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Explore every episode of the podcast Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!)

Dive into the complete episode list for Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!). Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Building Trust Around Screens + Social Media | Soren Poulsen on Raising Digital Citizens25 Apr 202500:34:02

Do you feel uneasy about handing your kid an internet-enabled device? Or feel like you know very little about what they're doing online? It can be really tough to broach conversations about this stuff without instantly putting our kids on the defense. We're joined by Soren Poulsen, co-founder of Raising Digital Citizens and father of two, who, alongside his wife, created the Essential Conversation Cards for Life Online. After puzzling over how to prepare their own daughter for her first phone, they developed a new approach to help families talk about digital safety, consent, bullying, and online privacy in a casual manner. Whether your kid is begging for their first device or you’re already deep in the world of screen-time debates, Soren’s insights promise to make your family conversations more productive. After the interview, Adam shares an exciting installment of So That's a Thing Now.

Episode 122 of Modern Dadhood opens with a discussion between Marc & Adam about the topic of digital citizenship. The guys discus how this can be a sensitive topic to broach with young people. The guys introduce Soren Poulsen into the conversation. Soren and his wife, author Jessica Joelle Alexander, co-founded Raising Digital Citizens, an organization aims to empower families to cultivate meaningful, trust-based relationships that support children's safe and responsible engagement with the digital world. Rather than relying on fear or restrictive controls, the organization emphasizes open conversations grounded in shared values and mutual respect. Conversation topics include:

•  The Essential Conversation Cards for Life Online
•  What exactly "hygge" means
•  The importance of parent-child communication
•  Adapting conversations to different age groups and different needs
•  How approaching these conversations early can have positive long-term effects
•  And more!

Stay to the end of the episode to learn about a new phase of life for the Flaherty family in a new installment of So That's a Thing Now.

LINKS
Raising Digital Citizens
Buy the Conversation Cards on Amazon!
Raising Digital Citizens (LinkedIn)
Raising Digital Citizens (Instagram)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Rewind Episode | Thyge Trimble on Preparing For Fatherhood11 Apr 202500:27:56

Feeling unprepared for the challenges of fatherhood? You’re certainly not alone. In this Rewind episode, Editor-In-Chief Tyghe Trimble, formerly of Fatherly, joins us to navigate the roadmap to modern dadhood. When we chatted with Tyghe in November of 2021, he and his team at Fatherly had just released the insightful book Fatherhood: A Comprehensive Guide to Birth Budgeting, Finding Flow, and Becoming a Happy Parent. Tyghe joined us to discuss the book, as well as actionable strategies for effective communication with your partner, maintaining your social life amid the craziness of parenthood, and the art of roughhousing with your kids. Listen to the end for a sidesplitting installment of Confessions.

Tyghe Trimble, a New York City-based dad of two and former Editor-In-Chief of Fatherly, joins the conversation to chat about:

•  What exactly an "Editor-In-Chief" does
•  Why (and when) communication with your spouse can be hard
•  The importance of shared values
•  The unique structure of Fatherly's book
•  A staggering statistic around new fathers' social lives
•  The profound importance (and many benefits) of roughhousing with your kids

After, the guys get their Confessions on... and Marc takes things to a dark and hilarious place.

LINKS:
Fatherly
Fatherhood (excerpts from the book)
Fatherhood (the book at Powell's
Fatherhood (the book) on Amazon
Modern Dadhood Tees and Dadhoodies
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Becoming the "Grown Up Dad" You’re Meant to Be | Joe Gidjunis on His PBS Docuseries08 Nov 202400:40:30

Every new parent stumbles and bumbles their way through learning the responsibilities of their new job, and adapting to their new lifestyle. Most of the "what to expect" books for dads seem to focus on swaddling and potty training, when what we really need is resources for loneliness or advice on how to keep your cool when you're totally overwhelmed. Today's guest, Joe Gidjunis, spent so much time contemplating fatherhood, that he decided to produce a documentary series about it... and PBS loved it so much, they made it available to millions of people. A father of one and former journalist, Joe opens up about his show Grown Up Dad, and how he hopes it will help new dads find joy in being present and in control. Listen to the end for an uproarious (and disgusting) installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?
 

The guys open Episode 113 of Modern Dadhood with a quick catch-up on the 2nd Annual Checket Family Halloween Party before welcoming Joe Gidjunis into the conversation. Joe is the creator and host of Grown Up Dad, a documentary series airing on PBS that explores many of the same topics that this podcast explores. Joe shares about his early ideas for a film exploring fatherhood, and how he landed on a docuseries which has found him traveling the globe, meeting dads, and diving deep on the value of present fatherhood.

After the interview, Marc shares an installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? that has Adam splitting a gut.

LINKS:
Grown Up Dad (official)
Grown Up Dad (PBS)
Grown Up Dad (Instagram)
Joe Gidjunis (Instagram)
Grown Up Dad (Facebook)
Grown Up Dad (LinkedIn)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Rethinking Back to School | High School Teacher Jon L’Ecuyer on The Contentious Return To Learning28 Aug 202000:31:39

Entering into a new school year is anxiety-inducing as it is. This year, for many parents it feels like teetering on a precipice— each way down lined with more questions than answers. We sit down with Jon L’Ecuyer, a high school Government teacher and dad to a second grade daughter, to discuss the choices that his family is contemplating. We talk navigating hybrid learning models, juggling homeschooling with working from home, getting creative with hands-on assignments, and the myriad other back to school considerations. Also, find out whether Marc’s kids share his preferred method of eating an ice cream cone.
 

Episode 25 dives with reckless abandon into a discussion on the concerns,  contemplation, and contention around the fast-approaching school year. Adam and Marc discuss their own arrangements before welcoming guest Jon L'Ecuyer, a father of one 7-year-old daughter and a freshman Government teacher at a school of 3,300 students in New Hampshire.

Jon candidly shares his his personal opinions regarding the return to school for both younger and older students, as well as his district's plans for a safe return. The conversation touches on topics including:
 

•  The challenges of being a two-teacher family
•  Being forthright with our kids about the dangers of the virus
•  The moment the news came in about remote learning in March 2020
•  Expectations for the remainder of the 2020 school year
•  Expectations for the future of learning
•  Why remote learning is often harder for teachers
•  The importance of socialization for high school students
•  What most classrooms look like now
 

Marc shares a recent unusual exclamation in an installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?  before closing out the episode.

We would like to sincerely wish all parents and students a smooth and safe transition back to learning, whatever that may look like.
 

[Episode Transcript]

LINKS:
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

First Time Dad: 3 Month Countdown | Chad Richardson Ponders His Forthcoming Life Change14 Aug 202000:30:36

Expecting your first child can be both exciting and unsettling. There’s so much to learn, do, prepare, and buy before you take on the single most important job you’ve ever had. Becoming a first time dad in 2020, when it feels like the whole planet could just fold in on itself at any given moment, is a different kind of unnerving. Thankfully, Chad Richardson is feeling optimistic and focused on the silver linings as he prepares to take on fatherhood in three short months.

 

Chad Richardson grew up in rural Wisconsin and gained plenty of experience with babies and small children as he was a teenager when two of his younger sisters were born. Now he lives with his wife Katie in their home outside of Boston, and in non-pandemic times, they both commute into the city for work. Chad and Katie also happen to be host Adam Flaherty's brother- and sister-in-law, and in three months, they’ll introduce a new little member into the family. While on vacation together recently, Chad and Adam retreated to the back porch to enjoy the scenic mountain vista, a cold pop, and a conversation about Chad’s hopes, fears, and dadhood goals. They broached topics including:
 

•  Dad humor
•  Having a baby during a worldwide pandemic
•  How to handle visit requests when the baby is born
•  The positives of working from home during the pregnancy
•  Redirecting kid meltdowns and tantrums
•  Threatening your child with consequences
•  The different styles of dad-to-be resources
•  Taking pride in teaching your kid life skills
• The importance of a coffee maker with a programmable timer

Before the conversation concludes, Chad commits to making himself available for a follow up conversation in the baby's first two weeks of life. Adam is excited to capture genuine and unadulterated brain fog, and the prospect of witnessing a full grown man be reduced to tears due to lack of sleep.


[Episode Transcript]


LINKS:
I’ll Tell You What! Podcast
Chad Richardson on Instagram
The Expectant Father
The New Dad's Survival Guide
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee

 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Father Figure, On Camera And Off | Sesame Street’s Emilio Delgado on Being a Role Model and Dad31 Jul 202000:34:33

Imagine, if you will, you’re a young Latino man in your late twenties living in Los Angeles. You’ve just had your first child and you’re pounding the pavement, working your ass off to land any acting gig you can get. And then one day the telephone rings, and the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself… three thousand miles away. That’s the beginning of Emilio Delgado’s journey as both a father and an esteemed actor best known for portraying the beloved Luis Rodriguez on Sesame Street. Emilio joins us on Modern Dadhood to discuss being a father to his son, stepsons, and adopted daughter—and a role model and father figure to millions of kids across the world.


The episode opens with a conversation about paternal influences on kids. Adam shares about how he was not only shaped by his own father’s personality, but by a family friend with a very different parenting style. The guys discuss the communal activity of gathering around the television as kids, and some of the actors who played trusting paternal characters on network television, serving as role models to young people.

Adam and Marc welcome actor Emilio Delgado into the conversation. Emilio is most well known for his role as Fix-It-Shop owner Luis Rodriguez, a Latino actor who joined the cast in 1971 and earned the impressive superlative of “longest running role played by a Mexican American actor in a television series.” The characters of Luis and his wife Maria portrayed the Mexican Americans realistic/accurate/real realistically, which was rare at the time on American television. Emilio’s character literally introduced the Latino culture to millions of American-born children, exposing many to their first Spanish words and providing a launch ramp for further exploration of the many cultures of the world.

Emilio shares fond memories of his time on the set of Sesame Street, the camaraderie with the cast and crew, and working with Jim Henson. Simultaneously, off camera, Emilio was raising his own children and step children, frequently traveling between Los Angeles and New York to keep up with a rigorous filming schedule. We discuss topics including:
 

•   Being a role model to young people
•   Becoming “part of the family” to viewers
•   The familial set culture on the show
•   Working with child actors
•   Recognizing the impact of Sesame Street
•   Learning what it means to be a father, a husband, and a man
•   Bringing his son Aram to the set of Sesame Street
•  Raising his daughter Lauren later in life
•  Being a mentor to newer cast members
•  The stress of being away from home for months at a time
•  Knowing Jim Henson


To close out the show, Marc describes in detail saving his naked toddlers from disaster in an installment of “Did I Just (Have To) Say That Out Loud?”

