That Dope Dad

When was the last time someone asked if you're okay?

In this episode of That Dope Dad Podcast, Michael Hedgecock dives into the silent pressures fathers carry, the emotional weight many men keep hidden, and why checking in on dads matters more than we realize. This honest conversation explores mental health, fatherhood, resilience, and the importance of creating space for dads to be seen, heard, and supported—because a stronger dad builds a stronger family.

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What happens when a 17-year-old finds out he's going to be a father—and refuses to let his past define his future?

In this powerful episode of That Dope Dad, Michael sits down with James Townsend—husband, father of four, coach, and man of unwavering faith—to talk about breaking generational cycles, choosing presence over excuses, and fighting for the opportunity to be a dad.

James opens up about growing up without a consistent father, being raised by a resilient single mother, becoming a father while still in high school, and the heartbreaking battle to be present in his oldest daughter's life. He shares how racism, prejudice, and an unfair court system shaped parts of his journey, while also revealing the mindset that kept him moving forward instead of becoming bitter.

The conversation explores what it truly means to lead a family, why time is the greatest gift a father can give, and the three values James is intentionally instilling in his children: Bravery. Strength. Confidence.

This episode is a reminder that your past doesn't have to become your children's future—and that a father's legacy is built one intentional day at a time.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Becoming a father at just 17 years old
• Growing up without a present father
• Breaking generational cycles
• Fighting for fatherhood through adversity
• Faith, forgiveness, and resilience
• Raising confident, courageous children
• The legacy every dad has the opportunity to leave

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with another dad who needs to hear it. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow That Dope Dad for more conversations that challenge men to become the fathers their children deserve.

James Townsend:

https://www.instagram.com/thejamestownsend/

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Sometimes the most powerful conversations don't begin with words.

In this episode of That Dope Dad, I share my experience attending The Listening Room—a gathering of men who came together with one simple purpose: to sit, listen to an album from start to finish, and be fully present.

No phones. No distractions. Just music, memories, and a room full of men willing to slow down.

What started as an evening of listening unexpectedly became a journey back through my own life. Driving into a place I hadn't visited in over 20 years brought back memories of friendships, brotherhood, loss, and the passage of time. As the first track of Jay-Z's The Blueprint filled the room, I was reminded how music has the power to unlock emotions we've buried for years.

This isn't just an episode about an album. It's about nostalgia, healing, connection, and the importance of creating spaces where men can simply be present—with themselves and with each other.

If you've ever wondered what happens when we stop talking long enough to truly listen, this episode is for you.

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What does it mean to become the father you never had?

In this episode of That Dope Dad, Michael Hedgecock sits down with transformation coach, entrepreneur, and father of three, Sheriff Taiwo, for an honest conversation about growing up in a strict Nigerian household, overcoming adversity, and choosing to lead his family differently.

Sheriff shares how his upbringing shaped the man he is today, the lessons he carried forward, and the ones he intentionally left behind.

Together, Michael and Sheriff dive into fatherhood, men's mental health, physical health, discipline, identity, and the responsibility dads have to break unhealthy generational patterns.

This isn't just a conversation about raising kids—it's about raising ourselves first.

If you're a father, future father, or simply a man striving to become better, this episode will challenge you to reflect, grow, and lead with purpose.

In this episode you'll hear:
• Growing up in a traditional Nigerian household
• Turning pain and adversity into purpose
• Breaking generational cycles as a father
• Men's mental and physical health
• Building discipline and accountability
• Why becoming a better man creates a better family

There are moments in fatherhood that quietly change you. For me, it's my son's birthday.

In this deeply personal episode of That Dope Dad, I open up about what it feels like to watch my son turn seven years old. Every birthday brings unexpected emotions—not sadness, not just joy, but the realization of how quickly time passes. As he grows older, I'm reminded that I'm growing older too.

This isn't just an episode about celebrating a birthday. It's about asking the hard questions every father should ask himself: Am I present enough? Am I leading my child well? Does my son feel safe with me? Does he know how deeply he's loved?

I share the lessons fatherhood has taught me, the fears that come with watching your child grow up, and why I believe every birthday should be more than a celebration—it should be a yearly reflection on the kind of father we're becoming.

I also end the episode with a heartfelt letter to my son that I hope he'll hear one day when he's older.

Whether your child is seven months old, seven years old, or already grown, this conversation is a reminder that our greatest legacy isn't perfection—it's presence.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with another dad who needs to hear it. And if you're enjoying That Dope Dad, please follow the show and leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more fathers and build a stronger community of intentional dads.

Because our kids won't remember everything we gave them—but they'll always remember whether we were there.

