Daddy Issues Podcast

Real stories from real dads fighting through divorce, custody battles, and co-parenting chaos. Every week, host Daniel Modern interviews fathers who've been through the worst—and came out the other side. If you're a dad going through separation, this is the support you didn't know you needed. No sugarcoating. No judgment. Just the truth.

The War They Don't Tell You About 01/28/2026

The War They Don't Tell You About Army veteran and father of two, Anthony has been fighting in family court since his second son was two years old. What he's been through reads like a horror story: 3 days a month of custody despite being present since birth, false domestic violence charges, child support orders in two different states for the same child, lawyers who refused his case, and a system that financially penalized him every time he asked for more time with his son. In this episode, Anthony pulls back the curtain on the reality of interstate custody battles, the weaponization of family court, and what it takes to survive when the system is designed to break you. From traveling between California and Idaho for years just to see his son, to going pro se when no lawyer would help him, to finally connecting with advocacy organizations fighting for equal shared parenting—Anthony's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. He discusses the stark contrast between co-parenting his first son Christian in California (healthy 50/50 from birth) and the nightmare custody war over his second son Joaquin in Idaho (currently in year 8 of court battles). The difference? One mother who co-parents. One mother who weaponizes the courts. Anthony also shares how people like Jessica Taylor (who literally bought a house in Idaho so he'd have a place to stay), Mark Ludwig from Americans for Equal Shared Parenting, and Idaho legislators working on the Child Custody Task Force became his lifeline when the system tried to erase him from his son's life. Currently fighting to make his temporary 50/50 custody permanent while his ex demands child support despite making double his income, Anthony's battle continues. But he's not fighting alone anymore—and that's the message every father needs to hear. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/39871300

When Everything Falls Apart: A Single Father's Fight to Keep Going 12/17/2025

When Everything Falls Apart: A Single Father's Fight to Keep Going Becoming a single father after losing your children's mother changes everything. For David Coolsby, it meant learning to parent alone, introducing a new partner into his kids' lives, and building a mental health business from the ground up right as the pandemic hit. But the challenges didn't stop there. His marriage faced devastating struggles, health issues threatened his stability, and legal battles drained his finances and energy. In this episode, David shares the full weight of balancing fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal crisis. He talks openly about the importance of support systems, the toll of fighting multiple battles at once, and what it means to prioritize your children when your entire life feels like it's unraveling. This conversation doesn't hold back it's honest, raw, and deeply human. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/39427895

Tragedy, Divorce, and Building a Comeback 07/29/2025

Tragedy, Divorce, and Building a Comeback This episode gets deep. I sit down with Kristian Moore a man who’s been through the fire and somehow came out stronger. We’re talking real pain: losing his father to suicide, going through a brutal divorce, and still showing up as a single dad trying to do right by his kids. Kristian doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He talks about the dark stuff loneliness, court battles, and rebuilding from rock bottom but he also shares how he turned all that pain into purpose. This one’s about ownership. About refusing to play victim. About finding your tribe, cutting the excuses, and transforming your lowest moments into fuel for the comeback. If you’re a dad going through it or just a man trying to level up after life hits hard this episode is for you. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/37588470

I was so lost 07/21/2025

I was so lost What happens when life hits you with the hardest stuff autism, grief, and parenting alone and you still keep showing up? Liam’s a solo dad who didn’t sign up for easy. In this episode, he drops the mask and shares what it’s really like to raise a child with autism, rebuild after loss, and stay mentally afloat in a world that expects men to “man up” and stay silent. We talk: How to stay sane while solo parenting Why vulnerability isn’t weak it’s survival The hidden power of asking for help Turning pain into purpose If you’ve ever felt like you're carrying the whole damn world on your back this one's for you /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/37472765

I sued the court system in federal court. 07/15/2025

I sued the court system in federal court. This week, I sat down with Marc Fishman, and let me tell you this one’s heavy. Marc’s a disabled dad who's been fighting a brutal uphill battle in family court. Not because he’s a bad parent. Not because he did something wrong. But because the system doesn’t know what to do with someone who looks different, moves different, or needs accommodations to be a great parent. He talks about: Getting stonewalled when asking for basic disability accommodations How his rights as a dad were slowly stripped away not by evidence, but by bias And the emotional toll of being told you're “not capable” when you know damn well you are Marc isn’t sitting still though. He’s fighting back filing appeals, speaking out, and refusing to let the system define his relationship with his kid. This episode is about resilience, discrimination, and the raw reality of being a disabled parent in a court system that’s still stuck in the past. If you’ve ever felt powerless, this one’s for you. Links /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/37407325

