The Dad Whisperer

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It’s my joy and honor to equip dads with practical tools to better dial into their daughters’ hearts. With 20 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor and over 35 years working directly with teens and young adult women; Dr. Michelle Watson brings practical wisdom to dads with daughters of all ages.

Dr. Michelle Watson


    • May 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 326 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Dad Whisperer

    Building a Thriving Dad-Daughter Relationship in a Family Caring for Disabilities (Interview with Kristin Faith Evans)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 37:00


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by author and licensed social worker, Kristin Faith Evans. Not only does she bring a unique perspective as an expert in this area, but she's also the mom of a special needs daughter, which provides a holistic vantage point in addressing this topic. The focus of our conversation is on how you as a father can build a thriving dad-daughter relationship when your family is challenged (and blessed) by the realities of coping with various types of disabilities in your home. 

    When You're A Depressed Dad

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 44:02


    Hi Dad…Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm addressing a topic that often goes overlooked in men: depression. I've titled this episode: WHEN YOU'RE A DEPRESSED DAD.  I'll be sharing honestly from my heart to yours while giving you insights and practical solutions to combat emotional struggles you may be experiencing, all from the vantage point of my 30 years of clinical counseling practice and 15 years of interacting with GirlDads like you. 

    How to Have “The Sex Talk” with Your Daughter You Never Got (Interview with Sam Jolman)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 39:44


    Hey Dads…Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast, I'm joined by author Sam Jolman, who is a licensed trauma therapist with a masters degree in counseling and over 20 years of experience specializing in men's issues and sexual trauma recovery. Today we've titled our powerful conversation, “HOW TO HAVE ‘THE SEX TALK' WITH YOUR DAUGHTER YOU NEVER GOT.” This is an episode you definitely want to listen to and share with other GirlDads as you gain skills to have more intentional conversations with your daughters about sex.

    12 Faith Practices for Dads and Daughters to Thrive (Interview with Kerry Hasenbalg)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 37:51


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by my friend Kerry Hasenbalg as we talk to fathers about how to strategically lead their daughters in 12 faith practices based on her newly released book, “The Way of Becoming: 12 Practices for a Thriving Soul.” If you're a dad who wants practical ideas for strengthening your spiritual leadership, you'll love this episode!

    Dads Empowering Daughters to Live with Boldness, Purpose, and Passion (Interview with Misty Phillip)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025


    Hey Dads…Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast, I'm joined by my good friend, Misty Phillip, as we talk about her new book: SPARK YOUR INFLUENCE: INSPIRING WOMEN TO LEAD WITH BOLDNESS, PURPOSE AND PASSION. If you want to be more intentional about how you guide and support your daughter to discover her God-given purpose and passion, this is an interview you'll definitely want to listen to!

    What a Christian Dad Looks Like in an Age of Confusion and Corruption (Interview with Dr. Glenn Packiam)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 38:16


    Hi Dads…Today I have an incredible guest joining me on The Dad Whisperer Podcast, Dr. Glenn Packiam (who is a pastor and a Senior Fellow at the Barna Group), and we're discussing his new book that's being released this week while tying it to fathering. We've titled our conversation: WHAT A CHRISTIAN DAD LOOKS LIKE IN AN AGE OF CONFUSION AND CORRUPTION. If you're in a place where you're struggling with finding your way in the current culture as it relates to your faith, this is a conversation you definitely want to listen to because you'll be validated and encouraged!

    Turning the Turbulent Teen Years Into Triumph

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 37:12


    Hi Dads…If you have an adolescent daughter, today's episode of The Dad Whisperer Podcast is just for YOU. I've titled it: TURNING THE TURBULENT TEEN YEARS INTO TRIUMPH! As you know, I've spent decades counseling and mentoring teenage girls and I absolutely LOVE this age! Today I'm giving you some surprising and helpful insights into what she's experiencing developmentally so you can better connect with her during this incredible time in her life.

    A Dad's Guide to Talking with His Daughter About Sexual Integrity (Interview with Jim Burns)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 38:20


    It's a joy to be joined on The Dad Whisperer Podcast by my friend, Dr. Jim Burns, founder of HomeWord—an organization that invests in seeing families succeed. Jim is a GirlDad himself and today he's sharing stories about how he led us three daughters in conversations about SEX. We've titled our interview, “A Dad's Guide to Talking with His Daughter About Sexual Integrity” and you'll love hearing his wisdom as he brings God's heart into this topic in practical ways.

