Good Dads Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 4 - Finding Community Champions Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and co-host J. Fotsch sit down with Aaron Swanson, General Sales Manager at Springfield Nissan & Kia. More than a business leader, Aaron is a husband and father who understands the power of leading by example. He shares how his workplace has embraced the Good Dads mission—not just financially but through hands-on support and community involvement.

Whether you're launching a fatherhood initiative or looking to partner with local businesses, this episode explores how meaningful partnerships begin with genuine relationships and shared values.

Episode Highlights

[01:12] "I have twins that are 19… and a 12-year-old. They're the reason why I do all of this."

[02:34] "Being a good dad impacts who you are at work. The full circle is great—it builds better employees and stronger communities."

[04:08] "Businesses want people who aren't dealing with chaos at home. Supporting fatherhood makes good business sense."

[06:12] " We use our commercials to spotlight causes like Good Dads—it shows we're part of something bigger than just selling cars."

[16:01] "You only need one person to get started. Then build from there—one dad, one conversation, one step at a time."

📩 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.

Hot Topics Ep. 3 - Letting Your Children Fail: Using Setbacks to Foster Growth & Resilience Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts Will Cox and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker discuss the importance of allowing children to experience failure as a tool for growth. They explore how overcoming setbacks builds resilience, decision-making skills and long-term success.

Will shares a personal story about his son procrastinating on a school assignment and his initial instinct to step in and "fix" the situation. Dr. Baker provides insights on why failure is a crucial learning experience and how parents can balance support with accountability. They also discuss how financial literacy, responsibility and discipline are best taught through firsthand experience.

This episode is a must-listen for parents struggling with when to intervene and when to step back helping their children become strong independent individuals.

Episode Highlights

[00:46] "Allowing them to fail is more difficult than teaching them to succeed."

[02:46] "I stopped and thought—oh my gosh, I'm allowing my child to commit plagiarism. Why am I doing this?"

[05:12] "I had to pay for the repairs of my car when I was 16 years old. That changed how I saw responsibility."

[11:08] "Give them the chance to fail when the price tag is small."

[14:48] "My husband said, 'Wow, they got places that can do that. You should call and figure it out.' So my son had to solve the problem himself."

[16:33] "Years later, my son knew how to handle a snowstorm because he had to learn the hard way before."

[22:24] "Children can adjust to different rules in different households—just like they do at school."

[24:17] "Michael Jordan, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill—what motivated them? Failure."

[25:40] "You're not always going to be there. Let them make mistakes now while it's safe, before they enter the real world."

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. 3 - Building Confidence in Children Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian Mattson and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker welcome Paul Baker, an experienced educator and former school principal, to discuss practical ways to build confidence in children.

Paul shares insights from his career in education and his experiences as a father, offering real-life examples of how responsibility, chores and perseverance help instill confidence in kids. The conversation explores the value of allowing children to experience challenges, learn from failures and develop independence through everyday tasks.

Whether you're a parent looking for strategies to encourage self-reliance or just hoping to understand how confidence is built over time, this episode provides meaningful stories, practical advice and engaging discussions on the importance of resilience in childhood.

Episode Highlights

[01:49] "I think you have to let them experience things. You have to require things of them. Jennifer and I were always very big on chores and it was a battle, but we stood together."

[04:52] "We felt that it was good for children to sweat, to do something boring because there are a lot of things in life that are not fun but have to be done."

[08:11] "We let our kids cook. There were some disasters but learning happens in those mistakes."

[14:09] "The first time Jack buttoned his shirt by himself, he cried, Jessica cried and I cried. He worked hard for it and that was such a proud moment."

[15:39] "There are winners and losers in competition. Not everything ends in a tie and not everybody gets a trophy. Understanding that is part of growing up."

[22:07] "It's better to crash and burn in fourth grade than to wait until you're 18 and realize you're not the best at everything."

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. 3 - Teaching Empathy and Resilience Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch sit down with Herb Cody, a dedicated father from Nixa, Missouri, to discuss how life's challenges shape empathy, resilience and intentional fatherhood.

Herb shares his personal journey of navigating fatherhood through life-altering experiences, including his own near-fatal accident and his wife's traumatic brain injury. He explains how he balanced being both a father and caretaker, how his community stepped in to support his family and how he instilled resilience and compassion in his children.

