Great Dad Talks

Welcome to another episode of Great Dad Talks!

This week, child behavior and adoption expert Bryan Post unpack why kids melt down and how our fear-based reactions can make those moments even harder. Bryan shares how adoption and early trauma shaped his work, explaining tantrums as stress-driven dysregulation that pushes children beyond their window of tolerance while often triggering our own amygdala, cortisol response, and inherited childhood blueprints. We explore the power of co-regulation through self-awareness, slowing down, and choosing connection over correction, including Bryan's practical reminder to take 3–10 deep breaths, remember no one is going to die, and approach your child with curiosity. 

Whether you’re struggling with your child’s tantrums or want to build a stronger family bond, this episode is packed with actionable advice and hope.

Check out Bryan's website at feartolove.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with executive coach and author Steve Barton to explore the powerful connection between leadership and fatherhood. Steve shares his remarkable journey of stepping into a leadership role at just 22 after his father's stroke, and how those early experiences shaped the way he leads in business and shows up as a dad.

Together, we discuss the importance of self-awareness, managing emotional triggers, and creating healthy boundaries at home. Steve also introduces his transformative "Game of 10" process—a practical framework built around six powerful phrases that help fathers reduce stress, quiet mental noise, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally during challenging parenting moments.

Whether you're leading a company, raising a family, or both, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you lead with greater empathy, intention, and presence—in every area of your life.

Check out Steve's website at stevebartoncoaching.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with Ronald Platt, CEO and founder of the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (NASDF), for an honest and insightful conversation about modern fatherhood, marriage, and the realities of divorce.

Together, we explore today's divorce landscape, including the rising rates of second and third marriages ending in divorce, why so many people repeat unhealthy relationship patterns, and how children are often affected more by ongoing parental conflict than by separation itself.

Whether you're navigating marriage, divorce, co-parenting, or simply looking to become a better father and partner, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Check out Ron's website at www.nasdf.org

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

In this episode, Sean Dawson of Raising Men shares what he’s learned from interviewing many guests about masculinity, transmitting values, and raising kids with intention—especially with a son who has big energy in a culture that often tries to suppress boyhood. We explore the current “crisis of masculinity,” why it’s not a zero-sum game for boys and girls, and Sean’s framework of courage, character, and purpose. Sean reframes modern protection as creating emotional safety, compares performative strength to real strength, and explains how planning matters while staying flexible. He also shares how a friend’s tragic loss made him more intentional with his own son, and offers two core takeaways: give yourself grace and lead by modeling the man you want your kids to become. 

Whether you’re a new dad or a seasoned father, you’ll find relatable stories, actionable tips, and plenty of wisdom in this conversation.

Check out Shaun's website at raising.men

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

Welcome to Great Dad Talks! In this episode, I sit down with renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. David Joseph, author of Listening for a Lifetime: The Artful Science of Psychotherapy. With over 50 years of experience, Dr. Joseph dives deep into the power of active listening, the art (and science) of emotional safety, and how true listening can transform parent-child relationships.

Discover practical advice for dads on nurturing connection, creating emotionally safe environments for kids, and modeling respectful relationships at home. Whether you're a dad, a coach, or just someone striving to be a better listener, you'll find actionable tips and heartfelt wisdom that can make a real difference.

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

In this episode, I talk with John David, a PR and crisis management professional and author of the mystery/thriller novel The Bystander, about what he discovered through being a dad. John shares how fatherhood became one of the things he’s most proud of, how he felt an early emotional bond with his kids, and how providing a calm, nonjudgmental sense of safety helped them come to him for support even as adults. We discuss the sacrifices parents make, the importance of embracing unexpected roles like Cub Scouts leadership, and how empty nesting gave John the time to rediscover fiction and write his novel. John also explains the premise of The Bystander and his writing process.

Check out John's website at byjohndavid.substack.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I talk with psychotherapist and author Dr. Brian DeRoche (Living a Trigger Free Life) about the neuroscience behind why our kids trigger us and how nervous systems influence each other through co-regulation. Brian explains “emotional influence,” the role of nonverbal cues and facial presence in creating safety, and how repeated disconnection can teach children painful emotional lessons about not mattering. 

Whether you're dealing with tantrums, feeling triggered at home, or just want to connect more deeply with your kids, this interview will give you science-backed guidance for building stronger, happier family bonds.

Check out Brian's website at www.briandesroches.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

In this powerful episode of Great Dad Talks, I speak with Steven Scott Eichenblatt about his gripping book, Pretend They’re All Dead. Steven shares his intense personal journey of growing up with an absent and then abusive father, overcoming extreme childhood trauma, and finding his way to becoming a supportive father himself.

We explore parental estrangement, generational trauma, and the lifelong impact of absence, along with how these experiences shaped Steven’s path as a lawyer and child advocate. He opens up about hard-earned lessons on presence, vulnerability, and why showing up for your children truly matters.

Whether you grew up with family challenges, are working to break cycles for your own kids, or just want to hear a raw and honest take on what it really means to be a father, this episode is for you.

Check out Steven's website at www.stevenscotteichenblatt.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

Join me in this insightful episode of talking to fathers, where I chat with Dr. David Heflin, a licensed psychologist specializing in couples counseling. We dive deep into the importance of maintaining a strong marriage and how it impacts children's well-being. Expect practical advice on communication, the significance of the five-to-one ratio of positive to negative interactions, and how to manage the emotional dynamics in your relationship. 

Check out Dr. Heflin's website at marriagequest.org

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

In this episode, I'm joined by Tony Berardo, a modern father who shares his incredible journey from corporate America to becoming a successful dadpreneur. Tony talks about his decision to leave corporate life, advocating for more present fatherhood, and how the pandemic affected his career choices. We also dive into his personal struggles with IVF, the joys of fatherhood, and the creation of his dad-centric apparel brand, Human Dad. Plus, Tony provides valuable advice for fathers at different stages of their journey, and we discuss the impact of social media on parenting. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation!

Check out Tony's website at theberardo.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

- GreatDad.com/coaching 

- GreatDad.com/pq 

- Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50