I Am Dad

In this thought-provoking episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Dena Barnwell, a Doctor of Public Health candidate, health educator, and former doula, whose work focuses on making fatherhood visible in systems that often leave men out. Dena’s journey into fatherhood advocacy began with her own personal story—a deep bond with her father, followed by a decade-long absence t...

In this gripping episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes back author, speaker, and reentry advocate Sharmain Harris. From growing up in the streets of Racine, Wisconsin, to serving time in prison, Sharmain’s story is a raw and redemptive testament to the transformative power of second chances. Now a husband, father of three, and community leader, Sharmain returns to share t...

In this moving episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Beau Gaudreau—veteran, educator, actor, former firefighter, and dedicated father—opens up about his transformative journey through adversity, identity, and intentional parenting. Host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, takes Beau through a heartfelt and unfiltered reflection on fatherhood, including growing up without his own father prese...

In this special episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, is joined by researcher and sociologist Dr. Matisa Wilbon to discuss the often-overlooked issue of legitimation in the state of Georgia—a legal process that determines a father's right to custody and decision-making for his child if he is not married to the mother. Through a detailed presentation a...

In this special episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, joins Dr. David Miller for a raw and eye-opening conversation on a topic rarely discussed in men’s health: dental care. Sharing his own painful journey through full dental reconstruction, Kenneth reflects on how cultural silence around health—especially among Black men—has led many to neglect the very c...

In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, speaks with Danielle Shears, founder of Better Choice Health LLC, about how chronic illness and unresolved fatigue are reshaping how men—especially fathers—approach wellness in their 40s and beyond. Drawing from her 30+ years in nursing and her own journey through chronic illness, Danielle explains why the trad...

How do we use research to better support fathers? Dina Israel shares how evidence and action come together to improve real lives. In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Dina Israel, senior associate at MDRC, a national nonprofit research organization committed to improving the lives of low-income families. For over 20 years, Dina has worked with agencies across...

Kenneth Braswell reflects on fatherhood, gratitude, and the impact every dad has on the story their children will tell about them. In this Father’s Day episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, offers a heartfelt reflection—not just in celebration of fatherhood, but in recognition of its deeper impact. This message is a thank you to all the men who continue to...

Jeff Nelligan reveals the four key lessons that helped raise his sons into disciplined, driven, and resilient young men. In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Jeff Nelligan, author of Four Lessons from My Three Sons – How You Can Raise Resilient Kids, about the core principles that shaped his parenting journey and helped his sons thrive—from childhood through t...

Kenneth Reddick III shares his powerful story of recovery and resilience and how Brothers Brunch is helping Black men heal. On this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Kenneth Reddick III—a three-time suicide survivor, former alcoholic, and now a leading voice in mental health advocacy. As a Certified Peer Specialist and founder of the Brothers Brunch Foundation, Reddic...

Dr. George James breaks down what it takes to thrive in fatherhood, love, and life through emotional growth, intentional presence, and relational insight. In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Dr. George James, licensed marriage and family therapist, media personality, and founder of George Talks, LLC. A 13-time guest on The TODAY Show, Dr. James shares practic...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Albert M. Pooley, a visionary leader and the Founder and President of the Native American Fatherhood & Families Association (NAFFA). A proud member of the Hopi and Navajo nations, Mr. Pooley has devoted his life to strengthening families and communities through culturally grounded education, advocacy, and healing. With a background in so...

In this episode of the *I Am Dad Podcast*, host Kenneth Braswell sits down with **Chris White**, Executive Director of **Father Movement** and CFO of **Fathers Matter ATL**, to discuss how his personal fatherhood experiences have driven him to create impactful, father-focused programs in Georgia and beyond. From co-parenting advice to system-level reform, Chris breaks down how to meet fathers wher...

Parenting a child with autism challenges every part of your heart—and strengthens it. Dr. Robert Naseef shares real-world insights about resilience, acceptance, and the unique role of fathers in raising children with autism. In this powerful episode of *I Am Dad Podcast*, Kenneth Braswell and Dr. Robert Naseef explore how autism impacts family life, what fathers uniquely bring to the parenting jou...

Black men, toxic jobs may be killing us. We may not want to hear it, but the best way to care for our kids and wives isn’t working ourselves into the ground — it’s prioritizing our health and doing everything within our power to maximize our longevity and happiness. This includes going to the doctor, checking in with our mental health, and, if necessary, removing ourselves from unhealthy corporate...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome a true champion of fatherhood and men’s ministry, Brian Doyle. As the Founder and President of Iron Sharpens Iron, Brian has spent decades equipping men to be the spiritual leaders of their homes, churches, and communities. His leadership has impacted over 500,000 men through the Iron Sharpens Iron Conferences, which provide men with the too...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome three phenomenal scholars and thought leaders who have dedicated their careers to reshaping the narratives of fatherhood: Dr. Brianna P. Lemmons, Dr. Tasha Alston, and Dr. Latrice Rollins. Collectively, these trailblazing researchers have transformed the way we understand Black fatherhood, family dynamics, and father-inclusive policies. Dr....

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Maretta McDonald, an award-winning teacher, sociologist, and one of the leading voices in the study of fatherhood and the criminal justice system. As an affiliate faculty member at Virginia Tech and adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University, Dr. McDonald has created groundbreaking courses like Fatherhood and the Criminal Justi...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr., a visionary leader and powerful advocate for Black fathers and families. As the Executive Director of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities (FFHC) and a researcher at Chapin Hall, Dr. Boyd is at the forefront of shaping policies and programs that uplift Black fathers, strengthen families, and address systemic in...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome the extraordinary Janice Robinson-Celeste—a powerhouse in early childhood education, media, and parenting advocacy. As the founder and publisher of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, the executive producer of Ethnic Animations, and the host of the syndicated podcast BACKTALK, Janice has dedicated her career to uplifting Black families and...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Acamea, a gifted memoirist, essayist, and author of the deeply moving memoir Daddy’s Little Stranger. Through her work, Acamea masterfully explores the complex emotions of family, identity, and reconciliation, resonating with readers worldwide. Her essays have appeared in esteemed publications like the Bellevue Literary Review, North America...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Azaliah B. Israel, a leading scholar and advocate in the field of Black fatherhood. Dr. Israel has dedicated her career to deconstructing and transforming narratives surrounding Black fathers through innovative narrative interventions. With a Doctorate in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas, post-doctoral experience as a Congre...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Calvin T. Mann, a true champion for fatherhood, mentorship, and community transformation. Known as the National Encourager, Calvin has dedicated his life to shaping the destinies of boys and men, guiding them toward purpose, fulfillment, and success. As a father of five, mentor, coach, podcast host, and community activist, he brings a wealth...

Welcome to another impactful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have Dr. Anashay Wright, a dynamic mother, wife, educator, speaker, and founder of Authentic Disruption and Disruptive Partners. For over two decades, Anashay has been a force for “good disruption,” partnering with leaders, policymakers, and communities to dismantle systemic inequities and empower people to cr...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Dr. David J. Pate Jr., a distinguished Associate Professor of Consumer Science and Human Development & Family Studies and the Dean’s Fathers and Fathering Faculty Fellow. With over 16 years as a practicing social worker and a rich academic career, David has dedicated his life to uplifting B...