I Am Dad

Dr. Maretta McDonald: Fatherhood, the Criminal Justice System, and Rethinking Systemic Barriers

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Maretta McDonald, an award-winning teacher, sociologist, and one of the leading voices in the study of fatherhood and the criminal justice system. As an affiliate faculty member at Virginia Tech and adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University, Dr. McDonald has created groundbreaking courses like Fatherhood and the Criminal Justice System, Sociology of the Family, and Anti-Blackness Across the Globe. She is also a member of the Black Female Fatherhood Scholars Network and has published extensively on the historical and contemporary challenges of fatherhood.
Before entering academia, Dr. McDonald worked as a child support enforcement officer and unit supervisor, giving her a rare and valuable perspective on how policies impact fathers and families firsthand. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of three fathers and a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren. Her deep knowledge, personal experience, and commitment to rethinking fatherhood make her an essential voice in today’s conversation. Join us as we dive into her research, her upcoming Fatherhood and the Criminal Justice System course, and the critical ways we can reshape narratives around fatherhood and justice.

Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr.: Championing Black Fatherhood and Systemic Change

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr., a visionary leader and powerful advocate for Black fathers and families. As the Executive Director of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities (FFHC) and a researcher at Chapin Hall, Dr. Boyd is at the forefront of shaping policies and programs that uplift Black fathers, strengthen families, and address systemic inequities. His groundbreaking work bridges research, advocacy, and community action, driving meaningful change in juvenile justice, early childhood development, and family resilience.
A Prevent Child Abuse America National Board Member, ZERO TO THREE Academy Fellow, and 2024 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow, Dr. Boyd is recognized nationally for his transformative leadership. Beyond his accolades, he is a proud father of two, embodying the very principles he advocates for. Join us as we discuss his work, his journey, and his unwavering belief that Black fathers are essential assets to their families and communities.

Janice Robinson-Celeste: Empowering Black Families Through Successful Black Parenting Magazine

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome the extraordinary Janice Robinson-Celeste—a powerhouse in early childhood education, media, and parenting advocacy. As the founder and publisher of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, the executive producer of Ethnic Animations, and the host of the syndicated podcast BACKTALK, Janice has dedicated her career to uplifting Black families and empowering parents with resources and support to help their children thrive.
With an impressive background as an educator, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, Janice brings a wealth of experience and insight to every conversation. Her work, from award-winning children’s books to groundbreaking initiatives like the National Black Parenting Conference, continues to leave a lasting impact on families and communities. Let’s dive into an inspiring discussion about her journey, her mission, and her vision for the future of Black parenting.

Acamea: Unraveling Family, Identity, and Reconciliation in Daddy’s Little Stranger

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Acamea, a gifted memoirist, essayist, and author of the deeply moving memoir Daddy’s Little Stranger. Through her work, Acamea masterfully explores the complex emotions of family, identity, and reconciliation, resonating with readers worldwide.
Her essays have appeared in esteemed publications like the Bellevue Literary Review, North American Review, and Beyond Words Literary Magazine, and she’s been featured by major media outlets such as the New York Post, Cosmopolitan, and Lit Hub. Acamea is also a TEDx speaker, offering profound insights on connection and personal growth. An Indiana native now residing in Nevada, Acamea holds an MFA from Randolph College, where she earned the distinction of being a Blackburn Fellow.
Join us as we dive into her creative journey, her reflections on fatherhood and family, and the stories that continue to inspire her work.

Dr. Azaliah B. Israel: Redefining Black Fatherhood and Supporting Fathers Through Family-Centered Care

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Azaliah B. Israel, a leading scholar and advocate in the field of Black fatherhood. Dr. Israel has dedicated her career to deconstructing and transforming narratives surrounding Black fathers through innovative narrative interventions. With a Doctorate in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas, post-doctoral experience as a Congressional Policy Fellow at Penn State University, and her current role with the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, Dr. Israel is at the forefront of advancing family policy and fatherhood initiatives.
As a wife and mother of two sons, she brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. Join us as we explore her groundbreaking research, her thoughts on parenting, and how doulas and midwives can play a pivotal role in supporting fathers during the transformative journey of parenthood.