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In this episode of That Dope Dad, Michael Hedgecock sits down with Roderick Richard II—fatherhood coach, entrepreneur, athletic director, podcast host, and founder of 4 Fit Fatherhood—for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to be a present father.

Roderick shares how growing up in a hardworking family and spending years in sports shaped his values of discipline, accountability, and leadership. But fatherhood taught him something even greater: providing for your family goes far beyond paying the bills. It means showing up with your time, your presence, your guidance, and your love.

Together, Michael and Roderick discuss the challenges of balancing ambition, career, business, and family, why leaving professional baseball became one of the most important decisions of his life, and how raising two daughters completely changed his definition of success. They also dive into his "Present Provider" philosophy, the importance of emotional availability, and why kids don't just need financial support—they need a father who is fully present.

Whether you're a new dad, a seasoned father, or simply striving to become a better man for your family, this episode will challenge you to rethink success and remind you that your greatest legacy isn't what you build—it's the relationships you build at home.

Roderick Richard

www.4fitfatherhood.com

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The more we enjoy being a dad, the more our kids enjoy being a kid.

Life gets busy. Work is demanding. By the end of the day, we're exhausted.

But while we're counting down to bedtime, our kids are counting down the minutes until they get time with us.

They don't need perfection. They don't need expensive trips or endless entertainment. They simply want our attention, our presence, and a few moments where they know they're the most important thing in our world.

In this episode of That Dope Dad, we're talking about choosing connection over convenience, why the little moments matter more than we realize, and how enjoying fatherhood creates a childhood our kids will never forget.

Because one day they'll outgrow wanting us to play—and we'll wish we had just one more chance. Be present. Enjoy being Dad. Your kids are only kids once.

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In this episode of That Dope Dad Podcast, Michael Hedgecock sits down with entrepreneur, podcast host, nonprofit leader, and father of four, Will Adams Sr.

Will shares how growing up in a single-parent household shaped his commitment to being a present father, the life-changing impact of becoming a dad at 32, and the lessons he's learned raising both a son and a daughter. He also opens up about his son's autism diagnosis, his passion for advocating for the autism community, and how fatherhood fuels his purpose in business and life.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that fatherhood isn't about being perfect—it's about showing up, growing, and creating a better legacy for your children.

Connect with Will:
https://linktr.ee/ThaVillagePodcast

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The fear of judgment keeps too many people stuck—stuck from chasing their dreams, trying something new, or becoming who they were meant to be. In this episode, we talk about why other people's opinions should never have the power to dictate your life. As parents, our kids are always watching. When they see us step outside our comfort zones, take risks, and pursue what truly matters to us, they learn the courage to do the same. Don't let fear of what others might think hold you back. Go after what you want, and show your kids what it looks like to live boldly and unapologetically.

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Jacob Smith shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful leader, husband, and father, emphasizing the importance of family, fitness, and mindset in his life. The conversation covers topics related to parenting, nutrition, coping with loss, sobriety, fatherhood, personal growth, emotional challenges, coaching kids, and lessons from daughters. The speakers discuss their approach to parenting, the impact of nutrition on family dynamics, coping with the loss of a loved one, and the journey of sobriety. They also share insights into the emotional challenges of fatherhood, the experience of coaching kids, and the lessons learned from daughters. The conversation delves into the importance of setting standards for children, transitioning from work to dad mode, managing parental anxiety and stress, balancing ambition and presence, leadership at work and at home, discipline and parenting, staying connected as a couple, the impact of fatherhood, faith and family, and messages for the future.

Takeaways

• Leadership and fulfillment go beyond success
• Family and fitness play a crucial role in personal growth Parenting influences children's perception of nutrition and healthy habits.
• Coping with loss and sobriety can lead to personal growth and emotional resilience. Setting standards for children is crucial
• Balancing ambition and presence is a challenge for many fathers

Chapters

• 00:00 Work and Leadership
• 05:18 Fatherhood and Family Priorities
• 11:16 Impact of Childhood on Parenting
• 17:16 Siblings and Family Trauma
• 23:12 Taking the First Step to Change
• 29:20 Parenting and Nutrition
• 42:38 Fatherhood and Personal Growth
• 51:14 Coaching Kids and Lessons from Daughters
• 59:00 Setting Standards for Children
• 01:04:17 Parental Anxiety and Stress
• 01:10:03 Leadership at Work and at Home
• 01:18:44 The Impact of Fatherhood

Jacob Smith:

Follow:

https://www.instagram.com/jacob.smith.fit/

Website:

https://jacobsmithfit.com/

That Dope Dad

IG:

https://www.instagram.com/thatdopedad_podcast/

HOST:

https://www.instagram.com/michael_hedgecock/