DadderUp Podcast

Download your ANCHOR Assessment here: https://dadderup.com/anchor-assessment/?utm_source=YouTubeA lot of dads quietly carry guilt, self-criticism, and the feeling that they’re never doing enough. One late pickup, one moment of impatience, or one hard day can spiral into the belief that you’re failing as a father.This breaks down why perfection is the wrong standard, how to redefine failure, and why validation and reassurance are essential for dads who actually want to enjoy the journey. Progress, not perfection, is what builds stronger relationships and a healthier mindset as a dad.Episode Description Continued: DadderUp — Join the MovementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

KYLE BEATS, music producer, YouTube creator, and new dad, opens up about how fatherhood reshaped his priorities, sharpened his focus, and gave his life real meaning beyond views, money, and momentum.Kyle Beats is one of the most influential creators in modern music culture, known for building a massive audience through creativity, consistency, and authenticity. In this conversation, he steps away from algorithms and uploads to talk honestly about becoming a dad, navigating sleep deprivation, and preparing to welcome his second child.He explains: ◼️ Why becoming a dad made his life feel clearer, not smaller ◼️ How unlimited freedom actually created noise and burnout ◼️ Why fatherhood forces creators to focus on what truly matters ◼️ The mental shift from grinding endlessly to working with intention ◼️ How having kids made him more disciplined, present, and purposeful ◼️ Why society gets fatherhood completely wrong for young men ◼️ How ambition and presence don’t have to competeFollow Kyle BeatsWebsite: https://kylebeats.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleBeats_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylebeats/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jt0slkwCPorL4PeFoQtWZ?si=I2XUcoFuQGGscz5vrFm9QQ&nd=1&dlsi=efb9f4691ec34e77DadderUp — Join the MovementWebsite: https://dadderup.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadderup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadderup?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/61577426596906/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JULIEN J. MARION, father of six and men’s coach, reveals why good men shrink, how unhealed wounds show up in fatherhood, and what it really takes to lead with strength, presence, and love.Born in the Congo, raised across continents, and now raising six kids while building a business with his wife, Julien works with married entrepreneur dads navigating pressure, identity, and emotional weight. His work focuses on helping men stop shrinking, face their inner storms, and become steady leaders at home.He explains:◼️ Why good men choose peace over truth and slowly lose themselves◼️ How achievement gets mistaken for worthiness in men◼️ Why resentment must be released before real growth can happen◼️ How kids expose unhealed wounds in fathers◼️ Why presence matters more than perfection, even when you’re not physically there◼️ The difference between control and leadership in parenting◼️ Why emotional intelligence is a non-negotiable skill for dads◼️ How to stop bringing work stress home and protect your family from itJulien Marion— Where to find himWebsite — https://www.julienmarion.org/Coaching: https://www.julienmarion.org/coachingBook Julien: https://www.julienmarion.org/book-julienInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieninspires/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienmarion/Free Breakthrough Call: https://gentleragemethod.com/DadderUp — Join the MovementWebsite — https://dadderup.com/Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/Contact — marketing@dadderup.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DR. NATASHA CABRERA, one of the world’s top fatherhood researchers, reveals why dads were missing from parenting science, how “dad identity” shapes a child’s life, and the small daily habits that build lifelong connection.Dr. Natasha Cabrera is a Professor at the University of Maryland and Director of the Family Involvement Lab. Her work has helped redefine what father involvement actually means in modern families, including diverse, blended, and non-traditional homes.She explains:◼️ Why early parenting research accidentally centered moms and left dads out◼️ How dads form their identity differently than moms and why the prenatal runway matters◼️ The “dad brain” shift that changes a man neurologically after a baby◼️ The daily behaviors that create secure connection (and what kids actually need most)◼️ Why stepfather relationships work best when built with time, honesty, and real commitment◼️ How fatherhood is evolving and why dads are becoming less “replaceable” culturally and legallyDr. Natasha Cabrera (University of Maryland)Connect: https://education.umd.edu/directory/natasha-cabreraWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_J._CabreraDadderUp — Join the MovementWebsite — https://dadderup.com/Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/Contact — marketing@dadderup.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