[Episode Transcript]
 

LINKS:
Emilio Delgado on IMDB
Emilio Delgado on Wikipedia
Emilio’s Instagram
Baa Baa Bamba
Quixote Nuevo
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

The Father My Father Never Was | Andre Jalil on Absentee Dads and Black Fatherhood in America17 Jul 202000:32:35

How often does your kid do something so funny, cute, smart, or outrageous that you wish you could capture it and share it with the world? (And how often do you follow through on that?) Multi-talented content creator and father of one, Andre Jalil, is a master of documenting life with his-two year-old daughter Lyric Sanaa on video. The result is a treasure trove of hilarious and heart melting content that leaves no doubt that Andre, who grew up without his own father, embraces and adores his role as Lyric’s dad.


Most episodes of Modern Dadhood center around topics or themes that hosts Adam and Marc have some degree of experience with… but not this one. Episode 22 finds the guys welcoming guest Andre Jalil, father of one daughter (2 year old Lyric Sanaa), content creator, influencer, music producer, writer, musician, and emcee, to talk about growing up without a father at home, and how Andre uses his social media platform to show aspiring dads how fulfilling and fun fatherhood can be. The guys discuss:

•  The perception and narrative of the Black father
•  Absentee fathers
•  The desire to be present and involved when Andre had kids
•  Inspiring other dads and dads-to-be via social media
•  Protecting your kids without being overprotective
•  Building a family legacy
•  The importance of introducing prominent Black artists and historical figures to our kids
•  Rewriting the history books
•  Developing a plan before having kids. And staying present and available even if you don’t yet have a plan.


A second installment of hit mega-hit Talkin' With Toddlers carries Adam through a range of emotions including giddiness, excitement, pride, confusion, disbelief, and rage... and pleases Marc to no end.


[Episode Transcript]


LINKS:
Andre Jalil on Instagram
The Dad Chronicles on YouTube
Andre’s song “It’s You”
Andre Jalil on Spotify
Andre Jalil Visual Art Store
Joy Marilie
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Bedtime Stories I Tell My Kids, But Maybe Shouldn't | Author Michael Addis on Honesty and Fatherhood03 Jul 202000:33:47

Take a moment to think back across your life. Do you have certain experiences that have always resonated with you, whether significant or unremarkable? Commercial director, editor, show runner, and author Michael Addis has spent years documenting his favorite life stories, and he joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to share about his new book Who’s Your Daddy?: Bedtime Stories I Tell My Kids, But Maybe Shouldn’t. Mike shares some wisdom about honesty and the value of being open and direct with our kids about complex issues, dealing with life’s pitfalls, and questioning the narrative. Also, the the long-awaited return of the super smash hit segment Confessions.
 

Modern Dadhood Episode 21 opens with a few shout-outs to some listeners we love, before Marc and Adam swap humorous stories about their kids’ bedtime routines which sometimes include baths, books, and inventing songs on the spot. Adam introduces a routine called “Switcheroo,” and promptly fails to  explain what it actually means. The guys introduce guest Michael Addis, father of two sons, a commercial director, editor, and showrunner, by day, and an author by night. Michael’s new book, “Who’s Your Daddy?: Bedtime Stories I Tell My Kids, But Maybe Shouldn’t,” documents many stories from his life which he has shared with his two sons, in hopes that they would find valuable and applicable lessons from his experiences. The conversation centers around the value of being honest  with your children and yourself, and not being afraid to share your life’s adventures (and misadventures) with them. Topics include:

•  Using your experiences to make your kids better people
•  Teaching your children to question the narrative and to lack certainty
•  Demonstrating that dad is capable of making mistakes (and being an idiot!)
•  The value of honesty
•  The danger of dishonesty


The guys close out the episode with another round of “Confessions” where Adam reveals a secret celebrity crush, and Marc brags about another podcast that he was invited onto.

[Episode Transcript]
 

Links:
Who's Your Daddy?: Bedtime Stories I Tell My Kids, But Maybe Shouldn't
Michael Addis: Showrunner & Director
Chukka Talk (ft. Marc Checket)
Rick's Big Heart - GoFundMe
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Red Vault Audio

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Putting Your Soul Into Dadhood | Martin Sexton on Fatherhood, Following Your Bliss19 Jun 202000:35:39

Whether it's singing your heart out on stage or spending an afternoon smashing rocks into a lake with a Wiffle ball bat, our kids learn valuable lessons when they see their dad immersed in something he loves. To kick off Father's Day weekend, the guys share the qualities of a solid Father's Day, and Marc waxes philosophical about the values he took away from his own father's woodworking hobby. They welcome legendary musician, dad, and all-around soulful human being, Martin Sexton onto the show and have a marvelous conversation about passion, soul, heartbreak, and fatherhood. And we learn to stay away from the throw pillows at the Flaherty house.
 

The 20th episode of Modern Dadhood kicks off Father’s Day weekend 2020, with Adam and Marc discussing what an ideal Father’s Day might look like. They quickly realize they’re on the same page… it’s about spending quality, low-key time with the people you love the most. The conversation shifts to the value of our children seeing us express appreciation and excitement for the things we love to do.

Moving into the episode topic, Adam reminds Marc of a conversation prior to the launch of Modern Dadhood, where Marc quickly identified  legendary singer/songwriter Martin Sexton as a guest he’d love to have on the show. Marc shares that Sexton’s music has been there for him since he was a teenager, and accompanied him through joyous times and challenging times. The theme of family frequently appears in Martin’s music, and since having children, the lyrics speak to Marc on a totally different level.

Martin shares stories of growing up in a Catholic family of 12. He describes his own kids, each with a unique story, and what being a dad means to him. Unsurprisingly, the soul that you see Martin emanate on stage is the same passion that he finds in digging in the dirt or playing Wiffle ball with his 11-year-old son Shane. Other topics include:
 

•  Supporting your kids’ interests (even when they’re very different from your own)
•  Valuing time together
•  Bringing your all to your work
•  Following your bliss
•  Growing up in a large, diverse Catholic family
•  Giving and receiving “tough love”
•  The importance of hope, faith, and optimism
•  Experiences from your childhood that leave lasting impressions on you
 

The guys wrap up the episode with another installment of “Did I Just Say That Out Loud?” which might leave you hoping that Adam thoroughly cleans the upholstery in his home.


EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Links:
Martin Sexton
Martin on Facebook
Martin on Instagram
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Bubby Lewis
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Kevin White: The Full Conversation12 Jun 202000:35:08

This conversation with Army Officer Kevin White is an extended version of the conversation featured in Modern Dadhood Episode 18.

We understand that with the short-form nature of our show (30 minute episodes), sometimes the conversations with our guests leave our listeners wanting more. Kevin White, Officer in the US Army and father of one, was particularly candid, and we thought you'd like to hear the remainder of our conversation with him.

LINKS:
The Military Father: A Hands On Guide For Deployed Dads (book)
2017 Webinar on Resources for Military Dads
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Red Vault Audio

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Finding Adventure In Active Duty | US ARMY Officer Kevin White on Military Fatherhood05 Jun 202000:32:59

The military lifestyle can be hard. Uncertainty and risk are ever-present, and that stress can affect family members just as much as the active duty soldier... Perhaps even more. US Army Officer and dad of one daughter, Kevin White, shares openly about his family's experience navigating a challenging, rewarding, and often nomadic military lifestyle. Plus, Marc shares about a recent trip to the ER. And, in a new segment called "Confessions," Adam reveals a deep dark secret that might just make his kids lose their very minds.


Marc begins another remote recording session by recounting a recent (and rather traumatic) trip to the emergency room with one of his toddler twins. (Spoiler alert: everyone's okay!)

The guys discuss the phrase (and the act of) "social distancing," and decide that while it's easy to form an opinion based on one's personal situation, there are many variables which impact peoples' social distancing experience. Many don't have the luxury of collecting income from the safety of their home while spending more time than they're used to with their immediate families-- in fact, many people risk their own lives each day serving others. And in the case of our guest, US Army Officer Kevin White, sometimes you are required to put yourself at risk and physically distance from your family for weeks or months at a time.

Kevin candidly discusses his experience in the military including the challenges of being deployed with a wife and young daughter at home, and the unique opportunities that military life presents to his family. Our conversation also touches on:

•  The various types of deployments and missions
•  Making fast friends in new places
•  How to explain to a toddler that their dad will be away for an unknown length of time
•  How to communicate to your child the inherent danger in your line of work
•  Reintegrating back into civilian life as a father

Adam and Marc round out the episode by revealing their deep, dark dad secrets in a new segment aptly titled Confessions.
 

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

LINKS:
The Military Father: A Hands On Guide For Deployed Dads (book)
2017 Webinar on Resources for Military Dads
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Red Vault Audio

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Expanding The Definition of Creativity | Chris Ballew on Fatherhood, Raising Creative Kids22 May 202000:33:31

How do you define creativity? If we encourage our kids to be creative, will they be more successful in life? Adam and Marc explore the topic of creativity with Chris Ballew, lead singer of Presidents of the United States of America, creator of Caspar Babypants, and, dare we say, friend of the show. Also, the trials of talking to our kids about how to say no when something feels off. And what was Marc's childhood buffoonery that should have cursed him with gingivitis for life?
 

Episode 17 opens with a discussion on... you guessed it: creativity. Why is it important? How is it useful? How does teaching and encouraging creativity as dads help our kids in the long run? The guys waste no time introducing a guest who is celebrated frequently on the show, and who is a supremely creative being: Chris Ballew. A father of two, Chris shares stories of his stately tenure with Presidents of the United States of America, his time writing, recording, and performing Caspar Babypants, and of course, being a dad. Born to a line of musicians and immersed in music and art since birth, Augie and Josie Ballew have creativity in their blood. Now in their 20s, Chris explains how they have used that creativity to carve their own paths. Chris shares a personal philosophy on giving your children the tools for success and then releasing them into the world—but confesses that in his own experience, letting go is easier said than done. Other conversation topics include:

•  Involving your kids in your own creativity
•  How to encourage creativity in your kids when you’re not an inherently creative person
•  The Ballew kids' involvement in Caspar songwriting and shows
•  Chris’ recent fatherhood joys and challenges
•  Letting your creation run free
•  The future of Caspar Babypants
 

In an installment of So That’s a Thing Now, Adam chronicles his six year old daughter’s curiosity around “red flags” and “green flags” as described in a book by Zack and Kimberly King.

