Good Dads Podcast

In the premiere episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Brian Mattson, lead pastor at the Downtown Church and father of two, to discuss the critical role of fathers, mentors and role models in shaping lives. This engaging conversation explores the profound impact dads have on their children not just in their presence but through their actions, stability and support.

Brian shares personal experiences of fatherhood, the challenges and rewards of parenting young children and the importance of being an active and intentional father. The episode also highlights how mentors and male role models can step in to fill gaps for those without a father figure, offering guidance, accountability and a positive example.

Listeners will gain insights into the unique contributions dads make to their children's emotional, social and developmental well-being as well as practical advice for fostering meaningful relationships. Whether you're a dad, mentor or simply curious about the difference a father can make, this episode sets the stage for a yearlong exploration of fatherhood's transformative power.

Episode Highlights •03:54 - "Early research on dads focused on what happens when you don't have a dad. Now we're looking at what dads bring to the parenting equation that kids don't get from their moms." •05:22 - "What's the difference a dad makes? Another parent is available to take the stress off the other parent. When moms do better, babies do better." •08:06 - "Dads provide a unique stability, especially in the teenage years. Having a father around gives kids someone to report to, which creates accountability." •12:30 - "I remember a mentor who valued my opinions and thoughts, treated me like a co-equal, and helped me solve problems. That always stuck with me." •18:00 - "Most of the guys in our New Pathways program grew up without strong male role models. For many, it's the first time they've met a man who genuinely cared about them."

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

In the first episode of The Intentional Dad, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost Jason Hynson dive into what it means to be an intentional father. Jason, a father of seven children ranging from toddlers to teenagers, shares his journey of fatherhood, balancing the chaos and joy of parenting, and his role as the leader of Victory Mission. Together, they explore the importance of showing up, being present, and embracing the imperfections of parenting.

This episode sets the stage for a series focused on fostering meaningful connections, navigating challenges, and modeling intentionality as a father. Jason reflects on lessons learned, the power of apology and vulnerability, and the impact of being a mindful and engaged dad. Listeners will gain practical insights, hear relatable anecdotes, and be encouraged to grow in their role as fathers.

Join us for this inspiring conversation that celebrates fatherhood and lays the foundation for the series.

Episode Highlights

· [02:53] "Celebrating kids and people where they are—finding out where they are and supporting them to be the best version of themselves. If we did more of that, we'd all win."

· [04:22] "The intentional father is someone who's intentional about being intentional, even in the unintentional things. It's the awareness that's key."

· [06:32] "Being present means being fully engaged—hands-free from distractions like devices. It's about mindfulness and availability."

· [15:58] "Shared experiences, like family projects, create bonds. It's about doing things together and finding joy in those connections."

· [27:07] "The intentional father is curious about who their kids are and who they're becoming. It's the best job, forming humans and impacting their lives."

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

Learn more about at gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

In the inaugural episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer Baker, founder and director of Good Dads, and host J Fotsch introduce an inspiring vision for 2025, starting with the first module, "Why Good Dads Are Important to a Great Community." This episode lays the foundation for a transformative yearlong exploration of how engaged fathers can create safer communities, stronger schools, and a robust economy.

Discover how Good Dads empowers fathers to overcome challenges, foster meaningful connections with their children, and take action to drive positive change. Dr. Baker shares the powerful origins of the organization, highlights the gaps in resources available for dads, and discusses how local communities can uplift their fathers through practical initiatives and collaboration.

Tune in to experience the profound impact of fatherhood on individuals, families, and communities, and find out how you can join in making a difference in 2025 and beyond.

Episode Highlights

· [05:16] "I'm going to argue that you cannot be a great community, a great place to live unless you have a high percentage of good dads—engaged fathers."

· [10:19] "Approximately 85% of those incarcerated today grew up in a home without a dad. Our communities are safer when we have a high percentage of good dads."

