Good Dads Podcast
Tune in to learn more about what it means to be a 21st century Good Dad. Laugh and learn as you listen to soon-to-be dads, brand new dads, over-the-road dads, dads with twins, single parent dads, divorced dads, and many other real-life dads. Don’t expect perfection. Do expect to learn something new and/or be reassured about what you’re already doing. It’s all here on the Good Dads Podcast.
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E525 Postpartum Depression, Baby Blues and Asking for Help | With Nurse Bre Tyger
03/13/2024
E525 Postpartum Depression, Baby Blues and Asking for Help | With Nurse Bre Tyger
We welcome back Bre Tyger, Community Alignment Specialist from Family Connects, a program new to Springfield, MO. We cover the difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression, and how it affects both Mom and Dad. A phenomenon of ongoing sadness in the days after your bundle of joy arrives is common and normal, but in general medical experts say the "baby blues" might begin to be classified as post-partum depression if the feelings persist beyond 2-3 weeks. Dads can get some form of post-partum depression, too, in as many as 10% of new dads. CORRECTION: After the recording concluded, Bre asked us to tell our listeners that post-partum depression occurs somewhere between 1 in 5 OR 1 in 3 new moms; that's between 20% and 33%. Our Guest: Bre Tyger Bre Tyger is a Registered Nurse and serves as the Community Alignment Specialist for Springfield Greene County Health Department’s Family Connects program. Family Connects is a free universal nurse home visiting program with a goal of providing support for families of newborns. Bre has worked in community and public health and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit most of her career and loves helping set families up for success. She has been married to her husband for 15 years and together they have two wonderful children. Show Notes (2:21) One thing I have seen commonly (in post-partum women) is difficulty bonding with the baby and attachment. They were so excited to have their baby, so excited when they first had Baby and brought them home, but suddenly they're saying, "I don't feel connected to my baby." They're having a hard time taking care of Baby; maybe they're having a hard time getting out of bed ... or having a hard time getting any good sleep. (4:38) It can feel like your fault—or like you need to do something to make it better—but post-partum depression is really not your fault. And it's not something that women choose (9:31) It's a big load for the dad to carry. Dads can feel a pressure of providing for their family. They have the normal pressure of providing for their family but now you wife is struggling, and you have this baby that you don't know what to do with or how to care for. That can be a lot of stress for the dad to carry. Some dads tend to take care of others before themselves, so they can also become sleep deprived; they can also forget to eat meals and those basic things to do to take care of themselves. (18:14) (Post-partum depression) can occur at any time in the year after Baby is born. That may not always be recognized. Resources To be put in touch with Bre regarding the Advisory Committee with Family Connects, reach out to us at [email protected].
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E524 The Value of Home Visits for New Parents | With Nurse Bre Tyger
03/07/2024
E524 The Value of Home Visits for New Parents | With Nurse Bre Tyger
This week on the podcast, we welcome to the studio Bre Tyger, a public health nurse and Community Alignment Specialist with Family Connects, an international program new to the area. Join us as Bre discusses how she helps new parents, observant youngsters, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutritionist program, and encouraging new, first-time dads to be involved in the lives of their infants. Our Guest: Bre Tyger Bre Tyger is a Registered Nurse and serves as the Community Alignment Specialist for Springfield Greene County Health Department’s Family Connects program. Family Connects is a free universal nurse home visiting program with a goal of providing support for families of newborns. Bre has worked in community and public health and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit most of her career and loves helping set families up for success. She has been married to her husband for 15 years and together they have two wonderful children. Show Notes (4:13) As a public health nurse with the health department, we get to see people where they are. We currently go into their homes. We can have real conversations with them ... and meet them where they're at. I think, sometimes in a hospital environment it's kind of hard to see what's going on ... or what you really need. (9:15) It's hard to connect with dads (during pre-natal and post-partum appointments, when Dad is often at work), and we do really like working with Mom and Dad because both of them are providing support for this family and this infant. Both are an important part in their lives. (20:57) Nobody really knows how to be a parent before they're a parent. You can do all the preparation, you can take classes, you can see other people doing it. But every baby is different, and every scenario is different ... every experience is unique. Resources To be put in touch with Bre regarding the Advisory Committee with Family Connects, reach out to us at [email protected].