This episode is a powerful look at overcoming adversity, staying present as a dad and fostering emotional strength in your children.

Episode Highlights

[02:39] "I had to be mom and dad while taking care of my wife's recovery. I don't even remember how I did it—I just knew I had to."

[05:36] "The community really stepped in. Other parents, friends, even teammates' families—it reminded me that none of us have to do this alone."

[07:06] "You never know what someone else is going through. Be there for them. Stand up when you see someone struggling."

[10:59] "You can't plan for life-changing moments. You just have to be there, show up, and figure it out one step at a time."

[12:14] "We called it 'Herb-achi Night'—just a fun way to bring laughter into our home when times were hard."

[16:04] "I didn't know what to say or do, but I was there. And sometimes, that's enough."

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. 3 - Identifying Your Community Goals Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Good Dads, Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker, founder and Executive Director of Good Dads, and co-host J. Fotsch discuss how to build fatherhood initiatives and strengthen communities through engagement, collaboration, and leadership.

Dr. Baker shares how Good Dads started with a simple idea and grew into a multi-chapter organization supporting thousands of fathers. She and Fotsch highlight the importance of identifying community champions, creating safe spaces for dads to connect, and fostering conversations that promote strong family involvement.

If you're looking to start or grow a fatherhood initiative in your community, this episode provides practical steps, success stories, and motivation to get started.

Episode Highlights

[03:08] "Every child has a father, whether or not that child lives with him. But too often, fathers are invisible in community programs."

[04:55] "If you look around, you'll likely find that most programs for dads exist only in faith-based communities or probation and parole—not in everyday community spaces."

[06:32] "The first step is simple—get dads together in a space where they feel comfortable talking. That alone is missing in many communities."

[08:00] "Many men talk about sports and work, but they rarely talk about being a dad. We wanted to change that."

[14:39] "We made it okay for dads to talk about being a dad. That was the game-changer."

[20:26] "Breaking the cycle matters. Just because you didn't have a dad growing up doesn't mean you can't be a great one."

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. 2 - Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian and J Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez, Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, to explore the role of curiosity, outdoor exploration, and lifelong learning in parenting.

Rudy shares how his love for the outdoors influenced his parenting style and how exposing kids to nature sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The conversation highlights why hands-on experiences matter, how fathers can foster curiosity in their children, and simple ways to get outside—even for families new to outdoor activities.

Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or just looking for ways to connect with your child, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration for raising curious, resilient kids.

Episode Highlights

[01:42] "You can see in the eyes of your child when they learn something new—from the moment they're born through their teens."

[10:07] "If you just provide the opportunity to be outside, people will start noticing things around them—whether they realize it or not."

[12:30] "He got curious because he got to experience. That was the thing—being experiential in nature led to his curiosity moving forward."

[14:45] "Children are like sponges—they absorb everything from us. The way we react is the way they may react too."

[22:15] "In today's world, everything is preprogrammed. When you go camping, you're forced to slow down and figure things out—how do we fill this time without screens?"

[29:34] "We've lost critical reasoning skills in today's society. When you're outdoors, you don't have Google to lean on—you have to figure it out."

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

Hot Topics Ep. 2 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Inclusivity Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts J Fotsch and Will Cox sit down with Dr. Kyle John, Medical Director at Arc of the Ozarks, to explore neurodiversity, inclusivity, and early intervention for autism and other developmental disorders.

Dr. John explains what neurodiversity is, how early diagnosis impacts long-term outcomes, and why dads often struggle more than moms when their child receives a diagnosis. The discussion also highlights the importance of inclusive education, breaking stigmas, and advocating for neurodiverse children at home, school, and in the community.

This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to better understand neurodiversity and how to support children with unique learning needs.

Episode Highlights

[05:00]"The earlier you diagnose, the better the outcome."

[06:56]"Your brain may be structured and function differently, but that's not something to feel bad about."

[08:06]"Men struggle to see their kids as flawed... They think, 'He's just being a boy.'"

[14:33]"If I learn about you, I realize we have more in common than differences."

[21:51]"Instead of judging, say, 'That kid's having a hard day. I hope they get the support they need.'"

[26:32]"It's not a knowledge-based disorder, it's a performance-based disorder."

[31:19]"I love you, but I don't like this behavior. Let's work on it."

