Dad Without Borders

Blue Netherclift
  • 5.0 (28)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Modern fatherhood meets mountain grit. I’m Blue, host of Dad Without Borders — a podcast about raising kids across continents, navigating blended families, and staying connected against the odds. After losing custody of my eldest son, I found creative ways to keep our bond strong — even picking up a skateboard in my 40s so we had something to share across oceans. Each episode dives into the resilience and creativity of dads rewriting the fatherhood story, blending practical tools with soulful connection. This is fatherhood without borders. Connect: E-mail: dadwithoutborders@gmail.com Instagram: @dadwithoutborders Twitter: @WEadventure

  1. Dad Diaries - How To Lose Custody Without Losing Your Kid’s Heart

    4D AGO

    Dad Diaries - How To Lose Custody Without Losing Your Kid’s Heart

    In this episode, I unpack what it is like to be labelled a dad who “lost custody” after years of giving everything to my son. I walk through my work story, how my flexible career and time with him were framed as a weakness in court, and why that judgement left such a deep feeling of shame. From there, I talk about the choice to stop feeding resentment, to step away from online drama, and to focus instead on love, presence and long term connection. I also share one of the biggest turning points in my journey, taking my son and my partner off grid while we waited for an appeal decision, and how those days by the lake became a template for how I cope with stress as a long distance dad. I close with some simple ideas for staying connected across distance, from consistent FaceTime rituals to making small, memorable adventures when you are finally together. What you’ll hear in this episode: What it actually feels like to “lose custody” and carry that label How my work history and time with my son were used against me in court Why holding on to bitterness gives your power away to the system The story of going off grid with my son while we waited for an appeal decision How nature, adventure and simple rituals help me stay grounded as a long distance dad Practical ideas for staying close through FaceTime, shared interests and small adventures A reminder to get support, keep showing up and let your love for your child lead the way

    37 min

  2. NOV 20

    Dad Diaries - How I Stayed Connected Through an Eight Month Separation

    In this episode, I open up about a period when I lost my final appeal, my son had already relocated overseas, my partner was heavily pregnant, and I simply could not travel. With the help of attachment focussed social worker Catherine Williams, I built a plan to stay in my son’s daily life through predictable calls, creative rituals, and a neutral story that explained the court decisions without blame. I share the moment we finally reunited in the UK and how that first hug confirmed that all the effort to stay connected had been worth it. I also push back on the idea that backing off contact somehow makes things easier for a child who misses you. Drawing on attachment principles and my own experience, I talk about why consistency beats perfection, how kids experience long silences, and why it is kinder to keep showing up even when goodbyes are hard. To close, I encourage dads to get both solid legal advice and seasoned counselling support early, so they can protect their parenting time while staying grounded and connected for their kids. What you’ll hear in this episode: A tribute to Judson, a former guest and ski guide who died suddenly of a heart attack The “fitness paradox” and why very active middle aged dads still need to think about heart health How an eight month separation unfolded after losing a final appeal on relocation The daily Skype routine that helped my son feel I was still part of his everyday life How I used a child friendly “life story” book to explain court decisions without blaming his mum The emotional first reunion in the UK and what it revealed about secure attachment Why pulling back to “make it easier” usually hurts kids more than regular goodbyes Simple, realistic ways to stay present from afar, even with time zones and busy schedules The importance of outdoor, screen free time together when you do reunite

    36 min
  3. Dad Diaries - How to Deal with Holidays Apart, Parenting Rights & Discipline

    NOV 3

    Dad Diaries - How to Deal with Holidays Apart, Parenting Rights & Discipline

    In this episode, I open up about the emotional and practical realities of long-distance fatherhood and co-parenting after separation. I share lessons from Halloween traditions and holiday rituals, the challenges of discipline with a sensitive three-year-old, and how those lessons carry over into parenting my twelve-year-old who lives overseas. With insight from a top UK family lawyer on the Hague Convention and advice from psychologists Sean Larsen and Todd Kettner, I explore how to focus on your child’s wellbeing, manage emotions, and nurture connection across borders. What you’ll hear in this episode: Understanding the Hague Convention and international parenting rights How to keep your child at the centre during legal or co-parenting conflict Simple rituals and creative ways to stay connected through holidays Balancing firmness and sensitivity in discipline near and far The value of quiet presence and emotional steadiness with older kids

