I Am Dad
The I AM DAD. Podcast is an exploration of fatherhood insight, information, and inspiration for dads, their families, the people who love, and those that support them.
Episodes
Sunday Aug 13, 2023
Sunday Aug 13, 2023
Gary Barker, PhD, has been a global voice in engaging men and boys in advancing gender equality, gender justice and positive masculinities for three decades. He is the CEO and co-founder of Equimundo Center for Masculinities and Social Justice (formerly Promundo-US), a major contributor to international activism on male allyship in gender equality. He was the first Executive Director of Instituto Promundo in Brazil and led its pioneering work on healthy masculinities.
He is co-founder of MenCare, a global campaign in more than 50 countries to promote men’s involvement as caregivers, and co-founder of MenEngage, a global alliance of more than 700 NGOs. He co-created the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES), the largest survey of men’s attitudes and behaviors related to violence, fatherhood, and gender equality.
He leads Equimundo’s State of the World’s Fathers reports, which has become a major advocacy platform for the global care economy. He has coordinated Equimundo’s partnerships in conflict-affected settings including work on community-based trauma support and restorative justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Balkans, the US and Brazil. He advises the UN, the World Bank, national governments, international foundations and corporations on strategies to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality. In 2017 he was named by Apolitical as one of the 20 most influential people in gender policy worldwide. He is an Ashoka Fellow and received the Voices of Solidarity Award from Vital Voices for his work to engage men for gender equality. He holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and a Research Affiliate position at the Center for Social Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal. He lived nearly 20 years in Latin America and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Congressman Jimmy Gomez proudly represents California’s 34th Congressional District, one of the most diverse and culturally rich districts in the country. In the 118th Congress, Congressman Gomez sits on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and serves as an Assistant Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Deputy Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). Congressman Gomez is the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus and is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and Future Forum.Prior to his election to Congress in June of 2017, Congressman Gomez served four and a half years in the California State Assembly where he served as Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. In the Assembly, Congressman Gomez distinguished himself as a proven national champion of paid family leave and combatting climate change. He became a key figure in authoring landmark legislation to address public health, environmental justice, water conservation, access to education, civic engagement, campaign finance disclosure, LGBTQ rights, and affordable housing.
Congressman Gomez attended Riverside Community College before receiving a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He lives in Eagle Rock with his wife Mary, baby son Hodge, and rescue dog Austin. He is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Joseph R. Stiltner is a native of Pittsburgh, PA but has called Loris, SC, home for the last 20 years. Joseph is happily married and has four children ranging in age from three to 15. Joseph overcame the struggles of childhood trauma, long-term substance abuse, and gang life and now works as an Intervention Specialist at a local fatherhood initiative. Joseph also has an entrepreneurial spirit that’s on fire inside of him, and he’s in the process of launching his third business
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
John currently serves as Assistant Deputy Commissioner / IV-D Director for the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). With more than 31 years of professional experience, John began his career with DCSS as a case manager in the Atlanta office. His experience in leadership roles in both the public and private sector has provided a strong foundation in operations, administration, and strategic management. John is a member of the National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) and Eastern Regional Interstate Child Support Association (ERICSA) Board of Directors, and he serves on the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) Executive Committee.
Sunday Jul 16, 2023
Understanding Child Support from the State of Missouri w/ John Ginwright
Sunday Jul 16, 2023
Sunday Jul 16, 2023
John Ginwright has been with the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) since 1992, and has worked with all aspects of the child support program. Mr. Ginwright has served as the Family Support Division Deputy Director (IV-D Director) since 2014. In this role, he manages the Child Support program for the state of Missouri.
In 2015 Mr. Ginwright created the Child Support Outreach Unit to develop and coordinate child support services with community agencies. The Outreach Unit engages the public with six driving pillars (employment, parenthood, pre-parenthood & young adults, corrections, diversion programs and community engagement). This unit focuses its effort to meet its child support goals, thinking beyond normal child support actions and procedures, while meeting problems before they manifest. The Child Support Outreach Unit has collaborated and established partnerships with over 100 organizations in Missouri, and has a budget in excess of thirteen million dollars.
In 2023 Mr. Ginwright received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Partnership for Community Leadership, for his outstanding contributions to the fatherhood community. Mr. Ginwright also serves as a member on various boards and committees, including the Missouri Reentry Program Steering Team and the Government Contact Center Council. He is a sought out speaker on various topics nationwide.
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
This is an enlightening podcast that delves into the pivotal role judges can play in supporting families. It explores how adopting a 'father-friendly' approach and leveraging trauma-informed strategies can transform courtrooms into platforms for positive change, ultimately fostering healthier families and communities. This podcast offers a unique perspective on judicial practice, demonstrating the profound impact judges can have in reshaping the family dynamics and contributing to societal wellbeing.
