DadderUp Podcast

Download your ANCHOR Assessment here: https://dadderup.com/anchor-assessment/?utm_source=YouTube A lot of dads quietly carry guilt, self-criticism, and the feeling that they’re never doing enough. One late pickup, one moment of impatience, or one hard day can spiral into the belief that you’re failing as a father. This breaks down why perfection is the wrong standard, how to redefine failure, and...

KYLE BEATS, music producer, YouTube creator, and new dad, opens up about how fatherhood reshaped his priorities, sharpened his focus, and gave his life real meaning beyond views, money, and momentum. Kyle Beats is one of the most influential creators in modern music culture, known for building a massive audience through creativity, consistency, and authenticity. In this conversation, he steps away...

JULIEN J. MARION, father of six and men’s coach, reveals why good men shrink, how unhealed wounds show up in fatherhood, and what it really takes to lead with strength, presence, and love. Born in the Congo, raised across continents, and now raising six kids while building a business with his wife, Julien works with married entrepreneur dads navigating pressure, identity, and emotional weight. His...

DR. NATASHA CABRERA, one of the world’s top fatherhood researchers, reveals why dads were missing from parenting science, how “dad identity” shapes a child’s life, and the small daily habits that build lifelong connection. Dr. Natasha Cabrera is a Professor at the University of Maryland and Director of the Family Involvement Lab. Her work has helped redefine what father involvement actually means...

KEVIN BARNEY, Executive Director of Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse, reveals why youth sports aren’t about winning and how dads on the sidelines shape confidence, character, and lifelong memories. Kevin Barney leads one of the largest youth sports organizations in the country, serving over 21,000 boys and girls across Massachusetts. As a coach, father, and nonprofit leader, he’s seen firsthand how pr...

Andrew sits down with Dr. Diann Cameron Kelly (Adelphi University) for a practical, heart-forward conversation about modern fatherhood: how presence, mentorship, and emotional intelligence change kids’ confidence and social readiness. From balancing compassion with structure to navigating schools, grandparents, and the phone-in-pocket problem, this episode offers grounded tactics dads can use toda...

DR. JEFFREY SHEARS, professor of social work and fatherhood researcher, explains why dads are more than providers, how father presence shapes child development, and what the data says kids uniquely get from fathers. As co-chair of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy and author of What All Dads Should Know, Dr. Shears has spent decades studying how fathers influence self-regul...

In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Brian Evans, CEO of the Father Center of New Jersey. They discuss Brian's journey into fatherhood advocacy, the importance of emotional support for fathers, and how the Father Center helps men become better fathers through social, emotional, and economic support. The conversation touches on the need to celebrate fatherhood, change societal narratives aro...

Join The Movement: https://dadderup.com/ In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Christopher Brown, president of the National Fatherhood Initiative, about the evolving role of fathers in society. They discuss the importance of holistic fatherhood, the challenges fathers face, and the programs designed to support them. Christopher shares his personal journey and professional insights, emphasizi...

Andrew Russell welcomes Bret Suffis (Lil Athlete Sports) for a conversation on fatherhood, leadership, and why play is where purpose begins. From non-contact fundamentals and multi-sport exposure to modeling patience on the sidelines, Bret shares how programs can build confidence, character, and community—for kids and parents. Bret Suffis is the president and owner of Lil Athlete Sports, a Long Is...

Dr. Kari Adamsons, one of the nation’s leading researchers on father involvement, breaks down what decades of data actually say about dads, presence, and connection. After 20+ years studying father–child relationships, co-parenting, and masculinity, she reveals how small daily behaviors shape long-term outcomes and why dads matter far more than society has ever acknowledged. In this episode, Kari...

In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Robin Bossert, founder of Navigators USA, about his journey from film and television to creating an alternative scouting organization that emphasizes values such as respect, honesty, and service. They discuss the importance of community, mentorship, and the Navigator Moral Compass, which guides youth in understanding dignity and respect. Robin shares ins...