There’s still time to submit your dad jokes to the Modern Dadhood voice mailbox at 603-431-5465. Along with the help of guest judge Comedian Juston McKinney, the top 3 winners will receive a swell prize from BrüMate.
 

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT


LINKS:
Caspar Babypants
Babypants on FB
New Album: BUG OUT!
Tiny Song Jukebox
Chris Ballew
Chris' Art!
Chris on Instagram
Presidents of the United States of America 
Kate Endle Illustration & Fine Art
I Said No!
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
Why Creativity is the Most Important Skill in the World
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Raising Our Boys To Be Respectful Men | Ted Bunch on Gender, Consent, Fatherhood08 May 202000:35:03

Gender inequality. Vulnerability. Consent. No doubt, these can be tough subjects to broach with our sons. But if we hope to raise our boys to be respectful, emotionally healthy men, then these are conversations which must be had. Adam explores these themes and more with father of six and Chief Development Officer of A CALL TO MEN, Ted Bunch. Plus, Marc has yet another awkward, dairy-themed encounter with his kids. 
 

As life in quarantine continues, Adam and Marc dig in on the topic of talking to boys about valuing women as equals. This sparks a deeper exploration of how, among themselves, men talk about and ally with women—and how these things have evolved over time. Adam introduces guest Ted Bunch, father of six and chief development officer of A CALL TO MEN, an organization devoted to promoting healthy and respectful manhood and shifting attitudes and behaviors toward women. Adam and Ted cover many topics, including:

•  Defining the “Man Box”
•  The “collective socialization” of men
•  Calling men out using affirmation instead of accusation
•  Encouraging young men to be vulnerable
•  What “consent” really means
•  Techniques for having the “birds and the bees” talk with your son
•  Modeling gender equality, and respectful and loving behavior with your spouse
•  Raising your son to be his authentic self
 

Also, Marc asks himself (twice), “Did I Just Say That Out Loud?" The guys promote an upcoming episode on the topic of “dad jokes” and invite listeners to leave their best dad joke in the Modern Dadhood voicemail box at 603-431-5465 for a chance to win a prize from Brümate!

Happy Mother’s Day, Moms!
 

Links:

A CALL TO MEN
ACTM Virtual Trainings
Ted Bunch on Instagram
A Mighty Girl
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Bubby Lewis

 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

What Will Our Kids Be Saying About Us? | Pete Holmes on Fatherhood, Vulnerability, Comedy11 Oct 202400:54:02

What do happiness hacks, magic mushrooms at Bonnaroo, and suburban dadding have in common? Comedian Pete Holmes, that's what. Pete (You Made It Weird podcast, HBO's Crashing) has been a "pie in the sky" guest for since the wee beginnings of Modern Dadhood, and the conversation didn't disappoint. Pete opens up about being a vulnerable dad, the importance of emotional transparency, working six-year-old Lila into his jokes, and more. Listen to the end for an Instant Regret which left Marc feeling like a dink.


Episode 112 of Modern Dadhood opens with the fastest catch-up in the history of the show, so the guys can get straight into their conversation with comedian Pete Holmes, who has been on the Modern Dadhood bucket list since the show was conceived. Pete brought the goods, and the dudes had an in-depth conversation about what it means to be a dad. The conversation took many twists and turns, and includes topics such as:

Listen to the end to hear about Marc's recent Instant Regret!
•  How to balance being a friend and a parent to your kid
•  The emotional extremes of parenting
•  The value of teaching your kids that you are a human
•  Modeling behaviors we want to see our kids embody
•  Embracing vulnerability to foster a stronger relationship with your kid
•  And more!
 

LINKS
Pete Holmes (official)
You Made It Weird (Apple Podcasts)
I Am Not For Everyone (Netflix)
Faces And Sounds (HBO)
Crashing (HBO)
Comedy Sex God (book)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Comedy In The Time Of Covid | THE DAD's Matt Fisher on Humor, Dad Jokes, and Quarantine24 Apr 202000:30:00

Humor can be a welcomed distraction for the writer, reader, performer, and audience alike. And in times of despair, it can be hard to make heads or tails of what’s funny. Matt Fisher, comedian, writer, and on-screen talent with The Dad, joins the podcast to wax about why the role of dad is so ripe for comedy. Things get a wee bit deep as we discuss how a shift from sarcastic and cynical comedy to sincerity and empathy has the potential to bring people together and encourage escapism. Plus, Adam discovers breathing, and Marc gets his punchline stolen.
 

The guys welcome a new wave of subscribers to the Modern Dadhood family before diving right into a weighty conversation with comedian Matt Fisher of “The Dad.” The three swap stories of life in quarantine during the current Coronavirus pandemic and wax philosophical about suddenly being thrust into full-time-teacher mode while also balancing work, parenting, and maintaining your own identity. Matt discusses his work with “The Dad,” a revered organization which self-describes as “not a person; a lifestyle.” But our listeners will likely know The Dad as a website and immensely popular Facebook community constantly churning out dad-themed articles, memes, and videos that are shared widely among fathers and mothers alike. The Dad has offices and a production studio in Brooklyn, but the team—whose content depends on close collaboration—is now forced to create individually in isolation. We discuss how The Dad continues to delicately write and produce humorous content in a time of global panic, and other topics including:
 

•  How life has changed since quarantining
•  How comedy has evolved in response to the pandemic
•  The decline of sarcasm in comedy, and the introduction of empathy and respect
•  Why dad humor is so relatable (and shareable)
•  Humor as a tool for escapism
•  Utilizing The Dad’s platform to celebrate present and involved fathers


The guys give a big thank you and send off to intern Nic Roes, and remind the listeners about collecting dad jokes for an upcoming episode.

You could hear your voice on Modern Dadhood and win a great prize from BrüMate by leaving your best dad joke on our voicemail at 603.431.5465.


Links:
The Dad
The Dad on Facebook
Matt Fisher on Twitter
Matt Fisher on Instagram
Scary Mommy
Carly Jo Carson Breathwork
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Bubby Lewis

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

(LIVE) Nostalgia And Ninja Turtles | TMNT Artist Steve Lavigne on Comics, Kids, Dadhood10 Apr 202000:32:25

Nostalgia, man. It can be brought on by an errant lego or a beloved movie. A longing affection for days gone by can be nearly overwhelming, especially when we catch our own children staring, transfixed at a Matchbox car. For Adam and Marc, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a catalyst for a nostalgic trip. In this special, partly live episode, our hosts meet with Steve Lavigne, one of the original TMNT artists, to talk about his experiences and, of course, nostalgia.


Episode 14 finds Adam and Marc on stage at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH after a screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to moderate a Q&A with TMNT comic artist Steve Lavigne. Between the on-stage portion and a pre-event conversation in the green room, Steve shares stories about his long history with Turtles creators Eastman and Laird, and the many incredible opportunities that his involvement in the Ninja Turtles franchise has presented. Topics of conversation include:

•  The birth and early days of the Turtles
•  The people who inspired the characters
•  Steve’s reaction to seeing his artwork translated to live action cinema
•  Being on the set of the film
•  Meeting Jim Henson
•  Visiting Henson’s Creature Shop in London
•  How Steve’s children felt about the Turtles growing up
•  What inspired Steve to get into comic illustration

The guys continue to discuss the allure of revisiting things from our past, and share comments from their favorite “dad” group about nostalgic movies, items, and experiences other dads are excited to share with their kids.

DADS: We’re working on an episode on DAD JOKES. Leave us a voicemail featuring your favorite dad joke, and you could be featured in the episode AND win an awesome prize from BrüMate. Share your joke by leaving a message at 603-431-5465.


LINKS:
Shellback Artworks on Facebook
Shellback Artworks on Instagram
TMNT film (1990) Wikipedia
Mirage Studios Wikipedia
Jim Henson's Creature Shop
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Red Vault Audio

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Protecting My Kid During A Crisis | Kevin Sturtevant on Fear and Fatherhood27 Mar 202000:31:14

For most dads, when our first child is born, a switch flips inside our brains which alerts us that we're now responsible for protecting another human... and we'll go to extremes to fulfill that responsibility. But how do we protect our kids from an intangible, invisible threat that upends our daily routines and challenges our stability? Kevin Sturtevant shares the story of his six-year-old son Sam's high risk infancy and dangerous vulnerability to viruses like Covid-19, and what his family is doing to stay safe during an uncertain time.


Episode 13 finds Adam in self-isolation, recording at a makeshift work station in his daughters' basement playroom. At two weeks in, social distancing and isolation is starting to become the "new normal", and Modern Dadhood will adapt. Adam chats with childhood friend Kevin Sturtevant, a father of two, from Kevin's family's home in rural Maine. Kevin, his wife Moe, and the kids have wisely vacated their apartment in Portland to isolate and spend time in nature in an effort to keep immunocompromised Sam shielded from the Coronavirus. We discuss topics including:

• Being a stay-at-home dad for several years
• Vaccination awareness
• Having your own identity outside of "dad"
• The feeling of helplessness in protecting your kid from an infections disease
• How to explain Coronavirus to your child
• Modeling strength, stability, and honesty
• Finding the positives and becoming better parents during a pandemic
 

From the recent Modern Dadhood archives, the boys discuss the irrational "NO!" in another installment of "So That's a Thing Now!" 

Not to fret, Marc's now setup with a mic at home and Squadcast will enable the dads to return to their typical asinine banter.

Links:

Boston Children's Hospital: Saving Sam
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Bubby Lewis

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

The Unlearning Process | Stephen Stratton on Transgender Parenting13 Mar 202000:35:52

The mission of Modern Dadhood is to meet and learn from dads whose fatherhood experiences are different than our own. In this episode, guest Stephen Stratton gives us some new perspective and helps us realize the transgender taboo we grew up with doesn't exist in the same way for our kids. If we can bypass the stubborn notion that we might offend someone by asking the wrong question, we might find there’s a ton we have in common simply by being present, engaged dads.


