Modern Dadhood

Think back to your childhood... Did you have a TV neighbor, friend, or mentor who you trusted? For millions of young people, that person was Luis from Sesame Street, played for over four decades by the legendary Emilio Delgado. In this Rewind episode which originally aired in July of 2020, Emilio discusses becoming a positive role model and even a father figure to kids around the world, even as he was navigating the joys and learning curves of fatherhood himself.Episode 123 of Modern Dadhood explores the powerful impact that television father figures and role models can have on our lives and on our parenting. In this Rewind episode, we're joined by stage and screen actor Emilio Delgado, best known for his decades-long portrayal of Luis on Sesame Street—a beloved character who was an advocate for positive Latino representation in media. Delgado shares insights on becoming aware of his influence as a role model, the importance of portraying authentic families and diversity on television, and his own experiences as a father, adoptive father, and stepfather. The conversation touches on balancing family life with a demanding career, the extended Sesame Street “family” behind the scenes, and integrating personal cultural values into his character.After the interview, Marc shares a side-splitting edition of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? LINKSEmilio Delgado on IMDBEmilio Delgado on WikipediaEmilio's InstagramBaa Baa BambaQuixote NuevoCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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.LINKSRaising Digital CitizensBuy the Conversation Cards on Amazon!Raising Digital Citizens (LinkedIn)Raising Digital Citizens (Instagram)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 kidsAfter, the guys get their Confessions on... and Marc takes things to a dark and hilarious place.LINKS:FatherlyFatherhood (excerpts from the book)Fatherhood (the book at Powell'sFatherhood (the book) on AmazonModern Dadhood Tees and DadhoodiesRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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]LINKSPre-Order Dad What's For Dinner?David Nayfeld (Instagram)David Nayfeld (X)David Nayfeld (Facebook)David Nayfeld (LinkedIn)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket are two dads from suburban New England. And while they might think they're pretty funny and cool, the world clearly does NOT need another white dude ramble-cast.  That's why Modern Dadhood explores what it really means to be a "dad" through candid, authentic, and often hilarious conversations with diverse dads of all walks of life… including famous dads, NOT famous dads, dads-to-be, step dads, grand dads, trans dads, and more.By celebrating present, engaged parenting and commiserating over common fatherhood challenges, listeners will gain new perspectives and feel empowered to become more present and mindful fathers, raising the next generation of kick-ass, world changing kids.​The show features relatable anecdotes from the hosts' own lives, recurring segments like Instant Regrets, Confessions, and Did I Just Say that Out Loud? and plenty of thoughts on the good, the bad, and the ridiculous.Expect a healthy dose of laughter, sincerity, vulnerability, and 90s nostalgia in each biweekly episode. #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

According to most medical sources, roughly 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Although we probably all know people who have experienced miscarriage (or have ourselves), this is a staggering statistic. But according to Kelly Jean-Philippe, host of The Miscarriage Dads podcast, men are often overlooked and undermined when it comes to grieving the devastating loss of a miscarriage. Kelly shares candidly about his family's multiple pregnancy losses, and why he is working diligently to shed light on the often-overlooked grief and needs of fathers during these challenging times. Stay to the end for an uplifting installment of Kisses and Disses!Episode 118 of Modern Dadhood broaches a subject that hasn't come up in the history of the show to date: Miscarriage. Adam opens up about his and his wife's experience with miscarriage prior to having their second daughter, explaining what a "molar pregnancy" means. The guys play back a conversation Adam had with father of two and podcaster Kelly Jean-Philippe, whose podcast The Miscarriage Dads aims to normalize the conversation about men and their need for support during the loss of a pregnancy. Topics include:• The role of a Chaplain in a hospital setting•  Kelly and his wife's miscarriage experiences•  The importance of clear communication between partners•  How society often invalidates or overlooks fathers' grief•  Kelly's goals to provide a platform for discussing fathers' grief•  And more!LINKSThe Miscarriage Dads PodcastKelly Jean-Philippe (Instagram)Support for Men After Pregnancy LossCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than buzzwords—they're at the heart of today's cultural and political conversations. In a time when these topics spark both progress and polarization, it's a conversation well worth elevating, especially for parents striving to shape the next generation. For parents who feel uncertainty around how to instill these values in your children, we've got your back. In this Rewind episode, Jermaine Moore, founder of the Mars Hill Group—a training, development, and consulting firm specializing in leadership and DEI—joins us. As a father of four, Jermaine brings not just professional expertise but also personal experience to the table. Together, we explore how to raise empathetic kids in a world that sometimes resists change.Jermaine is Co-Founder of the Mars Hill Group, a New England-based consulting firm which specializes in leadership training, workplace culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Jermaine is a father of four children who are currently scattered across the world, and he shares candidly about what  led him to this line of work, why it's so important and valuable, and  how we as parents can actively exercise it and celebrate it within our families in order to raise empathetic kids. The conversation covers topics including:•  What is DEI? Jermaine defines diversity, equity, and inclusion•  WHY Jermaine is passionate about DEI work•  DEI Misconceptions•  Diversity in NON-diverse areas•  The importance of exposure and representation•  "More is caught than taught"  - Modeling behavior for our kids•  Allyship and how to be a true allyLINKSJermaine Moore (LinkedIn)Mars Hill GroupMcKinsey: Diversity Wins / How Inclusion MatterseXtension Foundation: What Is DEIForbes: 15 Key Benefits of DEIDr. Joy Degruy: A Trip To The Grocery StoreJermaine Moore Presentation at Creative MorningsCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Join hosts Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket in this special compilation episode as they highlight the most eye-opening moments of 2024, sharing insightful and unexpected clips from a year of remarkable guest interviews. Clips include:↳ Actor George Basil (HBO's Crashing, Barbie) on how single parenthood awards him a unique relationship with his teenage daughter.↳ Timothy Gant, Jr. AKA Teddy The Doula on what it means to be a “full spectrum” doula, and the benefits of being a male in a predominately female-led field.↳ Margaret Ables of the podcast What Fresh Hell – Laughing in the Face of Motherhood, on how society can better support and promote equitable parenting.↳ Comedian Pete Holmes on his young daughter discovering his body of work as she grows up.↳ And Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General, on the epidemic of stress and loneliness in parents, and his 2024 advisory “Parents Under Pressure.”THANK YOU, dads and moms, for

