Fathernetics

RuPaul’s Drag Race, Gay Fatherhood, Surrogacy, and LGBTQ+ Representation with Eric Calvario. Eric shares his RuPaul’s Drag Race journey, gay fatherhood, surrogacy, LGBTQ+ representation, and how drag strengthened his family and confidence. Episode Summary What happens when a shy dad says yes to a casting call that changes everything? Eric joins Fathernetics to share the incredible story of appeari...

Season 3 of the Fathernetics podcast opens with an honest, layered conversation on what it really means to be an LGBTQ dad today. Ronaldo Dwight joins the show to talk about identity before and after fatherhood, intentional friendships, therapy, marriage, and the quiet shift that happens when you realize your life is no longer just yours. From protecting your children’s energy to protecting your o...

Season 3 of Fathernetics kicks off a little differently. This time, it’s just me, interview style. Answering the questions people actually ask and what it’s like building a space for LGBTQ+ dads. No big debate. Just an honest check-in about how far this thing has come. The growth has been real. More listeners. More messages. More dads saying, “I needed this," and that only happens because of the i...

This Father’s Day special episode of the Fathernetics podcast brings together Jameel Mayers and his father, Esteban, for an honest conversation about fatherhood across cultures and generations. They reflect on parenting values shaped in Panama and the United States, the challenges of immigration, and how education, discipline, and community play a role in raising grounded kids. The discussion weav...

In this episode of the Gaytriarchs Podcast, hosts David and Gavin explore what it means to raise children in a politically charged climate as gay fathers. Blending humor with honest reflection, they unpack how modern parents can address politics, global instability, and social tension while protecting their children’s emotional well-being. The episode opens with relatable banter about New England...

Friend of the Show Cody Dolly sits down to talk about surrogacy, LGBTQ family planning, and what it really takes to build a family with intention. From triathlons and travel to budgeting for surrogacy and finding the right match, this conversation breaks down the real life process behind becoming gay dads. If you are exploring surrogacy, parenting as an LGBTQ couple, or just want honest talk about...

What happens when two men decide that positivity is not soft, it is strategy? In this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Kiki with Friend of the Show Drummond (IG: @drummondculture) to unpack the origin of Positive Talks and why intentional spaces matter more than ever. We get into content creation, real networking versus surface connections, and how building community takes purpose. We also go...

In this episode, we sit down with therapist and Friend of the Show Leo Massey (@lmsw_leo) to talk about normalizing therapy, breaking down misconceptions around CBT and DBT, and why representation in mental health matters — especially for LGBTQ+ families. We also get into parenting, coping skills, neurodivergence, ADHD, and how understanding support systems can change lives. This conversation is h...

What does fatherhood look like when your journey doesn’t follow the script? In this Fathernetics episode, August Black shares his experience as a transgender dad navigating masculinity, identity, and raising a daughter with intention. We talk about coming out more than once, balancing strength and softness, working in the gaming voiceover world, and what it really means to show up as a parent. Thi...

This episode of the Fathernetics podcast explores what modern fatherhood looks like before kids even arrive. The conversation moves from K pop and Dungeons and Dragons to the very real emotional weight of surrogacy, chosen family, and building support systems as LGBTQ+ men planning for parenthood. It is an honest look at anticipation, uncertainty, and how community, creativity, and connection carr...

In this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Alex and Dustin share an honest, wide-ranging conversation about life as LGBTQ+ parents. From their shared love of music and concerts to their journey through fostering and adoption, they reflect on how culture, upbringing, and chosen community have shaped the way they parent. They talk candidly about intentional parenting, the importance of self-care,...

In this Fathernetics podcast episode, Nathan Serran shares his perspective on modern fatherhood through adoption, offering an honest look at raising two daughters with intention, presence, and emotional awareness. The conversation touches on communication inside the family, mental health, and how technology shapes childhood today. Nathan also reflects on his transition from restaurant ownership to...