Adam begins Episode 12 by recalling the recent “sweetheart dance” he attended with his kindergarten-aged daughter, and how it differed from their first time attending last year. The guys introduce guest Stephen Stratton, a stay-at-home father of one, who happens to be transgender. Stephen  shares his compelling story from his childhood as a “tomboy” in rural Connecticut, through planning his own family, becoming a father, and raising his son with his partner Josh. Stephen candidly answers questions about his own story, about his son who was assigned female at birth but now chooses “he/him” pronouns, and about how to have a conversation with a transgender person without  being disrespectful, pissing them off, or sounding like a dope. Topics include:

•  Getting past the instinct to avoid people who are different than you
•  Language and questions that are appropriate (or inappropriate) regarding transgenderism
•  Discovering as a teen that the feelings Stephen had been experiencing had a name, and that it was an option he could pursue
•  Stephen’s desire to be a parent, and his personal goals surrounding fatherhood
•  Being a pregnant man (without turning heads!)
•  How a transgender person handles discovering the sex of his baby
•  How to talk to our kids about sex/gender/the transgender community
•  Our children don’t have the same baggage that we have from our childhoods when this was considered much more taboo


The show wraps up with a riveting “So That’s a Thing Now” (spoiler alert... the twin boy toddlers are fighting! When will it stop?) and the guys gush about Marc’s cherished  Hopsulator Trio by BrüMate. Turns out, Modern Dadhood listeners can get 15% off your first order by using the code “DADHOOD”. So use it!

Thanks to Tanner at Portland Pod for hosting and engineering our session with Stephen.
 

Links:

Stephen Stratton's blog
BrüMate (use code DADHOOD at checkout!)
Portland Pod
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Bubby Lewis

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Making Presence A Priority | Musician Tyler Ramsey on Focused Fatherhood28 Feb 202000:30:18

This world is full of distractions. And those nagging distractions often pull us away from the people we care about the most. Tyler Ramsey, solo artist and former songwriter and lead guitarist for Band Of Horses, has actively worked to create a life for his family that reduces distraction and promotes living in the moment. In this episode, he shares that when he’s not touring the world on a bus, a slower-paced, self-sufficient lifestyle leads to a deeper connection with nature and his family.
 

To kick off the 11th episode of Modern Dadhood, Adam and Marc shout out to a few loyal listeners and MD supporters. Then things get real when Marc recounts his childhood in rural Pennsylvania, and expresses hope that his own sons will develop similar imagination and sense of adventure as they grow, despite the unrelenting distraction of modern technology.

Adam introduces guest Tyler Ramsey, who shares the story of raising his infant daughter while on tour with Band of Horses, and how he balances world travel with a slower paced lifestyle in his quiet home outside of Asheville, NC. Tyler, his wife, and now five year old daughter work, play, learn, and share meaningful time together as they explore the great outdoors right in their backyard. Now releasing solo albums, Tyler explains, he has more freedom and ownership over his schedule, resulting in more time being a present dad. Our conversation covers topics including:

• Tyler's decision to move away out of the city
• The impact of nature on Tyler's lifestyle, music, and family
•  Demonstrating to your child that you are constantly learning
• Teaching your kid to be self-sufficient
• The importance of imagination and play
• Offsetting tour life with solitude and space
• Self discipline when working from home
• The raw emotion of holding your newborn
• Being fully present and appreciating the time you have with your family


Links:
Tyler Ramsey (official website)
Tyler Ramsey albums and merch
Forest Creature Dolls (Tyler's wife's company)
I'll Tell You What! Podcast
TMNT Screening & Modern Dadhood Q&A with Steve Lavigne
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Bubby Lewis
Red Vault Audio
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Spose: The Full Conversation21 Feb 202000:41:22

This conversation with rapper Spose is an extended version of the conversation on the topic of music that demands our kids' attention, featured in Modern Dadhood Episode 5.
 

We understand that with the short-form nature of our show (30 minute episodes), sometimes the conversations with our guests leave our listeners wanting more. Our conversation about Spose was a particularly fun one, which we feel warrants its own episode. Laugh along as we discuss fatherhood, music, and topics such like:

• The pros (and cons) of Alexa
• The days of requesting a song on the radio
• The death of the Compact Disc
• The various ways our children are exposed to music
• What makes a particular artist or song appealing to young people?
• Censoring songs for our kids
• The formula for a catchy pop song
• Spose's kids book "Pinecone Pete is Not Impressed"


Links:

Spose
Spose Podcast
Pinecone Pete is Not Impressed
Tascam Porta-02 (we both used to record on this awesome 4 track)
Weezer - Lost in the Woods
Black Pink "Dududu"
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
TMNT Screening @ 3S
(^ this event includes a Q&A with Ninja Turtles comic artist Steve Lavigne, hosted by Marc & Adam!)
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

The Fun Dad Dilemma | Greg Kretschmar on Dad Pranks, Respect14 Feb 202000:29:57

Are you a dad who loves pulling pranks? Are you unable to stop goofing around with your kids, even when it's past their bedtime? Would your spouse say that you're the "fun dad"? If so, this episode is for you. We rap with legendary radio personality Greg Kretschmar about how to maintain authority as the dad, when you also seek the mischief and companionship of a friend.


Episode 9 finds Adam and Marc discussing the thrill of playing a good prank, and the joys and challenges of being a playful parent. Guest Greg Kretschmar shares his own "fun dad" stories, while imparting some wisdom on how to navigate playing the role of both "dad" and "friend." Topics include:

• The satisfaction that comes from making your kids belly laugh
• When your influence comes back to bite you
• When does a boy become a man?
• Embarrassing your kids in public intentionally
• Embarrassing your kids in public unintentionally
• Doing funny voices
• A prank that crossed the line
• Switching from friend to disciplinarian

The guys round out the episode with another installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?
 

Links:

Greg and the Morning Buzz
Greg Kretschmar Photography
Morning Buzz Podcasts
TMNT Screening & Modern Dadhood Q&A @ 3S Artspace
Steve Lavigne/Shellback Artworks
Caspar Babypants
Bubby Lewis
Spencer Explores the Universe
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Terry O'Quinn: The Full Conversation06 Feb 202000:32:24

We understand that with the short-form nature of our show (30 minute episodes), that sometimes the conversations with our guests leave our listeners wanting more. Well, we're here to deliver. In an extended cut of our conversation with actor Terry O'Quinn, he candidly speaks about his experience growing up in a family of 11 with a father who was a prominent and sometimes intimidating figure, and raising his two sons in Maryland, working hard to make a living as an actor. Topics we discuss include:
 

• The implications of having a father who is also your school principal
• Moving your wife and kids around the country for months at a time
• Going to see a movie that you didn't know your DAD was in
• Hitchhiking in Hawaii
• The trend of recreating successful films
• Financial strain
• The joys of grandkids
• Terry's parenthood advice for young actors
• The rise of "binge watching" and "watch parties"
• Alec Baldwin's babies
• The Stepfather 1, 2, and the reboot
• What NOT to say in the delivery room when you set eyes on your newborn for the first time
 

Links:
Terry on Twitter
Terry on Instagram
Terry O'Quinn Filmography
Perpetual Grace, Ltd.
The Sea Captains' "You Were Wrong" (the song about Locke!)
Red Vault Audio
Izotope Rx7
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Balancing Fame With Fatherhood | Actor Terry O'Quinn on Parenting, LOST, Getting Recognized31 Jan 202000:29:57

You might be known as “sir” to your subordinates, “doc” to your patients, or “officer” to the person you're handcuffing. But to your kids, you're just plain old "dad"... even when you're on the big screen opposite Luke Wilson or expertly throwing knives on The Island. In Episode 7, we chat with veteran actor Terry O’Quinn about his on screen roles, as well as the role he didn't have to audition for: Hunter and Oliver's dad.


In Episode 7, Marc and Adam commiserate about heartbreaking daycare drop offs and the importance of consistency and routine. They introduce guest Terry O'Quinn, whose storied career includes roles in The Stepfather I and II, The Rocketeer, Millennium, Heaven's Gate, Star Trek, The X-Files, Patriot, Perpetual Grace, Ltd., and of course, LOST.

Terry shares stories from his own childhood, growing up one of 11 siblings with a father who was also his school principal, and being a young actor raising two boys in Maryland. We learn what life was like for his sons both before and after "Terry O'Quinn" became a household name. Other topics we discuss include:

• Moving your family around the country for months at a time
• Going to see a movie that you didn't know your DAD was in
• Terry's parenthood advice for young actors
• The rise of "binge watching" and "watch parties"
• What NOT to say in the delivery room when you set eyes on your newborn for the first time

Keep you eyes on ModernDadhood.com for the full conversation with Terry.

The boys wrap up the episode with a rousing game of "Talkin' With Toddlers," and open it up to the dads listening to decipher the final sound byte. Dads, cast your vote -- hey@moderndadhood.com


Links:
Terry on Twitter
Terry on Instagram
Terry O'Quinn Filmography
Perpetual Grace, Ltd.
The Sea Captains' "You Were Wrong" (the song about Locke!)
Red Vault Audio
Izotope Rx7
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Carpe Diem, Kids! | Peter Jude Ricciardi on Fatherhood and Following Your Dreams23 Jan 202000:29:59

Making your own way, seizing the day, putting yourself out there. Describe it however you like, but Peter Jude Ricciardi is here to tell you that if you put in the effort, step out of your comfort zone, and don't be afraid to "fake it 'til you make it," you can achieve great things. The best part? Your kids are observing and learning from your work ethic!

In episode 6, we discuss the merits of talking to our kids about pursuing their passions. Adam confesses his dream of once wanting to become a game show host (despite his aversion to being in front of a camera). Marc remembers he once wanted to be a cartoonist (despite his poor drawing skills). Spoiler alert: neither of those careers panned out. During the interview with Peter Jude Ricciardi, we learn that taking chances can yield excellent results and that sometimes you have to fake it 'til you make it — and that's okay. Other things we discuss include:

• How we talk to our kids about their future
• Instilling confidence in our kids
• Encouraging creativity
• Discovering what makes us passionate
• The value of hard work
• Failure to do anything on time anymore
• Explaining personal responsibility to a 6 year old
("YOU need to realize you have to go pee before we leave the house!")
• Our kids are watching us and learning from us all the time

Lastly, Marc takes yet another stab at saying "thank you" to the listeners — and you get to decide whether it's a success or failure.
 