Have you ever read a book to your kids and been so disappointed by how uninspired the story is? Or how half-baked the visuals are? Or how poor the grammar is? Same. That's why when you come across the truly great ones, you elevate them and celebrate them. Maine author and illustrator (and father of two) Chris Van Dusen joins us to share about all that goes into creating purposeful, high quality children's literature.Episode 115 of Modern Dadhood is our holiday episode. The guys open with a discussion about The Clement Moore classic "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" and debate the merits of modifying classic material in the public domain before transitioning to their conversation with author, illustrator, and father of two, Chris Van Dusen. Chris shares his story of coming up in the art world, and the path that led him to writing and illustrating classic kids books such as Circus Ship, the Mr. Magee series, and the If I Built series as well as illustrating the Mercy Watson series for author Kate DiCamillo.After the interview, Marc shares a story of connecting in person with one of our early guests, singer/songwriter Martin Sexton.From our families to yours, we wish you happy, safe, and fun holidays. - Adam & MarcLINKS:Chris Van Dusen (Official)Chris Van Dusen (Instagram)Chris Van Dusen (Facebook)Martin SextonCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Any parents of teenagers? (...Or have kids who will be teenagers before you know it?) The seismic shifts that take place during the teenage years can make parenting feel impossible. Inspirational speaker Ed Gerety joins the conversation to impart some wisdom on how to raise curious, grateful, resilient, and self-sufficient teenagers in today's fast-paced world. Hand around after the interview to hear Adam share a recent Instant Regret.Episode 114 of Modern Dadhood opens with a quick chat between Marc and Adam about gratitude. Adam shares a story about his 7 year old daughter receiving a gratitude award at school, and the guys talk about modeling thankfulness to their kids. The guys transition to Adam's recent conversation with inspirational speaker Ed Gerety who has built an impressive career visiting middle schools, high schools, and companies to inspire kindness, leadership, empathy, and more. The conversation touches on topics such as:•  The significance of being truly present parents•  Creating a list of family values to guide your decisions•  Communication strategies for teenagers who don't want to talk•  The value of fostering curiosity in our kids•  Modeling empathy and vulnerability by admitting your mistakes•  Debunking myths about entitlement•  Separating behavior from identity•  And more!Listen to the end to hear Adam try to talk his way out of explaining something wholly inappropriate to his 10 year old kid in a new installment of Instant Regrets.LINKSEd Gerety (official)Shine Your Light (Ed's new book)Ed on InstagramEd on LinkedInCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 fo 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 BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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! LINKSPete 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 BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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. LINKSGiddy Up America (Ryan's blog)Ryan O'Connell (LinkedIn)Reproductive Possibilities (surrogacy agency)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 Good 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 LINKSRead The Advisory "Parents Under Pressure"US Surgeon General (official)Dr. Vivek Murthy (Instagram)Surgeon General (Twitter/X)"House Calls" PodcastCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 CarrilloBibbe HansenBeckChanning HansenBeck and Al Hansen: Playing With MatchesTroy CafeRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer Albee #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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!LINKSTeddy The Doula (Instagram)Teddy (the documentary)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 TooPFlag Oklahoma CityOKC PrideDiversity Center of OklahomaCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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?LINKSSean Hotchkiss (official website)Sean Hotchkiss (Instagram)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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!LINKSBite Your Tongue (Podcast)Oh Crap! Parenting  (Podcast)Momwell  (Podcast)Real World Peaceful Parenting  (Podcast)Modern Mom Probs  (Podcast)Moms On Call  (Podcast)Peaceful Parenting PodcastMotherhood Simplified  (Podcast)  #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed AnimalModern Dadhood (website)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 moreRyan 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! LINKSCooperfit (homepage)Cooperfit Modern Dadhood Exclusive Offer - Use code DAD50Ryan Cooper (Instagram)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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 kidsPost-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 TwitterMatt Gourley on InstagramHousecat And HomeKeys to the KingdomMallwalkin'TownlandSuperegoConan O'Brien Needs a FriendWith Gourley and RustI Was There TooJames BondingCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeRed Vault AudioStuffed Animal 

