Nurse Papa

Nurse Papa is a podcast from the heart and mind of a pediatric oncology nurse and father. In each episode, I take a deep dive into a story of parenthood OR I answer a letter from a loyal parent listener about their most pressing parenting problems, in a segment called Dear Nurse Papa. In either case, I hope to come out on the other side with a greater understanding of what makes kids AND their parents tick.

The Sport of Parenting 12/01/2022

The Sport of Parenting Hello dear listeners and welcome back to Nurse Papa podcast. I am so thankful to have been able to share these stories of parenthood with you all over the last couple of years. Even so, this will be the last episode of Nurse Papa, for a good while at least. If you like what you hear, I welcome you to listen to all the past episodes of Nurse Papa. Enjoy the laughs and the cries. They are all part of being a mom or dad. I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% off your purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special reading experience at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. If you leave a review for the book OR podcast you just might get a shout out on the show. Also, watch Nurse Papa talk about his work and family life on the . /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/25190784

Dear Nurse Papa...Hands Off My Cheetos 10/01/2022

Dear Nurse Papa...Hands Off My Cheetos Hello dear listeners and welcome back to a classic parent letter to Nurse Papa. We all have been in sticky situations with our kids at one time or another. Listen on to seen how I advise two parents who are a bit confused about how to react to a little Cheeto thief. I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% off your purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special reading experience at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. If you leave a review for the book OR podcast you just might get a shout out on the show. Also, watch Nurse Papa talk about his work and family life on the . /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/24552357

The Tooth Fairy And All The Lies We Tell Our Children 09/01/2022

The Tooth Fairy And All The Lies We Tell Our Children Hello listeners. Did you believe in the tooth fairy when you were a child? How about Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny? For most kids, the period in which they can still believe in the unbelievable is quite short. This week I will tell you about the many pitfalls I experienced as a dad just trying to make a little magic in this world for my daughter. Meet Nikita, my daughter's very real tooth fairy. I hope you enjoy! I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% off your purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special reading experience at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. If you leave a review for the book OR podcast you just might get a shout out on the show. Also, watch Nurse Papa talk about his work and family life on the . /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/24238089

The CircumDecision 08/01/2022

The CircumDecision Welcome back to the Nurse Papa podcast. This week, I will be helping two queer parents encounter the age old question of circumcision. If their baby has a penis should they snip it or save it? Should they snip it and then save it? Should they save it for snipping later? We're gonna take a deep dive into the weird history of circumcision and also discover how this ancient ritual stands in modern times. I'd like to dedicate this episode to a friend of mine. Christian Doll is a fellow pediatric oncology nurse, father of four kids, and just one cool dude. Thanks for being you, Christian :) I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% and purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special reading experience at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. Watch Nurse Papa talk about his work and family life on the . /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/23923659

Nurse Papa - An Interview 07/01/2022

Nurse Papa - An Interview Wow this is the 31st episode of the Nurse Papa podcast. I have decided to add a novel element to the Nurse Papa podcast. I think it might be a good time to bring in some new voices to this space and some new ideas too. In the coming months I will be sharing some spirited conversations between myself and various experts all in the effort to help enhance your journeys as parents or people. But today, to ease on into this new realm, I will be sharing a conversation between myself and the hosts of a just amazing podcast called . Marc and Adam of the Modern Dadhood podcast have interviewed many amazing dad guests: well-known comedians, writers, journalist, and thinkers of our time. And back in 2021 they took the time to interview me and it was a really great conversation. Marc and Adam have graciously allowed me to share that episode with you. So sit back, relax, and get ready for laughs, some tears and everything in between. Enjoy! I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% and purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special reading experience at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. Watch Nurse Papa talk about his work and family life on the . /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/23492291

Dear Nurse Papa...Parenting In A Changing Climate 06/01/2022

Dear Nurse Papa...Parenting In A Changing Climate Welcome to the latest segment of the Dear Nurse Papa series. This week, I do my best to help a father who can no longer sleep. He can't sleep because he can't get his mind off of the sorry state of the world these days and, more specifically, climate change. Join me as I address this dad's concerns with the help of author and integrative health coach, . Elizabeth is an eloquent authority of the social, emotional, and psychological dynamics of climate change. She writes all about it in her latest book called . Links for this episode: I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% and purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special reading experience at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. Watch Nurse Papa talk about his work and family life on the . /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/23294333

