Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!)

By Adam Flaherty, Marc ChecketSociety & Culture Education Self-Improvement Relationships Parenting Kids & Family

Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!) episodes

September 11 Two Dads Overcoming Obstacles | Jameel Mayers on LGBTQ+ Adoption, Foster Care, Fatherhood
What does it take to build a family as a bi-racial homosexual couple when the path is anything but straightforward? For Jameel Mayers and his husband Nicholas, the answer is resilience, creativity, communication, and trust. Jameel is the host of the Fathernetics podcast, a show spotlighting the stories of LGBTQ+ dads, and he joins us to share his family’s remarkable journey navigating foster care, adoption, and agency roadblocks as a Black gay man in America. With 23 years of partnership and one thriving 13-year-old son, Jameel has transformed his personal challenges into a platform for connection and advocacy. He candidly shares the ups and downs of growing his family, the realities queer parents face, and why he believes every intentional dad deserves a superhero origin story.

Conversation topics include:
• Navigating the foster-to-adopt process as a gay, interracial couple and the unique challenges faced along the way.
• The origins and goals of the Fathernetics podcast, amplifying stories from LGBTQ+ dads and fostering community.
• Dealing with bias and roadblocks from adoption and foster agencies, including navigating rejection and discrimination.
• Balancing the emotional complexities of fostering, attachment, and reunification with biological families.
• Discussing how political and social climates impact LGBTQ+ families and parenting conversations with children.
• The importance of building intentional, supportive communities and normalizing diverse family structures.
• Encouraging honest, age-appropriate conversations around identity, acceptance, and respect within families.
• And more!

LINKS:
Jameel Mayers (official)
Fathernetics Podcast (Apple)
Fathernetics Podcast (YouTube)
Pointmade
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
Modern Dadhood (website)
DEATH AND (YouTube)
This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
1 hr 2 min
August 14 Raising Kids And Rocking Out | Rick Robles on Shoe Biters Music + Fatherhood
Ever heard a voice so familiar you’d swear it lives in your living room? That voice might just belong to our guest, Rick Robles. Rick isn’t just a celebrated voiceover artist—he’s also a dad of two and the creative force behind Shoe Biters, a ‘90s-inspired animated rock band for kids. We dive into how Rick’s work has evolved from playful songs for his two young boys to a fully developed animated world and gigs at elementary schools around the country.
Topics include:
• How becoming a dad inspired Rick to create a '90s-inspired kids' rock band and animated series.
• The journey from writing simple, personal songs for his kids to developing a full-fledged world with storylines, characters, and positive messages.
• Collaborating creatively with friends and family—including the influence of Rick's wife, a behavioral therapist, on integrating social-emotional learning into music.
• Using live music, videos, and school assemblies to connect with kids and teach values like resilience, perseverance, and empathy.
• Reflections on the challenges and rewards of family road trips, parenting young kids, and navigating sibling dynamics.
• The real value of modeling behavior, showing vulnerability, and self-reflection as a parent.
• And more!

LINKS
Shoe Biters (official)
Shoe Biters (YouTube)
Rick Robles Voiceover
Pointmade
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
Modern Dadhood (website)
DEATH AND (YouTube)
This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
44 min
July 10 Dads Taking Charge | Coach Nick Henry on Fatherhood, Building Healthy Habits, Life Transformation
DADS: Are you stuck in a rut, desperate to shake off bad habits and replace them with healthier ones? Or maybe you want to be a better role model for your kids but just can’t find the time or motivation? It’s so common, and it can be incredibly hard to take the first steps toward positive, long-term change. Our guest, Nick Henry, is a father of four who faced a life-changing whirlwind when he pivoted from single to a full, beautiful blended family seemingly overnight. Now, as the founder of Brolistic, Nick helps men ages 30 to 50 “start over” by building habits that stick. If you’ve been wanting to take action and make some positive changes that impact how you look and feel, don’t miss this episode.

Topics include:
• Navigating a (very) unique path to fatherhood
• The challenges and personal growth that come from learning "on the job" as a dad
• How becoming a father inspired Nick's creation of Brolistic Coaching and shaped a focus on habit-building for men in their 30s and 40s.
• The philosophy that lasting change is about aligning daily actions with the vision of who you want to be.
• Strategies for incremental habit formation for busy dads.
• The importance of accountability in coaching.
• How reframing setbacks can support long-term progress.
• Modeling healthy behaviors and self-care as a dad to positively influence children.
• And more!
👉 Please vote for us to present a session at Podcast Movement!

