Privately, Scott enjoys spending time home educating his children with his wife Sarah and traveling with them while trying to remain outdoors as much as possible. Are we truly supporting fathers in their journey through parenthood? Join us in our eye-opening conversation as we explore the evolving roles of fathers and the challenges they face. As we discuss the importa...

My Son Turns 3! (ft. My Wife)

In this special episode, my wife and I reflect on what the past three years have been like with our firstborn son. Thank you for celebrating this special day with and for our family! Show Music Happy Birthday by Birds of Norway New episodes every Wednesday. www.welcome2fatherhood.com

S4E18: My Son Turns 3! (ft. My Wife)

In this special episode, my wife and I reflect on what the past three years have been like with our firstborn son. Thank you for celebrating this special day with and for our family! Show Music Happy Birthday by Birds of Norway

The Evolution Of The Daddying Movement (ft. Allan Shedlin)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Allan Shedlin. Allan Shedlin has devoted his life's work to improving the odds for children and families. He has three daughters, and five grandchildren, as well as numerous "bonus" sons/daughters and grandchildren. Trained as an educator, Allan has alternated between classroom service, school leadership, parenting coaching, policy development, and advising at the local, state, and national levels. After eight years as an elementary school...

S4E17: The Evolution Of The Daddying Movement (ft. Allan Shedlin)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Allan Shedlin. Allan Shedlin has devoted his life's work to improving the odds for children and families. He has three daughters, and five grandchildren, as well as numerous "bonus" sons/daughters and grandchildren. Trained as an educator, Allan has alternated between classroom service, school leadership, parenting coaching, policy development, and advising at the local, state, and national levels. After eight years as an elementary school...

S4E16: A Male Partner's Experience Of Miscarriage PART 2 (ft. Arden Cartrette - The Miscarriage Doula)

This is The Miscarriage Doula's takeover of the Welcome To Fatherhood podcast! Arden Cartrette is the founder of The Miscarriage Doula, a service for anyone who is going through loss, struggling with pregnancy after loss, or is looking for more information on how to get through miscarriage in general. This service was birthed out of Arden's own history with infertility and unexplained pregnancy losses. Arden also hosts the Miscarriage Stories with Arden Cartrette podcast. She is a mother to...

A Male Partner's Experience Of Miscarriage PART 2 (ft. Arden Cartrette - The Miscarriage Doula)

This is The Miscarriage Doula's takeover of the Welcome To Fatherhood podcast! Arden Cartrette is the founder of The Miscarriage Doula, a service for anyone who is going through loss, struggling with pregnancy after loss, or is looking for more information on how to get through miscarriage in general. This service was birthed out of Arden's own history with infertility and unexplained pregnancy losses. Arden also hosts the Miscarriage Stories with Arden Cartrette podcast. She is a mother to...

A Male Partner's Experience Of Miscarriage PART 1 (ft. Arden Cartrette - The Miscarriage Doula)

This is The Miscarriage Doula's takeover of the Welcome To Fatherhood podcast! Arden Cartrette is the founder of The Miscarriage Doula, a service for anyone who is going through loss, struggling with pregnancy after loss, or is looking for more information on how to get through miscarriage in general. This service was birthed out of Arden's own history with infertility and unexplained pregnancy losses. Arden also hosts the Miscarriage Stories with Arden Cartrette podcast. She is a mother to...

S4E15: A Male Partner's Experience Of Miscarriage PART 1 (ft. Arden Cartrette - The Miscarriage Doula)

This is The Miscarriage Doula's takeover of the Welcome To Fatherhood podcast! Arden Cartrette is the founder of The Miscarriage Doula, a service for anyone who is going through loss, struggling with pregnancy after loss, or is looking for more information on how to get through miscarriage in general. This service was birthed out of Arden's own history with infertility and unexplained pregnancy losses. Arden also hosts the Miscarriage Stories with Arden Cartrette podcast. She is a mother to...

S4E14: Father Friendly Spaces (ft. Jessica Torres)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Jessica Torres. Jessica has worked in healthcare for the past 16 years in the area of women’s health, specifically high risk pregnancies and advocating for the wellbeing of both mom and baby. Her expertise is in Diabetes in Pregnancy. Jessica is also passionate about  supporting the mental and emotional health of her patients. She is a mother of two incredible children who inspire her everyday. Jessie and I have been lifelong friends, ...

