Hot Topics Ep. 1 - Introducing Will Cox, Father of Two Sons, Coach & Entrepreneur
Release Date: 01/21/2025
Communicating Well with Other Grown-Ups in your Child's Life • Good Dads Podcast
Good Dads Podcast
Good Dads inspires, resources and encourages ALL dads to be more involved in the lives of their children. When a community encourages responsible fatherhood, everyone wins. Find out more about Good Dads at our website: Get involved by finding the right program for you: Donate to support the Good Dads mission! What can coaching kids teach us about being better dads? In this episode, we're thrilled to speak with father of four Dr. Jon Spence about the ways dads can take what works on the field or court— like building trust, setting expectations, helping kids with confidence — and...
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The Impact of Mentorship in Fatherhood | Good Dads
Good Dads Podcast
Why do people choose to invest their time in helping dads succeed? In the newest episode of the Good Dads Podcast, host J Fotsch sits down with two experienced Good Dads facilitators who are making a lasting impact on fathers and families: Please join us in welcoming two highly skilled long-time facilitators: Janice Reynolds, a Good Dads master facilitator and retired teacher; and Dr. Benjy Lampert, a retired anesthesiologist who also serves on the executive board for Good Dads. Together, Janice and Benjy share why they are passionate about guiding and supporting fathers who are working...
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New Workshops for Dads and Couples | Good Dads Podcast
Good Dads Podcast
We're back! After a hiatus, the Good Dads Podcast returns with a reinvigorated focus on equipping dads with the tools they need to grow, lead, and succeed at home. In our first returning episode, Good Dads sits down with two new staff members to share our excitement about an all-new program that's changing the face of responsible fatherhood efforts in Missouri. We hope you'll join us for this fun and insightful conversation! We're happy to introduce two key leaders making a real impact in the fatherhood space: Scott Lewis – Project Manager for the FORGE Program; and Ryan Glidwell –...
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The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 8 - Balancing Habits for School Success Pt. 1
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson welcome elementary PE teacher and dad, Myles Wilson, for a fun and practical discussion about helping kids develop healthy habits for school success. From the importance of routines and physical activity to managing screen time, Myles shares how movement, emotional regulation, and positive social skills set the stage for better learning. Drawing from his experience as both a teacher and parent, Myles emphasizes that kids thrive when they have consistent routines, opportunities to move, and encouragement to see...
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Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 8 - Engaged Fathers, Empowered Kids: A Success Story with Strong Schools
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities, J. Fotsch and Director of Communications Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Strong Schools Captains Joshua Rowlett and Ben Buschjost to hear firsthand how intentional father involvement is transforming schools, families, and communities. From the library to the manufacturing floor, Joshua and Ben share how dads—and other male role models—are stepping up through the Good Dads Strong Schools program to build stronger connections with their children. Through simple activities like pipe cleaner monsters and water bottle flips, these fathers are...
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The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 7 - Preparing Children for Independence
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson are joined by Jason Hinson from Victory Mission for a lighthearted yet deeply practical conversation about raising children to be independent. From toddler chore charts to the complexities of launching adult children, the trio explores what age-appropriate responsibility looks like across different life stages. The conversation emphasizes the importance of knowing each child’s personality, offering guidance without micromanaging and modeling life skills like financial literacy, technology use and emotional...
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Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 7 - Strong Schools, Strong Communities: Getting Involved with Local Elementary Schools
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch sit down with Strong Schools Coordinator Jim Millsap and Good Dads Board Member Dr. Mike Dawson—an experienced educator and retired Branson Schools administrator—to explore how simple interactions between dads and their kids can build stronger families and schools. Drawing on their decades in education and personal experiences as fathers, Jim and Mike explain how the Strong Schools initiative helps fathers—and father figures—connect meaningfully with their children while transforming school culture. The...
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Hot Topics Ep. 7 - Politics & Parenting: What to Discuss with Kids
Good Dads Podcast
In this candid episode of Hot Topics, hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox speak with Missouri State Representative Alex Riley and government consultant Ryan DeBouf about the challenge of navigating politics as parents. Both guests bring not only their professional insights but also their personal experience as dads—Alex with a growing young family and Ryan with children spanning from elementary to adulthood. The discussion emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate conversations, modeling respectful discourse and cultivating political understanding at home. The guests share how to introduce basic...
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The Intentional Dad Ep 7 - Creating a Safe Space for Honest Conversations
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson welcome guest Brian Mattson from The Downtown Church for a heartfelt discussion on fostering trust and openness in family conversations. The dads explore how honesty, humility and consistency are crucial for building emotional safety at home—especially when discussing hard topics or addressing mistakes both theirs and their children’s. The conversation emphasizes the power of modeling honesty and vulnerability, especially when parents admit they’re wrong. The trio shares personal stories about navigating...
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The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 6 - Teaching Financial Responsibility
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson sit down with Crystal and Tobi Roberts to discuss how parents can teach kids about money from a young age. The Roberts, parents of a blended family with three children, share practical ways they’ve used to teach financial responsibility—from chore charts and envelope budgeting to teen credit cards and monthly family budget meetings. The conversation highlights the importance of starting early, setting consistent expectations, and using real-life experiences to teach financial principles. Crystal, a CPA...
info_outlineIn the first episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Will Cox, a father of two, coach, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "mediocre dad trying to be good." Will shares his experiences raising two sons with distinct personalities, navigating fatherhood and balancing family life with his career as a solar company owner.
This episode dives into why affection matters in fatherhood, particularly in families where open emotional expression may not come naturally. Will reflects on lessons learned from his upbringing, the challenges of showing vulnerability and the importance of building confidence and self-worth in children. Together, the hosts and Will explore how fathers can balance toughness with empathy, ensuring their children feel loved and supported.
Join us for this engaging conversation about the joys and struggles of fatherhood as well as practical advice for fostering emotional connection with your children while preparing them to face the world with resilience.
Episode Highlights
[03:40]
"Being vulnerable is a good thing. When I first heard 'Good Dad,' I thought it was some elite club. But really, it’s about showing up, being there, and learning from mistakes."
[06:00]
"Affection matters in fatherhood, even when it doesn’t come naturally. It starts with listening, asking good questions, and being present for your kids."
[13:38]
"You want your kids to be tough, but you don’t want to brush away their feelings. Finding that balance is one of the hardest parts of being a dad."
[14:11]
"My sons are completely different. One responds with a quick 'love you too,' while the other writes back with paragraphs about how much he loves me. It’s about meeting them where they are."
[20:06]
"It’s amazing how many kids never hear 'I’m proud of you' or 'I love you' from their dads. Those simple words can make a world of difference."
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