Courtside Forever

In the first episode of Complicated Fatherhood, Ryan details the events that led him to create this podcast, describing how the loss of his Grandparents and his desire to further understand his family lineage has affected his journey through fatherhood. During the research of this podcast, Ryan discovered his southern family ties and how the brutal lynchings and atmosphere of the Jim Crow south caused a migration of African Americans from Shabuta, MS to Albany, NY.

In their first of eight conversations, Ryan asks his biological father, Maurice, about his childhood, his upbringing, his siblings, and about how his father affected his life and fatherhood. For the first time, Ryan learns about his paternal Grandfather and begins to understand how family of origin has affected his own fatherhood, for better or for worse.

Follow us on Instagram: @complicatedfatherhood

In today's episode of Courtside Forever, I unpack what it really means to be a "girl dad" beyond the hashtags and the merchandise. Sparked by the immense popularity of the #girldad movement after the tragic loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, I'm taking a hard look at whether we're truly living up to this title.

I open up about my own experience as a father to two wonderful daughters. When I first heard the news of each daughter's upcoming arrival, I faced a mix of joy and the typical cliché reactions from friends and family. But beyond the personal celebrations and challenges, I delve into how society at large treats our daughters and the disparities they face, such as the employment challenges heightened by the pandemic, the erosion of reproductive rights, and the persistence of gender-based violence.

This episode critically examines how the concept of being a "girl dad" has been commercialized while many of the systemic issues that disadvantage women remain unaddressed. I challenge fellow dads to look beyond the surface—beyond wearing a themed sweatshirt or posting a social media update.

Through personal reflections and insights from writers like Adam Bulger, who outlines what daughters need to hear from their fathers, I share practical and impactful ways to truly empower and uplift our daughters. It’s about more than just compliments; it’s about engaging in the tough conversations, dismantling outdated stereotypes, and advocating for their rights and opportunities.

Join me as I call on all dads to actively contribute to a world where our daughters are not only safe but are valued and respected as equals. Being a "girl dad" should be a commitment to lifelong advocacy and action, ensuring our daughters can thrive in a world that truly cherishes them. This isn’t just about being proud fathers—it’s about being active allies.

You can find the article this podcast is based on here: https://ryanrucker.com/writing/dont-tell-me-youre-a-girl-dad-show-me

In this episode of Courtside Forever, I take you through the monumental impact of Title IX, the groundbreaking 1972 law that fundamentally transformed the landscape of education and athletics in the United States. This episode explores how Title IX not only leveled the playing field for women in sports but also revolutionized access to higher education and professional opportunities for countless women.

Key Highlights:

• Title IX’s Legacy in Academia: Delve into the dramatic shift that Title IX catalyzed in the academic world, from increased female enrollment to more diverse faculty representation in colleges and universities. We'll look at how these changes have fostered a culture of equality and excellence in education that continues to evolve today.
• Protecting Students: Understand the critical role Title IX has played in protecting students from sexual harassment and assault. I discuss significant legal battles that have strengthened these protections and the ongoing efforts needed to maintain safe educational environments for all students.
• Empowering Female Athletes: Celebrate the significant victories for women’s sports post-Title IX, detailing the rise in female participation from high school to professional leagues. We'll acknowledge the heroes and milestones that have marked the journey of women in sports and the barriers they continue to break.

As a girls' basketball coach and a dad, I share personal stories and reflections on how Title IX has influenced the sports community and why it remains essential in promoting gender equity. This episode not only honors the legacy of Title IX but also emphasizes the collective responsibility we hold to support and advance the gains made for women’s education and athletics.

We’ll also discuss the potential threats to Title IX in the current political climate and what that could mean for future generations. It’s crucial that we understand the implications of any changes and how they could affect our daughters' rights and opportunities.

Thank you for joining me for another episode of Courtside Forever, where as parents, we've got the best seats in the house. Let’s celebrate these moments and continue to fight for the rights and opportunities our girls deserve, ensuring that the legacy of Title IX endures for generations to come.

www.courtsideforever.com

"Say goodbye to the next 18 years of your life!"

That was one of the first things someone said to me when I told them my wife and I were expecting our first child. And while I laughed it off, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how messed up that mindset is.

Because here’s the truth—becoming a dad will absolutely change your life. But it won’t ruin it. If anything, it’ll make your life more meaningful, more exciting, and more fulfilling than you ever thought possible.

I’ve always been someone with passions. I love basketball, I love writing, I love creating. And when my first daughter was born, I started hearing all the warnings:

"You won’t have time for that anymore."
"Your hobbies are gonna take a backseat."
"You better get your fun in now before the baby comes."

But here I am, years later, still doing the things I love—just differently. I learned how to adapt my hobbies instead of abandoning them, how to communicate better with my wife, and how to reject the idea that being a dad means losing myself.

And that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode of Courtside Forever.

Here’s what I’m diving into:
✔️ The "Negative Ned" mentality and why so many men think fatherhood is the end of their personal freedom
✔️ How I found ways to keep my passions alive while being an engaged, present dad
✔️ The power of communication and planning (aka, how not to be an idiot)
✔️ Why resentment happens when dads don’t carve out time for themselves—and how to avoid it
✔️ Actionable steps you can take to balance fatherhood and self-care

Fatherhood isn’t about giving up who you are—it’s about evolving into the best version of yourself. Yeah, my life looks different now. I don’t have endless free time. I don’t spend entire weekends on the couch playing 2K. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade what I have now for anything.

So if you’re a new dad, an expecting dad, or even just a guy wondering if he’ll ever get to do the things he loves again—this episode is for you.

Let’s talk about it—because as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house - let's enjoy them.

www.courtsideforever.com

www.ryanrucker.com

LeBron James recently had a heated exchange with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, telling him to “keep my son out of this.” The moment quickly went viral, sparking renewed debate about whether Bronny James deserved to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers or if he is simply benefiting from his father’s influence. But this conversation goes beyond basketball—it’s about nepotism, parental support, and what it really means to help the next generation succeed.

In this episode of Courtside Forever, we break down the controversy and ask the tough questions. If you had the power to open doors for your child, would you? Where is the line between providing support and giving unfair advantages? Why does nepotism seem to be accepted in industries like Hollywood, politics, and business but scrutinized in professional sports?

What you can expect in this episode:

• A deep dive into the differences between nepotism and legitimate opportunity and why people react differently depending on the industry.
• An honest look at Bronny James' journey to the NBA—has he truly earned his spot, or is he riding his father’s legacy?
• The impact of generational success, from family businesses to sports dynasties, and why mentorship and exposure often lead to better outcomes.
• A conversation about fatherhood, legacy, and the responsibilities of parents who have the power to shape their children’s futures.

Some critics believe Bronny James is only in the NBA because of his last name. Others see it as a historic moment—an all-time great paving the way for his son. No matter which side you’re on, this is a discussion worth having.

Join me in this conversation and decide for yourself.

Read my article titled "You Call It Nepotism. I Call It Fatherhood."