Fathernetics

What does it mean to build a family with intention? Friend of the Show Ben (@equityBEN) shares his journey through musical theater, adoption, and fatherhood, offering an honest look at raising a child with openness, authenticity, and love. From performing as Edna in Hairspray to creating lasting family traditions, Ben reflects on how representation, visibility, and community have shaped both his l...

What does it look like to spend every day helping children grow, while also raising your own daughter in a loving queer family? In this episode of Fathernetics , Friend of the Show Benji Moorman-Fuzi , a UK-based childminder, educator, author, and dad, shares his journey through parenting, childcare, community, and the ten-year road to welcoming his daughter, Phoebe, through surrogacy. Benji opens...

Thinking about surrogacy? Wondering how gay couples, LGBTQ parents, single parents, and cancer survivors build families through gestational surrogacy? In this episode of Fathernetics , host Jameel Mayers sits down with Sunshine and Casey from Surrogacy Is to answer the questions people are often afraid to ask. They break down the surrogacy process, explain how intended parents choose the right age...

What does it take to build stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and more connected families? In this episode of Father NetX , Jameel Mayers sits down with Dr. Arnell to explore how a passion for helping others shapes leadership, parenting, and personal growth. From preparing for fatherhood to embracing self-care without guilt, this conversation highlights how investing in yourself allows you to b...

Think surrogacy is just a fancy way to skip the line? Think again! Today, we're diving into real-life stories of LGBTQ surrogates, unexpected family ties, and the magic moments that make this journey so uniquely human and humanizing. In this episode: The inspiring story of Lindsay, a surrogate with a heart as big as her city of North Carolina How LGBTQ families redefine heroism and parenthood by c...

Fatherhood doesn’t come with a blueprint, but it does come with opportunities to grow. This week on Fathernetics , Friend of the Show Lance Souter (LGBTQ+ Ally) joins me for a conversation about becoming a better parent through accountability, communication, and intentional living. We talk about navigating family illness, setting goals that actually matter, challenging toxic masculinity, building...

What happens when a Britney Spears superfan, Pride celebrations, and the emotional journey to parenthood all collide? In this episode of Fathernetics , Jameel Mayers sits down with Chris and Robbie to talk about building a family through surrogacy, celebrating Pride as parents, and finding joy in the unexpected moments along the way. Their story moves from unforgettable pop culture memories to the...

Ever wonder what it's like to carry hope—literally—for a family in need? Tasha Field breaks down the ins and outs of surrogacy from her unique perspective as a two-time surrogate and advocate for LGBTQ families. Grab a cup of tea—this episode is full of heart, science, and some seriously funny stories. Main Insights: Tasha’s journey started at age 16 and evolved into helping others build families...

In this heartfelt interview, ally and friend of the show, Dr. Adam Anthony, shares his journey as a black adoptee, the importance of transparency in adoption, and how his experiences shape his advocacy for supporting young men of color and adoptive families. Discover insights on navigating identity, family connections, and fostering understanding in the Black community. resources Empowerment by Dr...

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an LGBTQ+ couple navigating the wild world of adoption, parenting, and good old southern hospitality? Well, buckle up because this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and heartwarming insights straight from parents who’ve done it all from adopting multiple kids to cooking, traveling, and dreaming of Coachella. In this episode: The joys and challenges of adopti...

Dom came through and brought it the whole time.. Thank you, Dom! We’re talking surrogacy from the inside, what people don’t tell you, how a destination wedding sounds cute until you’re actually planning it, and what parenting really looks like day to day as a gay dad. It’s the kind of convo that feels like you’re sitting across from someone who’s already been through it and isn’t sugarcoating anyt...

Buckle up, folks. Today’s episode is a powerful mix of heartfelt honesty, mental health truths, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to be an LGBTQ parent in the modern world. Spoiler : It’s not all unicorns and rainbows, well, actually, sometimes it is and that’s the point. In this episode: The importance of mental health support for Black boys and how society tends to overlook it...

