The Detroit Dadcast

For this episode I sat down with Brian Galvin (BG), a a good friend who looks like Matt Damon and also happens to be wicked smart. No seriously, he has a photographic memory. In this heady discussion, BG reveals the dude’s side of the in vitro saga, goes full Bezos on his predictions about K-12 education, presents an interesting thesis on why Michigan weather is a source of unity, and reflects on collaborations with the likes of Taye Diggs and Common. And a lot more. Some of you may recognize BG's voice from our critically acclaimed 2005 single, "Manifesto," back when being a middle-class white rapper was actually considered ironic. Enjoy.

For this episode I sat down with my great friend James Boardman, a man who single-handedly forced me to change the podcast's profanity policy. James riffs on the curiously poor dental health in England, the life of a stay-at-home dad, growing up in a cult, having a winless record in arguments against his badass lawyer wife, developing flavor in the kitchen, and his spiritual death and subsequent awakening after his sister Sarah's death. James is one of the most generous, reflective, and genuine people I know. He's also British, so that makes him more fun to listen to. I want to apologize for the ticking noise in the background - the Boardman family just got a dog. Don't worry, we won't talk about the dog.

For Episode 14 I sat down with Ben Jacobs, whom I’ve known for 40 years.  His folks have been second parents to me and though I can’t quite call him a brother he's definitely more than a cousin. We also share a man crush on Aaron Rodgers so I think that makes us related in some way.  Ben has always been an adrenaline junkie, which explains why he was a nationally ranked gymnast and a stunt man at Disney for several years.  A big kid himself, he has always loved kids and been a natural with them, which is why it was so much fun to listen to him talk about dad life with his two daughters. I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging chat with a guy who's developed one hell of a Wisconsin accent.

For this episode I sat down with Joe Johnson, AKA MC Schlep, one of the two good friends I made in graduate school.  Joe has always been just ahead of me in most life events--getting married, buying a house, having kids, becoming a functioning adult--so I feel lucky to have learned from him.  In this chat we explore, among other topics:  the mindset of an East Sider; how his experience at Warren De La Salle, an all-boys Catholic school, shaped him; trash picking; bargain grocery-shopping; coaching his kids; losing both parents relatively young; and the importance of low post position in a marriage. Enjoy.

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For Episode #13, I sat down with Michigan State Senator Jim Ananich, a friend of nearly three decades. Our relationship had been characterized by tennis and basketball, using my 50% discount at Bennigan’s when we weren’t hungry, and spontaneous explosions of Dayton Family rap sessions in public. Somehow we’ve become responsible adults with children, and Jim is now the highest ranking democrat in the Michigan Senate. Thankfully he has not lost his integrity or his sense of humor.  In this chat we cover a lot: his harrowing adoption journey; losing both parents at a young age; and fatherhood as a catalyst for growth. Sit back, get ready to learn and to laugh. 

Also: When your kid doesn't care that the governor is calling Peabo Bryson;  Why dumb people shouldn't form education policy;  Raising a biracial son Dragging days, flying weeks.

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For this episode I sat down with Sami Aljallad, an old friend and and fellow father of only boys. Among other topics, Sami discusses the joys and challenges of running a business with your spouse, how being the son of immigrants informs his parenting, and why free-range doesn’t work for him. Sami’s life moves as quickly as his brain, but he’s a true family man with a relentless focus on making a better future for his kids.  Enjoy this meandering chat with the one and only Sami the Bull.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-hughes/support