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

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

We've been teasing it for months; a new podcast that we are producing in conjunction with Wavland which is hosted by former Modern Dadhood guest, Victor M. Sweeney. And now the time has come to make the official announcement and share the trailer. And we couldn't think of a better way to do that, than to couple it with a Rewind episode of our original chat with the Internet's famous mortician himself. Stay to the end for some death-themed movie trivia... And please subscribe to the new podcast using the links below! LINKS Victor M. Sweeney (YouTube) Victor M. Sweeney (Instagram) Death And (Apple Podcasts) Death And (Spotify) Now Departing (Victor's book!) 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

Does the idea of a whole summer one on one with your kid sound idyllic... or intimidating? If you’ve ever been the primary parent for a whole season, you've likely experienced both of those extremes. In this episode, we’re joined by Joel Costigan, a longtime educator, soccer coach, and dad to a 7-year-old daughter named Ruby. Joel recently made a major career move, trading a lucrative healthcare job for an Ed Tech position, which brought him back to his roots and awarded him an entire summer to spend with Ruby. Joel shares what he learned navigating a busy, adventure-filled season as both planner and playmate, his biggest parenting fears, and the surprising joys (and challenges) of being a hands-on “girl dad." After the chat, stick around for Marc’s family vacation story, complete his boys’ accidental new signature move: "Peen pinching." Episode 128 of Modern Dadhood opens with a brief catch-up between the guys about the back-to-school season, and they discuss their plans to see friend-of-the-show Pete Holmes. Marc shares about an epic family vacation to Bar Harbor before they replay a recent conversation between Adam and longtime friend Joel Costigan. Joel is a husband, a father of one, and an Ed Tech at a public high school in Maine. His recent job change awarded him a full summer to spend with his 7-year-old daughter Ruby.  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

Navigating the legal maze of child support and custody can feel impossible... especially when the system seems stacked against you. Picasso Cognizance learned this the hard way when his partner's family took his son away from him at the age of two. Picasso spent the next nearly two decades paying child support, immersing himself in the world of parental rights, and being ping-ponged between agencies who made no effort to help him. Picasso opens up about the emotional and legal challenges he faced when trying to regain access to his son, and shares why he started Resolute Fathers, an organization dedicated to educating other parents about how to navigate these complicated systems. Topics include: Challenges of Child Support and Custody: Picasso Cognizance shares his personal experience navigating the legal and emotional difficulties of losing custody and paying child support. The Importance of Knowing Parental Rights: Emphasis is placed on the need for parents to understand their rights, state laws, and how the system works in order to protect themselves and their relationship with their children. Emotional Toll and Resilience: The conversation highlights the emotional hardships, feelings of frustration, and the need for perseverance and hope when facing a complex family court system. Advocacy and Support: Picasso discusses his work with Resolute Fathers, aiming to educate and support parents (particularly fathers) going through similar struggles. Encouragement for Constructive Co-Parenting: The value of cooperative co-parenting without unnecessary legal intervention is underscored as a path to healthier family dynamics.   After the interview, Marc shares a tender (and hilarious) story of a 7 year old with big feelings.   LINKS Resolute Fathers (Instagram) Who's The Daddy? (Amazon) Victor M. Sweeney on Modern Dadhood 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

What does it mean to be a "feminist dad"? Maybe a better place to start is asking: what does it mean to be a feminist at all... and why is that term so controversial? There are many ideas and misunderstandings associated with the concept of feminism, and in August of 2021, we were fortunate to explore feminism and fatherhood with the brilliant Jordan Shapiro: author, educator, and senior fellow at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop. In his acclaimed book, Father Figure: How to Be a Feminist Dad, Jordan unpacks how traditional ideas of masculinity shape our parenting, why inclusivity matters, and what it takes to raise "radically inclusive" kids in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re new to the topic or ready to challenge what you thought you knew, this Rewind episode is full of big ideas and practical takeaways. Topics include: •  Fatherhood as an evolving, not fixed, role shaped by changing ideas about masculinity and gender. •  Embracing feminism in parenting by modeling inclusivity, equality, and respect for all. •  Challenging traditional masculine norms and embracing vulnerability and growth as a dad. •  Prioritizing responsibility and adaptability over authority in fatherhood. •  The importance of self-reflection and open dialogue about gender, identity, and family roles. •  And more! LINKS: Farther Figure: How To Be a Feminist Dad Jordan Shapiro (official website) Jordan Shapiro (Twitter) Jordan Shapiro (Instagram) Red Vault Audio 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 notice how most spray cleaners and detergents seem to be marketed straight out of the 1950s... and almost always to moms? Entrepreneur Sean Busch is on a mission to flip the script. Sean is a dad of two kids who LOVE to make messes, and he's the founder of Dad Mode, a new line of high-performance cleaning products designed specifically for dads. Sean joins us to talk about why it's important that dads meaningfully contribute to housekeeping, what “choreplay” means (and how it might just be the secret to more balance), and the potential risks and rewards of selling gendered products.   Several of Adam's favorite recent episodes: Navigating Miscarriage and Grief as a Dad (Kelly Jean-Philippe) What Will Our Kids Be Saying About Us? (Pete Holmes) Dismantling Birth Care Stereotypes (Teddy the Doula) LINKS Dad Mode (official) Dad Mode (Amazon) Dad Mode (Facebook) Dad Mode (Instagram) Dad Mode (TikTok) Dad Mode (YouTube) 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