What happens when you stop living for survival and finally start living as yourself? Friend of the Show Stef Vachon joins Fathernetics to talk about bullying, homophobia, therapy, figure skating, the Gay Games, and the long road to self acceptance. We also get into love, fostering, adoption, and what it means to build a family while staying grounded in who you are. This one is honest, reflective,...

This episode of Fathernetics explores LGBTQ parenting through adoption, fostering, and raising teens in today’s world. Adrian and Shane Potter share their journey into fatherhood, including the emotional realities of fostering and how it shaped their parenting approach. They discuss traveling with kids, emphasizing the need for slower pacing and meaningful moments, along with how trying new experi...

What happens to kids who never get adopted? In this episode of Fathernetics, Rita Soronen, president and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, breaks down the real state of foster care in the U.S. This conversation goes beyond headlines—into what aging out actually means, why older children are often overlooked, and how programs like Wendy’s Wonderful Kids are changing outcomes. We talk...

RuPaul’s Drag Race, Gay Fatherhood, Surrogacy, and LGBTQ+ Representation with Eric Calvario. Eric shares his RuPaul’s Drag Race journey, gay fatherhood, surrogacy, LGBTQ+ representation, and how drag strengthened his family and confidence. Episode Summary What happens when a shy dad says yes to a casting call that changes everything? Eric joins Fathernetics to share the incredible story of appeari...

Season 3 of the Fathernetics podcast opens with an honest, layered conversation on what it really means to be an LGBTQ dad today. Ronaldo Dwight joins the show to talk about identity before and after fatherhood, intentional friendships, therapy, marriage, and the quiet shift that happens when you realize your life is no longer just yours. From protecting your children’s energy to protecting your o...

Season 3 of Fathernetics kicks off a little differently. This time, it’s just me, interview style. Answering the questions people actually ask and what it’s like building a space for LGBTQ+ dads. No big debate. Just an honest check-in about how far this thing has come. The growth has been real. More listeners. More messages. More dads saying, “I needed this," and that only happens because of the i...

This Father’s Day special episode of the Fathernetics podcast brings together Jameel Mayers and his father, Esteban, for an honest conversation about fatherhood across cultures and generations. They reflect on parenting values shaped in Panama and the United States, the challenges of immigration, and how education, discipline, and community play a role in raising grounded kids. The discussion weav...

In this episode of the Gaytriarchs Podcast, hosts David and Gavin explore what it means to raise children in a politically charged climate as gay fathers. Blending humor with honest reflection, they unpack how modern parents can address politics, global instability, and social tension while protecting their children’s emotional well-being. The episode opens with relatable banter about New England...

Friend of the Show Cody Dolly sits down to talk about surrogacy, LGBTQ family planning, and what it really takes to build a family with intention. From triathlons and travel to budgeting for surrogacy and finding the right match, this conversation breaks down the real life process behind becoming gay dads. If you are exploring surrogacy, parenting as an LGBTQ couple, or just want honest talk about...

What happens when two men decide that positivity is not soft, it is strategy? In this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Kiki with Friend of the Show Drummond (IG: @drummondculture) to unpack the origin of Positive Talks and why intentional spaces matter more than ever. We get into content creation, real networking versus surface connections, and how building community takes purpose. We also go...

In this episode, we sit down with therapist and Friend of the Show Leo Massey (@lmsw_leo) to talk about normalizing therapy, breaking down misconceptions around CBT and DBT, and why representation in mental health matters — especially for LGBTQ+ families. We also get into parenting, coping skills, neurodivergence, ADHD, and how understanding support systems can change lives. This conversation is h...

What does fatherhood look like when your journey doesn’t follow the script? In this Fathernetics episode, August Black shares his experience as a transgender dad navigating masculinity, identity, and raising a daughter with intention. We talk about coming out more than once, balancing strength and softness, working in the gaming voiceover world, and what it really means to show up as a parent. Thi...

This episode of the Fathernetics podcast explores what modern fatherhood looks like before kids even arrive. The conversation moves from K pop and Dungeons and Dragons to the very real emotional weight of surrogacy, chosen family, and building support systems as LGBTQ+ men planning for parenthood. It is an honest look at anticipation, uncertainty, and how community, creativity, and connection carr...