Good Dads Podcast

• 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 age. With humor and honesty, the conversation spans early parenting decisions to teen technology use, revealing both the risks and the opportunities that screen-based media present for families. Key points include the importance of modeling healthy tech behavior, understanding the hidden algorithms behind social media and recognizing the emotional vulnerabilities children face in digital spaces. Dr. Horton emphasizes intentional parenting and consistent communication, sharing practical tools like monitored phones, weekly check-ins and family goal-setting to keep kids grounded and connected. Episode Highlights [05:03] – “You give them something to do... and what that does is it goes from 15 minutes and it turns into an hour.” [06:42] – “You can’t just give a kid a device and tell them to figure it out. You’ve got to be hands-on with it.” [12:46] – “Algorithms influence our choices and what we see on social media.” [16:27] – “When you're not included in that group, you're really not included.” [21:16] – “I would get an alert… so I could have a conversation.” [29:53] – “Every Sunday night… no TVs, no phones… what is one goal you have for this week?” Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]

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• 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 personal parenting experience, Chief Williams highlights how an involved father figure profoundly shapes a child’s choices and future. He stresses that being a good dad means more than just enforcing rules—it’s about being present, playful and supportive. They also tackle modern challenges like cyber safety, helicopter parenting and building independence. Chief Williams offers practical tools including using apps like Life360 and encouraging open dialogue. His “retractable leash” analogy captures the balance of freedom and protection. Above all, the episode delivers a hopeful message: it’s never too late to break the cycle and start a legacy of strong fatherhood. Episode Highlights [04:29] “The number one thing that makes a difference in a kid’s life is a dad… present, engaged, involved.” [06:48] “Being a good dad is not just being the bad guy… Talk to any of my kids—they’ll say their best memories are of dad being the fun dad.” [10:26] “We’re seeing that generational impact… I didn’t have a father figure, so I’m not a father figure.” [17:22] “Your kids are your responsibility. They need to realize that. If you don’t give me access to everything, you’re not going to have it.” [20:31] “Parents that take the helicopter approach… are doing their kids a disservice. Kids need to fail, screw up, get better.” [27:13] “We’re exposed to more [news] now. Use that knowledge for good—but don’t go overboard and lock them up ‘til they’re 20.” [32:51] “Think of life as a retractable leash… You give them space but when danger’s there, you can reel them back in.” Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]

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• 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 newborns, the duo highlights the importance of flexibility, presence and being teachable as new dads. They share laughs over chaotic moments, practical tips for managing colicky babies and the reality of emotional ups and downs for both parents. The episode encourages intentional parenting by focusing on teamwork, selflessness and community support, especially during the challenges of raising a baby. Episode Highlights [01:13] "You're just so delusional. You don’t know what’s going on, and you’re like a walking zombie." [07:35] "Tip number one… be teachable. Don’t act like you already know it all." [11:07] "Sometimes my needs have to go out the window… showing up is different." [12:59] "Support could be just taking the six-year-old to the circus while mom gets a break." [22:19] "Love is always in the present. Your presence is the most loving thing you can give." [23:59] "You’ll sleep eventually. It’ll come. All these things pass." Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]

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• 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 leading by example. He shares how his workplace has embraced the Good Dads mission—not just financially but through hands-on support and community involvement.   Whether you’re launching a fatherhood initiative or looking to partner with local businesses, this episode explores how meaningful partnerships begin with genuine relationships and shared values. Episode Highlights [01:12] "I have twins that are 19… and a 12-year-old. They're the reason why I do all of this." [02:34] "Being a good dad impacts who you are at work. The full circle is great—it builds better employees and stronger communities." [04:08] "Businesses want people who aren’t dealing with chaos at home. Supporting fatherhood makes good business sense." [06:12] "  We use our commercials to spotlight causes like Good Dads—it shows we’re part of something bigger than just selling cars." [16:01] "You only need one person to get started. Then build from there—one dad, one conversation, one step at a time." 📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more about Good Dads Great Communities! 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

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• 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 and long-term success. Will shares a personal story about his son procrastinating on a school assignment and his initial instinct to step in and "fix" the situation. Dr. Baker provides insights on why failure is a crucial learning experience and how parents can balance support with accountability. They also discuss how financial literacy, responsibility and discipline are best taught through firsthand experience. This episode is a must-listen for parents struggling with when to intervene and when to step back helping their children become strong independent individuals. Episode Highlights [00:46] "Allowing them to fail is more difficult than teaching them to succeed." [02:46] "I stopped and thought—oh my gosh, I'm allowing my child to commit plagiarism. Why am I doing this?" [05:12] "I had to pay for the repairs of my car when I was 16 years old. That changed how I saw responsibility." [11:08] "Give them the chance to fail when the price tag is small." [14:48] "My husband said, ‘Wow, they got places that can do that. You should call and figure it out.’ So my son had to solve the problem himself." [16:33] "Years later, my son knew how to handle a snowstorm because he had to learn the hard way before." [22:24] "Children can adjust to different rules in different households—just like they do at school." [24:17] "Michael Jordan, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill—what motivated them? Failure." [25:40] "You're not always going to be there. Let them make mistakes now while it's safe, before they enter the real world." Resources 📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]    

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