This episode brings Jameel Mayers and Casey Benson together for a real conversation about fatherhood, homeownership, and the emotional work behind raising kids with intention. They get into cultural differences, immigration stories, family politics, and the ways racism and relocation shape how we show up as parents. They talk about adoption, naming, shifting friendships, and the pressure fathers f...

The conversation looks at the real-world impact of information asymmetry in healthcare and how it shapes the patient experience. Daniel Berezowsky and Jameel talk about what happens when service providers control most of the information, leaving families to make decisions without the clarity or context they deserve. They unpack how this imbalance creates confusion, limits personal agency, and make...

Sam dives into the real work of raising kids who can stand on their own. She unpacks the tension parents feel between wanting to give their children more than they had and actually preparing them for adulthood. The conversation centers on teaching life skills, building responsibility, and shaping experiences that lead to confidence and maturity. It’s a grounded look at how intentional parenting cr...

In this conversation, Jameel Mayers and Oded Heilinger discuss the significance of names and cultural heritage, Oded's journey from Israel to becoming a father through surrogacy, and the challenges and joys of parenting. They explore the importance of community, travel experiences, and the lessons learned from their own parents. Oded shares insights on navigating current events with children and t...

This episode of Fathernetics follows Nate Kimeyer’s journey from South Korea to Norway and the unexpected path that shaped him as a gay dad to twins born through surrogacy. Nate talks about navigating cultural shifts, building a multicultural family, and learning to communicate openly in relationships. He shares the humor, chaos, and emotional depth of raising twins, along with the personal growth...

This episode of Fathernetics dives into the real journey of parenting through surrogacy, identity, and LGBTQ family life. The conversation with Cory Allen explores raising kids with cultural intention, navigating loss during pregnancy, and finding strength in community. Cory opens up about self-discovery, dating as an LGBTQ parent, and the legal realities around surrogacy today. He shares how musi...

Jameel Mayers sits down with Frank and BJ to talk about traveling the world with their son Milo and how global experiences shape modern LGBTQ parenting. They share the joy, chaos, and lessons learned from raising a kid while exploring new cultures, along with honest reflections on education, community building, and what it means to create a connected family. Their story highlights the value of cur...

In this powerful episode, Emmanuel opens up about planning a magical Disney trip for his daughter, navigating fatherhood through surrogacy, and the heart of intentional parenting. He shares the highs and challenges of raising a child in today’s world—covering identity, naming, and his research on stigma within marginalized communities. The conversation dives into parenting as a modern LGBTQ+ famil...

This episode of Fathernetics explores the real journey of parenting and adoption through the eyes of two LGBTQ dads. Jameel, Jason and James talk about raising kids with intention, navigating the adoption process, and building a strong foundation of planning and support. They share the realities of balancing travel, self-care, and community while creating a home where representation matters. The c...

Graham Martin joins Fathernetics host Jameel Mayers for a real, funny, and thoughtful talk about modern fatherhood. From parenting through extreme weather and raising kids with completely different personalities to youth sports, homeschooling, and mental health—nothing’s off the table. Graham opens up about creating Hayday Company and why building a community for dads matters more than ever. This...

In this engaging conversation, Ricky shares his experiences as a single dad navigating the complexities of parenting, creativity in Halloween celebrations, and the journey to fatherhood through adoption. He discusses the importance of communication with his children, the fears and concerns that come with parenting, and the significance of fostering a loving environment. Ricky emphasizes the need f...

In this conversation, Shaun Thomas shares his experiences as a father of three children through surrogacy, discussing the challenges and joys of parenting, the importance of community support, and the process of selecting a surrogacy agency. He emphasizes the need for impartial advice for intended parents and the significance of normalizing diverse family structures. The discussion also touches on...

Did you meet Meryl Streep? Brian James shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in West Virginia to a career in musical theater and film in New York City. He talks about becoming a dad, moving to the suburbs, and why representation in media matters for kids. He and his husband’s adoption journey highlights the challenges and joy of building a family. Brian reflects on raising a Black child...