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E523 | From the Archive | Transitions Abound with Blended Families - with Dana and Christina Ford
02/27/2024
E523 | From the Archive | Transitions Abound with Blended Families - with Dana and Christina Ford
Dana 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 , 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
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E522 My Baby Contracted RSV – A Parent's Nightmare (with a Happy Ending) | With New Dad Tim Lewis
02/21/2024
E522 My Baby Contracted RSV – A Parent's Nightmare (with a Happy Ending) | With New Dad Tim Lewis
This week we're happy to welcome Tim Lewis to the studio, a first-time dad to a four-month-old. Join us as Tim shares the scary story of when baby Ophelia got sick with RSV around the end of last year. After initially going to Mercy in Springfield, doctors later needed to airlift Ophelia to an ER in Kansas City. Tim also provides his wisdom for new parents and discusses the importance of being on the same page to work collaboratively with your partner. Our Guest: Tim Lewis Tim Lewis is a barber by occupation and is a new dad to Ophelia, who was born in September 2023. Tim, his wife, Chelsea, Ophelia and Boone the dog live in Rogersville, MO. For a long time, Tim and Chelsea never imagined wanting kids, but their attitudes changed in their early 40s. Show Notes (4:28) My advice to younger people is: If you're not sure, enjoy your youth a little bit. Your freedom is minimized once you have a child. (6:10) She developed a little bit of a cough, and we just kept an eye on it. And then it was, like, 'Nah, she needs to go do the doctor.' And they basically test kids just like they do for COVID. It's a pretty quick little swab. (9:33) I wasn't afraid for her life—I really felt she would be okay—but when the flight nurses came in and basically strapped my 13-pound child to a gurney-looking thing and took her away ... Which, my wife was with her, but, you know, it was just terrifying. (17:55) She's always a pretty happy kid. She really started all that at about three months. But she's also a very impatient, cranky child ... How do you go from grinning at me, and two seconds later you're squalling?! Resources
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E521 | From the Archive | Sleep Habits, Dirty Diapers and Piles of Laundry | With Brian Mattson and Drew Dilisio
02/14/2024
E521 | From the Archive | Sleep Habits, Dirty Diapers and Piles of Laundry | With Brian Mattson and Drew Dilisio
This week, we bring you a podcast episode from the Good Dads archive. Originally recorded in 2019, our guests, Brian and Drew, discuss the challenges and rewards of new parenthood. New dads will relate to big changes in sleep habits, working collaboratively with the mother of your child and more than a few dirty diaper horror stories. Our Guest: Drew Dilisio, LPC Drew Dilisio is the former director of counseling services at Good Dads. He is a graduate of Evangel University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, a husband and father. He is now a Behavioral Health Clinician at Jordan Valley Health Center in Springfield, MO. Our Guest: Brian Mattson Brian Mattson is the associate pastor at the Downtown Church in Springfield. A father of two now, Brian served on the Good Dads board until 2024. Show Notes (4:05) we do a nighttime routine ... we really try to get in a peaceful mood. And my wife will put on some lavender soothing lotion on her while she's singing to her, and we've just stuck to a schedule. (5:06) every book seems like it's different, with the recommendations and the best practices, so we would do one for a month with no results ... (and we'd say) "let's tweak this little thing," and then we'd do that for three weeks. (8:08) For someone who's only drinking milk, it's incredible what comes out the other side (in her diaper). I'd say that's pretty gross. (10:11) As you're changing the dirty diaper, she smiles at you—in the eye, she locks eyes, smiles — and proceeds to have another ... "elimination" as you're hurriedly trying to put on a clean diaper. Resources
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E520 Child-Rearing as a Team Event | With Dr. Sarah Jean Baker
02/06/2024
E520 Child-Rearing as a Team Event | With Dr. Sarah Jean Baker
