I Am Dad

This week on I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes scholar, author, and longtime advocate Dr. David Miller for a powerful conversation about mentorship, memory, and manhood. At the center of this episode is Dr. Miller’s new national writing project, Letters to My 13-Year-Old Self, an intergenerational reflection inviting Black men across the country to write a message to the boy they once were. The letters explore wisdom, wounds, and wins—the lessons learned through decades of life experience. The conversation digs deeper than nostalgia. Braswell and Miller explore why age 13 represents a critical turning point in the development of boys and young men. They reflect on the awkward transition from childhood to adolescence, peer pressure, masculinity, identity formation, and the deep emotional experiences that shape a young man’s future. Throughout the episode, they examine: Why age 13 is a pivotal moment in Black male development The power of intergenerational mentorship between Black men The importance of community affirmation for young boys What today’s generation of boys face in a hyper-digital world The lasting impact of childhood trauma and early experiences Why older Black men must intentionally pass wisdom to younger generations Dr. Miller also shares how letters submitted by men across the country—from young adults to elders in their eighties—reveal common themes of resilience, healing, identity, and self-worth. The episode closes with a reflection on the importance of slowing down, turning off the phone, and rediscovering the beauty of youth before adulthood arrives too quickly. This conversation is a reminder that every man carries the voice of the boy he once was—and that speaking to that younger self can help guide the next generation.

In this episode of I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Mark Ludwig for a powerful conversation about fatherhood, family courts, and the legislative battle to keep children connected to both parents. Mark Ludwig shares his deeply personal story of going 204 days without seeing his son, a painful experience that ultimately led him into the world of fatherhood advocacy and policy reform. What began as a personal struggle evolved into a national mission to educate advocates and legislators on shared parenting and family law reform. Together, Braswell and Ludwig unpack the realities many fathers face after separation or divorce, including parental alienation, legal barriers, and the adversarial nature of family courts. They also explore why legislative reform has become one of the most important tools for addressing systemic obstacles that prevent fathers from being meaningfully involved in their children’s lives. The conversation covers: What shared parenting actually means Why the current family court system often creates “winners and losers” The emotional toll of parental separation on fathers and children The role of legislation in protecting father–child relationships Why messaging and language matter in fatherhood advocacy The growing national movement toward equal parenting laws Mark also discusses his new book, The Parental Alienation Playbook, which identifies common tactics used to disrupt parent–child relationships and provides strategies for fathers navigating difficult co-parenting environments. This episode is both a personal testimony and a strategic conversation about how fathers, advocates, and policymakers can work together to strengthen families and create healthier environments for children.

This week on I Am Dad Podcast, guest host Dr. Matisa Wilbon of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy takes the host chair for a powerful conversation with fellow institute colleague Dr. David Miller, a researcher focused on the mental health and social development of Black men, fathers, and families. Drawing from his academic research and personal experience as a father of two daughters and a son, Dr. Miller explores a topic that has received far too little scholarly attention: the sacred bond between Black fathers and daughters. Their conversation examines the emotional, psychological, and cultural importance of father involvement in daughters’ lives—even when fathers do not live in the same household. Dr. Miller shares findings from interviews with non-residential fathers and daughters that reveal an important truth: daughters continue to need affirmation, guidance, and presence from their fathers well into adulthood. Together, Wilbon and Miller discuss: The episode also addresses the uncomfortable but necessary conversations fathers must have with daughters about relationships, sexuality, safety, and self-worth. Dr. Miller argues that when fathers provide affirming messages about identity, beauty, and resilience, they help counter the harmful stereotypes Black girls face in society. This conversation is not only about research—it is about healing, growth, and creating stronger relationships between fathers and daughters across generations.

This week on I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Javin Foreman, father of three and youth basketball dad living in the real-time rhythm of competitive sports parenting. From Chicago courts to suburban gyms, this conversation dives into what really happens on the sidelines—where love, fear, ego, and expectation often collide. Drawing from his own playing background and now coaching and parenting two sons in organized basketball, Javin shares candid reflections on: Living vicariously through our children Managing emotional reactions during games The ride home conversation When competitiveness crosses into control Parenting differently based on each child’s personality The pressure of youth sports culture, AAU systems, and NIL aspirations Co-parenting dynamics and sideline behavior Kenneth and Javin explore how sports expose fatherhood in its rawest form. The gym becomes a mirror—revealing not just a child’s skills, but a parent’s fears, expectations, and growth areas. This episode challenges dads to ask: Are we building character—or projecting our own unfinished business? If you have a child in youth sports, this conversation will feel familiar—and necessary.