Time 05/01/2022

Time Welcome to the latest episode of the Nurse Papa podcast. Lately, I have been thinking about time - how it seems to operate in such a relative manner according to what is happening in my life and how I feel about those happenings. My relationship to the passing of time has become even more difficult to nail down now that I have kids. Please enjoy this very timely episode! I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% and purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special reading experience at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/22964858

Dear Nurse Papa...Buying Less 04/01/2022

Dear Nurse Papa...Buying Less Nurse Papa is back with yet another letter from one of his parent listeners. Like all of us, this mom lives in a world in which online purchasing has come to dominate our lives. But how can we navigate this process in a way that is healthy? How do we teach our children to do the same and, finally, is there a way to opt out altogether. Listen up and find out. I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% and purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special book at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/22650950

Family Is Where You Find It 03/01/2022

Family Is Where You Find It Wow...It's a crazy world out there. In times like these especially, I am so grateful for my family. Not just the people I live with and love, but for my human family. Take care of each other. This episode is for all of us. Please enjoy Family Is Where You Find It. I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% and purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special book at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/22298639

Dear Nurse Papa...The Sex Talk. 01/31/2022

Dear Nurse Papa...The Sex Talk. Welcome back to yet another episode from my serial advice column to parents trying to be their best selves for their children. It is not such an easy task for most of us. This letter comes from a Bay Area mom whose son is beginning to have questions about sex and his changing body. Unsure how to approach his burgeoning curiosity, she has come to Nurse Papa for some advice. Stay tuned! I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for 10% and purchase. Remember, Nurse Papa is also a book. You can find out more about this special book at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/21966131

Lessons In Life From My Indian Father-in-law And A Watermelon 01/02/2022

Lessons In Life From My Indian Father-in-law And A Watermelon Welcome to a new year and a new season of the Nurse Papa podcast. To usher in 2022, I hope to drop a little wisdom on you courtesy of Davinder, my amazing father-in-law. I hope you enjoy it! I am proud to have as a sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use their special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word PAPA for $50 off any stethoscope of your choice through the month of January. Remember, Nurse Papa is also book. You can find out more about this special book at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. Please leave your honest (5 star) reviews :) /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/21650561

Dear Nurse Papa...Toilet Training. Again? 11/15/2021

Dear Nurse Papa...Toilet Training. Again? Hello Nurse Papa fans! I am back with yet another episode of my serial advice column to parents and this one is a real doozy. In the sport of parenthood, you can never really count on anything. Sometimes, your kids throw a smelly curve ball your way and you have no choice but rediscover who your child is and who you are as a parent too. Take a listen to this unique episode to find out more. I am proud to welcome , a brand new sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for $50 off any stethoscope of your choice. Remember, Nurse Papa is also book. You can find out more about this special book at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. Please leave your honest (5 star) reviews :) /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/21168065

We Are The Broken Toys 11/01/2021

We Are The Broken Toys Welcome Back! In this episode of the Nurse Papa podcast I tell a story of what it truly means to be a parent. It's not always fun and it is definitely not easy. In fact, sometimes it hurts more than I could have ever imagined it would before I became a dad. Please enjoy and discover for yourself who the broken toy is. I am proud to welcome , a brand new sponsor to the Nurse Papa podcast. I use this special stethoscope every day at work and it has indeed changed my nursing practice for the better. Please check it out and use the code word for $50 off any stethoscope of your choice. Remember, Nurse Papa is also book. You can find out more about this special book at and you can your own copy on . I'd love to hear what you think. Please leave your honest (5 star) reviews :) /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/21010994

Dear Nurse Papa...Empathy For Toddlers 10/15/2021

Dear Nurse Papa...Empathy For Toddlers In this fun and informative episode of Dear Nurse Papa, I help two woke parents teach their overgrown toddler how to be a bit more empathetic. Don't forget to in the . If I win, I will be donating the funds to help kids with cancer! Remember, Nurse Papa is also a popular book about my experiences as a pediatric nurse and father. It is getting some from book critics. You can on Amazon and learn more about it at /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/20831036

The Long Walk 10/01/2021

The Long Walk School Is back? Oh My Gosh, our kids are now actually leaving the house to receive their education! In some ways, this return to normalcy is much more complicated than it has ever been before, but it is also a welcome return to my favorite moment of each day - the long walk. Please don't forget to for my in the . Your votes and donations to my svelte papa figure will help raise funds for the B+ foundation, the largest provider of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer. You can for me daily throughout the months of October and November to support this very worthy cause. Thanks so much! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/20670206

