Remember AOL Instant Messenger? ICQ? Friendster? Do you recall the excitement and curiosity of exploring these platforms and connecting with new people? The internet was new, and our parents were either learning it alongside us... or maybe not interested in it at all. Either way, for many of us, our parents were not closely monitoring our exploration of the internet, or even aware of the inherent risks. Our kids are growing up in a very (very) different world, and as parents, it's our job to ensure they develop a healthy and safe relationship with the technology which will only become a more prominent fixture in their lives as they grow. Father of three, Tom Adjemian, joins the conversation to discuss how his family is navigating this complicated journey. Don't skip out before our dad Confessions!Episode 82 of Modern Dadhood opens with the guys chatting about Marc's twin boys' birthday party which had been rescheduled due to a last minute illness. Marc shares some of the nice, funny, and sometimes downright eerie handwritten birthday cards his boys received.The guys introduce guest Tom Adjemian into the chat. Tom's three kids range from ages 4 to 13, and from very little exposure to technology, to a lot of exposure. Tom shares how he and his wife are traversing things like screen time, internet safety, privacy, boundaries, and more, with their 13 year old. Spoiler alert: They're figuring it out as they go. Conversation topics include:•  When (and why) Tom and his wife got their eldest daughter her first smartphone•  The conversations they've had as a couple and with their kids about technology use•  How to not scare your kids away from the internet•  How to not entice your kids to hide their internet usage from you•  Tools for limiting and monitoring internet/app usage•  The ethics of monitoring your kid's internet usage•  The importance  of open communication•  When your kid betrays your trust•  And moreThe guys invite Tom to stick around and participate in a gut-busting round of Confessions before closing out the 'sode.Links:ConnectSafelyBark appHow and When to Limit Kids' Tech Use (NY Times)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

You know that feeling when you really want to be a dad but you've been in a powered wheelchair since you were two years old and you aren't sure if your balls can produce enough viable sperm that you and your partner can conceive so you do some testing and find out that the doctors aren't certain either which means that you can totally TRY but you're carefully considering all your options because you KNOW you'll be awesome parents despite what all the trolls on the internet want you to believe? ... No? Well then allow influencer, author, and disability advocate Shane Burcaw (Squirmy & Grubs) to enlighten you. This is Part 2 of a 2 part episode.  [Episode photo by Studio Twelve:52][Listen to Part 1 of this episode here]Episode 81 of Modern Dadhood opens with a Marc sharing about the unexpected postponement of his twin boys' 5th birthday party. The guys waste no time diving back into the second half of their interview with Shane Burcaw. Shane candidly shares about his shared desire with his wife Hannah to become parents, and the unique challenges that they may face as a result of his Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Conversation topics include:•  Alternative options to conceiving via IVF•  How to encourage healthy sperm when you are in a wheelchair•  The pros and cons of sharing your private life on YouTube•  Managing trolls and negative/hateful comments•  Exposing our kids to technology•  Would Shane and Hannah's baby be genetically predisposed to his disability?•  And more!The guys close out the episode by sharing a positive AND a negative review of the show in a new installment of Kisses and Disses. Leave a review of Modern Dadhood on Apple Podcasts for a chance to be featured in a future segment!Links:Squirmy and Grubs (website)Squirmy and Grubs (YouTube)Junkyard Mayhem Podcast (Apple)Shane's booksSpinal Muscular AtrophyIn Vitro Fertilization (IVF)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Shane Burcaw wants to be a dad. He and his wife Hannah Aylward make no secret of their desire to become parents as they share some of the most private aspects of their unique interabled life together in weekly videos and podcast episodes on their YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs. But will their ability to have biological kids be thwarted by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the disease that has found Shane in a powered wheelchair since he was two years old? Only testing and time will tell. Shane joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to share candidly about their journey with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.Episode 80 of Modern Dadhood opens with Adam and Marc quickly recounting their recent experience at Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando. They shout out to a handful of new podcaster friends and gleefully giggle as they recount their antics. Then shit gets real when they introduce Shane Burcaw into the Modern Dadhood conversation. Shane is a 30 year old author, influencer, podcaster, and founder of a nonprofit called Laughing At My Nightmare, a name which brilliantly sums up Shane's amazing sense of humor and attitude toward his lifelong disability, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Shane shares candidly about his disability, his attitude toward his disability, and why he and his wife Hannah (who is not disabled) dedicate their time to advocating for those with physical disabilities, proudly representing the interabled couple population, and living an adventurous and unique life. They've documented the beginning stages of their In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) journey on their channel and their podcast Junkyard Mayhem, and Shane openly discusses it with us. Topics include:•  What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?