I Am Dad

From Incarceration to Inspiration: Kwame Johnson on the Power of Mentorship and Redemption

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we have the honor of speaking with Kwame Johnson, a dynamic leader, passionate advocate, and award-winning author. As the President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Kwame has transformed the organization into the largest and most impactful youth mentoring agency in Georgia. His journey from overcoming personal challenges as a youth to becoming a nationally recognized leader in mentorship and advocacy is nothing short of remarkable.
Kwame’s personal story, including his groundbreaking decision to take the SATs while incarcerated, fueled his mission to empower young people and create opportunities for others to break through barriers. He is also the author of The Hope Inside: Harnessing the Power of Mentorship in Life and Career, a powerful testament to the importance of mentorship in shaping lives and building communities.

Beyond the Helmet Catch: David Tyree on Faith, Fatherhood, and Finding Purpose After the NFL

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are excited to have with us a true sports legend and dedicated father, David Tyree. David is best known for his iconic "Helmet Catch" in Super Bowl XLII (42), a moment that forever changed the course of football history and secured a stunning victory for the New York Giants. Beyond the field, David is a purpose-driven leader, husband, and father of seven, who uses his platform to inspire others and champion faith, family, and resilience.
From overcoming personal challenges to achieving greatness in the NFL, David’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief. He now channels his experiences into his work as a speaker, mentor, and advocate, helping individuals "catch their moment" and unlock their own potential.
Today, we’re honored to dive into David’s journey as a father, his dedication to family, and the values that drive his work off the field. Please join me in welcoming the incredible David Tyree to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

From Radio to Fatherhood: Dion Chavis on Mental Health, Social Media, and Raising Kids with Resilience

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Dion Chavis, a renowned media professional, accomplished author, and passionate fatherhood advocate. As the founder of The Glad Dad, LLC, Dion has dedicated his life to promoting responsible parenting, mentoring today’s youth, and engaging fathers in meaningful ways.
With over 500 trainings and workshops delivered across 10 states, Dion’s voice has become a trusted guide for fathers seeking to deepen their connection with their children and strengthen their role as parents. His impactful work has been featured on platforms like The Huffington Post, fatherhood.gov, and The Good Men Project, and his powerful message continues to inspire fathers, youth, and communities alike.
Today, we are excited to dive into Dion’s journey, hear his insights on fatherhood, and explore the incredible work he’s doing through The Glad Dad, LLC. Please join me in welcoming the extraordinary Dion Chavis to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Breaking Cycles: Dr. Alan Michael Graves on Fatherhood, Trauma, and Disrupting Poverty

Welcome to another insightful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Dr. Alan-Michael S. Graves, a dedicated advocate for fatherhood engagement and a leader in the field of human services. As the Senior Director of Teaching and Capacity Building with the Good Plus Foundation, Dr. Graves is at the forefront of developing programs and advocating for policy changes that support fathers and strengthen families.
With over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Dr. Graves has brought his expertise in program development, family partnerships, and interagency systems of care to his work with organizations across the country. His commitment to addressing disparities within systems and his passion for fatherhood engagement have made him a key figure in driving meaningful change.
As a parent himself, Dr. Graves draws from both his personal and professional experiences to positively impact children, families, and communities. We are thrilled to dive into his journey and hear his insights on the importance of fatherhood.

Battling Systemic Barriers: Sundjata Aya on Fatherhood, Policy, and Fighting for Equity in Family Rights

Welcome to another enriching episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have Sundjata Aya, a dedicated father, community servant, and social policy/public health researcher, joining us. Sundjata’s passion lies in improving family and health outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged communities, and promoting equity in all areas of his work.
With expertise in family and fatherhood initiatives, Sundjata leads research, technical assistance, and the development of tools that empower programs to make a real difference in the lives of fathers and families. His background in community-based participatory research and public health reflects his deep commitment to reducing disparities and supporting healthier communities.
Outside of his impactful professional life, Sundjata enjoys spending time with his family, working with youth, deejaying, and connecting with nature. We’re thrilled to explore his insights and experiences today.

