Advertise on podcast: Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!)

What does it take to build a family as a bi-racial homosexual couple when the path is anything but straightforward? For Jameel Mayers and his husband Nicholas, the answer is resilience, creativity, communication, and trust. Jameel is the host of the Fathernetics podcast, a show spotlighting the stories of LGBTQ+ dads, and he joins us to share his family’s remarkable journey navigating foster care, adoption, and agency roadblocks as a Black gay man in America. With 23 years of partnership and one thriving 13-year-old son, Jameel has transformed his personal challenges into a platform for connection and advocacy. He candidly shares the ups and downs of growing his family, the realities queer parents face, and why he believes every intentional dad deserves a superhero origin story.Conversation topics include:•  Navigating the foster-to-adopt process as a gay, interracial couple and the unique challenges faced along the way.•  The origins and goals of the Fathernetics podcast, amplifying stories from LGBTQ+ dads and fostering community.•  Dealing with bias and roadblocks from adoption and foster agencies, including navigating rejection and discrimination.•  Balancing the emotional complexities of fostering, attachment, and reunification with biological families.•  Discussing how political and social climates impact LGBTQ+ families and parenting conversations with children.•  The importance of building intentional, supportive communities and normalizing diverse family structures.•  Encouraging honest, age-appropriate conversations around identity, acceptance, and respect within families.•  And more!LINKS:Jameel Mayers (official)Fathernetics Podcast (Apple)Fathernetics Podcast (YouTube)PointmadeAdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)Modern Dadhood (website)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeMD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Ever heard a voice so familiar you’d swear it lives in your living room? That voice might just belong to our guest, Rick Robles. Rick isn’t just a celebrated voiceover artist—he’s also a dad of two and the creative force behind Shoe Biters, a ‘90s-inspired animated rock band for kids. We dive into how Rick’s work has evolved from playful songs for his two young boys to a fully developed animated world and gigs at elementary schools around the country. Topics include: •  How becoming a dad inspired Rick  to create a '90s-inspired kids' rock band and animated series. •  The journey from writing simple, personal songs for his kids to developing a full-fledged world with storylines, characters, and positive messages. •  Collaborating creatively with friends and family—including the influence of Rick's wife, a behavioral therapist, on integrating social-emotional learning into music. •  Using live music, videos, and school assemblies to connect with kids and teach values like resilience, perseverance, and empathy. •  Reflections on the challenges and rewards of family road trips, parenting young kids, and navigating sibling dynamics. •  The real value of modeling behavior, showing vulnerability, and self-reflection as a parent. •  And more!LINKSShoe Biters (official)Shoe Biters (YouTube)Rick Robles VoiceoverPointmadeAdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)Modern Dadhood (website)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeMD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

DADS: Are you stuck in a rut, desperate to shake off bad habits and replace them with healthier ones? Or maybe you want to be a better role model for your kids but just can’t find the time or motivation? It’s so common, and it can be incredibly hard to take the first steps toward positive, long-term change. Our guest, Nick Henry, is a father of four who faced a life-changing whirlwind when he pivoted from single to a full, beautiful blended family seemingly overnight. Now, as the founder of Brolistic, Nick helps men ages 30 to 50 “start over” by building habits that stick. If you’ve been wanting to take action and make some positive changes that impact how you look and feel, don’t miss this episode. Topics include: •  Navigating a (very) unique path to fatherhood •  The challenges and personal growth that come from learning "on the job" as a dad •  How becoming a father inspired Nick's creation of Brolistic Coaching and shaped a focus on habit-building for men in their 30s and 40s. •  The philosophy that lasting change is about aligning daily actions with the vision of who you want to be. •  Strategies for incremental habit formation for busy dads. •  The importance of accountability in coaching. •  How reframing setbacks can support long-term progress. •  Modeling healthy behaviors and self-care as a dad to positively influence children. •  And more! 👉 Please vote for us to present a session at Podcast Movement!LINKSBrolisticFree ResourcesBro Coach Nick (Instagram)PointmadeAdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)Modern Dadhood (website)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeMD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok)   #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Ever feel like your home is a swirling hive of chaos? That’s daily life for author, podcast host, and wellness trailblazer Jeff Krasno. In this special Father's Day episode of Modern Dadhood, we welcome Jeff—father to three teenage daughters and creator of the new Diaries of a Dance Dad podcast an audio book. From the hilarious trenches of dance competitions to the poignant depths of father-daughter relationships, Jeff  brings wit, honesty, and wisdom to the ever-shifting role of dadhood. You’ll recognize more of yourself in these stories than you think. Jeff sticks around after the chat to join in on an installment of Confessions! Conversation topics include: • Navigating fatherhood as the sole man in a house full of teenage daughters • The inspiration behind Diaries of a Dance Dad and how sharing personal essays about parenthood connects with others • The emotional spectrum of parenting: from laughter to tears, and finding meaning in both the joyful and challenging moments • Exploring intergenerational threads between fathers and children • The importance of modeling vulnerability, ethical behavior, and presence for kids • Reflections on mindful living and the value of being present amid the chaos and unpredictability of parenthood • And more!LINKSDiaries of a Dance Dad (homepage)Diaries of a Dance Dad (Apple Podcasts)Jeff Krasno (homepage)Jeff Krasno (Substack)Commune (homepage)Jeff Krasno (Instagram)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Have you ever gotten a text from your kid that made you question, just for a second, whether you’re living in the same reality? Today we’re joined by Chip Leighton, a dad of two and the mastermind behind The Leighton Show, where Chip shares head-scratching texts from his teens and hilarious relationship observations that all parents can relate to. We dive into dad cringe, modern teen vernacular, and why “What time is noon?” might be a more common question than you think. Topics include: • The unexpected rise of Chip’s social media content centered around marriage and fatherhood with teenagers.
