Fathernetics

In this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Alex and Dustin share an honest, wide-ranging conversation about life as LGBTQ+ parents. From their shared love of music and concerts to their journey through fostering and adoption, they reflect on how culture, upbringing, and chosen community have shaped the way they parent. They talk candidly about intentional parenting, the importance of self-care,...

In this Fathernetics podcast episode, Nathan Serran shares his perspective on modern fatherhood through adoption, offering an honest look at raising two daughters with intention, presence, and emotional awareness. The conversation touches on communication inside the family, mental health, and how technology shapes childhood today. Nathan also reflects on his transition from restaurant ownership to...

This episode brings Jameel Mayers and Casey Benson together for a real conversation about fatherhood, homeownership, and the emotional work behind raising kids with intention. They get into cultural differences, immigration stories, family politics, and the ways racism and relocation shape how we show up as parents. They talk about adoption, naming, shifting friendships, and the pressure fathers f...

The conversation looks at the real-world impact of information asymmetry in healthcare and how it shapes the patient experience. Daniel Berezowsky and Jameel talk about what happens when service providers control most of the information, leaving families to make decisions without the clarity or context they deserve. They unpack how this imbalance creates confusion, limits personal agency, and make...

Sam dives into the real work of raising kids who can stand on their own. She unpacks the tension parents feel between wanting to give their children more than they had and actually preparing them for adulthood. The conversation centers on teaching life skills, building responsibility, and shaping experiences that lead to confidence and maturity. It’s a grounded look at how intentional parenting cr...

In this conversation, Jameel Mayers and Oded Heilinger discuss the significance of names and cultural heritage, Oded's journey from Israel to becoming a father through surrogacy, and the challenges and joys of parenting. They explore the importance of community, travel experiences, and the lessons learned from their own parents. Oded shares insights on navigating current events with children and t...

This episode of Fathernetics follows Nate Kimeyer’s journey from South Korea to Norway and the unexpected path that shaped him as a gay dad to twins born through surrogacy. Nate talks about navigating cultural shifts, building a multicultural family, and learning to communicate openly in relationships. He shares the humor, chaos, and emotional depth of raising twins, along with the personal growth...

This episode of Fathernetics dives into the real journey of parenting through surrogacy, identity, and LGBTQ family life. The conversation with Cory Allen explores raising kids with cultural intention, navigating loss during pregnancy, and finding strength in community. Cory opens up about self-discovery, dating as an LGBTQ parent, and the legal realities around surrogacy today. He shares how musi...

Jameel Mayers sits down with Frank and BJ to talk about traveling the world with their son Milo and how global experiences shape modern LGBTQ parenting. They share the joy, chaos, and lessons learned from raising a kid while exploring new cultures, along with honest reflections on education, community building, and what it means to create a connected family. Their story highlights the value of cur...

In this powerful episode, Emmanuel opens up about planning a magical Disney trip for his daughter, navigating fatherhood through surrogacy, and the heart of intentional parenting. He shares the highs and challenges of raising a child in today’s world—covering identity, naming, and his research on stigma within marginalized communities. The conversation dives into parenting as a modern LGBTQ+ famil...

This episode of Fathernetics explores the real journey of parenting and adoption through the eyes of two LGBTQ dads. Jameel, Jason and James talk about raising kids with intention, navigating the adoption process, and building a strong foundation of planning and support. They share the realities of balancing travel, self-care, and community while creating a home where representation matters. The c...

Graham Martin joins Fathernetics host Jameel Mayers for a real, funny, and thoughtful talk about modern fatherhood. From parenting through extreme weather and raising kids with completely different personalities to youth sports, homeschooling, and mental health—nothing’s off the table. Graham opens up about creating Hayday Company and why building a community for dads matters more than ever. This...

