The Black Fathers' Pulse Podcast

🎙️ New episode of The Black Father's Pulse! Dr. Alvin Thomas sits down with 10-year-old science sensation Sean Atitsogbe—aka Sean the Science Kid, Mensa member, and Instagram star with 1.4M followers. They talk about making science fun, breaking stereotypes, and why curiosity is the key to learning. Plus, Sean shares mind-blowing science facts, experiments you can try at home, and advice for kids...

Join Dr. Alvin Thomas on The Black Father's Pulse as he dives into the critical topic of Autism within Black families. In this insightful episode, Dr. Thomas is joined by Dr. EdDee G. Williams, an assistant professor at Boston College and a leading expert on Autism in Black youth. Together, they tackle the stigma, misconceptions, and unique challenges faced by Black fathers navigating their child'...

Navigating Black Fatherhood and Professional Life with Dr. Ryan Warner Welcome to The Black Father's Pulse, where Dr. Alvin Thomas dives deep into the unique challenges and triumphs of Black fatherhood. In this episode, Dr. Thomas is joined by award-winning consulting psychologist Dr. Ryan Warner. Together, they explore the intersection of professional lives and fatherhood for Black men, discussin...

In this deeply moving episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching stories of Sheila Albers and Narene Stokes Crosby, two mothers from different racial backgrounds united by a shared, devastating loss. Sheila's 17-year-old son John was tragically shot by police in 2018, while Narene's 24-year-old son Ryan faced a similar fate in 2013. Despite the differences in their stories, these mothers have tran...

Welcome to the Black Father's Pulse podcast hosted by Dr. Alvin Thomas, a clinical psychologist and professor. In this emotionally compelling episode, we embark on a two-part special series titled 'Mothers in Arms" In part one "Divided Justice - United by Tragedy: Two Mothers' Stories on Race and Policing"  we hear from two courageous mothers, Narene Crosby and Sheila Albers, whose sons were kille...

Join Dr. Alvin Thomas on this episode of The Black Father's Pulse as he delves into an empowering and insightful conversation with the Honorable Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Thomas Mitchell. Explore the dynamic world of Black fatherhood, leadership, national identity, and building legacies. Prime Minister Mitchell shares candid stories about his upbringing in Grenada, the role of community in...

Welcome to The Black Father's Pulse, where fatherhood meets purpose. In this episode, host Dr. Alvin Thomas, a clinical psychologist and professor, dives into the critical topic of early literacy with special guest Dr. Dipesh Navsaria , a clinical professor of human development and family studies. The episode features insightful data on the reading proficiency gap and emphasizes the importance of...

Join Dr. Alvin Thomas on The Black Father's Pulse as he dives into the world of black fatherhood with special guest, Congressman Jimmy Gomez from California . In this episode, Congressman Gomez shares his unique journey as a first-generation Mexican American and a dedicated father, balancing his legislative responsibilities with the joys and challenges of parenthood. Discover how he founded the Co...

In this episode of the Black Fathers' Pulse Podcast, Dr. Joe Gothard, superintendent of Madison Metropolitan School District, emphasizes the critical role of early childhood education. He discusses the importance of Black fathers' active involvement in their children's education, suggesting routines such as reading time and regular communication with teachers. Dr. Gothard shares personal insights...

This episode of the Black Fathers Pulse podcast features a discussion with Dr. Dayna Long, a pediatrician known for her work in community health and promoting healthcare equity. The episode highlights the significant role Black fathers play in nurturing their children's well-being, countering stereotypes, and fostering resilience. Dr. Long shares insights on supporting children's health through nu...

Did you know Black fathers are leading the way in hands-on parenting? Join us as we sit down with Shannon Reed , a passionate health interventionist and father who's shattering stereotypes and reshaping the narrative. From groundbreaking research to real-talk about mental health, Reed takes us on a journey through his fatherhood experience in Milwaukee's vibrant community. Discover how cultural le...

In this episode of  The Black Fathers' Pulse , host  Dr. Alvin Thomas  welcomes guests  Eric L. Crawford  and  Patrick Andrews  to discuss their unique parenting approaches. Eric shares his experiences with  non-coercive parenting , emphasizing mutual respect and understanding, while Patrick delves into  Montessori parenting , highlighting the benefits of fostering independence and self-directed l...

