I Am Dad

Navigating Life’s Losses: A Deep Dive into Grief Recovery and Support w/ Lisa Good

Delve into the heart of healing with our transformative podcast, a beacon for anyone navigating the complex journey of grief and loss. With each episode, we explore the multi-faceted nature of mourning and the path to recovery, offering solace, understanding, and actionable insights.
Our candid conversations shine a light on the silent struggles many face and provide a roadmap to resilience and emotional well-being. We tackle the often overlooked impact of historical and cultural trauma, offering a unique perspective on the grief experience within the community. Whether you're grappling with personal loss or seeking to support others, our expert-guided discussions aim to empower, uplift, and inspire.
Join us as we unpack the layers of grief, learn to embrace the healing process, and discover hope amidst sorrow. This podcast is an essential companion for anyone looking to find meaning, connection, and comfort in the aftermath of loss.

Embracing Special Needs Parenting: Rodney Kellum’s Story of Love and Resilience

Join host Kenneth Braswell on the 'I Am Dad Podcast' as he engages in a powerful dialogue with Rodney Kellum, a man who wears many hats - a father, a husband, a former Division I athlete, and an impassioned advocate for fathers everywhere. In this deeply moving episode, Rodney shares his transformative journey of fatherhood, including the challenges and triumphs of raising a special needs child and how his experiences reshaped his life's priorities. Discover the concept of 'Fatherpreneurship' where Rodney melds the essence of fatherhood into his entrepreneurial endeavors, promoting a balance of family life with professional aspirations.
This episode is not just a narrative but an inspiration, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a call to action for fathers to embrace their role with dedication and love. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the profound impact of engaged fatherhood, this podcast promises to enlighten and empower. Tune in and be part of the conversation that redefines what it means to be a dad in today's world.

Beyond Birth: Crafting Character and Manhood with Donald Morton

Explore the depths of black fatherhood, male empowerment, and personal growth with Kenneth Braswell and special guest Donald Morton on the 'I Am Dad' podcast. This episode delves into the transformative journey from male to manhood, the importance of character building, and the unique challenges faced by black fathers today. Join us as Donald Morton, founder of Remanned and author of 'The Remanned Book', shares his profound insights on laying a strong foundation for leadership in life and legacy. Tune in to ignite your drive, refine your purpose, and connect with a community committed to the elevation of black male excellence. #Fatherhood #Manhood #BlackMaleEmpowerment #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #IAMDADPodcast

Education Innovator Turned Fatherhood Luminary: J. Michael Hall’s Journey to Empowering Dads

Meet J. Michael Hall on the I Am Dad Podcast – a man whose professional journey as an educator has seamlessly transitioned into becoming a trailblazer in the realm of father engagement. With a lifetime of experience ranging from special education to school administration, Michael, father to two sons who have followed in his pedagogical footsteps, has left an indelible mark on educational communities.
Through his creation of Strong Fathers-Strong Families, Michael has touched the lives of over a quarter-million fathers and parents, igniting a generational cycle of positive fatherhood. As his initiative celebrates over two decades of influence, the profound impact is evident – today's young dads were once participants in his groundbreaking programs.
In addition to leading these transformative fatherhood initiatives, Michael lends his expertise as the co-host of the Intentional Partnerships podcast, adding synergy to the conversation on parent engagement alongside Lindsey Shah and the National Center for Parents as Teachers.
An accomplished author, Michael has contributed to the esteemed fatherhood anthology "Why Fathers Count" and has developed five fatherhood curricula, with his sixth in the works. His insights and innovations have earned him national recognition, including the prestigious honor as a White House Champion of Change in 2012.
Join us on the I Am Dad Podcast as we explore Michael Hall's inspiring contributions to fatherhood and education, and discover the difference one person can make in the lives of many.

Championing Community and Connection: Jim Walters’ Dedication to Engaged Fatherhood

From the halls of academia to the heart of community service, Jim Walters brings a legacy of involvement and advocacy to the I Am Dad Podcast. As a mainstay in the WATCH D.O.G.S. initiative since May 2022, Jim's commitment has extended far beyond his own three daughters' school years, embodying the spirit of a volunteer whose impact resonates daily across campus life.
His accolades as a volunteer coordinator and community builder are district-renowned, yet it's his grassroots work that speaks volumes. With an inclusive vision that "Y'all means All," Jim has been instrumental in leading community organizations towards unity and service for the collective good, regardless of individual differences.
Beyond organizational leadership, Jim champions the cause of male camaraderie and emotional support. He stands as an advocate for open dialogue among men, fostering an environment where healing and growth happen together. This philosophy translates into tangible community action, inspiring men to support the upcoming generation by empowering students and backing educators.
Join us on the I Am Dad Podcast as we delve into Jim Walters' journey of fostering inclusive communities and nurturing fatherly engagement in education.