    How The Anxious Generation is Influencing Your Daughter and What You as Her Dad Can Do About It

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 42:30


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast, I'm reviewing one of the most significant books I've read in a long time by Dr. Jonathan Haidt titled, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.” If you're a dad (or a mom) who wants more insight into how your daughter is being negatively impacted by exchanging a play-based childhood for a phone-based childhood---coupled with MY PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR HOW YOU CAN PROACTIVELY LEAD HER IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION---you'll definitely want to listen to (and share) this episode. I promise it will be worth your time!

    When Your Wife is Jealous of Your Relationship with Your Daughter (Interview with Mona Corwin)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 32:31


    Hi Dads…Has your wife (or ex-wife) ever been jealous of your relationship with your daughter? In today's interview on The Dad Whisperer Podcast, I'm joined by my dear friend, Mona Corwin—also known as The Mom Mentor—and together we address this tricky topic with proactive strategies to move forward toward a win-win with the women in your family!

    The ICAN's of Fathering (Interview with Dr. Ken Canfield)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 32:17


    Happy New Year Dads! As a way to hit the ground running, I invited my husband, Dr. Ken Canfield (fathers.com), to join me today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast to share with you 4️⃣ dimensions of effective fathering. The “I-CAN's of Fathering” will help you set a strong course for 2025!

    How to Keep Your Daughter Out of Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024


    Hi Dad…today I'm shooting straight and presenting 26 specific ways—from A to Z—that you can positively invest in your daughter so she'll have your support and perhaps not need therapy. In other words, all these things will make a HUGE, PROACTIVE difference by strengthening her mental health as you stand with her and give her what she needs. Go Dads!

    Transgender, Gay, and God: Taboo Topics Dads Should be Talking About With Their Daughters But Don't (Interview with Mike Novotny)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 36:38


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined again by Pastor Mike Novotny for the second of a two-part conversation. As we continue addressing complex topics from a place of biblical wisdom, our title is… “Transgender, Gay and God: Taboo Topics Dads Should be Talking About With Their Daughters But Don't.” Mike's insights and approach will equip you as dads to lean in with grace AND truth as you connect with your daughters while keeping communication with her moving forward in proactive ways. 

    Depression, Sex, Porn, and Alcohol: Taboo Topics Dads Should be Talking About With Their Daughters But Don't (Interview with Mike Novotny)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 36:47


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by Pastor Mike Novotny for the first of a two-part conversation where we're talking about themes from his new book. Trust me when I say you definitely want to listen to this interview on “Depression, Sex, Porn, and Alcohol: Taboo Topics Dads Should be Talking About With Their Daughters But Don't.” You'll be inspired and equipped to lean into these intense subjects with your daughter as Mike walks you through them with wisdom and truth.

    Raising Daughters with Big, Baffling Behaviors (Interview with Robyn Gobbel)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 43:42


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by Robyn Gobbel, a neuroscience and parenting expert, who will rock your world in the best of ways. If you're a dad—or a mom---who is RAISING A DAUGHTER WITH BIG, BAFFLING BEHAVIORS (this is from the title of her best-selling book ), today's episode will give you practical and powerful tools so you can be the best parent you can be!

    How to Increase Empathy When You Never Learned How

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 36:54


    Dads, Daughters, and Dating: How to Lead Conversations that Matter (Interview with Rhonda Stoppe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 32:13


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by my amazing friend Rhonda Stoppe who is a woman I describe as fierce, feisty, faithful-filled and funny! I can think of no one better than her to talk to dads about how to lead their daughters into vital conversations around dating. She vulnerably shares her own story and gives dads practical action steps. You don't want to miss this one!

    The Collision that Changed "the Boz' from FatherLESSness to FatherFULLness (Interview with Brian Bosworth)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 34:48


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast, I'm joined by NFL linebacker-turned-actor (who has starred in over 20 movies!), Brian Bosworth----a.k.a. "The Boz." You'll appreciate hearing his story about a collision that changed him from being fatherLESS to FatherFULL. He's also a GirlDad who is intentionally engaging his daughter's heart from the overflow of his own healing journey.

    14 Ways a Dad Can be Supportive of His Daughter When She's Triggered and Tapped Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 36:46


    Hey Dad…If you've ever struggled in knowing how to support your daughter when she's overwhelmed and emotionally flooded, you'll LOVE today's podcast because you'll learn proactive strategies that really work! I've titled this episode: "14 Ways a Dad Can be Supportive of His Daughter When She's Triggered and Tapped Out.” Consider this your personal invitation to expand your skill set by joining me today!

    It's Time to be Addressing the Way Your Daughter is Dressing (Interview with Terra Mattson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 42:02


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by one of my best friends, Terra Mattson. She is a seasoned counselor, speaker, author, leader, and entrepreneur…as well as being a GirlMom to two incredible teenage daughters. The title of our conversation is: “It's Time to be Addressing the Way Your Daughter is Dressing” and we give practical information to equip you as Dads (and Moms) to enter into this space with your girls. This is your personal invitation to join us today!

