The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 2 - Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Release Date: 02/26/2025
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...
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The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 3 - Building Confidence in Children
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian Mattson and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker welcome Paul Baker, an experienced educator and former school principal, to discuss practical ways to build confidence in children. Paul shares insights from his career in education and his experiences as a father, offering real-life examples of how responsibility, chores and perseverance help instill confidence in kids. The conversation explores the value of allowing children to experience challenges, learn from failures and develop independence through everyday tasks. Whether you're a parent looking...
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The Intentional Dad Ep. 3 - Teaching Empathy and Resilience
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch sit down with Herb Cody, a dedicated father from Nixa, Missouri, to discuss how life’s challenges shape empathy, resilience and intentional fatherhood. Herb shares his personal journey of navigating fatherhood through life-altering experiences, including his own near-fatal accident and his wife’s traumatic brain injury. He explains how he balanced being both a father and caretaker, how his community stepped in to support his family and how he instilled resilience and compassion in his children. This episode is a...
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Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 3 - Identifying Your Community Goals
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of Good Dads, Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker, founder and Executive Director of Good Dads, and co-host J. Fotsch discuss how to build fatherhood initiatives and strengthen communities through engagement, collaboration, and leadership. Dr. Baker shares how Good Dads started with a simple idea and grew into a multi-chapter organization supporting thousands of fathers. She and Fotsch highlight the importance of identifying community champions, creating safe spaces for dads to connect, and fostering conversations that promote strong family involvement. If you're looking...
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The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 2 - Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian and J Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez, Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, to explore the role of curiosity, outdoor exploration, and lifelong learning in parenting. Rudy shares how his love for the outdoors influenced his parenting style and how exposing kids to nature sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The conversation highlights why hands-on experiences matter, how fathers can foster curiosity in their children, and simple ways to get outside—even for families new to outdoor activities....
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Hot Topics Ep. 2 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Inclusivity
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts J Fotsch and Will Cox sit down with Dr. Kyle John, Medical Director at Arc of the Ozarks, to explore neurodiversity, inclusivity, and early intervention for autism and other developmental disorders. Dr. John explains what neurodiversity is, how early diagnosis impacts long-term outcomes, and why dads often struggle more than moms when their child receives a diagnosis. The discussion also highlights the importance of inclusive education, breaking stigmas, and advocating for neurodiverse children at home, school, and in the community. This episode is a...
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The Intentional Dad Ep 2 - Instilling Kindness, Responsibility & Teamwork
Good Dads Podcast
In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch welcome guest David Anderson, a school counselor, father of three and 2024 Dad of the Year honoree. Together they dive into what it means to instill kindness, responsibility and teamwork in children both at home and in the community. David shares how his experience in the Peace Corps shaped his family's commitment to service, including taking each of his children on a mission trip before they graduate. The conversation highlights how leading by example, fostering gratitude and encouraging responsibility through...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian and J Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez, Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, to explore the role of curiosity, outdoor exploration, and lifelong learning in parenting.
Rudy shares how his love for the outdoors influenced his parenting style and how exposing kids to nature sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The conversation highlights why hands-on experiences matter, how fathers can foster curiosity in their children, and simple ways to get outside—even for families new to outdoor activities.
Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or just looking for ways to connect with your child, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration for raising curious, resilient kids.
Episode Highlights
[01:42]
"You can see in the eyes of your child when they learn something new—from the moment they’re born through their teens."
[10:07]
"If you just provide the opportunity to be outside, people will start noticing things around them—whether they realize it or not."
[12:30]
"He got curious because he got to experience. That was the thing—being experiential in nature led to his curiosity moving forward."
[14:45]
"Children are like sponges—they absorb everything from us. The way we react is the way they may react too."
[22:15]
"In today’s world, everything is preprogrammed. When you go camping, you’re forced to slow down and figure things out—how do we fill this time without screens?"
[29:34]
"We’ve lost critical reasoning skills in today’s society. When you're outdoors, you don’t have Google to lean on—you have to figure it out."
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