For those of us who grew up watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers taught us many lessons via his cast of characters in the Land 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!LINKSDr. Francois Clemmons (homepage)Most Famous Officer Clemmons Scene (with commentary)Won't You Be My Neighbor documentary (Netflix)Francois Clemmons' GoFundMeAram Delgado GoFundMeRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok)

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 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?"LINKSBrady Smith (official website)Brady Smith (Instagram)Bug Sandwich (Powell's books)Random Acts of Drawness!You're Missing It!Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed AnimalModern Dadhood (website)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (TikTok)

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 fatherThe 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 MikeJounceNostalgia PersonifiedMan Boobs ComedyThe Undone SweatersThe Adventures of Pete And Pete (YouTube)Danny + Katelyn's booksRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed AnimalModern Dadhood (website)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (TikTok)

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 DadsThe Company of Dads (Instagram)Paul Sullivan (LinkedIn)Red Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsStuffed AnimalModern Dadhood (website)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (TikTok)

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 AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsStuffed AnimalModern Dadhood (website)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (TikTok)

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 AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsStuffed Animal

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 BurcawEp 083 - The Brick Wall That Is Fatherhood | Chris GethardEp 084 - Being Cool With Not Being Cool Anymore | Chris GethardEp 087 - Raising Privacy-Conscious Kids in the Digital Age | Marc GromanEp 091 - The Art of Explaining Farewells | Victor M. SweeneyEp 093 - Reviving Empathy Through Images of Real Leadership | Pete SouzaLINKS:Modern Dadhood InstagramModern Dadhood FacebookModern Dadhood TikTokModern Dadhood YouTubeRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal Music

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 TrackerModern Dadhood InstagramModern Dadhood FacebookModern Dadhood TikTokModern Dadhood YouTubeRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal Music

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 AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsStuffed AnimalPETE'S BOOKS  (please buy locally if you can!)Obama: An Intimate PortraitShade: A Tale of Two PresidentsDream Big Dreams Photographs from Barack Obama's Inspiring & Historic Presidency Young ReadersRise Of Barack ObamaThe West Wing and Beyond: What I Saw Inside the Presidency

Is there a "right" way to reach our children to be independent and self-reliant? If we always do everything for them, they may never learn to own their responsibilities. But it can be emotionally trying (and short-term inconvenient) to allow them to fail and learn from their mistakes. B Kim joins us to discuss his family's approach to instilling a sense of personal responsibility in their two teenage kids, allowing them to fail safely, and preparing them for adulthood. Don't miss a "squeaky" new installment of So That's a Thing Now! at the end of the episode.In Episode 92 of Modern Dadhood, Adam and Marc open with a discussion of Marc's idyllic, spontaneous neighborhood gathering which resulted in Marc being moderately "lubricated" for our episode. The guys chat about the first month of school for their kids, including their morning routines, and how each family navigates moving things along in the morning to ensure that everything gets done before their kids are off to school for the day. They welcome in Bunthol "B" Kim, and the conversation pivots from "what happens if they miss the bus?" to "what happens if they run out of money?" B shares his family's approach to instilling a sense of personal responsibility, ways in which he has allowed his kids to "fail safely," and times that his kids have pleasantly surprised him with their self-reliance.Listen to the end where Adam shares about his fourth grader's current music class lesson that will bring back memories for most listeners!Links:Creatives Not Robots (B's creative social gathering)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal Music

There are a million idioms about death: It's "the only certainty in life." It's "the end of the road." It's "the great equalizer." But even as adults, death can be impossibly difficult to understand and process, let alone to know the best way to explain death to our kids. Mortician Victor M. Sweeney joins the conversation to share his wisdom on how to answer our kids' questions, and why it's important to include them and be honest with them rather than try to shield them or protect them from grief. Stick to the end for a segment on good and bad death scenes in children's movies! Episode 91 of Modern Dadhood gets right down to business with Adam and Marc chatting about discussions they've had with their kids around the concept of death. They share about their own experiences with attending funerals, and how they've broached the subject when their kid have brought it up. They introduce Victor M. Sweeney into the conversation. Victor is a dad of 4 who has worked in the funeral industry for the last 15 years, earning the reputation of a sought-after funeral director and mortician. Victor opens up about his career, the relationship between his line of work and his family, and some ideas on how to include young people in the death process.Post interview, Marc names a number of death-related scenes in kids movies and the guys rate them on a "helpful or hurtful" scale, debating whether the scenes could support a kid's understanding of death, or simply traumatize them.Links:Wired Segment 1Wired Segment 2Wired Segment 3Wired Segment 4Victor M. Sweeney (Instagram)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

