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

The concept of masculinity is straight-up intimidating to even begin to comprehend. There’s no real cut-and-dry definition. Like so many big concepts, it’s far easier to throw your hands up and say, “it’s too complicated!” rather than commit to understanding the topic more deeply. Luckily for us, comedian Michael Ian Black has spent countless hours exploring masculinity. In his book A Better Man, he approaches what it means to be masculine through an open letter to his teenage son. His musings pave a clear path for any father, son,  mother, daughter (or, incidentally, saber-tooth tiger) to approach the subject with an open mind and heart.
 

 Episode 66 of Modern Dadhood open with Marc reflecting on his recent experience with Covid, and a belated Happy Mother's Day wish to all of the moms, before the guys throw it to the second half of the chat with Michael Ian Black. Michael is a father of two college-age children, Elijah and Ruthie, and is best known for his roles in Wet Hot American Summer, The State, and the comedy troupe Stella. Additionally, he hosts the podcasts "Obscure,"  "How To Be Amazing", and Topics (with Stella cohort Michael Showalter). Michael has written books for grown-ups and kids, and his 2020 book A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son, which balances the exploration of topics like "toxic masculinity" and gender inequality with personal anecdotes from his childhood and  career in comedy. Conversation topics include:

•  Emotional strength and vulnerability
•  The value of men expressing when they need help
•  Why the concept of masculinity is hard to define
•  Various ways to approach thinking about masculinity
•  The cultural importance of A Better Man
•  The importance of demonstrating healthy masculinity to our children
•  And more!

This is part two of a two part conversation.

LINKS:
Michael Ian Black (official)
Michael Ian Black (Instagram)
A Better Man (book)
Obscure (podcast)
Stella
Michael  & Michael Have Issues
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Episode 65 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief discussion about being run down and defeated by our children. The guys gab for a bit before introducing comedian Michael Ian Black into the conversation. Michael is a father of two college-age children, Elijah and Ruthie, and is best known for his roles in Wet Hot American Summer, The State, and the comedy troupe Stella. Additionally, he hosts the podcasts "Obscure,"  "How To Be Amazing", and Topics (with Stella cohort Michael Showalter). Michael has written books for grown-ups and kids, and his 2020 book A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son, which balances the exploration of topics like "toxic masculinity" and gender inequality with personal anecdotes from his childhood and  career in comedy. Conversation topics include:

•  Becoming empty nesters
•  How your relationship with your kids changes as they grow
•  Kitchen appliance trends
•  Sarcasm vs sincerity as a dad
•  Ironic Detachment
•  What is "strength," really?
•  And more!

This is part one of a two part conversation. Subscribe now to be alerted when part two drops!

LINKS:
Michael Ian Black (official)
Michael Ian Black (Instagram)
A Better Man (book)
Obscure (podcast)
Stella
Michael  & Michael Have Issues
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

What does it mean to be a dad? Does it require a certain degree of commitment to loving, protecting, and raising your offspring to bestow the title of dad? Or at its most basic, are you a dad if you've used your penis to procreate with a woman? In episode 64, Tessa White, a transgender woman and parent of 5, joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to declare proudly that you don't even have to be a MAN to be a DAD. Have a different opinion? Go pound sand.
 

Episode 64 of Modern Dadhood opens with an ASMR exercise from Marc, as he takes immense pleasure in destroying a half-deflated foil birthday balloon. Your brain will tickle as the knife enters the now pathetic remnant of a bygone celebration and the weak mostly-just-air-helium from Dollar General encounters the otherwise clean air of Marc's home studio. The guys move on to a discussion about guest conversations which take them out of their comfort zones (in a good way!) before they introduce Tessa White, the episode's guest. Tessa owns an HVAC company in Oklahoma City, is a transgender woman and proud LGBTQ+ advocate and activist, and is a parent to 5 children (including two sets of twins) who call her DAD. The powerful conversation touches on topics including:

•  The meaning of the phrase "She/Her/DAD" found on a pin by Dads Hug Too
•  Navigating the world as a trans woman and a parent
•  The debate over transgender athletes
•  Trans discrimination, and the effects on Tessa's kids
•  Giving kids some space and distance to accept who their father is
•  Pronouns, including nonbinary pronouns
 

Links:
Dads Hug Too
PFlag Oklahoma City
OKC Pride
Diversity Center of Oklahoma
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

How do you prepare for the day when your toddler is old enough to uncover a part of you that they didn't know existed? Comedian, writer, podcaster, and dad Chris Gethard opens up candidly about his fear of this inevitable day in this second half of our our interview. Be sure to listen for a heart warming surprise during the conversation. After, Adam ruminates on a recent Instant Regret involving a beloved doll we'll call "Baby Baby." This interview with Chris Gethard is part two of two.  [Listen to part one here.]
 