LINKS
Brolistic
Free Resources
Bro Coach Nick (Instagram)
Pointmade
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
Modern Dadhood (website)
DEATH AND (YouTube)
This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
51 min
June 19 Diaries of a Dance Dad | Jeff Krasno on Fatherhood, Storytelling, Just Being There
Ever feel like your home is a swirling hive of chaos? That’s daily life for author, podcast host, and wellness trailblazer Jeff Krasno. In this special Father's Day episode of Modern Dadhood, we welcome Jeff—father to three teenage daughters and creator of the new Diaries of a Dance Dad podcast an audio book. From the hilarious trenches of dance competitions to the poignant depths of father-daughter relationships, Jeff brings wit, honesty, and wisdom to the ever-shifting role of dadhood. You’ll recognize more of yourself in these stories than you think. Jeff sticks around after the chat to join in on an installment of Confessions!
Conversation topics include:
• Navigating fatherhood as the sole man in a house full of teenage daughters
• The inspiration behind Diaries of a Dance Dad and how sharing personal essays about parenthood connects with others
• The emotional spectrum of parenting: from laughter to tears, and finding meaning in both the joyful and challenging moments
• Exploring intergenerational threads between fathers and children
• The importance of modeling vulnerability, ethical behavior, and presence for kids
• Reflections on mindful living and the value of being present amid the chaos and unpredictability of parenthood
• And more!

LINKS
Diaries of a Dance Dad (homepage)
Diaries of a Dance Dad (Apple Podcasts)
Jeff Krasno (homepage)
Jeff Krasno (Substack)
Commune (homepage)
Jeff Krasno (Instagram)
DEATH AND (YouTube)
This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
59 min
May 08 Kids Say The Darndest Things | Chip Leighton on Viral Teen Texts
Have you ever gotten a text from your kid that made you question, just for a second, whether you’re living in the same reality? Today we’re joined by Chip Leighton, a dad of two and the mastermind behind The Leighton Show, where Chip shares head-scratching texts from his teens and hilarious relationship observations that all parents can relate to. We dive into dad cringe, modern teen vernacular, and why “What time is noon?” might be a more common question than you think.
Topics include:
• The unexpected rise of Chip’s social media content centered around marriage and fatherhood with teenagers. 
• Balancing authenticity and humor while respecting children’s privacy and dignity online. 
• Chip’s evolution from a traditional corporate career to a creative, second chapter focused on writing and performing. 
• Exploring generational shifts in language, communication, and the “vernacular gap” between parents and kids. 
• Advice for parents and creators on navigating new media careers and diversified income streams. 
• And more!
Stick to the end for a fun quiz on current teen/tween slang!
LINKS:
The Leighton Show (official)
The Leighton Show (Instagram)
The Leighton Show (TikTok)
The Leighton Show (Facebook)
What Time is Noon (book)
Dad, Can You Not? (book)
DEATH AND (YouTube)
This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
50 min
April 17 How To Thrive As Parents AND Partners | Therapist Eli Weinstein on Teamwork, Communication, Avoiding Resentment
Feel like you and your partner are ships passing in the night lately? Or keeping a quiet mental scorecard over things like laundry and garbage duty? Maintaining a strong relationship while raising kids isn’t easy—and it’s one of the biggest challenges couples face. So if you’ve ever felt the strain of growing responsibilities, misaligned priorities, or resentments creeping in, you’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re joined by Eli Weinstein—licensed clinical social worker, host of The Dude Therapist Podcast, and author of From I Do to We Do. As a father of two (with a third on the way), Eli offers thoughtful, actionable insights on staying connected, communicating effectively, and navigating the evolving dynamics of partnership during the parenting years.

Conversation topics include:

• Navigating the shifting dynamics of marriage after becoming parents, and how priorities naturally change
• The inevitability of resentment in relationships when needs go unspoken and the importance of open, direct communication
• Creating team unity with your partner—adopting an “us versus the chaos” mindset instead of “me versus you”
• Tangible tools couples can use to defuse tension and process conflict
• Letting go of the past and choosing, together, how to write the next chapter of your relationship story
• Recognizing the necessity of self-care in order to better support your partner and family
• And more!

