Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!)

Adam Flaherty, Marc Checket
  • 5.0 (120)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket are two dads from suburban New England. And while they might think they’re pretty funny and cool, the world clearly does NOT need another white dude ramble-cast. That’s why Modern Dadhood explores what it really means to be a "dad" in 2024 through candid, authentic, and often hilarious conversations with diverse dads of all walks of life… including famous dads, NOT famous dads, dads-to-be, step dads, grand dads, trans dads, and more. By celebrating present, engaged parenting and commiserating over common fatherhood challenges, listeners will gain new perspectives and feel empowered to become more present and mindful fathers, raising the next generation of kick-ass, world changing kids. Expect a mix of humor, heart, and 90s nostalgia in each episode. Modern Dadhood is a 2025 Signal Award winner, including the Gold award in the category Family & Child-Raising! #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenting #dadding #dadpodcast #parentingpodcast

  1. 14h ago

    Rewind Episode | Photographer Pete Souza on Fatherhood + Staying Human in a Digital World

    Ever wonder what it’s like to witness history up close—and through a camera lens? Meet Pete Souza, a dad, grandfather, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, and the man who spent eight years as Chief Official White House Photographer for President Obama (and before that, photographed President Reagan). Pete's iconic images have helped shape the way we see modern history, capturing the monumental (and the deeply human) moments. In this episode, Pete joins us to talk about storytelling through photographs, the responsibility of being a “visual historian,” and how his own family has influenced his work over the years. The original chat took place in 2023, but somehow it feels even more relevant today.Topics include:• The challenges and fulfillment of documenting history as the official White House photographer.• The impact of AI and rapid technological change on creativity and human connection.• The balance between public service and personal life during years of demanding work.• The art, discipline, and anticipation behind capturing authentic photographs.• The significance of empathy, kindness, and compassion in leadership and parenting.• Navigating risk and following instincts in choosing a career path.• The power of still photography in telling stories that matter and preserving human moments.• And more!LINKS:Pete Souza (official)Pete Souza (Instagram)Pete Souza (Twitter/X)The Way I See It (Documentary on Amazon Prime Video)Red Vault AudioSpencer AlbeeCaspar BabypantsStuffed AnimalPETE'S BOOKS  (please buy locally if you can!)Obama: An Intimate PortraitShade: A Tale of Two PresidentsDream Big Dreams Photographs from Barack Obama's Inspiring & Historic Presidency Young ReadersRise Of Barack ObamaThe West Wing and Beyond: What I Saw Inside the Presidency #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    Rewind Episode | Photographer Pete Souza on Fatherhood + Staying Human in a Digital World

  2. Sep 11

    Two Dads Overcoming Obstacles | Jameel Mayers on LGBTQ+ Adoption, Foster Care, Fatherhood

    What does it take to build a family as a bi-racial homosexual couple when the path is anything but straightforward? For Jameel Mayers and his husband Nicholas, the answer is resilience, creativity, communication, and trust. Jameel is the host of the Fathernetics podcast, a show spotlighting the stories of LGBTQ+ dads, and he joins us to share his family’s remarkable journey navigating foster care, adoption, and agency roadblocks as a Black gay man in America. With 23 years of partnership and one thriving 13-year-old son, Jameel has transformed his personal challenges into a platform for connection and advocacy. He candidly shares the ups and downs of growing his family, the realities queer parents face, and why he believes every intentional dad deserves a superhero origin story.Conversation topics include:•  Navigating the foster-to-adopt process as a gay, interracial couple and the unique challenges faced along the way.•  The origins and goals of the Fathernetics podcast, amplifying stories from LGBTQ+ dads and fostering community.•  Dealing with bias and roadblocks from adoption and foster agencies, including navigating rejection and discrimination.•  Balancing the emotional complexities of fostering, attachment, and reunification with biological families.•  Discussing how political and social climates impact LGBTQ+ families and parenting conversations with children.•  The importance of building intentional, supportive communities and normalizing diverse family structures.•  Encouraging honest, age-appropriate conversations around identity, acceptance, and respect within families.•  And more!LINKS:Jameel Mayers (official)Fathernetics Podcast (Apple)Fathernetics Podcast (YouTube)PointmadeAdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)Modern Dadhood (website)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeMD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    Two Dads Overcoming Obstacles | Jameel Mayers on LGBTQ+ Adoption, Foster Care, Fatherhood

