Better Call Daddy

What does it really take to be a high achiever without losing yourself in the process?

“Feel your feelings and embrace your journey.” — Victoria O. Makanjuola

"I want to be independent, I want to do things on my own. I kind of want to figure things out."

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes the inspiring Victoria Makanjuola, a Gen Z podcaster and high achiever, to discuss creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

As a proud graduate of USC, she reflects on the challenges of pursuing her dreams, including earning two master's degrees and delivering a commencement speech alongside industry legends.

With a focus on mental health, she emphasizes the significance of connecting with others and sharing experiences as a means of growth.

- Victoria’s journey from student to podcaster

Episode Highlights:-

(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy

If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations or sought to understand your identity in a fast-paced world, this episode will resonate with you. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the importance of feeling your feelings and pursuing your passions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-o-makanjuola/

https://www.instagram.com/astoldbyvictoria_/

https://www.instagram.com/fyfzpod_/

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“It’s never too late to have a relationship, and you can always choose your own destiny.” — Liana Morris

“Everything can be ritual. Everything can be sacred.” — Liana Morris

In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with a long term friend Liana Morris  for a conversation about family relationships, divorce, forgiveness, motherhood, and healing generational wounds.

Liana opens up about growing up with an absent father, the emotional impact of divorce on children, and what it was like trying to reconnect after years of distance. She shares how personal growth, creativity, and self-awareness helped her heal and become more intentional in raising her son, David.

“The more calmness and intention I bring into a situation, the more sacred it becomes.” — Liana

Reena and Liana talk about mother-son relationships, building trust after family trauma, and how laughter, art, and shared experiences can create connection even after painful chapters.

This episode explores forgiveness, parenting, emotional resilience, and the reality that family relationships are rarely simple — but healing is still possible.

“Decide who you’re going to be — then become that person.” — Liana

Growing up with an absent parent

Divorce and its impact on children

Rebuilding family relationships later in life

Mother-son connection and parenting with intention

Forgiveness and emotional healing

Art, creativity, and self-expression

Breaking generational patterns

Creating safe spaces within families

(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy

(05:15) Liana’s healing journey and reflections on forgiveness

(15:30) Growing up with an absent father

(25:00) Creating emotional safety for family and self

(35:45) How art and creativity became part of healing

(45:00) Family legacy, motherhood, and moving forward

If you’ve ever struggled with family dynamics, forgiveness, divorce, or reconnecting with a parent, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Liana Morris is a passionate, colorful, and fun podcast guest who brings enthusiasm, laughter, and heart to every conversation. With 25 years in the corporate world and 22 years of marriage to her supportive husband, she offers a grounded, real-life perspective alongside her playful energy.

Liana loves exploring topics such as spirituality, art, joy, laughter, parenting, and the healing and nervous system benefits of laughter, all through stories from her lived experience. Based in Pasadena, Maryland, she shares her laughter and reflections with a growing community online, inviting others to reconnect with joy as a meaningful part of life.

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“Freedom isn't permanent, and it depends on who's willing to fight for it.” Abteen Vaziri

“The biggest victims of radical Islam are Muslims.”

“I have a duty not only to save America, but to save Germany, because Germany saved me.”

"Iranians are not going to be quiet."

In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with political commentator, entrepreneur, and activist Abteen Vaziri for an eye-opening conversation about escaping Iran, confronting radical ideology, finding faith, and fighting for the American Dream.

Born into a family fleeing the oppressive Islamic regime in Iran, Abteen shares the sacrifices his parents made to build a life in America. In one of the episode’s most emotional moments, he reflects on his father — a man who rarely used his voice — and the powerful “why” behind leaving everything behind in search of freedom.

From growing up Muslim to converting to Christianity, Abteen opens up about identity, faith, censorship, political activism, and why he believes more Iranian Americans must speak out against radicalism.

He also discusses immigration, entrepreneurship through the EB-5 visa industry, cancel culture, and the dangers of extremism both abroad and in the United States.

This episode dives deep into freedom, resilience, family legacy, and what it truly means to protect the American Dream.

Escaping Iran and starting over in America

The emotional story behind Abteen’s father’s silence

From Islam to Christianity: Abteen’s faith journey

Fighting radicalism and political extremism

Iranian-American identity and cultural pressure

The American Dream and why freedom matters

Immigration, entrepreneurship, and political activism

Why more Iranian Americans are entering politics

(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy

(05:15) Abteen Vaziri’s journey from Iran to America

(15:30) Why Iranian Americans need political representation

(25:00) The story behind his father’s sacrifice and silence

(35:45) Radicalism, free speech, and the political climate

(45:00) Faith, freedom, and final thoughts on the American Dream

If you’ve ever wondered what people risk for freedom — or how one family’s escape from Iran shaped a new generation of outspoken activists — this is an episode you won’t forget.

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In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts speaks with Leron Rodgers, a father of four and Uber driver, whose story begins with a chance encounter while Reena was traveling for a Hollywood Demons shoot.

What starts as a simple conversation turns into a deep discussion about fatherhood, mental health, addiction, and breaking generational cycles.

Leron opens up about growing up with a father who struggled with addiction and how that shaped his approach to parenting. Now raising four children, he reflects on the challenges of single fatherhood, the importance of community support, and what it takes to heal and build a different future for his children.

This episode explores vulnerability, forgiveness, and the resilience required to rebuild family patterns and create lasting change.

Key Topics

Episode Highlights

Why This Episode Matters

Listen now for a conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and rewriting your story.

