Don’t Tell Me You’re a Girl Dad — Show Me | Episode 22

04/08/25 • 12 min

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 It’s about more than just compliments; it’s about engaging in the tough conversations, dismantling outdated stereotypes, and advocating for their rights and opportunities.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

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

Previous Episode

An April Fool’s Day to Remember, Courtesy of the 1997 New York Knicks | Episode 21

Happy April Fool’s Day! Our family loves to play practical jokes, so I figured today would be a great time to invite my girls on to the podcast to listen to me record this episode.

In 1997, the New York Knicks pulled off one of my favorite pranks of all time, convincing their audience the team had signed legendary Knicks player Walt “Clyde” Frazier to a 10-day contract. However, the prank was my second favorite of the day.

Later that night, my mom and I pulled off my all-time favorite prank on my unsuspecting Grandparents. It was a story I wrote two years ago, but for this episode, I tell it again, this time with my daughters by my side.

So enjoy this episode of Courtside Forever! If the audio is a little off, that’s because I used one microphone and my girls are obviously not familiar with them. But most importantly, we had a great time recording so I hope you enjoy.

Next Episode

Tanya Hayles - Storyteller and founder of Black Moms Connection | Episode 23

In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Hayles—a community builder, digital strategist, and former Digital Strategy and Development Manager for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment—for a conversation that goes way beyond the scoreboard.

We talk about what it really takes to build community through sports, the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed, and the emotional toll of trades—not just on the players, but their families too. Tanya also shares the unique challenges Black mothers face, the rising costs of youth sports, and what it means to build a legacy that lasts.

If you’ve ever been part of a team, raised a kid in sports, or just love the game, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we get into:

Why community is everything—on and off the court
The sacrifices parents make for their kids’ sports dreams
The reality of player trades and how they impact families
The importance of representation in both media and motherhood
What it looks like to build a legacy through intentional work

This one’s honest, reflective, and full of real talk. I’m grateful for Tanya’s voice in this space—and I hope it encourages you to look at sports, parenting, and purpose a little differently.

Visit Black Moms Connection: https://www.blackmomsconnection.com/

Watch Tanya's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/IAxjdSDXvCc?si=sKF83JDoAd8rzpLb