This week on the podcast we welcome Dr. Sarah Jean Baker, Dr. Jennifer Baker's daughter-in-law, to speak on how children learn. We also talk about how babies can become attached to both Dad and Mom using the skin-to-skin contact technique, the importance of paternal leave, and the best ways to encourage your infant's learning. Join us as we fantasize about a future where both parents can rely on paid leave! Our Guest: Dr Sarah Jean Baker Sarah Jean Baker (PhD) is an Assistant Professor in the Early Childhood Program, in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Developmental Studies in the College of Education at Missouri State University. She earned her PhD in School Improvement from Texas State University. She has experience working in public schools as an early childhood teacher- teaching kindergarten and first grade, as well as leading schools as a school leader. Her research interests include teacher preparation and teacher development for social justice and culturally sustaining pedagogy, early childhood education, and women’s issues in schools. She is a proud mama to four children and often finds her greatest joys and struggles in her mama identity. Show Notes: (5:53) One of the things that dads can and should do is act as much like the primary caregiver as we often think about mothers being the primary caregiver—so, meaning you're changing diapers, you're doing feedings... (8:07) Minor and I, my husband, would encourage dads to do is to take time off of work when you have a baby. It was financially possible for us to do that when we had our twins, although I think we could have made it work. We did it with our youngest ... who is now eight, and we both think back on those 12 weeks with her as just some of the best times. (14:13) Just a reminder: You're not "babysitting" when it's your kid. (14:55) Sometimes Minor does things differently than how I would do things, and I had to just let go of that a realize that it's okay. Like, he might put on a different outfit than I would want the kids in, or maybe even put the diaper on a little bit differently than I would want, but at the end of the day, the diaper still worked; they were still warm. I didn't need to micromanage. I had to let go of that and kind of let go of some of those expectations ... It's not about control. Resources
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E519 Cultivating Friendships, Resilience and Being Supportive for Dads-to-be | With Dr. Shelby Smith
01/31/2024
E519 Cultivating Friendships, Resilience and Being Supportive for Dads-to-be | With Dr. Shelby Smith
This week on the Good Dads podcast, we welcome back Dr. Smith, a family care physician at Equality Healthcare in Springfied, MO. Dr. Smith shares his wisdom on supporting your pregnant partner, breaking the stigma on male post-partum depression, and practicing grace and understanding between Mom and Dad. Part of the joy of treating families means Dr. Smith can treat lots of different people, including pregnant couples. In his practice, he always asks dads-to-be open-ended questions, inviting them to embrace the changes that come with a new baby. Dr Smith's Tips for Dads-to-Be Embrace the changes that come with a new baby Give your partner grace and understanding Ask what you can do to be supportive Take time off work to bond with the new baby Show Notes (6:44) We started to see more studies about depression in men in the first year post-partum ... it's about 10% of men (who)will have clinical depression in that first year. (7:18) (Patients say) "I feel like I should be happy, but I'm having these feelings." So I think saying, "You know, we have information out there, studies that show this is a real thing, so you don't need to feel guilty about this. It's a drastic change." (9:50) Realizing that it is a stage of life. It's a phase. It's difficult, but it is a phase, and it will pass. And also it is something that is learned. I mean, the more that you spend time with the child and then get a better sense of what you're doing. (12:13) A woman is growing a human inside of her body! ... It is a very big deal. With that goes enormous physical changes, hormonal changes. (15:33) Support, support, support. Ask what you can do. Be gracious. Understand that your partner is growing a human being and the level and grace and understanding that should bestow." (22:53) We are very fotunate in Springfield to have the Doula Foundation ... Doulas are community-based people—women—who help couples through pregancy ... through the whole process ... A doula is there to provide informational support, emotional support, physical support, during the pregnancy and childbirth ... I really would seek out doula services, especially for men.
