Parenting like a Superdad

In this episode, I sit down with CCS Commissioner David Grissom to break down how high school sports actually work behind the scenes. We talk about how decisions are made, the challenges schools face, and what parents and athletes need to understand as they move from youth sports into high school. If you have a child in sports—or plan to—this conversation will give you a clearer picture of what to...

Right in time for Opening Day, this episode takes a different look at youth sports. Most kids who play sports dream of going pro—but very few actually do. So what should parents and kids really be focused on? In this episode, I sit down with a high school classmate of mine, Alex Slater, who built a career inside Major League Baseball, working his way from an intern to Vice President and Assistant...

Summary: Pat Hankin, author of The Field Guide for Single Parents, joins Derrick to discuss the realities and misconceptions surrounding single-parent households. Pat shares practical strategies for managing time, money, and stress while raising resilient kids—along with why traditional advice often fails single parents. From the “15-Minute Parent” concept to building support systems in unexpected...

In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Derrick sits down with DJ Stutz — a lifelong caretaker, foster and adoptive parent, and mom of five — to talk about the imperfect, meaningful journey of parenting. They explore what it means to build confidence as a parent, improve communication with children, navigate discipline and emotions, and support healthy sibling relationships. DJ shares insigh...

This episode of Parenting Like a Superdad is a reflective conversation in which Randall Tom asks Derrick thoughtful questions about parenting, values, and decision-making when certainty fades. Randel, a Bay Area native, aspiring broadcaster and journalist, and a sophomore at Syracuse University, brings a curious, generational perspective that helps surface deeper reflection around listening to the...

Many parents today aren’t worried about raising perfect kids — they’re worried about raising kids with character. But when it comes to raising boys, the guidance can feel conflicting, outdated, or incomplete. Strength versus sensitivity. Discipline versus understanding. Independence versus connection. In this episode, Derrick sits down with Shaun Dawson, host of Raising Men, to talk honestly about...

Sports, Screen Time, and Raising Resilient Kids In Part Two of this conversation, Derrick continues his discussion with family therapist Angela Caldwell by shifting the focus to sports, competition, and the digital world kids are growing up in today. Drawing from Angela’s background as a competitive athlete, they talk about how sports can teach resilience, accountability, and optimism — and where...

It Takes a Village — Why Parents Feel Alone Parenting was never meant to be a solo effort — yet so many parents today feel like they’re doing it alone. In Part One of this conversation, Derrick sits down with family therapist Angela Caldwell to unpack what people really mean when they say “it takes a village.” They explore why modern families often struggle to find support, how misalignment (not f...

In this episode, world-renowned relationship expert Anil Gupta — The Love Doctor — joins us for a parent Q&A. Anil has coached families in 18 countries, spoken on TEDx and major media outlets, and created tools like The Happiness Formula and The Relationship Score. Together, we talk about practical ways parents can build stronger connections, support their kids, and bring more love and intenti...

Coach Joey Curtin has helped bring new life to one of San Francisco’s most storied basketball programs at Riordan High School. In this conversation we talk about his path from player to head coach, what it means to build athletes with both skill and character, and how he sees middle school sports shaping kids today. From the energy of the Crusader Forum to lessons that last beyond the court, this...

Founder of Here Comes the Apocalypse, marketer and mom Jennifer Heller joins Derrick to make disaster preparedness doable for real families. We talk about splitting responsibilities at home (so it’s not all on mom), quick wins when you have zero time, and how to turn wildfire anxiety and extreme weather into simple, step-by-step action. Jen explains why community connections beat stockpiles, how t...

For over 50 years, Dominic Franco has lived and breathed Catholic youth sports on the Peninsula. From his days at All Souls to his role today as PPSL League Commissioner and high school baseball coach, Dominic has seen how the league has grown, adapted, and shaped generations of students. In this episode of Parenting Like SuperDad, Derrick and Dominic explore three big themes: Fairness: how PPSL b...

