Father Talks

David Godshall: From Trauma to Inner Calm In this episode of Father Talks , David Godshall shares how experiences in military service, trauma, and years of keeping his emotions bottled up led him on a search for peace. He reflects on the pressure to push through pain, the ways unresolved trauma can affect a person’s health and relationships, and why asking for help can feel so difficult—especially...

After career-ending injuries, divorce, and the weight of trauma, former U.S. Navy veteran and police officer Tim Silva had to find a new way forward. On this episode of Father Talks, Tim joins Mike D. to share how fitness helped him rebuild his life, regain direction, and rethink what matters most. He opens up about fatherhood, the cost of putting work ahead of family, and how honest conversations...

How do you keep showing up as a parent when grief changes the future you imagined? In this episode of Father Talks, Michael Darden sits down with Jen Santaniello, who was 36 and expecting her third child when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. He died within five months. Jen shares what it was like to raise three young children while grieving, the fear behind her son’s question—“What if someth...

On this episode of Father Talks, Michael Darden sits down with Pesa Shayo to talk about presenting a united front in marriage and parenting. Pesa explains how children can sense when their parents aren’t on the same page—and why honest conversations behind closed doors help families make decisions together. A thoughtful conversation about teamwork, consistency, and showing up as one.

FATHER TALKS Mark Stackpole opens his heart about his daughter Corinne, who died from leukemia at 22 after an 11-month fight. He reflects on the grief his family continues to carry, the love that holds them together, and the stories, laughter, and memories that keep Corinne close. This is a tender conversation about fatherhood, family, and honoring a daughter’s life while finding gratitude and hop...

What helps a relationship stay strong when life, expectations, and past experiences put it under pressure? In this episode of Father Talks, Michael Darden and Eric Williams explore how military experience, childhood influences, and societal expectations can shape the way men and women communicate and connect. They discuss vulnerability, trust, shared purpose, healthy conflict, and the importance o...

In this powerful episode of Father Talks, Michael Darden explores the hidden risks and realities of marijuana legalization with Sue Homola and Dr. Raymond Wiggins. Sue Homola is the co-author of The Blunt Truth: Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Marijuana . A former New Hampshire State Representative, Air Force veteran, hazard mitigation planner, and current drug-policy advocate, Sue bri...

Melissa Smith discusses how parents can raise motivated, resilient, and independent children. Drawing from her upcoming book, Capable and Checked Out , she explains how environment, responsibility, natural consequences, and earned autonomy shape a child’s development. Melissa also explores the difference between high performance and genuine internal motivation, offering practical strategies to hel...

SEASON 2 PREMIERE — EPISODE 51 In the Season 2 premiere of Father Talks, Al DiPrima shares his powerful journey through law enforcement, police trauma, alcohol addiction, recovery, mental health, and fatherhood. Al opens up about the pressure men face to hide their pain, how untreated trauma affected his family and relationships, and the turning points that helped him choose sobriety and healing....

What happens when a single father turns everyday parenting challenges into innovative products used by families around the world? In this episode of Father Talks, Michael Darden sits down with Paul Moore, inventor, entrepreneur, and founder of Smily Mia. Paul shares his remarkable journey from working as a fisherman to entering the competitive baby product industry and building a successful intern...

Why Talking isn't Fixing your Relationship | Dr. Bruce Chalmer What truly destroys a relationship? According to couple's therapist Dr. Bruce Chalmer, communication usually isn’t the real problem. In this episode of the Father Talks Podcast, Michael L. Darden sits down with Dr. Chalmer to explore what happens when trust is broken, intimacy disappears, and couples no longer feel emotionally...

In this episode of the Father Talks Podcast , Michael L. Darden sits down with John Little, creator of the Leader in the Mirror Project , to explore the challenges men face through fatherhood, leadership, midlife, and changing definitions of success. They discuss emotional suppression, vulnerability, community, and what happens when being the provider becomes a man’s entire identity. This conversa...