The guys make a formal apology for ghosting listeners for a short late-Summer stretch before talking "back to school" season with friend and dad of two, Scott Mazuzan.Episode 90 of Modern Dadhood starts with a rapid-fire catch up between Adam and Marc in which they each share several quick life updates in just a few words with no additional context. As you might expect, hilarity ensues! The guys welcome Adam's friend Scott Mazuzan into the conversation. Scott is a dad to a fourth grader and second grader, and the guys waste no time getting into topics like:•  Dealing with feelings about returning to school•  Back to school shopping and fashion•  Making new friends, and the sibling dynamic•  School bus etiquette•  And more!Links:Modern Dadhood (homepage)Modern Dadhood on InstagramModern Dadhood on FacebookModern Dadhood on YouTubeRed Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsStuffed Animal

"Work-Life Balance" is a buzzworthy phrase that has taken on new meaning since 2020. And it's a funny one, because it essentially divides your time into two camps: Work... and everything else. As parents, we all strive to set boundaries such that when we're NOT working, we can be present with our family or rediscover our sense of self... but it's rarely as simple as it sounds. In fact, Young Han, an entrepreneur, business consultant, and father who has ownership in over a dozen companies, would argue that human beings aren't even programmed to segment our lives in that way. Young shares his method for prioritizing both the work he is so driven to do with the family he loves so much... and the challenge of staying present and focused throughout. Stick around until the end to hear Marc's misophonia-themed installment of "So That's a Thing Now!"Episode 89 of Modern Dadhood opens with a discussion between Marc and Adam about the challenges of being present with your family when work is busy. They discuss how they individually manage their time, and the pros and cons of working from home, including setting appropriate expectations with co-workers and clients. Adam shares a recent conversation he had with Young Han, an entrepreneur who owns stake in over a dozen businesses via his business consulting agency Owners Club. On his podcast, The Girl Dad Show, Young interviews successful businesspeople about how they structure their lives to prioritize what's most important to them. Young shares his philosophy that work-life balance is a myth, and they discuss other topics including:•   A mutual appreciation of coffee•  The struggle to be a better dad than your own•  The importance of self-care•  Modeling behavior to be benchmarks, not to raise clones of ourselves•  Why Young considers work-life balance a myth•  And more!LINKSOwners ClubThe Girl Dad ShowForever Young AgencyRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

One of the most important things we must drive home to our children before putting a device in their hand, according to Privacy Professional Marc Groman, is that what they share on the internet should be treated as public and permanent... even if they only intend for one person to see it. Groman, who served in the Obama administration as chair of the Federal Privacy Council and Senior Advisor for Privacy in the White House, joins us to discuss kids and online privacy. This is part 2 of a 2 part episode. Episode 88 of Modern Dadhood opens with the guys catching up about their recent outing to Boston to see recent guest Dustin Nickerson perform, and a chat about sexting before they pick up with part 2 of a conversation about privacy, social media, and digital footprints with Privacy Professional Marc Groman. Topics of conversation include:•  The surprising responses from people over 20 when asked about their first devices•  The responsibility of parents AND industry to teach privacy protection•  Privacy protection legislation currently being developed by Marc and others•  Privacy concerns with online gaming•  The "wrong question" most parents ask about devices and screen time•  How AI forces us to recalibrate our "bullshit meters"•  And more!Stick around until the end for a new installment of "Instant Regrets!"Links:Their Own Devices (Marc's phenomenal podcast)Marc @ Family Online Safety InstituteRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal Mr. Boodaddy "No Shirt Like My Dad"

We've all heard (or experienced) the horror stories around cyber bullying, the consequences of sexting, or kids accidentally blowing through thousands of dollars on a popular video game. And as dads, contemplating how (and when) to grant our kids access to certain types of technology can be overwhelming. But even beyond which social media accounts or how much screen time we allow, it's imperative that they understand privacy. It's a big, loaded word, and thankfully there are experts like Marc Groman who can help us understand the important benefits of protecting one's privacy... and the very real threats when we don't. Listen to the end for a hilarious Father's Day-themed quiz! [This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.]Episode 87 of Modern Dadhood kicks off with some shared stories between Marc and Adam about their kids' struggles with listening, and a great recommendation from Marc on how to entice your kids to be self-accountable. The conversation transitions to privacy and technology when Adam asks Marc about how he intends to address privacy protection when his twin five-year-olds are old enough to start really interacting with internet enabled devices. Spoiler alert: neither dad has a great plan!The guys welcome privacy professional Marc Groman into the conversation. Among many other privacy-related jobs, credentials, and accolades, Marc was the first chief privacy officer of the US Federal Trade Commission, and he served in the Obama administration as chair of the Federal Privacy Council and Senior Advisor for Privacy in the White House. Marc and his husband David Reitman have a 17 year old son who they no longer monitor on social media, and trust that he has a good understanding of privacy-related issues! The conversation covers a LOT of ground, including:•  Kids' inability to perceive potential consequences of their actions•  Why smartphones should not be called "phones" at all.•  How social platforms stoke FOMO which is very harmful to kids•  The question that's far more important than "what's the right amount of screen time?"•  What you post is permanent•  The vital importance of being familiar with the platforms and games your kids are using•  And more!If you've made it this far, you're in for a treat: Marc has cooked up some Father's Day themed trivia!Subscribe to Modern Dadhood to be alerted when Part 2 of this episode drops on Friday 7/6.Links:Their Own Devices (Marc's phenomenal podcast)Marc @ Family Online Safety InstituteRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal 