Links:
Brandartica (website)
Brandartica (Instagram)
Woodstock Inn Brewery ("Daddy's Art")
PJR @ CreativeMornings (video)
Marc Summers
Double Dare
Radio Disney
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Explores the Universe

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

High Highs and Low Lows | Ryan O'Connell on Surrogacy + IVF From Dad's Perspective20 Sep 202400:47:56

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a stressful, emotional path to becoming a parent. Adding a surrogate to the equation introduces a new set of risks and stressors. For Ryan O'Connell and his wife, when the stars aligned and their healthy, perfect baby was born, it was nothing short of a miracle... and then they hit the lottery a second time. During our conversation, Ryan opens up about the deeply personal and intricate process of having children via surrogacy, shedding light on the highs and lows that come with it. We explore the emotional challenges, legal complexities, and moments of triumph that the O'Connells faced along the way. Listen to the end for an ego-deflating installment of Kisses and Disses.

Episode 111 of Modern Dadhood opens with a quick catch-up with the guys about the back-to-school process and the crazy, overwhelming nature of parent life. The guys waste no time getting into Adam's conversation with fellow girl-dad Ryan O'Connell, an event manager and prolific blogger. Ryan lives in New Jersey with his family, including his two daughters, nine and four.

Ryan opens up about the highs and lows of dad life, navigating the world of surrogacy, and the emotional rollercoaster involved in starting a family. We discuss the challenges and triumphs he and his wife faced on their path to parenthood, including their experiences with surrogates and the intricate medical and emotional processes involved. Topics include:

•  The process of finding a surrogate
•  What attributes make a couple and potential surrogate click?
•  A brief overview of IVF
•  The potential risks and setbacks of working with a surrogate
•  The emotional and physical toll of miscarriages
•  The legal and financial side of surrogacy
•  And more!

Listen to the end for an ego-deflating installment of Kisses and Disses.

 

LINKS
Giddy Up America (Ryan's blog)
Ryan O'Connell (LinkedIn)
Reproductive Possibilities (surrogacy agency)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Songs, And The Kids Who Demand to Hear Them | Rapper Spose on Fatherhood and Music16 Jan 202000:29:57

Have you had it up to your ears with “Into The Unknown”? Or is your kid more of the “Shake it Off” type? Music can create memories, influence decisions, drive creativity, and can even become the lens through which you view the world around you. We thought someone who writes, performs, and produces awesome songs might possess unique insight into why certain music captivates our kids. Rapper (and dad of 4) Spose proved us right, and dropped some science.
 

In Episode 5, Adam shares a story of a close call involving his kindergarten-aged daughter's tongue and an icy cold metal mailbox. The remainder of the episode is dedicated to the discussion of music: why is it that our children are drawn to certain songs, artists, or genres? Is there a formula to writing a song that will grab the attention of a young person? Adam and Marc gush way too much over their mutual admiration of Caspar Babypants before introducing guest Spose.

From Spose's own studio, he and Adam discuss dadhood-related themes including:

• Kids music being associated with a story/characters
• The elements of a successful pop song
• The music of Frozen and Frozen 2, and composers Robert and Kristen Lopez
• The pros and cons of Alexa
• The ability for our kids to "DJ with their voice"
• Living in a world where there's instant access to any song
• Requesting songs on the radio
• Taylor Swift
• Songwriting specifically for film

Links:
Spose
The Spose Podcast
Pinecone Pete Is Not Impressed
Weezer "Lost In The Woods"
Bull Moose Music
Robert and Kristen Lopez
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Making Memories and Building Self Reliance | Justin Kelcourse on Boat Life09 Jan 202000:29:59

Some parents take their kids to Disney. Some visit Grandma in Boise every July. And some move their family into a small boat for most of the year. Justin Kelcourse, a real estate agent and father of two, shares with us how he and his partner manage to raise their family on a boat.
 

In Episode 4, Marc shares the top three most useful travel tips that he put to use on a recent family vacation with his wife and twin toddlers. Marc and Adam discuss vacation-planning strategies, what types of experiences may leave a lasting impression on your children as they grow, and which ones will disappear from their memory.

They welcome guest Justin Kelcourse, a successful realtor and owner of Kelcourse and Company, a division of Keller Williams Coastal Realty. Justin shares stories of his family's unique lifestyle that surely will result in lifelong memories: living for months at a time on a small boat in New England. In Justin's conversation, the guys touch on topics including:

• the allure of an alternative lifestyle
• financial security
• compact sized baby furniture
• living minimally
• encouraging and building self-reliance in your children
• building confidence and competence
• lack of technology/devices promoting more interpersonal connection
 

Adam and Marc round out the episode with a "The Grudge"-inspired installment of "So That's a Thing Now!" and continue to struggle with the proper send-off.
 

Links:
Kelcourse and Company
Beastie Boys "Ch-Check It Out"
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Explores the Universe

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

I'm Not Crying, You're Crying | Christian Hayes on Vulnerability01 Jan 202000:29:59

Dads have emotions too, and sometimes those emotions make your eyes leak all over your face. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but it is something that makes you wonder: Are other dads out there letting their emotions all hang out? We chat with Christian Hayes, father of two, ex-rock star and current restauranteur star about emotional vulnerability.

In this episode of Modern Dadhood, Marc and Adam catch up about the stinkiest smells from their kids, and the things that make them emotionally vulnerable dads.

Guest Christian Hayes shares of his own vulnerabilities as the front man of hard rock band Sidecar Radio, as the owner of two businesses in a notoriously tough industry, and as a father of two young daughters.

The episode wraps up with Modern Dadhood's homage to "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" in a segment called "Did I Just Say That Out Loud?" where Marc and Adam share stories about ludicrous exclamations that came out of their mouths lately in the presence of their kids.

Links:
The Garrison, Yarmouth, Maine
Sidecar Radio
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Diaper Genie
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

When Our Schedules Don't Align | Josh Cecot on Parenting31 Dec 201900:29:59

People have to work, no mystery there. What is a mystery, though, is how best to make sense out of busy schedules when kids are in the picture. Do you want to know who holds the key to that mystery? Us too! That's why we talked with Josh Cecot, someone who juggles an irregular schedule as the General Manager of a restaurant with being a husband and a dad of two.


In this episode of Modern Dadhood, Marc and Adam commiserate about the aches and pains that come with getting older, and about graduating from a crib to a toddler bed.

The podcast's introductory guest is Josh Cecot, and the three discuss the pros of having one-on-one time with your children when you're solo parenting, and the cons of having less time as a complete family unit than you'd like.  Additionally, we discuss:

•  the feeling of guilt when work prevents you from being with your kids
•  the importance of distraction
•  restaurant etiquette when you're dining with kids
•  staying at work a little later than you need to as a favor to your spouse 
•  the desire to take your children on adventures
•  the need for hand signals with other parents in public
•  the importance of letting it go-- (not like the song)

Josh Cecot proved his candidacy as a returning guest right away. He'll be on our short list... especially because he showed up with  80s movie references at the ready, and good craft beer.
 

Links:
York River Landing
Caspar Babypants

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

The Setup29 Dec 201900:16:11

Welcome to Modern Dadhood, an ongoing conversation about the joys, challenges, and general insanity of being a dad in this moment. Meet the hosts Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket, and enjoy the first installment of "So, That's a Thing Now!"

In our introductory episode, Adam Flaherty and Marc introduce themselves, reveal the inspiration behind starting Modern Dadhood, and set the stage for what you can expect from the podcast moving forward.
 

Links:
Anchor Line
Calypso Agency
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Spencer Explores the Universe
 

 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Exhausted, Burned Out, And Perpetually Behind | US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Parenting, Fatherhood30 Aug 202400:50:25

Do you feel perpetually behind? Or so stressed each day that it’s debilitating? Well, it turns out you’re not alone. (Far from it, actually.) The US Surgeon General reports that 48% of parents say that most days, their stress is “completely overwhelming.” How do we know this? Because the Nation's Doctor told us himself. US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, joins us to discuss his new advisory report “Parents Under Pressure,” which explores why so many parents are struggling, and what we as a country can do to begin to reverse this trend.


In Episode 110 of Modern Dadhood, the guys catch up briefly on the beginning of the school year, and offer a quick explanation for why the episode release schedule has been a little slow lately. They reflect on interviewing Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General and dad of two, about his new Advisory, "Parents Under Pressure," including what inspired him to write it, how his own fatherhood experience informed the topic, and what he sees as solutions to reducing stress and improving the well-being off parents. Topics include:

•  What factors are causing so much stress in parents?
•  Parenting should be seen as a team effort, not an individual pursuit
•  The lack of support available to dads specifically
•  High levels of loneliness, especially among single parents
•  How do technology and social media play a role?
•  Societal capability to make significant changes
•  Dr. Murthy's thoughts on solutions / interventions
•  And more
 

LINKS
Read The Advisory "Parents Under Pressure"
US Surgeon General (official)
Dr. Vivek Murthy (Instagram)
Surgeon General (Twitter/X)
Surgeon General (Facebook)
"House Calls" Podcast
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Rewind Episode | Sean Carrillo on Being Beck's Step Dad26 Jul 202400:32:20

Still riding the high of seeing Beck perform with a live orchestra (and getting the rare chance to say hello to him post-show), Adam chose to resurface our 2021 interview with Beck's step-dad, the multi-talented Sean Carrillo, for this week's Rewind episode. Sean's story of marrying into a family with two kids who were only 10 and 12 years his junior, is a wonderfully unique tale of a blended family of artists which, at times, felt more like a group of peers hanging around, inspiring each other.
 

At 60 years old, Sean Carrillo's career has taken him from the performing arts to commercial and film production, directing, and editorial, to curating live events... and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Sean has been a stepfather for  40 years, and his family dynamic is far from typical. His wife Bibbe Hansen is a performance artist and actress, a protégé of Andy Warhol when she was young. Bibbe’s late father is Al Hansen, the renowned Fluxus artist. And his stepchildren are artist Channing Hansen, and musician Beck—a longtime favorite of Adam’s.