What if the “good old days” are not behind you, but happening right now? In this episode of the Father Talks Podcast, Michael L. Darden sits down with Alan Glanfield to discuss his family’s decision to travel full-time, build a business on the road, and create a life centered on experiences rather than possessions. Alan shares the realities of balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and c...

In this episode of Father Talks , Michael L. Darden sits down with intimacy expert Dr. Alexandra Stockwell to explore emotional closeness, communication, and lasting passion. Dr. Stockwell explains why intimacy goes beyond sex, why many men struggle to express emotions, and how couples can build stronger connections through curiosity, vulnerability, and responsive communication. This conversation...

On this episode of Father Talks , Michael Darden sits down with Ronald Platt , serial entrepreneur, foster parent, realtor, and founder of NASDF , the National Association for Single and Divorced Families . Ron shares the personal story behind creating NASDF after surviving a toxic relationship, financial loss, and the painful reality of trying to rebuild without the right support. Together, Micha...

In this episode of Father Talks , Michael L. Darden sits down with dyslexia expert and researcher Russell Van Brockland to explore how science-based learning strategies can help dyslexic children succeed. Russell shares his personal journey from struggling with severe dyslexia to becoming a leading researcher. He explains how dyslexia affects brain activity, why traditional teaching methods often...

Marriage does not thrive on love alone. It takes friendship, trust, communication, humility, and two people willing to keep showing up as a team. In this episode of Father Talks , Michael Darden sits down with Gottman-certified marriage coach Kameran Alareqi for a raw and practical conversation about what truly makes a relationship last. Kameran shares how childhood experiences shape marriage, why...

In this powerful episode of Father Talks , Michael sits down with Kent Darcie to discuss the hidden impact divorce can have on both adults and children. Kent shares insight from his books, counseling work, and ministry, breaking down how divorce can leave emotional scars that show up years later in relationships, parenting, anger, guilt, and personal healing. This conversation explores the long-te...

In this episode of Father Talks , Michael sits down with Nathaniel A. Turner for a powerful conversation about intentional parenting, fatherhood, and building a legacy that goes far beyond money. Nathaniel shares his “life template” approach, challenging fathers to stop leaving their children’s future to chance and start creating systems that help them think critically, grow emotionally, and pursu...

In this deeply moving conversation, Ashton Stevens opens his heart about what it means to build a life rooted in faith, fatherhood, and purpose. As a faith-based hip hop artist, father, and entrepreneur, Ashton shares the lessons that shaped him, the emotional discipline that keeps him grounded, and the importance of showing up for the people who matter most. This episode is about more than succes...

In this episode of Father Talks , Michael sits down with Dr. Elliot Justin for a real conversation about erectile dysfunction, blood flow, cardiovascular health, and why men need to stop suffering in silence. Dr. Justin breaks down how erections can reveal deeper health issues, why nocturnal erections matter, and how innovative tools like the Tech Ring are helping men better understand their sexua...

In this compelling episode of Father Talks , host Michael Darden sits down with Dr. Lori Davis, a nurse practitioner and certified sex counselor, for an eye-opening conversation about sex, intimacy, and emotional health in long-term relationships. Together, they unpack the often unspoken challenges couples face, from trauma and self-esteem struggles to communication breakdowns and mismatched desir...

summary In this episode of Father Talks, Chris Rogers, a certified porn addiction recovery coach, shares insights on how parents can navigate conversations about pornography with their children, the impact of screens on youth, and practical strategies for fostering healthy relationships and self-awareness.

This Winsor Football Part 2 episode continues the conversation we started in the first Windsor football discussion, but this time we go even deeper into what it really takes to build athletes, programs, and community support in Windsor. I sit down with players and coaches to talk about the gaps in development, the importance of off-season work, the role parents and mentors play, and why talent alo...

summary In this insightful interview, Prasant Nukalapati shares expert advice on guiding young people through college and career decisions, emphasizing the importance of purpose, self-reflection, and parental support. Discover practical strategies for helping your child become self-sufficient and confident as they transition into adulthood.