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_outlineAre children master manipulators, or just trying to get their way? Is it okay to have night-time snacks? What's a dad to do when his child disobeys, turning on the TV after bedtime? Join us this week with J Fotsch and Dr. Jennifer Baker as we cover common questions for dads of four- and five-year-olds, including bedtimes, sugary snacks, discipline, pretend-crying and more.
Show Notes
- (2:14) I try to tell (my daughter) when I know she's fake-crying, or fake-whining. She does that very, very good. I tell her, I say, "Do you know something? I know when you're not really crying—that you're fake crying—and I also know when you're pouting and you're trying to get something. So let's not do that."
- (3:38) Many times adults make the mistake of thinking a child thinks the way they do. And they don't! A child (who's) maybe 4 or 5 has very concrete thinking.
- (6:08) Let's say that you want a cookie ... There's no reason you shouldn't get that cookie. And you're gonna try to figure out any way that you can to get that cookie. And if something works—and has worked—like crying or whining or begging or whatever, then you're going to do it as long as you can to see if it works.
- (7:26) If you reward the behavior that you don't want to see, by giving in, giving the cookie ... then you're likely to see more of that behavior because it worked.
- (10:15) When you smile, children know really they've lost the battle. It's like, when we (parents) get angry ... it's like throwing a pebble in a puddle. You got a reaction there. Alright, let's see if I can throw a bigger pebble. Ok, now I really got you going! Look at you, your face is all red.
- (13:41) You can't tell a child to sleep. Have you ever tried that? It doesn't work.
- (18:42) Most parents could make their lives much easier if they have a routine and they stick to that routine. Kids love routine. They feel safe in routine.
Resources
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