Great Dad Talks

173. Navigating Modern Masculinity and Intentional Parenting with Shaun Dawson

In this episode, Sean Dawson of Raising Men shares what he’s learned from interviewing many guests about masculinity, transmitting values, and raising kids with intention—especially with a son who has big energy in a culture that often tries to suppress boyhood. We explore the current “crisis of masculinity,” why it’s not a zero-sum game for boys and girls, and Sean’s framework of courage, character, and purpose. Sean reframes modern protection as creating emotional safety, compares performative strength to real strength, and explains how planning matters while staying flexible. He also shares how a friend’s tragic loss made him more intentional with his own son, and offers two core takeaways: give yourself grace and lead by modeling the man you want your kids to become.  Whether you’re a new dad or a seasoned father, you’ll find relatable stories, actionable tips, and plenty of wisdom in this conversation. Check out Shaun's website at raising.men Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be: - GreatDad.com/coaching  - GreatDad.com/pq  - Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC 50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

172. Transforming Your Parenting Through Active Listening with Dr. David Joseph

Welcome to Great Dad Talks! In this episode, I sit down with renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. David Joseph, author of Listening for a Lifetime: The Artful Science of Psychotherapy. With over 50 years of experience, Dr. Joseph dives deep into the power of active listening, the art (and science) of emotional safety, and how true listening can transform parent-child relationships. Discover practical advice for dads on nurturing connection, creating emotionally safe environments for kids, and modeling respectful relationships at home. Whether you're a dad, a coach, or just someone striving to be a better listener, you'll find actionable tips and heartfelt wisdom that can make a real difference. Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be: - GreatDad.com/coaching  - GreatDad.com/pq  - Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC 50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

171. Why Being a Present Dad Matters with John David

In this episode, I talk with John David, a PR and crisis management professional and author of the mystery/thriller novel The Bystander, about what he discovered through being a dad. John shares how fatherhood became one of the things he’s most proud of, how he felt an early emotional bond with his kids, and how providing a calm, nonjudgmental sense of safety helped them come to him for support even as adults. We discuss the sacrifices parents make, the importance of embracing unexpected roles like Cub Scouts leadership, and how empty nesting gave John the time to rediscover fiction and write his novel. John also explains the premise of The Bystander and his writing process. Check out John's website at byjohndavid.substack.com Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be: - GreatDad.com/coaching  - GreatDad.com/pq  - Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC 50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

170. Understanding Emotional Influence in Parenting with Dr. Brian Des Roches

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I talk with psychotherapist and author Dr. Brian DeRoche (Living a Trigger Free Life) about the neuroscience behind why our kids trigger us and how nervous systems influence each other through co-regulation. Brian explains “emotional influence,” the role of nonverbal cues and facial presence in creating safety, and how repeated disconnection can teach children painful emotional lessons about not mattering.  Whether you're dealing with tantrums, feeling triggered at home, or just want to connect more deeply with your kids, this interview will give you science-backed guidance for building stronger, happier family bonds. Check out Brian's website at www.briandesroches.com Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be: - GreatDad.com/coaching  - GreatDad.com/pq  - Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC 50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

169. Overcoming Childhood Trauma with Steven Scott Eichenblatt

In this powerful episode of Great Dad Talks, I speak with Steven Scott Eichenblatt about his gripping book, Pretend They’re All Dead. Steven shares his intense personal journey of growing up with an absent and then abusive father, overcoming extreme childhood trauma, and finding his way to becoming a supportive father himself. We explore parental estrangement, generational trauma, and the lifelong impact of absence, along with how these experiences shaped Steven’s path as a lawyer and child advocate. He opens up about hard-earned lessons on presence, vulnerability, and why showing up for your children truly matters. Whether you grew up with family challenges, are working to break cycles for your own kids, or just want to hear a raw and honest take on what it really means to be a father, this episode is for you. Check out Steven's website at www.stevenscotteichenblatt.com Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be: - GreatDad.com/coaching  - GreatDad.com/pq  - Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC 50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50