It was never all that easy to predict the future, but it always felt like there were at least a few things you could rely on. However, these days, the fate of even some of the more historically steadfast institutions is murky at best: for example, the notion of attending college to get a degree so you can venture out on the path to your career. What will any of that look like in five or ten years? Will affordable higher ed even exist? Will AI scoop up all the jobs? Will our kids live with us until they have kids? Comedian, podcaster, husband, and dad of three Dustin Nickerson can tell you that regardless of the ambiguity the future may hold, modeling a strong work ethic can have a net positive effect on the kids who witness it. Listen in as Adam, Marc, and Dustin wax philosophical about standup comedy, raising kids, strong work ethic, and the permission to laugh. Episode 86 of Modern Dadhood opens with a quick catch-up about the recent podcast siesta and a few laughs about recent celebrity dad news before the guys welcome Dustin Nickerson into the conversation. Dustin is a stand-up comedian, a husband, a father of three (including two teenagers!) an author and a fellow podcaster. The guys hit it off quickly, covering topics such as:•  The challenges of touring with three kids at home•  Touring alone vs. with family•  The craziness of teaching your kid to drive•  The shift in work ethic and motivation to leave home•  The uncertain future of higher education•  Finding true happiness in your career•  And more! LINKSDustin Nickerson (official)Dustin Nickerson (YouTube)Dustin Nickerson (Instagram)Dustin Nickerson (TikTok)How to Be Married to Melissa (book)Don't Make Me Come Back There (podcast)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

We love and respect all the mothers all year 'round... and can't think of a better day than Mother's Day to turn the show over to our wives to let them catch up about "modern momhood." This episode features the "Mom Takeover" by Sarah Flaherty and Jamie Checket, originally shared in June of 2021.With little instruction and a batch of questions and prompts to address at their will, Sarah and Jamie jumped right into conversation about motherhood. They covered topics such as:•  How they learned about (and didn't learn about) the "Mom Takeover" concept•  Motherhood myths•  The benefits and pitfalls of social media to a new mother•  Being your child's "entertainer"•  Letting go/stepping back•  Listening vs. problem solving•  Pregnancy mindsets•  Sleep deprivation•  Mom confessions•  Dumb dad moves•  And more!We celebrate you, Sarah, Jamie, and ALL moms, step moms, bonus moms, and moms-to-be! THANK YOU for being you! (And for accepting us and loving us for the idiots we are, too.)[Episode Transcript]Links:Hunt, Gather, ParentHow To Talk So Little Kids Will ListenRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Adam and his 9-year-old daughter Summer share about their epic family vacation to Orlando which included several days at Universal Orlando Resort, and their once-in-a-lifetime invitation to join hosts David and Kari on the Discover Universal podcast.Episode 85 of Modern Dadhood, a "bonus episode," opens with a chat about April vacation. Marc shares that at 5 years old, his twin boys don't yet conform to school vacation schedules, but that Kindergarten is feeling closer and closer, with the boys quickly realizing that big changes are coming.Adam shares about his recent Orlando vacation which included several fun-packed days at Universal Studios Orlando, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay. He shares the story of how this crazy vacation came to be, and how he and his family ended up in Universal's Radio Broadcast Studio for an episode of the Discover Universal podcast.The guys play back a detailed recap of the vacation by Adam and his 9 year old daughter Summer, which includes discussion of attractions in all of Universal's parks (including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and Volcano Bay.LINKSNatural Nature Youth  (9 year old Summer's podcast)Universal Orlando ResortDiscover Universal PodcastUniversal Studios FloridaUniversal's Islands of AdventureThe Wizarding World of Harry PotterJurassic ParkUniversal's Volcano BayUniversal's Endless Summer Resorts: Dockside Inn and SuitesUniversal on InstagramUniversal on TwitterUniversal on FacebookRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

