Dad Like It's Your Job

Zito flies solo to talk about two things, apologizing (he's had LOTS of practice) and what it means to be a good provider. He shares a memorable conversation with his late father and a rare blow up at work! 

Mark Riccadonna is a comedian, actor, director, and producer. First and foremost, though, he's a father and he'll be the first to tell you that.  Mark and Zito are cut from the same cloth, guys who love being a dad!  This is a fun one!

Zito chats with a decidedly conservative dad and boy do they have a lot in common! Not so much about how government should work but when it comes to fathering there's a lot of common ground. As JFK said, "Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal" 

Zito digs deeper in to the not so great to the just plain awful TV dads. 

Zito flies solo here, but with the help of clips of some great TV dads. From Ward Cleaver of Leave It To Beaver and Mike Brady, all the way up to Dan Conner and Andre Johnson of Black-ish, Zito dissects their parenting style. And ends with a love letter to Bernie Mac, who always Uncled like it was his job. 

Jackie Flynn is a comedian, actor, and father of three daughters. He and Zito go way back and they spend some time here catching up. They also talk a lot about Loudermilk, the hilarious recovery comedy from Peter Farrelly, in which Jackie plays a gambling addict trying to stay clean. Then Jackie gets into the real stuff, what it means to become and be a parent. 

Doctor Joshua Plummer is a clinical psychologist in Providence, RI. He is also the father of sixteen month-old twins. He also happens to be the son of frequent guest Dr. Barry Plummer. We don't know exactly how many clinical psychologists are in the family, but if we find enough every episode will feature Dr. Plummer.  Josh talks about the (drastic) changes in his life and schedule and how mu...

In this solo episode, Zito shares his "shine without overtime" advice so you can keep things cranking at work and still see your family. Here he also tells a story of risking getting fired to be with his son during a pivotal period for the boy. 

Dr. Barry Plummer Returns! Dr. Plummer is a clinical psychologist and faculty member at Brown University. Zito reached to Dr. Plummer to help delve deeper into the subject of preventing our sons from being "red pilled" by the "manosphere" and the good doctor did not disappoint, sharing keen insights on how we can model a masculinity that leads to strong, healthy relationships. 

Zito put together a few of his best memories of laughing with guests. It's a serious time and, yes, we all need to do what we can to keep our country, but we also need to catch our breath and laugh a little. So breathe. And laugh. 

Chris Zito and Ian Barrett go WAAAAAY back. Ian is the creative director of Media Boss, a successful and sought after production house in Massachusetts. Ian and his wife, executive producer Erin Hayes (who makes a wonderful cameo in this episode) have been raising their daughters in their studio space, encouraging their creativity, and experiencing the joy of their kids' discoveries. Nothing...

James MacDonald lives near Brighton in the UK. His wife is a teacher and he is the primary caregiver for the kids. He's an author, a (sort of) singer, and (sometimes) harried father of three. His book, "First Time Dad: A Hilarious Week By Week Guide For Dads Who No Idea What They're Doing (Yet)," is available on Amazon.

Scott Rodriguez is the founder of Stoneway Athletics (and the Junk Hunk, which we do touch on briefly!). We talk about Dads keeping themselves in good physical health and to stay available to their families. And we spend some time raving about our wives (what a pair of suck ups!) 

Rob Kenney's YouTube channel, "Dad, How Do I," has over 5 million subscribers. Yes, he's the guy with the videos about how to tie a tie, shave, and change a tire, but his is the story of a young teen, abandoned by his father. His climb back to become the man he is today is a testament to his faith, resilience, and the power of forgiveness. Be sure to pick up his book, "Dad...

Luke is a young, devoted, active father. He didn't become a father on purpose, but he's a purposeful father. His child was unexpected, but never unwanted. His story is one that inspires and gives hope to struggling young dads. He's a special guy. 

Shawn Sheridan is a Program Manager at Ohio State University and Speaker of all things family. He and his wife love to laugh together while they raise their three kids and await number four! 

Mike is a comedian, producer, and father. But not in that order. He has other jobs too but being a dad is clearly his priority. Mike talks about the differences between his birth father and stepfather with love and compassion. Oh, and this episode is filled with laughs! 

...because it is. Zito discusses how a few things have recently collided in his life that made it seem like this is the time to speak up about the so-called "Manosphere" of Bro Podcasts and YouTube videos that boys are exposed to that give them a warped sense of their relationship to the world and their relationship with women. The biggest weapon to combat this skewed image of masculinit...

John Nero has a wonderful trilogy of books for any new dad, "The Pregnancy Guide For Dads," "The Baby Guide for Dads," and "The Toddler Guide For Dads." John speaks honestly from experience about the joy, challenge, and terror of becoming a first time father! 

Adam Belmont isn't a life coach or famous author of a parenting book, he's just a dad who's kids mean everything to him. His story of changing his life and career completely so that he could be a better dad is an inspiration. Oh! And if you ever need some PR help help be sure to look for A to B Strategies!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-belmont-6a541a12/ 

Steven Brykman isn't a PhD, or a pediatric endocrinologist. He, like Zito, is a devoted father of a transgender kid. You can read about Noah's experience here:https://brykman.substack.com/p/how-to-play-ball?r=udr8y&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true To support our transgender fellow citizens go to https://standwithtrans.org/ With help coming out go to https://translifeline.org/ Tr...

From June of 2023. Zito and his guest Steven Brykman set the record straight on trans youth. Steven is the father of a trans boy, 15 at the time of this first launching. Zito's youngest daughter, V, now 19, was 17 and a high school junior. If you are honestly curious about transgenderism and want to dispel some fear this episode is a must listen. 

David Lennon is a retired father in his sixties with eight year-old twin boys. He married for the first time in his 50s so here he is, parenting young kids. His devotion, energy, and perspective are an invaluable inspiration. He and Zito talk about extracurriculars, changing gender roles, and housework! 

Zito chats with parenting coach and fatherhood advocate, Michael Finlay. They talk baseball, onesies, and coaching. Michael's latest favorite way to connect with other dads in his Father's group. Turns out comparing notes with other dads helps everyone!  Check out his website at thisisfatherhood.blog

Zito has a fascinating conversation with Life/Fatherhood coach, Jason Blydell. Jason experienced a seismic shift which led him down a new path. We explore a father's love, rage, and evolution. Check Jason out at jasonblydellcoaching.com and Zito at chriszitospeaks.com