  3. Aug 14

    Raising Kids And Rocking Out | Rick Robles on Shoe Biters Music + Fatherhood

    Ever heard a voice so familiar you’d swear it lives in your living room? That voice might just belong to our guest, Rick Robles. Rick isn’t just a celebrated voiceover artist—he’s also a dad of two and the creative force behind Shoe Biters, a ‘90s-inspired animated rock band for kids. We dive into how Rick’s work has evolved from playful songs for his two young boys to a fully developed animated world and gigs at elementary schools around the country. Topics include: •  How becoming a dad inspired Rick  to create a '90s-inspired kids' rock band and animated series. •  The journey from writing simple, personal songs for his kids to developing a full-fledged world with storylines, characters, and positive messages. •  Collaborating creatively with friends and family—including the influence of Rick's wife, a behavioral therapist, on integrating social-emotional learning into music. •  Using live music, videos, and school assemblies to connect with kids and teach values like resilience, perseverance, and empathy. •  Reflections on the challenges and rewards of family road trips, parenting young kids, and navigating sibling dynamics. •  The real value of modeling behavior, showing vulnerability, and self-reflection as a parent. •  And more!LINKSShoe Biters (official)Shoe Biters (YouTube)Rick Robles VoiceoverPointmadeAdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)Modern Dadhood (website)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeMD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    Raising Kids And Rocking Out | Rick Robles on Shoe Biters Music + Fatherhood

  4. Jul 10

    Dads Taking Charge | Coach Nick Henry on Fatherhood, Building Healthy Habits, Life Transformation

    DADS: Are you stuck in a rut, desperate to shake off bad habits and replace them with healthier ones? Or maybe you want to be a better role model for your kids but just can’t find the time or motivation? It’s so common, and it can be incredibly hard to take the first steps toward positive, long-term change. Our guest, Nick Henry, is a father of four who faced a life-changing whirlwind when he pivoted from single to a full, beautiful blended family seemingly overnight. Now, as the founder of Brolistic, Nick helps men ages 30 to 50 “start over” by building habits that stick. If you’ve been wanting to take action and make some positive changes that impact how you look and feel, don’t miss this episode. Topics include: •  Navigating a (very) unique path to fatherhood •  The challenges and personal growth that come from learning "on the job" as a dad •  How becoming a father inspired Nick's creation of Brolistic Coaching and shaped a focus on habit-building for men in their 30s and 40s. •  The philosophy that lasting change is about aligning daily actions with the vision of who you want to be. •  Strategies for incremental habit formation for busy dads. •  The importance of accountability in coaching. •  How reframing setbacks can support long-term progress. •  Modeling healthy behaviors and self-care as a dad to positively influence children. •  And more! 👉 Please vote for us to present a session at Podcast Movement!LINKSBrolisticFree ResourcesBro Coach Nick (Instagram)PointmadeAdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)Modern Dadhood (website)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeMD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok)   #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    Dads Taking Charge | Coach Nick Henry on Fatherhood, Building Healthy Habits, Life Transformation

  5. Jun 19

    Diaries of a Dance Dad | Jeff Krasno on Fatherhood, Storytelling, Just Being There

    Ever feel like your home is a swirling hive of chaos? That’s daily life for author, podcast host, and wellness trailblazer Jeff Krasno. In this special Father's Day episode of Modern Dadhood, we welcome Jeff—father to three teenage daughters and creator of the new Diaries of a Dance Dad podcast an audio book. From the hilarious trenches of dance competitions to the poignant depths of father-daughter relationships, Jeff  brings wit, honesty, and wisdom to the ever-shifting role of dadhood. You’ll recognize more of yourself in these stories than you think. Jeff sticks around after the chat to join in on an installment of Confessions! Conversation topics include: • Navigating fatherhood as the sole man in a house full of teenage daughters • The inspiration behind Diaries of a Dance Dad and how sharing personal essays about parenthood connects with others • The emotional spectrum of parenting: from laughter to tears, and finding meaning in both the joyful and challenging moments • Exploring intergenerational threads between fathers and children • The importance of modeling vulnerability, ethical behavior, and presence for kids • Reflections on mindful living and the value of being present amid the chaos and unpredictability of parenthood • And more!LINKSDiaries of a Dance Dad (homepage)Diaries of a Dance Dad (Apple Podcasts)Jeff Krasno (homepage)Jeff Krasno (Substack)Commune (homepage)Jeff Krasno (Instagram)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    Diaries of a Dance Dad | Jeff Krasno on Fatherhood, Storytelling, Just Being There

  6. May 8

    Kids Say The Darndest Things | Chip Leighton on Viral Teen Texts

    Have you ever gotten a text from your kid that made you question, just for a second, whether you’re living in the same reality? Today we’re joined by Chip Leighton, a dad of two and the mastermind behind The Leighton Show, where Chip shares head-scratching texts from his teens and hilarious relationship observations that all parents can relate to. We dive into dad cringe, modern teen vernacular, and why “What time is noon?” might be a more common question than you think. Topics include: • The unexpected rise of Chip’s social media content centered around marriage and fatherhood with teenagers.
 • Balancing authenticity and humor while respecting children’s privacy and dignity online.
 • Chip’s evolution from a traditional corporate career to a creative, second chapter focused on writing and performing.
 • Exploring generational shifts in language, communication, and the “vernacular gap” between parents and kids.
 • Advice for parents and creators on navigating new media careers and diversified income streams.
 • And more! Stick to the end for a fun quiz on current teen/tween slang! LINKS:The Leighton Show (official)The Leighton Show (Instagram)The Leighton Show (TikTok)The Leighton Show (Facebook)What Time is Noon (book)Dad, Can You Not? (book)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    Kids Say The Darndest Things | Chip Leighton on Viral Teen Texts