[This is part 2 of a 2 part conversation]  In "The Lonely Dad Conversations," comedian Chris Gethard interviews a dozen dads to explore commonalities between their fatherhood journeys. What he finds, is that, plain and simple, when we become dads, we turn pretty lame. That's not to say that becoming a parent isn't an amazing, powerful, and positive life change, but think about it... are you as cool as you used to be before you had kids? Me neither. Chris joins us to laugh, ponder, and dissect some of the recurring themes in "The Lonely Dad Conversations."In Episode 84 of Modern Dadhood, the guys quickly recap Easter and Adam asks Marc to kindly share some compliments about his wife, before returning to Part 2 of their conversation with Chris Gethard. Chris is promoting his new book on Scribd called "The Lonely Dad Conversations," and the guys ask him about some of the recurring themes that pop up in the book, including:•  How dads are like "backseat passengers"•  How the baby boomer generation are different dads than we are•  The role of your social life when you become a dad•  Our kids observing our screen time•  And More!Before closing out the 'sode, Adam and Marc share a quick round of "Kisses and Disses" inspired by recent podcast reviews. Leave a review for the show and you, too, could be featured in an upcoming segment!LINKS:Chris Gethard (official)The Lonely Dad Conversations (Scribd)Chris on TwitterChris on InstagramChris on FacebookBeautiful AnonymousNew Jersey Is The WorldCareer Suicide (HBO)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Most new-dads-to-be do the obligatory preparation: You look through the couple of "survival guide" style books gifted to you by a friend. Watch YouTube videos on swaddling techniques. Read up on tips for potty training. Buy a new coffee maker to elevate your caffeine game. And ready your mind for the impending insanity of parenthood. But somehow, despite all the "thorough" preparation, every new parent gets sideswiped with a slew of unexpected emotions and challenges. And here's what those "survival guide" books can't possibly set you up for: Becoming a parent will change you... And it can bring on some intense emotions and self-revelations. Comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster Chris Gethard returns to Modern Dadhood to chat about the cultural shift that's enabling dads to examine these feelings. In classic Gethard style, even the heavier themes which appear in his new book The Lonely Dad Conversations are explored with openness, sincerity, and a lot of humor, and the same is true of our chat in this episode. Don't drop off before another installment of the beloved (sub)segment Did I Just Hear That Out Loud?  [This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.] Episode 83 of Modern Dadhood opens with Marc & Adam trying out an exercise where they expedite their catch up by reducing it to 5 words. They keep it brief because they know that their first returning podcast guest, comedian Chris Gethard, is going to bring the goods. Chris hosts his own podcasts Beautiful Anonymous and New Jersey Is The World, he stars in standup specials, has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, and he returns to Modern Dadhood to discuss his new book The Lonely Dad Conversations.Chris and Hallie's son Caleb ("Cal") is 4 years old, and as Chris shares candidly, he's potty trained, but can't yet wipe his own butt. After reassuring him that Cal will hit that game-changing milestone soon, we get down to business and talk loneliness. When Cal was born, Chris found himself in a state of deep loneliness, and in an effort to better understand these feelings, he interviewed a bunch of fellow dads about their unique fatherhood experiences. Chris grouped the answers by common themes that came up, and spoiler alert... it turns out he wasn't alone in his loneliness.The guys discuss a number of themes which pop up in The Lonely Dad Conversations, including:•  The rejection of "Hustle Culture"•  Focusing on your own death when you become a parent•  The importance of maintaining your sense of self•  How your concept of time shifts when you become a parent•  And more!The conversation will span two episodes, so please subscribe to Modern Dadhood so you'll be alerted when episode #2 releases!The guys round out the episode with an installment of Did I Just Say Hear Out Loud? LINKS:Chris Gethard (official)The Lonely Dad Conversations (Scribd)Chris on TwitterChris on InstagramChris on FacebookBeautiful AnonymousNew Jersey Is The WorldCareer Suicide (HBO)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Remember AOL Instant Messenger? ICQ? Friendster? Do you recall the excitement and curiosity of exploring these platforms and connecting with new people? The internet was new, and our parents were either learning it alongside us... or maybe not interested in it at all. Either way, for many of us, our parents were not closely monitoring our exploration of the internet, or even aware of the inherent risks. Our kids are growing up in a very (very) different world, and as parents, it's our job to ensure they develop a healthy and safe relationship with the technology which will only become a more prominent fixture in their lives as they grow. Father of three, Tom Adjemian, joins the conversation to discuss how his family is navigating this complicated journey. Don't skip out before our dad Confessions!Episode 82 of Modern Dadhood opens with the guys chatting about Marc's twin boys' birthday party which had been rescheduled due to a last minute illness. Marc shares some of the nice, funny, and sometimes downright eerie handwritten birthday cards his boys received.The guys introduce guest Tom Adjemian into the chat. Tom's three kids range from ages 4 to 13, and from very little exposure to technology, to a lot of exposure. Tom shares how he and his wife are traversing things like screen time, internet safety, privacy, boundaries, and more, with their 13 year old. Spoiler alert: They're figuring it out as they go. Conversation topics include:•  When (and why) Tom and his wife got their eldest daughter her first smartphone•  The conversations they've had as a couple and with their kids about technology use•  How to not scare your kids away from the internet•  How to not entice your kids to hide their internet usage from you•  Tools for limiting and monitoring internet/app usage•  The ethics of monitoring your kid's internet usage•  The importance  of open communication•  When your kid betrays your trust•  And moreThe guys invite Tom to stick around and participate in a gut-busting round of Confessions before closing out the 'sode.Links:ConnectSafelyBark appHow and When to Limit Kids' Tech Use (NY Times)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