Sean shares about growing up in Los Angeles in the 60s and 70s, meeting Bibbe while a member of the performance art group ASCO, and marrying her in the early 1980s when Beck and Channing were 12 and 10 years old, respectively. In a particularly unique step-parenting situation, Sean found that hanging with Bibbe and the boys, along with Rain Whittaker, a family friend who they took under their wing, felt more like hanging out with a group of peers than a  traditional parents/kids dynamic. Topics include:

•  The idea of marrying someone with kids close to you in age
•  Beck and Channing’s biological father David Campbell
•  Los Angeles’ Troy Cafe, owned by Sean and Bibbe
•  Did being a stepfather change when Beck and Channing began seeing commercial success?
•  Beck and Channing as fathers
•  And more
 

LINKS:
Sean Carrillo
Bibbe Hansen
Beck
Channing Hansen
Beck and Al Hansen: Playing With Matches
Troy Cafe
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Dismantling Birth Care Stereotypes | Teddy The Doula on Empowering New Moms AND Dads12 Jul 202400:37:25

Have you ever wondered about the true value that a doula brings to pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond? We're joined by Timothy Gant Jr., also known as "Teddy The Doula," a trailblazing male doula from Houston, Texas. Timothy shares his journey into the traditionally female-dominated field, the unique challenges and joys of his practice, and the vital role of educating and empowering dads-to-be.

Episode 108 of Modern Dadhood opens with the guys swapping stories about their evenings, with Marc venting about being emotionally beaten down by his kids, and Adam enjoying some beach time and booking a dream guest. The guys transition the conversation to the topic of doulas, and introduce Timothy Gant Jr., known professionally as Teddy The Doula, into the conversation. Teddy shares openly about his full-spectrum doula practice, and how being a man in a female-dominated industry awards him some unique opportunities. Topics discussed include:

•  What unique challenges come with being a male doula?
•  Why did Timothy pursue his passion in the face of adversity?
•  What are the unique benefits of having a male doula?
•  The importance of education around pregnancy and childbirth for both partners.
•  The various ways that a doula can support and advocate for the new parents
•  And more!

LINKS
Teddy The Doula (Instagram)
Teddy (the documentary)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Rewind Episode | She / Her / DAD | Tessa White on Trans Fatherhood14 Jun 202400:53:03

This "Rewind" episode doubles as our Father's Day 2024 episode! The guys chat about what an ideal Father's Day would look like, play a fun quiz game, and then throw back to the 2022 interview with trans dad Tessa White who shares candidly about her unique journey of trans fatherhood. Tessa opens up about her family's dynamics, the challenges she faces with public scrutiny, and the profound impact of a meaningful pin she received, which reads "She/Her/DAD."


The guys open Episode 107 of Modern Dadhood with a chat about what an ideal fathers day would look like (spoiler alert... pretty much anything as long as the kids aren't fighting!) They discuss beers on the beach at night, a giant ball of snakes, and then play a Father's Day Quiz before throwing to their 2022 interview with trans dad Tessa White. Tessa owns an HVAC company in Oklahoma City, is a transgender woman and proud LGBTQ+ advocate and activist, and is a parent to 5 children (including two sets of twins) who call her DAD. The powerful conversation touches on topics including:

•  The meaning of the phrase "She/Her/DAD" found on a pin by Dads Hug Too
•  Navigating the world as a trans woman and a parent
•  The debate over transgender athletes
•  Trans discrimination, and the effects on Tessa's kids
•  Giving kids some space and distance to accept who their father is
•  Pronouns, including nonbinary pronouns
 

Happy Pride Month, and Happy Father's Day to EVERYONE who identifies as a dad.
 

Links:
Dads Hug Too
PFlag Oklahoma City
OKC Pride
Diversity Center of Oklahoma
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

U Mad Bro? | Men's Coach Sean Hotchkiss on Anger, Trauma, and Healing31 May 202400:49:00

According to Men's Coach and Somatic Practitioner Sean Hotchkiss, everyone carries traumatic experiences with them from when they were young. These can be major emotional traumas like the divorce of your parents, or they can be micro traumas... but when they are left unresolved, they can shape who we are as adults (and parents), how we navigate life, and how we relate to others. In this episode honoring Mental Health Awareness Month, Sean Hotchkiss joins the conversation to discuss the real value of expressing anger and the benefits of unpacking our traumas of the past, all the way down to a cellular level.


Episode 106 of Modern Dadhood, Adam and Marc open the show by welcoming new listeners, and giving shout-outs to Hark Audio, where Adam recently created his first Harklist, and Pocket Casts for generously highlighting Modern Dadhood in the Kids & Family category. The guys acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month and introduce the guest into the conversation. Sean Hotchkiss is a Men's Coach, Somatic Practitioner, and Embodiment Guide. He works with men (many of whom are dads) to uncover and process traumas of their past. The conversation gets deep, covering topics like:

•  What it means to be a somatic practitioner and embodiment guide
•  What inspired Sean to transition from fashion writing to coaching
•  What are the most common sources of trauma for men?
•  How are repressed traumatic experiences accessed and processed?
•  Who can benefit from this kind of coaching?
•  And more!

Marc rounds out the episode with a quick installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?


LINKS
Sean Hotchkiss (official website)
Sean Hotchkiss (Instagram)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Mother's Day Special 2024!10 May 202400:32:48

It's Mother's Day 2024, and we dedicate this episode to ALL the moms—the real superheroes who make our families run like well-oiled machines with their dedication, selflessness, and boundless love. Marc and Adam wager guesses on what would make for an ideal Mother's Day for their wives (and then hear directly from their wives about how accurate they were!) Then we turn the mics over to some of the top podcasters who specialize in all things MOTHERHOOD to share their insights and sound advice for us dads.

THANK YOU to all the amazing motherhood podcasters who shared their recordings with us! You are awesome!

LINKS
Bite Your Tongue (Podcast)
Oh Crap! Parenting  (Podcast)
Momwell  (Podcast)
Real World Peaceful Parenting  (Podcast)
Modern Mom Probs  (Podcast)
Moms On Call  (Podcast)
Peaceful Parenting Podcast
Motherhood Simplified  (Podcast)
 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Rewind Episode | The Today Show's Craig Melvin on Fatherhood, Parenting03 May 202400:32:38

In July 2021, Dateline NBC reporter and Today Show personality Craig Melvin joined us to talk fatherhood. He shared candidly about the process of writing his book Pops: Learning To Be A Son And A Father, including stepping out of his comfort zone to conduct a number of interviews with his own dad. Craig reflected on his childhood, his relationship with his father, and how the men in his life have shaped the dad that Craig is to his own kids. Listen to the end of the episode for a round of dad Confessions.

In this Rewind episode, the guys welcome NBC anchor/personality Craig Melvin’s new book Pops: Learning To Be A Son And A Father, a book he began working on during a 2020 quarantine. For much of Craig’s life, he and his brothers didn’t have much of a relationship with their father Lawrence, largely due to his alcohol and gambling addictions. A 2018 family intervention cleared a path to recovery for Lawrence, and an opportunity to redefine relationships with his sons and grandchildren—Including Craig’s son and daughter. Craig shared candidly about his family, and the process of interviewing his father for Pops. Topics include:

• The inspiration for writing Pops
•  The fear of interviewing a parent
• The importance of other “father figures” in Craig’s life
•  The nature of addiction
•  How the notion of “it takes a village” has shifted
•  Craig’s kids’ relationship with their grandfather
•  What “Modern Dadhood” means to Craig
•  And more!

The guys round out the episode with a new batch of dadhood Confessions.

 

LINKS:
Craig Melvin (Instagram)
Dads Got This!
"Pops: Learning To Be A Son And A Father"
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal
Modern Dadhood (website)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Making Mealtime a Family Affair | Chef David Nayfeld on Picky Eaters + Family Friendly Recipes28 Mar 202500:55:47

Struggling with kids who are picky eaters? Want to involve your kids in meal preparation but don't know where to start? This episode is for you. We welcome esteemed professional chef (and professional dad) David Nayfeld, who brings fresh ideas to your family kitchen. With his upcoming cookbook, Dad, What's for Dinner?, David shares recipes and strategies for engaging your kids in cooking—transforming mealtime from a chore into an adventure. And for parents of kids who only like mac and cheese with a side of pre-packaged preservatives, David offers insights into making meals and snacks that are fun, healthy, and easy to prepare. Stay to the end for the first installment of a new segment, How Would You Dad This?


In Episode 120 of Modern Dadhood, hosts Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket delve into the culinary and paternal worlds of David Nayfeld, a professional chef based in San Francisco. Known for his expertise in some of the top kitchens globally, Nayfeld shares insights about his upcoming cookbook Dad, What's for Dinner? which is packed with recipes designed to engage children in the cooking process.

Throughout the interview, they explore key topics such as the joys and challenges of involving kids in cooking, tips for managing picky eaters, and the importance of planning nutritious meals. David also discusses his unique family dynamic, referencing his role as a father to his biological and "bonus" children and how these experiences have influenced his culinary approach. Conversation topics include:

•  How inviting your kids into the food preparation process inspires them to take ownership of what they are making, (and more likely to eat it themselves!)
•  Strategies for Picky Eaters
•  Tricks to get kids to try new foods
•  Meal planning strategies
•  Family cooking activities
•  And more!
 

After the interview, listeners are invited to participate in a new segment, How Would You Dad This? where they can offer advice on common parenting scenarios. Marc ponders how you might have handled a situation involving scrambled eggs and a kid who was late to the party.

