Big Poppas

Dana and Will Gardner are a progressive couple living in the heart of New Jersey MAGA country, with some unique parenting experiences to share and an acute perspective on the polarized state of American culture. While raising their son and making room in their household for two adopted nephews, the Gardners stay focused on inclusive values, quality family time and lots of great music. Put your plans for World War III on hold, and strap on that jammypac for another big time BONUS episode. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Dan is joined by actor and comedian Pat Thornton to discuss the joys of early fatherhood, what it's like to perform stand-up for 24 hours straight, Kevin Sorbo's questionable improv skills, the post-quarantine future of the comedy business, dads who refuse to change diapers and the importance of saying no to other parents who want to pass their old baby stuff on to you. But perhaps most importantly, Dan asks about the adorable #LarryLooks photo series, where (styled impeccably by crafty mom Maggie) Pat's son dresses up as different celebrities. This fun social media project has become a sensation, bringing much needed entertainment to tons of people as they navigate our current unsettling reality. If you could use a pick-me-up, Larry, Maggie and Pat have got your back. Check out Pat's starring role in the hilarious Filth City and his new comedy album Dumb Phone Calls. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Dan gets Pierre on the line to discuss pandemic parenting, how they're talking to their daughters about Coronavirus, digging through old photos to reconnect with friends, passover seder on Zoom and how grateful they are to be safe at home. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sending our love and solidarity to all.

Straight Outta Quarantine, we're back with another BONUS episode as 2020 continues to unfold in frightening fashion. But there are glimmers of hope in this crisis we all face, including today's guest Jessica Green, who's leading a movement to support Torontonians in need. Jessica tells Dan about her Foxy Roxy initiative, the #out4me Challenge and parenting during a pandemic. Foxy Roxy's recipient organizations include: The Stop, UJA Genesis, Ve’ahafta and Humewood House. Individual kits with key items like diapers, wipes, baby food, personal hygiene products, sanitary products, non-perishable food, new underwear and socks are available as well. If you need a helping hand, please get in touch. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sending our love and solidarity to all.

Infant mental health, postpartum depression, the “terrible twos” and the exquisiteness of babies’ brains are just a few of the topics covered on this hugely educational BONUS episode. Registered psychotherapist and family treatment specialist Mary Rella joins Dan to discuss the brand new Me & My Baby Walk-In clinic run by the Skylark Children, Youth & Families organization in Toronto, and so much more. Relax and take notes, while Mary drops the science to make us all better parents and partners. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Dan's baby boy has arrived and Pierre checks in to get all the details, before sharing his insights on parenting two kids, potty training, and the things we conveniently forget as our babies grow. Put on your finest jacket and crank the volume. Big Poppas BONUS Season rolls on. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

New year. New DECADE. Same kickass parenting pod. As we ring in 2020, finance veteran and father of two Chris Kim joins Dan to drop some jewels on work/life balance, the movement toward more normalized paternity leave, and never taking family moments for granted. We've got more Bonus episodes to come and another full season on the way this spring. Keep it locked. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment.   All Praise 2 The Moms.

It's state of of the union time on the season finale of Big Poppas, as Dan and Pierre take stock of their collective podcasting experience and forecast some potential changes in the upcoming fourth season. But first, special guest Brandon Helrich calls in from NYC to discuss big city living, his son's journey into kindergarten, the financial demands of family vacations and his matter of fact parenting style. Thanks for tuning in. See y'all next season! Big Poppas Season 3 is brought to you by Nama Mama - creators of artisanal balms and oils for the whole family. Use promo code BIGPOPPAS to save 15% when you order their handcrafted, all-natural products online. Nama Mama: It's the Balm! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sound Engineering and Music Production by WeKr3ate Media. Recorded at Lynx Music in Toronto. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Parents have bonded with their children over sports for as long as the games have been played, making Dan and Pierre parts of a rich history of shared fandom. As a longtime broadcaster, today's guest Ben Ennis has an even deeper connection to sports that informs his relationship to his young sons. With lots of love for the Blue Jays and Raptors, ruminations on the dangers of contact sports, egalitarian parenting tips and much more, it's time to play ball! Big Poppas Season 3 is brought to you by Nama Mama - creators of artisanal balms and oils for the whole family. Use promo code BIGPOPPAS to save 15% when you order their handcrafted, all-natural products online. Nama Mama: It's the Balm! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sound Engineering and Music Production by WeKr3ate Media. Recorded at Lynx Music in Toronto. All Praise 2 The Moms.  

