Good Dads Podcast
Kids & Family
About
Tune in to learn more about what it means to be a 21st century Good Dad. Laugh and learn as you listen to soon-to-be dads, brand new dads, over-the-road dads, dads with twins, single parent dads, divorced dads, and many other real-life dads. Don't expect perfection. Do expect to learn something new and/or be reassured about what you're already doing. It's all here on the Good Dads Podcast.
Episodes
- Communicating Well with Other Grown-Ups in your Child's Life • Good Dads Podcast
Good Dads inspires, resources and encourages ALL dads to be more involved in the lives of their children. When a community encourages responsible fatherhood, everyone wins. Find out more about Good Dads at our website: https://www.gooddads…
- The Impact of Mentorship in Fatherhood | Good Dads
Why do people choose to invest their time in helping dads succeed? In the newest episode of the Good Dads Podcast, host J Fotsch sits down with two experienced Good Dads facilitators who are making a lasting impact on fathers and families:…
- New Workshops for Dads and Couples | Good Dads Podcast
We're back! After a hiatus, the Good Dads Podcast returns with a reinvigorated focus on equipping dads with the tools they need to grow, lead, and succeed at home. In our first returning episode, Good Dads sits down with two new staff memb…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 8 - Balancing Habits for School Success Pt. 1
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson welcome elementary PE teacher and dad, Myles Wilson, for a fun and practical discussion about helping kids develop healthy habits for school success. From th…
- Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 8 - Engaged Fathers, Empowered Kids: A Success Story with Strong Schools
In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities , J. Fotsch and Director of Communications Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Strong Schools Captains Joshua Rowlett and Ben Buschjost to hear firsthand how intentional father involvement is tra…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 7 - Preparing Children for Independence
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson are joined by Jason Hinson from Victory Mission for a lighthearted yet deeply practical conversation about raising children to be independent. From toddler c…
- Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 7 - Strong Schools, Strong Communities: Getting Involved with Local Elementary Schools
In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch sit down with Strong Schools Coordinator Jim Millsap and Good Dads Board Member Dr. Mike Dawson—an experienced educator and retired Branson Schools adminis…
- Hot Topics Ep. 7 - Politics & Parenting: What to Discuss with Kids
In this candid episode of Hot Topics , hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox speak with Missouri State Representative Alex Riley and government consultant Ryan DeBouf about the challenge of navigating politics as parents. Both guests bring not only…
- The Intentional Dad Ep 7 - Creating a Safe Space for Honest Conversations
In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson welcome guest Brian Mattson from The Downtown Church for a heartfelt discussion on fostering trust and openness in family conversations. The dads explore how honesty…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 6 - Teaching Financial Responsibility
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson sit down with Crystal and Tobi Roberts to discuss how parents can teach kids about money from a young age. The Roberts, parents of a blended family with three…
- The Intentional Dad Ep. 6 - The Role of Discipline in Parenting
In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson, with Victory Mission, welcome guest Jim Robinette to explore what discipline really means in parenting. Drawing on his military background and years of fatherhood,…
- Hot Topics Ep. 6 - Being a Father Figure
In this heartfelt episode of Hot Topics , hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox sit down with Zach Troutman—coach, community leader and founder of Follow the Leader—to discuss the impact of intentional fatherhood, mentorship and vulnerability. Zach…
- Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 6 - How Good Dads Fits Your Community
In this inspiring episode of Good Dads Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch speak with two outstanding leaders in rural Missouri: Sean Vanderbeck from the Ava chapter and Jill Garrett from the Texas County chapter. As tw…
- Hot Topics Ep. 5 - Burnout to Balance: Prioritizing Self-Care as a Dad
In this episode of Hot Topics , hosts J. Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Shelby Smith, a family physician and father of three, to explore the essential yet often neglected topic of self-care for dads. With honesty and warmth, Dr. Smith sha…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 5 - Infant Health with Family Connects
Infant Health with Family Connects In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson talk with Jordan Coiner from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department about the crucial role dads play in infant he…
- The Intentional Dad Ep 5 - Handling Peer Pressure and Self-Esteem
In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with guest Dyllan Dale, a New Pathways for Good Dads graduate. They unpack the challenges dads face when helping their kids navigate peer pressure and self-…
- Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 5 - Connecting Your Identity in the Community with Your Goals
In this heartfelt episode of Good Dads Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch welcome longtime friend and original Good Dads board member Paul Windisch. Together, they reflect on the organization's 10-year evolution from a…
- Hot Topics Ep. 4 - Screen Time & Technology Balance for Kids
In this episode of Hot Topics , the hosts, J Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Leonard B. Horton III, assistant professor of journalism at Missouri State University, to explore how fathers can foster healthy screen time habits in the digital…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 4 - Teaching Safety and Crime Awareness
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts J. Fotsch and Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Chief Paul Williams to talk about how dads play a vital role in raising safe, responsible kids. With 45 years in law enforcement and perso…
- The Intentional Dad Episode 4 - Starting Strong with Babies
In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch talk candidly about the early days of fatherhood—from sleepless nights to adapting plans and embracing support. With stories from their own experiences raising newbo…
- Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 4 - Finding Community Champions
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and co-host J. Fotsch sit down with Aaron Swanson, General Sales Manager at Springfield Nissan & Kia. More than a business leader, Aaron is a husband and father who understands the power of…
- Hot Topics Ep. 3 - Letting Your Children Fail: Using Setbacks to Foster Growth & Resilience
In this episode of Hot Topics , hosts Will Cox and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker discuss the importance of allowing children to experience failure as a tool for growth. They explore how overcoming setbacks builds resilience, decision-making skills…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 3 - Building Confidence in Children
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts Brian Mattson and Dr. Jennifer L. Baker welcome Paul Baker, an experienced educator and former school principal, to discuss practical ways to build confidence in children. Paul shares i…
- The Intentional Dad Ep. 3 - Teaching Empathy and Resilience
In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch sit down with Herb Cody, a dedicated father from Nixa, Missouri, to discuss how life's challenges shape empathy, resilience and intentional fatherhood. Herb shares h…
- Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 3 - Identifying Your Community Goals
In this episode of Good Dads, Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer L. Baker, founder and Executive Director of Good Dads, and co-host J. Fotsch discuss how to build fatherhood initiatives and strengthen communities through engagement, collabor…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 2 - Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes , hosts Brian and J Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez, Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, to explore the role of curiosity, outdoor exploration, and lifelong learning in parenti…
- Hot Topics Ep. 2 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Inclusivity
In this episode of Hot Topics , hosts J Fotsch and Will Cox sit down with Dr. Kyle John, Medical Director at Arc of the Ozarks, to explore neurodiversity, inclusivity, and early intervention for autism and other developmental disorders. Dr…
- The Intentional Dad Ep 2 - Instilling Kindness, Responsibility & Teamwork
In this episode of The Intentional Dad , hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch welcome guest David Anderson, a school counselor, father of three and 2024 Dad of the Year honoree. Together they dive into what it means to instill kindness, respon…
- Good Dads Great Communities Episode 2 - Getting Started - Six Essential Sectors
Episode 2: Getting Started - Six Essential Sectors In this episode of Good Dads Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch explore the six essential sectors needed to build and sustain a strong Good Dads initiative in any…
- Hot Topics Ep. 1 - Introducing Will Cox, Father of Two Sons, Coach & Entrepreneur
In the first episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Will Cox, a father of two, coach, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "mediocre dad trying to be good." Will shares his experiences raising two sons with dist…
- The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 1 - The Importance of Mentors & Role Models
In the premiere episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Brian Mattson, lead pastor at the Downtown Church and father of two, to discuss the critical role of fathers, mentors and role models in…
- The Intentional Dad Ep. 1 - Introducing Podcast Cohost Jason Hynson, Father of Seven
In the first episode of The Intentional Dad, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost Jason Hynson dive into what it means to be an intentional father. Jason, a father of seven children ranging from toddlers to teenagers, shares his journey of father…
- Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 1 - Why Good Dads are Critical to Community Well-being