•  The advancements in treatment•  Young Shane's vision for his future•  Shane's shift in his feelings of self-worth•  Challenges of conceiving when you are dependent on a wheelchair•  Shane and Hannah's options for trying to conceive•  The "testing" process and results•  The odds of having multiples through IVF•  And more!This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.Before closing out the episode, Adam shares a quick and ridic installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? Links:Squirmy and Grubs (website)Squirmy and Grubs (YouTube)Junkyard Mayhem Podcast (Apple)Shane's booksSpinal Muscular AtrophyIn Vitro Fertilization (IVF)Podfest Multimedia ExpoCycle Chats PodcastMagical Mindset Moments PodcastKeeping Up With The Chaos PodcastRich Does a ThingRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

January 2023 marks the third birthday of Modern Dadhood. And at 79 episodes in, we've had some remarkable conversations with dads of all walks of life. In line with our mission, we've gained plenty of new perspective on what it means to be a father... but the learning and laughs don't stop here! In the "New Years" episode, we ponder new topics to cover and guests to invite in 2023. Don't drop off before Marc drops a jaw dropping installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? Do YOU want to hear about the topics the guys want to cover in 2023?Or their "pie in the sky" dream guests?Well, you're just gonna have to listen to the 'sode. LINKS:Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Joe Mandravelis was about to become a dad to twins when he and his wife learned their two year old daughter had Autism Spectrum Disorder. What they also learned, was having one child with autism means any other children you have are 20 times more likely to be on the spectrum. Joe joins Modern Dadhood to discuss the joys, challenges, and general insanity of raising three amazing and powerful kids who each need support in unique ways as they navigate through school, therapies, and social situations.Episode 78 of Modern Dadhood releases the day before Christmas Eve eve, 2022. The guys discuss the energy level in their homes and Marc shares about the misadventures of his boys which may potentially land them on the "naughty" list. The guys welcome Adam's long time friend and fellow dad, Joe Mandravelis, into the conversation. Joe's three kids, all under the age of 7, all have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Joe shares candidly what has been difficult an what has been awesome about his fatherhood experience. Topics of the conversational include:•  The signs that Joe's family noticed prior to his oldest daughter's diagnosis•  What are ABA services, and how do they work?•  When you have one child on the spectrum, what are the odds that their siblings will also be on the spectrum?•  Insurance coverage for autism-related services•  Integrating them into public schools vs. private schools which offer more intensive support•  Normalizing ASD•  How Joe's fatherhood experience has opened his mind•  And more! Marc kicks off the episode close with a (bad) joke.We wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday, and a HUGE and positive 2023!Get tickets to the Podfest Multimedia Expo here and see the guys in Orlando, FL January 26-29th, 2023! LINKS:Autism Spectrum Disorder (CDC)Autism SpeaksAutism Society of AmericaJoe Mandro Music (Instagram)Joe Mandro Music (YouTube)Joe Mandro Music (Facebook)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Everyone wants to belong. According to Jermaine Moore, to feel welcome, respected, seen, and heard, comes second only to our human desire to be loved. That's why Jermaine, a father of four, has devoted his career to teaching and training business leaders on the vital importance (and proven benefits) of prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, while also teaching young  people, including his own children, the true value of empathy. Jermaine joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to share some wisdom about DEI, raising empathetic children, and why he's so encouraged by today's youth. Episode 77 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief catch-up between hosts Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket. The guys announce they'll be at Podfest Multimedia Expo 2023 in Orlando in January, where Adam will present a breakout session on the use of video to promote podcasts.The guys briefly discuss the excitement (and stress) about the upcoming holidays, before welcoming Jermaine Moore into the conversation. Jermaine is Co-Founder of the Mars Hill Group, a New England-based consulting firm which specializes in leadership