In this inspiring episode of  The Black Fathers' Pulse , we sit down with Patrick Andrews, a dedicated father from Trinidad and Tobago, who shares his unique journey of homeschooling his children using the Montessori method. Patrick opens up about the challenges he faced, the successes he celebrated, and the motivations that drive him to provide a tailored education for his kids. Through heartfelt...

In this insightful episode, Eric Crawford joins us to discuss his unique approach to parenting. Moving away from traditional parental dominance, Eric shares his journey towards a more balanced method that respects children's autonomy while maintaining necessary boundaries. He explores the middle ground between strict authoritarianism and gentle parenting, offering practical advice and personal ane...

In this episode of  The Black Fathers' Pulse podcast, DJ Pryor shares the heartwarming story behind his viral video with his toddler, highlighting the joy of fatherhood through humor. He also opens up about his struggles with the legal system, detailing years of separation from his son and his fight to reclaim his role as a father. Tune in for an inspiring mix of laughter, resilience, and advocacy...

Welcome to The Black Fathers' Pulse—the podcast where fatherhood meets purpose. Join Dr. Alvin Thomas, clinical psychologist and associate professor, as he guides you through the highs, lows, and laughs of Black fatherhood. Dive into a vibrant community where stories are shared, support is given, and every heartbeat matters. Tune in to keep the pulse of fatherhood beating strong and vibrant. Subsc...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of  The Black Fatherhood Pulse ! In this episode, titled  "Black Fathers Raising Toddlers,"  we delve into the unique joys and challenges of fatherhood during the toddler years. Join our esteemed guests— Eric Crawford, Shannon Reed , and Patrick Andrews —as they share their personal experiences and insights. Our discussion covers the beauty and uniqueness of...

Welcome to The Black Fathers' Pulse—the podcast where fatherhood meets purpose. Join Dr. Alvin Thomas, clinical psychologist and associate professor, as he guides you through the highs, lows, and laughs of Black fatherhood. Dive into a vibrant community where stories are shared, support is given, and every heartbeat matters. Tune in to keep the pulse of fatherhood beating strong and vibrant. Subsc...

Judge Mitchell, presiding Judge of the Juvenile Division in Dane County, oversees a myriad of juvenile and child welfare, family and civil cases.  Judge Mitchell joins us today to talk about what fathers need to know about identifying and securing their parental rights, and the challenges many men face once 'in the system'.

Black dads can too easily be excluded from the social welfare system, challenging their ability to be gainfully employed, engage with their children, and sustain a good quality of life. Dr. David Pate, Associate Professor and Chair Emeritus of the Social Work department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, joins us to talk about the effects of social welfare policy on the lives of Black men a...

On a mission to "spread as much joy as possible", Dexter Patterson, aka The Wisco Birder , is dedicated to making birdwatching welcoming for all birders around the state of Wisconsin.  As founding member of The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Dexter joins us to share in a "community of people of color who love the outdoors and the birds and beauty of natural Wisconsin and wish to connect with oth...

As our next guest writes, "Fatherhood, while immensely rewarding, comes with its own set of challenges. As a black father, these challenges are often compounded by societal pressures and stereotypes that can weigh heavily on your shoulders."  And we agree.  Kenneth Braswell, a life long advocate for responsible fatherhood and mental health, joins us to talk about the challenges - and joys - of Bla...

Exclusive Interview:  In August 2020, Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot seven times in the back by a white officer outside an apartment complex in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  The shooting, which happened in front of Jacob's children, prompted national outrage with riots and protests breaking out across the country.  But despite his new identity as a contemporary civil rights icon, the first...

Mental health is too often overlooked and under appreciated in the Black community.  Dr. Rheeda Walker, an award-winning professor, psychologist, and author of  The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health,  join us to talk about the mental health crisis in our community today, and how "in order to reclaim a life worth living, you must first reclaim your mind."

Abandoned as a baby to the British foster care system, best-selling author Alex Wheatle grew up without any knowledge of his Jamaican parentage or family history.   Alex joins us to share stories from his new memoir "Sufferah" - of his early years at the notorious Shirley Oaks children's home in London, through the Brixton Uprising, to the front porch in Jamaica of the father who abandoned him as...