Parenting Tips: Young Dad Podcast

In this engaging roundtable discussion, a group of fathers shares their insights on the complexities of fatherhood, the importance of healthy communication in relationships, and the impact of parental behavior on children's emotional development. They explore current issues such as child safety in the digital age, the significance of modeling conflict resolution, and the necessity of being proactive in discussing difficult topics with children. The conversation emphasizes the need for fathers to be aware of their influence on their children's understanding of relationships and emotional intelligence. This conversation delves into the complexities of relationships, parenting, and masculinity. The speakers discuss the importance of positive emotions in relationships, the need for intentionality in marriage and parenting, and the impact of parental relationships on children. They explore the challenges of co-parenting, the role of fathers in modern parenting, and the balance between self-care and family responsibilities. The discussion also touches on the battle for masculinity and the need for connection and community among men.

Takeaways

Children learn how to feel and behave from their parents.

Healthy communication is crucial in parental relationships.

Children are always watching and listening to their parents' interactions.

Conflict in relationships can impact children's emotional development.

It's important to model healthy conflict resolution for children.

Parents should be proactive in discussing difficult topics with their kids.

Creating a safe environment for children is a primary responsibility of parents.

Regular check-ins with partners can help maintain healthy communication.

Children's understanding of relationships is shaped by their parents' behavior.

Being vulnerable and open about struggles can foster better communication. Positive emotions are crucial for resilience in relationships.

Intentionality in marriage can strengthen the partnership.

Self-reflection is key to personal growth and conflict resolution.

Children are impacted by the dynamics of parental relationships.

Co-parenting requires communication and teamwork.

Fathers play a vital role in shaping their children's lives.

Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for effective parenting.

Connection and community support are essential for fathers.

Silence and nature can provide clarity and peace.

The definition of masculinity is evolving and needs balance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Young Dad Roundtable

07:00 Dad News of the Week: Roblox Controversy

17:52 Navigating Child Safety in Digital Spaces

26:34 Navigating Parenting in a Digital Age

29:27 Understanding Parenting Styles and Their Impact

32:12 Proactive Parenting: The Three P's

36:08 The Importance of Open Communication

40:26 Recognizing the Impact of Parental Relationships

44:06 Round Table Discussion: Sharing Insights and Experiences

59:28 The Importance of Positive Emotion in Relationships

01:01:25 Intentionality in Marriage and Family Dynamics

01:03:56 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth in Relationships

01:07:02 Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges

01:10:04 The Impact of Parental Relationships on Children

01:13:19 Balancing Self-Care and Family Responsibilities

01:19:06 Recognizing the Need for Personal Time

01:22:21 The Role of Silence and Nature in Self-Care

01:27:05 Intentionality in Self-Care Practices

01:34:43 The Importance of Self-Care in Fatherhood

01:35:59 Navigating Modern Masculinity and Relationships

01:37:19 The War for Masculinity: Challenges and Perspectives

01:41:36 The Role of Fatherhood in Personal Redemption

01:44:55 The Evolution of Masculinity in Contemporary Society

01:49:13 Finding Balance in Modern Relationships

01:52:49 Cultural Misrepresentation of Men

01:59:09 Closing Thoughts: Embracing Nuance in Fatherhood

Today’s guest is Rob Finlay who put into writing what so many dads wish they had time to say—or knew how to say. He’s the author of a brand-new book called Hey Dad, a practical, hilarious, and heartfelt guide for young adults learning how to, well, not crash into adulthood. From basic life skills to lessons that only come from “oops” moments (like accidentally putting diesel into a gas engine—true story), this book is a gift to anyone standing at the edge of grown-up life.

But behind the pages is a man with his own story, his own journey, and a passion for helping others figure out what it means to grow up without losing themselves in the process.

hank you so much for hanging out with us today, and for writing the kind of book that bridges the gap between “go figure it out” and “let me walk with you.”

👉 Go grab your copy of Hey Dad at heydadbook.com 👉 Support the launch and share it with the young adults in your life 👉 And keep showing up—because adulting’s hard, but it’s easier when we do it together

"Until next time, grab your juice box, hug your kids, and let’s keep learning how to lead with love, presence, and a whole lot of laughter."

