DadderUp Podcast

Education

DadderUp is redefining what it means to be a dad in today’s world. We’re not here for corny memes or clichés — we’re building a culture where fatherhood is powerful, purposeful, and proud. Through raw stories, daily challenges, and real conversations, DadderUp inspires men to show up better for themselves, their kids, and their legacy. Our content blends connection, humor, and growth — from viral “Dad Flex” reactions to real talks about identity, discipline, and presence. Every video, post, and challenge is designed to make being an intentional dad feel as motivating as hitting the gym or growing your business. This is where dads turn reflection into action, laughter into learning, and everyday moments into lifelong memories. Because being a great dad isn’t luck — it’s a lifestyle. Step up. Show up. DadderUp.

DadderUp Podcast: Robin Bossert

In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Robin Bossert, founder of Navigators USA, about his journey from film and television to creating an alternative scouting organization that emphasizes values such as respect, honesty, and service. They discuss the importance of community, mentorship, and the Navigator Moral Compass, which guides youth in understanding dignity and respect. Robin shares insights on the family model of involvement in youth programs and the transformative power of leadership and attention in mentoring children. The conversation culminates in reflections on fatherhood, legacy, and the need for more community engagement in today's society.
00:00
The Journey to Navigators USA
09:54
The Navigator Moral Compass
14:16
Family Involvement in Youth Development
18:51
Supporting Parents in Leadership
22:07
The Importance of Attention and Value
23:49
The Influence of Family Values
29:26
Community and Its Importance
31:48
Reflections on Fatherhood
33:32
Legacy and Community
35:26
Essential Outdoor Skills for Kids
37:49
Challenging Dad Stereotypes
40:52
A Message to All Dads

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Bryan Evans: The Importance of Emotional Support for Fathers

In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Brian Evans, CEO of the Father Center of New Jersey. They discuss Brian's journey into fatherhood advocacy, the importance of emotional support for fathers, and how the Father Center helps men become better fathers through social, emotional, and economic support. The conversation touches on the need to celebrate fatherhood, change societal narratives around masculinity, and the significance of empathy in parenting. Brian shares insights on developing young leaders and the importance of intentional parenting practices.

About Bryan Evans

Bryan Adé Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of his organization and a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing community development, workforce initiatives, and economic mobility across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He has built strong partnerships with leaders at every level and has served on boards including The Father Center of New Jersey, the Trenton Downtown Association, and United Way of Northern New Jersey. A dedicated advocate for fatherhood and family-impact programs, he works closely with the Family Success Learning Community and Fathers & Families Coalition of America, integrating technology into innovative parenting and workforce solutions. A LEAD NJ Fellow, he holds degrees from Hunter College and Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business and currently serves on the boards of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber and CNJN-TV.

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Dr. Kari Adamsons: How Masculinity Norms Undermine Fatherhood and How to Rewrite Them

Dr. Kari Adamsons, one of the nation’s leading researchers on father involvement, breaks down what decades of data actually say about dads, presence, and connection. After 20+ years studying father–child relationships, co-parenting, and masculinity, she reveals how small daily behaviors shape long-term outcomes and why dads matter far more than society has ever acknowledged.

In this episode, Kari and Andrew Russell dig into the science of fatherhood, the gap between “being around” and being engaged, and how tools like DadderUp can turn research into real daily action for dads everywhere.

About Dr. Kari Adamsons

Dr. Kari Adamsons is a professor, researcher, and nationally recognized expert on father involvement, co-parenting, and men’s development. Her work spans childhood development, risk behavior prevention, masculinity norms, and how dads uniquely influence outcomes across a child’s life.

Her research has shaped how universities, family programs, and parenting educators understand what dads bring to the table and why fatherhood needs a cultural reset.

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Bret Suffis: The Power of a Growth Mindset

Andrew Russell welcomes Bret Suffis (Lil Athlete Sports) for a conversation on fatherhood, leadership, and why play is where purpose begins. From non-contact fundamentals and multi-sport exposure to modeling patience on the sidelines, Bret shares how programs can build confidence, character, and community—for kids and parents.

Bret Suffis is the president and owner of Lil Athlete Sports, a Long Island–based youth sports program that helps kids discover confidence, teamwork, and joy through play. Since 2005 he’s coached thousands of young athletes across soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, hockey, and non-contact/flag football—building multi-sport programs that keep things age-appropriate, team-oriented, and fun. Bret’s family-first culture trains coaches to model patience and presence, gives parents flexible ways to stay involved, and treats sports as a language of connection between kids and caregivers.

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Christopher Brown: The Evolving Role of Fathers in Society

Join The Movement: https://dadderup.com/

In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Christopher Brown, president of the National Fatherhood Initiative, about the evolving role of fathers in society. They discuss the importance of holistic fatherhood, the challenges fathers face, and the programs designed to support them. Christopher shares his personal journey and professional insights, emphasizing the need for intentional parenting and community support. The discussion highlights the significance of fathers in children's lives and the necessity of celebrating their contributions to family and society.

About Christopher Brown

Chris serves as the President of National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), where he is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NFI's strategic plan and business model, as well as its operations and fundraising efforts.

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Dr. Jeffrey Shears: The Unique Role of Fathers in Child Development

DR. JEFFREY SHEARS, professor of social work and fatherhood researcher, explains why dads are more than providers, how father presence shapes child development, and what the data says kids uniquely get from fathers.