Season 5 of I Am Dad Podcast continues its deep dive into the systems shaping modern fatherhood—and this conversation is one for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates alike. Host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Christopher Brown, longtime leader in the national fatherhood movement and president of National Fatherhood Initiative. Together, they discuss the groundbreaking report The $154 Billion Man, which reframes father absence not only as a moral and social issue, but as an economic one. The report conservatively estimates that the federal government spends over $154 billion annually supporting single-mother households across 14 major assistance programs—a figure that has risen more than 50 percent (inflation-adjusted) since 2008. This episode goes beyond the numbers. Brown and Braswell examine: Why capacity building—not just programming—is essential How culture change within agencies determines sustainability The role of marriage and relationship stability in child outcomes Why younger generations of fathers are redefining fatherhood identity The urgent need for national convening and preservation of institutional knowledge in the fatherhood field If you care about strengthening families, influencing public policy, or building sustainable fatherhood programming, this conversation offers both data and direction.

This episode of the I Am Dad Podcast is a powerful and necessary conversation about love, loss, and responsibility. Host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Charles Johnson, founder and CEO of 4Kira4Moms, for an unflinching discussion about fatherhood in the face of tragedy and purpose born from grief. Charles shares his deeply personal daddy story, including the loss of his wife Kira just days after the birth of their second son due to preventable medical failures. What followed was not only heartbreak, but a reckoning—one that exposed systemic bias in maternal healthcare and propelled Charles into national advocacy to ensure no family experiences what his did. Together, Braswell and Johnson examine how racism, delayed care, and dismissal of Black women’s pain continue to drive maternal mortality in the United States. The conversation expands into the critical role fathers play—not only in parenting, but in advocating for their partners, navigating healthcare systems, and reshaping narratives around family, partnership, and accountability. This episode also explores the intersection of fatherhood and maternal health, why empowering dads improves outcomes for mothers and babies, and how partnership—not performative allyship—is required to create real change. This is not just a story about loss. It is a call to action for fathers, families, policymakers, and communities to show up, speak up, and do better.

Fatherhood rarely arrives with a manual—and for many men, the earliest season is the most overwhelming. In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Joe Carr, creator of the Dadicated Joe platform and co-founder of Serenity Kids, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about modern fatherhood. Joe shares his daddy story, the collision of launching a national baby food company on the same day his daughter was born, and the emotional reality of early parenting that no class, book, or preparation truly covers. Together, Braswell and Carr explore how fear of judgment, relationship dynamics, and unspoken expectations shape how men show up as husbands and fathers. The conversation also dives into marriage, boundaries, household equity, emotional validation, and the evolving role of dads—along with practical insights on nutrition, shared parenting, and why today’s fathers are redefining masculinity through presence, care, and partnership. This episode speaks directly to new dads, expecting fathers, and men navigating the balance between ambition, love, responsibility, and self-worth.

This episode of the I Am Dad Podcast is a masterclass in perseverance, policy change, and purpose-driven fatherhood. Host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Bernard W.H. Jennings, Florida Supreme Court–certified mediator, public servant, and architect of the Good Dad Act, for an extraordinary conversation about how one father’s fight for access to his son reshaped state law. Dr. Jennings shares his deeply personal daddy story—how, despite being listed on his son’s birth certificate and actively parenting, he was told by a judge that he had no rights under Florida law. Rather than surrender, he studied the system, drafted legislation, built bipartisan support, and helped pass the Good Dad Act, establishing equal parental rights for fathers who step up. The conversation explores the realities of paternity, legitimation, custody, and child support across states, the hidden barriers fathers face in family court, and why policy reform must be strategic, patient, and informed. Braswell and Jennings also discuss the emotional toll of prolonged separation, the importance of father involvement in child outcomes, and the role mothers, partners, and communities play in sustaining healthy families. This is not just a legal story—it is a roadmap for fathers, advocates, and civic leaders seeking justice, equity, and lasting change for children and families nationwide.