training, workplace culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Jermaine is a father of four children who are currently scattered across the world, and he shares candidly about what  led him to this line of work, why it's so important and valuable, and  how we as parents can actively exercise it and celebrate it within our families in order to raise empathetic kids. The conversation covers topics including:•  What is DEI? Jermaine defines diversity, equity, and inclusion•  WHY Jermaine is passionate about DEI work•  DEI Misconceptions•  Diversity in NON-diverse areas•  The importance of exposure and representation•  "More is caught than taught"  - Modeling behavior•  Allyship and how to be a true allyLINKSJermaine Moore (LinkedIn)Mars Hill GroupMcKinsey: Diversity Wins / How Inclusion MatterseXtension Foundation: What Is DEIForbes: 15 Key Benefits of DEIDr. Joy Degruy: A Trip To The Grocery StoreJermaine Moore Presentation at Creative MorningsPodfest ExpoRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

What new dad doesn't feel over tired, overwhelmed, and thrown for a life-changing loop? But how do you know if YOUR experience is more intense than any other new dad—or when it warrants seeking help? Journalist and Editor Joe Keohane (Men's Health, Entrepreneur, The New York Times) joins the conversation to share about his research on, and personal experience with, paternal postpartum depression. He dissects the stigmas, describes warning signs, and shares helpful resources for those experiencing it. Don't drop off before Adam shares a spooky Instant Regret! Episode 76 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief banter about the guys' Halloween experiences before they get into a conversation about postpartum depression. Marc shares about his wife's experience with postpartum depression in the months after their twin boys were born. The guys bring up an article in Men's Health (linked below) by journalist Joe Keohane, in which he interviews a number of fathers who experienced paternal postpartum depression. Joe shares candidly about his own experience with it, and what he learned from his many interviews with dads and doctors about how the condition can be identified (but is hard to "diagnose"), the stigmas attached to it, and what the options are for new dads who think they may be experiencing it. Post-interview, Adam shares a Halloween-themed Instant Regret. (What a dummy!) LINKS:Joe Keohane (official)The Unrelenting Agony of Being a Depressed New Dad (Men's Health)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to be a father? Even as a kid, actor Jon Heder recognized he was born to be a dad. When the cultural phenomenon Napoleon Dynamite unexpectedly launched him into the spotlight in 2004, Jon knew how he’d balance that with family life: family would simply always take priority. Nearly 20 years and four kids later, Jon works when he wants to, indulges selfie-hungry fans, and keeps his priorities in check.Episode 75 of Modern Dadhood opens with a chat about when in their lives Adam and Marc knew they wanted to have kids, and some discussion of whether the family you grow up in might impact your vision or plans for your own family. The guys introduce Jon Heder, who grew up in a family of 6, who reflects on a positive upbringing. Jon, known for his roles in films like Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory, Mama's Boy, and Tremors: Shrieker Island, knew even as a kid that he was going to be a dad. He was married young, and he and his wife began growing their family several years after the release of Napoleon Dynamite brought him international fame. Jon shares candidly about his decision to continue acting while being selective about the roles he took so that his family and faith could always remain his priorities. The conversation goes deep, and covers topics like:•  The pros and cons of raising twins•  Does growing up in a large family influence your desire to have multiple kids?•  The various ways parenthood is hard AND rewarding•  How Jon balances family with his acting career•  Bringing family to set when filming•  The fear of “oversaturating” your kids•  How Jon addresses fan interactions when he’s with his family•  The importance of modeling kindness and respect•  Jon’s NFT project “Order of the Tigons”•  And more! LINKS:Jon Heder (Instagram)Jon Heder (Twitter)Order of the Tigons (NFT Project)Napoleon DynamiteRed Vault  AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer  AlbeeStuffed Animal

What do a sheep with a jetpack, a drunk uncle, and a pot smoking manatee have in common? They’re all hilarious characters from the brilliant mind of actor/comedian Bobby Moynihan. The Saturday Night Live alum joins Adam and Marc to swap dad stories, drop a little sage advice about meditation, and talk about his new children’s book “Not All Sheep are Boring!” Spoiler alert: some are actually quite dull. Stick around after the interview for another installment of the sensational new segment Kisses & Disses.Episode 74 opens with a brief discussion about the upcoming Halloween season, including chatting briefly about SNL's now famous "Haunted Elevator" sketch featuring Tom Hanks as David S. Pumpkins. The guys share some laughs about Bobby Moynihan, the talented SNL alum who, since leaving SNL, has created and appeared in multiple TV shows, movies, and