False Accusations, Real Pain, One Dad’s Fight to Be Heard 07/07/2025

False Accusations, Real Pain, One Dad’s Fight to Be Heard Travis came on the pod and dropped real talk about what it’s like getting blindsided by divorce, dragged through the family court system, and separated from the kids he lives for. He talks about the gut punch of false accusations, the legal circus, and the emotional toll it takes just trying to be a present father. But here’s the thing Travis isn’t giving up. He’s fighting like hell to stay in his kids’ lives, and he’s got a message for every dad going through it: you’re not alone, and your fight matters. This episode hits deep. Tap in. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/37301125

The Best Mistake of My Life 06/30/2025

The Best Mistake of My Life Alright boys, buckle up. This one’s raw, it’s real, and it punches you right in the feels. Today we sit down with Joey Luciano firefighter, paramedic, ex-New York club DJ, Texas business owner, and most importantly, a badass single dad. This guy has lived 10 lives already, but nothing prepared him for the mental jiu-jitsu of family court. Joey opens up about: Getting steamrolled in court with a BS custody agreement His first lawyers who were secretly homies with the other side 😤 Fighting for basic rights like a Thursday dinner or a 5 minute FaceTime How being a father gave him his life back And how he’s flipping pain into purpose for his daughter Luciana He’s dealt with postpartum chaos, pettiness over baby shoes, pitbull drama, child support math that makes no sense, and court orders so specific they tell him which dog can breathe near his kid. Through it all? Joey doesn’t fold. He gets fit, gets focused, and builds a real relationship with his daughter one beach trip, bedtime story, and frog hunt at a time. This is a no filter guide to staying savage in a system built to break you. If you’re a dad going through the fire, this is your blueprint. If you’re a mom or a lawyer, maybe listen twice. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/37214060

How to Be a High-Value Man (Even When Life Falls Apart) 06/17/2025

How to Be a High-Value Man (Even When Life Falls Apart) Head over to our Patreon page for more content patreon.com/DaddyIssuesTheTruth This one’s for the dads who feel like they’ve been through the wringer divorce, broken relationships, mental burnout but still want to win. Dan sits down with Jonnie Jensen, the mind behind the High Value Man Project, to unpack what really happens when men stop pretending everything’s fine and start rebuilding from rock bottom. They talk: Why most men aren’t actually supported during divorce How to navigate emotional chaos with logic (and still stay human) The real reason modern marriage is broken and what needs to change What co-parenting looks like when you’re trying to grow, not just survive This isn’t therapy talk. It’s practical, raw, and honest. If you’re a dad, a man, or just someone who wants to stop repeating old mistakes hit play. TikTok Page /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/37035650

Keep your emotions out of it. 06/09/2025

Keep your emotions out of it. Alright, so in this episode, we’ve got Ahsan pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to be a single dad trying to figure life out after divorce. He gets real about the messiness of relationships, the gut punches of separation, and how he turned all that chaos into growth. This isn’t some “poor me” story it’s a blueprint. Ahsan talks accountability, bouncing back stronger, and dropping gems for any dad who's ever felt lost in the storm. If you're a father going through it right now, this one’s gonna hit home. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36910725

Divorced, Not Defeated 06/02/2025

Divorced, Not Defeated In this episode, we sit down with Blake Moody a guy who’s been through the fire and came out the other side. Blake opens up about the wreckage of divorce: what went wrong, what it taught him, and how he’s rebuilding life on the other side with more emotional intelligence and clarity. We get into the real stuff the breakdown in communication, the emotional chaos, and what it’s like trying to stay present for your kids while your world is falling apart. Blake doesn’t sugarcoat it. He talks about lawyer drama, why mediation is underrated, and how co-parenting can feel like walking a tightrope… blindfolded. Together, we dig into what divorce actually does to a man, why having a solid support system is non-negotiable, and how faith and gratitude can become your lifeline when everything else feels like it’s slipping. If you’re a dad in the trenches, this one’s for you. We break down tools, mindsets, and lessons that’ll help you keep your head up from setting boundaries to letting go of what you can’t control. TheDadLog https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-dadlog/id6744559697 /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36812580

It's an industry, not about justice. 05/26/2025

It's an industry, not about justice. In this episode, Justin shares his experience as a father navigating the complexities of the family court system in the UK after facing false accusations from his estranged wife. He discusses the emotional toll of being separated from his children, the challenges of the legal process, and the societal issues surrounding marriage and family dynamics. The conversation highlights the struggles many fathers face in similar situations and the need for reform in the legal system to ensure fairness and justice. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36709320