[Episode art photo by Eric Wolfinger]

LINKS
Pre-Order Dad What's For Dinner?
David Nayfeld (Instagram)
David Nayfeld (X)
David Nayfeld (Facebook)
David Nayfeld (LinkedIn)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Breathe, Feel, Then Move | Ryan Cooper on Fitness, Breathing, Combating The Dad Bod19 Apr 202400:44:34

Dads, raise your hand if becoming a parent resulted in falling out of healthy routines like exercise and mindful eating? Yeah, same here. And it's only natural... when there's a new baby in the picture your priorities immediately shift to your partner, the baby's well-being... and your own survival. But months (or years) later, it can be very intimidating to think about combating that "dad bod," and often, we don't even know where to start. Fitness founder Ryan Cooper joins us to share some actionable tips dads can use to revitalize their fitness journeys. As a bonus, Ryan extends listeners an exclusive Modern Dadhood discount code for his online fitness program CooperFit. Stick around to the end for an emotional roller coaster of a Kisses & Disses segment!


Episode 103 of Modern Dadhood opens with a chat about the infamous "dad bod" and the factors that contribute to it being so common among dads in the earliest stages of parenthood. The guys talk about their own relationships with diet, exercise, and wellness around the time when their kids were born, and where things stand now, years later.

The guys welcome Ryan Cooper into the conversation. Ryan is a model, an actor, a producer, and founder of CooperFit, an online physical fitness program for men and women in which Ryan programs weekly routines that include exercises, pilates, meditation, breathing, and more. Ryan shares about his personal journey as a dad of one daughter, what led him to start CooperFit, and how his program can benefit dads who might not now where to start when it comes to getting their health back on track. Conversation topics include:

•  What CooperFit is, and how it offers structured convenience for busy dads
•  Fitness as a form of therapy form to tackle the root of problems
•  The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone
•  The real value of breathing and breathwork
•  How modeling behavior can positively influence children
•  And more

Ryan generously offers a deeply discounted rate for listeners of Modern Dadhood using the code DAD50 when you sign up for CooperFit using this link.

After the interview, the guys share a very nice podcast review from a happy listener and a... not-so-nice one. Leave your review and you might be featured in a future episode!
 

LINKS
Cooperfit (homepage)
Cooperfit Modern Dadhood Exclusive Offer - Use code DAD50
Ryan Cooper (Instagram)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Rewind Episode | Matt Gourley on Being a New Dad, Finding Balance06 Apr 202400:28:41

Episode 59 originally aired in February, 2020.

Becoming a new parent can be a special kind of mayhem. Add a global pandemic into the mix, and the chaos of the first few months are elevated to a new level. But depending on your situation, those challenges may be coupled with opportunity. In Episode 59, podcaster, producer, actor, and all around creative human, Matt Gourley, joins the conversation to discuss the joys, challenges, and insanity of new fatherhood—and how this shift has helped him discover some new perspective on what’s truly important.
 

Episode 59 of Modern Dadhood kicks off with a short discussion about the podcast's brief winter hibernation where the guys describe life chugging forward and the typical madness of having young kids. Adam shares the story leading up to landing a conversation with new dad Matt Gourley. Matt is the host of Superego, producer and co-host of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, actor, musician, and designer. In our time together, we discuss topics including:

•  Finding peace in the first few months of parenthood
•  The importance of a paternity leave
•  Redefining work/life balance
•  The importance of maintaining a sense of self
•  Anxiety associated with trying to keep your newborn safe during the pandemic
•  What kind of dad Matt envisioned he'd be before having kids

Post-guest, Marc shares a whopper of a Did I Just Say That Out Loud? which can't be described... the story must be heard to be believed.

LINKS:
Matt Gourley (website)
Matt Gourley on Twitter
Matt Gourley on Instagram
Housecat And Home
Keys to the Kingdom
Mallwalkin'
Townland
Superego
Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
With Gourley and Rust
I Was There Too
James Bonding
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Red Vault Audio
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Many Ways To Say I Love You | Dr. Francois Clemmons on Cosmic Fatherhood + Fred Rogers22 Mar 202400:44:11

For those of us who grew up watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers taught us many lessons via his cast of characters in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe; the most prominent of which is that there are many ways to express your love and appreciation for someone. One member of that cast in particular, Dr. Francois Clemmons ("Officer Clemmons" on the show), carries forth that message even today. Dr. Clemmons joins us to discuss his "cosmic father, cosmic son" relationship with Fred Rogers, spreading love and kindness through music, and how paternal love can flourish even in the absence of a biological relationship.


The guys kick off Episode 101 of Modern Dadhood with a short therapy session where Marc vents about the illnesses that have run rampant in his home and the unfortunate passing of the Checket family dog. The guys quickly celebrate crossing the 100 episode threshold, give major thanks and props to audio engineer + mixer Pete Morse, and let the audience know about the passing of Aram Delgado, the son of the late Modern Dadhood guest and Sesame Street star Emilio Delgado.

The guys transition to their recent conversation with teacher, actor, singer, and "cosmic father" to many, Dr. Francois Clemmons. For decades, Dr. Clemmons played the beloved character Officer Clemmons on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and in the early days, he quickly developed a professional relationship and close personal friendship with Fred and Joanne Rogers. Dr. Clemmons joins us to talk about his lifelong desire to be a father, and how he has achieved that despite not having biological kids of his own. He also shares about experiences working with Mister Rogers, including the famous scene where the two men bathe their feet in a kiddie pool on a hot day. Other conversation topics include:

•  Fred & Francois' mutual love of studying and discussing the Bible
•  Francois' sexuality and how it was handled on and off the show
•  Life lessons that Francois learned from his time on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
•  Francois' passion for mentoring students in a fatherly manner
•  The Harlem Spiritual Ensemble
•  The historical significance of the most famous "Officer Clemmons" scene
•  Francois' ability to identify cosmic parents around the world
•  And more!


LINKS
Dr. Francois Clemmons (homepage)
Most Famous Officer Clemmons Scene (with commentary)
Won't You Be My Neighbor documentary (Netflix)
Francois Clemmons' GoFundMe
Aram Delgado GoFundMe
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Boredom Is The Birth of Art | Author Brady Smith on Parenting, Skateboarding, Kids' Books08 Mar 202400:49:23

What do bugs, sandwiches, skateboarding, comics, Saved By The Bell, mural painting, a chicken coop... and DADHOOD all have in common? Well, they have author and artist Brady Smith in common. (Duh.) Brady returns to the podcast to chat about many of the seemingly random things listed above... but most of all, how much he and his wife Tiffani Thiessen love being Harper and Holt's parents. After, Adam shares a straight-forward but delightfully odd Did I Just Say That Out Loud?


Despite being a rather epic milestone, Episode 100 of Modern Dadhood starts off like most other episodes, with a quick catch-up between the guys. Marc shares about his twin boys' epic Star Wars themed 6th birthday party (complete with home-made games) before they welcome author, artist, and friend to the show Brady Smith back for a second appearance. Brady shares what's new in his fatherhood journey (Spoiler alert: lots of skateboarding & Sephora), how he and Tiffani work hard to raise creative, kind, and empathetic kids, and he shares a teaser of his newest book "Bug Sandwich." Topics include:

•  The feeling of celebrating your partner's 50th birthday
•  Getting comfortable being the "dorky" skateboarding dad
•  The freedom of self-employment
•  The unexpected challenges of painting a mural
•  The first time Brady's daughter watched "Saved By The Bell"
•  Involving Brady's kids in his work
•  And more!

After, Adam discloses an odd dinnertime exclamation in an installment of "Did I Just Say That Out Loud?"

Episode art photography by Rebecca Sanabria

LINKS
Brady Smith (official website)
Brady Smith (Instagram)
Bug Sandwich (Powell's books)
Random Acts of Drawness!
You're Missing It!
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal
Modern Dadhood (website)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Rewind Episode | Danny Tamberelli on Nickelodeon, Nostalgia, Fatherhood01 Mar 202400:31:00

A Day-Glo orange splatter of paint. A geyser of green slime. A seductive forearm tattoo named Petunia. If this doesn't conjure up some serious nostalgia, you either weren't a kid in the 90s, or your mom banned you from watching Nickelodeon. We invited Nick veteran and new dad Danny Tamberelli to the podcast to chat about growing up in the spotlight and how fatherhood is treating him 19 months into his journey. Tune in to find out whether Danny and Adam have actually been cosmically linked ever since one fateful day in 1997 at Universal Studios. Also, Marc exclaims profanities as he is doused with bodily fluids.
 

Episode 35 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief conversation about milk, and speculation on why Adam's daughters both decided that they no longer care for it. The guys briefly address their guest selection process before introducing Danny Tamberelli into the conversation. Danny is best known for playing little Pete on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete and Pete in the 90s, though he continued with the network for over a decade, appearing in seasons of All That and the game show Figure It Out. Additionally, Danny appeared in films such as Igby Goes Down and The Mighty Ducks, acting alongside former Nickelodeon pal Kenan Thompson, and has voiced many animated characters for television and video games. Danny discusses the events that led to him landing prominent acting roles as a child, as well as his own experience as a new dad to 19 month old Alfie. Topics include:

•  The joy of being the fun uncle
•  An examination of Sandra Boynton's catalog
•  Old fashioned names coming back into style
•  Being a child actor
•  Weezer's Blue album
•  How creativity can evolve when you become a father

The episode culminates with a rather "shitty" installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?
 

[Episode Transcript]
 

LINKS:
Danny Tamberelli (official website)
Tuesdays With Alfie (Instagram)
The Adventures of Danny and Mike
Jounce
Nostalgia Personified
Man Boobs Comedy
The Undone Sweaters
The Adventures of Pete And Pete (YouTube)
Danny + Katelyn's books
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal
Modern Dadhood (website)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

What Is a "Lead Dad" ...And Could I Be One? | Paul Sullivan on Fatherhood16 Feb 202400:43:20

When you hear the phrase "Lead Dad," what does it make you think? A "stay at home" dad? A dad who prides himself on being the more involved parent? To Paul Sullivan, Founder of The Company of Dads, being a "Lead Dad" is much different... and many of us naturally fall into the category. Hear Paul discuss The Company of Dads' mission to inspire more men to be Lead Dads, and inspire families to experience their full potential. At the end, Marc shares a curious installment of "Did I Just Say That Out Loud?"
 

Modern Dadhood Episode 98 opens with a brief catch-up between the guys before Adam shares about a video that recently crossed his feed about a group of dads who meet at a local elementary school to greet kids as they arrive for their school day. The video was shared by Paul Sullivan, Founder of the Company of Dads and father of three daughters between 6 and 14. Paul joins us to chat about his organization, its mission, and what it means to be a "Lead Dad." Topics of conversation include:

•  How did The Company of Dads come to be?
•  What is a Lead Dad?
•  By labeling oneself a Lead Dad, is it taking credit from the mom?
•  Average maternity & paternity leaves in the USA
•  Resources available to Lead Dads
•  And more!

