I Am Dad

How do we use research to better support fathers? Dina Israel shares how evidence and action come together to improve real lives.

In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Dina Israel, senior associate at MDRC, a national nonprofit research organization committed to improving the lives of low-income families. For over 20 years, Dina has worked with agencies across the country to design and evaluate ...

Kenneth Braswell reflects on fatherhood, gratitude, and the impact every dad has on the story their children will tell about them.

In this Father’s Day episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, offers a heartfelt reflection—not just in celebration of fatherhood, but in recognition of its deeper impact.

This message is a thank you to all the men who continue to show up in the lives of their chil...

Jeff Nelligan reveals the four key lessons that helped raise his sons into disciplined, driven, and resilient young men.

In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Jeff Nelligan, author of Four Lessons from My Three Sons – How You Can Raise Resilient Kids, about the core principles that shaped his parenting journey and helped his sons thrive—from childhood through to the U.S. Naval Academy, Williams ...

Kenneth Reddick III shares his powerful story of recovery and resilience and how Brothers Brunch is helping Black men heal.

On this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Kenneth Reddick III—a three-time suicide survivor, former alcoholic, and now a leading voice in mental health advocacy. As a Certified Peer Specialist and founder of the Brothers Brunch Foundation, Reddick brings raw honesty and inspiratio...

Dr. George James breaks down what it takes to thrive in fatherhood, love, and life through emotional growth, intentional presence, and relational insight. In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Dr. George James, licensed marriage and family therapist, media personality, and founder of George Talks, LLC. A 13-time guest on The TODAY Show, Dr. James shares practical tools and personal reflections ...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Albert M. Pooley, a visionary leader and the Founder and President of the Native American Fatherhood & Families Association (NAFFA). A proud member of the Hopi and Navajo nations, Mr. Pooley has devoted his life to strengthening families and communities through culturally grounded education, advocacy, and healing.

With a background in social wo...

In this episode of the *I Am Dad Podcast*, host Kenneth Braswell sits down with **Chris White**, Executive Director of **Father Movement** and CFO of **Fathers Matter ATL**, to discuss how his personal fatherhood experiences have driven him to create impactful, father-focused programs in Georgia and beyond. From co-parenting advice to system-level reform, Chris breaks down how to meet fathers where they are—and how showing up consi...

Parenting a child with autism challenges every part of your heart—and strengthens it. Dr. Robert Naseef shares real-world insights about resilience, acceptance, and the unique role of fathers in raising children with autism. In this powerful episode of *I Am Dad Podcast*, Kenneth Braswell and Dr. Robert Naseef explore how autism impacts family life, what fathers uniquely bring to the parenting journey, and how acceptance and resil...

Black men, toxic jobs may be killing us. We may not want to hear it, but the best way to care for our kids and wives isn’t working ourselves into the ground — it’s prioritizing our health and doing everything within our power to maximize our longevity and happiness. This includes going to the doctor, checking in with our mental health, and, if necessary, removing ourselves from unhealthy corporate environments.

In this episode of I...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome a true champion of fatherhood and men’s ministry, Brian Doyle. As the Founder and President of Iron Sharpens Iron, Brian has spent decades equipping men to be the spiritual leaders of their homes, churches, and communities. His leadership has impacted over 500,000 men through the Iron Sharpens Iron Conferences, which provide men with the tools to grow in faith, ...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome three phenomenal scholars and thought leaders who have dedicated their careers to reshaping the narratives of fatherhood: Dr. Brianna P. Lemmons, Dr. Tasha Alston, and Dr. Latrice Rollins. Collectively, these trailblazing researchers have transformed the way we understand Black fatherhood, family dynamics, and father-inclusive policies.

Dr. Brianna...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Maretta McDonald, an award-winning teacher, sociologist, and one of the leading voices in the study of fatherhood and the criminal justice system. As an affiliate faculty member at Virginia Tech and adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University, Dr. McDonald has created groundbreaking courses like Fatherhood and the Criminal Justice System, Sociology ...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr., a visionary leader and powerful advocate for Black fathers and families. As the Executive Director of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities (FFHC) and a researcher at Chapin Hall, Dr. Boyd is at the forefront of shaping policies and programs that uplift Black fathers, strengthen families, and address systemic inequities. His groundb...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome the extraordinary Janice Robinson-Celeste—a powerhouse in early childhood education, media, and parenting advocacy. As the founder and publisher of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, the executive producer of Ethnic Animations, and the host of the syndicated podcast BACKTALK, Janice has dedicated her career to uplifting Black families and empowering parents wi...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Acamea, a gifted memoirist, essayist, and author of the deeply moving memoir Daddy’s Little Stranger. Through her work, Acamea masterfully explores the complex emotions of family, identity, and reconciliation, resonating with readers worldwide.

Her essays have appeared in esteemed publications like the Bellevue Literary Review, North American Revie...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Azaliah B. Israel, a leading scholar and advocate in the field of Black fatherhood. Dr. Israel has dedicated her career to deconstructing and transforming narratives surrounding Black fathers through innovative narrative interventions. With a Doctorate in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas, post-doctoral experience as a Congressional Policy Fellow...

Today on the I Am Dad Podcast, we are honored to welcome Calvin T. Mann, a true champion for fatherhood, mentorship, and community transformation. Known as the National Encourager, Calvin has dedicated his life to shaping the destinies of boys and men, guiding them toward purpose, fulfillment, and success. As a father of five, mentor, coach, podcast host, and community activist, he brings a wealth of experience and wi...

Welcome to another impactful episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have Dr. Anashay Wright, a dynamic mother, wife, educator, speaker, and founder of Authentic Disruption and Disruptive Partners. For over two decades, Anashay has been a force for “good disruption,” partnering with leaders, policymakers, and communities to dismantle systemic inequities and empower people to create real change.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Dr. David J. Pate Jr., a distinguished Associate Professor of Consumer Science and Human Development & Family Studies and the Dean’s Fathers and Fathering Faculty Fellow. With over 16 years as a practicing social worker and a rich academic career, David has dedicated his life to uplifting Black men and families...