Good Dads Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Communicating Well with Other Grown-Ups in your Child's Life • Good Dads Podcast Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Good Dads inspires, resources and encourages ALL dads to be more involved in the lives of their children. When a community encourages responsible fatherhood, everyone wins.

Find out more about Good Dads at our website: https://www.gooddads.com/

Get involved by finding the right program for you: https://gooddads.com/programs/

Donate to support the Good Dads mission! https://gooddads.com/donate/

What can coaching kids teach us about being better dads? In this episode, we're thrilled to speak with father of four Dr. Jon Spence about the ways dads can take what works on the field or court— like building trust, setting expectations, helping kids with confidence — and bring it into everyday life at home.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Meet Dr. Jon Spence

03:00 Coaching Kids: What It Teaches

08:00 Building Trust and Leadership

14:00 Lessons for Dads

20:00 Final Thoughts

Subscribe for more conversations on fatherhood, parenting, and building strong families.

Keep in touch with Good Dads!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodDadsonline

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooddadssgf/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/good-dads

Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter: https://www.gooddads.com/newsletter

The Impact of Mentorship in Fatherhood | Good Dads Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Why do people choose to invest their time in helping dads succeed? In the newest episode of the Good Dads Podcast, host J Fotsch sits down with two experienced Good Dads facilitators who are making a lasting impact on fathers and families:

Please join us in welcoming two highly skilled long-time facilitators: Janice Reynolds, a Good Dads master facilitator and retired teacher; and Dr. Benjy Lampert, a retired anesthesiologist who also serves on the executive board for Good Dads.

Together, Janice and Benjy share why they are passionate about guiding and supporting fathers who are working through the challenges of parenting, relationships, recovery and personal growth.

Facilitators lead Good Dads classes, but beyond that, they create a space where fathers can grow, and become more intentional in their role.

Benjy and Janice bring decades of experience in caring for people, teaching, and mentoring—and now they're using that experience to help dads:

✔ Navigate the pressures of fatherhood

✔ Strengthen relationships with their children

✔ Grow in confidence and leadership

✔ Build healthier family dynamics

Their stories show that when someone steps in to guide and support a dad, the impact can last for generations. When you think about it, our facilitators aren't just changing the lives of fathers and father-figures. They are also creating a ripple-effect that's visible throughout a family, and indeed, the whole community!

💡 KEY CONCEPTS AND IDEAS IN THIS EPISODE

🔵 Why facilitation plays a key role in fatherhood programs

🔵 What motivates people to support responsible fatherhood

🔵 The real challenges fathers face—and how support from a facilitator changes outcomes

🔵 How mentorship and guidance can transform families

🔵 Why investing in dads strengthens entire communities

This episode is for:

🟡 Dads looking for guidance and support

🟡 Mentors, coaches, and community leaders

🟡 People interested in family and parenting programs

🟡 Anyone passionate about building stronger families

ABOUT GOOD DADS

Good Dads is a nonprofit organization dedicated to "helping kids and communities one dad at a time." We do this through a variety of resources, programs and events built for ANY dad or father-figure. We rely on skilled facilitators like Janice and Benjy to help us lead classes for fathers.

00:00 Introduction

03:04 What Do you Teach

06:42 Dr. Benjy Lampert

09:10 Breaking Cycles

12:18 Sponsors of Good Dads

12:56 Couples Support

15:46 Helping See Signs of Stress

19:43 For All Dads

22:55 Positive Perspective

24:27 How to Get Involved

New Workshops for Dads and Couples | Good Dads Podcast Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

We're back! After a hiatus, the Good Dads Podcast returns with a reinvigorated focus on equipping dads with the tools they need to grow, lead, and succeed at home. In our first returning episode, Good Dads sits down with two new staff members to share our excitement about an all-new program that's changing the face of responsible fatherhood efforts in Missouri. We hope you'll join us for this fun and insightful conversation!

We're happy to introduce two key leaders making a real impact in the fatherhood space: Scott Lewis – Project Manager for the FORGE Program; and Ryan Glidwell – Regional Coordinator for the Kansas City area.

Together, they're working to support dads who are navigating the real challenges of fatherhood—including stress, responsibility, relationships, and personal growth.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE Fatherhood can be overwhelming. Many dads feel like they have to figure it out alone—but that's not the case.

The Good Dads Forge program was created specifically for fathers who want to: ✔ Learn how to handle the pressures of being a dad ✔ Build stronger relationships with their kids ✔ Develop confidence and leadership at home ✔ Connect with other dads going through similar challenges

And with this new grant, Good Dads is able to serve couples for the first time. Introducing Good Dads +Us, our new program designed to help partners navigate parenting together. We know that strong families start with strong partnerships, and we recognize the crucial role partners play in the family unit.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why so many dads struggle silently—and how to change that How the Forge Program resources fathers with what they need to succeed The importance of support systems for men and fathers How the +Us program strengthens relationships between partners Why investing in fatherhood creates stronger families and communities

WHO THIS VIDEO IS FOR This episode is for: Dads who feel overwhelmed or unsure New fathers looking for guidance Couples navigating parenting challenges Men who want to become better leaders at home Anyone interested in building stronger families

🙌 ABOUT GOOD DADS Good Dads is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping fathers be more engaged, more present, and more effective in their families. Our slogan is "helping kids and communities one dad at a time."

