Good Dads Podcast

In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with guest Dyllan Dale , a New Pathways for Good Dads graduate. They unpack the challenges dads face when helping their kids navigate  peer pressure and self-esteem . Through honest conversation and real-life stories , the trio explores how intentional parenting means being present, empathetic and proactive—especial...

In this heartfelt episode of Good Dads Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch welcome longtime friend and original Good Dads board member Paul Windisch . Together, they reflect on the organization's 10-year evolution from a vision to a community-wide movement supporting fatherhood . Paul shares how being part of the early days—and watching the mission grow —shaped his perspective...

In this episode of Hot Topics , the hosts, J Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Leonard B. Horton III , assistant professor of journalism at Missouri State University, to explore how fathers can foster healthy screen time habits in the digital age. With humor and honesty, the conversation spans early parenting decisions to teen technology use, revealing both the risks and the opportunities that scree...

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts J. Fotsch and Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Chief Paul Williams to talk about how dads play a vital role in raising safe, responsible kids. With 45 years in law enforcement and personal parenting experience, Chief Williams highlights how an involved father figure profoundly shapes a child's choices and future . He stresses that being a good...

In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch talk candidly about the early days of fatherhood—from sleepless nights to adapting plans and embracing support. With stories from their own experiences raising newborns, the duo highlights the importance of flexibility , presence and being teachable as new dads. They share laughs over chaotic moments, practical tips for mana...

In this  inspiring episode , Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and co-host J. Fotsch sit down with  Aaron Swanson , General Sales Manager at  Springfield Nissan & Kia . More than a business leader,  Aaron is a husband and father  who understands the power of  leading by example . He shares how his workplace has embraced the  Good Dads mission —not just financially but through  hands-on support and community i...

In this episode of Hot Topics , hosts Will Cox and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker discuss the importance of allowing children to experience failure as a tool for growth . They explore how overcoming setbacks builds resilience, decision-making skills and long-term success. Will shares a personal story about his son procrastinating on a school assignment and his initial instinct to step in and "fix" the situ...

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts Brian Mattson and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker welcome Paul Baker , an experienced educator and former school principal, to discuss practical ways to build confidence in children. Paul shares insights from his career in education and his experiences as a father, offering real-life examples of how responsibility, chores and perseverance help instill co...

In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch sit down with Herb Cody , a dedicated father from Nixa, Missouri, to discuss how life's challenges shape empathy, resilience and intentional fatherhood . Herb shares his personal journey of navigating fatherhood through life-altering experiences , including his own near-fatal accident and his wife's traumatic brain injury ....

In this episode of Good Dads, Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer L. Baker , founder and Executive Director of Good Dads , and co-host J. Fotsch discuss how to build fatherhood initiatives and strengthen communities through engagement, collaboration, and leadership . Dr. Baker shares how Good Dads started with a simple idea and grew into a multi-chapter organization supporting thousands of fathers ....

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts Brian and J Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez , Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center , to explore the role of curiosity, outdoor exploration, and lifelong learning in parenting . Rudy shares how his love for the outdoors influenced his parenting style and how exposing kids to nature sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving...

In this episode of Hot Topics , hosts J Fotsch and Will Cox sit down with Dr. Kyle John, Medical Director at Arc of the Ozarks, to explore neurodiversity, inclusivity, and early intervention for autism and other developmental disorders. Dr. John explains what neurodiversity is, how early diagnosis impacts long-term outcomes, and why dads often struggle more than moms when their child receives a di...

In this episode of  The Intentional Dad , hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch welcome guest David Anderson, a school counselor, father of three and 2024 Dad of the Year honoree. Together they dive into what it means to instill kindness, responsibility and teamwork in children both at home and in the community. David shares how his experience in the Peace Corps shaped his family's commitment to servic...

Episode 2: Getting Started - Six Essential Sectors In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch explore the six essential sectors needed to build and sustain a strong Good Dads initiative in any community. As Good Dads expands into new locations, the question arises: How do we bring Good Dads to our town? Dr. Baker shares the key components of a successf...

In the first episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Will Cox, a father of two, coach, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "mediocre dad trying to be good." Will shares his experiences raising two sons with distinct personalities, navigating fatherhood and balancing family life with his career as a solar company owner. This episode dives into why affection matters in fa...

In the premiere episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Brian Mattson, lead pastor at the Downtown Church and father of two, to discuss the critical role of fathers, mentors and role models in shaping lives. This engaging conversation explores the profound impact dads have on their children not just in their presence but through their actions, stabili...

In the first episode of The Intentional Dad, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost Jason Hynson dive into what it means to be an intentional father. Jason, a father of seven children ranging from toddlers to teenagers, shares his journey of fatherhood, balancing the chaos and joy of parenting, and his role as the leader of Victory Mission. Together, they explore the importance of showing up, being present...

In the inaugural episode of Good Dads Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer Baker, founder and director of Good Dads, and host J Fotsch introduce an inspiring vision for 2025, starting with the first module, "Why Good Dads Are Important to a Great Community." This episode lays the foundation for a transformative yearlong exploration of how engaged fathers can create safer communities, stronger schools,...

We continue talking to Frank Tristan about parent involvement and how having humility can go a long way in any situation in life. Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the opportunity to invest in young people. He and his wife Natalie were married in 2008 and have two children, Hays and Taylor. They are regularly involved in church and love experiencing new adventure...

Frank Tristan, head football coach at Glendale High School, father, and husband, talks about the balance of being a coach and a parent in this Part One episode. Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the opportunity to invest in young people. He and his wife Natalie were married in 2008 and have two children, Hays and Taylor. They are regularly involved in church and...

Frank Tristan, head football coach at Glendale High School, husband, and father, talks about the rewarding aspects of coaching and his "ABC" technique (Ask, Balance, and Competitive). Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the opportunity to invest in young people. He and his wife Natalie were married in 2008 and have two children, Hays and Taylor. They are regularly...

Join us this week in the Good Dads studio as founder and director Dr. Jennifer Baker and J Fotsch jump into the third installment on the challenges and joys of parenting a 4- and 5-year-old children.  Preschool-age children do not have the capacity to regulate their emotions as grown-ups, and some children throw more tantrums than others. One of the best way to avoid the potential meltdown is for...

Join us this week in the Good Dads studio as founder and director Dr. Jennifer Baker and J Fotsch talk about the challenges and joys of parenting a 4- and 5-year-old children.  This period of life is marked by inquisitiveness and unfiltered honesty. It's certainly true that they say the darndest things! These youngsters are at their peak of innocence, but they're also very in tune with potential t...

Are children master manipulators, or just trying to get their way? Is it okay to have night-time snacks? What's a dad to do when his child disobeys, turning on the TV after bedtime? Join us this week with J Fotsch and Dr. Jennifer Baker as we cover common questions for dads of four- and five-year-olds, including bedtimes, sugary snacks, discipline, pretend-crying and more.   Show Notes (2:14) I tr...

We welcome back Bre Tyger, Community Alignment Specialist from Family Connects, a program new to Springfield, MO. We cover the difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression, and how it affects both Mom and Dad. A phenomenon of ongoing sadness in the days after your bundle of joy arrives is common and normal, but in general medical experts say the "baby blues" might begin to be classifi...