I Am Dad

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.

Policy Meets Parenthood: Shaneen Moore's Crusade for Equity in Child Support

In this episode of the I Am Dad podcast, host Kenneth Braswell interviews Shaneen Moore, a PhD student and advocate for policy reform in the child support system. Moore's research focuses on the racial implications of Minnesota's child support program and how it affects families on a systematic level. She emphasizes the need for greater empathy and understanding in the mechanisms that shape the lives of countless families. The conversation delves into the complexities of fatherhood, particularly for black fathers and black daughters, and the need for policy changes to better serve families. Moore also discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the child support system and the need for more representation of men, especially men of color, in health and human services. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of research and the need for more studies on the experiences of black families in the child support system.

Fatherhood Unveiled: Rob Kenney's Journey from Abandonment to Internet Dad

Rob Kenney, the creator of the YouTube channel "Dad, How Do I?" shares his personal story and the inspiration behind his channel in an interview with Kenneth Braswell on the I Am Dad podcast. Rob grew up without a father and made a promise to himself to be a devoted father to his own children. He extended his fatherly guidance to the world through his YouTube channel, providing essential life skills and lessons to those who were missing a father figure in their lives. The channel went viral during the pandemic and now has millions of subscribers. Rob discusses the impact of his work, the challenges he faces, and his desire to bring fatherhood back into the spotlight as a positive and important role. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and his faith in guiding his actions.
 
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Building Bridges: Lawrence Wilbon on Innovating Fatherhood and Family Support

In this episode of the I Am Dad podcast, host Kenneth Braswell interviews Lawrence Wilbon, the Director of Business and Program Development at Fathers Incorporated. Wilbon shares his personal journey of growing up without a father and reconnecting with him later in life. He also discusses the impact of his mother and wife on his life, as well as his experience as an adoptive father. Wilbon emphasizes the importance of supporting fathers and families, and the challenges of advocating for fatherhood programs. He also discusses the future of fatherhood work, including strengthening families and addressing systemic issues through policy and advocacy. The episode concludes with Braswell expressing his appreciation for Wilbon's contributions to Fathers Incorporated and the fatherhood space.

Shaping Futures: Dr. Alvin Thomas on Revolutionizing Black Fatherhood by Rewriting the Narrative

In this episode of the I Am Dad podcast, host Kenneth Braswell interviews Dr. Alvin Thomas, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of Human Development and Family Studies. Dr. Thomas discusses his work at the intersection of positive child and youth development and father involvement, with a focus on black children and black fathers. He explains the importance of challenging the negative narratives surrounding black fathers and highlighting their positive contributions to their families and communities. Dr. Thomas also emphasizes the need to address the mental health of black men and fathers, as well as the impact of their environment on their well-being. He advocates for a holistic approach to fatherhood that takes into account the various social, cultural, and institutional factors that shape the experiences of black fathers.