Good Dads Podcast

Infant Health with Family Connects In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson talk with Jordan Coiner from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department about the crucial role dads play in infant health. Jordan shares personal stories from his own parenting journey and introduces the Family Connects program, a home-visiting initiative offering support from registered nurses to every new family in Greene County. The conversation centers on how dads can stay curious, ask questions and get involved early in their child's life—especially when navigating sleep deprivation, changing family dynamics and emotional overwhelm.

The discussion also highlights the overlooked mental health needs of new fathers. Jordan opens up about the postpartum challenges his family faced and encourages dads to prioritize self-care and emotional openness. Resources like Mental Health 417 and peer support are emphasized, as well as using reputable sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics to navigate conflicting parenting advice. The episode sends a strong message: Dads matter deeply and seeking help is a strength—not a weakness.

Episode Highlights

[06:32] “It’s okay to not know the answer... being willing to ask the question is the biggest thing.”

[07:13] “Every newborn in Greene County has access to our nurses... they’ll come visit you in the home.”

[14:37] “Talk to another friend of mine who is a dad as well... you realize you’re not alone.”

[17:10] “If I’m not taking care of myself, I can’t fully take care of my family.”

[18:39] “Health outcomes improve when dads are involved... for mom and baby.”

[19:48] “Don’t just trust what someone says on TikTok—go do your own research.”

[25:17] “Hey man, you good? Let’s have a conversation. Let’s talk about our mental health.”

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Chief Paul Williams to talk about how dads play a vital role in raising safe, responsible kids. With 45 years in law enforcement and personal parenting experience, Chief Williams highlights how an involved father figure profoundly shapes a child’s choices and future. He stresses that being a good dad means more than just enforcing rules—it’s about being present, playful and supportive.

They also tackle modern challenges like cyber safety, helicopter parenting and building independence. Chief Williams offers practical tools including using apps like Life360 and encouraging open dialogue. His “retractable leash” analogy captures the balance of freedom and protection. Above all, the episode delivers a hopeful message: it’s never too late to break the cycle and start a legacy of strong fatherhood.

Episode Highlights

[04:29] “The number one thing that makes a difference in a kid’s life is a dad... present, engaged, involved.”

[06:48] “Being a good dad is not just being the bad guy... Talk to any of my kids—they’ll say their best memories are of dad being the fun dad.”

[10:26] “We’re seeing that generational impact... I didn’t have a father figure, so I’m not a father figure.”

[17:22] “Your kids are your responsibility. They need to realize that. If you don’t give me access to everything, you’re not going to have it.”

[20:31] “Parents that take the helicopter approach... are doing their kids a disservice. Kids need to fail, screw up, get better.”

[27:13] “We’re exposed to more [news] now. Use that knowledge for good—but don’t go overboard and lock them up ‘til they’re 20.”

[32:51] “Think of life as a retractable leash... You give them space but when danger’s there, you can reel them back in.”

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian Mattson and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker welcome Paul Baker, an experienced educator and former school principal, to discuss practical ways to build confidence in children.

Paul shares insights from his career in education and his experiences as a father, offering real-life examples of how responsibility, chores and perseverance help instill confidence in kids. The conversation explores the value of allowing children to experience challenges, learn from failures and develop independence through everyday tasks.

Whether you're a parent looking for strategies to encourage self-reliance or just hoping to understand how confidence is built over time, this episode provides meaningful stories, practical advice and engaging discussions on the importance of resilience in childhood.

Episode Highlights

[01:49] "I think you have to let them experience things. You have to require things of them. Jennifer and I were always very big on chores and it was a battle, but we stood together."

[04:52] "We felt that it was good for children to sweat, to do something boring because there are a lot of things in life that are not fun but have to be done."

[08:11] "We let our kids cook. There were some disasters but learning happens in those mistakes."

[14:09] "The first time Jack buttoned his shirt by himself, he cried, Jessica cried and I cried. He worked hard for it and that was such a proud moment."

[15:39] "There are winners and losers in competition. Not everything ends in a tie and not everybody gets a trophy. Understanding that is part of growing up."

[22:07] "It's better to crash and burn in fourth grade than to wait until you're 18 and realize you're not the best at everything."

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In the first episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Will Cox, a father of two, coach, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "mediocre dad trying to be good." Will shares his experiences raising two sons with distinct personalities, navigating fatherhood and balancing family life with his career as a solar company owner.

This episode dives into why affection matters in fatherhood, particularly in families where open emotional expression may not come naturally. Will reflects on lessons learned from his upbringing, the challenges of showing vulnerability and the importance of building confidence and self-worth in children. Together, the hosts and Will explore how fathers can balance toughness with empathy, ensuring their children feel loved and supported.

Join us for this engaging conversation about the joys and struggles of fatherhood as well as practical advice for fostering emotional connection with your children while preparing them to face the world with resilience.

Episode Highlights

[03:40] "Being vulnerable is a good thing. When I first heard 'Good Dad,' I thought it was some elite club. But really, it’s about showing up, being there, and learning from mistakes."

[06:00] "Affection matters in fatherhood, even when it doesn’t come naturally. It starts with listening, asking good questions, and being present for your kids."

[13:38] "You want your kids to be tough, but you don’t want to brush away their feelings. Finding that balance is one of the hardest parts of being a dad."

[14:11] "My sons are completely different. One responds with a quick 'love you too,' while the other writes back with paragraphs about how much he loves me. It’s about meeting them where they are."

[20:06] "It’s amazing how many kids never hear 'I’m proud of you' or 'I love you' from their dads. Those simple words can make a world of difference."

Resources Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! Learn more at gooddads.com Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with guest Dyllan Dale, a New Pathways for Good Dads graduate. They unpack the challenges dads face when helping their kids navigate peer pressure and self-esteem. Through honest conversation and real-life stories, the trio explores how intentional parenting means being present, empathetic and proactive—especially when kids are influenced by their peers or struggling with their own worth.

They discuss the cultural pressure on dads to provide, the emotional weight of comparison fueled by social media and the importance of saying "no" with love. Whether it’s confronting unrealistic expectations, teaching kids it's okay to be different or reflecting on their own adolescence, the hosts highlight the value of listening, guiding and building trust through tough conversations.

Episode Highlights

[01:01] "This is some hard stuff. I've got to do this... the intentional part is the actual actions."

[04:44] "I have to be intentional... say, 'I'm going to pick you up and we're just going to go hiking—nothing else.'"

[07:27] "The culture nowadays pressures us dads to be such providers... if we can’t give our kids everything we feel like we’ve failed."

[9:55] "Going back to your family goals... sometimes that means the one-off outliers don't get the phone."

[13:50] "That fear rises back up in me... but I have to say, 'That was a whole other lifetime ago.'"

[21:41] "You're dealing with fear, anger... but you're also trying to remember what you needed at that age."

[26:10] "I always tell them: it’s okay to be different. You’re going to grow up and be your own person."

[30:49] "Maybe the goal with peer pressure is just to be available... to be a listening voice and a guide."

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]