cartoons. Bobby is welcomed into the conversation to discuss fatherhood and the inspiration behind his new kids' bedtime story "Not All Sheep Are Boring!" Conversation topics Include:• How being a father has changed in the past couple of years• The inspiration for the unique characters in his new book• Bobby's dream for his young daughter to one day organically discover SNL• How Bobby's comedy style shifted after becoming a dad• Being on SNL vs being a dad• The benefits of breathing and mindfulness• And more!After the interview, the guys follow up Episode 73's inaugural "Kisses + Disses" segment with a second rip-roaring installment.LINKSNot All Sheep Are Boring! (Powell's books)Bobby Moynihan (Instagram)Bobby Moynihan (Twitter)LoafyDavid S. PumpkinsBobby in SNL's "Gilly"Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Raise your hand if you’re sort of done with the buzz phrase work/life balance? Same. As parents, the balance that we strike every day goes far more granular than just “work” and “life.” Stress, mindfulness, nourishment, sleep, play, relationships, role modeling, mental health, social life… that’s a challenging equilibrium! And when you don’t put in the work to keep this balance in check, it can easily slip out of whack. Dad of three and early adopter of Modern Dadhood, Keith Belanger, joins us to discuss that balancing act. Don’t drop off before the “Piano Man” challenge, and a ROFLMAO-worthy new segment Kisses & Disses.Episode 73 of Modern Dadhood opens with some laughter about  the hosts' inability to grow real facial hair, and a brief back-to-school catch up. The guys quickly welcome Keith  Belanger into chat. Keith divides his time between managing operations for a transportation company and entertaining crowds from behind a piano. And when he's not doing those things, he's a devoted husband  and a father of three young boys. Keith speaks candidly about how he balances the various aspects  of his personal life and professional life in a single income family. Keith also  shares about his history as a Modern Dadhood listener, learning of the show very early on. At the end of the chat, things get bit playful when Marc quizzes Keith on  Billy Joel lyrics.Don't skip out  before the end... we debut a new segment (complete with a theme song from Adam's eight-year-old) called Kisses & Disses.LINKS:Keith Belanger Music (official)Keith Belanger on InstagramKeith Belanger on YouTubeRed Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsStuffed Animal

As if there isn’t enough we parents have to keep straight between juggling work, kids’ schedules, meal prep, endless laundry, and maybe the occasional workout sesh… And on top of it all, we’re expected to manage our finances and plan for the future. When money is abundant, this can be a fun and exciting challenge. But when money is scarce, it can be a colossal source of stress. Self-proclaimed “Anti-Financial Advisor” Chris Miles, father of 8 and host of Money Ripples, joins Adam and Marc to dispel some money myths, share advice directly from his personal experiences, and educate us on some best practices when it comes to our finances. Stick around after the interview for a  new installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? Episode 72 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief catch-up between the guys as they reflect on a recent get together with their families. Marc goes awkward and asks Adam if he has money, which breaks the ice for a great chat about becoming parents and how your relationship with money changes. For many young parents, in addition to student loans, rent, mortgage, insurance, utilities, and more, they're suddenly faced with childcare expenses and the idea of saving for future college tuition. The guys welcome Chris Miles into the conversation. Chris is a self-proclaimed "Anti-Financial Advisor," whose company and podcast "Money Ripples" educates listeners on best practices for saving money, creating passive income, and building wealth to work toward not only financial independence, but financial freedom. Chris also happens to be a father of 8 kids! Conversation topics include:•  How work/life balance works as an entrepreneur and father of 8•  The mistakes that Chris made along the way that helped him solve the mystery of money•  How typical financial advisors work... and why Chris disagrees•  "Financial independence" vs. "financial freedom"•  Tips for how to manage your expenses•  How to change the way you think about money•  How and when you should start talking to your kids about finances•  And more!The guys round out the episode with Marc sharing a quiz-based installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?Links:Money Ripples (official)Chris Miles (LinkedIn)Money Ripples (Apple Podcasts)Money Ripples (YouTube)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Announcement:  Modern Dadhood is featured in the August 2022 issue of Podcast Magazine! Subscribe at http://podcastmagazine.com or follow Modern Dadhood on Facebook or LinkedIn to view the article.Part of being a parent is helping to teach our kids to have—and utilize—a creative mindset. And even though sometimes it can be a struggle to bring a creative idea to life, there are plenty of lessons to be learned from the process itself. Jeff Fajans, a Creative Performance & Executive Coach, joins Adam and Marc to chat