· [12:00] "There is considerable evidence to support the fact that when fathers get involved with their child's education, kids do better in school. They go to school, their attendance improves, and they're better behaved."

· [14:32] "Good dads are very motivated to work hard for the benefit of their families. We have a lot of programs focused on, economic development, securing jobs, employment programs. But the reason a person gets up and goes to work, even on the day they don't feel like getting up and going to work is because they're working for someone."

· [21:10] "If you really want to do something that's going to make a real difference in the life of someone else, this is that thing. You're not just making a difference in the life of that dad, but his family as well."

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

Learn more about Good Dads Great Communities

gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

We continue talking to Frank Tristan about parent involvement and how having humility can go a long way in any situation in life.

Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the opportunity to invest in young people. He and his wife Natalie were married in 2008 and have two children, Hays and Taylor. They are regularly involved in church and love experiencing new adventures with their family. As a dad and an educator, it is easy to see how important the role of a father is in raising successful young people. When dads lead well, generations are impacted. This passion has led Frank to work with the Good Dads organization to see more families and communities impacted for good.

Show Notes

• (5:10) I'm creating a culture of family

• (5:54) I've gotta give your wife a break. You're a parent just as much as she is.

• (11:04 ) Kids will really respect when they know that you care about them and they know that you're genuine.

• (12:17) There was a new connection when I apologized to him. Same thing in parenting: We can all go too far sometimes.

• (18:49) Whatever makes me mad on Monday had better make me mad Friday… it's a consistent line.

• (20:16) The opposite of love is selfishness

Resources Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

The Good Dads Blog

gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

Frank Tristan, head football coach at Glendale High School, father, and husband, talks about the balance of being a coach and a parent in this Part One episode.

Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the opportunity to invest in young people. He and his wife Natalie were married in 2008 and have two children, Hays and Taylor. They are regularly involved in church and love experiencing new adventures with their family. As a dad and an educator, it is easy to see how important the role of a father is in raising successful young people. When dads lead well, generations are impacted. This passion has led Frank to work with the Good Dads organization to see more families and communities impacted for good.

Show Notes

• (1:32) Parents are great, they are. Most of them just want their kid to be successful.

• (4:26) What my kids respond to is giving them honest praise on things they can control.

• (5:05) I just tell my kids that "if you want to stop playing sports now, I still love you."

• (10:05) The thing you can control is your effort and attitude, so that's how I'm gonna judge if I'm proud of you or not.

• (12:47) You're not gonna bash your coach in front of me… that's not good for the team, and you're not gonna bash other teammates.

• (13:07) The best thing a parent can do is tell the coach "thank you."

• (15:30): One of the things I think is always important as a coach to parent/parent to coach is talk about it in person.

• (22:25): If you're not sleeping on a regular basis, your body's out of whack, you're not gonna reach your full potential…your body's gonna wear down.

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

The Good Dads Blog

gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

Frank Tristan, head football coach at Glendale High School, husband, and father, talks about the rewarding aspects of coaching and his "ABC" technique (Ask, Balance, and Competitive).

Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the opportunity to invest in young people. He and his wife Natalie were married in 2008 and have two children, Hays and Taylor. They are regularly involved in church and love experiencing new adventures with their family. As a dad and an educator, it is easy to see how important the role of a father is in raising successful young people. When dads lead well, generations are impacted. This passion has led Frank to work with the Good Dads organization to see more families and communities impacted for good.

Show Notes

• (1:16) Guest Introduction

• (3:00) In high school and college both my coaches were influential. My dad was obviously so important, but those guys cemented who I wanted to be in life, and I was like 'Man, I could do that, that would be awesome and rewarding.'

• (5:22) Definitely the homerun I think in coaching or any coach would say that kid that maybe doesn't have the support at home and you connect with him and you see him develop. That's been the most rewarding.

• (8:43) It's the growing pain you have as a parent, the same thing. You want those kids to do so well, like "What are you thinking?"

