Deadbeat Dad by Design — Supporting fathers through the fight of their lives.

Family law attorney David Pissara joins Deadbeat Dad by Design for a powerful conversation about fathers fighting to stay present in their children’s lives, the realities of family court, and the tools dads need when they are walking through the trenches.

We also talk about his book, Dad’s Child Custody Action Plan, and why it can be such an important resource for fathers trying to understand their next steps.

A raw conversation about the parent who followed the rules, showed up, stayed quiet, paid the price — and still got pushed out.

This one is for every parent who did everything they were told to do… and still lost time they can never get back.

Deadbeat Dad by Design

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What’s it really like to speak up for fathers… as a mom?

In Episode 17, Rachel sits down with Lauren “The Dadvocate” to talk about the reality behind the labels, backlash, and constant pushback that comes with advocating for dads in today’s system. From being called names to being dismissed entirely, they break down why this fight matters—and why they refuse to stay quiet.

This conversation is raw, honest, and one a lot of people aren’t ready to have… but need to hear.

Is it really about the “best interest” of the child… or something else?

In Episode 16 of Deadbeat Dad by Design, we break down the history of the “best interest” standard—where it started, how it’s being used today, and where it may have gone wrong.

This episode brings real insight, real questions, and a perspective you won’t hear everywhere.

What if the system isn’t built to find the truth… but to control behavior?

In this episode of Deadbeat Dad by Design, we break down how family court often rewards silence, compliance, and appearance over facts and reality. If you’ve ever felt like telling the truth wasn’t enough—this one’s for you.

Featuring special guest Zac Martin, creator of Kids Deserve Dads

Real talk. Real experiences. Real impact.

What happens when the algorithm rewards the lie instead of the truth?

In Episode 14, we break down how social media is amplifying false narratives in custody battles—and why the loudest stories aren’t always the real ones.

In family court, the word “safety” can carry enormous weight—but what happens when that language is manipulated to gain an advantage? In Episode 13, we discuss how safety-based accusations are sometimes used as a strategy in custody battles, the impact it has on fathers and families, and why the system struggles to separate real protection from tactical allegations.

Not all custody battles are about the kids. Sometimes they’re about control, jealousy, and revenge.

In this episode of Deadbeat Dad by Design, we dive into what happens when a scorned ex allows bitterness and jealousy to drive their actions — and the devastating impact it can have on families, co-parenting, and the children caught in the middle.

We talk about manipulation, online smear campaigns, emotional warfare, and the tactics some people use to punish their former partner instead of protecting their kids.

This is a raw conversation about accountability, truth, and what happens when the system allows destructive behavior to go unchecked.

Family court loves the label “high conflict.” But what if it’s not mutual?

In this episode, we break down how one parent can be reactive after years of instability, manipulation, or false allegations — and how the system often treats both parents as equally toxic.

Not all conflict starts the same. And not all reactions are abuse.

Let’s talk about it.

What happens when a loving parent is slowly pushed to the sidelines?

In this episode, we unpack the silent grief, identity loss, and emotional toll of being labeled the “non-preferred” parent — and what it does to both the parent and the child.

This isn’t about ego.

It’s about the long-term damage of conditioning kids to choose sides.

If you’ve felt erased from your own child’s story, this one is for you.