I Am Dad

Calvin T. Mann: The National Encourager on Fatherhood, Mentorship, and Transforming Communities

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Calvin T. Mann, a true champion for fatherhood, mentorship, and community transformation. Known as the National Encourager, Calvin has dedicated his life to shaping the destinies of boys and men, guiding them toward purpose, fulfillment, and success. As a father of five, mentor, coach, podcast host, and community activist, he brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation.
Through initiatives like EMIY (Encouraging Me, I’m Young) and his powerful interventions in schools, detention centers, and communities, Calvin is actively changing lives—one word of encouragement at a time. His work has earned him prestigious honors, including 'The Spirit of Detroit' award and the establishment of EMIY National Respect Day in Michigan. Today, we’ll explore his journey, his passion for fatherhood, and the lasting impact of his mission to uplift families and communities.

Authentic Disruption: Anashay Wright on Education and Empowering Change

Welcome to another impactful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have Dr. Anashay Wright, a dynamic mother, wife, educator, speaker, and founder of Authentic Disruption and Disruptive Partners. For over two decades, Anashay has been a force for “good disruption,” partnering with leaders, policymakers, and communities to dismantle systemic inequities and empower people to create real change.
From her pioneering leadership development programs to her groundbreaking work disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline in her hometown of Dekalb County, Anashay’s passion for uplifting others is matched only by her commitment to authenticity and connection. Her accolades include national recognition from NPR, Good Day Atlanta, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, among many others.
Today, we’ll explore Anashay’s inspiring journey, her groundbreaking work in education and equity, and her mission to help others harness their power to influence change. Please join me in welcoming the authentic and transformative Anashay Wright to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

David J. Pate Jr. on Reimagining Fatherhood: Policy, Equity, and Uplifting Black Families

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Dr. David J. Pate Jr., a distinguished Associate Professor of Consumer Science and Human Development & Family Studies and the Dean’s Fathers and Fathering Faculty Fellow. With over 16 years as a practicing social worker and a rich academic career, David has dedicated his life to uplifting Black men and families, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for systemic change.
David’s groundbreaking research examines the intersection of race, class, and gender, focusing on how social welfare policies impact African American men and their families. Through qualitative methods, he amplifies the voices of marginalized fathers, exploring their relationships with their children, the child support system, and the challenges of reentry after incarceration.
Today, we’ll delve into David’s inspiring journey, his impactful work, and his vision for a more equitable future for families and communities. Please join me in welcoming the insightful and transformative David J. Pate Jr. to the "I Am Dad" podcast.

Darryl C. Green on Forgiveness, Healing, and Fatherhood: A Path to Reconciliation and Change

Darryl C. Green is a transformative voice in the realms of healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness. As the President and Principal Consultant of Deep Forgiveness, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring families and empowering disenfranchised communities, Green combines his profound personal experiences with professional expertise to create meaningful change.
His journey, inspired by the tragic loss of his brother, has made him a sought-after speaker, author, and motivator, touching lives across the United States and beyond. With advanced degrees in Criminal Justice and Social Work, Green is also a dedicated educator, shaping the next generation of changemakers as a professor at Morgan State University.
A devoted husband and father to two daughters, Green’s commitment to forgiveness and healing extends deeply into his personal and professional life. Today, we have the privilege of exploring his work, his perspective on fatherhood, and his vision for a world transformed by reconciliation.

Dorsey Levens: Super Bowl Champion, NFL Icon, and the Journey Beyond the Game

Dorsey Levens is a name etched in football history, celebrated as a Green Bay Packers legend, Super Bowl champion, and Pro Bowl running back. A Syracuse native, Levens carved out a stellar career with resilience and determination, overcoming injuries to shine on the biggest stages in the NFL.
Beyond the gridiron, Levens has embraced life after football as a mentor, motivator, and advocate for the importance of perseverance, mindfulness and fatherhood. With roots in Notre Dame and Georgia Tech football, his journey is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and leaving a legacy both on and off the field. Today, we delve into his remarkable career, his reflections on family and fatherhood, and his thoughts on life after football.