Stay tuned for an installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? featuring the newly 6-year-old Checket twins.

LINKS:
The Company of Dads
The Company of Dads (Instagram)
Paul Sullivan (LinkedIn)
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Caspar Babypants
Stuffed Animal
Modern Dadhood (website)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Parenting Podcast Collab | Margaret Ables + Amy Wilson of What Fresh Hell02 Feb 202400:59:12

What fresh hell is this episode all about? Well, it's a collaboration with our new friends Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, hosts of the popular momhood podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. The four parenting podcasters waste no time digging into why there are so many more motherhood podcasts than fatherhood podcasts, the value of gaining new perspectives, and how the role of the father has dramatically shifted over the decades... and could stand to continue evolving!


Episode 97 of Modern Dadhood kicks off with Adam ribbing Marc for neglecting to call or text him on his birthday which he shares with both his dad and his daughter. Marc clearly feels no guilt, and Adam proceeds to inhale a helium balloon to introduce the show. The guys quickly welcome Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson, hosts of the podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood into the conversation to discuss the "WHY" behind each podcast, the moms' take on the current state of fatherhood, and more. Topics include:

•  The story behind the name (and phrase) "What Fresh Hell"
•  How topics are chosen for their motherhood podcast
•  The benefits of having access to experts and people we admire
•   How "Modern Dadhood" is different than "Modern Fatherhood"
•  How women and men often prioritize the role of "parent" differently
•  Shifting gender roles
•  And more!

After the interview, the guys share a roller-coaster-of-a Kisses & Disses segment.


LINKS:
What Fresh Hell (Podcast)
What Fresh Hell (Website)
WFH (Instagram)
WFH (TikTok)
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Caspar Babypants
Stuffed Animal
Modern Dadhood (website)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

An Actor's Guide to Thriving in Single Parenthood | George Basil on Fatherhood, Raising a Teenager19 Jan 202400:53:35

Being a single parent may result from an unplanned pregnancy, the relationship between two partners evolving or ending, or a purposeful decision. No matter the reason, it's fair to assert that single parents will navigate some unique challenges when raising a kid. George Basil (HBO's Crashing, Netflix's Flaked) joins us to reflect on raising his teenage daughter as a working actor and improv comedian, and how their relationship, in many ways, is a true partnership. George hangs around for a round of Confessions!


The guys kick off Episode 96 of Modern Dadhood with a quick discussion on dinnertime conversations with our kids and the types of questions which can inspire them to open up and share about their school day. The guys waste no time introducing actor and improv comic George Basil who listeners might know as Lief from HBO's "Crashing" starring comedian Pete Holmes, Cooler from Netflix's "Flaked" acting opposite Will Arnett, or the clothing shop proprietor in the Barbie movie. George is a proud parent to his teenage daughter Lula, and he joins us to share his story of bringing her up as a single dad and working actor in LA. Topics include:

•  George's self-described partnership with his daughter.
•  The joy of traveling abroad with his kid
•  Acting with, and directing his daughter
•  The benefit of introducing new partners to your child
•  The importance of inspiring a love for creativity in our kids
•  Getting the call to be cast in Barbie
•  And more!

At the end of the chat, George sticks around for a gut-busting Confessions session.
 

LINKS:
Crashing (HBO/Max)
Flaked (Netflix)
Six Pack (Short Film)
Peanut (Short Film)
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Caspar Babypants
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

The Best of 2023 | Adam & Marc's Top 3 Clips05 Jan 202400:53:04

2023 has come to and end and Adam & Marc reflect on the guests, topics, and great conversations from the past year. The guys each present their Top 3 clips from the various episodes, and Marc closes out the episode with an utterly explicit edition of "So That's a Thing Now." 


The guys open Episode 95 of Modern Dadhood by catching up briefly on health, fatherhood, and Christmas before jumping right into their "Top 3" lists of their favorite soundbytes from 2023 episodes. The episodes referenced in the top 3 lists are:

Ep 081 - Interabled Parents-To-Be | Shane Burcaw
Ep 083 - The Brick Wall That Is Fatherhood | Chris Gethard
Ep 084 - Being Cool With Not Being Cool Anymore | Chris Gethard
Ep 087 - Raising Privacy-Conscious Kids in the Digital Age | Marc Groman
Ep 091 - The Art of Explaining Farewells | Victor M. Sweeney
Ep 093 - Reviving Empathy Through Images of Real Leadership | Pete Souza



LINKS:
Modern Dadhood Instagram
Modern Dadhood Facebook
Modern Dadhood TikTok
Modern Dadhood YouTube
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal Music

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Saint Nick Sets The Record Straight | A Chat With Santa Claus15 Dec 202300:31:09

In our holiday 2023 episode, we landed an interview with Father Christmas himself, Santa Claus. This episode is designed for parents and kids to enjoy together, as we ask Santa some hard-hitting questions which are on the minds of children around the world... and Santa delivers! Happy Holidays from our families to yours. We are grateful for you!

Episode 94 of Modern Dadhood is a unique one-- it's meant to be enjoyed by both parents and kids, as the guys got VERY lucky and booked an interview with Father Christmas himself, Santa Claus. Adam asks Santa a number of questions which many young people wonder about in hopes of shining a bit of light on some of the bigger mysteries of Santa's superhuman capabilities.

After the interview, Marc shares about an illness he's been dealing with and how his wife Jamie has risen to the occasion to make the holiday season special for the boys even though Marc's been unable to contribute.

Adam closes out the episode by sharing a preview of his almost 10-year-old's progress playing the recorder. (Spoiler alert, she's gotten very good very quickly!)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from our families to yours. Thank you for listening. We appreciate you and wish you a happy, healthy, entertaining, and prosperous 2024.
 

LINKS:
NORAD Santa Tracker
Modern Dadhood Instagram
Modern Dadhood Facebook
Modern Dadhood TikTok
Modern Dadhood YouTube
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal Music

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Breaking The Cycle, Filling The Void | Chris Robbins on Self Development + Empty Nesting14 Mar 202500:59:49

Dads, ever feel like you're on autopilot, where each day is just running through the same motions? You're not alone. Dad of three Chris Robbins joins us to discuss how Soul Degree seeks to help men interrupt the flow, get outside, and take some well-deserved time to focus on bettering ourselves. Chris also shares candidly about being a new "empty nester" along with his wife, legendary podcaster, author, and self-help thought leader, Mel Robbins. Listen to the end to learn about Marc's "bloody good" weekend!
 

Episode 119 of Modern Dadhood opens with Adam & Marc discussing a few exciting podcast updates:
1. Adam published an article on Katie Couric Media which references some great child-calming tactics gleaned from Modern Dadhood episodes!
2. The guys will be attending Podcast Movement's Evolutions conference in Chicago in early April and would love to connect with any listeners or fellow podcasters there!
3. The guys have released a podcast trailer for Modern Dadhood (only 5 years too late!) and the video trailer can be seen here.

The guys welcome Chris Robbins into the conversation. Chris is an entrepreneur with a versatile career which took him from the corporate world to owning restaurants, becoming a death doula, opening a world-class podcasting studio in Boston, and founding Soul Degree, a men's personal development program centered around outdoor retreats. Chris shares candidly about this, along with his fatherhood experience, which includes supporting a creative collaboration between his daughter Sawyer and his legendary wife Mel Robbins. Other topics include:

•  Chris and Mel Robbins becoming new "empty nesters" after dropping their youngest of three off at college recently
•  The importance of slowing down, reflecting, and engaging in meaningful conversations about our lives, roles, and mental health.
•  The influence of Chris' father on his own entrepreneurial and fatherhood journeys.
•  The power of listening versus offering unsolicited advice.
•  And more!

After the interview, Marc shares a recent story of a sibling scuffle that ended in a visit to the local emergency room. (But it didn't stop him from making a great pot of chili!)

LINKS:
Soul Degree (official)
Soul Degree (Instagram)
Chris Robbins (Instagram)
Mel Robbins "Let Them Theory" (book)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Reviving Empathy Through Images of Real Leadership | Photographer Pete Souza on Empathy, Dignity, Fatherhood10 Nov 202300:48:11

There are certain qualities, like leadership, empathy, kindness, respect, and compassion, that we all aspire for our children to embody as they grow. In this episode, Adam and Marc get a bit deep with Pulitzer Prize winner and Official White House photographer for two presidential terms, Pete Souza, who had the remarkable opportunity to capture these qualities in iconic moments throughout the Obama presidency. The guys chat with Pete about dangerous situations, split-second decisions, and the tremendous responsibility of working in the highest office in the land, documenting the values we wish to see in our leaders and our children.

Episode 93 of Modern Dadhood opens with a conversation about storytelling and what features make for a strong spoken word story. The guys waste no time welcoming Pete Souza into the chat. Pete's credits an accolades include International Photography Hall of Fame Inductee, Pulitzer Prize winner, documentary film subject, and Chief Official White House Photographer for both terms of Barack Obama's presidency. He has taken some of the most iconic photos in history over his decades-long career, and while he still stays very busy putting out books, public speaking, and teaching photography workshops, his main photography subject matter... has become his grandkids.

Pete opens up about his method for capturing authentic moments with a leader who exemplifies traits that all parents hope to see in their children. Topics include:

•  Pete and his wife Patti's marriage and children
•  How Pete's "always on" work schedule impacted his personal life
•  The choice to work under physically dangerous circumstances
•  The shift from film to digital photography
•  The qualities that make a photo "authentic"
•  And more!

LINKS:
Pete Souza (official)
Pete Souza (Instagram)
Pete Souza (Twitter/X)
The Way I See It (Documentary on Amazon Prime Video)
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Caspar Babypants
Stuffed Animal

PETE'S BOOKS  (please buy locally if you can!)

Obama: An Intimate Portrait
Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents
Dream Big Dreams Photographs from Barack Obama's Inspiring & Historic Presidency Young Readers
Rise Of Barack Obama
The West Wing and Beyond: What I Saw Inside the Presidency

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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