 • Balancing authenticity and humor while respecting children’s privacy and dignity online.
 • Chip’s evolution from a traditional corporate career to a creative, second chapter focused on writing and performing.
 • Exploring generational shifts in language, communication, and the “vernacular gap” between parents and kids.
 • Advice for parents and creators on navigating new media careers and diversified income streams.
 • And more! Stick to the end for a fun quiz on current teen/tween slang! LINKS:The Leighton Show (official)The Leighton Show (Instagram)The Leighton Show (TikTok)The Leighton Show (Facebook)What Time is Noon (book)Dad, Can You Not? (book)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Feel like you and your partner are ships passing in the night lately? Or keeping a quiet mental scorecard over things like laundry and garbage duty? Maintaining a strong relationship while raising kids isn’t easy—and it’s one of the biggest challenges couples face. So if you’ve ever felt the strain of growing responsibilities, misaligned priorities, or resentments creeping in, you’re not alone.  In this episode, we’re joined by Eli Weinstein—licensed clinical social worker, host of The Dude Therapist Podcast, and author of From I Do to We Do. As a father of two (with a third on the way), Eli offers thoughtful, actionable insights on staying connected, communicating effectively, and navigating the evolving dynamics of partnership during the parenting years. Conversation topics include: • Navigating the shifting dynamics of marriage after becoming parents, and how priorities naturally change • The inevitability of resentment in relationships when needs go unspoken and the importance of open, direct communication • Creating team unity with your partner—adopting an “us versus the chaos” mindset instead of “me versus you” • Tangible tools couples can use to defuse tension and process conflict • Letting go of the past and choosing, together, how to write the next chapter of your relationship story • Recognizing the necessity of self-care in order to better support your partner and family • And more! Stick around to the end for a sub-sub-recurring segment we're calling, Did My Wife Just Hear That Out Loud?LINKSEli Weinstein (homepage)Dude Therapist PodcastFrom I Do To We Do (book)Eli Weinstein (LinkedIn)Eli Weinstein (TikTok)Eli Weinstein (Instagram)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

The word “mindfulness” gets thrown around a lot... But have you ever taken the time to consider what it really means to parent mindfully? Or how embracing all of your emotions—even the tough ones—can transform your family life? Gestalt Therapist, certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and father of one, Vikram Kolmannskog, joins us to share wisdom from his upcoming book Reflections on Parenting From a Gestalt Therapist Father: Life With Leo. Vikram shares about his own alternative family structure, the importance of embracing emotional honesty, making space for playfulness, and how the principles of Gestalt therapy can help us raise confident, empathetic kids. Topics include: • Understanding Gestalt therapy and its focus on awareness, mindfulness, and relational dialogue in both therapy and everyday life. • Applying Gestalt and mindfulness strategies to parenting, especially around navigating emotions (both our kids' and our own), while aiming to be a “good enough” dad. • Exploring co-parenting in an intentional, non-traditional family structure with two fathers and a mother, and the legal, social, and personal challenges encountered. • The importance of allowing and naming all emotions, including anger, for both children and adults, and breaking emotional taboos in parenting. • Navigating cultural and institutional heteronormativity around family structures and parenthood, and advocating for greater inclusivity. • The value of playful parenting, eco-parenting, and the influence of childlike spontaneity and joy on both personal and professional life. • Creating safe and open environments for children to freely express gender and identity, while preparing them for a world that isn’t always accepting. • And more!   LINKSVikram Kolmannskog (homepage)Reflections on Parenting From a Gestalt Therapist Father: Life With Leo.Vikram Kolmannskog (Instagram)Vikram Kolmannskog (Facebook)DEATH AND (homepage)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