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E518 How Dads can Help During the Pregnancy Process | With Lisa McIntire
01/24/2024
E518 How Dads can Help During the Pregnancy Process | With Lisa McIntire
Lisa McIntire, Executive Director at Pregnancy Care Center, talks about helping the "whole" family and how dads can help during the pregnancy process. Our Guest: Lisa McIntire Lisa McIntire currently serves as Executive Director of Pregnancy Care Center, where they equip about 500 expectant dads each year for the joys and rigors of fatherhood. Her passion for supporting dads is borne out of her personal experience as the child of a teenage father and then later marrying a single dad with a 7-year-old son. Show Notes "How I got interested in what I'm doing for work, kind of starts before I was born." (2:40) "When I see what education and support can do for dads, it makes me all the more passionate about it." (4:40) "Women and children are just more vulnerable when there isn't a positive dad, or man, in the home." (8:34) "We still do offer the coaching after the baby is born, typically until the child is 4 to 6 months because we do know that is a very overwhelming time." (14:43) Resources
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E517 How to Support Women Throughout Pregnancy | With WIC Nutritionist Tommy Boyce
01/17/2024
E517 How to Support Women Throughout Pregnancy | With WIC Nutritionist Tommy Boyce
Tommy Boyce, a WIC Nutritionist, talks about what dads can do to help and support women throughout pregnancy. "WIC" stands for "Women, Infants, and Children." Our Guest: Tommy Boyce Tommy has been married to his wife, Cassandra, for 10 years, and they have a wonderful 5-year-old boy named Sullivan. Tommy graduated from UCM with a degree in dietetics and Logan University with a Masters in Sports Nutrition. He has been a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutritionaist across the sate of Missiouri and has been with the Springfield-Greene County WIC office for 8 years. Tommy enjoys excersising, anything related to Star Wars and he is a Die Hard Chiefs fan! Show Notes "...dads aren't involved, in the name of it at least (WIC), but that's far from the truth when it comes to their partner having a preganancy and when it comes to having a child." (3:30) "When new parents come to WIC, are you one of the first people they come to meet with?" (10:12) "What are some of the best parts of your job, and what are the worst parts?" 15:38 "What can dads do? So, lets say mom is-- first of all he could be supportive of breast feeding-- but lets say it [breast feeding] goes well, what can he do? And what if it [breast feeding] does not go well? What can he do?" (18:48) "Why is it important that Dad also learns to eat well during that period [of pregnancy]?" (21:34) "You have an important role to play, in not only for your partner, for their pregnancy, but for the outcome of the pregnancy as well." (24:32) Resources:
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E516 Navigating Parenthood with Four Kids, Including Twins
01/11/2024
E516 Navigating Parenthood with Four Kids, Including Twins
Summary: This week we welcome husband and wife Minor and Sarah Baker, both professors at Missouri State University in the Elementary and Early Childhood Education program. They talk about having a total of four children and twins as their second and third. Their experience was a blur, but both worked together as a team in a challenging season of life. Minor Baker (PhD): Minor is an Assistant Professor in the Elementary Education program, in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Developmental Studies in the College of Education. He has been at Missouri State since the fall of 2018. A native midwesterner who has spent time in Texas, Minnesota, and now Missouri. His research interests include school and community interactions, culturally sustaining supervision, and alternative interpretations of school leadership. Sarah Jean Baker (PhD): Sarah is an Assistant Professor in the Early Childhood Program, in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Developmental Studies in the College of Education at Missouri State University. She earned her PhD in School Improvement from Texas State University. She has experience working in public schools as an early childhood teacher- teaching kindergarten and first grade, as well as leading schools as a school leader. Her research interests include teacher preparation and teacher development for social justice and culturally sustaining pedagogy, early childhood education, and women’s issues in schools. She is a proud mama to four children and often finds her greatest joys and struggles in her mama identity. Show Notes: "The technician told us, 'Well they both look great.' Minor and I looked at each other ... What do you mean both? She said, 'Oh my gosh, you