Jerry Craft: From New Kid to Legacy Builder—A Journey of Creativity, Fatherhood, and Breaking Barriers

Jerry Craft is an award-winning author, illustrator, and pioneer in children’s literature who has brought humor, heart, and a unique perspective to the world of storytelling. Best known for New Kid, the first graphic novel to win the prestigious Newbery Medal, Craft has dedicated his career to creating authentic stories that resonate with children and families alike. From his beloved comic strip Mama’s Boyz to his groundbreaking graphic novels, Craft’s work often draws from his own experiences, blending humor with poignant themes of identity, community, and resilience. As a father, storyteller, and trailblazer, Craft has left an indelible mark on literature and continues to inspire readers of all ages. Today, we are thrilled to dive into his creative journey, his reflections on fatherhood, and his vision for the future of inclusive storytelling.

Wrestling with Fatherhood: Titus O’Neil on Resilience, Legacy, and the Greatest Title of All—Dad

Thaddeus Bullard, known to millions as WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, is not only a celebrated athlete and global entertainer but also a devoted father, philanthropist, and community advocate. From the football fields of the University of Florida to the bright lights of the WWE, Titus has carried a deep commitment to creating change and empowering others.
As a father to three children, a champion of charitable initiatives, and the author of Wrestling with Fatherhood: My Championship Journey to My Greatest Title: Dad, Titus O’Neil has embraced his role as a leader both in and out of the ring. His inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to a life of purpose and impact offers lessons on resilience, fatherhood, and the power of giving back. Today, we’re thrilled to explore his story and hear firsthand how he has turned his challenges into championship moments for himself and others.

Kenneth Braswell: Empowering Fathers, Transforming Families—Season 4 Premiere of I Am Dad Podcast

Welcome to the Season 4 premiere of the I Am Dad Podcast! I’m Kenneth Braswell, your host and the CEO of Fathers Incorporated. Over the years, this podcast has been a space for sharing powerful stories, insightful conversations, and practical tools to empower fathers and transform families. As we step into this new season, our theme—Empowering Fathers, Transforming Families—reminds us of the critical role fathers play in shaping the future. Today, I’m kicking off Season 4 with a heartfelt, one-on-one conversation about the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood, the journey of personal transformation, and what’s to come for this podcast and the broader fatherhood movement. Let’s begin this season with intention, purpose, and the drive to make a difference in the lives of our families and communities.

2024 Close-Out Podcast: Celebrating Fatherhood Milestones and Honoring Lawrence Wilbon’s Legacy

Join Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, in this powerful Close-Out Podcast as he reflects on the milestones achieved from 2021-2023 and the groundbreaking accomplishments of 2024. Highlights include the launch of Poppa University, advancements in legitimation efforts, and transformative research led by the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy. This special episode also features a heartfelt tribute to Lawrence Wilbon, a beloved friend, colleague, and cornerstone of the Fathers Incorporated family. Celebrate progress, honor legacy, and look ahead to 2025 in this emotional and inspiring podcast. Don’t miss this meaningful conclusion to an extraordinary year.

Kevin Shird on Trauma, Redemption, and the Power of Mental Health Advocacy

Welcome to another powerful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we’re joined by Kevin Shird, a three-time published author, activist, and public speaker whose life story is a profound testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of transformation. Kevin’s latest book, A Life for a Life, delves into a gripping and deeply personal narrative that explores trauma, mental health, and the complexities of human behavior.
In A Life for a Life, Kevin recounts his time in federal prison, where he met Damion Neal, a fellow inmate whose life was marked by instability and struggle. While Kevin worked to heal his own trauma and guide Damion toward a better path, their journeys ultimately diverged in unexpected and tragic ways. Years later, Kevin would discover that Damion had been arrested for a heinous crime, leading him on a powerful quest to understand the factors that shaped his former cellmate’s fate.
Through this deeply moving story, Kevin not only confronts his own past but sheds light on the intersection of violence, mental health, and societal failure. Join us as we explore Kevin’s journey, his groundbreaking new book, and his enduring mission to inspire hope and change. Please welcome the remarkable Kevin Shird to the "I Am Dad" podcast.