Breaking Generational Cycles: Kelly Little on Emotional Intelligence, Military Discipline, and Fatherhood Legacy

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us a true trailblazer in the field of fatherhood advocacy, Kelly R. Little. Kelly is a dynamic speaker and fatherhood expert who has dedicated his life to empowering fathers and transforming communities through emotional intelligence and holistic healing.
As the founder of Fatherhood University365 and a certified leader in father engagement, Kelly’s innovative approach has bridged the gap between young people and mature male role models, helping fathers across the U.S. and abroad to reconnect with their families. Named the 2023 Fatherhood Trailblazer of the Year and now a 2024 International Fatherhood Legacy Leader Mentor, Kelly’s work continues to inspire positive change, one father at a time.

Strengthening Families: Kimberly A. Dent on Leading Ohio's Fatherhood Initiatives

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Kimberly A. Dent, the Executive Director of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF). With over 26 years of experience serving fathers, children, and families in Ohio, Kim has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on the lives of countless families across the state.
Through her leadership at OCF, Kim oversees the funding of fatherhood programs, makes crucial policy recommendations, and works tirelessly to train professionals and engage the community on the vital role that fathers play in their children’s lives. Her extensive background in child support programs and public policy has equipped her with the expertise and passion to drive meaningful change.

Championing Fatherhood: Ron Clark on Building Leaders and Advocating for Strong Families

Welcome to another insightful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Ron, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in guiding and empowering leaders across government, nonprofit, and business sectors. Ron’s passion for building the capacity of others shines through in his work as a coach, consultant, and workshop presenter, where he has made a significant impact on organizations like the Virginia Department of Health, the National Fatherhood Initiative, and many more.
With a strong belief that great leadership begins with great self-leadership, Ron has dedicated his career to helping leaders excel, whether through his role in the VA Governor’s COVID-19 Response Center or as a Statewide Health Promotions Coordinator. His commitment to fostering excellence in leadership is truly inspiring.
Today, we’re excited to dive into Ron’s experiences, his insights on leadership, and how his work connects to fatherhood and family dynamics. Please join me in welcoming the incredible Ron to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Navigating Fatherhood: Jason Tuttle on Raising Children with Disabilities and Coping with Loss

Welcome to a heartfelt episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast. Today, we are joined by a remarkable father, Jason Tuttle, who has turned his deep personal loss into a powerful way to help others. Jason is a former stay-at-home dad and the father of two children with multiple physical and cognitive disabilities. Tragically, Jason lost his 15-year-old son, Zachary, in January 2022. In the midst of his grief, Jason chose to channel his pain into something meaningful by creating "Letters To Zachary"—a raw and honest exploration of his emotions, shared openly to help others understand the grieving process, especially from a father's perspective.
We are honored to have Jason with us today to share his journey, his memories of Zachary, and how he is finding healing through helping others. Please join me in welcoming the courageous and compassionate Jason Tuttle to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Empowering Fathers: Lamar Henderson on Transformative Support for Dads in Merced County

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have a dedicated and passionate advocate for fatherhood and family services, Lamar Henderson, join us.
Lamar is the Family Services Supervisor for Merced County Human Service Agency’s All Dads Matter Program, where he has spent the past 20 years empowering men on their journey through fatherhood. His unwavering commitment to supporting fathers has made a significant impact in his community and beyond. Through his work, Lamar has helped countless men gain access to vital resources and knowledge, ensuring they have the tools they need to be the best fathers they can be.
In addition to his role at All Dads Matter, Lamar is a seasoned parenting educator, facilitating programs such as Nurturing Parenting, Positive Discipline, and Boot Camp for New Dads. He’s also a certified trainer in trauma-informed approaches, including the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Overcomers program and Helping Men Recover. His expertise has been invaluable in supporting men who have experienced trauma, guiding them toward healing and recovery.
Lamar’s influence extends beyond his local community. As a trainer for UC Davis School for Human Services and Fresno State University’s Central California Training Academy, he has led workshops on working with fathers in child welfare, employee development, and anti-racist practices. His contributions to fatherhood research have been recognized at local, state, and national levels, and his work has been published in respected journals.
Lamar has shared his insights on numerous platforms, including as a featured panelist for the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and as a keynote speaker at various fatherhood and family conferences. His dedication has earned him well-deserved recognition, including the inaugural “Hands on Hero” award and the President’s Award for Service.