• (9:10) At the end of the day, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Once you've done it a little bit with some length to it, you realize 'it'll all work out.' We just have to be consistent.

• (10:04) 'A' stands for 'Ask.' We just ask our kids…

• (11:36) 'B' stands for 'Balance.' We want to keep balance in it…

• (12:50) 'C' stands for 'Competitive.' … If you're going to do something, you've gotta be your best… you've gotta work hard and want to compete.

• (16:21) One of the things I'm working at, but my wife is very good at, is the ability to say no

• (19:00) You'd better be in it for the kids, because that's gonna be a lot more rewarding than just "hey, I want to win a game."

• (22:07) I think it's so important that kids understand their identity is not in a sport, and that's a scary thing when kids get wrapped up in only their approval of how good they can hit a baseball or kick a soccer ball or spike a volleyball. That gets really dangerous.

• (23:53) That's why sports are so great, you have so many great qualities come from being in a sport. A lot of employers are going to hire employees that have been in sports. They know they can overcome adversity. It's incredible.

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

The Good Dads Blog

gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

Join us this week in the Good Dads studio as founder and director Dr. Jennifer Baker and J Fotsch jump into the third installment on the challenges and joys of parenting a 4- and 5-year-old children.

Preschool-age children do not have the capacity to regulate their emotions as grown-ups, and some children throw more tantrums than others. One of the best way to avoid the potential meltdown is for dads to give choices: It offers leeway to strong-willed children so they can feel they have some control over their situation. By negotiating and getting down on your child's level, parents can teach their children to manage their behavior. In fact, managing children is far more about teaching parents to manage their own behavior above all else.

Show Notes

• (3:08) If you know a tantrum is likely to happen in the grocery store ... where they want something and you're not going to get that thing for them, then I would say, first of all, avoid taking them to the store.
• (4:26) Try to forestal those tests of the will, especially the ones that you're going to lose—because you can't make a child chew and swallow.
• (7:22) So the worst case-case scenario is to give into this ... Sometimes you know, you're tired or you want them to just be quiet, so you just be like, "Ok, fine, three donuts, just get out of my face."
• (10:03) Usually tantrums happen around a particular setting.
• (11:32) You gotta understand—we've all had moments when we're not in a good space, and really, we just need a nap and a snack.
• (12:58) That's the thing, though. Kids know when you're exhausted. They know! ... They just sense it.

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

The Good Dads Blog

gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

Join us this week in the Good Dads studio as founder and director Dr. Jennifer Baker and J Fotsch talk about the challenges and joys of parenting a 4- and 5-year-old children.

This period of life is marked by inquisitiveness and unfiltered honesty. It's certainly true that they say the darndest things! These youngsters are at their peak of innocence, but they're also very in tune with potential tensions between Mom and Dad.

Your kids are always watching and listening. They're absorbing what their parents say and do, so we talk about the important ways that dads can lead by example.

Show Notes

• (1:35) By the time children are 4 and 5 years old, you can relax a little.
• (8:39) That's when you hear parents talking about, "Oh man, it's so hard, and I'm so tired, but it's worth it." And you're like, "Really?" And before, when I didn't have kids, I'm like, "Is it? It doesn't sound worth it."
• (9:09) Write down what your kids say. Write down those little moments because later on, you'll want to remember those.
• (11:30) Researchers were so surprised to find was that the children (starting Kindergarten) were so much more aware of what was going on in the couple's relationship than the parents thought.
• (13:35) Your kids' emotional health is very much tied up in how well you two (the parents) are getting along.
• (15:06) By four or five, your child has been observing you for four or five years. They are accustomed to the tone of your voice, the expression on your face. They have a pretty good idea of how you're going to react to certain things. They know you.
• (15:31) Being a girl dad, (I'm) making sure I give the example of how I treat her mom. That's how I want her to be treated when she's at the dating age ... Like when I kiss my wife in front of her and she goes, "Ew, that's gross."