We all have them: Those kids’ books we were gifted or we picked up on a whim because the title was intriguing or the characters were familiar. But then we crack them open, and BAM— total schlock. With the sheer amount of content for children out there, it's increasingly difficult to find the good stuff; the content that inspires wonder. The types of shows, movies, and books WE remember loving as kids. In this rewind episode from October 2020, Jon Klassen, father of two and celebrated author and illustrator, joins us to talk about his thoughts on creating books that kids AND parents love. Stick around for the end, where Marc, Adam, and their kids fire off some personal book endorsements and condemnations. In an age where the amount of content seems to grow exponentially, it becomes equally difficult to parse through it all to find the really good stuff. The hidden gems seem to be few and far between. Sometimes it’s the tried and true movies or books that stand the test of time and still fill our kids with excitement and wonder, but frequently the best recommendations come to us through people we trust. The guys philosophize a bit as they discuss a couple of their kids’ current favorites, before they introduce Jon Klassen into the conversation. Jon is a father of two sons, and an artist and author who gained worldwide notoriety in 2011 with his picture book “I Want My Hat Back,” the success of which spawned two more books in what would become the “Hat Trilogy.” Jon continues to write and illustrate children’s books in addition to frequent collaborations with authors such as Mac Barnett, Sara Pennypacker, and Lemony Snicket. The guys discuss Jon’s inspirations, his thought process and artistic process for creating books that can be enjoyed by kids of any age, and how his approach to his work has changed since he became a father. Other conversation topics include: •  Creating work that sticks out in the age of self-publishing •  How his work in animation influences his art •  Finding your inner third-grader •   The value of simplicity and minimalism •   Reading alone vs. being read to •   “Quintessential” children’s books •   The importance of independent bookstores Before closing out the episode, Adam and Marc take turns swapping some rapid-fire book recommendations and… unrecommendations? LINKSJon Klassen (Substack)Jon Klassen (X)Jon Klassen (Instagram)Go! Go! Cory CarsonChrri & ChirraSylvester and the Magic Pebble by William SteigFrog and ToadHere We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, by Oliver JeffersOne Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskeyToot by Leslie PatricelliA Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip and Erin SteadBob the Artist by Marion DeucharsKaty Hudson, Too Many CarrotsPowell's Books, Portland, ORRiverRun Books, Portsmouth, NHWater Street Books, Exeter, NHLongfellow Books, Portland, ME26 Independent BookstoresRed Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

There are countless reasons why a parent might choose to step away from their career to stay home and raise their kids—financial considerations, personal values, or simply wanting to be more present during those formative years. But even in 2026, most people still assume it’ll be Mom who makes that move. Enter Shannon Carpenter: a stay-at-home dad of three who traded investigating elder abuse for state agencies for full-time parenting almost 20 years ago, and has never looked back. Shannon is the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad (Penguin Random House), a humorous, heartfelt guide for dads navigating the world of primary caregiving. He opens up about fighting isolation, bucking stereotypes, and how he has redefined success and identity in his life. Listen to the end for Kisses & Disses! Topics include: •  The decision-making process behind becoming a stay-at-home dad and challenging traditional gender norms. •  Navigating isolation, building community, and the importance of friendships for at-home fathers. •  Strategies for connecting with teenagers and adapting parenting styles for different phases and individual children. •  Mental health for dads: separating personal identity from the parenting role and prioritizing self-care. •  Societal perceptions of stay-at-home dads and ongoing barriers to equality in caregiving roles. •  The impact of workplace policies, cultural changes, and paid family leave on modern fatherhood. •  Writing "The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad" and advocating for actionable, practical advice for fathers. •  And more! LINKS Shannon Carpenter (homepage) The Ultimate Stay At Home Dad (Bookshop.org) Shannon Carpenter (Instagram) Caspar Babypants Spencer Albee Modern Dadhood (website) AdamFlaherty.tv Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music) MD (Instagram) MD (Facebook) MD (YouTube) MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

In this special episode we're calling Moments of Profundity in 2025, we're revisiting some of the most meaningful conversations from the past year, celebrating the joys and complexities of fatherhood in 2025. The topics range from building trust around screens and social media with Soren Poulsen, to supporting men through the grief of miscarriage with Kelly Jean-Philippe, and reimagining parent-child communication to encourage openness and problem-solving with Nick Hexum of 311. Links to the full episodes: Building Trust Around Screens + Social Media | Soren Poulsen on Raising Digital Citizens Navigating Miscarriage and Grief as a Dad | Kelly Jean-Philippe on Pregnancy Loss + Healing Breaking The Cycle, Filling The Void | Chris Robbins on Self Development + Empty Nesting Music, Milestones, and Mindfulness | Nick Hexum of 311 on Raising Creative, Empathetic Girls Finding Calm in the Parenting Chaos | Kirk Martin on Triggers, Patience, Problem Solving Father's Day 2025 | Father/Son Reflections on Being a Dad Thanks, Modern Dadhood listeners for sticking with us, and here's to a positive, healthy, and fruitful 2026! -Adam & Marc LINKS Caspar Babypants Spencer Albee Modern Dadhood (website) AdamFlaherty.tv Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music) MD (Instagram) MD (Facebook) MD (YouTube) MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Have you ever considered why the experience of being a dad can look radically different across cultures and communities?  