Does it get more "meta" than interviewing your own parent about parenting? For our Father’s Day 2025 Special, Adam Flaherty goes deep with a truly special and personal guest: his own father. Tom Flaherty isn’t just Adam’s dad; he's a father of four (spanning 20 years in age!), an Air Force veteran, a retired police officer, and an inspiration and beacon of hope to many people recovering from alcohol addiction. In a first for the show, Adam and his dad get real about raising kids across two generations, building resilience through tough times, and the evolving role of fathers over the decades. After the interview, Marc and Adam tackle the wild world of kids' slang in a gut-busting So That's a Thing Now about the cringeworthy phrases their children have brought home. LINKS What Does It Mean To Be a Modern Dad (article by Adam) Mom's Guide to Finding Herself Podcast Storypillar Podcast 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

Think back to your childhood... Did you have a TV neighbor, friend, or mentor who you trusted? For millions of young people, that person was Luis from Sesame Street, played for over four decades by the legendary Emilio Delgado. In this Rewind episode which originally aired in July of 2020, Emilio discusses becoming a positive role model and even a father figure to kids around the world, even as he was navigating the joys and learning curves of fatherhood himself. Episode 123 of Modern Dadhood explores the powerful impact that television father figures and role models can have on our lives and on our parenting. In this Rewind episode, we're joined by stage and screen actor Emilio Delgado, best known for his decades-long portrayal of Luis on Sesame Street—a beloved character who was an advocate for positive Latino representation in media. Delgado shares insights on becoming aware of his influence as a role model, the importance of portraying authentic families and diversity on television, and his own experiences as a father, adoptive father, and stepfather.  The conversation touches on balancing family life with a demanding career, the extended Sesame Street “family” behind the scenes, and integrating personal cultural values into his character. After the interview, Marc shares a side-splitting edition of Did I Just Say That Out Loud?   LINKS Emilio Delgado on IMDB Emilio Delgado on Wikipedia Emilio’s Instagram Baa Baa Bamba Quixote Nuevo 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

Do you feel uneasy about handing your kid an internet-enabled device? Or feel like you know very little about what they're doing online? It can be really tough to broach conversations about this stuff without instantly putting our kids on the defense. We're joined by Soren Poulsen, co-founder of Raising Digital Citizens and father of two, who, alongside his wife, created the Essential Conversation Cards for Life Online. After puzzling over how to prepare their own daughter for her first phone, they developed a new approach to help families talk about digital safety, consent, bullying, and online privacy in a casual manner. Whether your kid is begging for their first device or you’re already deep in the world of screen-time debates, Soren’s insights promise to make your family conversations more productive. After the interview, Adam shares an exciting installment of So That's a Thing Now. Episode 122 of Modern Dadhood opens with a discussion between Marc & Adam about the topic of digital citizenship. The guys discus how this can be a sensitive topic to broach with young people. The guys introduce Soren Poulsen into the conversation. Soren and his wife, author Jessica Joelle Alexander, co-founded Raising Digital Citizens, an organization aims to empower families to cultivate meaningful, trust-based relationships that support children's safe and responsible engagement with the digital world. Rather than relying on fear or restrictive controls, the organization emphasizes open conversations grounded in shared values and mutual respect. Conversation topics include: •  The Essential Conversation Cards for Life Online •  What exactly "hygge" means •  The importance of parent-child communication •  Adapting conversations to different age groups and different needs •  How approaching these conversations early can have positive long-term effects •  And more! Stay to the end of the episode to learn about a new phase of life for the Flaherty family in a new installment of So That's a Thing Now. LINKS Raising Digital Citizens Buy the Conversation Cards on Amazon! Raising Digital Citizens (LinkedIn) Raising Digital Citizens (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