 Welcome to the Young Dad Podcast—whether you're balancing a baby on your hip, stuck in carpool traffic, or just finally getting five minutes to yourself—we’re glad you're here. Grab your juice box, grab a snack, and let’s jump into today’s real and honest conversation.

Today’s guests are Constance Lewis and Andre Lewis, co-creators of Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings—a children’s book inspired by her son Miles’ journey through brain surgery and medical challenges. Constance and her husband Andre turned their family’s experience into a movement to help children understand and express their emotions through color-coded capes.

A women’s health nurse practitioner by profession and a mother of three, Constance brings heart, story, and science into how we raise emotionally strong children. This episode is for parents navigating big emotions, caregivers who want practical tools, and anyone passionate about building emotional intelligence in the next generation.

You can find Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings, plus free resources and upcoming releases, at: 👉 https://www.colorfulcapesoffeelings.comVisit the website for interactive activity guides and everything YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com
 Click the link for YDP deals (Triad Math, Forefathers, and more) - https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Interested in being a guest on the Young Dad Podcast? Reach out to Jey Young through PodMatch at this link: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly,consider making a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod.For more info, DM “DadBod” to @madmaxfitness84 on IG. Listeners who mention the “Young Dad Podcast” will receive 1 month FREE.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Expression for Children

05:35 The Journey of Miles and His Seizures

10:10 Navigating Parental Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms

15:40 Communication and Relationship Dynamics

25:26 Pregnancy and Family Dynamics During Crisis

34:24 Understanding Middle Child Dynamics

35:28 Navigating Emotions in Parenting

38:38 The Importance of Connection

40:21 The Role of Parents in Emotional Development

42:39 Balancing Parenting Responsibilities

46:10 The Journey of Parenthood and Fertility

47:12 Introducing the Colorful Cape Series

54:15 Advice for Young Parents

Today’s episode is for every dad who has ever felt stressed, overwhelmed, or caught in a spiral of self-doubt—which, let’s be honest, is probably all of us at some point.

We’re joined by Phil Barth, a keynote speaker, stress-reduction expert, and author of Fry Your Chickens! Seven Ways to Get Those Chickens Inside You to Shut the Cluck Up. He helps people overcome stress, silence their inner "chickens" of fear and negativity, and use humor to create a healthier mindset. He even competed on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, where he had to manage high-pressure stress in real time.

So, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and need some practical, hilarious ways to manage stress, this episode is for you.

For those who want to connect with you and learn more about managing stress, silencing negativity, and using humor as a tool, where can they find you?

👉 Check out Phil’s work at: www.PhilBarth.com 👉 Follow him on social media: Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

Listeners, if you found this episode helpful, please share it with another dad who might need some encouragement today. And as always, subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more great guests.

Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com 

Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod 

Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stress and Parenting

06:07 Phil's Journey to Stress Management

12:03 The Power of Positive Thinking

18:11 Frying Your Chickens: A Unique Metaphor

24:10 The Red Rooster of Regret

30:04 The Role of Humor in Stress Relief

32:24 The Importance of Laughter in Life

34:22 Gaining Perspective from Life's Challenges

37:03 Finding Joy in Ridiculous Moments

39:05 Recognizing and Managing Stress

42:06 The Power of Perspective and Pausing

44:42 Learning from Failure and Celebrating Success

50:43 The Process vs. The Product in Parenting

56:07 Advice for New Dads: Prioritize Time with Kids

Today's conversation is for every parent who’s ever felt a little “different,” a little chaotic, and maybe a little misunderstood. If you or your kids have ADHD, autism, or any kind of neurodivergence, this episode is going to be packed with insights, laughs, and practical wisdom on how to navigate life, work, and parenting with confidence.

We’re joined by Dr. Kristen Williamson, a licensed professional counselor with a PhD in Behavioral Health Management and a champion for neurodivergent adults. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD in adulthood, Kristen has embraced her “neurospicy” brain as a superpower—and she’s here to help others do the same. She’s passionate about mental health, leadership, and creating more inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals in parenting, work, and life.