  7. Apr 17

    How To Thrive As Parents AND Partners | Therapist Eli Weinstein on Teamwork, Communication, Avoiding Resentment

    Feel like you and your partner are ships passing in the night lately? Or keeping a quiet mental scorecard over things like laundry and garbage duty? Maintaining a strong relationship while raising kids isn’t easy—and it’s one of the biggest challenges couples face. So if you’ve ever felt the strain of growing responsibilities, misaligned priorities, or resentments creeping in, you’re not alone.  In this episode, we’re joined by Eli Weinstein—licensed clinical social worker, host of The Dude Therapist Podcast, and author of From I Do to We Do. As a father of two (with a third on the way), Eli offers thoughtful, actionable insights on staying connected, communicating effectively, and navigating the evolving dynamics of partnership during the parenting years. Conversation topics include: • Navigating the shifting dynamics of marriage after becoming parents, and how priorities naturally change • The inevitability of resentment in relationships when needs go unspoken and the importance of open, direct communication • Creating team unity with your partner—adopting an “us versus the chaos” mindset instead of “me versus you” • Tangible tools couples can use to defuse tension and process conflict • Letting go of the past and choosing, together, how to write the next chapter of your relationship story • Recognizing the necessity of self-care in order to better support your partner and family • And more! Stick around to the end for a sub-sub-recurring segment we're calling, Did My Wife Just Hear That Out Loud?LINKSEli Weinstein (homepage)Dude Therapist PodcastFrom I Do To We Do (book)Eli Weinstein (LinkedIn)Eli Weinstein (TikTok)Eli Weinstein (Instagram)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    How To Thrive As Parents AND Partners | Therapist Eli Weinstein on Teamwork, Communication, Avoiding Resentment

  8. Mar 27

    Parenting Outside the Box | Vikram Kolmannskog on Alternative Family Structures, Gestalt Therapy

    The word “mindfulness” gets thrown around a lot... But have you ever taken the time to consider what it really means to parent mindfully? Or how embracing all of your emotions—even the tough ones—can transform your family life? Gestalt Therapist, certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and father of one, Vikram Kolmannskog, joins us to share wisdom from his upcoming book Reflections on Parenting From a Gestalt Therapist Father: Life With Leo. Vikram shares about his own alternative family structure, the importance of embracing emotional honesty, making space for playfulness, and how the principles of Gestalt therapy can help us raise confident, empathetic kids. Topics include: • Understanding Gestalt therapy and its focus on awareness, mindfulness, and relational dialogue in both therapy and everyday life. • Applying Gestalt and mindfulness strategies to parenting, especially around navigating emotions (both our kids' and our own), while aiming to be a “good enough” dad. • Exploring co-parenting in an intentional, non-traditional family structure with two fathers and a mother, and the legal, social, and personal challenges encountered. • The importance of allowing and naming all emotions, including anger, for both children and adults, and breaking emotional taboos in parenting. • Navigating cultural and institutional heteronormativity around family structures and parenthood, and advocating for greater inclusivity. • The value of playful parenting, eco-parenting, and the influence of childlike spontaneity and joy on both personal and professional life. • Creating safe and open environments for children to freely express gender and identity, while preparing them for a world that isn’t always accepting. • And more!   LINKSVikram Kolmannskog (homepage)Reflections on Parenting From a Gestalt Therapist Father: Life With Leo.Vikram Kolmannskog (Instagram)Vikram Kolmannskog (Facebook)DEATH AND (homepage)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

    Parenting Outside the Box | Vikram Kolmannskog on Alternative Family Structures, Gestalt Therapy
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About

Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket are two dads from suburban New England. And while they might think they’re pretty funny and cool, the world clearly does NOT need another white dude ramble-cast. That’s why Modern Dadhood explores what it really means to be a "dad" in 2024 through candid, authentic, and often hilarious conversations with diverse dads of all walks of life… including famous dads, NOT famous dads, dads-to-be, step dads, grand dads, trans dads, and more. By celebrating present, engaged parenting and commiserating over common fatherhood challenges, listeners will gain new perspectives and feel empowered to become more present and mindful fathers, raising the next generation of kick-ass, world changing kids. Expect a mix of humor, heart, and 90s nostalgia in each episode. Modern Dadhood is a 2025 Signal Award winner, including the Gold award in the category Family & Child-Raising! #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenting #dadding #dadpodcast #parentingpodcast

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