Great Dad Talks

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with Ronald Platt, CEO and founder of the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (NASDF), for an honest and insightful conversation about modern fatherhood, marriage, and the realities of divorce. Together, we explore today's divorce landscape, including the rising rates of second and third marriages ending in divorce, why so many peopl...

In this episode, Sean Dawson of Raising Men shares what he’s learned from interviewing many guests about masculinity, transmitting values, and raising kids with intention—especially with a son who has big energy in a culture that often tries to suppress boyhood. We explore the current “crisis of masculinity,” why it’s not a zero-sum game for boys and girls, and Sean’s framework of courage, charact...

Welcome to Great Dad Talks! In this episode, I sit down with renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. David Joseph, author of Listening for a Lifetime: The Artful Science of Psychotherapy. With over 50 years of experience, Dr. Joseph dives deep into the power of active listening, the art (and science) of emotional safety, and how true listening can transform parent-child relationships. Discov...

In this episode, I talk with John David, a PR and crisis management professional and author of the mystery/thriller novel The Bystander, about what he discovered through being a dad. John shares how fatherhood became one of the things he’s most proud of, how he felt an early emotional bond with his kids, and how providing a calm, nonjudgmental sense of safety helped them come to him for support ev...

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I talk with psychotherapist and author Dr. Brian DeRoche (Living a Trigger Free Life) about the neuroscience behind why our kids trigger us and how nervous systems influence each other through co-regulation. Brian explains “emotional influence,” the role of nonverbal cues and facial presence in creating safety, and how repeated disconnection can teach children p...

In this powerful episode of Great Dad Talks, I speak with Steven Scott Eichenblatt about his gripping book, Pretend They’re All Dead. Steven shares his intense personal journey of growing up with an absent and then abusive father, overcoming extreme childhood trauma, and finding his way to becoming a supportive father himself. We explore parental estrangement, generational trauma, and the lifelong...

Join me in this insightful episode of talking to fathers, where I chat with Dr. David Heflin, a licensed psychologist specializing in couples counseling. We dive deep into the importance of maintaining a strong marriage and how it impacts children's well-being. Expect practical advice on communication, the significance of the five-to-one ratio of positive to negative interactions, and how to manag...

In this episode, I'm joined by Tony Berardo, a modern father who shares his incredible journey from corporate America to becoming a successful dadpreneur. Tony talks about his decision to leave corporate life, advocating for more present fatherhood, and how the pandemic affected his career choices. We also dive into his personal struggles with IVF, the joys of fatherhood, and the creation of his d...

Are you a parent who wishes their child loved music as much as you do? In this episode, I chat with Andrew Ingkavet about how to spark a love of music in children. Andrew shares his journey, techniques for teaching young kids music, and the importance of finding the right approach. Discover why starting music before the “inner editor” kicks in is crucial, how to instill habits of daily practice wi...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have spiritual entrepreneur and philanthropist Meir Ezra join me to talk about the principles of effective parenting. We dive into how insights from entrepreneurship and human behavior apply to raising kids. Meir shares incredible stories and actionable advice on handling parenting challenges, fostering self-determination in children, and maintaining strong family...

Join me as I chat with Oscar Peña, host of the Daughtered Podcast and dad to three daughters. We dive into the challenges, joys, and learning curves of raising girls, the importance of being present, handling gender expectations, and navigating the traps dads often fall into. If you’re a dad, especially to daughters, don’t miss this honest, relatable conversation packed with insights and practical...

In this episode, I talk with coach Evan Sanchez about the challenges young adults face after graduating from college. We discuss why parental advice can often feel like judgment, how to encourage “messy action,” and strategies for helping your kids discover their passions without pushing them down the wrong path. Evan also shares insights from his own experience and his new course for parents look...

In this episode, I connect with Anil Gupta, the "Love Doctor," and explore powerful strategies for building stronger parent-child relationships in today's distracted world. We dive into the biggest challenges facing modern dads, share practical tools to foster authentic communication and gratitude, and discuss how vulnerability can deepen your bond with your kids. Tune in for insightful tips you c...

In this episode, I talk with David Homan about the importance of building strong, meaningful connections as a dad. We discuss the real-life challenges and rewarding moments that come with fatherhood, sharing our personal experiences and strategies for fostering deeper relationships with our kids. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical tips to become a more intentional parent, you won’t wa...

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Alex Dane, author of "Winning Your Divorce," dives deep into the harsh realities of high-conflict divorces, child custody battles, and the emotional toll the legal system can take on fathers. Alex shares his personal journey from unexpected custody challenges and financial strain to hard-earned resilience, and building a thriving blended family on the othe...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by skyrocketing college costs and the confusing world of financial aid? You’re not alone!  In this episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Paul Compeau, a certified financial planner and college planning expert, demystifies the college financial aid process for parents. He breaks down the real costs of college, explains why everyone pays a different price, and shares actionab...

In this episode, I talk with education innovator Matt Bowman, co-author of "Open Education," about why it’s time to rethink how we approach our kids’ learning. We discuss practical ways for parents to get involved in shaping personalized education pathways—moving beyond the old one-size-fits-all model, making use of community resources, and embracing the power of AI and entrepreneurship. Whether y...

In this episode, I connect with clinical psychologist Dr. Jack Hinman to dive into the challenges of teen anxiety and today’s youth mental health crisis. We explore the changes in how anxiety is discussed, the crucial role of parenting and attachment styles, and the influence of social media on our kids. Dr. Hinman also shares practical advice for dads and parents on supporting their children as t...

Feeling anxious about your kids leaving home? Wondering what comes next after the “full house” years? In this candid and insightful episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with fellow dad and podcast expert David Campbell to explore the emotional landscape of empty nesting. David shares his real-life experience going from a bustling house to a quiet home—for both him and his wife, this transition b...

Russell Van Brocklen, a pioneering educator and innovator in dyslexia intervention, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming severe dyslexia—and how he cracked the code to reading and writing with groundbreaking strategies. Today, he helps children achieve remarkable results, often surpassing the progress seen in even the most elite private schools. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just pas...

Welcome to another episode of Great Dad Talks! This week, I sit down with life coach and former psychologist Michael Blair to explore modern tools for family harmony, emotional healing, and child development. Michael shares the transformative power of his unique “spin” method—a tool rooted in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)—that helps kids, parents, and even whole families quickly change negati...

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Zach Watson dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of "mental load" in modern partnerships and parenting. Zach, known for his educational and relatable takes on invisible labor in relationships, shares how the mental and emotional workload disproportionately impacts women—often in ways that go unrecognized by men. Whether you’re struggling with hous...

In this inspiring episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Jim Tracy—a father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and author of Building Men: Character Lessons from Influencers- opens up about his journey in fatherhood, the importance of character traits, and the legacy we leave as dads. We delve into lessons learned from influential figures in Jim’s life, the difference between values and character, and practic...

Dr. Lawrence Cohen a child psychologist, author of the bestselling book Playful Parenting, and a true pioneer in positive, connection-based parenting, dives deep into the transformative power of play in family life. Discover why playful parenting, roughhousing, and embracing a gentle, connection-focused approach are critical for children’s emotional well-being — and for dads to build lasting, mean...

How does humor shape a happy family? In this episode of Great Dad Talks, explore the power of laughter in parenting with director, creative, and dad of four, Gavin Bellour. Gavin shares stories from both his advertising career—featuring celebrities like Jason Biggs, Martha Stewart, and Norm Macdonald—and his life as a father trying to find joy, even amid chaos. From embracing dad jokes to making h...