🔗 CONNECT WITH GOOD DADS

🌐 Website: https://gooddads.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodDadsonline 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooddadssgf/ 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations about fatherhood, parenting, and building stronger families.

00:00 Introduction 01:28 Meet Scott Lewis (Program Manager) 04:28 Meet Ryan Glidwell (Regional Development in Kansas City and Northwest MO) 07:18 What is the Forge program? 9:00 Introducing +Us (Couples Program)

The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 8 - Balancing Habits for School Success Pt. 1 Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson welcome elementary PE teacher and dad, Myles Wilson, for a fun and practical discussion about helping kids develop healthy habits for school success. From the importance of routines and physical activity to managing screen time, Myles shares how movement, emotional regulation, and positive social skills set the stage for better learning.

Drawing from his experience as both a teacher and parent, Myles emphasizes that kids thrive when they have consistent routines, opportunities to move, and encouragement to see activity as enjoyable. He explains how modern PE focuses less on competition and more on fostering cooperation, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits—both in the gym and at home.

Episode Highlights

[03:27] "If I'm teaching them to get along with other people and then like moving… I did a good job."

[05:40] "If your body is doing what it's supposed to be doing, it helps your mind… it all works together."

[08:10] "All of school is a routine… the quicker that you can get into the routine, the better."

[12:31] "Most kids don't really like competitive games where there's a winner… they just want to play with their friends."

[19:28] "We are routine people. I think we turned him into a routine person."

[30:22] "Your body is meant to move. Your body is not meant to sit."

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com

Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 8 - Engaged Fathers, Empowered Kids: A Success Story with Good Dads Strong Schools Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities, J. Fotsch and Director of Communications Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Good Dads Strong Schools Captains Joshua Rowlett and Ben Buschjost to hear firsthand how intentional father involvement is transforming schools, families, and communities. From the library to the manufacturing floor, Joshua and Ben share how dads—and other male role models—are stepping up through the Good Dads Strong Schools program to build stronger connections with their children.

Through simple activities like pipe cleaner monsters and water bottle flips, these fathers are creating moments that spark pride, improve behavior, and ripple far beyond the classroom. The episode emphasizes how low-cost, low-stress events can have a high impact when schools invite fathers to show up with presence and purpose. Whether you're a dad, grandfather, uncle, or caring male figure, Good Dads Strong Schools offers a meaningful way to make a difference—one handshake, one breakfast, one memory at a time.

Episode Highlights

[03:42] "The hardest part was just standing in front of a room of people. But the Good Dads Strong Schools program makes it really easy."

[05:52] "The dads in the communities I've served are really waiting to be asked to be involved."

[09:07] "It gives me an outlet to connect with my daughter. We get to do something fun together—and I get to know her school and her friends."

[12:10] "One father told me his employer asked for the full list of Good Dads events so they could make sure he didn't miss any."

[17:53] "It's just being present in the present moment. That's all that matters."

[28:00] "He wasn't confident, his kids had behavior issues, and now? He was Good Dad of the Year."

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more about Good Dads Great Communities! 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com.

The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 7 - Preparing Children for Independence Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson are joined by Jason Hinson from Victory Mission for a lighthearted yet deeply practical conversation about raising children to be independent. From toddler chore charts to the complexities of launching adult children, the trio explores what age-appropriate responsibility looks like across different life stages.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of knowing each child's personality, offering guidance without micromanaging and modeling life skills like financial literacy, technology use and emotional regulation. Jason shares stories of parenting kids ranging from preschool to post-high school, highlighting that developing independence is not about pushing kids out but preparing them thoughtfully for what's next.

Episode Highlights

[01:22] "We have a chore chart… they get $5 if they've done their chores for the month… give, save, spend."

[06:00] "I watched my son… it took him five minutes to take out the trash, but I feel like he had a sense of accomplishment."

[08:12] "Be curious about behavior… you're trying to understand what they're doing and guide them."

[12:23] "Over the course of your days, you did a part-time job on your phone."

[17:26] "What if you're coming back at 24 now because you forced them out and they weren't ready for that independence?"

[20:18] "Just because you're 18 doesn't mean I quit caring… things change."

[28:11] "Think of yourself as a guide… you get a front row seat to watching that human become the best version of themselves."

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com

Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 7 - Getting Involved with Local Elementary Schools Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch sit down with Good Dads Strong Schools Coordinator Jim Millsap and Good Dads Board Member Dr. Mike Dawson—an experienced educator and retired Branson Schools administrator—to explore how simple interactions between dads and their kids can build stronger families and schools. Drawing on their decades in education and personal experiences as fathers, Jim and Mike explain how the Good Dads Strong Schools initiative helps fathers—and father figures—connect meaningfully with their children while transforming school culture.