Fatherhood is not a role a man steps into when it is easy. It is a calling that demands clarity, responsibility, and presence. In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Jesse Anderson, a fatherhood coach, court-appointed monitor, and ministry leader whose work focuses on helping men lead their families with strength, faith, and emotional integrity. Jesse shares his deeply personal daddy story, growing up without a biological father and learning how to become a dad through mentors, faith, and lived experience. The conversation explores why many fathers disengage after separation or divorce, how leadership breaks down inside families, and why vulnerability, forgiveness, and consistency are essential to raising healthy children. Together, Braswell and Anderson examine the role of faith in shaping masculine leadership, the difference between being present and being accountable, and how fathers influence both sons and daughters through modeling, structure, and love. From courtrooms to kitchens, the discussion centers on one core truth: children thrive when fathers rise. This episode is a grounded, faith-centered conversation for fathers, mentors, and anyone committed to breaking generational cycles and building purpose-driven families.

This episode of the I Am Dad Podcast is a masterclass in perspective, memory, and meaning. Host Kenneth Braswell welcomes longtime friend and respected fatherhood practitioner Scott Leach for an expansive conversation rooted in New York City’s five boroughs and shaped by decades of work with fathers and families. Scott shares his personal daddy story, reflecting on early separation, childhood anger, sports as an outlet, and the moment his understanding of fatherhood shifted through evidence, accountability, and love. From there, the conversation widens into the complexities of doing fatherhood work in New York—where geography, culture, transportation, and community identity all shape how fathers show up. Together, Braswell and Leach unpack masculinity, marriage, toxic narratives, community mentorship, faith, and the generational impact of the 1980s on today’s fathers. They explore why children need to see healing, why community men still matter, and why fatherhood work is ultimately about supporting healthy children—not choosing sides. This is not a theoretical discussion. It is lived experience, honest reflection, and practical wisdom for anyone committed to strengthening families in real-world conditions.

This episode of the I Am Dad Podcast is a powerful reminder that fatherhood is shaped not only by biology, but by community, responsibility, and purpose. Host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Greg Harris, Outreach Lead with Fathers Incorporated, for an honest, deeply reflective conversation rooted in Brooklyn streets and Atlanta impact. Greg shares his daddy’s story—marked by loss, trauma, and resilience—and reflects on growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by coaches, elders, and community men who stepped in when fathers were absent. Together, Braswell and Harris explore how trust is built with fathers, why outreach is sacred “first contact,” and how heart work—not just hard work—drives transformation. The conversation also examines the realities fathers face today, from apprehension and distrust to redemption and accountability. Through stories of loss and success, the episode underscores the power of relationship, navigation, and purpose in helping men stay present for their children. This is not a conversation about programs alone—it is a conversation about people, pain, healing, and the men who choose to stand in the gap.

Five seasons in, the I Am Dad Podcast continues to examine the foundations of responsible fatherhood—and this episode goes straight to the core question too few ask: So what? Host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, welcomes national thought leader Matthew Shepherd, founder of Midwest Evaluation and Research, for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective discussion on fatherhood, research integrity, program evaluation, and systems change. Shepherd shares his personal fatherhood journey, including lessons learned from his own dad and the transformative experience of adoption. From there, the conversation expands into the realities of Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs, the challenges of sustainability, the role of policy, and why data without meaning fails to move systems forward. Together, Braswell and Shepherd unpack how programs can use research not as a compliance exercise, but as a tool for continuous improvement, storytelling, and long-term impact. The episode challenges practitioners, funders, and policymakers alike to rethink how success is measured—and why fatherhood remains one of the most powerful, bipartisan investments society can make. If you care about fathers, families, research, or the future of social impact work, this conversation will stretch how you think about all four.

