Dope Black Dads Podcast

This week on the Dope Black Dads podcast, we dive into a powerful and timely story. Victoria Beckham has revealed in her new Netflix documentary that her eating disorder made her “good at lying” A raw admission that sheds light on a condition too often hidden in silence.Beyond the celebrity headline, this conversation is about what it means for our families, our children, and our communities. Eating disorders are not about vanity; they’re serious medical and mental health conditions that can affect any child, regardless of background.In this episode, we explore:Victoria’s experience of secrecy, shame, and resilienceHow eating disorders impact self-esteem, family life, and identityThe signs parents and carers should look out for in children and teensWhat to do if you suspect your child is strugglingWhy open, honest conversations at home can break the cycle of silenceFor Black families especially, where mental health challenges often go undiscussed, this is an opportunity to create safe spaces for truth and healing. Our children deserve to feel loved, respected, and supported in every part of who they are.If this episode raises concerns for you, please seek support: in the UK, Beat Eating Disorders offers free, confidential advice at beateatingdisorders.org.uk. And remember no parent is alone in this journey.Join us as we use Victoria Beckham’s story as a springboard to talk about how we can show up better for our children, our communities, and ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, families of the 97 Hillsborough victims were denied honesty and justice. Public officials lied, delayed, and covered up. Now, the long-awaited Hillsborough Law, formally the Public Office Accountability Bill, introduces a legal duty of candour, forcing officials to tell the truth during major disaster investigations, with criminal penalties if they don’t.In this episode, Marvyn Harrison breaks down why this law matters far beyond football. From Grenfell survivors to Post Office workers, from Black families in police custody cases to maternity wards, cover-ups cost lives, trust, and justice.This is about:Truth as protection for families.Ending decades of lies and silence.Rebuilding trust in institutions.Justice for communities failed by the state.Setting a global example of truth as law.Truth, justice, and accountability aren’t optional. They’re non-negotiable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in the 1930s, love was about survival—one person brought money, the other ran the home. By the 1990s, polarity and attraction became the focus. But in 2025? That’s not enough. Today, real connection needs three things: survival, desire, and alignment.In this episode, Marvyn Harrison explores how blurred gender roles, economic independence, and new expectations around emotional intelligence have reshaped what it takes to build lasting relationships. He asks the tough questions:Can you survive together?Do you still desire each other?Are you truly aligned in values, money, health, parenting, and vision?If you’ve managed all three, you’re not just lucky—you’re rare. Listen in to rethink love, dating, and marriage in a modern world where commitment is harder, but also deeper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Launching this Father’s Day, Not Just a Day, A Legacy is a deeply personal and culturally relevant essay series and visual campaign from Marvyn Harrison — founder of Dope Black Dads. Through intimate letters, storytelling, and healing guidance, the campaign invites fathers, children, and communities to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine legacy beyond absence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When my son was born, I thought I had to choose between staying home to give him everything or going back to work and risking missing the moments that matter. But the truth is, you don’t have to choose. From September, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to school age could get up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, over 38 weeks a year — worth up to £7,500 in savings. That’s not just money back; it’s time to work, breathe, build, and still be present for your child. Apply by 31 August.Check your eligibility at childcarechoices.gov.uk#ChildcareChoices @educationgovuk #ad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a throwback episode with Kate Ferdinand — mother, entrepreneur, and host of the award-winning podcast Blended. We discussed what began as a WhatsApp group is now a powerful platform supporting Black and mixed-heritage fathers across the world.In this episode, Kate and Marvyn explore how our own childhoods shape the way we parent, the importance of emotional honesty, and how to have age-appropriate conversations with children about race, identity, and belonging. It’s a powerful discussion about masculinity, legacy, and learning to be the parent you needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Kool Herc’s Kingston-style block parties to Kendrick’s Grammy sweeps and Carti’s moshpit mayhem, who really ran rap every year since 1979? In this definitive timeline, we break down the Big 3 artists of each year, blending mainstream dominance, cultural impact, and lyrical integrity.Featuring heavyweights like LL Cool J, OutKast, Missy, Future, Nicki Minaj, and J. Cole, this episode challenges revisionist history and makes room for the artists who actually defined the sound, the streets, and the stats.Was Drake too dominant to leave off 2019? Should LL have been #1 in ’87? Did we underrate Future’s run? Is Kendrick now the GOAT closer? We’ve got facts, footnotes, and a lot of fire takes.Whether you’re an old-head, new-school, backpacker or trap loyalist, this episode is your hip-hop history cheat code. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚡ THE CHALLENGEI forced my household to try twenty one penny pinching moves in one week. No edits. No mercy. WHAT HAPPENED• Hack 3 sparked a shower time race • Hack 7 killed takeaway cravings • Hack 14 slashed our energy bill in thirty seconds • Hack 21 broke my Netflix habit and the kids survived FULL LIST1 Kill phantom power at bedtime 2 Daily smart meter checks … all the way to 21 Rotate streaming subs like a pro WHY LISTEN✔ Zero cost entry ✔ Kid approved fun ✔ Laugh out loud dad banter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the government’s new health plan actually mean for your community?In this exclusive, no-holds-barred Q&A, Marvyn Harrison sits down with Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to ask the questions that matter most to working-class and Black British families.We dive into:The postcode lottery in careWhy Black men aren’t trusting the NHSWhere the money’s really goingAnd how this plan could actually save lives—or just become another empty promiseThis is the conversation the government has to hear. And you need to hear it first. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like being Education Secretary? In this powerful conversation, Bridget Phillipson marks her first year in post by speaking openly with Marvyn Harrison and young voices from Dope Black Dads. She reflects on the teacher who changed her life, discusses her priorities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and sets out her vision for mental health in every school. This episode goes beyond policy, it’s about care, culture and community.Topics covered:Why representation and personal connection matter in educationReforming SEND support for families and schoolsEmbedding mental health into the school dayCreating an inclusive education system that works for all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there still honour in hip-hop? Can rap teach us how to be better men?In this episode, we take a deep dive into the extraordinary journey of Clipse—brothers Pusha T and No Malice—uncovering what their story reveals about masculinity, loyalty, and principled living. From “Grindin’” lunch tables to Louis Vuitton runways, we walk through their full timeline, pulling out the life lessons embedded in their rhymes, career moves, and public silence.We explore how No Malice left the rap game for a higher calling, why Pusha T confronted giants like Drake and Kanye, and how the Clipse reunion has become a masterclass in grown-man artistry. Beyond the beefs and bars lies a deeper philosophy: patience, boundaries, spiritual audit, and the refusal to compromise.This is more than a fan tribute. It’s a roadmap. For fathers, brothers, creatives, and thinkers. For anyone navigating manhood in a world that constantly tests your moral compass.Featuring critical moments:The legacy of Hell Hath No Fury and DaytonaThe Kanye fallout and GOOD Music exitThe calculated silence in response to Jim JonesThe rollout of Let God Sort ‘Em Out and what it says about ownershipDiaspora echoes through minimalist Neptunes beats and patois slangWhy Drake had him banned from Canada—and why that doesn’t matterClipse didn't just make music. They made a code. And it still holds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Marvyn Harrison asks a question that shifts the way we show up in our relationships: How can I love you better?This is a practical, vulnerable reflection on how love evolves over time, and why checking in with our partners, children, and friends matters more than ever.From the changing landscape of fatherhood to the emotional intelligence needed for deep connection, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to love with intention and grow while doing it.🎧 Talking points include:– Why love must evolve with growth– How to ask the question without ego– Common responses and how to receive them– What to do when the answer challenges you– Building emotional fluency as Black men and fathersThis episode is your reminder that emotional leadership begins at home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine Friends… but Black.Not just a race-swap, but a complete cultural remix.In this episode, we explore what a modern-day, all-Black reboot of the iconic 90s sitcom could look like, set in Hackney, rooted in today’s Black culture, with characters that reflect our reality.We break down:The reimagined character archetypesThe new hangout spot (spoiler: it’s not Central Perk)The themes that would actually resonate today—gentle parenting, therapy bills, ghosting during Mercury retrogradeWhy this show would shift culture and go viral across every platformFrom the trap-jazz café to the Pan-African podcast host, this isn’t Friends.This is FAM.