Dad Like It's Your Job

Zito flies solo here, but with the help of clips of some great TV dads. From Ward Cleaver of Leave It To Beaver and Mike Brady, all the way up to Dan Conner and Andre Johnson of Black-ish, Zito dissects their parenting style. And ends with a love letter to Bernie Mac, who always Uncled like it was his job. 

Jackie Flynn is a comedian, actor, and father of three daughters. He and Zito go way back and they spend some time here catching up. They also talk a lot about Loudermilk, the hilarious recovery comedy from Peter Farrelly, in which Jackie plays a gambling addict trying to stay clean. Then Jackie gets into the real stuff, what it means to become and be a parent. 

In this solo episode, Zito shares his "shine without overtime" advice so you can keep things cranking at work and still see your family. Here he also tells a story of risking getting fired to be with his son during a pivotal period for the boy. 

Dr. Barry Plummer Returns! Dr. Plummer is a clinical psychologist and faculty member at Brown University. Zito reached to Dr. Plummer to help delve deeper into the subject of preventing our sons from being "red pilled" by the "manosphere" and the good doctor did not disappoint, sharing keen insights on how we can model a masculinity that leads to strong, healthy relationships. 

Zito put together a few of his best memories of laughing with guests. It's a serious time and, yes, we all need to do what we can to keep our country, but we also need to catch our breath and laugh a little. So breathe. And laugh. 

James MacDonald lives near Brighton in the UK. His wife is a teacher and he is the primary caregiver for the kids. He's an author, a (sort of) singer, and (sometimes) harried father of three. His book, "First Time Dad: A Hilarious Week By Week Guide For Dads Who No Idea What They're Doing (Yet)," is available on Amazon.

Scott Rodriguez is the founder of Stoneway Athletics (and the Junk Hunk, which we do touch on briefly!). We talk about Dads keeping themselves in good physical health and to stay available to their families. And we spend some time raving about our wives (what a pair of suck ups!) 

Luke is a young, devoted, active father. He didn't become a father on purpose, but he's a purposeful father. His child was unexpected, but never unwanted. His story is one that inspires and gives hope to struggling young dads. He's a special guy. 

Shawn Sheridan is a Program Manager at Ohio State University and Speaker of all things family. He and his wife love to laugh together while they raise their three kids and await number four! 

Mike is a comedian, producer, and father. But not in that order. He has other jobs too but being a dad is clearly his priority. Mike talks about the differences between his birth father and stepfather with love and compassion. Oh, and this episode is filled with laughs! 

...because it is. Zito discusses how a few things have recently collided in his life that made it seem like this is the time to speak up about the so-called "Manosphere" of Bro Podcasts and YouTube videos that boys are exposed to that give them a warped sense of their relationship to the world and their relationship with women. The biggest weapon to combat this skewed image of masculinity is a good dad. 

John Nero has a wonderful trilogy of books for any new dad, "The Pregnancy Guide For Dads," "The Baby Guide for Dads," and "The Toddler Guide For Dads." John speaks honestly from experience about the joy, challenge, and terror of becoming a first time father! 

Adam Belmont isn't a life coach or famous author of a parenting book, he's just a dad who's kids mean everything to him. His story of changing his life and career completely so that he could be a better dad is an inspiration. Oh! And if you ever need some PR help help be sure to look for A to B Strategies! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-belmont-6a541a12/ 

From June of 2023. Zito and his guest Steven Brykman set the record straight on trans youth. Steven is the father of a trans boy, 15 at the time of this first launching. Zito's youngest daughter, V, now 19, was 17 and a high school junior. If you are honestly curious about transgenderism and want to dispel some fear this episode is a must listen. 

David Lennon is a retired father in his sixties with eight year-old twin boys. He married for the first time in his 50s so here he is, parenting young kids. His devotion, energy, and perspective are an invaluable inspiration. He and Zito talk about extracurriculars, changing gender roles, and housework!