Calvin T. Mann: The National Encourager on Fatherhood, Mentorship, and Transforming Communities

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Calvin T. Mann, a true champion for fatherhood, mentorship, and community transformation. Known as the National Encourager, Calvin has dedicated his life to shaping the destinies of boys and men, guiding them toward purpose, fulfillment, and success. As a father of five, mentor, coach, podcast host, and community activist, he brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation.
Through initiatives like EMIY (Encouraging Me, I’m Young) and his powerful interventions in schools, detention centers, and communities, Calvin is actively changing lives—one word of encouragement at a time. His work has earned him prestigious honors, including 'The Spirit of Detroit' award and the establishment of EMIY National Respect Day in Michigan. Today, we’ll explore his journey, his passion for fatherhood, and the lasting impact of his mission to uplift families and communities.

Authentic Disruption: Anashay Wright on Education and Empowering Change

Welcome to another impactful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have Dr. Anashay Wright, a dynamic mother, wife, educator, speaker, and founder of Authentic Disruption and Disruptive Partners. For over two decades, Anashay has been a force for “good disruption,” partnering with leaders, policymakers, and communities to dismantle systemic inequities and empower people to create real change.
From her pioneering leadership development programs to her groundbreaking work disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline in her hometown of Dekalb County, Anashay’s passion for uplifting others is matched only by her commitment to authenticity and connection. Her accolades include national recognition from NPR, Good Day Atlanta, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, among many others.
Today, we’ll explore Anashay’s inspiring journey, her groundbreaking work in education and equity, and her mission to help others harness their power to influence change. Please join me in welcoming the authentic and transformative Anashay Wright to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

David J. Pate Jr. on Reimagining Fatherhood: Policy, Equity, and Uplifting Black Families

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Dr. David J. Pate Jr., a distinguished Associate Professor of Consumer Science and Human Development & Family Studies and the Dean’s Fathers and Fathering Faculty Fellow. With over 16 years as a practicing social worker and a rich academic career, David has dedicated his life to uplifting Black men and families, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for systemic change.
David’s groundbreaking research examines the intersection of race, class, and gender, focusing on how social welfare policies impact African American men and their families. Through qualitative methods, he amplifies the voices of marginalized fathers, exploring their relationships with their children, the child support system, and the challenges of reentry after incarceration.
Today, we’ll delve into David’s inspiring journey, his impactful work, and his vision for a more equitable future for families and communities. Please join me in welcoming the insightful and transformative David J. Pate Jr. to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Darryl C. Green on Forgiveness, Healing, and Fatherhood: A Path to Reconciliation and Change

Darryl C. Green is a transformative voice in the realms of healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness. As the President and Principal Consultant of Deep Forgiveness, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring families and empowering disenfranchised communities, Green combines his profound personal experiences with professional expertise to create meaningful change.
His journey, inspired by the tragic loss of his brother, has made him a sought-after speaker, author, and motivator, touching lives across the United States and beyond. With advanced degrees in Criminal Justice and Social Work, Green is also a dedicated educator, shaping the next generation of changemakers as a professor at Morgan State University.
A devoted husband and father to two daughters, Green’s commitment to forgiveness and healing extends deeply into his personal and professional life. Today, we have the privilege of exploring his work, his perspective on fatherhood, and his vision for a world transformed by reconciliation.

Dorsey Levens: Super Bowl Champion, NFL Icon, and the Journey Beyond the Game

Dorsey Levens is a name etched in football history, celebrated as a Green Bay Packers legend, Super Bowl champion, and Pro Bowl running back. A Syracuse native, Levens carved out a stellar career with resilience and determination, overcoming injuries to shine on the biggest stages in the NFL.
Beyond the gridiron, Levens has embraced life after football as a mentor, motivator, and advocate for the importance of perseverance, mindfulness and fatherhood. With roots in Notre Dame and Georgia Tech football, his journey is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and leaving a legacy both on and off the field. Today, we delve into his remarkable career, his reflections on family and fatherhood, and his thoughts on life after football.