2025 was not a year of isolated wins — it was a year of alignment. In this Fathers Incorporated 2025 Year in Review, we reflect on how fatherhood moved beyond conversation and into infrastructure, systems change, and national influence. Across programs, policy, media, and community engagement, Fathers Incorporated strengthened its role as a trusted leader in responsible fatherhood and family well-being. This review highlights the organization’s national stewardship of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, expanded public education through fatherhood.gov, and large-scale behavior change driven by national media partnerships. It also captures the growth and outcomes of the Gentle Warriors Academy, including record-setting graduations, independent evaluation findings, and expanded reach into communities and correctional facilities. Viewers will also see how Fathers Incorporated elevated fatherhood through civic engagement, including the 20th Anniversary of the Million Fathers March, policy leadership on legitimation reform, and sustained narrative change through media appearances and op-eds. Together, these efforts reflect a clear commitment: treating fatherhood not as a side issue, but as a foundational strategy for strengthening families and communities. This video is both a reflection on what was accomplished in 2025 and a statement of where the work is going next. It affirms a simple truth backed by data and experience alike: when fathers are supported, families stabilize, children thrive, and communities grow stronger.

In this powerful and reflective episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Coach Wayne Dawson—certified life and mindset coach, father of seven, and a man whose journey through family, faith, and leadership exemplifies what it means to live with legacy in mind. Wayne shares a deeply personal story about growing up with a strong, present father and how that foundation shaped his approach to parenting and leading a blended family. From his early days as a social worker and youth advocate in Harlem, to his rise as a Fortune 50 executive and now as the VIP Coach, Wayne opens up about the defining moments that taught him resilience, authenticity, and the sacred responsibility of guiding Black men to live with clarity, confidence, and certainty. This conversation explores co-parenting dynamics, healing from divorce, honoring the wisdom of our elders, and redefining masculinity in ways that liberate—not limit—our boys and men. A must-listen for fathers, leaders, and anyone seeking purpose in the seasoned stage of life. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro to I Am Dad Podcast 01:00 – Meet Coach Wayne Dawson 03:00 – Wayne’s fatherhood origin story 06:00 – Blended families and owning your past 12:00 – Childhood influences and cultural identity 16:30 – Harlem roots and youth mentorship 19:00 – The generational impact of absent fathers 23:00 – Leaving nonprofit for corporate leadership 27:00 – The power of seasoning and wisdom 30:00 – Coaching Black men through transformation 34:00 – Why Black men often feel unworthy 38:00 – Strength, masculinity, and healthy sensitivity 42:00 – Teaching boys the difference between hurt and injury 45:00 – Boundaries, expectations, and legacy 50:00 – The missing blueprint for modern manhood 55:00 – Writing your story and leaving a legacy 60:00 – Closing reflections and ways to connect About the Guest: Wayne Dawson Wayne Dawson is a certified life and mindset coach, speaker, and founder of VIP Transformative Living. With decades of experience in social work, corporate leadership, and coaching, Wayne helps Black men live aligned with their values, identity, and purpose. He is a devoted father of seven and a passionate advocate for legacy-driven living. Website: iamdadpodcast.com Website: fathersincorporated.com Hashtags #Fatherhood #BlackFathers #SeasonedMen #WayneDawson #KennethBraswell #Manhood #LegacyLiving #BlendedFamilies #BlackMenMatter #PurposeDrivenLife #VIPCoach #IAmDadPodcast

In this eye-opening episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Tom Garber, the Berlin-based founder of Hope for Men—a global platform dedicated to male mental health and the host of the groundbreaking podcast What Happened to Me. Through his own experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and his journey toward healing, Tom has become a powerful advocate for men navigating trauma, shame, and emotional suppression. Together, Kenneth and Tom examine the reasons why men—even those surrounded by family and friends—often feel invisible, unsupported, and alone. From the structural failure of therapy models to society’s reluctance to acknowledge male vulnerability, they dissect the barriers to healing and explore why storytelling, safe spaces, and community matter. Tom also discusses why his platform was forced to shift away from its original vision and how resistance to male-focused wellness underscores a larger cultural denial. Whether you're a father, a mentor, a survivor, or simply someone who believes in the importance of men's well-being, this conversation is a call to action. When men are well, families heal. Communities thrive. And silence finally breaks.