Derrick sits down with Daniela Feldhausen from Kids Up Reading Tutors to talk about why reading is the foundation for lifelong learning. They share how their program supports struggling readers, tips parents can use at home, and success stories that show the power of personalized reading instruction. Learn more at  KidsUpReadingTutors.com

In this episode, Derrick sits down with Craig, creator of Parenting Harmony, to talk about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary for your kids. From his early background to launching YouTube episodes during the pandemic, Craig shares how simple, consistent routines can become fun, meaningful moments. Whether it’s breakfast, bedtime, or a quick car ride, discover how showing up in small ways...

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow parent to talk about her family’s journey navigating the world of special education. From early signs to diagnosis, IEP meetings, and advocating for her son’s needs, she shares what she’s learned — and what she wishes every parent knew. We explore the differences between support systems in California and Texas, the emotional toll of t...

Parents, meet Peggy Chan — CEO of ActivityHero and the voice of a smarter way to plan your kids’ summer. In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Peggy joins me to tackle the camp-registration headache most families know too well: filling out endless forms, racing to grab popular weeks, and juggling multiple kids’ schedules. Together, we explore how ActivityHero empowers parents to: Search an...

In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Derrick sits down with Marilou Lafon, owner and artistic director of Spark of Creation Studio. Marilou shares how her studio has become a second home for young performers, where kids build confidence, learn discipline, and discover the power of teamwork—on and off the stage. They discuss the role of competition, how to know when a child is ready to tak...

In 1996, Derrick was cast as Gilligan in a Kidstock! summer show — an experience that sparked his love for performing. Decades later, Kidstock! is still helping kids grow through creativity, teamwork, and confidence-building. In this episode, Derrick catches up with Melissa Suncin, Co-Director of Kidstock!, to talk about: How they cast roles with care Helping kids handle disappointment and build r...

Derrick talks with mentors Kelly Page and Annette Mixon—ex‑Sylvan directors turned franchise owners—about what truly moves the needle for kids. Highlights Casting kids into roles that stretch them (and turning “no part” into growth). Tutoring as a confidence engine, backed by real success stories. Making help affordable for low‑income families. Keeping an education business alive during a recessio...

“Show up, no matter what”—that’s the lesson Derrick learned from his dad, Steve: from post‑poker abalone dinners to dugout pep talks and a lightning‑fast swing from fury to hospitality over a leftover‑pork sandwich. Tune in for three true‑life stories and a simple challenge to trade convenience for connection this week.

In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Derrick interviews Ryan Brown, Head Coach and Owner of Rebels Elite SF Cheer—another great program in South San Francisco that's building more than just athletes. Ryan shares his coaching journey and the vision behind creating a program centered on growth, accountability, and community. We explore what makes Rebels Elite SF stand out, from its inclusiv...

In this episode, Derrick reconnects with one of the most impactful figures from his youth—Coach Paul Cunnie, a Daly City baseball legend with over 42 consecutive years of service as a player, umpire, coach, and program director. Coach Cunnie has coached more than 50 teams and helped lead both the Daly City Colts and the Joe DiMaggio program for athletes ages 15–19. Derrick opens the episode with a...

In this episode of Parenting Like Superdad, Derrick shares a personal story about how his father’s early lessons in preparation and opportunity shaped the way he approaches youth sports with his own daughter. From Little League at age 7 to navigating early volleyball and basketball for his child, Derrick reflects on how planning ahead can give kids the confidence they need to succeed—before they e...

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan, a former colleague, youth coach, and parent, for a lively and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most debated topics in youth sports: participation trophies. We dig into: Why Ryan is firmly against participation trophies — and what he believes kids really need The difference between recognizing effort vs. rewarding results What coaching and sales...

Prelog: Why is this podcast called Parenting Like a SuperDad? To begin this episode, I share the origin of the name and the concept behind it.  Then an inspiring conversation with Coach Jay & Jane. Episode 2 is a conversation with Coach Jay & Jane from Evolve Training Center about how martial arts builds confidence, discipline, and resilience in kids. Learn how structured training can help...