Use this link for a free month subscription to Scribd where you can access Chris Gethard: Dad on Pills and many other amazing titles!

Episode 63 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief conversation about something called an "amuse-bouche," and a story from Marc about one of his 4-year-old twins working through some big emotions like a true champion. Marc shares that something very special happens during the second half of our interview with comedian Chris Gethard: Previous Modern Dadhood guest Brian Manor (Episode 41) is invited back to meet Chris, whose 2017 HBO special "Career Suicide" had a meaningful impact on Brian's own journey with mental illness. The conversation covers topics including:

•  The uncluttered, unbiased love that a kid shows their parent
•  Chris' fear of his son Cal discovering his writing and stage work
•  Previous guest Brian Manor addresses Chris directly
•  Beard growing techniques
•  The risk of becoming a spokesperson for depression
• And more!

Use this link for a free month subscription to Scribd where you can access Dad on Pills and many other amazing titles!

Adam shares an Instant Regret involving a doll and an emotional 8-year-old.

LINKS:
Chris Gethard (official)
Dad on Pills (on Scribd)
Chris on Twitter
Chris on Instagram
Beautiful Anonymous Podcast
Career Suicide (on HBO)
The Chris Gethard Show
Diane Alber: A Little SPOT Of Emotion Books
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

There’s no definitive guidebook to parenthood. (It would sure be a lot easier if there were though, huh?) In episode 62, Adam and Marc wax lyrical with comedian, actor, writer, fellow podcaster, and dad Chris Gethard about toddler poop, fatherhood fears, vulnerability, and destigmatizing mental illness. With Chris’ essay Dad On Pills serving as a guidepost, the conversation explores Chris’ determination to normalize the conversation around mental health. After, Marc shares a mildly macabre incident in the segment "Did I Just Say That Out Loud?" This interview with Chris Gethard is part one of two.

Use this link for a free month subscription to Scribd where you can access Chris Gethard: Dad on Pills and many other amazing titles!

Episode 62 of Modern Dadhood opens with an acknowledgement of the passing of the amazing Emilio Delgado, who played Luis on Sesame Street for decades, and was kind enough to join us on the podcast in July of 2020. The guys get right into part one of their conversation with comedian, actor,  writer, and fellow podcaster Chris Gethard. Chris is promoting his new essay on Scribd called "Dad on Pills" which is a powerful piece about his history with mental illness, his experience becoming a father, and the art of balancing these two big pieces of his life. Chris discusses topics such as:

•  Fleeing from his home in Queens with a newborn when the pandemic hit
•  Getting poop on your hands
•  Potty training: boys vs. girls
•  Normalizing the mental health/mental illness conversation
•  Moving away from "workaholic" culture
•  Being "too soft" vs being "tough"
•  And more!

The second part of the conversation will be featured in our next episode.

Use this link for a free month subscription to Scribd where you can access Dad on Pills and many other amazing titles!

Marc shares a particularly stabby Did I Just Say That Out Loud?  before the guys out the episode.

LINKS:
Chris Gethard (official)
Dad on Pills (on Scribd)
Chris on Twitter
Chris on Instagram
Beautiful Anonymous Podcast
Career Suicide (on HBO)
The Chris Gethard Show
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Does this sound familiar: You painstakingly prepare a delicious, balanced dinner. Next, you curate the food on plates in a way that definitely highlights your attention to detail. Then, finally, you set the culinary masterpiece in front of your kids to a chorus of moans and gags. Instead of a “looks delicious!” you get an “ew gross!"... Heartbreaking, right? Thankfully, there are dads like Joel Feren, accredited Nutritionist and Dietician, who are willing to drop some mealtime wisdom while commiserating right along with us. Joel—known as “The Nutrition Guy”—talks with Adam and Marc about encouraging healthy food choices and what works with his own two-year-old daughter, Ruby. After the interview, test your knowledge of 90s cereal mascots!