In our 2025 holiday episode, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Alvin Thomas—associate professor, mentor, thought leader, award-winning podcast host, and an internationally respected researcher in human development and family studies. Dr. Thomas has devoted his career to supporting Black fathers, families, and children, and advancing anti-racism efforts, and in our conversation he opens up about anti-racism, modern masculinity, and our responsibility as parents to raise empathetic, informed, and resilient kids. Topics include: • Exploring the broad definition of fatherhood—including mentorship, community care, and “cosmic children”—beyond biological ties. • Dr. Thomas’s anti-racism work and what it means to create spaces for Black children and families to thrive authentically. • The challenges and responsibilities of teaching kids about racism, empathy, and dualities in the world, especially as white parents in predominantly white communities. • Storytelling, mentorship, and the creation of The Black Fathers' Pulse podcast as tools for sharing research, building community, and supporting fathers. • Modern masculinity, vulnerability, and the evolving expectations of men and fathers in society—and how culture and the internet can impact those roles. • The importance of supportive spaces for men, breaking generational cycles, and building resilient, healthy family ecosystems. • And more! LINKS Dr. Alvin Thomas (homepage) Dr Alvin Thomas (LinkedIn) Dr. Alvin Thomas (YouTube) Dr. Alvin Thomas (Instagram) Dr. Alvin Thomas (X) The Fatherhood Depot (Substack) The Black Fathers' Pulse (TikTok) The Black Fathers' Pulse Podcast (Apple) Caspar Babypants Spencer Albee Modern Dadhood (website) AdamFlaherty.tv Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music) MD (Instagram) MD (Facebook) MD (YouTube) MD (TikTok)   Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Modern Dadhood listeners! We are so grateful for you. -Adam & Marc #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

The holidays are here, and so is that energy—frantic, magical, and a tad overwhelming. But for children’s book author and illustrator Matt Tavares, it’s also the season of book signings and creative endeavors. Matt is an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 30 books, among them the beloved Dasher series and its latest installment, Dasher and the Polar Bear. Matt joins us fresh off his book tour and right in the midst of holiday hustle to chat about raising two young adult daughters, and how storytelling and art keep the spirit of the season alive year after year. Don't miss Adam's Instant Regret which found him in an uncomfortable predicament! Topics Include: •  The journey to becoming a children's author and illustrator, even before having kids •  The creative process behind beloved holiday books like Dasher, including the origins and expansion of the series •  Navigating the collaboration and feedback loop with publishers, editors, and even family •  Exploring new genres such as graphic novels, and the role of children's reading habits in creative evolution •  The upcoming Dasher animated Christmas special for Disney+ • And more! Links: Matt Tavares (homepage) Matt Tavares (Facebook) Matt Tavares (Instagram) Matt's Illustrated Prints Dasher Hoops Caspar Babypants Spencer Albee Modern Dadhood (website) AdamFlaherty.tv Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music) MD (Instagram) MD (Facebook) MD (YouTube) MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Feel like working from home with kids is a constant juggling act, and you’re dropping balls left and right? More dads than ever are navigating the chaos of Zoom calls interrupted by tiny voices, endless snack requests, and the struggle to be present both at work AND at home at all times. Thankfully, in this episode we're joined by social media strategist Thom Gibson, founder of Work From Home Dads, and proud father of two young kids. After a decade spent teaching middle school math and robotics, Thom made the leap—leaving the classroom to build new businesses (and memories) from his home office. His story is packed with insights on boosting productivity, improving daily and weekly routines, and mastering the real work-life blend for dads. Stick around to the end for a gut-busting installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? and a rock and roll blast