didn't know you were having twins? Look, here!'" (3:15) "Was your largest concern fincances, or ... what are you thinking about when you realize you are suddenly going to be a dad of three?" (10:25) "It feels like it must have been a blur?" "Yeah, people ask what it's like to have twins, and I go, 'oh I don't know."' (13:10) "We always had the twins on the same schedule... So I don't remember that part being stressful, but you do get sleep deprived." (18:10) "This whole podcast [episode] is to help other parents with twins or three kids, four kids, and it's like, 'we just kinda got through it and we don't even remember.'" (21:03) "High schoolers and middle schoolers at the same time... zero out of ten, I do not recommend." (24:40) Resources:
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E515 Baby Preparations with Expectant Father Tyler Head
01/03/2024
E515 Baby Preparations with Expectant Father Tyler Head
This week we sat down with Tyler Head, a husband and an expectant dad, to talk about the final stages of pregnancy, preparations for the baby, the unknown and how to focus on Mom and their relationship. Head, Tyler | Business & Leadership Coach, Dryve Leadership Group Tyler Head and his wife, Katherine, are transplants from the beautiful states of Tennessee and North Carolina. They have come to love the Ozarks and the people in it over the years. Tyler works in Organizational Change and Leadership Development, a fancy way of saying "being with people." Katherine is a teacher at Ozark Junior High School. Tyler believes that the engagement of a father is unique in its gift to the development of a child’s head, heart, and soul. How we fathers engage or do not engage with our children has a long-term ripple effect on the child, our communities, and our culture. For a myriad of reasons, engaging as a male seems to be a skill set that has fallen by the wayside over the past years. The practice of engagement is a muscle with more power than most. It’s a muscle that needs to be exercised in our society by fathers. If we can continue in our efforts of cultivating space for men to practice these muscles, our children, the community, and our culture will benefit. In this episode... Introducing the topic for 2024: "Growing Good Dads" (1:00) "My name is Tyler Head, originally from the middle Tennessee area..." (1:40) "What did you need more or less of in the first couple of weeks [after the baby arrives]?" (6:45) "Although there is a lot of sacrifice in having one or more children, it is one of the greatest rewards in life." (13:20) "How will we make time for us [wife] and continue to get to know each other?" (16:00) "In order to bond, you need to take care of the baby sometimes by yourself." (21:35) Resources Explore more of the Good Dads' 2024 theme: Growing Good Dads at our For men's mental health resources, check out our blog
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E514 Revisiting: Difficult Relationship Questions with Dr. Matt Turvey
12/21/2023
E514 Revisiting: Difficult Relationship Questions with Dr. Matt Turvey
From the Good Dads archive, we are taking a look back at our discussion with Dr. Matt Turvey, a clinical psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, from May of 2023. Dr. Matt Turvey talks about how curiosity, compassion and an eye for connection can keep an open mind when trying to solve difficult situations in relationships. Even though it can be challenging at times, being patient, doing the right thing and playing the long game is important for the well-being of a child and family as a whole. "I've learned over the years that if we can respond to our spouse, or our significant other, with curiosity, compassion and with an eye toward connection..." (03:25) "I would encourage, going into conversations, consider if your body language is right, your posture..." (15:56) "How do you encourage someone that may be in a difficult marriage?" (22:58) "Let's say that you are a dad and you think that your wife either has a mental health issue and/or has an addiction problem... What do you do?" (33:15) Resources: (32:48) Find more resources at Read the
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E513 Revisiting: How Men Can Keep the Romance Alive
12/20/2023
E513 Revisiting: How Men Can Keep the Romance Alive
From the Good Dads archive, we are revisiting a podcast originally published in May 2023. Dr. Jennifer Baker, president and founder of Good Dads, talks with us about "a man and his relationships." This is an overview of May 2023 and how men can keep the romance alive and maintain healthy relationships.
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E512 Mediation
12/13/2023
E512 Mediation
From the Good Dads archive: We talk with Lisa Blumenstock about her role as a mediator, how this pertains to divorce, mediation vs litigation, and helping couples with negotiation.