For those who want to connect with you and learn more about neurodivergence, mental health, and leadership, where can they find you?

👉 Check out Kristen’s work at: DrKristenWilliamson.com 👉 Follow her on social media: Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn

Listeners, if you found this episode helpful, please share it with another dad who might need this encouragement today. And as always, subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more great guests.

Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence in Parenting

01:31 Dr. Kristin's Journey to Diagnosis

04:13 Understanding Neurodivergence in Children

09:47 The Impact of Diagnosis on Life

12:31 Shifting Perspectives on Childhood and Parenting

19:22 Blending Families and Communication

25:34 Navigating Relationships and Personal Needs

31:46 The Dynamics of Morning Routines and Brain Function

34:15 The Impact of COVID on Social Norms and Development

37:10 Navigating Mental Health in a Post-Pandemic World

40:07 The Power of Storytelling and Connection

42:57 Remote Work and Productivity Post-COVID

45:12 Tools for Managing ADHD and Autism in the Workplace

47:12 Misconceptions About ADHD and Autism

49:10 Neurodivergent Parenting Hacks

52:12 Advice for Young Neurodivergent Parents

54:15 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Today's episode is about one of the toughest challenges some dads face—navigating a high-conflict divorce and co-parenting with a toxic ex. If you’ve ever felt like the legal system is stacked against you or that you’re losing control over your relationship with your kids, this conversation is for you.

We’re joined by Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high-conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate. After going through a brutal legal battle herself, Lisa represented herself in court and won a case that is now being used as legal precedent. She also played a key role in passing Jennifer’s Law, which expands the legal definition of domestic violence to include coercive control.

She and her partner, Chris, help parents in custody battles, co-parenting nightmares, and legal abuse situations. Her book, Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances, is a must-read for anyone dealing with a difficult ex.

For those who need guidance, coaching, or legal strategies, where can they connect with you?

👉 Join Lisa’s FREE workshop on co-parenting with a toxic ex at programs.beentheregotout.com/SC-Register 👉 Get her book Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances 👉 Follow her work at beentheregotout.com

Listeners, if you found this episode helpful, please share it with another dad who might need this info today. And as always, subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more great guests.

Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com 

Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod 

Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

Today, we’re diving into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of parenting: effective communication. As parents, we all want our kids to express themselves confidently, but how do we teach them great communication skills?

Our guest today, Lenora Edwards, is a Board Certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer at Better Speech. She’s an expert in speech development, language learning, and effective communication, and she’s here to help parents understand how to foster strong communication skills in kids from a young age.

If you’ve ever wondered:✅ Is my child’s speech development on track?✅ How can I help my child feel more confident speaking?✅ What are the biggest mistakes parents make when communicating with their kids?…then this episode is for you!

"Make sure you grab your juice box, grab a snack, and let's jump into the conversation."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Communication in Parenting

01:51 The Importance of Understanding Communication

08:02 Impact of Speech Development on Confidence

11:14 Navigating Professional Help for Speech Issues

21:25 Common Mistakes Parents Make in Communication

24:55 Setting Realistic Expectations as Parents

27:12 The Impact of Screens on Communication Development

27:41 The Impact of Screen Time on Communication Skills

30:30 The Importance of Real-Time Interaction

31:47 Consequences of Missed Social Development

34:06 Building Communication Skills Through Micro-Interactions

37:13 Encouraging Safe Social Interactions

41:15 Final Thoughts and Parenting Advice

47:03 Outro

Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

Today’s guest is Michael Israel, Head of Operations at Cleverelly — a safety organization on a mission to save lives by preventing hot car deaths. Cleverelly’s simple device turns a life-saving action — checking your backseat — into an everyday habit that could save your child’s life. With over 8 years of experience, Michael has worked with nonprofits, hospitals, and parent communities across the U.S. to raise awareness and drive prevention.

Listeners — go check out: 👉 Cleverelly’s 2-device bundle — simple, affordable, and it could save a life.