In the inaugural episode of Good Dads Great Communities , Dr. Jennifer Baker, founder and director of Good Dads, and host J Fotsch introduce an inspiring vision for 2025, starting with the first module, "Why Good Dads Are Important to a Gr…
- E531 Parent Involvement in Sports - Part Two
We continue talking to Frank Tristan about parent involvement and how having humility can go a long way in any situation in life. Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the opportunity to invest in young peopl…
- E530 Parent Involvement in Sports - Part One
Frank Tristan, head football coach at Glendale High School, father, and husband, talks about the balance of being a coach and a parent in this Part One episode. Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 years and loves the oppor…
- E529 Kids and Sports with Coach Frank Tristan
Frank Tristan, head football coach at Glendale High School, husband, and father, talks about the rewarding aspects of coaching and his "ABC" technique (Ask, Balance, and Competitive). Frank has been teaching and coaching for the last 20 ye…
- E528 Tools for Tantrums - Parenting well with Preschoolers
Join us this week in the Good Dads studio as founder and director Dr. Jennifer Baker and J Fotsch jump into the third installment on the challenges and joys of parenting a 4- and 5-year-old children. Preschool-age children do not have the…
- E527 | Absorbing and Unfiltered: Leading Preschoolers by Example
Join us this week in the Good Dads studio as founder and director Dr. Jennifer Baker and J Fotsch talk about the challenges and joys of parenting a 4- and 5-year-old children. This period of life is marked by inquisitiveness and unfiltered…
- E526 Being a Good Dad to 4- and 5-Year-Olds
Are children master manipulators, or just trying to get their way? Is it okay to have night-time snacks? What's a dad to do when his child disobeys, turning on the TV after bedtime? Join us this week with J Fotsch and Dr. Jennifer Baker as…
- E525 Postpartum Depression, Baby Blues and Asking for Help | With Nurse Bre Tyger
We welcome back Bre Tyger, Community Alignment Specialist from Family Connects, a program new to Springfield, MO. We cover the difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression, and how it affects both Mom and Dad. A phenomenon of…
- E524 The Value of Home Visits for New Parents | With Nurse Bre Tyger
This week on the podcast, we welcome to the studio Bre Tyger, a public health nurse and Community Alignment Specialist with Family Connects, an international program new to the area. Join us as Bre discusses how she helps new parents, obse…
- E523 | From the Archive | Transitions Abound with Blended Families - with Dana and Christina Ford
Dana and Christina Ford have a full house with a teenager, elementary schoolers and preschoolers. Join us for a conversation originally recorded in 2021 with the Fords as the blended family navigates the important transitions inherent in f…
- E522 My Baby Contracted RSV – A Parent's Nightmare (with a Happy Ending) | With New Dad Tim Lewis
This week we're happy to welcome Tim Lewis to the studio, a first-time dad to a four-month-old. Join us as Tim shares the scary story of when baby Ophelia got sick with RSV around the end of last year. After initially going to Mercy in Spr…
- E521 | From the Archive | Sleep Habits, Dirty Diapers and Piles of Laundry | With Brian Mattson and Drew Dilisio
This week, we bring you a podcast episode from the Good Dads archive. Originally recorded in 2019, our guests, Brian and Drew, discuss the challenges and rewards of new parenthood. New dads will relate to big changes in sleep habits, worki…
- E520 Child-Rearing as a Team Event | With Dr. Sarah Jean Baker
This week on the podcast we welcome Dr. Sarah Jean Baker, Dr. Jennifer Baker's daughter-in-law, to speak on how children learn. We also talk about how babies can become attached to both Dad and Mom using the skin-to-skin contact technique,…
- E519 Cultivating Friendships, Resilience and Being Supportive for Dads-to-be | With Dr. Shelby Smith
This week on the Good Dads podcast, we welcome back Dr. Smith, a family care physician at Equality Healthcare in Springfied, MO. Dr. Smith shares his wisdom on supporting your pregnant partner, breaking the stigma on male post-partum depre…
- E518 How Dads can Help During the Pregnancy Process | With Lisa McIntire
Lisa McIntire, Executive Director at Pregnancy Care Center, talks about helping the "whole" family and how dads can help during the pregnancy process. Our Guest: Lisa McIntire Lisa McIntire currently serves as Executive Director of Pregnan…
- E517 How to Support Women Throughout Pregnancy | With WIC Nutritionist Tommy Boyce
Tommy Boyce, a WIC Nutritionist, talks about what dads can do to help and support women throughout pregnancy. "WIC" stands for "Women, Infants, and Children." Our Guest: Tommy Boyce Tommy has been married to his wife, Cassandra, for 10 yea…
- E516 Navigating Parenthood with Four Kids, Including Twins
Summary: This week we welcome husband and wife Minor and Sarah Baker, both professors at Missouri State University in the Elementary and Early Childhood Education program. They talk about having a total of four children and twins as their…
- E515 Baby Preparations with Expectant Father Tyler Head
This week we sat down with Tyler Head, a husband and an expectant dad, to talk about the final stages of pregnancy, preparations for the baby, the unknown and how to focus on Mom and their relationship. Head, Tyler | Business & Leadership…