Dan can't shut up about The Wiggles, Pierre's star struck by Marshall from Paw Patrol, and a professional comedy couple describes their first months of parenthood in Hollywood. We're talking entertainment on this week's laugh-packed edition of Big Poppas, so ready your funny bone for a chuckle or twelve and let's get riffing! Big Poppas Season 3 is brought to you by Nama Mama - creators of artisanal balms and oils for the whole family. Use promo code BIGPOPPAS to save 15% when you order their handcrafted, all-natural products online. Nama Mama: It's the Balm! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sound Engineering and Music Production by WeKr3ate Media. Recorded at Lynx Music in Toronto. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Music is the universal language and a major part of many children's lives. But how to balance The Wiggles and Vampirina with the tunes Mom and Dad want to play? Dan and Pierre rap about the experiences they've had indoctrinating their kids into a musical headspace, before bringing in special guest Aron Magner of The Disco Biscuits and SPAGA.  As a touring musician and father of three, Aron has plenty of insights on today's theme and the role music plays in the shaping of young minds. Hear him discuss his current projects, the intricacies of raising identical twins, how kids affect a backstage area and a whole lot more, as we launch a full-on musical cannonball with this week's episode. Big Poppas Season 3 is brought to you by Nama Mama - creators of artisanal balms and oils for the whole family. Use promo code BIGPOPPAS to save 15% when you order their handcrafted, all-natural products online. Nama Mama: It's the Balm! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sound Engineering and Music Production by WeKr3ate Media. Recorded at Lynx Music in Toronto. All Praise 2 The Moms.  

Traveling with kids can be a challenging experience, and that's just the ride to the airport! Dan and Pierre recall the trips they've been on since becoming dads, then hear from a couple who have taken their daughter on over 70 flights before her second birthday.  Big Poppas Season 3 is brought to you by Nama Mama - creators of artisanal balms and oils for the whole family. Use promo code BIGPOPPAS to save 15% when you order their handcrafted, all-natural products online. Nama Mama: It's the Balm! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sound Engineering and Music Production by WeKr3ate Media. Recorded at Lynx Music in Toronto. All Praise 2 The Moms.  

We're back for Season 3! Dan and Pierre bring you up to speed on their fatherly goings-ons before discussing the world of technology and social media as it applies to their kids. Then our special guest on this season premiere - Director of the Creative Innovation Studio at Ryerson University, CBC Columnist and mom Ramona Pringle - shares her expert insights on how parents can navigate the ever-evolving digital world. Big Poppas Season 3 is brought to you by Nama Mama - creators of artisanal balms and oils for the whole family. Use promo code BIGPOPPAS to save 15% when you order their handcrafted, all-natural products online. Nama Mama: It's the Balm! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Sound Engineering and Music Production by WeKr3ate Media. Recorded at Lynx Music in Toronto. All Praise 2 The Moms.      

Our final BONUS episode of Summer 2019 features pro basketball agent and newly minted dad Matt Slan, who chats with Dan about his daughter's sleeping habits, her allegiance to the world champion Toronto Raptors, the future of women's sports and much more. Enjoy and stay tuned for Season 3, coming real soon. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Bonus SZN continues with Dan's longtime pal Corey Barrett - a father of two from Long Island whose sons are loving their summer camp experiences. Corey has plenty of info for any parents considering sending their kids to camp, as well as some heartwarming stories about his family's deep connection to a certain pinstriped baseball club. Soak up that summertime fun while you still can. Season 3 is on the way! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