Visit the website for interactive activity guides and everything YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com
 Click the link for YDP deals (Triad Math, Forefathers, and more) - https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod

 Interested in being a guest on the Young Dad Podcast? Reach out to Jey Young through PodMatch at this link: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly,consider making a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod.For more info, DM “DadBod” to @madmaxfitness84 on IG. Listeners who mention the “Young Dad Podcast” will receive 1 month FREE.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Child Safety and Cleverelly

01:32 The Origin Story of Cleverelly

03:26 Understanding Memory Lapses and Child Safety

07:52 The Technology Behind Cleverelly

09:43 The Importance of Habit Formation

12:03 Statistics and Realities of Forgotten Children

17:07 The Year-Round Risks of Hot and Cold Cars

21:45 The Role of Awareness and Action

25:28 Community Engagement and Future Goals

29:30 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of the Young Dad Podcast, host Jewell Young speaks with Paul Granger, a minister and content creator, about the journey of faith and the importance of seeking God in everyday life. They discuss the challenges of maintaining faith as life gets busier, the significance of surrendering control as a father, and the unconditional love depicted in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive faith and the role of love in parenting and relationships.

Takeaways

Success isn't measured by career, wealth or status, but by faithfulness.

The question 'Where did you see God today?' can transform perspectives.

Surrendering control is essential for fathers to trust God's plan.

God's love is unconditional and not based on our actions.

The Prodigal Son illustrates the depth of a father's love.

We must actively seek God in our daily lives.

Love is a sacrificial act that goes beyond self-preservation.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to love others, even when it's hard.

Parenting is a journey of planting seeds of faith in our children.

True love is demonstrated through actions, not just words.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Young Dad Podcast

01:59 Paul Granger's Faith Journey

05:59 The Challenge of Seeing God in Daily Life

09:23 Proactively Seeking God

14:00 The Role of the Spirit in Our Lives

19:02 Surrendering Control as a Father

24:01 The Prodigal Son: Lessons for Fathers

30:41 Understanding God's Love Through the Prodigal Son

33:50 The Unconditional Nature of a Father's Love

37:20 The Journey of Redemption and Acceptance

40:21 The Depth of Love and Its Implications

42:35 Living Out Love in Everyday Life

46:50 Allowing God's Love to Flow Through Us

53:31 Advice for New Fathers: Embracing God's Guidance

Check out the Website for Interactive Activity Guides, Resources, Full Transcripts, all things YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com Clink the Link for YDP Deals (Joon, Forefathers &more)- ⁠https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Want to be a guest on Young Dad Podcast? Send Jey Young a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly consider a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod

Welcome into the Young Dad Pod—whether you’re folding laundry, wiping mashed bananas off the ceiling, or quietly googling ‘how to be a good dad’ in the middle of the night—thank you for being here.

Today’s guest is Lane Igoudin—dad, professor, and author of the memoir A Family, Maybe, which tells the powerful story of how he and his partner Jonathan became a family through the foster care system—while fighting for equality as gay parents in pre-marriage-equality America. Lane is one of the first openly gay dads in the U.S. to foster and adopt, and his story is about more than paperwork and parenting—it’s about love, identity, resilience, and how we protect what matters most.

To everyone listening: if you want a memoir that will challenge your assumptions, inspire your spirit, and remind you what family is really about, grab Lane's book A Family, Maybe at laneigoudin.com/afm.

Visit the website for interactive activity guides and everything YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com
 Click the link for YDP deals (Triad Math, Forefathers, and more) - https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Interested in being a guest on the Young Dad Podcast? Reach out to Jey Young through PodMatch at this link: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly,consider making a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod.For more info, DM “DadBod” to @madmaxfitness84 on IG. Listeners who mention the “Young Dad Podcast” will receive 1 month FREE.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lane's Journey

01:00 The Evolution of Gay Parenting

04:53 The Foster Care System's Challenges

10:28 Reunification vs. Adoption: A Child's Perspective

15:14 The Role of the County as Parent

24:49 The Cost of the System and Its Implications

31:54 The Challenges of Gay Parenting and Adoption

34:08 Scrutiny and Standards in Foster Care

38:55 The System's Failures and Child Welfare

44:50 Navigating Family Dynamics and Cultural Identity

51:07 Conversations Across Divides: Finding Common Ground