about the potential benefits of carving out time in our lives for creative passion. To round out the episode, Marc shares some recent bedtime routine struggles.Episode 71 of Modern Dadhood opens with a discussion of Marc's 4 year old son's new chosen moniker and accompanying hand signal, followed immediately by Adam sharing a recent grocery store experience for a conscience check. The guys begin talking about the value of dads expressing themselves creatively, and Marc gives an update on his musical project Stuffed Animal before they play back a recent chat with Creative Performance & Executive Coach and musician, Jeff Fajans. Jeff lives in Colorado with his wife and son Hendrix, and releases music for kids under the name "MrBoodaddy." Conversation topics include:•  How Jeff uniquely blends executive coaching and inspiring people to follow their creative passions•  What holds so many parents back from pursuing creative endeavors•  Jeff's inspiration for starting the MrBoodaddy project•  His writing and recording process•  What Jeff hopes that Hendrix will get out of the experience•  And more!To round out the episode, Marc shares some recent bedtime routine snuggles. Links:Jeff Fajans (official)MrBoodaddy (official)MrBoodaddy (Spotify)MrBooDaddy (Instagram)Strategies to Get (and Stay) Unstuck (LinkedIn Learning) Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

There’s no argument that we, as humans, learn from our mistakes. As we grow, we apply learnings from our negative or challenging experiences in order to be happier, more comfortable, or more prepared in the future. As parents though, it can be a challenge to give our children the opportunity to fail at something—especially when we have the foresight to see it coming and the ability to prevent it. But is it doing our kids justice if we always shield them from the often valuable lessons that come from failing? Our guest Pete Murray, a father of two teenagers and former Boy Scouts of America troop leader, says no. Pete joins us to chat about his childhood in the Boy Scouts program, and the art of balancing Scoutmaster and Dad. Episode 70 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief session of commiserating about emotional children and the desire to leave one's body in order to escape the drama. The guys begin talking about Boy Scouts of America. Though neither Adam nor Marc participated in the program, they ponder about the values of the organization before welcoming Pete Murray into the chat. Pete works for Firaxis Games by day, and until recently, served as Scoutmaster for his teenage son's Boy Scouts troop. Pete candidly shares his experiences with Boy Scouts both as a scout he was growing up, and as a leader when his son went through the program. Pete shares a lesson that he learned during his time with Boy Scouts which centers around the notion of failing in a safe environment, and learning from your mistakes to become a more experienced and well rounded person. Other topics include:•  Pete's journey spanning multiple roles at Firaxis Games•  Boy Scouts as a family tradition•  The value of giving young people opportunities to fail and learn from their mistakes•  Positive peer pressure•  Dad bonding•  And more! LINKSPete Murray (LinkedIn)Boy Scouts of AmericaRed Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Though the phrase “work/life balance” has taken on new meaning in recent years, the concept is one that many parents struggle to achieve. Balance is a very individual thing, but at its core, it’s about identifying what’s important to us and consciously making time for those things. Matt Fox coaches men to live happy and fulfilled lives as dads and working professionals. Matt joins Modern Dadhood to share some wisdom. Afterward, Marc shares a blasphemous So That's a Thing Now.Episode 69 of Modern Dadhood opens with the guys catching up on Marc's 4 year old fraternal twin boys, followed by Adam's recount of his 8-year-old daughter's first time at an overnight camp. The guys briefly discuss the work of Matt Fox, a London-based father of two, and coach who works with dads to identify their personal priorities and balance their work with their families and passions. They share a recent conversation between Adam and Matt, which covers topics like:•  Breaking the "workaholic" habit•  Setting, and sticking to, personal boundaries•  Personal income as it relates to happiness•  The value of meditation and/or stillness•  And more! After the interview, Marc shares a blasphemous So That's a Thing Now which finds one of his boys blaming his woes on a divisive political figure.LINKS:Matt Fox Coaching (official website)Matt Fox Coaching (LinkedIn)Matt Fox Coaching (Facebook)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

