Girl Dad Nation

In this episode of Girl Dad Nation, host Matthew Krekeler welcomes back pilot and fellow dad, Ben Bashinski, for an insightful conversation on flying with kids. With 19 flights under his belt with his 14-month-old daughter, Ben shares practical tips and personal experiences from traveling as both a pilot and a dad. From managing expectations and navigating TSA, to keeping your little one comfortable during takeoff and landing, Ben provides a wealth of advice to make flying with kids a smoother experience. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip with your child, this episode is packed with helpful tips to keep your journey as stress-free as possible.
Tips for Flying with Kids

1. Consider Your Child's Age When Traveling:
   • Adjust your expectations and preparation based on the age of your child. For infants, expect them to require attention during most of the flight.
2. Embrace Flexibility and Patience:
   • Approach the journey with a mindset of flexibility. Understand that things may not go perfectly, and patience is key to managing the experience.
3. Check TSA Regulations for Baby Gear:
   • Research TSA guidelines regarding baby items such as formula, breast milk, strollers, and car seats to avoid surprises during security checks.
4. Use Babywearing for Security Checks:
   • Babywearing can be helpful through TSA.
5. Gate Check Your Stroller:
   • Use a stroller to navigate the airport, and gate-check it before boarding.
6. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones or Ear Protection for Kids:
   • Using noise-canceling headphones or ear protection can help reduce discomfort due to ear pressure changes.
7. Feed or Use a Pacifier During Takeoff and Landing:
   • Feeding your baby (bottle or breastfeeding) or using a pacifier during takeoff and landing can help with ear pressure and keep your baby calm.
8. Bring a Variety of Toys and Activities:
   • Pack multiple small toys and activities to keep your child entertained throughout the flight.
9. Pack Snacks and Drinks for Older Children:
   • Food is important.
10. Request Pre-Boarding When Possible:
    • Pre-boarding for families with young children allows you more time to get settled without the rush of other passengers.
11. Choose Seats Strategically:
    • Opt for window seats if possible to keep your child entertained with the view. The window seat can also create a barrier from other passengers and reduce disturbances.
12. Plan for Diaper Changes:
    • Be prepared for diaper changes by knowing the layout of the plane’s restroom and having all necessary supplies ready in an easily accessible spot.
13. Accept Help from Others:
    • Don’t hesitate to accept help from flight attendants or fellow passengers.
14. (MY Girl Dad Nation Tip) Enjoy the journey!

Send me a Text Message

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast.

Support the show

Follow me Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation

For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org

Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected]

In this bonus episode Taylor Calmus of Dude Dad shares his top 10 Gifts for New Dads.
TOP 10 Gifts:
1. "A Dude's Guide to Baby Size" - Book
2. Dude Dad Diaper Bag

3. Flat Top Grill

4. New Underwear (boxers, briefs, whatever... not going to link to it. Ask him)
5. New Tool Set
6. Caffeine
7. Baby Carrier
8. Swaddles (with Dad Jokes preferred)
9. Framed Picture
10. Time Off - Help Dad Have Time to Spend with Baby
Thank you to Taylor for sharing his top 10 list and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Baby showers can be seen as a woman's thing, but more men are wanting to be involved as new dads themselves or be supportive of other dads. But often times it's hard to shop for a new dad. I hope this list helps. You'll find the list in the description for quick reference, and I also recommend checking out DudeDad.com for more awesome dad products. Let me know your favorite dad gifts by messaging Girl Dad Nation on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
You can also email me at [email protected]
Thank you for listening! Please share the podcast with a friend. And if you'd like to support the show, go to buymeacoffee.com/girldadnation
Until next time, go be a dad!
IG: @dudedad
IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation
[email protected]
Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast.

Send me a Text Message

Support the show

Follow me Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation

For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org

Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode I welcome Kevin Polowy. Kevin is a veteran journalist and senior correspondent and host for Yahoo Entertainment. He's previously covered Hollywood for MTV, AOL/Moviefone, URB, and Premiere Magazine. He is also a writer-director-producer-DJ whose film credits include the Billy Crystal comedy “Standing Up, Falling Down” and the Lance Diamond documentary “A Diamond in the Buff.” His other obsessions include Buffalo sports, ‘90s hip-hop, and hot sauce. And Kevin has two daughters, Lyla and Luna, that have become media sensations in their own right, interviewing top celebrities for a series called "Kid Gloves" on Yahoo. Kevin and I talk about the work/life balance, best tracks for a daddy-daughter playlist, and creating the space to be silly with our kids.

Thank you to Kevin Polowy for sharing all of those great stories and his joy of being a Girl Dad! You can check out the links in the description to see some of the home movies Kevin mentioned on the show. Thank you for listening and I encourage everyone to go out, be creative, be silly, and make awesome things with your kids!

Girl Dad Nation is now on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

And make sure to click Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll be notified of new episodes.

Thanks for joining us. Until next time, go be a dad!

Kid Gloves - Lyla and Luna Interview Celebrities

Lyla Running Video - Baby Steps
Lyla and Luna Homemade Horror Movie

Kevin Polowy on IG: @djkevlar
Kevin Polowy on Twitter: @djkevlar

IG: @GirlDadNation
Twitter: @GirlDadNation

[email protected]

Send me a Text Message

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast.

Support the show

Follow me Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation

For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org

Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode I welcome Allan Shedlin. Allan is a father of and daddy to three daughters and five grandchildren. He has devoted his life’s work to education and the importance of good fatherhood, what he calls “Daddying.” He holds many titles and degrees, but he is most proud of his title D.A.D.. In this episode we talk about his goals for the Daddying Film Festival and Forum. Plus, I share my inspiration for the short film, ‘Love Grows Here’, that I submitted for the festival.

LINKS

Daddying Film Festival and Forum
'Love Grows Here' - Short Film

Thank you to Allan for sharing his story and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Daddying Film Festival and Forum, including the short film I made for my girls. It’s an honor to have my film, ‘Love Grows Here’, selected among so many wonderful films celebrating the role of good dads. I’ll be looking forward to the festival each year around Father’s Day!

As I mentioned in the interview, video technology is more accessible than it ever has been. Most parents have a camera and computer in their pocket with the popularity of smart phones. I encourage you to capture the good memories, share your family’s story, get creative, and also make things with your kids. It will mean so much to you and to them!

Thank you for journeying with me.
If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a creative dad! I’d also love to know which movies inspire you. Is there a film that you love with a strong father figure? Send me a note!

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email me at [email protected]

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

[email protected]

Send me a Text Message

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast.

Support the show

Follow me Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation

For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org

Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode I welcome Mathew Bradley. Matt is a fellow podcaster and Girl Dad. When he lost his wife, Marci, to cancer in 2018, he was left to navigate raising his one-year-old daughter, Blair, on his own. In his search to find resources for dealing with grief and being a solo dad, Matt reached out to other dads dealing with loss, and in 2021 he launched a podcast called The Solo Dad Podcast. Matt shares his story and how he remains positive through all of life's challenges.

Thank you to Mathew Bradley for being on the show, and for sharing his journey as a Girl Dad. I am inspired by Matt's strength and his commitment to provide resources for solo parents. Check out his podcast The Solo Dad Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Thank you for listening, and I encourage you to rate the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend.

@GirlDadNation is on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And you can email me directly to [email protected]. I love getting your comments and suggestions!

Until next time, go be a dad!

The Solo Dad Podcast

IG: @GirlDadNation
Twitter: @GirlDadNation

[email protected]

Send me a Text Message

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast.

Support the show

Follow me Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation

For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org

Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected]