E523 | From the Archive | Transitions Abound with Blended Families - with Dana and Christina Ford
Release Date: 02/27/2024
Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 6 - How Good Dads Fits Your Community
Good Dads Podcast
In this inspiring episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch speak with two outstanding leaders in rural Missouri: Sean Vanderbeck from the Ava chapter and Jill Garrett from the Texas County chapter. As two of the three winners of the Good Dads Great Communities of the Year Contest, these chapters are recognized for their commitment to fatherhood in small towns often overlooked by larger initiatives. Sean and Jill reflect on their challenges, share their triumphs and describe the creative ways they’ve engaged dads across their regions. From providing...
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Hot Topics Ep. 5 - Burnout to Balance: Prioritizing Self-Care as a Dad
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Shelby Smith, a family physician and father of three, to explore the essential yet often neglected topic of self-care for dads. With honesty and warmth, Dr. Smith shares how his personal and professional experiences have transformed his understanding of burnout, mindfulness and the importance of being present—mentally and emotionally—for his family. From engaging in early morning exercise and guided meditation to establishing digital boundaries and learning to say no to overcommitments, he...
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The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 5 - Infant Health with Family Connects
Good Dads Podcast
Infant Health with Family Connects In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson talk with Jordan Coiner from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department about the crucial role dads play in infant health. Jordan shares personal stories from his own parenting journey and introduces the Family Connects program, a home-visiting initiative offering support from registered nurses to every new family in Greene County. The conversation centers on how dads can stay curious, ask questions and get involved early in their child's life—especially when navigating...
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The Intentional Dad Ep 5 - Handling Peer Pressure and Self-Esteem
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with guest Dyllan Dale, a graduate. They unpack the challenges dads face when helping their kids navigate peer pressure and self-esteem. Through honest conversation and real-life stories, the trio explores how intentional parenting means being present, empathetic and proactive—especially when kids are influenced by their peers or struggling with their own worth. They discuss the cultural pressure on dads to provide, the emotional weight of comparison fueled by social media and the importance of saying...
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Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 5 - Connecting Your Identity in the Community with Your Goals
Good Dads Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch welcome longtime friend and original Good Dads board member Paul Windisch. Together, they reflect on the organization's 10-year evolution from a vision to a community-wide movement supporting fatherhood. Paul shares how being part of the early days—and watching the mission grow—shaped his perspective as a father and community member. The conversation highlights the importance of starting where you are, engaging dads from all walks of life, and seeking out “spark plugs”—people who carry the...
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Hot Topics Ep. 4 - Screen Time & Technology Balance for Kids
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of Hot Topics, the hosts, J Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Leonard B. Horton III, assistant professor of journalism at Missouri State University, to explore how fathers can foster healthy screen time habits in the digital age. With humor and honesty, the conversation spans early parenting decisions to teen technology use, revealing both the risks and the opportunities that screen-based media present for families. Key points include the importance of modeling healthy tech behavior, understanding the hidden algorithms behind social media and recognizing the emotional...
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The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 4 - Teaching Safety and Crime Awareness
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Chief Paul Williams to talk about how dads play a vital role in raising safe, responsible kids. With 45 years in law enforcement and personal parenting experience, Chief Williams highlights how an involved father figure profoundly shapes a child’s choices and future. He stresses that being a good dad means more than just enforcing rules—it’s about being present, playful and supportive. They also tackle modern challenges like cyber safety, helicopter parenting and building independence....
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The Intentional Dad Episode 4 - Starting Strong with Babies
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch talk candidly about the early days of fatherhood—from sleepless nights to adapting plans and embracing support. With stories from their own experiences raising newborns, the duo highlights the importance of flexibility, presence and being teachable as new dads. They share laughs over chaotic moments, practical tips for managing colicky babies and the reality of emotional ups and downs for both parents. The episode encourages intentional parenting by focusing on teamwork, selflessness and community support, especially...
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Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 4 - Finding Community Champions
Good Dads Podcast
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and co-host J. Fotsch sit down with Aaron Swanson, General Sales Manager at Springfield Nissan & Kia. More than a business leader, Aaron is a husband and father who understands the power of leading by example. He shares how his workplace has embraced the Good Dads mission—not just financially but through hands-on support and community involvement. Whether you’re launching a fatherhood initiative or looking to partner with local businesses, this episode explores...
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Hot Topics Ep. 3 - Letting Your Children Fail: Using Setbacks to Foster Growth & Resilience
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts Will Cox and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker discuss the importance of allowing children to experience failure as a tool for growth. They explore how overcoming setbacks builds resilience, decision-making skills and long-term success. Will shares a personal story about his son procrastinating on a school assignment and his initial instinct to step in and "fix" the situation. Dr. Baker provides insights on why failure is a crucial learning experience and how parents can balance support with accountability. They also discuss how financial literacy, responsibility and...
info_outlineDana and Christina Ford have a full house with a teenager, elementary schoolers and preschoolers. Join us for a conversation originally recorded in 2021 with the Fords as the blended family navigates the important transitions inherent in father-son relationships as Dana entered his step-son's life when he was 8 years old. Dana and Christina give advice for step-parents and differentiate their approaches to parenting versus step-parenting. We also talk about the first-baby nerves, anticipating your partner's needs and raising un-selfish children.
Our Guests: Husband and Wife Dana and Christina Ford
Christina Ford is the president and founder of Rebound Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to end the cycle of abuse through safe transitional housing for women and children, and educating youth to prevent violence.
Dana Ford has been the men's head baseketball coach at Missouri State University since 2018. He transitioned from Bachelor to Husband and to Father quickly.
The Fords are parents to five, and one in Heaven.
Show Notes
- (8:09) I was the single parent for eight years, and I was very independent. I was Mom, and I went to school, and I worked. I was in a very independent role, and my idea of when we were going to come together was, you know, "Was I still going to be this independent force?" I was really keen into that. I was going to have my own thing, my own title ... I didn't have to ask someone else, "How should we do this?" or "What decision should be made?" It was always just me making the decision.
- (13:29) We do not parent all of our children the same. Just like I don't coach all my players the same. One of the most important things that you have to learn—is you have to learn your people. That means you have to learn your children individually, same way I do with my players. You have to spend time with them, communicate with them and observe them.
- (14:44) If you listen, people will tell you who they are.
- (19:31) One of the biggest adjustments was the fact that, due to COVID, there was no support system of Mom, sister, right? I mean, I'm always used to mother-in-law and sister-in-law being there, and them doing the heavy lifting.
- (25:50) If you want to conquer something you have to stay united, but we (as parents) conquer by dividing sometimes.
- (27:42) So many (us) can get selfish, and be about "me, me, me." Hopefully because they see us and come from a larger family (our children grow to) understand that it's not always about you.
Resources