You know that feeling when you really want to be a dad but you've been in a powered wheelchair since you were two years old and you aren't sure if your balls can produce enough viable sperm that you and your partner can conceive so you do some testing and find out that the doctors aren't certain either which means that you can totally TRY but you're carefully considering all your options because you KNOW you'll be awesome parents despite what all the trolls on the internet want you to believe? ... No? Well then allow influencer, author, and disability advocate Shane Burcaw (Squirmy & Grubs) to enlighten you. This is Part 2 of a 2 part episode.  [Episode photo by Studio Twelve:52][Listen to Part 1 of this episode here]Episode 81 of Modern Dadhood opens with a Marc sharing about the unexpected postponement of his twin boys' 5th birthday party. The guys waste no time diving back into the second half of their interview with Shane Burcaw. Shane candidly shares about his shared desire with his wife Hannah to become parents, and the unique challenges that they may face as a result of his Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Conversation topics include:•  Alternative options to conceiving via IVF•  How to encourage healthy sperm when you are in a wheelchair•  The pros and cons of sharing your private life on YouTube•  Managing trolls and negative/hateful comments•  Exposing our kids to technology•  Would Shane and Hannah's baby be genetically predisposed to his disability?•  And more!The guys close out the episode by sharing a positive AND a negative review of the show in a new installment of Kisses and Disses. Leave a review of Modern Dadhood on Apple Podcasts for a chance to be featured in a future segment!Links:Squirmy and Grubs (website)Squirmy and Grubs (YouTube)Junkyard Mayhem Podcast (Apple)Shane's booksSpinal Muscular AtrophyIn Vitro Fertilization (IVF)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Shane Burcaw wants to be a dad. He and his wife Hannah Aylward make no secret of their desire to become parents as they share some of the most private aspects of their unique interabled life together in weekly videos and podcast episodes on their YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs. But will their ability to have biological kids be thwarted by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the disease that has found Shane in a powered wheelchair since he was two years old? Only testing and time will tell. Shane joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to share candidly about their journey with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.Episode 80 of Modern Dadhood opens with Adam and Marc quickly recounting their recent experience at Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando. They shout out to a handful of new podcaster friends and gleefully giggle as they recount their antics. Then shit gets real when they introduce Shane Burcaw into the Modern Dadhood conversation. Shane is a 30 year old author, influencer, podcaster, and founder of a nonprofit called Laughing At My Nightmare, a name which brilliantly sums up Shane's amazing sense of humor and attitude toward his lifelong disability, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Shane shares candidly about his disability, his attitude toward his disability, and why he and his wife Hannah (who is not disabled) dedicate their time to advocating for those with physical disabilities, proudly representing the interabled couple population, and living an adventurous and unique life. They've documented the beginning stages of their In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) journey on their channel and their podcast Junkyard Mayhem, and Shane openly discusses it with us. Topics include:•  What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?•  The advancements in treatment•  Young Shane's vision for his future•  Shane's shift in his feelings of self-worth•  Challenges of conceiving when you are dependent on a wheelchair•  Shane and Hannah's options for trying to conceive•  The "testing" process and results•  The odds of having multiples through IVF•  And more!This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.Before closing out the episode, Adam shares a quick and ridic installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? Links:Squirmy and Grubs (website)Squirmy and Grubs (YouTube)Junkyard Mayhem Podcast (Apple)Shane's booksSpinal Muscular AtrophyIn Vitro Fertilization (IVF)Podfest Multimedia ExpoCycle Chats PodcastMagical Mindset Moments PodcastKeeping Up With The Chaos PodcastRich Does a ThingRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