    31 min
  4. Dad Diaries - How To Nurture Healthy Attachment In Separation

    OCT 25

    Dad Diaries - How To Nurture Healthy Attachment In Separation

    In this episode, I open up about the emotional and practical realities of long-distance fatherhood and how to nurture a balanced bond between parents after separation. With insights from counsellor Catherine Williams and research on the Kelly & Johnston Continuum, I discuss healthy attachment, the difference between affinity and alienation, and why a child’s best outcome depends on both parents being supported. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why self-care and emotional health come first for separated parents How to stay connected through letters, FaceTime, and shared rituals The Kelly & Johnston Continuum explained — from balance to alienation Language that fosters security instead of division Simple activities that reconnect families across distance Professional insight and practical tools for parents navigating separation

    34 min
  5. Dad Diaries: How to Deal With High Anxiety in Young Children

    OCT 15

    Dad Diaries: How to Deal With High Anxiety in Young Children

    In this episode, I open up about the emotional and practical work of supporting a young child through high anxiety — and what it means to stay grounded as a parent when your child’s fear takes over. With thanks and insight from psychologist Sean Larsen, hypnotherapist Catherine Williams, and family counsellor Erica Spink, I explore how “bottom-up” fear works in a child’s nervous system, why storytelling can be more powerful than reassurance, and how gentle exposure and family balance helped our son heal. What you’ll hear in this episode: Simple family moments that restore connection — nature play, empathy, and advocacy How a mild infection triggered deep anxiety in a six-year-old Why logic doesn’t calm body-based fear How storytelling can re-train a child’s brain The emotional load of co-regulation and the need for parental balance The small daily shifts that made a difference: softer mornings, more play, less pressure

    34 min
  6. Dad Diaries: How to Navigate Handovers, Big Goodbyes & Daycare Drop-Offs

    OCT 6

    Dad Diaries: How to Navigate Handovers, Big Goodbyes & Daycare Drop-Offs

    This episode explores the emotional terrain of letting go and showing up. I reflect on the early days of co-parenting — the handovers, the tension, and the quiet rituals that helped my son feel safe — and how those lessons continue to shape the way I parent today. From the big goodbyes of long-distance fatherhood to the daily drop-offs at daycare, I’ve learned that transitions are where connection is built — if we stay present and consistent through them. What you’ll hear in this episode: The power of predictable handovers and simple goodbye rituals Why short, steady transitions work best for kids Lessons from co-parenting through conflict with compassion How long-distance parenting shaped my approach to daily connection A reminder that presence matters more than perfection

    35 min
  7. Dad Diary — The Father the Moment Demands

    SEP 30

    Dad Diary — The Father the Moment Demands

    In this Dad Diary, I reflect on the dual challenges of fatherhood across distance and at home. Saying goodbye to my eldest son after a summer visit — complete with a broken arm and his first solo flight — pushed me to hold space for his sadness while staying steady. At the same time, helping my three-year-old navigate daycare transitions has reminded me that even small daily goodbyes ask for presence, consistency, and soft strength. What you’ll hear in this episode: The emotional goodbye of my son’s first solo flight back to the UKRituals our family uses to anchor connection through goodbyesHow daycare transitions mirror the bigger separationsReflections on Jason Wilson’s idea of being “the man the moment demands”

    24 min

  8. JUL 7

    The Journey Continues: Coming Soon – Introducing Dad Diaries

    In This Episode: Blue's podcast journey from 2020 pandemic start to presentHow a brutal custody battle became a gift for better parentingThe inspiration behind returning after a 2-year breakSeason 3 announcement: Dad Diaries format launching September 2025Upcoming Season 3 Topics: Handling anxiety in young childrenNavigating germ phobiaRaising a highly sensitive childManaging distance parenting as children approach teenage yearsStaying connected from afar - and should we?Time as a gift, not a sacrificeConnect with Blue: Visit bluenetherclift.com for more resources on international parentingFind all episodes at dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.comConnect with Blue on Instagram @dadwithoutbordersSeason 3: Dad Diaries launches September 2025 - subscribe wherever you get your podcastsResources Mentioned: International parenting challenges and solutionsBlended family dynamics across continentsProfessional consultation for parenting strugglesCommunity: Whether you're tuning in from Toronto or Tokyo, Manchester or the Middle East, if you're a parent trying to figure it all out, you're part of this community. Remember - there are no borders when it comes to a parent's love.

    8 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Modern fatherhood meets mountain grit. I’m Blue, host of Dad Without Borders — a podcast about raising kids across continents, navigating blended families, and staying connected against the odds. After losing custody of my eldest son, I found creative ways to keep our bond strong — even picking up a skateboard in my 40s so we had something to share across oceans. Each episode dives into the resilience and creativity of dads rewriting the fatherhood story, blending practical tools with soulful connection. This is fatherhood without borders. Connect: E-mail: dadwithoutborders@gmail.com Instagram: @dadwithoutborders Twitter: @WEadventure

Information

  • Creator
    Blue Netherclift
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Dad Without Borders

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