Episode 61 of Modern Dadhood opens with a rather long, disgusting, and frankly uncalled for belch from Marc. The guys discuss their relationships with food, the eating habits of their families when they were growing up, and how they try to instill positive eating habits and food choices in their kids. The guys welcome Joel Feren into the conversation. Joel shares about diet and nutrition both from the perspective of an accredited nutritionist and dietician, and as a father of a two-year-old daughter. Joel shares colorful, fun, colorful, (and sometimes mouthwatering) photos on his Instagram channel "The Nutrition Guy" which feature some of his favorite recipes and demonstrate how he invites Ruby to participate in food preparation. The conversation covers topics such as:

•  When is snacking appropriate and when is it a problem?
•  Are regimented "mealtimes" important?
•  The concept of "Your body knows best"
•  How to incorporate your kids into the meal planning process
•  The benefits of involving your kids in cooking/food prep
•  What "safe foods" are
•  Techniques for introducing your kids to new foods
•  The best language to use when discussing "good foods" vs "bad foods"
•  How to handle food and meal prep when you have a newborn
•  And more!

Post-interview, Marc surprises Adam with a round of "90s Cereal Mascot Trivia." Play along while you listen!

LINKS:
The Nutrition Guy (website)
The Nutrition Guy (Instagram)
The Nutrition Guy (Facebook)
The Nutrition Guy (Twitter)
The Nutrition Guy's Kitchen (E-Book)
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Ever find yourself scrolling, and suddenly you’re thumb to face with someone so striking it stops you in your tracks? You click through and find that even though their content may not directly apply to you, the creator has a magnetic energy that draws you in? That’s Owen Janes, a sales professional-turned-influencer whose social media presence shares an important message of love, acceptance, and self-confidence through quirky lip-syncing and beard care tutorials. Owen joins the Modern Dadhood conversation to chat about his magnificent ginger hair, Viking-inspired beard, and positive influence on young people. Don’t duck out before Adam shares his recent Instant Regret!
 

The guys open the episode with a conversation about an old photo that Adam found of Marc and his wife from the early 2000s. Adam describes Marc's wardrobe and inquires about Marc's fashion choices have shifted in the past 20 years (and why.) The guys chat about conforming to societal norms a bit before welcoming social media influencer Owen Janes into the chat. Owen explains that for many years, he conformed to the traditional "masculine" look, but after getting married, decided to grow his ginger hair out. Then, when the pandemic hit in March of 2020, Owen took to social media with the goal of inspiring some positivity and laughter. He began growing out his beard, and before long, his signature look and quirky posts began to cultivate a following. Fast forward a couple of years and Owen's content is a mixture of fun and quirky lip-sync videos, FAQs from his followers about hair and beard care, and tutorials and product demonstrations centered around hair care and beard grooming. Those who follow Owen are treated to a generous dose of positive energy, and an an important takeaway: Be yourself, and reject the opinions of those who can't accept that. Topics include:

•  When and why Owen started actively posting to social channels
•  Being bullied for having ginger hair
•  Receiving thankful DMs from parents
•  The importance of being unapologetically YOU
•  Rejecting trolls and bullies
•  Discovering and following what makes you happy
•  How to support your kids in exploring their interests
•  And more!


Adam shares a recent Instant Regret demonstrating what NOT to say when your kids are arguing in the car.

LINKS:
Owen on Instagram
Owen on TikTok
The Beard Struggle  (OJ's 20% discount/referral link!)
Owen on Facebook
Owen on Twitter
Owen on YouTube
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Becoming a new parent can be a special kind of mayhem. Add a global pandemic into the mix, and the chaos of the first few months are elevated to a new level. But depending on your situation, those challenges may be coupled with opportunity. In Episode 59, podcaster, producer, actor, and all around creative human, Matt Gourley, joins the conversation to discuss the joys, challenges, and insanity of new fatherhood—and how this shift has helped him discover some new perspective on what’s truly important.
 