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

The Good Dads Blog

gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

Are children master manipulators, or just trying to get their way? Is it okay to have night-time snacks? What's a dad to do when his child disobeys, turning on the TV after bedtime? Join us this week with J Fotsch and Dr. Jennifer Baker as we cover common questions for dads of four- and five-year-olds, including bedtimes, sugary snacks, discipline, pretend-crying and more.

Show Notes

• (2:14) I try to tell (my daughter) when I know she's fake-crying, or fake-whining. She does that very, very good. I tell her, I say, "Do you know something? I know when you're not really crying—that you're fake crying—and I also know when you're pouting and you're trying to get something. So let's not do that."
• (3:38) Many times adults make the mistake of thinking a child thinks the way they do. And they don't! A child (who's) maybe 4 or 5 has very concrete thinking.
• (6:08) Let's say that you want a cookie ... There's no reason you shouldn't get that cookie. And you're gonna try to figure out any way that you can to get that cookie. And if something works—and has worked—like crying or whining or begging or whatever, then you're going to do it as long as you can to see if it works.
• (7:26) If you reward the behavior that you don't want to see, by giving in, giving the cookie ... then you're likely to see more of that behavior because it worked.
• (10:15) When you smile, children know really they've lost the battle. It's like, when we (parents) get angry ... it's like throwing a pebble in a puddle. You got a reaction there. Alright, let's see if I can throw a bigger pebble. Ok, now I really got you going! Look at you, your face is all red.
• (13:41) You can't tell a child to sleep. Have you ever tried that? It doesn't work.
• (18:42) Most parents could make their lives much easier if they have a routine and they stick to that routine. Kids love routine. They feel safe in routine.

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

The Good Dads Blog

gooddads.com

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

We welcome back Bre Tyger, Community Alignment Specialist from Family Connects, a program new to Springfield, MO. We cover the difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression, and how it affects both Mom and Dad. A phenomenon of ongoing sadness in the days after your bundle of joy arrives is common and normal, but in general medical experts say the "baby blues" might begin to be classified as post-partum depression if the feelings persist beyond 2-3 weeks. Dads can get some form of post-partum depression, too, in as many as 10% of new dads.

CORRECTION: After the recording concluded, Bre asked us to tell our listeners that post-partum depression occurs somewhere between 1 in 5 OR 1 in 3 new moms; that's between 20% and 33%.

Our Guest: Bre Tyger

Bre Tyger is a Registered Nurse and serves as the Community Alignment Specialist for Springfield Greene County Health Department's Family Connects program. Family Connects is a free universal nurse home visiting program with a goal of providing support for families of newborns. Bre has worked in community and public health and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit most of her career and loves helping set families up for success. She has been married to her husband for 15 years and together they have two wonderful children.

Show Notes

• (2:21) One thing I have seen commonly (in post-partum women) is difficulty bonding with the baby and attachment. They were so excited to have their baby, so excited when they first had Baby and brought them home, but suddenly they're saying, "I don't feel connected to my baby." They're having a hard time taking care of Baby; maybe they're having a hard time getting out of bed ... or having a hard time getting any good sleep.
• (4:38) It can feel like your fault—or like you need to do something to make it better—but post-partum depression is really not your fault. And it's not something that women choose
• (9:31) It's a big load for the dad to carry. Dads can feel a pressure of providing for their family. They have the normal pressure of providing for their family but now you wife is struggling, and you have this baby that you don't know what to do with or how to care for. That can be a lot of stress for the dad to carry. Some dads tend to take care of others before themselves, so they can also become sleep deprived; they can also forget to eat meals and those basic things to do to take care of themselves.
• (18:14) (Post-partum depression) can occur at any time in the year after Baby is born. That may not always be recognized.

Resources

Family Connects Website

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

The Good Dads blog

gooddads.com

To be put in touch with Bre regarding the Advisory Committee with Family Connects, reach out to us at [email protected].