First time dads-to-be might receive a satiric book from a friend or relative on "how not to screw up" as they experience the first year of fatherhood. And sure, there's value in step-by-step instructions on executing the perfect swaddle... but what about remembering to communicate respectfully with your partner when you both are at the end of your rope? And what about being a role model to your child when you might not have had a dad who was a role model for you? Author (and dad) Kendall Smith addresses this and more in his new playbook for first-time dads, "Rookie Father," and he joins us to talk all about it. Stick around after the chat as we rate a series of ridiculous DAD JOKES submitted by our listeners! Episode 68 of Modern Dadhood opens with a reflection on Marc's love for vintage diner-style coffee mugs. The guys discuss early Summer in New England, and Adam shares about his daughters' (5 and 8 years old) very different stages of bike riding. The guys tease that after the interview portion of the show, they'll share some dad jokes submitted by listeners, and will rate them in real time. Adam and Marc welcome Kendall Smith to the conversation. Kendall is a father of one and the author of "Rookie Father: A Playbook For Men Experiencing Fatherhood For The First Time." Kendall grew up estranged from his father from age 8 on, and recently released his book for dads-to-be who also may not have had a father figure in their lives. Conversation topics include:•  Men and "self help" books•  The structure of "Rookie Father"•  Kendall's tenure with Men's Health•  Men growing up in a single parent home•  Learning to be a dad if you didn't have one present•  The value of  positivity and a positive mindset•  The importance of fiscal responsibility•  And more!More than two years ago, we invited listeners to leave us a voice mail with their best DAD JOKES. We got a bunch of great submissions, and then our plan was derailed... but we've finally put them to use! Marc and Adam react to dad jokes submitted by our amazing (and hilarious!) listeners.Happy Father's Day Weekend! Links:The Rookie Father (website)The Rookie Father (Indie Bound)Kendall Smith (Facebook)Kendall Smith (Instagram)Kendall Smith (Twitter)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

It's easy to get frustrated when your kid loses their mind over something that you know is inconsequential. The old adage "don't sweat the small stuff" doesn't really apply when they don't have enough life experience to know what the "small stuff" even is. As parents, with decades of life experience under our belts, it's our job to help them examine the actual magnitude of their problems. (And if we're lucky, maybe the next problem they encounter will involve less theatrics.) Ben Feller, former Chief White House Correspondent and father to 10-year-old Sam, joins us to shed some light on how best to approach putting problems into perspective with our kids... and how they can surprise us with their wisdom, too.Episode 67 of Modern Dadhood opens with a rather shocking discovery around anagrams of Adam's and Marc's names. The guys chat about a new milestone for the 4-year-old Checket twins: verbal altercation. The guys use the example of Marc's boys new found communication style to transition into a chat about problems and perspective. They welcome Ben Feller, former Chief White House Correspondent for the Associated Press, Father of a ten-year-old son, and author of "Big Problems, Little Problems" into the conversation. Ben talks about the inspiration for writing his book, the value of helping your kids understand the true impact of their problems, and how they too, can help us as dads understand that our problems may not be as big as we sometimes feel they are. Conversation topics include:•  The importance of slowing down and listening to your kid•  How to help your child understand the actual impact of their problem•  The importance of a single father/son dynamic in a children's book•  How Ben dealt with a stressful problem aboard Air Force One•  And more!The guys conclude the episode with a soul-bearing series of Confessions.LINKS:Big Problems, Little Problems (official book website)Ben Feller (Instagram)Red Vault AudioCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

The concept of masculinity is straight-up intimidating to even begin to comprehend. There’s no real cut-and-dry definition. Like so many big concepts, it’s far easier to throw your hands up and say, “it’s too complicated!” rather than commit to understanding the topic more deeply. Luckily for us, comedian Michael Ian Black has spent countless hours exploring masculinity. In his book A Better Man, he approaches what it means to be masculine through an open letter to his teenage son. His musings pave a clear path for any father, son,  mother, daughter (or, incidentally, saber-tooth tiger) to approach the subject with an open mind and heart.  Episode 66 of Modern Dadhood open with Marc reflecting on his recent experience with Covid, and a belated Happy Mother's Day wish to all of the moms, before the guys throw it to the second half of the chat with Michael Ian Black. Michael is a father of two college-age children, Elijah and Ruthie, and is best known for his roles in Wet Hot American Summer, The State, and the comedy troupe Stella. Additionally, he hosts the podcasts "Obscure,"  "How To Be Amazing", and Topics (with Stella cohort Michael Showalter). Michael has written books for grown-ups and kids, and his 2020 book A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son, which balances the exploration of topics like "toxic masculinity" and gender inequality with personal anecdotes from his childhood and  career in comedy. Conversation topics include:•  Emotional strength and vulnerability•  The value of men expressing when they need help•  Why the concept of masculinity is hard to define•  Various ways to approach thinking about masculinity•  The cultural importance of A Better Man•  The importance of demonstrating healthy masculinity to our children•  And more!This is part two of a two part conversation.LINKS:Michael Ian Black (official)Michael Ian Black (Instagram)A Better Man (book)Obscure (podcast)StellaMichael  & Michael Have IssuesCaspar BabypantsRed Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