Stick around to the end for a sub-sub-recurring segment we're calling, Did My Wife Just Hear That Out Loud?

LINKS
Eli Weinstein (homepage)
Dude Therapist Podcast
From I Do To We Do (book)
Eli Weinstein (LinkedIn)
Eli Weinstein (TikTok)
Eli Weinstein (Instagram)
DEATH AND (YouTube)
This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
55 min
March 27 Parenting Outside the Box | Vikram Kolmannskog on Alternative Family Structures, Gestalt Therapy
The word “mindfulness” gets thrown around a lot... But have you ever taken the time to consider what it really means to parent mindfully? Or how embracing all of your emotions—even the tough ones—can transform your family life? Gestalt Therapist, certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and father of one, Vikram Kolmannskog, joins us to share wisdom from his upcoming book Reflections on Parenting From a Gestalt Therapist Father: Life With Leo. Vikram shares about his own alternative family structure, the importance of embracing emotional honesty, making space for playfulness, and how the principles of Gestalt therapy can help us raise confident, empathetic kids.
Topics include:
• Understanding Gestalt therapy and its focus on awareness, mindfulness, and relational dialogue in both therapy and everyday life.
• Applying Gestalt and mindfulness strategies to parenting, especially around navigating emotions (both our kids' and our own), while aiming to be a “good enough” dad.
• Exploring co-parenting in an intentional, non-traditional family structure with two fathers and a mother, and the legal, social, and personal challenges encountered.
• The importance of allowing and naming all emotions, including anger, for both children and adults, and breaking emotional taboos in parenting.
• Navigating cultural and institutional heteronormativity around family structures and parenthood, and advocating for greater inclusivity.
• The value of playful parenting, eco-parenting, and the influence of childlike spontaneity and joy on both personal and professional life.
• Creating safe and open environments for children to freely express gender and identity, while preparing them for a world that isn’t always accepting.
• And more!

LINKS
Vikram Kolmannskog (homepage)
Reflections on Parenting From a Gestalt Therapist Father: Life With Leo.
Vikram Kolmannskog (Instagram)
Vikram Kolmannskog (Facebook)
DEATH AND (homepage)
DEATH AND (YouTube)
This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
49 min
February 20 Rewind Episode | Author Illustrator Jon Klassen on Cutting Through The Kid Lit Clutter
We all have them: Those kids’ books we were gifted or we picked up on a whim because the title was intriguing or the characters were familiar. But then we crack them open, and BAM— total schlock. With the sheer amount of content for children out there, it's increasingly difficult to find the good stuff; the content that inspires wonder. The types of shows, movies, and books WE remember loving as kids. In this rewind episode from October 2020, Jon Klassen, father of two and celebrated author and illustrator, joins us to talk about his thoughts on creating books that kids AND parents love. Stick around for the end, where Marc, Adam, and their kids fire off some personal book endorsements and condemnations.

In an age where the amount of content seems to grow exponentially, it becomes equally difficult to parse through it all to find the really good stuff. The hidden gems seem to be few and far between. Sometimes it’s the tried and true movies or books that stand the test of time and still fill our kids with excitement and wonder, but frequently the best recommendations come to us through people we trust. The guys philosophize a bit as they discuss a couple of their kids’ current favorites, before they introduce Jon Klassen into the conversation. Jon is a father of two sons, and an artist and author who gained worldwide notoriety in 2011 with his picture book “I Want My Hat Back,” the success of which spawned two more books in what would become the “Hat Trilogy.” Jon continues to write and illustrate children’s books in addition to frequent collaborations with authors such as Mac Barnett, Sara Pennypacker, and Lemony Snicket. The guys discuss Jon’s inspirations, his thought process and artistic process for creating books that can be enjoyed by kids of any age, and how his approach to his work has changed since he became a father. Other conversation topics include:

• Creating work that sticks out in the age of self-publishing
• How his work in animation influences his art
• Finding your inner third-grader
• The value of simplicity and minimalism
• Reading alone vs. being read to
• “Quintessential” children’s books
• The importance of independent bookstores

