I Am Dad

In this thought-provoking episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Dena Barnwell, a Doctor of Public Health candidate, health educator, and former doula, whose work focuses on making fatherhood visible in systems that often leave men out. Dena’s journey into fatherhood advocacy began with her own personal story—a deep bond with her father, followed by a decade-long absence that challenged everything she believed about paternal relationships.

Her work explores how mental health, systems involvement, and social stigma impact fathers during the perinatal period, and why public health must treat men as more than “accessory parents.” Kenneth and Dena unpack the often-overlooked role of dads in maternal health, the emotional complexity of co-parenting, and the critical importance of storytelling in reshaping narratives about Black fathers. From her powerful research in Baltimore to her reflections as a mother, Dena makes a compelling case for family-centered—not mother-only—models of care.

In this gripping episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes back author, speaker, and reentry advocate Sharmain Harris. From growing up in the streets of Racine, Wisconsin, to serving time in prison, Sharmain’s story is a raw and redemptive testament to the transformative power of second chances. Now a husband, father of three, and community leader, Sharmain returns to share the deeper truths behind his new memoir, Rising Above the Odds: My Journey from Pain and Prison to Power and Purpose.

With honesty and humility, Sharmain reflects on childhood trauma, the heartbreak of family separation, his time in prison, and the pivotal moments that changed his mindset. The conversation explores fatherhood as both an identity and a responsibility, how trauma impacts Black boys and men, and the systems that too often fail them. Sharmain also shares how becoming a stepfather, reconnecting with his faith, and facing his past led to a gubernatorial pardon and a renewed purpose to serve others.

This episode is not just a story—it’s a blueprint for healing, hope, and generational transformation.

In this moving episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Beau Gaudreau—veteran, educator, actor, former firefighter, and dedicated father—opens up about his transformative journey through adversity, identity, and intentional parenting. Host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, takes Beau through a heartfelt and unfiltered reflection on fatherhood, including growing up without his own father present, navigating the trauma of abandonment, and breaking generational cycles of emotional suppression.

Together, they explore Beau’s military service during the Gulf War era, his personal battles with fear and faith, and his decision to leave behind stability for purpose-driven work that centers Black fathers and children. Through stories of loss, growth, and redemption, Beau emphasizes how men must be willing to go deep, organize the emotional “closets” of their lives, and evolve into the fathers their children truly need.

This is a conversation about presence, intentionality, second chances—and the sacred call to manhood.

In this special episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, is joined by researcher and sociologist Dr. Matisa Wilbon to discuss the often-overlooked issue of legitimation in the state of Georgia—a legal process that determines a father's right to custody and decision-making for his child if he is not married to the mother.

Through a detailed presentation and moving personal testimonies, the episode sheds light on how Georgia remains the only state that separates paternity from legal fatherhood, leaving countless fathers without any legal standing in their children's lives—even if they are on the birth certificate or paying child support.

Dr. Wilbon presents findings from her research brief on the link between legitimation, father engagement, and youth academic outcomes, while the video features fathers sharing the emotional toll, legal confusion, and financial barriers they’ve faced. This episode is a critical call to action for policymakers, practitioners, and communities to support legal reform and greater access for fathers striving to be present in their children’s lives.

Learn more at: https://fathersincorporated.com

In this special episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, joins Dr. David Miller for a raw and eye-opening conversation on a topic rarely discussed in men’s health: dental care.

Sharing his own painful journey through full dental reconstruction, Kenneth reflects on how cultural silence around health—especially among Black men—has led many to neglect the very care that sustains life, connection, and legacy. From emergency extractions to permanent dentures, the experience reshaped his relationship to food, fitness, family, and self-care.

Kenneth and Dr. Miller explore how early messages around toughness, survival, and masculinity leave men unprepared to prioritize prevention. They also discuss the systemic failures of the health insurance system, the cultural need to redefine what it means to be strong, and why modeling healthy behaviors for our children starts with taking care of ourselves first.

This episode is a call to action for fathers: your health is not just about you. It’s about the story your children will tell and the moments you might miss if you don’t take care of yourself now.

Explore more from Fathers Incorporated: https://fathersincorporated.com

In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, speaks with Danielle Shears, founder of Better Choice Health LLC, about how chronic illness and unresolved fatigue are reshaping how men—especially fathers—approach wellness in their 40s and beyond.

Drawing from her 30+ years in nursing and her own journey through chronic illness, Danielle explains why the traditional medical system often overlooks root causes and how lifestyle change, functional nutrition, and stress management offer a new path toward healing. With practical strategies and powerful affirmations, she encourages fathers to lead themselves and their families from a place of strength, clarity, and purpose.

Learn more about Danielle Shears: https://danielleshearscoach.com

How do we use research to better support fathers? Dina Israel shares how evidence and action come together to improve real lives.

In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Dina Israel, senior associate at MDRC, a national nonprofit research organization committed to improving the lives of low-income families. For over 20 years, Dina has worked with agencies across the country to design and evaluate programs that support family stability and father engagement.

She shares insights on what it means to bridge the gap between data and daily life, and how fatherhood programs are most effective when they reflect both rigorous research and real human experience. Dina explains how MDRC is shaping national conversations around parenting, policy, and the power of showing up for fathers.

Learn more about MDRC: https://www.mdrc.org

Kenneth Braswell reflects on fatherhood, gratitude, and the impact every dad has on the story their children will tell about them.

In this Father’s Day episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, offers a heartfelt reflection—not just in celebration of fatherhood, but in recognition of its deeper impact.

This message is a thank you to all the men who continue to show up in the lives of their children—whether perfectly or imperfectly—and a powerful reminder that every moment contributes to the narrative our children are building about who we are, what we value, and how we love.

Kenneth challenges fathers to reflect on the story their children will tell about them—and encourages them to keep shaping that story with intention, compassion, and presence.

Jeff Nelligan reveals the four key lessons that helped raise his sons into disciplined, driven, and resilient young men.

In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Jeff Nelligan, author of Four Lessons from My Three Sons – How You Can Raise Resilient Kids, about the core principles that shaped his parenting journey and helped his sons thrive—from childhood through to the U.S. Naval Academy, Williams College, and West Point.

A seasoned public affairs executive, Army veteran, and father of three, Jeff combines humor, structure, and real-world wisdom in his approach to fatherhood. He discusses the importance of high expectations, presence, and building habits that prepare children for independence and leadership.

Whether you're a new father or raising teens, this episode is packed with timeless insights and encouragement for raising boys with backbone and character.

Learn more about Jeff Nelligan and his book: https://www.nelliganbooks.com

Kenneth Reddick III shares his powerful story of recovery and resilience and how Brothers Brunch is helping Black men heal.

On this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Kenneth Reddick III—a three-time suicide survivor, former alcoholic, and now a leading voice in mental health advocacy. As a Certified Peer Specialist and founder of the Brothers Brunch Foundation, Reddick brings raw honesty and inspiration to a much-needed conversation on Black men's mental and emotional wellness.

He opens up about his decades-long battle with alcohol addiction, his path to recovery, and the healing spaces he’s building for Black men to gather, reflect, and grow. Through initiatives like Brothers Brunch, TNT Tuesday Talks, and Men’s Holiday Relaxation, Kenneth is creating a community that empowers men to break generational cycles, share their truths, and prioritize self-care.

Learn more about Brothers Brunch Foundation: https://brothersbrunchfoundation.com/

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