In this engaging conversation, Ricky shares his experiences as a single dad navigating the complexities of parenting, creativity in Halloween celebrations, and the journey to fatherhood through adoption. He discusses the importance of communication with his children, the fears and concerns that come with parenting, and the significance of fostering a loving environment. Ricky emphasizes the need f...

In this conversation, Shaun Thomas shares his experiences as a father of three children through surrogacy, discussing the challenges and joys of parenting, the importance of community support, and the process of selecting a surrogacy agency. He emphasizes the need for impartial advice for intended parents and the significance of normalizing diverse family structures. The discussion also touches on...

Did you meet Meryl Streep? Brian James shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in West Virginia to a career in musical theater and film in New York City. He talks about becoming a dad, moving to the suburbs, and why representation in media matters for kids. He and his husband’s adoption journey highlights the challenges and joy of building a family. Brian reflects on raising a Black child...

Jameel Mayers sits down with Mauricio Chamberlin for a candid conversation about the journey of fatherhood, adoption challenges, and the joy of building family traditions. They discuss how social media shapes modern shopping habits, why nutrition matters in parenting, and how cultural roots influence both cooking and raising kids. Mauricio reflects on his adoption story, while the conversation exp...

This conversation brings together Jameel Mayers and David Morgenstern for a lively look at how music, parenting, and entrepreneurship shape the lives of LGBTQ dads. They talk boy bands, intentional parenting, generational connections, and the power of community. David opens up about building Gatties, his lifestyle brand focused on representation and support for gay dads, and explains the mentorshi...

The conversation with Matt Tolbert breaks down why surrogacy in the United States has become so expensive and what those rising costs really mean for families hoping to grow through assisted reproduction. It explores how prices have climbed over the years, the real numbers families are navigating today, and the level of financial planning required for anyone starting a surrogacy journey. The discu...

Two cousins, one wild conversation. Kalyani grew up without a dad but with a mom who raised a powerhouse. She’s funny, a deep-thinker, a globe-trotting concert junkie, and one of my fiercest allies. This one’s part laughter, part therapy, and all heart. Catch the full visual on YouTube as part of Season Two of Fathernetics. www.youtube.com/@fathernetics www.instagram.com/fathernetics #Fathernetics...

In this conversation, Dennis Wesemann Widmark shares his journey of becoming a father through surrogacy, his experiences traveling in the US, and the cultural insights from Colombia. He discusses the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood, the importance of community support, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ parents. Dennis also highlights the significance of social media in connecting with others...

In this engaging conversation, Joseph Tito shares his journey as a father, navigating the complexities of parenthood, surrogacy, and cultural influences. He reflects on the importance of family, self-care, and the challenges of balancing work and parenting. Joseph discusses his Italian upbringing and how it shapes his parenting style, emphasizing the need for open communication and intentional par...

In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers introduces his son Jacob, who takes on the role of interviewer. They discuss various topics including Jacob's experiences in school, reflections on parenting, and the lessons learned from childhood. The conversation highlights the dynamics of their family life, the challenges of being a parent, and the importance of personal growth and understanding....

In this episode of  Fathernetics , we talk with Tammy — founder of  Oak Surrogacy  in Canada, and a woman who has been a surrogate multiple times herself. Tammy brings a rare perspective to the conversation, sharing both her personal experiences as a surrogate and her professional role guiding intended parents and surrogates through the journey of family building. She discusses the...

In this episode of  Fathernetics , we sit down with Dustin Talley — a proud husband, dedicated father of two (a son and a daughter), and a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Dustin opens up about balancing career and family, the joys and challenges of raising kids in today’s world, and what allyship really looks like in practice. From parenting milestones to the values he hopes to pass down...

In this heartfelt episode of  Fathernetics , we sit down with Nader—a devoted father of two daughters, loving husband, and longtime friend I’ve known since our Houston days when he was just 12. Our conversation dives deep into what it means to be an intentional father: building the kind of foundation that allows children to grow into their truest, most amazing selves. Nader also shares his ex...