S4E13: Factoring In Fathers (ft. Sandra Trew)

This week's episode features a conversation with Sandra Trew, who is the CEO and founder of Get Real Parental Coaching.   Sandra has been featured in the Daily Express, commenting on the Royal Family's children. She runs a Childcare Business for working parents, using her 30 years of experience and expertise to help parents build stronger relationships and communications with their children.  As a mother, Sandra understand the challenges of each milestone, so she decided to follow her passi...

S4E12: Talking Through Tragedy (ft. JK McLeod)

This week's episode features a conversation with my guest, JK McLeod. JK is a married father of two children, a 17 year old daughter and a 10 year old son. JK learned from an early age about the pivotal and impactful role that fathers can play in the family. He is the host of a weekly podcast called 'Help Me Understand', which focuses on learning more about the context behind the views, opinions, and events that we experience in everyday life. He is also a personal trainer, focusing on us...

S4E11: Brothers & Fathers (ft. Antonio Rodriguez & Sergio Martinez)

This episode features a conversation with my guests, Antonio Rodriguez and Sergio Martinez. We refer to our trident as the Big 3. Antonio (or Tony) is 32 years old and a father of three, two boys and a baby gurl on the way. Tony is a family man who loves to nurture and spend quality time with his family and play sports with his sons. Sergio (or Serg) has been with his wife since the age of 19. He also is a father of three, two sons and a daughter, his firstborn. Sergio, too, is a family ...

S4E10: Mental Health, Stay-At-Home-Dad, & Life-Work Paradigm (ft. Alex Egeler)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Alex Egeler. Alex Egeler is a former rocket scientist, aircraft designer, and aerospace executive.  When his company went out of business during the pandemic, he knew that he needed to take a step back and focus on his family.  Now he is a husband, father of 4 wonderful sons, and aspiring coach and online course creator.  The journey of being a father and primary caregiver has taken him in directions he didn't expect, but has been the mos...

S4E9: REFORM - Changing Laws Changing Lives (ft. Robert Rooks)

This week’s episode features a conversation with Robert Rooks. Robert Rooks is one of the nation’s premier public safety solutions experts with more than two decades of experience as a grassroots organizer, strategist, and movement leader. Robert is the CEO of REFORM Alliance, a national advocacy organization focused on transforming probation and parole by changing laws, systems, and culture. Under Robert’s leadership, REFORM is promoting smart reforms that reduce unnecessary supervision an...

S4E8: Why More Dads Need To Take Parental Leave (ft. Piotr Jan Pietrzak)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Piotr Jan Pietrzak. Piotr is the Director of International Development at BLIK, a leading European mobile payment system and scheme that is rapidly expanding in other geographies. Piotr earned his executive education certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2022. As a lifelong learner and an advocate of contributing back to the finance sector which he is so passionate about, Piotr prioritizes ongoing collaboration with acad...

S4E7: Updates & Announcements

Hi there! As a faithful follower/subscriber of this podcast I'm sure you had been wondering why there wasn't an episode for this week and last. So I thought it was a good idea to help you not wonder any longer.  And if you listen to this brief episode, all of your wondering will be addressed once and for all! Remember to visit the Welcome To Fatherhood blog by going to my website or through the link tree on my IG account. Your feedback is always welcomed! Write a comment on the blog, or ...

S4E6: Blaming The Marathon & Love and Accountability (ft. Darryl Johnson Jr., Ed.D)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Daryl Johnson Jr., Ed.D. Dr. Johnson is an Education Administrator with a passion for advancing educational policies and procedures as it pertains to engagement, equity, discipline, diversity, and core values. He has over ten years of experience working hands-on with students, parents, and staff in five professional roles. He possesses exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills and has demonstrated strong professional presen...

S4E5: Miscarriage (ft. Sean Johnson)

This is part three in a series of conversations on miscarriage. This episode features my guest, Sean Johnson, who opens up about multiple miscarriage experiences. As always, thank you for spending part of your week with us. Please visit the Welcome To Fatherhood blog by going to my website or through the link tree on my IG account. Your feedback is always welcomed! Write a comment on the blog, or leave a review for the podcast. Theme Music Dreamweaver by Sound Force From Premium Beat S...

Miscarriage: My Story (ft. Alex Ortiz, Jeff Collins, & Augusta Foster)

S4E4: Miscarriage: My Story (ft. Alex Ortiz, Jeff Collins, & Augusta Foster)

This is a conversation about how four dads experienced and coped with losing a child by miscarriage. This week, I finally share my full personal story. Parts of the episode are graphic and may be triggering; please listen with caution. As always, thank you for spending part of your week with us. Please visit the Welcome To Fatherhood blog by going to my website or through the link tree on my IG account. Your feedback is always welcomed! Write a comment on the blog, or leave a review for th...

