I Am Dad

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.

Empowering Black Men: Brandon Frame on Transforming Narratives and Inspiring Change

Welcome to another uplifting episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have with us a visionary leader and social innovator who has made a profound impact on the lives of Black men and boys—Brandon Frame.
Brandon is the Chief Visionary Officer of TheBlackManCan FOUNDATION., an award-winning and internationally recognized non-profit and digital media platform dedicated to celebrating, educating, and inspiring boys and men of color. Through TheBlackManCan, Brandon has worked tirelessly to challenge stereotypes and amplify the authentic stories of Black men, creating a powerful shift in perception and empowering individuals to redefine their narratives.
In addition to his work with TheBlackManCan, Brandon serves as the Deputy Director of Social-Emotional Learning at The Urban Assembly, where he helps integrate crucial life skills into education for young people. He is also the co-founder of the award-winning Twitter chat #hiphoped, and the author of Define Yourself, Redefine the World: A Guided Journal for Boys and Men of Color and the children’s book My First Tie.
Brandon’s dedication to uplifting his community has earned him numerous accolades, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award and the title of Change Maker of the Year. Despite these achievements, what stands out most is his humility and commitment to servant leadership, always striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Breaking the Silence: Dr. Robin L. Smith on Empowering Black Men and Addressing Mental Health

Welcome to another impactful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us a truly remarkable guest, Dr. Robin L. Smith—a #1 bestselling author, sought-after speaker, experienced media personality, and ordained minister who has touched countless lives with her fearless truth-telling and healing wisdom.
Many of you may recognize Dr. Robin from her years as the on-air therapist for The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she captivated audiences around the world with her insightful and compassionate approach to life’s challenges. Today, she continues to make a profound impact through her work with major corporations, non-profit organizations, and high-profile individuals, helping them overcome adversity and achieve personal and professional breakthroughs.
Dr. Robin is the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages, as well as her soulful memoir Hungry: The Truth About Being Full and Inspirational Vitamins: A Guide to Personal Empowerment. Her latest book, The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power, co-written with the talented Courtney B. Vance, was published in November 2023 and has already sparked vital conversations about mental health and empowerment within the Black community.
With a PhD in counseling psychology from Temple University and a master’s degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Robin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. But beyond her impressive credentials, it is her genuine compassion, wisdom, and commitment to truth that make her such a powerful and inspiring voice.

Transforming Child Support: Erin Frisch on Equity, Inclusion, and Empowering Families

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have a truly inspiring guest, Erin Frisch (she/they), who has been a transformative leader in the field of child support and family services.
Erin has been serving as the Director of the Office of Child Support at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) since 2012. Erin’s dedication to improving the lives of families through equitable and inclusive child support services has made a significant impact across Michigan and beyond. Erin’s leadership extends to the national stage, where they serve as president of the National Child Support Engagement Association and have previously led the National Council of Child Support Directors.
Throughout her illustrious career, Erin has been a champion for integrating public assistance programs to reduce poverty and enhance community well-being. Their efforts in co-leading the MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council have successfully advocated for the establishment of an office of Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, further demonstrating Erin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all.
With a background in IT management consulting and a deep passion for public service, Erin brings a unique perspective to child support policy and practice. They have also been a driving force behind pioneering evidence-based programs that support fathers and families, ensuring that child support services meet the evolving needs of today’s society.
Erin’s commitment to her work is matched by her dedication to her family, as a proud parent of two teenagers who keep her on her toes.
Today, we are thrilled to delve into Erin’s insights on fatherhood, child support, and the importance of equity and inclusion in family services. Please join me in welcoming the remarkable Erin Frisch to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Rebuilding Fathers: Marvin Charles on Transforming Lives Through Divine Alternatives for Dads Services

