I Am Dad

Filling the Father Absent Gap: Being Stronger Than My Father with Marcus Meneese

Welcome to the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Marcus Meneese with us. Marcus is the Founder and Executive Director of Stronger Than My Father, Inc., a Christian organization dedicated to inspiring and transforming today’s youth.
For over 21 years, Marcus has been a passionate youth mentor, committed to helping young people become responsible adults and great parents. In 2016, he launched the Hope Leadership Academy, an afterschool program that supports over 70 students in Antioch, TN, with academic assistance, character development, and spiritual growth.
In 2022, Marcus introduced the Stronger Sons mentoring program, focusing on personal responsibility, dream building, and physical fitness, all while surrounding young men with positive male role models.
A Nashville native, Marcus holds degrees in Psychology and Organizational Leadership. He and his wife LaToya are proud parents of two sons. Marcus’s dedication to youth and family shines through in all he does.
Please join me in welcoming Marcus Meneese to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

From BMF and beyond, Actor Jason Louder Shares His Journey and Fatherhood Insights on I Am Dad Podcast

Welcome to another exciting episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have with us the incredibly talented and versatile Jason LOUDER; an actor, teacher, coach, mentor, and true lover of life. Jason's career is a testament to his dedication and passion for storytelling, both on and off the screen.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Jason has graced the stage in over 30 productions since 2009, collaborating with some of the most esteemed directors and playhouses in the region. His journey as a storyteller extends beyond the stage, having worked on more than 40 independent projects, including full-length features, shorts, and web series.
Jason’s talent has led him to notable roles on television, including guest appearances on the CW’s "Black Lightning" as Frank “2-BITS” Tanner and on Hulu’s "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" as Jamaican Drug Lord “CRESSY.” Most recently, you can catch Jason on "NCIS L.A." (CBS) and "The Wonder Years" (ABC), and he will be appeared in Season 2 of "BMF" (STARZ) as REMI RANSOM.
Beyond his on-screen accomplishments, Jason has inspired thousands as ‘Babatunde The Griot,’ captivating audiences with his storytelling. His commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in his roles as an acting coach at Nova House and a youth acting instructor with AGI Entertainment.
Jason's desire to tell compelling stories through a revolutionary lens continues to drive him, and his work is set to touch, move, and inspire. This year alone, you can look forward to seeing him in several films on streaming platforms, including “The Pass” (ALLBLK), “SCHEME QUEENS” (BET+), “Gerald’s Hands” (Tubi), “ABIDING,” “P.I.G.S.,” “Preaching Lies” (Tubi), “Pretty For a Big Girl S2,” “VICE SQUAD,” and “Sinister Minister.”
Please join me in welcoming the multifaceted and inspiring Jason to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

From Tragedy to Triumph: Tracy Martin on Transforming Loss into Social Change

Welcome to a very special Fathers Day episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast. Today, we are honored to host an extraordinary guest, Tracy Martin, a man who has turned profound personal loss into a catalyst for national conversation and change. Tracy is not only a devoted father but also an influential advocate for justice and community healing.
In February 2012, the world was shaken by the tragic death of Trayvon Martin, Tracy’s son and best friend, in a violent confrontation that highlighted deep-seated issues within our society. From the depths of unimaginable grief, Tracy, alongside Sybrina Fulton, authored "Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin," a poignant narrative that chronicles Trayvon’s life and the movement ignited by his passing.
Tracy Martin has since dedicated his life to ensuring that no other child suffers as his son did. He travels across the country, engaging with men young and old, urging them to communicate to our youth—their sons, daughters, and the children of our communities—that they are invaluable, regardless of societal depictions. Through his impactful speeches and advocacy, Tracy fosters essential dialogues about race, justice, and the right to safety in our own neighborhoods.
Today, we delve into these powerful themes with Tracy, exploring how his journey has influenced his views on fatherhood, community leadership, and the ongoing fight for a safer, more just society. We’ll also discuss practical tools and insights for handling confrontations and fostering resolution, aiming to equip our listeners with the knowledge to drive positive change.
Join us in this compelling conversation, as we learn from Tracy Martin’s resilience and unwavering commitment to transform tragedy into a legacy of empowerment and advocacy.