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E511 Revisiting: Fatherhood Through Divorce with Kirk Cocanougher and Marlon Graves
12/06/2023
E511 Revisiting: Fatherhood Through Divorce with Kirk Cocanougher and Marlon Graves
From the Good Dads Archive: Kirk Cocanougher, from Keller Williams, and Marlon Graves, VP of "A Girl Like Me," share their experiences on how to communicate with their ex-partners and how to be a good dad through difficult situations. Our Guest: Kirk Cocanougher Kirck Cocanougher of Keller Williwams is father of three of his own, and after he remarried he gained three bonus kids for a total of six. Our Guest: Marlon Grave Marlon Grave is the VP of "A Girl Like Me" and father of four. Show Notes "Initially, it [the divorce] was definitely the hardest thing that I've ever been through." (1:52) "Can you talk about how you felt in the legal system, did you feel like it was stacked against you or did you have a good experience?" (7:42) "It [divorce] could make you into a, in my opinion, into a better person.. it could." (16:25) "I think the system has become more, and I don't want to say it this way, 'pro-women' or 'pro-mother'... at the end of the day, I just felt like if I did not make that extra effort, there are just some things I would have never found out." (24:45) "I think about the happiness I have now with my children, in comparison to then. Everything happens for a reason. At least in my case. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't go through these turmoils." (29:25) Resources:
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E510 How to Create Hopeful Habits Following Addiction
11/20/2023
E510 How to Create Hopeful Habits Following Addiction
Dr Jennifer Baker and J. Fotsch talk about being grateful after following addiction or a traumatic event. Hopeful habits and gratitude are some tools we can use to move forward after difficult life events. Show Notes "The action part of being hopeful is starting with a gratitude list." (1:52) "Start your day off with little, simple things for you." (4:44) "How important is that to give someone positive reinforcement in a relationship?" (8:09) "So the portion of action when it comes to being hopeful is very important... Actually getting out, and having that personal interaction." (15:13) "Find a way to give back." (16:50) Resources:
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E509 How to Have Hope After Addiction and Trauma
11/15/2023
E509 How to Have Hope After Addiction and Trauma
Dr Jennifer Baker and J. Fotsch talk about hope following addiction or a traumatic event. Being hopeful and having faith are just a couple of tools we can use to move forward from difficult life events. Show Notes "I've seen any number of couples recover from infidelity and have a better marriage." (1:32) "You have to take one day at a time, and that is not always sometimes, unfortunately, not just the addict but the other people around the addict." (5:28) "When you start to predict and you try to control your outcome, that's when it can be dangerous. I think it's that fine line of making sure you don't do that. Set some goals, do one day at a time, but let life happen also." (8:43) "It's how I react to something that is going to cause me to get me on the wrong path." (14:24) Resources:
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E508 Revisiting: Convicted Felon to Responsible Father with James Minks
11/08/2023
E508 Revisiting: Convicted Felon to Responsible Father with James Minks
From the Good Dads Archive, we are revisiting our discussion with James Minks, a New Pathways father. James has made a lot of changes in his life in a very short time. His remarkable story includes the journey from convicted felon to responsible father in less than a year. It begins with Victory Mission's Restoration program and includes involvement with the Fatherhood Development Curriculum. Today James works fulltime and has benefits associated with fulltime employment. He regularly sees his sons and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the care by paying child support.
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E507 FML. Managing Emotions with Fun, Mastery, and Love | With Dr. Brent Anderson
11/01/2023
E507 FML. Managing Emotions with Fun, Mastery, and Love | With Dr. Brent Anderson
We take a look back at our interview with Dr. Brent Anderson, a clinical psychologist from the military from West Point New York. He talks about how to handle change, behavioral interventions, and "FML..." Fun. Mastery. Love. Our Guest: Dr. Brent Anderson Dr. Brent Anderson has been a clinical psychologist in the army for 15 years. He has been married for 15 years and is a father of 3. Show Notes "I'm hoping that some of the unique challenges that military face may be relatable to listeners that may not be in the military." (1:06) "We changed FML to Fun. Mastery. Love." (8:18) "When we start the day with a purposeful act of planning what am I gonna do for fun, what am I going to accomplish, what relationships am I going to build, and I view that in my head, I'm going to feel optimistic about the day." (14:59) "Write down what you did for fun. Write down what you did for Fun, Mastery, and Love." (19:28) "It's useful because you can both use it [the FML method] when you maybe are feeling mildly or moderately depressed, but you could also use it in order to maintain mental health." (23:27) "By doing the repetition and doing this stuff regularly, it teaches people that they can influence how they feel." (27:45) Resources:
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E506 Revisiting: Signs of Addiction; Our Guest Shares His Story
10/24/2023
E506 Revisiting: Signs of Addiction; Our Guest Shares His Story