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have a truly inspirational guest, Marvin Charles, the co-founder and CEO of Divine Alternatives for Dads Services (DADS). For over 25 years, Marvin has dedicated his life to helping men reclaim their roles as loving, responsible fathers and to building stronger, healthier families.
Marvin's own journey is one of incredible resilience and transformation. Growing up in foster care and facing numerous challenges, including incarceration, Marvin has used his personal experiences to fuel his passion for fatherhood and community service. Alongside his wife Jeanett, he founded DADS, a faith-guided organization based in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, which has positively impacted the lives of countless fathers and their children.
Through programs like the 13-week parenting class, DADS provides crucial support to men coming out of addiction, incarceration, and other difficult circumstances. Marvin’s work has not only helped fathers rebuild their lives but has also created a ripple effect of positive change within their families and communities.
Marvin is also an accomplished author and speaker. His book, "Becoming Dads," chronicles his life and the beginnings of DADS, and he continues to share his story and insights across the country. Together with Jeanett, he hosts the "Color Him Dads" podcast, further extending his reach and impact.

Transforming Fatherhood: John Badalament on Modern Dads, Gender Traps, and Family Health

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we have the honor of hosting a truly remarkable guest, John Badalament, Ed.M. John is a proud father of two young adults and a renowned speaker, author, educator, coach, consultant, and documentary filmmaker.
John is the author of the acclaimed book "The Modern Dad’s Dilemma: How To Stay Connected With Your Kids In A Rapidly Changing World" and the director/producer of impactful documentaries such as "All Men Are Sons: Exploring The Legacy of Fatherhood" and "Gender Traps: How Marriage Problems Start In Kindergarten."
For over three decades, John has been a guiding light in the field of fatherhood, speaking and consulting internationally across schools, government agencies, and organizations. As the Director of Programs at The Fatherhood Project at Massachusetts General Hospital for the past 11 years, John has pioneered groundbreaking programs and studies, including the Dads/Moms In Recovery curriculum and the largest study on fathers' prenatal experiences.
John’s work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as ABC News, CBS Sunday Morning, and National Public Radio, and he has been recognized by esteemed organizations for his dedication to ending violence against women and children. His commitment to fostering healthier family dynamics and his contributions to men's health have even earned him invitations to the White House under President Obama’s administration.
Today, we are excited to delve into John’s vast experiences, insights on fatherhood, and his ongoing efforts to support and empower dads everywhere. Please join me in welcoming the inspirational John Badalament to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Empowering Black Boys: Ron Walker on Fatherhood and Educational Leadership

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us a distinguished guest, Ron Walker, a pioneer in the field of education with over 45 years of experience. Ron is the Executive Director and a founding member of the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC), an organization dedicated to the social, emotional, and academic development of boys and young men of color.
 
Under Ron’s visionary leadership, COSEBOC has positively impacted over 600 schools and more than 300,000 students across the nation, changing the narrative around boys and young men of color by highlighting their gifts, talents, and potential. His work has garnered recognition from prestigious institutions such as the U.S. Department of Education, Harvard University, and the American Public Health Association, among many others.
 
In addition to his professional achievements, Ron is a devoted father and grandfather who credits his success to his faith, the lessons from his parents, and the support of his family. His unwavering commitment to high-quality education and his passion for uplifting underserved populations make him a true beacon of hope and inspiration.

Championing Fatherhood: David Pizarro's Insights on Dads' Rights and Custody Battles

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have a very special guest, David Pizarro, the CEO of Dads Law School. With over 24 years of experience, David has been a guiding light for thousands of fathers navigating the complexities of family court, helping them fight for their rights and maintain meaningful relationships with their children.
David is not only an expert in father’s rights and children’s rights but also a prolific multimedia content creator. His engaging TikTok videos have garnered over 48,000 followers, while his "Men's Family Law" podcast on iTunes, with over 70 episodes, has been a beacon of support for dads everywhere. On YouTube, his DADs Law School channel is filled with informative videos addressing the concerns of fathers going through the child custody process.
In addition to his digital presence, David is the author of the "A Man's Guide..." series, covering essential topics like child custody, divorce, and domestic violence. His expertise and dedication have seen him featured on numerous podcasts, in movies, on television, and as an international speaker.
David's work is fueled by a deep commitment to advocating for children’s rights, father's rights, and the importance of integrating new relationships into family dynamics. His practical advice and heartfelt insights make him an invaluable resource for fathers seeking to navigate their legal and emotional journeys.