I Am Dad

From Brooklyn to Purpose: A Fatherhood Story of Trust, Trauma, and Transformation w/ Gregory Harris

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.

Why Fatherhood Research Matters: Data, Dads, and the “So What?” Question with Dr. Matthew Shepherd

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.

Fathers Incorporated 2025 Year in Review: Building Fatherhood Infrastructure That Changes Families

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.

The Quiet Work Every Father Must Do: You Can’t Father with Noise in Your Soul with Wayne Dawson

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 Podcast01:00 – Meet Coach Wayne Dawson03:00 – Wayne’s fatherhood origin story06:00 – Blended families and owning your past12:00 – Childhood influences and cultural identity16:30 – Harlem roots and youth mentorship19:00 – The generational impact of absent fathers23:00 – Leaving nonprofit for corporate leadership27:00 – The power of seasoning and wisdom30:00 – Coaching Black men through transformation34:00 – Why Black men often feel unworthy38:00 – Strength, masculinity, and healthy sensitivity42:00 – Teaching boys the difference between hurt and injury45:00 – Boundaries, expectations, and legacy50:00 – The missing blueprint for modern manhood55:00 – Writing your story and leaving a legacy60:00 – 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: viptransformativeliving.com
About the Host: Kenneth Braswell
Kenneth Braswell is the CEO of Fathers Incorporated and host of the I Am Dad Podcast. With over two decades of leadership in the responsible fatherhood field, Kenneth is a national voice on fatherhood, Black families, and social justice. He is the author of Too Seasoned to Care and Echoes of My Father, among others.
Podcast: iamdadpodcast.comWebsite: fathersincorporated.com
Hashtags
#Fatherhood #BlackFathers #SeasonedMen #WayneDawson #KennethBraswell #Manhood #LegacyLiving #BlendedFamilies #BlackMenMatter #PurposeDrivenLife #VIPCoach #IAmDadPodcast

Why Men Suffer in Silence: Breaking the Global Mental Health Stigma of Abused Men

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.

Redemption, Vision, and Faith: Dwayne Roberts on Helping Men Rebuild After Incarceration

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.

Grace, Grit, and Grounding Fathers: A Conversation with Michelle Lockhart on Community and Legacy

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.

Mentoring for Legacy: Matt Stevens on Building Young Black Male Futures Through Purpose and Perseverance

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.

Reclaiming Black Fatherhood, Mental Health, and Identity with Dr. Darren Moore

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.

Chris James on Black Boys, Mental Health, and the Power of Feeling Over Functioning

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.