This week we bring you an episode from the Good Dads archives. Dr. Baker and Drew Dilisio originally met with Doug, a father and a husband, in February 2022 to discuss his battles with addiction. Doug shares his experience, strength and hope for those who still struggle with addiction. Show Notes "I am curious when you first become aware that it [alcoholism] might be a problem?" (3:06) "I wouldn't do anything unless I could drink. If there was no drink, there was no Doug." (4:32) "It [alcohol] will never solve any problems. It will not make anything better." (10:25) "You hear everybody's stories [at meetings], everybody's circumstances. You hear their successes. Not everyone has the same past, but we have the same goal. And that is to be a better person and to be able to live life sober." (16:15) "I would imagine that most people in AA know that the illness tends to run in families. What do they tell their children, particularly if their children are maybe right at the age, they're in adolescence, where they might start experimenting with alcohol without their parents' awareness... because have dads listening to the program, what might they say to their kids?" (27:41) "Let's say that you have a wife listening to this and she's thinking, 'Oh but I like to have a glass of wine every now and then, so if my husband stops drinking, and he probably should, does that mean I have to stop drinking?" (30:48) Resources:
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/22014590
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E505 How To Help An Addict And Set Boundaries | With Kevin Stratton, LPC
10/17/2023
E505 How To Help An Addict And Set Boundaries | With Kevin Stratton, LPC
Kevin Stratton, LPC is a counselor at Victory Mission. He talks about the men he helps with family trauma backgrounds and substance use. Addiction affects the whole family. Kevin also talks about how faith can be helpful on a path to a new life. Our Guest: Kevin Strattion, LPC Kevin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTP) and a Certified Biblical Counselor. Kevin has been the Counseling Director at Victory Mission for five years, and before that, he worked in the churches for 18 years. He works with patients who are struggling with addiction & trauma. Show Notes "We've been really trying to look at the family as a whole and friends around them [the addict] and how many people are affected by that addiction and it has a lot of healing to do for, not only the actual addict, but the people around them." (2:42) "You have to set up boundaries, even with family members." (4:45) "The ultimate decision [to address their addiction] is on that person, and if they don't want to accept your help, then they're not going to do it." (10:26) "Compassion, a little bit of love in the first place to get them back into a certain stage, but then there's also that certain stage where you have to be kind of firm... Where is the action?" (17:56) "National stats about faith-based or religious-based--even that stuff will show you that if someone has some kind of faith, they have a better chance of doing better." (19:55) Resources: offers outreach services, a men's shelter, and men's and women's 18-month programs for the incarcerated or houseless.
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/28346951
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E504 Addiction and Substance Abuse
10/10/2023
E504 Addiction and Substance Abuse
Carl Dawson, an expert in the field of addiction, talks about how addiction and substance abuse is a disease and cannot be fought with "will power" alone. Education and knowledge is the first step to figuring out if someone in you family is struggling with addiction... it's a process, not an event.
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/28278299
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E503 How Addiction Affects the Whole Family | Substance Use Prevention Month
10/03/2023
E503 How Addiction Affects the Whole Family | Substance Use Prevention Month
Dr. Jennifer Baker, president and founder of Good Dads, talks about addiction and how it can affect the WHOLE family (not just the person struggling with dependency). October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month, and we'll be talking about addiction all this month with different guests. Show Notes "Today, we are going to introduce this topic of the month [addiction] by talking about the impact on families." (1:00) "What will happen is a lot of people with justify the degree of their life matched with the degree of their alcoholism and there really is no degree, you're either an alcoholic or you're not." (7:04) "It doesn't discriminate on sex, age, your career, how much money you make, it doesn't discriminate at all. And that's with drug and alcohol addiction." (8:14) "Their behavior is unpredictable." (15:18) [Family dynamics] "The family hero is the one that distracts from their parents drinking, by their exceptionally responsible and high performing behavior. The second one though, who's going to compete with that?... So this kid is often the rebel." (22:28) Resources:
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/28214921
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E502 How to Battle Loneliness and Isolation | With Psychologist Dr. Chris Ward
09/27/2023
E502 How to Battle Loneliness and Isolation | With Psychologist Dr. Chris Ward
Dr. Chris Ward, a psychologist at Ozarks Community Hospital, shares how social isolation is on the rise. Social connections and human interactions can help battle loneliness and isolation. Our Guest: Dr. Chris Ward Chris has been a psychologist at Ozarks Community Hospital for seven years. He works with patients with a variety of different concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. Show Notes "Money and finances seem to be, based on my research, very taboo in the therapy world." (5:10) "Most of my social connections are by circumstance, not by choice. And I think there's some limitations that come with that." (9:35) "It is important to have that emotional connection, most importantly to other men. Us men need that as well." (12:43) "The Sergent General's report pointed out that loneliness equates to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, in the health impact and morbidity." (13:18) "One of the things from the report I thought was very, very telling was the amount of time people today, compared to 2003, are spending feeling socially connected." (18:24) "I think about the importance of focusing outward. Focus on other people, connect with other people, but also serve and support other people, getting out of our head." (22:50) Resources:
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/28161791
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E501 Loneliness and Isolation
09/19/2023
E501 Loneliness and Isolation
Dr. Thomas Januosek, Deputy Director of Counseling in Lincoln Nebraska, talks about how lack of social connection could be one of the signs of loneliness and isolation. A person must maintain positive social connection and we need to guide people outside their comfort zone with positive activities.