    The Dad's Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal Daughter (Interview with Laine Lawson Craft)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 34:53


    Daddying Daughters Through the Dilemma of Divorce (Interview with David A.R. White)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 26:39


    Five to Thrive: How a Dad Survives When He's Outnumbered and Outdaughtered (Interview with Pastor Jonas Hill)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 34:17


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I have a guest joining me who has dialed in deep as a dad to FIVE DAUGHTERS! Pastor Jonas Hill is an intentional and invested father to his daughters who are in their teen's and 20's, as well as being a first time granddad to a GRANDDAUGHTER. You'll love hearing his heart and wisdom in our interview titled, Five to Thrive----How a Dad Survives When He's Outnumbered and Outdaughtered!

    Assets and Facets: 7 Ways a Dad Can Make His Daughter Feel Safe, Secure and Seen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 38:41


    Stumbles and Fumbles: How a Dad Can Recover When He's Dropped the Ball with His Daughter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 35:24


    Hi Dad…On this week's episode of The Dad Whisperer Podcast I offer you strategies for recovery when you drop the ball with your daughter. Fatherhood is full of ups and downs, and as a person we all experience failures, but it's about how we recover and persevere that makes all the difference in your relationships. Tune in to find out more!

    How Dads Can Guide Their Daughters to Silence the Many Voices and Hear One Voice (Interview with Tracy Taris)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 34:48


    25 Things a Daughter Absolutely Needs from Her Dad

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 43:23


    5 Ways Dads Can Teach Their Daughters to Become Successful Entrepreneurs (Interview with Christina Curtis)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 33:16


    The 7 Resolutions for Becoming a Great Dad to Your Daughter (Interview with Karl Clauson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 35:24


    Walking with Your Daughter through Grief, Loss and Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 36:11


    Caught in the Middle: When Your Daughter Doesn't Get Along with Her Stepmom (Interview with Laura Petherbridge)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 36:38


    The Spiritual State of Fatherhood in America -Part 2 (With Dr. Ken Canfield)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 31:29


    The Spiritual State of Fatherhood in America - Part One (Interview with Jonathan Cahn)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024


    Hey Dads…Today is a power-packed day on The Dad Whisperer Podcast as I'm joined by best-selling author and Messianic Jew, Jonathan Cahn. He addresses the spiritual state of fatherhood in America with unique insights that will blow you away and inspire you. Here's your personal invitation to join us!

    What it Looks Like to Champion Your Daughter (Interview with Brad Pelo)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 33:59


    Mother Mary in The Chosen: When a Daughter Knows She's Worth Being Chosen (Interview with Vanessa Benavente)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 35:42


    Hey all…In honor of the release of Season 4 of THE CHOSEN, I'm excited for you to hear this interview today with the beautiful actress who plays Mary, the mother of Jesus, Vanessa Benavente. I titled our interview, “When a Daughter Knows She's Worth Being Chosen,” which is especially poignant now that it's Valentines month where every daughter needs to know she's worthy and chosen, especially by her father. You'll love hearing Vanessa share about her role on the show, as well as what it's like being a mother to two daughters as she celebrates the way her husband dials in as a GirlDad!

    20 Do's and Don'ts for Dads to Succeed in Having “The Sex Talk” with Their Daughters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 39:41


    Dad, Your Greatest Gift is on the Other Side of Your Wound (Interview with Tony Miltenberger)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 34:34


    Hey Dads…As we step into this new year, I can think of no better guest to kick us off with gusto than my friend, Tony Miltenberger. This conversation is just what we all need to hear (myself included!) as Tony leads us to consider that OUR GREATEST GIFT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF OUR WOUND! If you're ready to do some proactive internal self-reflection, listen in as you set your focus on being the best GirlDad you can be by taking the time to dig deeper.

    The Incredible, Lasting Power of Dad-Daughter Christmas Traditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 35:31


    Hey Dad…If you're ready to initiate a new Christmas tradition with your daughter, you'll definitely LOVE today's podcast where I share 17 fun ways to make incredible, lasting memories with her. And if you're already celebrating in creative ways, I applaud you, Yet if you want to add a new idea or two to your repertoire, listen and share with other GirlDads. Merry Christmas and I look forward to connecting in the new year!

    Direct Your Daughter to Do a Distraction Detox (Interview with Billie Jauss)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 34:57


    Hey Dads…Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by my friend, Billie Jauss. Her last name might sound familiar since her husband has been a professional baseball coach for over 30 years and currently is with the Washington Nationals. Billie and I talk today about how you as a dad can direct your daughter to do a "distraction detox,” which will help her identify emotional toxins that tear down and discourage while stealing joy and purpose. We invite you to join us and then lead your daughter in detoxing!