Episode 65 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief discussion about being run down and defeated by our children. The guys gab for a bit before introducing comedian Michael Ian Black into the conversation. Michael is a father of two college-age children, Elijah and Ruthie, and is best known for his roles in Wet Hot American Summer, The State, and the comedy troupe Stella. Additionally, he hosts the podcasts "Obscure,"  "How To Be Amazing", and Topics (with Stella cohort Michael Showalter). Michael has written books for grown-ups and kids, and his 2020 book A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son, which balances the exploration of topics like "toxic masculinity" and gender inequality with personal anecdotes from his childhood and  career in comedy. Conversation topics include:•  Becoming empty nesters•  How your relationship with your kids changes as they grow•  Kitchen appliance trends•  Sarcasm vs sincerity as a dad•  Ironic Detachment•  What is "strength," really?•  And more!This is part one of a two part conversation. Subscribe now to be alerted when part two drops!LINKS:Michael Ian Black (official)Michael Ian Black (Instagram)A Better Man (book)Obscure (podcast)StellaMichael  & Michael Have IssuesCaspar BabypantsRed Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

What does it mean to be a dad? Does it require a certain degree of commitment to loving, protecting, and raising your offspring to bestow the title of dad? Or at its most basic, are you a dad if you've used your penis to procreate with a woman? In episode 64, Tessa White, a transgender woman and parent of 5, joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to declare proudly that you don't even have to be a MAN to be a DAD. Have a different opinion? Go pound sand. Episode 64 of Modern Dadhood opens with an ASMR exercise from Marc, as he takes immense pleasure in destroying a half-deflated foil birthday balloon. Your brain will tickle as the knife enters the now pathetic remnant of a bygone celebration and the weak mostly-just-air-helium from Dollar General encounters the otherwise clean air of Marc's home studio. The guys move on to a discussion about guest conversations which take them out of their comfort zones (in a good way!) before they introduce Tessa White, the episode's guest. Tessa owns an HVAC company in Oklahoma City, is a transgender woman and proud LGBTQ+ advocate and activist, and is a parent to 5 children (including two sets of twins) who call her DAD. The powerful conversation touches on topics including:•  The meaning of the phrase "She/Her/DAD" found on a pin by Dads Hug Too•  Navigating the world as a trans woman and a parent•  The debate over transgender athletes•  Trans discrimination, and the effects on Tessa's kids•  Giving kids some space and distance to accept who their father is•  Pronouns, including nonbinary pronouns Links:Dads Hug TooPFlag Oklahoma CityOKC PrideDiversity Center of OklahomaCaspar BabypantsRed Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal

How do you prepare for the day when your toddler is old enough to uncover a part of you that they didn't know existed? Comedian, writer, podcaster, and dad Chris Gethard opens up candidly about his fear of this inevitable day in this second half of our our interview. Be sure to listen for a heart warming surprise during the conversation. After, Adam ruminates on a recent Instant Regret involving a beloved doll we'll call "Baby Baby." This interview with Chris Gethard is part two of two.  [Listen to part one here.] Use this link for a free month subscription to Scribd where you can access Chris Gethard: Dad on Pills and many other amazing titles!Episode 63 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief conversation about something called an "amuse-bouche," and a story from Marc about one of his 4-year-old twins working through some big emotions like a true champion. Marc shares that something very special happens during the second half of our interview with comedian Chris Gethard: Previous Modern Dadhood guest Brian Manor (Episode 41) is invited back to meet Chris, whose 2017 HBO special "Career Suicide" had a meaningful impact on Brian's own journey with mental illness. The conversation covers topics including:•  The uncluttered, unbiased love that a kid shows their parent•  Chris' fear of his son Cal discovering his writing and stage work•  Previous guest Brian Manor addresses Chris directly•  Beard growing techniques•  The risk of becoming a spokesperson for depression• And more!Use this link for a free month subscription to Scribd where you can access Dad on Pills and many other amazing titles!Adam shares an Instant Regret involving a doll and an emotional 8-year-old.LINKS:Chris Gethard (official)Dad on Pills (on Scribd)Chris on TwitterChris on InstagramBeautiful Anonymous PodcastCareer Suicide (on HBO)The Chris Gethard ShowDiane Alber: A Little SPOT Of Emotion BooksCaspar BabypantsRed Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeStuffed Animal