Jon Waldman is a Winnipeg-based writer, TEDx speaker, and advocate for infertility awareness. His book 100 Things Jets Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die was shortlisted for the Winnipeg Book Award. His work has appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press, The Hockey News, and The Toronto Sun, and he’s been featured by CBC and HuffPost.

After a six-year infertility journey with his wife Elana, Jon became a leading voice in the conversation around male infertility. Their daughter, Kaia, was born in 2015. Today, he serves as a spokesperson for Fertility Matters Canada, using storytelling to break stigma and build community.

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with TEDx speaker Jon Waldman for a conversation most men aren’t having but should be.

After six years of infertility, Jon opens up about the emotional toll, the silence surrounding male infertility, and how it reshaped his identity, marriage, and sense of legacy.

This episode drops during National Infertility Awareness Week—a reminder that 1 in 6 couples face this reality, yet men are often left out of the conversation.

From collecting sports memorabilia to confronting one of life’s hardest challenges, Jon shares how storytelling became his way through—and why speaking up matters.

This isn’t just about infertility. It’s about fatherhood, identity, and what we leave behind.

Episode Highlights:

Connect with Jon Waldman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwaldman/

This episode is part of National Infertility Awareness Week, helping raise awareness around male infertility, IVF, and the emotional impact on families.

More info on National Infertility Awareness

https://www.asrm.org/advocacy-and-policy/take-action/national-infertility-awareness-week/

Join host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, for another captivating episode of the Better Call Daddy Show as they dive into the life and stories of Dean, known as 904 Dad Life. This episode is packed with humor, heart, and raw honesty as Dean opens up about his journey through sobriety, the challenges of fatherhood, and the complexities of family relationships.

The conversation touches on:

As always, Wayne shares his wisdom, offering insights into the nature of family and the importance of setting boundaries.

Amma Primicino is a confidence coach and transformation guide for high-achieving women navigating career transitions.

In this throwback episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes fellow daddy's girl, Amma Primicino, for a candid conversation about family, creativity, and the unique bonds we share with our parents.

Listeners will be treated to heartfelt anecdotes that highlight the special relationships between parents and children, the importance of resilience, and the wisdom that can be passed down through generations. Reena and Amma emphasize the value of time spent with loved ones, reminding us that every moment is precious.

Samantha Elizabeth’s journey into stress management began with an unexpected discovery a mass on her left adrenal gland. Though not cancerous, the mass caused her body to produce excess cortisol, leaving her in a constant state of stress.

Facing the daily challenge of managing her own stress, especially with the demands of work and parenthood, Samantha realized how difficult it can be to simply “not stress” when life gets overwhelming.

Determined to find effective solutions, she turned her experience into purpose by becoming a stress management coach and starting "The Stress Mess Podcast." Through her coaching and podcast, Samantha now helps others learn to manage stress and find balance in their own lives.

She’s a chronic overthinker, professional feeler, and someone who has spent years navigating stress, relationships, big life pivots, and the occasional “what am I doing with my life” spiral with honesty and humor. Instead of pretending to have it all together, she leans into the mess, learns from it, and brings people along for the ride.

She’s the voice behind Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast, where real conversations replace perfection, and mindset shifts come with a side of sarcasm and truth. Whether she’s talking about burnout, breakups, or just trying to function like a normal human on a Tuesday, Samantha keeps it unfiltered, relatable, and refreshingly real.

If you’ve ever felt like a beautiful disaster figuring it out as you go, you’ll feel right at home with her.

Connect with Samantha

https://samanthaelizabeth.com/

How do you control your emotions and communicate effectively in a distracted, fast-paced world?

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with podcaster and emotional storyteller Paula Sima for a powerful conversation on emotional intelligence, communication skills, relationships, and personal growth.

Recorded live in Houston, this episode marks their second in-person meeting after years of online connection, bringing an authentic and energetic dynamic you will not want to miss.

Paula shares her journey as a self-described “government kid,” opening up about identity, resilience, and the lasting influence of her father. Together, Reena and Paula explore:

How to understand and regulate your emotions

Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness

The truth about modern friendships and relationships

How to communicate clearly and hold attention

The role of storytelling in healing and connection

This episode blends mental health insights, real-life stories, and humor, including a memorable surprise moment you will not expect.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Emotional intelligence tips for everyday life

How to express your feelings without losing control

Communication strategies that actually work

How to build deeper, more meaningful relationships

Why storytelling is key to connection and growth

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy

(02:15) Paula Sima’s story and “government kid” upbringing

(15:00) Emotional vulnerability and self-awareness

(25:30) Friendships, support systems, and relationships

(35:00) Storytelling as a tool for healing

(45:00) Surprise prank call to Paula’s dad

About the Guest, Paula Sima:

About Better Call Daddy:

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:

Connect with Paula Sima

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“We want to improve lives and it starts with real stories, notable musicians, and meaningful solutions. As a music journalist for over 30 years, I’ve seen how deeply mental health impacts the people behind the music.” Mari Fong

“The empath wants to heal, while the narcissist wants to take.”

In this Podcasthon episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts is joined by Mari Fong, the host of the Check Your Head podcast, to explore the intricate dynamics of empathy, mental health, and the music industry.

As they discuss the challenges faced by empaths and the toll of narcissistic relationships, Mari opens up about her personal journey through depression and the transformative power of music.

This Podcasthon special episode is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health, particularly in the context of the arts. Mari Fong shares her experiences with her family, including the emotional weight of supporting loved ones during crises, and how she found healing through music and connection. Together, they delve into the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and the necessity of seeking help when navigating the complexities of mental health.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

Episode Highlights:

Don't forget to check out Mari's Check Your Head podcast for more resources and stories that inspire change.

About Better Call Daddy

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:

Connect with Mari Fong