As co-chair of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy and author of What All Dads Should Know, Dr. Shears has spent decades studying how fathers influence self-regulation, school readiness, emotional security, and long-term outcomes. He breaks down the science in a way that every dad can use, whether you live in the home or not.

He explains:

◼️ Why “living in the house” is not the same as being present

◼️ The unique ways dads shape self -regulation and school readiness through play

◼️ Why society keeps labeling fathers as just a paycheck and why that is wrong

◼️ The difference between residential and non -residential dads when it comes to real involvement

◼️ The four biggest influences that shape how men learn to father

◼️ One simple question that reveals what your kids actually need from you

◼️ How the phone quietly weakens the connection and what to do instead

◼️ Why co-parenting and blended families work best when adults stay mission -focused on the child

DR. JEFFREY SHEARS: Where To Find Them

Website - https://thefathercenter.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefathercenter/

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website: https://dadderup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadderup/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadderup?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61577426596906/

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Dr. Diann Kelly: How consistent father involvement reshapes a child’s confidence

Andrew sits down with Dr. Diann Cameron Kelly (Adelphi University) for a practical, heart-forward conversation about modern fatherhood: how presence, mentorship, and emotional intelligence change kids’ confidence and social readiness. From balancing compassion with structure to navigating schools, grandparents, and the phone-in-pocket problem, this episode offers grounded tactics dads can use today, plus a fresh, research-backed frame for masculinity that favors assertiveness, service, and grace over stereotypes.

About Dr. Diann Cameron Kelly

Dr. Diann Cameron Kelly is the Associate Provost for Student Success and a Professor of Social Work at Adelphi University. A thought leader on family systems, civic readiness, and father engagement, she challenges outdated narratives about manhood and parenting, arguing for fathers who are present, intentional, assertive (not aggressive), and emotionally intelligent. Her scholarship and mentoring focus on how dads, schools, and communities can work together to raise confident, socially ready kids.

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The HARSH Truth Regarding Youth Sports (Losing IS Okay!) | Kevin Barney

KEVIN BARNEY, Executive Director of Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse, reveals why youth sports aren’t about winning and how dads on the sidelines shape confidence, character, and lifelong memories.

Kevin Barney leads one of the largest youth sports organizations in the country, serving over 21,000 boys and girls across Massachusetts. As a coach, father, and nonprofit leader, he’s seen firsthand how presence, restraint, and encouragement matter far more than trophies.

He explains:

◼️ Why kids don't remember the final score but remember the car rides and actions after

◼️ How a dad’s sideline behavior becomes lifelong modeling

◼️ Why losing is essential for resilience and confidence

◼️ The most powerful thing a parent can say after a game

◼️ How youth sports can build community instead of pressure

Follow Kevin & Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse:

Website — https://www.massyouthlax.org/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/Mass_Youth_Lax

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MassYouthLax

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website — https://dadderup.com/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/

Contact — marketing@dadderup.com

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The Fatherhood Expert: How Your "Dad Identity" Shapes YOUR Childs Life

DR. NATASHA CABRERA, one of the world’s top fatherhood researchers, reveals why dads were missing from parenting science, how “dad identity” shapes a child’s life, and the small daily habits that build lifelong connection.

Dr. Natasha Cabrera is a Professor at the University of Maryland and Director of the Family Involvement Lab. Her work has helped redefine what father involvement actually means in modern families, including diverse, blended, and non-traditional homes.

She explains:

◼️ Why early parenting research accidentally centered moms and left dads out

◼️ How dads form their identity differently than moms and why the prenatal runway matters

◼️ The “dad brain” shift that changes a man neurologically after a baby

◼️ The daily behaviors that create secure connection (and what kids actually need most)

◼️ Why stepfather relationships work best when built with time, honesty, and real commitment

◼️ How fatherhood is evolving and why dads are becoming less “replaceable” culturally and legally

Dr. Natasha Cabrera (University of Maryland)

Connect: https://education.umd.edu/directory/natasha-cabrera

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_J._Cabrera

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website — https://dadderup.com/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/

Contact — marketing@dadderup.com

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The WORST feeling ANY Father can have (How Dads can lead the family without Yelling) | Julien Marion

JULIEN J. MARION, father of six and men’s coach, reveals why good men shrink, how unhealed wounds show up in fatherhood, and what it really takes to lead with strength, presence, and love.

Born in the Congo, raised across continents, and now raising six kids while building a business with his wife, Julien works with married entrepreneur dads navigating pressure, identity, and emotional weight. His work focuses on helping men stop shrinking, face their inner storms, and become steady leaders at home.

He explains:

◼️ Why good men choose peace over truth and slowly lose themselves

◼️ How achievement gets mistaken for worthiness in men

◼️ Why resentment must be released before real growth can happen

◼️ How kids expose unhealed wounds in fathers

◼️ Why presence matters more than perfection, even when you’re not physically there

◼️ The difference between control and leadership in parenting

◼️ Why emotional intelligence is a non-negotiable skill for dads

◼️ How to stop bringing work stress home and protect your family from it

Julien Marion— Where to find him

Website — https://www.julienmarion.org/

Coaching: https://www.julienmarion.org/coaching

Book Julien: https://www.julienmarion.org/book-julien

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieninspires/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienmarion/

Free Breakthrough Call: https://gentleragemethod.com/

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website — https://dadderup.com/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/

Contact — marketing@dadderup.com

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