Don't Feel Like You Have To Fix Everything 09/16/2021

Don't Feel Like You Have To Fix Everything Dear Listeners, Welcome back to Nurse Papa. Before we return to my regularly scheduled programming of the pitfalls and hijinks of parenting to young kids, I'd like to share one more chapter from my new book, . I have to warn you once again that the subject matter of this episode might be triggering. These stories are not easy to share or to listen to, but listen you must. In this episode, called you will hear the story of a boy named Jason. It was the end of his unique journey which inspired me to write this book in the first place. Click to purchase Nurse Papa in paperback or ebook form. Thank you for your support! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/20501417

Remember What You Have 09/04/2021

Remember What You Have Welcome to this newest episode of the Nurse Papa podcast. I'm back with yet another tale from my new book, Nurse Papa. I must warn you that what you will hear in this upcoming episode might be triggering. It was and still is for me. Nurse Papa, the book, is being very well received by many readers. Please take a moment to check it out on . If you read it, I would love to hear how these amazing stories have changed your perspective as a parent, caregiver, and human. Thanks so much for your support. To learn more about Nurse Papa the book visit /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/20365901

Nurse Papa the Book Is Here!! 08/19/2021

Nurse Papa the Book Is Here!! fans, the day you have all been waiting for is finally here! You can now . Find it on Amazon and other places where you buy books. To celebrate this event, I am releasing a special episode of the Nurse Papa podcast in which I tell some hospital stories that just might make you giggle. Taking care of children with cancer is indeed no joke, but it is also not sad all the time. In fact, it is sometimes the funny moments that are the most important and illuminating. So, please enjoy these selected Breaks from the Heartbreak. You can find out more about Nurse Papa the book at . If you read it and love it as much as I think you will, please consider leaving a positive review so others can enjoy and learn from it too. Thanks SO much for your support! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/20144447

The First Chapter of Nurse Papa the book! 08/02/2021

The First Chapter of Nurse Papa the book! Okay Nurse Papa fans, the day you've all been waiting for is almost here. will finally be available to the world on August 17th, 2021. In this episode of the Nurse Papa podcast, I will be featuring the first chapter of this long awaited book. Beyond my own personal experiences as a nurse and father, in this book I introduce the voices of seasoned nurses, some of my young patients, and these patients' parents. They each offer their own very personal perspectives about life, death, love, and learning. If you love what you hear, please share this episode AND the book with those you love. Thank you for your support! To find out more about Nurse Papa the book, visit /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/20009183

Dear Nurse Papa...To Zoom or Not To Zoom? 06/22/2021

Dear Nurse Papa...To Zoom or Not To Zoom? In this latest of Nurse Papa, I answer a letter from a dad living in Los Angeles who is struggling to get his daughter to embrace the Zoom life. There is no sign of this pandemic ending anytime soon. How do parents balance their desire to virtually connect their kids with their loving relatives with their kid's needs to simply disconnect? You'll find out and also discover some fun tricks along the way :) Remember, Nurse Papa is also an upcoming book about my experiences as a pediatric oncology nurse and father. Join me in August as I introduce my listeners to selected writings from this much anticipated book. You can find out more at and you can also the ebook now. The paperback will be available August 17th! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/19570373

Embrace The Silly 06/22/2021

Embrace The Silly One of the funniest lines I ever heard came from the deadpan mouth of a mother standing over her dying teenage daughter. It was an unexpected quip from a mom who certainly had nothing to laugh about at that moment, but there she was anyway, making a perfectly on point joke... Join me, this week and through to mid August, as I introduce you to selected writings from my upcoming book, Nurse Papa. You can the Nurse Papa ebook now or wait to purchase the paperback on purchase on August 17, 2021. Thanks for your support. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/19570265

Dear Nurse Papa...To Dad Or Not To Dad? 06/22/2021

Dear Nurse Papa...To Dad Or Not To Dad? For many people, the decision to become a mom or dad is not one which they question much. They simply know that the experience will be right for them. For others, though, the choice does not come quite as easily. In this latest episode of Nurse Papa I feature a letter from a man who loves a woman, but does not necessarily love the idea of being a father. The answer to this question was a perfect opportunity for a Pro and Con list! Please enjoy this latest edition of Dear Nurse Papa. Remember, Nurse Papa is also an upcoming book about my experiences as a father and a as pediatric nurse. To find out more please visit and join the mailing list to be notified about new content. Thank you for your support! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/19570154