You find out who your real friends are 05/19/2025

You find out who your real friends are This one hits deep. Rich pulls up and gets real about the emotional rollercoaster that came after a tough breakup — we’re talkin’ anxiety, health scares, and navigating the messy world of co-parenting. But it’s not just pain — it’s growth. He breaks down how he found strength in the chaos, what self-care actually looked like as a dad, and the hard lessons he learned trying to keep it together while everything was falling apart. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36619085

From Wall Street to Waiter 05/12/2025

From Wall Street to Waiter Vincent opens up about the chaos that hit his life—getting blindsided by infidelity, dragged through the legal system, and hit with false accusations that wrecked his career. He talks about the emotional rollercoaster, the arrests, and how it all forced him to rebuild from scratch. At the heart of it? A dad trying to stay strong for his kids while his world fell apart. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36527965

One Dad Built Art with AI. Another Lost His Kids to CPS 05/05/2025

One Dad Built Art with AI. Another Lost His Kids to CPS In this episode of Daddy Issues, Dan dives into two stories. First, we talk about an incredible dad who's using AI to turn his kids’ wildest drawings into stunning digital art—bridging imagination and technology in a way that’ll inspire any parent. Then, we explore the emotional and controversial story of a Massachusetts family who faced legal trouble for refusing to vaccinate their homeschooled children based on religious beliefs. After relocating to Texas, the father ended up in jail and the children were placed in CPS custody. his episode is brought to you by DadLog — the ultimate app for fathers navigating custody, parenting time, and co-parenting challenges. Log journal entries, track important moments with your kids, and stay organized with legal notes, documents, and contacts—all in one secure place. Designed by a dad, for dads. 🗓️ Whether you're in a custody battle or just trying to be the most present version of yourself, DadLog helps you stay ready, focused, and involved. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36442655

I was being gaslit the whole time 04/28/2025

I was being gaslit the whole time This is an older video that i thought was a great episode. so sharing it again Aaron shares his deeply personal journey through the challenges of divorce after 17 years of marriage. He reflects on the emotional turmoil of discovering infidelity, the impact of COVID-19 on his relationship, and the legal complexities of navigating divorce. Throughout the discussion, Aaron emphasizes the importance of personal growth, therapy, and self-discovery as he learns to cope with the changes in his life and the effects on his children. He also shares valuable lessons learned from his experience, highlighting the need for vigilance in relationships and the significance of prioritizing emotional well-being. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36338875

It's been a living nightmare 04/21/2025

It's been a living nightmare Joe shares his tumultuous journey through a complicated relationship and custody battle. He discusses the challenges of co-parenting with an ex-partner who exhibits erratic behavior, the impact of COVID-19 on his life and job, and the emotional toll it has taken on him. Joe highlights the difficulties of navigating the legal system, the importance of witnesses, and the struggles of maintaining a healthy relationship with his daughter amidst the chaos. In this conversation, Joe Wolf shares his tumultuous journey through a contentious divorce, highlighting the challenges of parental alienation, courtroom battles, and the emotional toll on his daughter. He discusses the lack of communication and cooperation with his ex-wife, the financial strain of legal fees, and the impact of their situation on family dynamics. Joe emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with his daughter amidst the chaos, while also navigating the complexities of co-parenting and legal obligations. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36239520

You find out who your real friends are 04/14/2025

Motivation 04/08/2025

Motivation Motivation for you dads /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/36057395

Just keep being consistent 04/07/2025

Just keep being consistent In this episode, Dan sits down with Paul Alvarez—a young dad who went through hell and back fighting for his kids. We're talking messy divorce, court drama, mental health struggles, and the kind of heartbreak that doesn’t make headlines. Paul shares what it’s really like being a father in the middle of a custody battle—feeling powerless, being treated like a visitor in your kid’s life, and trying to stay strong when the system feels stacked against you. But it’s not all pain. Paul also breaks down how he turned it around: getting full custody, coaching his kids in sports, and becoming the dad he always wanted to be. This episode is a raw, honest look at what it means to be a man, a father, and a fighter. If you’re in the middle of your own storm, Paul’s story will remind you—there’s hope, there’s help, and there’s a way through it. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35992100