In this compelling episode of I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell sits down with Dwayne Roberts, U.S. Army veteran and founder of Men of Vision Colorado, to explore the intersection of faith, failure, and transformation in the lives of men and fathers. From 15 years in the military to serving time in county lockup, Dwayne's path was anything but linear—but it was divinely orchestrated. Kenneth and Dwayne unpack how faith became the foundation for a second act in life, leading to a ministry dedicated to empowering formerly incarcerated men. They talk about the power of mentorship, the emotional toll of shame and unworthiness, and how spiritual growth plays a critical role in reshaping a man’s identity. Dwayne introduces his “Vision. Plan. Execute.” framework and offers insight into how churches and leaders can more effectively engage and support men on their journey toward healing and leadership. This episode is a masterclass in spiritual fathering, character building, and building environments where men can grow beyond their past into their full potential.

In this deeply moving episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Michelle Lockhart, a cornerstone of the Fathers Incorporated team, sits down with host Kenneth Braswell for a powerful conversation about family, history, and the fatherhood journey. Sharing her own story of growing up without her father—who was tragically murdered before she was born—Michelle reflects on how that loss shaped her commitment to supporting dads and communities across Atlanta. Together, they unpack the cultural richness of Atlanta, the consequences of generational trauma, and the importance of creating spaces where men feel seen, supported, and equipped. They highlight the life-changing power of grace, accountability, and emotional safety for men navigating fatherhood, legitimation, and community expectations. Michelle's insight is rooted in love, lived experience, and a fierce determination to ensure that no child grows up without a sense of protection and presence. Whether you're a dad, an advocate, or someone committed to building stronger communities, this episode will move you to reflect, act, and lead with intention.

On this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell sits down with Matt Stevens, a nationally recognized mentor, educator, and leader in youth development and fatherhood engagement. A former Army veteran turned mentoring visionary, Matt shares how his life journey—from struggling student to founder of transformative programs—has shaped his passion for guiding young men toward purpose, education, and community contribution. They explore the evolution of mentoring, the impact of Omega Psi Phi’s leadership in the fatherhood space, and how Zoom and digital mentoring changed the game during the pandemic. Matt emphasizes the urgency of teaching perseverance, reading literacy, and AI adaptability to the next generation while also exploring the legacy of service, stewardship, and creating systems of sustainability in our communities. Whether you're a mentor, father, educator, or someone passionate about young Black men's futures, this conversation will leave you moved and motivated to take action.

In this thought-provoking episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell sits down with Dr. Darren Moore, a nationally recognized expert in men’s mental health, fatherhood, and family therapy. As a Clinical Professor and Associate Director of Training and Supervision at Northwestern University, Dr. Moore brings academic brilliance and lived experience to the table. The conversation begins with a deeply personal "daddy story" that reveals how institutional bias shaped Dr. Moore’s early journey into fatherhood and continues into a rich dialogue on why men—and especially Black men—need to be seen, heard, and supported in medical and mental health systems. Together, they explore the challenges of fatherhood, the stigma surrounding therapy, the power of reflective manhood, and the need for research rooted in strength, not deficit. If you’ve ever felt unseen in fatherhood spaces or wondered how to bridge your personal experiences with systemic change, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Dr. Moore also previews his upcoming book on Black fatherhood and discusses why the research pipeline must be filled with practitioners who live the experience they’re studying. This is a critical conversation that reframes the narratives around fatherhood, mental health, and legacy.

In this powerful episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Chris James, a nationally recognized spoken word artist, TEDx speaker, mental health educator, and founder of Creative Connections. As a father of seven and the visionary behind the “Black Boys Better” program, Chris shares how art, advocacy, and emotional intelligence are reshaping the conversation around fatherhood and mental wellness. The two dive deep into fatherhood, the danger of emotional suppression, and how men often carry unacknowledged pain in silence. Chris opens up about becoming a father at 16, dropping his oldest son off at college while raising an 18-month-old, and how his own healing journey allows him to serve boys and men with greater empathy and truth. He and Braswell challenge the myth that men don’t express emotions, arguing instead that men communicate constantly—we just need to listen differently. This episode is rich with lived experience, critical insight, and practical frameworks for healing, mentoring, and creating culturally relevant support systems for Black boys and their fathers.