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
Konitra Jack is a passionate advocate for family support and the success of every family. With a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, she brings a unique perspective to discussions on these important topics. Currently serving as the Louisiana CSE Director, Konitra directs the programmatic operations for the child support enforcement section in the state. She joined the Child Support Enforcement team in 2008 as a caseworker in Baton Rouge, LA, and has since made significant contributions to the field.
Hailing from Baker, LA, Konitra is not only a professional leader but also a devoted wife and proud mother of two children, aged 11 and 12. Her personal experiences as a mother further fuel her passion for supporting and empowering fathers in their roles. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, a Master's in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctorate from the esteemed Southern University Law Center, Konitra possesses a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding family dynamics.
Beyond her role as Louisiana CSE Director, Konitra actively contributes to several organizations in the field. She serves on the Louisiana Support Enforcement Association (LSEA) Board of Directors, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and driving positive change. Konitra also holds significant roles in national organizations such as the National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) Policy & Governmental Relations, NCSEA U, and the Child Support Quarterly Committee as an Editor. Additionally, she co-chairs the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) Employer Collaboration Committee, which focuses on bridging the gap between employers and child support initiatives, fostering a more supportive environment for parents who pay support.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Konitra is deeply engaged in her community. She serves as a Children's Church teacher at Jubilee Christian Center Church, imparting valuable lessons to children aged 6 to 12. This role allows her to contribute to the growth and development of young minds within a spiritual setting. Additionally, she is the Co-Leader of Girl Scout Troop 10995 in Baton Rouge, where she guides and empowers young girls, helping them develop into confident, resourceful, and compassionate individuals.
With her extensive experience, educational achievements, and unwavering commitment to family support, Konitra Jack is a valuable voice in the field. Her insights and perspectives contribute to meaningful discussions and help shape a more supportive environment for families to thrive.
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Bridging the Gap: Involving Dads in Postpartum Care with Doula 4 Dads
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
JOEL AUSTIN is the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer for Daddy University Inc. and the Executive Director of The School of Parent Education a 501©3. In this role he serves as a strong, undeniable force in propelling males and responsible parenting to the forefront of the family and community agenda.
Fueled by his role as a father of four, Mr. Austin is personally and professionally committed to educating and re-educating people about the importance of fatherhood. Through his leadership, Daddy University Inc. has grown into a recognized authority on fatherhood information, support, and training. As a national speaker and skilled facilitator, Mr. Austin presents to thousands across the nation; infusing his passion through audiences and empowering individuals and groups to positively impact the lives of others.
Mr. Austin is a proud graduate of Cheyney University in Pennsylvania and obtained real-life skills training as a veteran of the U.S. Army. He measures his success by each parent he inspires and attributes his children and family with keeping him focused. He is recognized by his peers as a trailblazer in the field of fatherhood and appreciated by young and more seasoned fathers for his authentic advice, compassionate wisdom, and contagious passion.
Among his many accomplishments; Mr. Austin is the founder of the National Fatherhood and Young Men’s Conference whose message has reached over 58,500 individuals and groups since its inception in 2006. From just a vision the National Fatherhood Conference has become the Largest Fathers Conference on the East Coast and maybe the world. Mr. Austin founded the conference, as he says, with a dollar and a dream. In 2009 He also founded the Tri-State Daddy Daughter Dance, which has become a tradition that changes the lives of girls everywhere. Mr. Austin is also the chief facilitator and program developer for the Fathers Club; a free weekly fatherhood training group at three locations in Philadelphia; he services fathers from all backgrounds and ages.
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
Tanguler Gray serves as the commissioner of the Office of Child Support Services at the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Prior to her appointment in the Biden Administration in December 2021, Gray was a deputy commissioner in the Georgia Department of Human Services. She previously served as the director for the division of child support services in Georgia, with over 26 years of leadership and child support experience there. Gray has served as a member of the board for the National Child Support Enforcement Association, including president and secretary, and is serving a second term as a board member of the Eastern Regional Interstate Child Support Association.
She graduated from Valdosta State University and has a daughter and a son.
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
Omari is a Brooklyn born artist. His use of color, dimension, and texture exhibits true raw, and natural talent. The evolution of artistry is evident in his work. His pieces tell stories that are thought provoking, intellectually inspiring, and technically sound.
Omari's life partner, Shamony Gibson, transitioned in 2019 due to medical malpractice after giving birth to their second child. In response, Omari co-founded The ARIAH Foundation. ARIAH utilizes art, education, AND advocacy to mitigate the long-lasting impact of systemic racism and oppression on the sexual, reproductive health and birth outcomes within BIPOC communities.