    What Dads Get Wrong about Pornography and How to Fix It (Interview with Sam Black)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 33:39


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast we're “going deep” as I'm joined by my good friend Sam Black as he unpacks insights from his recent book, "The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It.” If you're a dad who struggles with porn and want to change this area of your life in order to be the father/husband/man you want to be, you're invited to listen in to this important conversation.

    5 Better Ways to Have the Messy Conversation with Your Daughter about Gender Identity (Interview with Lori Wildenberg)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 32:57


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by my friend Lori Wildenberg, who has more than 25 years experience working with parents and kids in secular and faith-based settings, as well as being a licensed family educator, and co-founder of I Corinthians 13 Parenting. She also is a mom to a daughter who wrestles with faith and identity, which sets the foundation for our conversation titled, “5 Better Ways to Have a Conversation about Gender Identity.” 

    Leadership Without the Bible is No Leadership At All (Interview with Pat Garibay)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 34:06


    In our previous episode of The Dad Whisperer Podcast we heard from Patti Garibay, founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls. Today we're privileged to hear from her husband Pat as the two of them are a power team who LOVE investing in young women so they can thrive and stand strong against the cultural tide. As a dad to four daughters, Pat shares today from his experience and wisdom with an episode titled, "Leadership Without the Bible is No Leadership at All."

    A Dad's Guide to Talking with His Daughter about Gender and Identity (Interview with Patti Garibay)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023


    I'm beyond excited to have Patti Garibay joining me today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast to address this very relevant topic: A Dad's Guide to Talking with His Daughter about Gender and Identity. Patti is the founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, which is a national Christ-centered leadership and character development program that has helped thousands of girls ages 5 to 18 to discover their identity and gifts through transformative programming. With over 52,000 members in all 50 states and 15 international countries, you'll soon discover why Patti's wisdom is worth listening to as you soak in her wisdom throughout this powerful conversation. 

    How a Dad Can Make the Bible Come to Life with His Daughter (Interview with Ben and Isabella Myers)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 38:04


    Keys to Raising a Resilient Daughter who Embraces Life with Confidence (Interview with Dr. Kathy Koch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 35:34


    It's a joy to a have a return guest today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast, my friend, Dr Kathy Koch, who is an author and founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc. If you're a dad who wants to see your daughter grow in resiliency while building her confidence, you'll love listening to this powerful interview. 

    Transforming Pain to Purpose: How Daughters Can Overcome Their Father Wounds (Interview with Kia Stephens)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 42:40


    We have a unique twist on The Dad Whisperer Podcast today because this is all about equipping YOU as a dad to support YOUR DAUGHTER in working through her FATHER WOUNDS from you. I'm joined by my friend Kia Stephens who is sharing about her recent book, "Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love," and together we're providing information + action steps so you can initiate conversations with your daughter that will lead to healing.

    Dads are Like Waffles, Daughters are Like Spaghetti (Interview with Bill and Pam Farrel)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 36:51


    Leading Your Daughter to Navigate AI, the Metaverse, and Other Digital Technologies (Interview with Dr. James Spencer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 32:27


    How Dads Can Conquer Anxiety Elephants with Their Tween Girls (Interview with Caris Snider)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 34:26


    Today on The Dad Whisperer Podcast I'm joined by my friend, Caris Snider, whose new book is being released this week titled, “There's an Elephant on my Chest.” In keeping with that theme, today she and I are talking about how dads can conquer anxiety elephants with their tween girls. If you have a daughter who deals with anxiety, this is one you definitely want to hear!

    Intentional Fathering: A Dad's AWESOME Journey with His Four Young Daughters (Interview with Jeff Zaugg)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 40:58


    Hey Dads…If you're ready for a power-packed dose of inspiration from a fellow dad who is super dialed in to his four young daughters, you'll absolutely devour today's interview with my new friend, Jeff Zaugg. Jeff hosts the dadAWESOME podcast and is one of the most intentional and adventurous dads I've ever met. You will be ready to take action and follow Jeff's lead after hearing his heart and his wisdom. 

    What It Looks Like to Champion Your Daughter (Interview with Brad Pelo)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 33:59


    It's a joy to welcome Brad Pelo as my guest on The Dad Whisperer Podcast where he shares his heart for championing women----which includes his 12 children AND those he leads and works with in business. Brad is the president and an executive producer of The Chosen and has served as the CEO of many companies, including being the co-founder of Ancestry.com. You'll LOVE hearing from him today because he is a man who walks his talk!

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