On this episode we have on author and musician Pierce Freelon, 

We talked about kids getting older, figuring out if they’re going to college, historically black colleges, state of education for kids, not paying for baby sitters anymore, his creation of children’s music, male initiation rites, the importance of initiation rites, modern masculinity, and his new album Black Boy Glow.

You can find the new album everywhere you stream musical and visit piercefreelon.com to find his books and other creative adventures!

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This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode we have on Brian Whittington, also known for doing kids music as Mr Bri Guy
 
 We talked about being a handyman and making makeshift studio with packaging blankets, balancing childcare with being a handyman, not having a traditional career path, making kids music, flying to New Zealand with kids, screen time, hiking adventures, and getting way too into recording techniques. 

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode we have on bassist Eric Baines.  Eric has played with Dwight Yoakam, Keiko Matsui, and currently is a member of the legendary band Chicago.  He also has a podcast called The Dive Bar Rockstar Podcast.
 
 We talked about how moving from LA to Nashville, touring when you’re a dad, transitioning from bus to home life, when your son thinks he owns the tour bus, sleep deprivation, parenting anxiety, working on his own music when home, what it’s like when family visits on tour, and how he joined Chicago and what it’s like to be in the band.

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode we have on author Doug Johnston to talk about his book Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart
 
 We talked about his daughter graduating college and starting her career, the importance of language, his love of quotes, his career in business, knowing the voice in your head, and how a nightly routine with his daughter inspired him to explore emotions and later write this book.
 
 His book came out this year and it discusses 272 emotions and the importance of understanding them.  It’s filled with quotes insights, and language to understand yourself better.
 
 Make sure to find his book on amazon. Check the show notes for a link to buying the book.  Click here. 

Send us Fan Mail

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon is joined by Andy and Luke of the legendary band Piebald for a fun conversation about fatherhood, music, careers, and the challenge of balancing family life with being in a band.

Andy and Luke share what it's like raising an only child while continuing to create music and tour. Andy talks about teaching his son how to cook and how being a chef influences the way he parents, while Luke discusses his work with Noble & Cooley Drums, life with an ever-growing collection of animals, and the everyday adventures that come with family life—including why Andy has learned to watch out for sewing needles at Luke's house.

They also dive into the creative process behind Piebald's first new full-length album in years, Tales for Rages (released June 12), what it was like writing and recording new music, staying connected while touring, and finally sharing the album with longtime fans.

Whether you've been listening to Piebald since the early 2000s or you're discovering them for the first time, this episode is packed with stories about fatherhood, creativity, friendship, and keeping your passion alive through every stage of life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Fatherhood and raising an only child
• Parenting through cooking and everyday life
• Andy's career as a chef
• Luke's work with Noble & Cooley Drums
• Life with way too many pets
• Touring while raising a family
• Staying connected with your kids on the road
• Writing and recording Tales for the Pioneers of the Raging
• The realities of making music as dads
• Friendship, family, and life in Piebald

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to stream Piebald's latest album, Tales for the Rages, and follow the band for upcoming tour dates, new music videos, and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon sits down with Ben Mench-Thurlow, a booking agent who helps artists plan tours and the creator of the Emo Orchestra—the live concert experience that combines iconic emo and pop-punk songs with a full orchestra.

Content Note: This episode contains an honest conversation about child loss and grief.

Ben courageously shares the story of becoming a father to triplets and the heartbreaking reality that two of his children never came home from the NICU. He opens up about navigating unimaginable grief, supporting his family through loss, and why he wanted to share his experience in the hope that other dads facing similar circumstances know they are not alone.

The conversation also explores Ben's career in the music industry, how he found his way to Nashville, what it's like booking tours for bands, and the inspiration behind creating the Emo Orchestra with his daughter in mind. Ben also talks about raising a daughter who knows more opening bands than headliners, balancing a demanding career with fatherhood, the team that helps bring Emo Orchestra to life, and the emotional experience of watching his daughter graduate from pre-K.

This episode is an honest discussion about fatherhood, grief, resilience, music, and finding purpose after profound loss.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Becoming a father to triplets
• Life in the NICU and coping with child loss
• Grief, healing, and supporting your family
• Why sharing difficult stories can help other dads
• Moving to Nashville and building a career in music
• Working as a booking agent for touring artists
• Creating the Emo Orchestra
• Balancing fatherhood with a demanding career
• Parenting, milestones, and the emotions of watching your kids grow

If you've experienced pregnancy loss, infant loss, or know someone who has, we hope Ben's story reminds you that you are not alone.

Send us Fan Mail

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon reconnects with Stephen Stallings, frontman of the band Plot Points. Although they went to college together, it had been nearly 15 years since they last caught up, making this conversation equal parts reunion, music talk, and honest discussion about fatherhood.