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/28083434
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E500 OUR 500th Episode
09/11/2023
E500 OUR 500th Episode
Dr Shelby Smith, a family physican, husband, and dad, works at Equality Health Care, talks with us on our 500th episode about loneliness and isolation. He says social activities and exercise helps but too much phone activity and social media can add to loneliness and isolation.
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/27980292
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E499 How to Battle Loneliness and Isolation: The Three Social Connections
09/05/2023
E499 How to Battle Loneliness and Isolation: The Three Social Connections
Topic of the month: Loneliness and Isolation and why that is a concern for men and mental health Dr. Jennifer Baker, founder and director at Good Dads, says we need "people" (human interaction) to battle loneliness and isolation. There are three social connections: structure, function, and quality to make sure you are surrounding yourself with positive people. Show Notes "We are covering this from the whole perspective of why a man needs friends and friendship, and why men really struggle in this area." (1:00) "We do know that men suffer from loneliness more so than women." (2:22) "Introverts still need people. They just don't need as many people." (6:50) "You might think about some hobbies you enjoyed [to meet new friends]." (13:18) "The quality is the degree to which relationships and interactions with others are positive, helpful and satisfying, versus negative, unhelpful and unsatisfying." (16:55) "There's no one who doesn't need a connection." (20:50) Resources:
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/27950496
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E498 How to Handle Stress as an Over-the-Road Driver | With Prime Inc. Driver Thomas Miller
08/28/2023
E498 How to Handle Stress as an Over-the-Road Driver | With Prime Inc. Driver Thomas Miller
Thomas Miller, a driver for Prime and from a family generation of on the road truckers, talks about work and stress and how to handle not being home. Thomas talks about communication, safety first, and walking as tools to help with being away from his family. Our Guest: Thomas Miller Thomas and his wife have two daughters and three grandchildren. Thomas is an over-the-road driver for Prime, Inc. Show Notes "How did you get interested in being an over-the-road driver?" (1:50) "Can you talk a little bit about how it can be stressful and how you manage that stress?" (5:18) "How do you avoid taking that [stress from a bad day] out on your wife or children?" (13:47) "The best way to be successful driving a truck is putting safety first, always." (16:40) Resources:
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/27870870
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E497 How To Manage Work Related Stress | With Dr. Mike Dawson
08/21/2023
E497 How To Manage Work Related Stress | With Dr. Mike Dawson
Dr. Mike Dawson, the Executive Director of Instructional Services at Branson Public Schools, talks to us about the education system and how self-care, realistic expectations, and having a support system can all help with work-related stress. Our Guest: Dr. Mike Dawson Mike is the Executive Director of Instructional Services at Branson Public Schools. He has been in public education for 29 years, and 10 of those years have been at his current role. Mike has been married for 29 years and is a father of 3. Show Notes "Do you want to speak to what might be stressful in education?" (4:18) "We're in the human being business." (4:32) How do you deal with the stress of holding your own kids to a high standard as they are going through the school(s) that you work at? (14:30) "You have to find someone in the building that you click with, you have to have a relationship with someone who's doing the work that you're doing, and you have to have a really trusting relationship with that person." (19:07) "Don't take more than you can do at home." (20:09) Resources:
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/27800019
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E496 Work Related Stress
08/14/2023
E496 Work Related Stress
We talk with Frank Tristan, a football coach, husband, and a dad, about work related stress and balance of coaching, family and faith. He also talks about being intentional and setting boundaries and living in the margin.
/episode/index/show/gooddads/id/27739467