The conversation shows how simple, low-cost activities like making paper airplanes or sharing donuts can create ripple effects in the community. The guests share heartfelt stories and strong reminders that showing up, being present, and engaging in even small activities can leave a lasting impact. Whether it's dads building trust, showing vulnerability, or just sharing a laugh with their kids, this episode powerfully demonstrates the everyday strength of intentional fatherhood.

Episode Highlights

[05:25] "It's superhero day. I mean like, hey, Dad's here … It's just such a powerful impact."

[06:15] "You have another ripple effect then with the moms … they're boasting and bragging that their dad's involved."

[10:18] "I just need permission, a place and the time guidelines. It's purposely made to maximize positive interactions."

[13:54] "You just open that can—curriculum is very low tech. Just be present and so much fruit will come out of it."

[16:13] "Children who are growing up in a home without a dad don't even have a male role model at school."

[18:37] "Here's an easy way for a grandpa to have another structured opportunity to connect."

[27:07] "You could be the best advocate for adding that to your school—more so than we can."

Hot Topics Ep. 7 - Politics & Parenting: What to Discuss with Kids Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this candid episode of Hot Topics, hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox speak with Missouri State Representative Alex Riley and government consultant Ryan DeBouf about the challenge of navigating politics as parents. Both guests bring not only their professional insights but also their personal experience as dads—Alex with a growing young family and Ryan with children spanning from elementary to adulthood.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate conversations, modeling respectful discourse and cultivating political understanding at home. The guests share how to introduce basic concepts like government roles and civil disagreement early on and why it's vital for parents to lead these conversations before others do. They also discuss how their careers shaped their parenting, the impact of blended families and the tension between public service and private life. Whether it's navigating school communications or handling political threats, both fathers reinforce that being present, engaged and full of grace makes all the difference.

Episode Highlights [04:55] – "I think it's critically important for us as dads to be talking to our kids about those issues… if we're not, somebody else is going to fill that void." [06:35] – "I started having those conversations with my kids when they were three and four years old." [08:51] – "You have to do it because they're going to hear it first—and here's why we believe what we believe." [12:00] – "You're better off being able to sit back as a parent, as a dad, and wait for them to come to you for the advice as opposed to forcing it onto them." [23:29] – "When you are home, be present at home… they know when you're not really listening." [42:48] – "The most important thing… is to be present—in any way, shape or form that you can."

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com

The Intentional Dad Ep 7 - Creating a Safe Space for Honest Conversations Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson welcome guest Brian Mattson from The Downtown Church for a heartfelt discussion on fostering trust and openness in family conversations. The dads explore how honesty, humility and consistency are crucial for building emotional safety at home—especially when discussing hard topics or addressing mistakes both theirs and their children's.

The conversation emphasizes the power of modeling honesty and vulnerability, especially when parents admit they're wrong. The trio shares personal stories about navigating difficult questions from their kids, handling lies with grace and keeping communication age-appropriate while still truthful. They stress that maintaining an open-door policy—no matter the topic or time of day—lays the foundation for long-term trust. Their message is clear: being an intentional dad means creating space for honest conversations even when it's uncomfortable.

Episode Highlights

[02:02] "Being able to say I was wrong… I went up and I apologized for the 10% I missed. Did he say, 'You're right, I was wrong'? No. But I wanted to keep that door open."

[03:21] "The more times that door gets shut incrementally, that's going to be a big deal a decade later."

[08:06] "If my daughter comes to me with real questions, that lets me know she's old enough for a real answer."

[18:00] "You don't necessarily get in trouble for the act… but if we find out that you're not truthful with Mom and Dad, that's when we're upset."

[21:11] "When he's been told he's done wrong… that just shatters him. So you have to be tender, especially when you do catch him in a lie."

[24:17] "I don't believe in trickle-down economics but I believe in trickle-down emotions."

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com

The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 6 - Teaching Financial Responsibility Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson sit down with Crystal and Tobi Roberts to discuss how parents can teach kids about money from a young age. The Roberts, parents of a blended family with three children, share practical ways they've used to teach financial responsibility—from chore charts and envelope budgeting to teen credit cards and monthly family budget meetings.

The conversation highlights the importance of starting early, setting consistent expectations, and using real-life experiences to teach financial principles. Crystal, a CPA and Tobi, a Chief Marketing Officer, guide listeners through their family's journey with budgeting apps, CDs and planning for emergencies as well as future college costs. The episode delivers a clear message: financial literacy isn't about wealth—it's about wisdom, consistency and communication.

Episode Highlights

[03:03] "I think it starts a little before that with not being afraid of having financial conversations with them."

[06:39] "They had three envelopes. They had a fun envelope, a church envelope and a savings envelope."

[08:19] "They ended up paying for their entire flight to and from Florida for a vacation that they wanted to take."

[10:31] "We told every single person in that line… the kids bought their own tickets and they did chores and saved up their money."

[30:58] "We go through that as a family every single month… here's how that's going to impact the future."

Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com

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