S4E3: Miscarriage: A Conversation (ft. Alex Ortiz, Jeff Collins, & Augusta Foster)

This is a conversation about how four dads experienced and coped with losing a child by miscarriage. Part 2 will follow next week. As always, thank you for spending part of your week with us. Please visit the Welcome To Fatherhood blog by going to my website or through the link tree on my IG account. Your feedback is always welcomed! Write a comment on the blog, or leave a review for the podcast. Theme Music Dreamweaver by Sound Force From Premium Beat Show Music Do Do Do Do Not by Fant...

Miscarriage: A Conversation (ft. Alex Ortiz, Jeff Collins, & Augusta Foster)

This is a conversation about how four dads experienced and coped with losing a child by miscarriage. Part 2 will follow next week. As always, thank you for spending part of your week with us. Please visit the Welcome To Fatherhood blog by going to my website or through the link tree on my IG account. Your feedback is always welcomed! Write a comment on the blog, or leave a review for the podcast. Theme Music Dreamweaver by Sound Force From Premium Beat Show Music Do Do Do Do Not by Fant...

S4E2: They Grow Up So Fast (ft. Nate Newman)

This episode features a conversation with my  mate from down under, Nate Newman, host of the (Not So) Secret Dads Business podcast. Nate is currently taking a break from podcasting on his own platform, but reached out to me for us to talk about what we're both currently experiencing with our respective sons: not being able to keep up with how fast they're growing up before our very eyes. We discuss a sense of loss and pride that comes with watching our children come into their own, as well...

S4E1 - Welcome & Updates

Welcome to 2023 and a new season of the podcast! In this episode I share brief updates about things that have been happening on my end, as well as new features being added to the Welcome To Fatherhood platform. Welcome To Fatherhood now has a BLOG! You can read this weekly blog by going to my website or through the link tree on my IG account. Your feedback is welcomed! Theme Music Dreamweaver by Sound Force From Premium Beat Show Music Caicos by Ghost Beatz From Soundstripe

S4E1: Welcome & Updates

Welcome to 2023 and a new season of the podcast! In this episode I share brief updates about things that have been happening on my end, as well as new features being added to the Welcome To Fatherhood platform. Welcome To Fatherhood now has a BLOG! You can read this weekly blog by going to my website or through the link tree on my IG account. Your feedback is welcomed! Theme Music Dreamweaver by Sound Force From Premium Beat Show Music Caicos by Ghost Beatz From Soundstripe

The Dad Edge (ft. Larry Hagner)

This episode features a conversation with my guest and host of The Dad Edge Podcast, Larry Hagner. Larry is the proud father of 4 energetic boys and husband of his soul mate, Jessica, for the past 18 years.  He understands that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows every day.  However, Larry's learned skills to optimize his life as a man, husband, and father. Over the past 6 years, Larry has interviewed over 700 experts on parenting, mindset, patience, communication, intimacy, optimizing he...

Black Fatherhood in Media (ft. Dr. Mark Anthony Neal)

This episode features a conversation with my distinguished guest, Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, PhD. Dr. Neal is no stranger to the Welcome To Fatherhood podcast and audience, making his first appearance in season 3 episode 25 They Never Saw Black Men As Fathers. Dr. Neal is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of African & African American Studies and Chair of the Department of African & African American Studies at Duke University where he offers courses on Black Masculinity, Popular Culture...

As Seen On TV: Black Fatherhood in Media (ft. Dr. Mark Anthony Neal)

This episode features a conversation with my distinguished guest, Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, PhD. Dr. Neal is no stranger to the Welcome To Fatherhood podcast and audience, making his first appearance in season 3 episode 25 They Never Saw Black Men As Fathers. Dr. Neal is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of African & African American Studies and Chair of the Department of African & African American Studies at Duke University where he offers courses on Black Masculinity, Popular Culture...

The Autism Dad (ft. Rob Gorski)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Rob Gorski from The Autism Dad Podcast. Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. He is a multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. As always, thank you for spending your Wednesday with us! You can visit the Welcome To Fatherhood website for more information. T...

The Modern Black Father: Adulting & Showing Up (ft. George James, PsyD, LMFT)

This week's episode features a conversation with Dr. George James, PsyD, LMFT.  In his role as Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. James assists in developing innovative programs and services for Council for Relationships including launching a new mental wellness and therapy initiative for athletes and entertainers (from high school and college to professional status through retirement). Dr. James also plays a significant role with media and provides media training for therapists internally and e...