Episode 59 of Modern Dadhood kicks off with a short discussion about the podcast's brief winter hibernation where the guys describe life chugging forward and the typical madness of having young kids. Adam shares the story leading up to landing a conversation with new dad Matt Gourley. Matt is the host of Superego, producer and co-host of Conan. O'Brien Needs a Friend, actor, musician, and designer. In our time together, we discuss topics including:

•  Finding peace in the first few months of parenthood
•  The importance of a paternity leave
•  Redefining work/life balance
•  The importance of maintaining a sense of self
•  Anxiety associated with trying to keep your newborn safe during the pandemic
•  What kind of dad Matt envisioned he'd be before having kids

Post-guest, Marc shares a whopper of a "Did I Just Say That Out Loud?" which can't be described... the story must be heard to be believed.

LINKS:
Matt Gourley (website)
Matt Gourley on Twitter
Matt Gourley on Instagram
Housecat And Home
Townland
Superego
Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
With Gourley and Rust
I Was There Too
James Bonding
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Red Vault Audio
Stuffed Animal

 

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

When Brady Smith takes something on, he goes all in on it. Whether it’s raising his two children, being a devoted husband, designing and painting a 12 foot wide mural, or keeping an illustrated journal EVERY DAY for 20 years, Brady gives it 100%. Adam and Marc talk with Brady—an artist, actor, and author—about his latest endeavor: creating a fun-filled action-adventure graphic novel series complete with secret portals and a bear-sized hamster. After the interview, stick around to hear Marc’s latest Instant Regret.
 

Episode 58, the final Modern Dadhood episode of 2021, opens with some reflection by Marc and Adam on comic books and graphic novels. Marc reflects on about some of his favorite comics growing up, and discovering graphic novels that he can enjoy with his nearly 4-year-old twins.

The guys welcome author, artist, and actor Brady Smith into the conversation. Brady is known for his acting roles in Parks & Recreation, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Alexa & Katie, for his amazing and unique artwork, for his pandemic-inspired Instagram-series-turned-book "Random Acts of Drawness"... and most recently, for his newly published graphic novel for young readers, "Louie and Bear in the Land of Anything Goes." (Let it also be noted that his life partner is the amazing Tiffani Thiessen, who you may remember from EVERYTHING!

Brady chats candidly about writing for young readers, his unique illustration style, the inspiration for Louie and Bear, and other topics including:

•  Brady's daily illustrated journal
•. WHY and HOW he works important life lessons into his work
•  Accidentally writing his own version of "Dog Man"
•  The difficulty of looking at your creative work objectively
•  The future of Louie and Bear
•  And more!

Marc shares a new installment of the smash hit segment "Instant Regret" which involves an unfortunate exclamation in front of his kids, before the guys close out the episode.

LINKS:
Brady Smith (official website)
Brady Smith (Instagram)
Louie and Bear in the Land of Anything Goes
Random Acts of Drawness!
You're Missing It!
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Through the last 50 plus episodes, the conversations on Modern Dadhood have ranged from silly to serious, covered topics from dealing with big emotions to what it’s like raising children when you live on a boat. The guys have been joined by an assemblage of old friends, new friends, and, on occasion, notable celebs. Two episodes ago (Ep 55), Marc ushered a trip down memory lane sharing 5 of his favorite selections from our conversations. Now it's Adam's turn!

Episode 57 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief conversation about Thanksgiving, and the guys commiserate about the picky eating habits of their kids.  Adam tees up the compilation episode: He has chosen short selections from 5 past episodes that he found enjoyable, educational, and memorable. Additionally, he answers several questions about some of his favorite episodes and "pie in the sky" guests.

Adam's selected clips were extracted from the following episodes:

Episode 32: Astronaut Dad (Winston Scott)
Episode 23: Father Figure, On Camera and Off (Emilio Delgado)
Episode 34: Podcasting Dads Talk Dad Podcasts (Rory Scovel)
Episode 33: A Father Facing Mortality (Robert Bailey)
Episode 40: The Gang's All Here (Sean Carrillo)
 

LINKS:
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids music)
Red Vault Audio
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast