The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 5 - Infant Health with Family Connects
05/20/25 • 26 min
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]
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]
Previous Episode
The Intentional Dad Ep 5 - Handling Peer Pressure and Self-Esteem
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]
Next Episode
Hot Topics Ep. 5 - Burnout to Balance: Prioritizing Self-Care as a Dad
In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Shelby Smith, a family physician and father of three, to explore the essential yet often neglected topic of self-care for dads. With honesty and warmth, Dr. Smith shares how his personal and professional experiences have transformed his understanding of burnout, mindfulness and the importance of being present—mentally and emotionally—for his family. From engaging in early morning exercise and guided meditation to establishing digital boundaries and learning to say no to overcommitments, he provides practical strategies for achieving balance amid the chaos of parenting.
Key points include how situational stress affects both mind and body, why parents must protect their presence as much as their provision and how saying “no” is an essential part of family wellness. The conversation underscores that while balance may never be perfect, intentionality, vulnerability and supportive friendships can help dads shift from reactive to reflective parenting.
Episode Highlights
[03:08] – “We’re never going to get this thing right... but we’re trying to do the best we can.” [07:12] – “Tell me what happened between then and now... and inevitably there’s going to be some change in a situation.” [10:54] – “You have to take care of yourself first before you can be there for everyone else.” [18:28] – “Our kids aren’t going to remember the toys we got... they’re going to remember this time.” [20:13] – “Each Friday I put on an auto-reply... I don’t check my email on the weekend.” [27:36] – “You only say yes if it’s a ‘hell yes.’” [31:59] – “If I can think about mindfulness every morning when I wake up, it’ll be an okay day.” [33:18] – “It just takes more effort to cultivate friendships... but it’s so important.”
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]
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