Before closing out the episode, Adam and Marc take turns swapping some rapid-fire book recommendations and… unrecommendations?
LINKS
Jon Klassen (Substack)
Jon Klassen (X)
Jon Klassen (Instagram)
Go! Go! Cory Carson
Chrri & Chirra
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Frog and Toad
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, by Oliver Jeffers
One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
Toot by Leslie Patricelli
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip and Erin Stead
Bob the Artist by Marion Deuchars
Katy Hudson, Too Many Carrots
Powell's Books, Portland, OR
RiverRun Books, Portsmouth, NH
Water Street Books, Exeter, NH
Longfellow Books, Portland, ME
26 Independent Bookstores
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Caspar Babypants
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
30 min
January 30 Rewriting the Rules | Shannon Carpenter on Owning Stay-At-Home Fatherhood
There are countless reasons why a parent might choose to step away from their career to stay home and raise their kids—financial considerations, personal values, or simply wanting to be more present during those formative years. But even in 2026, most people still assume it’ll be Mom who makes that move. Enter Shannon Carpenter: a stay-at-home dad of three who traded investigating elder abuse for state agencies for full-time parenting almost 20 years ago, and has never looked back. Shannon is the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad (Penguin Random House), a humorous, heartfelt guide for dads navigating the world of primary caregiving. He opens up about fighting isolation, bucking stereotypes, and how he has redefined success and identity in his life. Listen to the end for Kisses & Disses!

Topics include:
• The decision-making process behind becoming a stay-at-home dad and challenging traditional gender norms.
• Navigating isolation, building community, and the importance of friendships for at-home fathers.
• Strategies for connecting with teenagers and adapting parenting styles for different phases and individual children.
• Mental health for dads: separating personal identity from the parenting role and prioritizing self-care.
• Societal perceptions of stay-at-home dads and ongoing barriers to equality in caregiving roles.
• The impact of workplace policies, cultural changes, and paid family leave on modern fatherhood.
• Writing "The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad" and advocating for actionable, practical advice for fathers.
• And more!

LINKS
Shannon Carpenter (homepage)
The Ultimate Stay At Home Dad (Bookshop.org)
Shannon Carpenter (Instagram)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
52 min
January 02 Moments of Profundity in 2025
In this special episode we're calling Moments of Profundity in 2025, we're revisiting some of the most meaningful conversations from the past year, celebrating the joys and complexities of fatherhood in 2025. The topics range from building trust around screens and social media with Soren Poulsen, to supporting men through the grief of miscarriage with Kelly Jean-Philippe, and reimagining parent-child communication to encourage openness and problem-solving with Nick Hexum of 311.
Links to the full episodes:
Building Trust Around Screens + Social Media | Soren Poulsen on Raising Digital Citizens
Navigating Miscarriage and Grief as a Dad | Kelly Jean-Philippe on Pregnancy Loss + Healing
Breaking The Cycle, Filling The Void | Chris Robbins on Self Development + Empty Nesting
Music, Milestones, and Mindfulness | Nick Hexum of 311 on Raising Creative, Empathetic Girls
Finding Calm in the Parenting Chaos | Kirk Martin on Triggers, Patience, Problem Solving
Father's Day 2025 | Father/Son Reflections on Being a Dad

Thanks, Modern Dadhood listeners for sticking with us, and here's to a positive, healthy, and fruitful 2026!
-Adam & Marc

LINKS
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast
38 min

About Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!)

From the publisher's feed

Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket are two dads from suburban New England. And while they might think they’re pretty funny and cool, the world clearly does NOT need another white dude ramble-cast. That’s why Modern Dadhood explores what it really means to be a "dad" in 2024 through candid, authentic, and often hilarious conversations with diverse dads of all walks of life… including famous dads, NOT famous dads, dads-to-be, step dads, grand dads, trans dads, and more. By celebrating present, engaged parenting and commiserating over common fatherhood challenges, listeners will gain new perspectives and feel empowered to become more present and mindful fathers, raising the next generation of kick-ass, world changing kids. Expect a mix of humor, heart, and 90s nostalgia in each episode. Modern Dadhood is a 2025 Signal Award winner, including the Gold award in the category Family & Child-Raising!