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 2 - Instilling Kindness, Responsibility & Teamwork Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch welcome guest David Anderson, a school counselor, father of three and 2024 Dad of the Year honoree. Together they dive into what it means to instill kindness, responsibility and teamwork in children both at home and in the community.

David shares how his experience in the Peace Corps shaped his family's commitment to service, including taking each of his children on a mission trip before they graduate. The conversation highlights how leading by example, fostering gratitude and encouraging responsibility through everyday actions help shape the next generation.

Join us for an insightful discussion on how small intentional steps can create a lasting impact on children, families and communities.

Episode Highlights

[01:50] "My wife is pretty special. She submitted an essay for me, and somehow I got selected as a 2024 Dad of the Year. She probably made me look way better than I really am."

[03:41] "When you live in a third-world country for a while, you realize just how blessed you are. It gives you a sense of wanting to spread that and give back."

[11:56] "I tell kids if you're only filling buckets when you're doing big grandiose things you're never going to be good at this. It's about the day-to-day small things that make an impact."

[13:02] "I think one of the best ways to teach responsibility is to put your kids in sports or activities outside the home. They learn firsthand that hard work and commitment lead to results."

[14:19] "I thought I was helping my sons by making everything a competition, but looking back, I probably created more sibling rivalry than teamwork."

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 Episode 2 - Getting Started - Six Essential Sectors Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Episode 2: Getting Started - Six Essential Sectors

In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch explore the six essential sectors needed to build and sustain a strong Good Dads initiative in any community. As Good Dads expands into new locations, the question arises: How do we bring Good Dads to our town? Dr. Baker shares the key components of a successful community launch and how collaboration across different sectors ensures long-term success.

Listeners will learn about the importance of business, faith communities, government, justice systems, social services and education in supporting fathers and strengthening families. With real-world examples from communities already implementing Good Dads, this episode offers insights into how local leaders can take action to make fatherhood a priority.

Join us for this informative discussion on creating lasting change and building stronger communities through engaged fatherhood.

Episode Highlights

[0:46] "We have learned over the last ten years that there are six important sectors you must involve if you want your Good Dads effort to be sustainable

[03:58] "In Cass County four members of the sheriff's department are now trained to offer the fatherhood program in their facility. It's amazing to see the justice system embracing this effort."

[07:48] "If you like meeting new people and want to do something different this is for you. We know that communities with engaged dads are safer, schools are stronger and the economy is more robust."

[12:15] "These six sectors help you break out of silos and ensure Good Dads isn't just seen as a church thing, a school thing or a government thing—it's for everyone."

[16:44] "When dads show up to their child's school and it's standing-room only that tells us something. It tells dads, 'You matter and we want you here.'"

Resources

Learn more about Good Dads Great Communities!

Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at info@gooddads.com.

Hot Topics Ep. 1 - Introducing Will Cox, Father of Two Sons, Coach & Entrepreneur Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

In the first episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Will Cox, a father of two, coach, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "mediocre dad trying to be good." Will shares his experiences raising two sons with distinct personalities, navigating fatherhood and balancing family life with his career as a solar company owner.

This episode dives into why affection matters in fatherhood, particularly in families where open emotional expression may not come naturally. Will reflects on lessons learned from his upbringing, the challenges of showing vulnerability and the importance of building confidence and self-worth in children. Together, the hosts and Will explore how fathers can balance toughness with empathy, ensuring their children feel loved and supported.

Join us for this engaging conversation about the joys and struggles of fatherhood as well as practical advice for fostering emotional connection with your children while preparing them to face the world with resilience.

Episode Highlights

[03:40] "Being vulnerable is a good thing. When I first heard 'Good Dad,' I thought it was some elite club. But really, it's about showing up, being there, and learning from mistakes."

[06:00] "Affection matters in fatherhood, even when it doesn't come naturally. It starts with listening, asking good questions, and being present for your kids."

[13:38] "You want your kids to be tough, but you don't want to brush away their feelings. Finding that balance is one of the hardest parts of being a dad."

[14:11] "My sons are completely different. One responds with a quick 'love you too,' while the other writes back with paragraphs about how much he loves me. It's about meeting them where they are."

[20:06] "It's amazing how many kids never hear 'I'm proud of you' or 'I love you' from their dads. Those simple words can make a world of difference."

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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