Fatherhood and Family Bonding: Insights with Mark and Corey Perlman

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast. Today, we have the privilege of hosting two remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the realms of family mediation, parenting education, and responsible fatherhood.
First, let me introduce Mark Perlman, MA. With an impressive 35 years of experience working with parents, children, and families, Mark has dedicated his career to strengthening family bonds. He is the esteemed author of "The Nurturing Father’s Program," a transformative 13-week parenting curriculum for men that has been widely adopted by organizations such as Prevent Child Abuse, Head Start, the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, and various state departments across the nation. In addition, Mark developed the "Marriage & Parenting Program (MA&PA)," which aids couples in successful co-parenting. His extensive leadership roles include serving as the past Executive Director of the Family Counseling Center, The Child Protection Center, and Fathers United Network (FUN) of Sarasota, Florida. Mark's expertise has also been recognized by his appointments to the Florida Commission on Responsible Fatherhood and the Governor’s Child Abuse Prevention and Permanency Council. Above all, Mark is a proud father of two grown sons.
Joining Mark is his son, Corey Perlman. Corey is a nationally recognized marketing expert, speaker, and consultant who recently celebrated the success of his third book, "Authentically Social!" which quickly became an Amazon bestseller in 2024. Despite his professional achievements, Corey's true passion lies in fatherhood. He has facilitated over ten Nurturing Father’s programs, six of which were conducted within the walls of the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. Corey co-hosts the Nurturing Father’s podcast with his father and cherishes the moments spent with his beautiful wife and two amazing children.
Together, Mark and Corey Perlman embody the essence of dedication, compassion, and commitment to nurturing responsible fatherhood and strong family connections. Their combined experiences and insights promise to make this an enlightening and enriching conversation.
Please join me in welcoming Mark and Corey Perlman to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Amplifying Voices: A Conversation with Jason B. Allen on Advocacy, Storytelling, and Male Engagement

Today, we’re honored to have Jason B. Allen, a trailblazer in education and advocacy, joining us. As the National Director of Partnerships for the National Parents Union, Jason has been at the forefront of empowering parents to take an active role in shaping the educational landscape. His work doesn’t stop there; through his company, educational entities, LLC, he harnesses the power of digital storytelling to amplify voices that are often unheard.
Today, we'll explore Jason’s journey, his passionate advocacy for male engagement, and the profound impact of his family's foundation, Lillie’s Foundation, on communities. We’ll also delve into his insights from his book, Suits, Swagg, and Success, discussing strategies for engaging and uplifting Black males.
Get ready for a conversation full of inspiration, strategies, and real-life stories that celebrate the role of fathers and male figures in nurturing and leading change. Join us as we dive deep with Jason B. Allen.

Strengthening African American Families: Dr. Cassandra Bolar on Fatherhood and Relationship Health

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast, where we delve into the intricacies of fatherhood, parenting, and family well-being. I’m your host, Kenneth Braswell, and today we are honored to have with us Dr. Cassandra Bolar, a distinguished researcher, educator, and clinical expert whose work has significantly impacted the African American community and beyond.
Dr. Bolar’s research employs an ecological approach to understand how contextual factors influence father involvement, intimate relationships, and familial functioning within the African American community. She currently serves as a Co-Investigator for the National African American Child and Family Research Center and an Assistant Professor at the University of West Georgia.
With a robust clinical passion for serving couples, Dr. Bolar has created the Marriage Head Start premarital curriculum, designed to foster healthy and strong relationships. Her journey also includes pivotal work at Morehouse School of Medicine’s Satcher Health Leadership Institute, where she directed three large NIMHD research grants. These grants focused on reducing health disparities among children and families through the Smart and Secure Children program, a quality parenting curriculum.
Dr. Bolar holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. Additionally, she is a Certified Family Life Educator, a credential bestowed by the National Council on Family Relations.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore Dr. Bolar’s groundbreaking research, her dedication to relationship education, and the public health implications of her work. We are thrilled to have her share her wealth of knowledge and insights with us.
So, sit back and prepare for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Cassandra Bolar on the "I Am Dad" podcast. Welcome, Dr. Bolar!