From hypnobirthing to pre-baby final hurrahs, Dan and brand new dad Dave Borins chop it up on this very special BONUS edition of Big Poppas. Rock down to Electric Avenue as we bridge the gap between Seasons 2 and 3 with a fun filled interview exploring a range of fatherly topics. Listen to Dave’s music and find out about the impactful work he does with Bullfrog Power. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

How many kids is enough? And once your family is complete, might it be time for the old "snip-snip"? On the Season Finale of Big Poppas, special guest Alex Bruce offers a candid retelling of his experience going under the knife for a vasectomy. Then Dan and Pierre reflect on their podcasting journey thus far, and discuss what lies ahead in Season 3. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Dan and Pierre delve deep into this season's theme of having multiple kids with the help of two guests: Dan's brother Micah and Pierre's friend Matt. Find out how these dads have adjusted to life with less luxuriating but more love. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Pierre and Dan welcome two truly esteemed guests on an action packed episode that gives praise to the moms like never before. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment.

On a very special late-night mini episode of Big Poppas, Pierre takes us inside the experience of greeting his newborn son and Dan has some major news to share. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Dan seeks Pierre's advice on how to deal with The Terrible Twos and the guys welcome expert guest Dr. Fay Weisberg, a foremost Reproductive Medicine Specialist and Clinic Director at First Steps Fertility Clinic. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Recorded at Lynx Music Engineered by TreyK of WeKr3ate Media All Praise 2 The Moms.

Just in time for Father's Day, it's the return of Big Poppas. We're doubling the fun in Season Two with some exciting news and a pair of dad interviews to kick things off. Dan ventures into the wild for our first ever on-location segment, and Pierre talks about a major milestone for his family. Welcome back! Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Recorded at Lynx Music Engineered by TreyK of WeKr3ate Media All Praise 2 The Moms.  

On the Season One Finale of Big Poppas, Dan and Pierre share what they gave up to become dads and why it was all worth it. Then you'll hear from the dad of an extremely new newborn and discover why another dad decided to stay at home. Plus, a few teasers of what’s in store for Season Two. Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Engineer: Cass at Lynx Music All Praise 2 The Moms.  

Dan’s fired up about feeding. He and Pierre analyze the landmark case Breastmilk v. Formula from a Big Poppas perspective. Then special guest Mercedes Montagnes calls in to recount her experiences feeding her infant son and shed some light on her fascinating work as a civil rights attorney in Louisiana. Find out more about the work Mercedes and her colleagues do at the Promise of Justice Initiative. Engineer: Cass at Lynx Music Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Now that baby has arrived, dad’s real work begins. The fog of infancy (aka 90 Days of Darkness) can be challenging and stressful, but also a magical time. Guest dad Andrew Addison joins Dan and Pierre to examine that hazy, hectic phase and plenty of other fatherly topics. Engineer: Cass at Lynx Music Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.

Be prepared. Childbirth is amazing, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Dan and Pierre break down how dads can ready themselves for the unexpected, and special guest Lisa Thacker explains the wonderful world of midwifery.    Recorded at Lynx Music Engineered by TreyK of WeKr3ate Media Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. Episode Links: Canadian Association of Midwives American College of Nurse-Midwives International Federation of Midwives All Praise 2 The Moms.

Dan and Pierre dig up some pregnancy stories and chat with the founder of The New School of Finance, (and mom) Shannon Lee Simmons, about what to expect financially when you're expecting. Recorded at Lynx Music  Engineer: TreyR of WeKr3ate Media Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.  

First comes love, then comes baby? Maybe. But sometimes getting pregnant takes practice, prescriptions, patience, positivity and more practice. In this episode, Dan, Pierre and guest Louis Calabro swap tales of conception. Recorded at Lynx Music  Engineer: TreyR of WeKr3ate Media Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.  

Hosts Dan Warry-Smith and Pierre Hamilton share their plans for Big Poppas and swap stories about when they decided they were ready to be dads.  Recorded at Lynx Music Engineer: TreyR of WeKr3ate Media Connect with Big Poppas on Instagram, Twitter, and via email at bigpoppaspodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review the show when you have a moment. All Praise 2 The Moms.