January 2023 marks the third birthday of Modern Dadhood. And at 79 episodes in, we've had some remarkable conversations with dads of all walks of life. In line with our mission, we've gained plenty of new perspective on what it means to be a father... but the learning and laughs don't stop here! In the "New Years" episode, we ponder new topics to cover and guests to invite in 2023. Don't drop off before Marc drops a jaw dropping installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? Do YOU want to hear about the topics the guys want to cover in 2023?Or their "pie in the sky" dream guests?Well, you're just gonna have to listen to the 'sode. LINKS:Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Joe Mandravelis was about to become a dad to twins when he and his wife learned their two year old daughter had Autism Spectrum Disorder. What they also learned, was having one child with autism means any other children you have are 20 times more likely to be on the spectrum. Joe joins Modern Dadhood to discuss the joys, challenges, and general insanity of raising three amazing and powerful kids who each need support in unique ways as they navigate through school, therapies, and social situations.Episode 78 of Modern Dadhood releases the day before Christmas Eve eve, 2022. The guys discuss the energy level in their homes and Marc shares about the misadventures of his boys which may potentially land them on the "naughty" list. The guys welcome Adam's long time friend and fellow dad, Joe Mandravelis, into the conversation. Joe's three kids, all under the age of 7, all have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Joe shares candidly what has been difficult an what has been awesome about his fatherhood experience. Topics of the conversational include:•  The signs that Joe's family noticed prior to his oldest daughter's diagnosis•  What are ABA services, and how do they work?•  When you have one child on the spectrum, what are the odds that their siblings will also be on the spectrum?•  Insurance coverage for autism-related services•  Integrating them into public schools vs. private schools which offer more intensive support•  Normalizing ASD•  How Joe's fatherhood experience has opened his mind•  And more! Marc kicks off the episode close with a (bad) joke.We wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday, and a HUGE and positive 2023!Get tickets to the Podfest Multimedia Expo here and see the guys in Orlando, FL January 26-29th, 2023! LINKS:Autism Spectrum Disorder (CDC)Autism SpeaksAutism Society of AmericaJoe Mandro Music (Instagram)Joe Mandro Music (YouTube)Joe Mandro Music (Facebook)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Everyone wants to belong. According to Jermaine Moore, to feel welcome, respected, seen, and heard, comes second only to our human desire to be loved. That's why Jermaine, a father of four, has devoted his career to teaching and training business leaders on the vital importance (and proven benefits) of prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, while also teaching young  people, including his own children, the true value of empathy. Jermaine joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to share some wisdom about DEI, raising empathetic children, and why he's so encouraged by today's youth. Episode 77 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief catch-up between hosts Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket. The guys announce they'll be at Podfest Multimedia Expo 2023 in Orlando in January, where Adam will present a breakout session on the use of video to promote podcasts.The guys briefly discuss the excitement (and stress) about the upcoming holidays, before welcoming Jermaine Moore into the conversation. Jermaine is Co-Founder of the Mars Hill Group, a New England-based consulting firm which specializes in leadership training, workplace culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Jermaine is a father of four children who are currently scattered across the world, and he shares candidly about what  led him to this line of work, why it's so important and valuable, and  how we as parents can actively exercise it and celebrate it within our families in order to raise empathetic kids. The conversation covers topics including:•  What is DEI? Jermaine defines diversity, equity, and inclusion•  WHY Jermaine is passionate about DEI work•  DEI Misconceptions•  Diversity in NON-diverse areas•  The importance of exposure and representation•  "More is caught than taught"  - Modeling behavior•  Allyship and how to be a true allyLINKSJermaine Moore (LinkedIn)Mars Hill GroupMcKinsey: Diversity Wins / How Inclusion MatterseXtension Foundation: What Is DEIForbes: 15 Key Benefits of DEIDr. Joy Degruy: A Trip To The Grocery StoreJermaine Moore Presentation at Creative MorningsPodfest ExpoRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

What new dad doesn't feel over tired, overwhelmed, and thrown for a life-changing loop? But how do you know if YOUR experience is more intense than any other new dad—or when it warrants seeking help? Journalist and Editor Joe Keohane (Men's Health, Entrepreneur, The New York Times) joins the conversation to share about his research on, and personal experience with, paternal postpartum depression. He dissects the stigmas, describes warning signs, and shares helpful resources for those experiencing it. Don't drop off before Adam shares a spooky Instant Regret! Episode 76 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief banter about the guys' Halloween experiences before they get into a conversation about postpartum depression. Marc shares about his wife's experience with postpartum depression in the months after their twin boys were born. The guys bring up an article in Men's Health (linked below) by journalist Joe Keohane, in which he interviews a number of fathers who experienced paternal postpartum depression. Joe shares candidly about his own experience with it, and what he learned from his many interviews with dads and doctors about how the condition can be identified (but is hard to "diagnose"), the stigmas attached to it, and what the options are for new dads who think they may be experiencing it. Post-interview, Adam shares a Halloween-themed Instant Regret. (What a dummy!) LINKS:Joe Keohane (official)The Unrelenting Agony of Being a Depressed New Dad (Men's Health)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to be a father? Even as a kid, actor Jon Heder recognized he was born to be a dad. When the cultural phenomenon Napoleon Dynamite unexpectedly launched him into the spotlight in 2004, Jon knew how he'd balance that with family life: family would simply always take priority. Nearly 20 years and four kids later, Jon works when he wants to, appeases selfie-hungry fans, and keeps his priorities in check.Episode 75 of Modern Dadhood opens with a chat about when in their lives Adam and Marc knew they wanted to have kids, and some discussion of whether the family you grow up in might impact your vision or plans for your own family. The guys introduce Jon Heder, who grew up in a family of 6, who reflects on a positive upbringing. Jon, known for his roles in films like Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory, Mama's Boy, and Tremors: Shrieker Island, knew even as a kid that he was going to be a dad. He was married young, and he and his wife began growing their family several years after the release of Napoleon Dynamite brought him international fame. Jon shares candidly about his decision to continue acting while being selective about the roles he took so that his family and faith could always remain his priorities. The conversation goes deep, and covers topics like:•  The pros and cons of raising twins•  Does growing up in a large family influence your desire to have multiple kids?•  The various ways parenthood is hard AND rewarding•  How Jon balances family with his acting career•  Bringing family to set when filming•  The fear of “oversaturating” your kids•  How Jon addresses fan interactions when he's with his family•  The importance of modeling kindness and respect•  Jon's NFT project “Order of the Tigons”•  And more! LINKS:Jon Heder (Instagram)Jon Heder (Twitter)Order of the Tigons (NFT Project)Napoleon DynamiteRed Vault  AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer  AlbeeStuffed Animal