Exploring Manhood in Crisis: Dr. Nazsa S. Baker Discusses Masculinity and Recovery Among Disabled Black Men

TODAY we ARE going to explore the intricacies of fatherhood, masculinity, and the societal challenges that shape them. We're honored to have Dr. Nazsa S. Baker with us to delve into her groundbreaking research, "Protect and Provide: Perceptions of Manhood and Masculinities Among Disabled Violently Injured Black Men in a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program." Dr. Baker, a distinguished scholar at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center and an Assistant Professor at Gwynedd Mercy University, brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive work on urban health disparities, violence and injury prevention, and, notably, the support needs of Black men navigating the aftermath of firearm violence. Through her lens, we'll explore the transformative journeys of Black men as they redefine manhood amidst the challenges of disability and societal expectations. Join us as we uncover the layers of resilience, identity, and the pressing need for empathetic support in the wake of violence.

Women in Fatherhood Services: A Journey with Avis Files

In this special episode of the "I Am Dad Podcast," we have the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Avis Denise Files, a trailblazer in the field of responsible fatherhood and family strengthening. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of this dedicated Program Director, Facilitator, and Entrepreneur, whose unwavering commitment to empowering fathers and building healthy families has earned her widespread recognition and admiration.
Through candid conversation and heartfelt anecdotes, Avis shares insights gleaned from her extensive experience working in areas such as domestic violence, homelessness, and drug addiction services. From her early days as a Program Coordinator for OFA grant-funded healthy marriage programs to her current role as Director of Family Supportive Services, Avis's passion for creating positive change shines through in every word.
Discover the pivotal moments that shaped Avis's career, including her historic recognition as the first woman to receive The Vicky Turetsky Women In Responsible Leadership Award. Hear firsthand how she navigates the complexities of blending professional and personal life alongside her husband, Michael Allen Files, as they work together to empower families through their programs at Pathway Inc.
Throughout the interview, Avis offers valuable insights into the transformative power of fatherhood, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in guiding her work. From her motto, "Change A Father, Change a Family, Create a Future," to her dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue and action, Avis exemplifies the spirit of compassionate leadership and unwavering determination.
Join us as we embark on a journey of inspiration, wisdom, and hope with Avis Denise Files, and discover what it truly means to say, "I am Dad."

Unraveling the Tapestry of Young Fatherhood in the UK with Dr Anna Tarrant

Join us on the "I AM DAD" Podcast where we have the honor of introducing Anna Tarrant, a Professor of Sociology and an esteemed voice in the field of fatherhood research. As the Director of the 'Following Young Fathers Further' study and head of the new Centre for Innovation in Fatherhood and Family Research at the University of Lincoln, Anna is at the forefront of shaping the discourse around young fatherhood. With a keen focus on the parenting journeys and support needs of young fathers, particularly in low-income families, her work is pivotal in driving policy and practice to better support these men and their children. Today, we'll explore the transformation of societal perspectives on young fathers, discuss Anna's influential research, and uncover insights into nurturing the potential of these young families. Prepare to delve into the complex dynamics of young fatherhood with a true advocate for change. Welcome, Anna Tarrant, to a conversation that promises to be as enlightening as it is essential.

Harmony in Healing: Jordan Holmes on Art, Advocacy, and the Power of Vulnerability

In this episode of the I Am Dad podcast, host Kenneth Braswell interviews Jordan Holmes, also known as Dexter Spitz, talks about his work as a scientist, musician, spoken word artist, and entrepreneur. They discuss Jordan's journey and his recent How Men Cry Movement, which aims to reshape conversations around masculinity, vulnerability, and mental health. Jordan emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for men to express their emotions and shares his own experiences with therapy and healing. He also highlights the value of nature and motion in promoting mental well-being. The conversation concludes with Jordan sharing a stanza from one of his spoken word pieces, highlighting the need for men to let down their guard and allow love and new experiences into their lives.