KEVIN BARNEY, Executive Director of Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse, reveals why youth sports aren’t about winning and how dads on the sidelines shape confidence, character, and lifelong memories.Kevin Barney leads one of the largest youth sports organizations in the country, serving over 21,000 boys and girls across Massachusetts. As a coach, father, and nonprofit leader, he’s seen firsthand how presence, restraint, and encouragement matter far more than trophies.He explains:◼️ Why kids don't remember the final score but remember the car rides and actions after◼️ How a dad’s sideline behavior becomes lifelong modeling◼️ Why losing is essential for resilience and confidence◼️ The most powerful thing a parent can say after a game◼️ How youth sports can build community instead of pressureFollow Kevin & Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse:Website — https://www.massyouthlax.org/Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/Mass_Youth_LaxFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/MassYouthLaxDadderUp — Join the MovementWebsite — https://dadderup.com/Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/Contact — marketing@dadderup.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DR. JEFFREY SHEARS, professor of social work and fatherhood researcher, explains why dads are more than providers, how father presence shapes child development, and what the data says kids uniquely get from fathers.As co-chair of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy and author of What All Dads Should Know, Dr. Shears has spent decades studying how fathers influence self-regulation, school readiness, emotional security, and long-term outcomes. He breaks down the science in a way that every dad can use, whether you live in the home or not.He explains:◼️ Why “living in the house” is not the same as being present◼️ The unique ways dads shape self -regulation and school readiness through play◼️ Why society keeps labeling fathers as just a paycheck and why that is wrong◼️ The difference between residential and non -residential dads when it comes to real involvement◼️ The four biggest influences that shape how men learn to father◼️ One simple question that reveals what your kids actually need from you◼️ How the phone quietly weakens the connection and what to do instead◼️ Why co-parenting and blended families work best when adults stay mission -focused on the childDR. JEFFREY SHEARS: Where To Find Them Website - https://thefathercenter.org/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefathercenter/DadderUp — Join the MovementWebsite: https://dadderup.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadderup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadderup?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/61577426596906/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrew sits down with Dr. Diann Cameron Kelly (Adelphi University) for a practical, heart-forward conversation about modern fatherhood: how presence, mentorship, and emotional intelligence change kids’ confidence and social readiness. From balancing compassion with structure to navigating schools, grandparents, and the phone-in-pocket problem, this episode offers grounded tactics dads can use today, plus a fresh, research-backed frame for masculinity that favors assertiveness, service, and grace over stereotypes.About Dr. Diann Cameron KellyDr. Diann Cameron Kelly is the Associate Provost for Student Success and a Professor of Social Work at Adelphi University. A thought leader on family systems, civic readiness, and father engagement, she challenges outdated narratives about manhood and parenting, arguing for fathers who are present, intentional, assertive (not aggressive), and emotionally intelligent. Her scholarship and mentoring focus on how dads, schools, and communities can work together to raise confident, socially ready kids.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrew Russell welcomes Bret Suffis (Lil Athlete Sports) for a conversation on fatherhood, leadership, and why play is where purpose begins. From non-contact fundamentals and multi-sport exposure to modeling patience on the sidelines, Bret shares how programs can build confidence, character, and community—for kids and parents.Bret Suffis is the president and owner of Lil Athlete Sports, a Long Island–based youth sports program that helps kids discover confidence, teamwork, and joy through play. Since 2005 he’s coached thousands of young athletes across soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, hockey, and non-contact/flag football—building multi-sport programs that keep things age-appropriate, team-oriented, and fun. Bret’s family-first culture trains coaches to model patience and presence, gives parents flexible ways to stay involved, and treats sports as a language of connection between kids and caregivers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Brian Evans, CEO of the Father Center of New Jersey. They discuss Brian's journey into fatherhood advocacy, the importance of emotional support for fathers, and how the Father Center helps men become better fathers through social, emotional, and economic support. The conversation touches on the need to celebrate fatherhood, change societal narratives around masculinity, and the significance of empathy in parenting. Brian shares insights on developing young leaders and the importance of intentional parenting practices.About Bryan Evans Bryan Adé Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of his organization and a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing community development, workforce initiatives, and economic mobility across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He has built strong partnerships with leaders at every level and has served on boards including The Father Center of New Jersey, the Trenton Downtown Association, and United Way of Northern New Jersey. A dedicated advocate for fatherhood and family-impact programs, he works closely with the Family Success Learning Community and Fathers & Families Coalition of America, integrating technology into innovative parenting and workforce solutions. A LEAD NJ Fellow, he holds degrees from Hunter College and Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business and currently serves on the boards of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber and CNJN-TV.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join The Movement: https://dadderup.com/In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Christopher Brown, president of the National Fatherhood Initiative, about the evolving role of fathers in society. They discuss the importance of holistic fatherhood, the challenges fathers face, and the programs designed to support them. Christopher shares his personal journey and professional insights, emphasizing the need for intentional parenting and community support. The discussion highlights the significance of fathers in children's lives and the necessity of celebrating their contributions to family and society.About Christopher BrownChris serves as the President of National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), where he is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NFI's strategic plan and business model, as well as its operations and fundraising efforts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Kari Adamsons, one of the nation’s leading researchers on father involvement, breaks down what decades of data actually say about dads, presence, and connection. After 20+ years studying father–child relationships, co-parenting, and masculinity, she reveals how small daily behaviors shape long-term outcomes and why dads matter far more than society has ever acknowledged.In this episode, Kari and Andrew Russell dig into the science of fatherhood, the gap between “being around” and being engaged, and how tools like DadderUp can turn research into real daily action for dads everywhere.About Dr. Kari AdamsonsDr. Kari Adamsons is a professor, researcher, and nationally recognized expert on father involvement, co-parenting, and men’s development. Her work spans childhood development, risk behavior prevention, masculinity norms, and how dads uniquely influence outcomes across a child’s life.Her research has shaped how universities, family programs, and parenting educators understand what dads bring to the table and why fatherhood needs a cultural reset.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Robin Bossert, founder of Navigators USA, about his journey from film and television to creating an alternative scouting organization that emphasizes values such as respect, honesty, and service. They discuss the importance of community, mentorship, and the Navigator Moral Compass, which guides youth in understanding dignity and respect. Robin shares insights on the family model of involvement in youth programs and the transformative power of leadership and attention in mentoring children. The conversation culminates in reflections on fatherhood, legacy, and the need for more community engagement in today's society.00:00The Journey to Navigators USA09:54The Navigator Moral Compass14:16Family Involvement in Youth Development18:51Supporting Parents in Leadership22:07The Importance of Attention and Value23:49The Influence of Family Values29:26Community and Its Importance31:48Reflections on Fatherhood33:32Legacy and Community35:26Essential Outdoor Skills for Kids37:49Challenging Dad Stereotypes40:52A Message to All DadsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.