🎧 Tap in and tell us: would you watch this show?Learn more about Instagram Teen Accounts by visiting https://familycenter.meta.com/uk/our-products/instagram/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⏱️ THE CHALLENGEI put 20 parent-approved hacks to the ultimate test on live Sports Day—no retakes, no mercy. WHAT HAPPENED• Tip #3 nearly caused a water-fight 🤣 • Tip #7 saved £50 in 10 seconds • Tip #14 kept my son’s muscles warm like a pro sprinter FULL HACK LIST1. Balanced breakfast (slow-release carbs) 2. Pre-hydration strategy 3. Super-labelled bottle trick … all the way to 20. Capture memories, not just photos. WHY LISTEN✔ Zero-cost fixes ✔ Kid-approved fun ✔ Stress levels: obliterated CHALLENGE YOUTry three hacks, tag @DopeBlackDads with #SportsDayBoss, and I’ll shout-out the best video on next week’s show.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to your peace isn't reconciliation, but release?In this solo episode, Marvyn Harrison offers a detailed, compassionate guide for anyone navigating unresolved feelings toward an absent, distant, or emotionally unavailable father. You'll learn:Why closure matters (even without reconciliation)How to know if you're ready for contactA safety-first outreach planWord-for-word scripts for conversationAftercare tips for the 72-hour emotional falloutWays to navigate reluctant siblingsOne powerful mantra to carry with youWhether you're seeking answers or simply looking to lay old pain to rest, this episode gives you the tools, structure, and emotional protection to take your next step with courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synopsis In this intimate twenty-minute letter, written from the perspective of your grown child twenty years in the future, Marvyn Harrison pays tribute to fathers who stayed. The episode celebrates everyday courage, explores the quiet heroism of presence, and shows how one man’s consistency can echo through generations.Key Chapters1. Staying Is an Act of Courage (0 – 3 min)2. Presence Builds Identity (3 – 6 min)3. Breaking the Cycle (6 – 9 min)4. Lessons Learned by Watching You (9 – 12 min)5. How Your Presence Changes the World (12 – 14 min)6. The Hidden Cost of Staying (14 – 16 min)7. The Gift of Being Seen (16 – 17 min)8. Your Story Is a Masterclass (17 – 18 min)9. Flowers While You Can Still Smell Them (18 – 19 min)10. The Echo You Created (19 – 20 min)Listener Takeaways• Consistency beats grand gestures• Presence builds a child’s inner voice• Staying breaks generational patterns• Everyday dads are quiet revolutionariesCall to ActionIf this episode moved you, share it with a dad who needs to hear how much his everyday effort matters. Rate and review to help more listeners find Dope Black Dads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode of DopeBlackDads, we sit down with former world champion boxer Johnny Nelson and NHS GP Dr. Aziza Sesay to talk about something bigger than sport or titles — life, loss, and the power of early cancer detection.Johnny shares the emotional story of how his father missed the signs of cancer, and how that experience shaped his own approach to health. Dr. Aziza offers vital insights into why Black communities are at higher risk, how fear and stigma delay diagnosis, and the symptoms we should never ignore.This conversation is more than informative — it’s personal, practical, and potentially life-saving.👉 Visit nhs.uk/cancersymptoms for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, financial expert Emmanuel Asuquo joins us for a vital conversation on fraud prevention. With fraud affecting millions every year, Emmanuel breaks down the most common scams targeting the community, including online shopping fraud, holiday booking scams, and family fraud. He shares practical tips on how to spot suspicious activity and explains the importance of two-step verification (2SV) to secure online accounts.Tune in to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud, what to do if you've fallen victim, and how to report fraud. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Don't forget to share it with your friends and family! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode we talk to fathers David Gyasi and Nii Odarte Evans about the various stages of fatherhood - from the moment they found out to their experiences today. Join the conversation and tell us what you think.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week's episode of Dear Dope Black Dads! In this engaging discussion, Marvyn and Romantha delve into thought-provoking topics circulating on social media. From the impact of childhood trauma on adult experiences of PTSD to the profound experience of loneliness, no stone is left unturned.Have you ever found yourself reliving moments from your upbringing as an adult? Join us as we explore the complexities of this phenomenon and its implications on mental health.Loneliness, a universal human emotion, is also discussed as the reasons why sharing vulnerable moments online may not always lead to immediate empathy. Discover our personal strategies for coping with loneliness and share yours in the comments below. In a saddening case, we tackle the story of a stepfather who feels sidelined by his stepdaughter, who prioritised her biological father at her wedding. The ethical dilemmas and emotional intricacies of family dynamics unfold as we invite you to weigh in on what you would do in such a situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.