Father's Day 06/13/2021

Father's Day Welcome to this very special Father's Day edition of the Nurse Papa podcast. In this episode I reveal the slightly pathetic turn of events which helped me gain a more healthy perspective upon my role as a dad. It's hard not to harbor expectations for how we would like our lives to be. It is especially challenging to accept our limitations and failings as parents. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed creating it for you. Remember, the book will be available from GenZ publishing on August 17, 2021. For more information, please visit . To preorder the Kindle ebook version of Nurse Papa, click . I appreciate your support. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/19453283

The Shelf Of Special Things 05/24/2021

The Shelf Of Special Things In this episode of Nurse Papa, called The Shelf of Special Things, I examine the way in which we all decide what is most special to us. All of us need and deserve a sacred and often secret space to guard the items which we most covet. Do you have one? Find out how this special space plays out in the Nurse Papa household. In the second half of this episode, I answer a letter from a concerned mama from Sebastopol, CA who is puzzled about how to get her three year old son to wash his damn hands in the era of the Corona Virus. It is called The Puzzle of Hand Washing. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/19224239

Happy Mother's Day 04/30/2021

Happy Mother's Day Welcome to this very special Mother's Day edition of Nurse Papa the podcast. Today, I would like to celebrate every amazing mom out there who is simply rocking the often thankless job of parenting. It’s a shame that our society so often down plays the contribution of all our awesome moms while at the same time, up playing the sometimes dubious contributions of the fathers. Let’s be honest, most dads would be utterly lost without the guidance of our wives and our mothers. So, sit back and relax. Nurse Papa is about to get very real (and funny) about the state of modern motherhood. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/18928364

Awkward Words In An Elevator *BONUS EPISODE* 04/19/2021

Awkward Words In An Elevator *BONUS EPISODE* Welcome to the very first BONUS EPISODE of the Nurse Papa podcast in which I share an illuminating tale from the rarified confines of the hospital. In this story, I will relate the very cringe-worthy reality of my gigantic mouth which is out-matched only by the enormity of my unfiltered mind. Often, I find myself navigating situations in which I really have no idea what to say or what to do. Sometimes, there is no correct way forward, but there is most certainly an incorrect way forward. Please Enjoy! If you’d like to read this upcoming cringe-worthy story after you listen to it, visit the and search for . When you do, please take a moment and give your old friend Nurse Papa a positive rating and a shout out! Nurse Papa thanks you. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/18785990

Don't Mess With My Mess 04/12/2021

Don't Mess With My Mess The balance of powers are shifting in Nurse Papa's home. The natives (my kids) are restless. Make no mistake, a rebellion is certainly underway and the main point of contention is the cleanliness and order of our shared home. In this latest episode of Nurse Papa, I navigate the creative chaos of my children as they implore with every cell of their beings: Don't Mess With My Mess. In the latter part of this episode, Nurse Papa counsels a new dad on how to best embark on a plane for the first time with his new baby. It's called Let's Fly Away, Baby. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/18687623

A Marriage Scrabbled 03/29/2021

A Marriage Scrabbled How exactly people use their words says a great deal and certainly guides personal relationships with those we love. In this latest episode called A Marriage Scrabbled, learn how I discovered how a simple board game taught me the difference between winning, losing, loving, and learning. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/18105200

Truths of Parenthood - Part 1 03/15/2021

Truths of Parenthood - Part 1 Before I became a dad, I thought I was prepared for what was to come, but of course, I was ever so wrong. I wish another battle-worn parent had warned me all about these Truths Of Parenthood, but in fact, many did. I just failed to hear them. These truths may not all be true at the same time, but they will all be true at some time. /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/18105056

When We Thought We Knew Each Other 03/03/2021

When We Thought We Knew Each Other Does anybody truly remember what life was like before this pandemic? So much looks and feels so differently than before. We look different to each other too. In this latest episode of Nurse Papa, aptly called When We Thought We Knew Each Other, this reorientation of attitudes, emotions, and personalities hits home in a typical hilarious Nurse Papa fashion. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/nursepapa/id/18104915

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