Pancakes For Roger (ft. Susan Combs)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Susan Combs. Susan L. Combs is President of Combs & Company, a full-service insurance brokerage firm based in New York City. Susan started the company at twenty-six years old with a drive to “Do more, better.”  This internal mantra has resulted in numerous successes and firsts, like being named the youngest National President in the over eighty-five-year history of Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) and the first female Broke...

When Adults Don't Get It Right (ft. Nathan Watson aka DadSwagg)

This week's episode features a conversation with my guest, Nathan Watson. Nate is a husband and father, and has a strong social media presence under the handle @DadSwagg,  which started as somewhat of a joke between he and wife, because he thought himself to be the coolest Dad alive; thus the "Swagg". What will become obvious to listeners of this episode is the passion with which Nate thinks and talks about parenting and fatherhood. We talk about his own experiences early on in his father...

Shrouded in Trauma (ft. Eric Taylor)

This week's episode features a conversation with my guest, Eric Taylor. Mr. Taylor is a retired military serviceman and a PhD candidate in clinical psychology where he focuses on children and adolescents. His work involves providing clinical therapy to kids who suffer from complex traumas as well as behavior and eating disorders. As always, thank you for spending your Wednesday with us! You can visit the Welcome To Fatherhood website for more information. Theme Music Dreamweaver by Sou...

What's in a Name? Legacy & Accountability (ft. Nate Newman)

This episode features a conversation with my guest-- and fellow podcaster--Nate Newman, host of the (not so) Secret Dads Business podcast. Make sure you subscribe and support! Nate is a father of one, living in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. He is a father first and foremost, and a metalworker second. Nate is living his best life alongside his lovely wife and energetic son, and is continues to discover things that makes him a better person throughout his journey of fatherhood. A...

Dad in the NIICU (ft. Dr. Chavis Patterson)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Dr. Chavis Patterson.  Dr. Chavis Patterson is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Director of Psychosocial Services in the NIICU. He provides care to the families as they cope with the complexities associated with having a child in the NIICU. Partnering with the interdisciplinary team, he functions as an administrative leader, educ...

It's A Disservice To Not Talk About It (ft. Tom Kreffer)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Tom Kreffer. Tom Kreffer is the author of Dear Dory: Journal of a Soon-to- be First-time Dad, Dear Arlo: Adventures in Dadding, Toddler Inc., and he is the creator of the Adventures in Dadding Newsletter. He loves Star Wars and Marvel movies, and he has a degree in film and television that he firmly believes to be worth less than a second-hand toothbrush. He lives in Northampton, England with his family, whom he intends to exploit for ma...

It’s A Disservice To Not Talk About It (ft. Tom Kreffer)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Tom Kreffer. Tom Kreffer is the author of Dear Dory: Journal of a Soon-to- be First-time Dad, Dear Arlo: Adventures in Dadding, Toddler Inc., and he is the creator of the Adventures in Dadding Newsletter. He loves Star Wars and Marvel movies, and he has a degree in film and television that he firmly believes to be worth less than a second-hand toothbrush. He lives in Northampton, England with his family, whom he intends to exploit for ma...

No One Wants to Talk About That, Quid Pro Quo, & Progress Not Perfection (ft. Patrick Cummings)

This week's episode features a conversation with my guest, Patrick Cummings. Patrick Cummings is an entrepreneur, business coach, and wealth management advisor committed to helping others balance their lives for happier outcomes. He worked in the corporate world for twelve years before deciding, when his children were toddlers, to start his own business and gain control of his time. An active member of his community, Patrick lives in Washington State with his wife, Brooke. Patrick is also...

No Episode This Week (*sad face*)

Sorry guys, there won't be any episode this week. See you next week!

They Never Saw Black Men As Fathers (ft. Dr. Mark Anthony Neal)

This episode features a conversation with my distinguished guest, Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, PhD. Dr. Mark Anthony Neal is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of African & African American Studies and Chair of the Department of African & African American Studies at Duke University where he offers courses on Black Masculinity, Popular Culture, and Digital Humanities, including signature courses on Michael Jackson & the Black Performance Tradition, and The History of Hip-Hop, which he co-te...

Exploring Issues In Modern Day Fatherhood (ft. Dr. Dan Singley)

This episode features a conversation with my guest, Dr. Daniel Singley. Dr. Singley is a San Diego-based board certified psychologist and Director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. His research and practice focus on men’s mental health with a particular emphasis on reproductive psychology and the transition to fatherhood. Dr. Singley won the American Psychological Association’s 2017 Practitioner of the Year Award from the Division on Men & Masculinities. He is Past President of the APA’s...