Stephen shares what life has been like since moving to New York, balancing a full-time career with being a husband, dad, and musician, and the long journey of finally finishing Plot Points' latest EP. He opens up about how work, family responsibilities, and everyday life can slow down creative projects—and why it's still worth pursuing them.

The conversation also dives into the fun and relatable moments of parenting, including taking kids to baseball games, figuring out where to hide Christmas presents as they get older, learning that scavenger hunts are sometimes more fun for parents than kids, and making time to intentionally connect with your spouse every day.

They also reminisce about their college days in Nashville, talk about introducing their wives to concerts they weren't sure they'd enjoy, and why going to concerts alone can actually be a great experience.

Whether you're a dad, a musician, or someone trying to balance family life with creative passions, this episode is full of relatable stories, laughter, and honest conversations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Fatherhood and raising a child in New York
• Balancing music, family, and a full-time job
• The making of Plot Points' new EP
• Staying creative as a husband and dad
• Marriage and finding daily ways to connect
• Taking kids to baseball games
• Parenting lessons and holiday traditions
• Going to concerts alone
• College memories and life in Nashville
• Growing up while still making the music you love

Send us Fan Mail

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode of The Imperfect Dads Podcast, Devon is joined by Eddie Reyes, founding member of Taking Back Sunday and current member of Me.

Eddie opens up about fatherhood, family, and rediscovering his love for music after stepping away to focus on himself and the people who mattered most. He shares what it's like raising a family where ADHD is a daily reality, why honest communication with his kids has become one of his greatest parenting tools, and how being a Gen X dad has shaped his approach to raising children.

They also talk about the humbling experience of watching his son become the better guitar player, why his kids encouraged him to start making music again, the story behind forming Me, and how he's learned to create music simply because it makes him happy—not because of outside expectations. Throughout the conversation, Eddie reflects on the importance of listening to your kids and allowing them to help shape your perspective as a parent.

Whether you're a parent, musician, longtime Taking Back Sunday fan, or someone navigating the balance between family, creativity, and personal growth, this episode offers an honest and encouraging conversation.

In this episode:

• Eddie Reyes on life after Taking Back Sunday
• The story behind Me
• Fatherhood and raising kids with ADHD
• Honest communication with your children
• Parenting as a Gen X dad
• Watching your kids surpass you
• Why Eddie stepped away from music
• His kids encouraging him to play again
• Making music for happiness instead of expectations
• Staying authentic as an artist and a father
• Why listening to your kids matters

If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Imperfect Dads Podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another parent, musician, or Taking Back Sunday fan who would enjoy the conversation.

Send us Fan Mail

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

Musician Travis Talbert joins The Imperfect Dads Podcast for a powerful conversation about grief, fatherhood, sobriety, faith, and finding purpose through life's hardest moments.

Travis opens up about the heartbreaking experience of losing a child as an infant and how that loss shaped him as a husband and father. He also shares what it's been like raising three children after that tragedy, why being present for his family matters more than ever, and how quitting alcohol changed his life.

Beyond parenting, we talk about Travis's work as a pedal steel guitarist, balancing music with family life, his children's educational experiences, and his evolving journey with religion, spirituality, curiosity, and critical thinking. It's an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and what it means to keep showing up for the people you love.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Losing a child as an infant and navigating grief
• Raising three children after loss
• Fatherhood and being present for your family
• Quitting alcohol and the impact of sobriety
• Travis's journey with religion and spirituality
• Critical thinking, curiosity, and personal growth
• Playing pedal steel guitar and performing while raising a family
• Navigating your kids' educational experiences
• Making the most of summertime with your children

If you enjoy conversations about fatherhood, grief, parenting, sobriety, music, faith, mental health, and personal growth, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.

#TravisTalbert #Fatherhood #ParentingPodcast #Grief #InfantLoss #Sobriety #Recovery #PedalSteel #Musician #Faith #Spirituality #MentalHealth #TheImperfectDadsPodcast

Send us Fan Mail

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman

On this episode we have on Ryan Dominguez from the band Tokyo Rose. 

We talk about becoming a father through adoption, going from a music career to school to a teacher, how they got the band back together after 20 years, being a New York sports fan, going to baseball games with his son, what’s different making music as a teenager vs in your 40s, playing shows and reconnecting with fans, and how he found time to be creative and write new music.

Their new album Never Say Die comes out July 24.  Make sure to follow their instagram tokyorosenj to find out information for where to buy the album and where to see them on tour. 

Send us Fan Mail

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok YouTube. Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday.

This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous  Wasting Time Podcast Certified Fangirl and The Ska Mailman