You can't limit yourself 03/31/2025

You can't limit yourself On this episode, we sit down with Corwin Melvin, a father who’s been through the fire—divorce, custody battles, and the struggle to stay in his kids’ lives. But instead of letting life knock him down, he fought back. Corwin shares how growing up without a father shaped the way he parents his three sons, why showing up is the #1 rule of fatherhood, and how he turned his pain into purpose by writing a book. Corwin’s story isn’t just about surviving—it’s about winning as a father, no matter what life throws at you. If you’re a dad, a parent, or just someone trying to break old cycles, this episode is for you. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35919545

Motivation 03/28/2025

Motivation Motivation for you Dads /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35903315

Don't react. Just keep your cool. 03/24/2025

Don't react. Just keep your cool. Alright, folks, on this episode of "Daddy Issues," we've got Brandon's story—a real rollercoaster of fatherhood, resilience, and chasing dreams. After his divorce, Brandon faced the gut-wrenching reality of his ex-wife moving away with their kids, throwing him into the deep end of parental alienation and personal battles, including addiction. But here's where it gets inspiring: he swapped his construction helmet for a camera, diving headfirst into photography. Brandon's journey is a testament to following your passion and staying strong for your kids. He drops some serious wisdom for dads in similar spots—like keeping your cool and being the role model your children need. /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35710120

Motivation 03/18/2025

Motivation Some motivation for you Dads /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35751795

They Helped Me More Than I Helped Them 03/17/2025

They Helped Me More Than I Helped Them Robert Boudwin has got two sets of twins from two different marriages and has been through the wringer with divorce, co-parenting, and the family court system. In this convo, Robert breaks down the good, the bad, and the straight-up brutal parts of raising kids while navigating a broken system. Robert talks deep on therapy, healing from trauma, and why the court system feels stacked against dads. Also dive into how divorce drains your wallet, how writing helps process emotions, and why men need to start talking more about what fatherhood is really like. This isn’t some sugar-coated parenting story—it’s raw, real, and packed with practical advice for dads who are trying to keep their heads above water while doing right by their kids. 🔥 /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35709850

Motivation 03/12/2025

Motivation Motivation for you Dads /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35663280

Where is all that help? 03/10/2025

Where is all that help? Alright fellas, this one hits hard. Today, we’re talking about what it’s really like to be a single dad caught in the legal system. Meet Hippie—a father who’s been through custody battles, insane legal fees, and the struggle of just trying to be present for his kids. He got hit with the "deadbeat dad" label, even though he was doing everything he could to fight for them. Hippie keeps it real, raw, and unfiltered—but more importantly, he brings hope. We talk about staying positive, building a support system, and how to fight for your kids without losing yourself in the process. Check out: https://stlmarkludwig.com /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35486570

The Unexpected Separation 03/03/2025

The Unexpected Separation Alright fellas, today’s episode gets real. We’re talking about divorce, custody battles, and why men get left in the dark when it comes to support. Meet Richard—a guy who thought he had life figured out, until one day, BOOM—his marriage blew up. He was blindsided. No game plan. No support system. Just a whole lot of legal fees and a custody battle that felt like he was fighting with one hand tied behind his back. Richard doesn’t sugarcoat it. Divorce sucks. It wrecks your finances, your mental health, and—if you’re not careful—your relationship with your kids. But he’s proof that you can claw your way back, rebuild, and come out stronger. Head over to our Patreon page for more content patreon.com/DaddyIssuesTheTruth TikTok Page Facebook Page Check out Riseupdads.com Any therapy advice head on over to Mancavetherapy.com /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35438035

Motivation 03/01/2025

Motivation Motivation for you Dads /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35493765

Motivation 02/26/2025

Motivation Motivation for you dads /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35433075

I lost my kids. My kids were ripped from me. 02/24/2025

I lost my kids. My kids were ripped from me. Alright, today’s episode hits deep. We’re talking about custody battles, child support nightmares, and how one dad fought through it all. Meet Jake. His journey through fatherhood wasn’t smooth—it was messy, painful, and full of legal landmines. A brutal custody battle that drained him. Child support payments that nearly broke him. A restraining order that turned his world upside down. But here’s the thing—Jake never stopped fighting for his kids. In this episode, we break down: ✔️ How he survived the custody war and stayed sane ✔️ What he learned about child support (that no one tells you) ✔️ How he built a support system to push through the hardest days Jake’s story isn’t just about struggle—it’s about resilience, growth, and the raw love of a dad who refuses to quit. If you’re in the fight, this one’s for you. Support over on patreon.com/DaddyIssuesTheTruth Check out https://www.riseupdads.com /episode/index/show/06578f5b-28fe-445c-921a-f89b31c0024d/id/35139615

Daddy Issues Podcast

TOPICS