Fathers in the Forefront: Eric Snow’s Vision for School Engagement Through Watch D.O.G.S

Get ready for a fascinating episode, as we welcome Eric Snow to the I AM Dad Podcast!
A pioneer in championing father involvement in schools, Eric embarked on a mission back in 1998. Driven by the vision of a school environment rich with positive male role models, bolstered safety, and active support for educators, he established the WATCH D.O.G.S. program at his children's school. Since then, this groundbreaking initiative has shaped the way fathers and father figures participate in the educational journey of their young ones.
With an extensive speaking repertoire, Eric has graced the stages of countless educational conferences nationwide. He's shared insights, strategies, and his infectious passion for setting up flourishing WATCH D.O.G.S. programs. Beyond the world of education, his impactful message has been broadcasted on global platforms such as NBC World News, BBC Radio, NPR Radio, and even the TODAY show. Numerous print and digital publications have featured his insights.
Eric's dedication doesn't stop there. He's been an instrumental figure in various national and state boards and committees, including significant roles in the National PTA. His journey prior to dedicating himself fully to WATCH D.O.G.S. in 2008 is also noteworthy. He successfully steered New South Directory Company, Inc as its President and owner and held a pivotal position at K.W Brock Directories Inc.
An alumnus of the University of Arkansas, where he majored in Political Science, Eric's life is a testament to dedication and passion. Married to Valerie since 1982, Eric's family has grown, now boasting two wonderful children, their incredible partners, and adorable granddaughters. And the Snow family has another reason to celebrate with a new addition arriving this October.
Join us as we delve into Eric's remarkable journey, the essence of WATCH D.O.G.S., and his vision for fathers in the educational landscape. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Talking Fatherhood Engagement in Schools with All Pro Dad Coordinator; Keith Schumacher

Over the past 15 years, Keith Schumacher has become recognized as one of the leading voices in father engagement in American schools. Keith did not enter the educational arena as a teacher or principal, he came in as a dad. The husband of a teacher and the father of two adopted daughters, he quickly recognized the absence of other dads participating in the local school. He also noticed that there were few if any male role models even among school staff members for the students.
After initially being turned away from the PTA, he learned about the Watch D.O.G.S. program and proposed it to the principal of his local school. In addition to his role as a senior captain with the Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department, he quickly became a leader in father engagement at the local, and then state and national level. He served for ten years as a National Family and Community Engagement Coordinator with the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) organization.
Upon his retirement from Atlanta Fire-Rescue in 2019, he began serving full-time with the national All Pro Dad Chapters program and has done so for four and a half years. In these roles, Keith has spoken at hundreds of state and national conferences including the American Association of School Administrators, National PTA, American School Counselors Association and the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement. Keith has literally worked with hundreds of local schools and school districts in overcoming the traditional stereotypes of fathers and perceived their lack of engagement in local schools.
Keith is working to create a culture and environment in which schools provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where fathers regularly engage and participate in the daily activities in local schools. This includes supporting students who do not have an easily recognizable father figure in their life for whatever reason.  
As a national leader, Keith’s goal is to give every child an opportunity to have strong positive role models leading them to the greatest success possible.

Understanding Narcism and other Mental Disorders in Working with Men w/ Dr. Janice Stevenson

Janice E. Stevenson Ph.D. has been a licensed psychologist in Maryland since 1984. She received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. She has been in private practice since 1984, first in Baltimore city. For over 30 years, she has worked with trauma recovery. Her clients have included foster and delinquent youth, persons facing criminal charges, abuse victims of various types (abandonment, physical, emotional, sexual, and sexual), and persons facing life-changing and life-altering circumstances (divorce, marriage, job changes, and other changes in their circumstances). Her work is client-centered, evidence-based, and spiritually grounded. She incorporates expressive and art therapies along with therapeutic recreational strategies in the work. Therapy is a growth-enhancing experience for both her and her client. 

State of Literacy and Publishing - Are Dads in Books? w/ Mia Wenjen

Mia Wenjen blogs at PragmaticMom.com. She is also the co-creator and president of Read Your World, celebrating Multicultural Children’s Book Day. Her debut picture book, Sumo Joe (Lee and Low, 2019) was selected as a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year. Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World releases spring of 2023 through Barefoot Books and is a Junior Library Guild selection. The Slants (Red Comet Press) and Boxer Baby (Eifrig Publishing) releases in 2024. Follow her @pragmaticmom on social media.

Conversation with Tommy Maloney, Author of My Dad’s Advice

Tommy Maloney is the Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family, where you can find Apple Podcasts, Iheart Radio, Spotify, and Stitcher Radio. 
Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and was a Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention. He even has won speaking awards through Toastmasters International.
The author of the book "25 Tips For Divorced Dads." "Why not you, Why Not Me" and "My Dad's Advice At 5:04 AM,". He has written for magazines: The Good Men Project, Modern Gladiator, and Nurture Magazine. Plus, he contributed as a writer to other books, “The Expert’s Guide to Teenagers” and Father-Daughter Conversations.”
Tommy enjoys a glass of red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, and dogs Duke (RIP) and Otis. A husband to Ann, where they live (when Tommy is home) in Greeley, Colorado.