from the past from Marc's kid-music-side-project, Stuffed Animal. Topics include: •  Tips and Advice for Work-from-Home Parents •  Combating Isolation as a Remote Working Parent •  Tom's 6-hr Workday Playbook •  Realistic Approaches to Remote Work Productivity •  And more! LINKS Work From Home Dads 6-hr Workday Playbook (free) Work From  Home Dads (Instagram) Work From Home Dads (X) Thom Gibson (homepage) Thom Gibson (LinkedIn) Caspar Babypants Spencer Albee Modern Dadhood (website) AdamFlaherty.tv Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music) MD (Instagram) MD (Facebook) MD (YouTube) MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Ever find yourself losing your cool when your kid melts down, or scratching your head as they refuse to clean up their room (again)? Turns out, there’s a surprising science behind keeping calm amid the chaos of parenthood. We're joined by Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the immensely popular Calm Parenting podcast. Kirk is the proud dad of one grown son, Casey, and “America’s Calm Coach” to thousands of families around the world. Kirk shares his journey from career military upbringings to a unique problem-solving approach that’s helped countless parents reframe their reactions and connect deeply with their kids. Whether you’re raising a strong-willed, high energy kid, or just want to inspire more harmony at home, Kirk’s insights offer practical, uplifting wisdom for every dad (and mom!) Topics Include: • Navigating meltdowns and emotional outbursts in kids and understanding what's really going on beneath the surface. • Shifting parenting habits from authoritarian styles to problem-solving and connection-based approaches. • The importance of parents regulating their own emotions to positively impact children's behavior. • Recognizing and working with individual differences in children, even among siblings and twins. • Practical strategies for tackling persistent challenges like messy rooms, homework battles, and resistance. • The significance of affirming and bonding with children, especially in moments of weakness or conflict. • Normalizing triggers for both parents and kids, and using tools like a “trigger board” to foster open communication. • And more! LINKS Celebrate Calm (website) Calm Parenting Podcast Calm Parenting (Instagram) Calm Parenting (Facebook) Caspar Babypants Spencer Albee Modern Dadhood (website) AdamFlaherty.tv Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music) MD (Instagram) MD (Facebook) MD (YouTube) MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Not everyone instinctively knows when they’ve reached the point in life where they’re ready for kids. For Nick Hexum, the self-proclaimed “dad” of his band 311, that moment came when he realized his wild days were behind him and he was ready to step into family life as a husband and father. Nearly two decades later, he’s a proud dad of three daughters, ages 5 to 16. We caught up with him for a rare in-person conversation during a tour stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Nick opens up about the challenges and rewards of raising kids while touring, the jaw-dropping story of delivering his own daughter during a home birth, how fatherhood reshaped his songwriting, and the powerful influence his own upbringing has had on the way he parents today. Episode 130 of Modern Dadhood finds the guys recording in person, outside, over a frosty fall beverage. The guys chat briefly about finding positivity in a world that can feel particularly dark at present, and why the autumn has a certain exciting energy. They catch up with Nick Hexum, lead singer and songwriter for 311, before a gig promoting his 3 new americana/bluegrass EPs (compiled on a full length album called Phases of Hope and Hollow). Nick candidly shares stories about his family and his career as a touring musician, reflecting on how becoming a dad has impacted his work and put his life into perspective. Topics include: •  Touring as a musician dad: balancing life on the road with being present for important family milestones. •  How becoming a father transformed Nick's creative process, songwriting inspiration, and outlook on life. •  Nick's incredible (and dramatic) story of delivering his daughter at home •  The evolving relationship between Nick’s children and music, including their early involvement in creating songs and videos. •  The influence of Nick’s own upbringing, especially his positive relationship with his father, on his parenting style. •  Navigating social media, privacy, and the shifting dynamics as his kids grow into their teen years. •  Maintaining a positive worldview amid challenging news cycles, and fostering open, vulnerable communication with his kids. •  And more! LINKS Nick Hexum (website) Nick Hexum (Instagram) Nick Hexum (TikTok) 311 (official) Caspar Babypants Spencer Albee Modern Dadhood (website) AdamFlaherty.tv Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music) MD (Instagram) MD (Facebook) MD (YouTube) MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast