Girl Dad: The Podcast

Madeline Anderson
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

Girl Dad: The Podcast with Madeline Anderson is dedicated to helping dads build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their daughters. Madeline interviews both dads and daughters and shares heartwarming stories, actionable parenting tips, and insightful conversations to guide dads in raising confident, resilient, and happy young women. Whether you're a new dad striving to build a great relationship with your daughter, a dad who needs advice on parenting teenage girls, or a seasoned dad simply looking to improve your relationship with your daughter, this podcast is for you.

  1. 5d ago

    Deep Dive on Why Your Daughter Should Play Sports

    Why should your daughter play sports? In this solo deep dive, Madeline Anderson makes the case for girls’ athletics. She draws on research and on her own years playing golf and tennis to show how sports build confidence, resilience, and real-world life skills. Madeline explains how sports help girls see their bodies as strong and capable rather than as something to be judged. She covers how concrete wins, like scoring a goal or sinking a free throw, become proof of what they can do. She also explains why learning to lose might be one of the most valuable lessons your daughter ever gets. She’s honest about the risks too, including body-image pressure, harmful coaching, and toxic team environments, and what dads should watch for. Most importantly, she breaks down exactly how fathers can show up in ways that tell their daughters: “I’m worth showing up for.” In this episode: What research says about girls in sports and their leadership, education, career, and healthHow sports shift a girl’s focus from appearance to capabilityBody-image risks, coaching, and why environment mattersLearning to lose, recover, and build resilienceHealthy competition, teamwork, and trust among girlsTime management, coachability, commitment, and finding her voicePractical ways dads can support their daughters in sports Key Sound Bites:💬 “It’s okay to want to win.”💬 “Her voice matters.”💬 “I’m worth showing up for.” Chapters:00:00 - Why Madeline is making the case for girls’ sports01:17 - Research on sports, education, work, and health02:46 - How sports build confidence and body appreciation06:30 - Body-image risks, coaches, and the importance of environment08:00 - Learning to lose, recover, and build resilience10:55 - Coping through practice and reflecting with your daughter11:53 - Competition, teamwork, trust, and other lessons13:20 - Time management, coachability, commitment, and voice15:06 - How dads can support their daughters in sports18:07 - Play together and create lasting memories 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: www.girldadnetwork.comInstagram: @girldadnetworkYouTube: @girldadnetworkGet a Copy of Girl Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ

  2. Oct 22

    Healing Back Pain in Minutes, Nervous System Regulation, & the Science of Manifestation - Ft. Brian Trzaskos

    What if one of the most powerful parenting tools you have is your own nervous system? In this episode, somatic science expert and co-author of Manifestation for Dummies Brian Trzaskos explains how the body, mind, and beliefs work together, and why that matters for your health, your relationships, and the way you show up for your daughter. Brian moved from physical therapy into the science of manifestation. He breaks down the neuroscience behind changing your beliefs, the link between stress, tension, and chronic pain, and how a parent’s nervous system shapes a child’s. You’ll leave with practical tools you can use today, including self-massage, movement, breathwork, sound frequencies, and drumming. You’ll also hear Brian’s personal story of becoming a girl dad and what it taught him about honesty, capacity, and love. In this episode, we cover: How to recognize the signs of a dysregulated nervous systemSomatic practices for stress and pain reliefThe neuroscience behind manifestation and belief changeHow emotional health shows up as physical painSimple regulation tools for busy dadsHow vibration and entrainment create harmony at homeBrian’s real stories of healing and fatherhood Key moments:💬 “Be honest about your own capacity and love.”💬 “Practice not taking your daughter’s experiences personally.”💬 “Honesty about your struggles builds trust and connection.” Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Brian Trzaskos and his work02:09 - Brian’s journey from physical therapy to manifestation science04:58 - The holistic nature of humans: body, mind, and spirit09:03 - The neuroscience and physical science behind manifestation13:57 - Changing beliefs to create new realities20:07 - Case stories of healing through somatic practices23:00 - The connection between stress, tension, and pain27:58 - Tools for nervous system regulation: self-massage, movement, and breath34:57 - How a parent’s nervous system affects children39:46 - Practical tools for dads: sound frequencies, drumming, and regulation exercises41:55 - Becoming a girl dad and lessons learned 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: www.girldadnetwork.comInstagram: @girldadnetworkYouTube: @girldadnetworkGet a Copy of Girl Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ 🔗 Free Resources: https://somaticcoachingacademy.com/girl-dad

  3. Oct 15

    Financial Literacy, Fixing Education, & Letting Daughters Fail Forward - Ft. Patrick Wood

    What if school taught kids to start a business instead of just studying one? In this episode, Patrick Wood, founder of Foundry Education, explains why most classrooms haven’t changed in 50 or 60 years, and what dads can do at home to give their daughters the real-world skills, money smarts, and confidence they won’t always get in school. Patrick walks through his “Learn it, Build it, Defend it” framework, makes the case for candid money conversations with kids, and gets honest about helicopter parenting: how to protect your daughter without taking away the chances to struggle, fail, and grow stronger. If you want to raise a daughter who’s financially capable, independent, and confident chasing her own ideas, this conversation gives you a practical place to start. In this episode, we cover: Why traditional education needs a modern overhaulHow Foundry Education teaches entrepreneurship through real-world experienceThe “Learn it, Build it, Defend it” framework for kidsWhere college falls short on practical skillsHow to nurture your daughter’s entrepreneurial spiritTeaching financial literacy, money management, and frugalityBalancing protection and independence (and avoiding helicopter parenting)Why failure builds resilienceBuilding confidence through passions and activities Key Quotes:💬 “Most education hasn’t changed in 50 or 60 years.”💬 “Start something, build it, and defend it.”💬 “Fathers should have candid discussions about money.” Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Patrick Wood and Foundry Education01:55 - The state of traditional education and the need for change03:56 - Foundry Education’s approach to experiential learning05:55 - The “Learn it, Build it, Defend it” framework explained07:59 - Real-world experience in teaching finance and entrepreneurship10:58 - Preparing students for real business challenges13:06 - Where college falls short on practical skills15:53 - Advice for dads on nurturing entrepreneurial daughters18:59 - Financial literacy and teaching money management23:57 - Balancing protection and independence in parenting26:55 - The value of failure and resilience29:57 - Encouraging passions and building confidence33:11 - Final advice for fatherly support and encouragement 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: ⁠www.girldadnetwork.com⁠Instagram: @girldadnetworkYouTube: @girldadnetworkGet a Copy of Girl Dad: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ⁠

  4. Oct 8

    Deep Dive on Shotgun Sunday: A Simple Way to Make Memories with Your Daughter

    What if one simple jar could change how your family spends time together? In this solo episode, Madeline Anderson shares the story behind Shotgun Sunday, the family tradition built around an activity jar, a little mystery, and a lot of quality time. She walks through exactly how it works, the categories that keep it fresh, and why trying new things together is one of the fastest ways to bond with your daughter. Madeline also tells the personal story of how Shotgun Sunday led to her own marriage proposal, and challenges every girl dad to start a version of this tradition at home. In this episode: Where Shotgun Sunday came from and why it worksHow to build your own family activity jar, step by stepActivity ideas across three categories: fun, physical, and wellnessWhy anticipation is half the funHow new shared experiences strengthen the father-daughter bondModeling resilience by doing hard things togetherThe power of a phone-free dayHow Shotgun Sunday led to a proposalTips for customizing the jar for your familySound bites: "Anticipation is half the fun of family activities.""Doing hard things builds resilience and confidence.""Shotgun Sunday led to my engagement and marriage." Chapters: (00:00) What Is Shotgun Sunday?(01:11) The Origin Story(02:02) Building the Activity Jar(03:42) Fun Activities and Favorite Memories(08:07) Physical Challenges and Wellness Activities(10:23) No-Technology Days(11:46) Why New Experiences Build Stronger Bonds(14:19) Doing Hard Things Together(15:02) Creating a Phone-Free Family Day(16:36) How Shotgun Sunday Led to a Proposal(20:24) Your Challenge: Start Your Own Tradition 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: www.girldadnetwork.comInstagram: @girldadnetworkYouTube: @girldadnetworkGet a Copy of Girl Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ #girldad

  5. Oct 1

    Losing His Daughter, Turning Grief into Fuel, & Choosing Presence Over Work - Ft. Trap Gambino

    What would you do with one more day? Trap Gambino knows that question better than most. After losing his daughter to illness, he's turned his grief into a mission: helping fathers slow down, show up, and love their daughters out loud while they still can. In this deeply moving conversation, Trap opens up about the regrets that come with loss, why men need permission to take the mask off and actually feel, and how pain became the fuel behind his purpose. He also shares practical tools every girl dad can use now, from creating family codes and shared values to handling conflict, validating your daughter's emotions, and choosing quality time over the endless pull of work. Whether you're navigating your own loss or simply want to be more present, this episode is a powerful reminder that the time is now. In this episode, we discuss: Trap's story of losing his daughter and wife to illnessWhy emotional expression and vulnerability matter for fathersBalancing work and family to protect quality timeHow the words we say shape our daughtersCreating family codes and shared values for stronger bondsHandling conflict and building family unityProcessing grief and trauma in a healthy wayHow societal pressure keeps men from expressing emotionThe power of in-person community and connectionPractical ways to support kids through difficult emotions Key Moments:💬 "You wish you could go back and spend more time with her."💬 "It's okay to wear a mask and also to take it off and feel."💬 "Pain is one of the biggest motivators and fuels that I use." Chapters:00:00 - Meet Trap Gambino: A Story of Loss and Love01:02 - Why Family Must Come Before Work07:18 - Loss and Wishing for More Time18:01 - The Power of In-Person Connection and Community19:16 - Acknowledging Your Daughter and Building Emotional Bonds23:48 - How Your Words and Emotions Shape Your Daughter32:41 - Handling Conflict and Creating Family Unity36:29 - Navigating Grief and Building Emotional Resilience40:50 - Why Dads Need to Feel and Express Emotions45:26 - Turning Pain into Fuel for Growth and Purpose48:26 - Connect with Trap Gambino and Final Thoughts 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: www.girldadnetwork.comInstagram: @girldadnetworkYouTube: @girldadnetworkGet a Copy of Girl Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ

  6. Sep 24

    The Power of Words, Raising Confident Daughters, & Mindful Screen Time - Ft. J.R. Kenna

    What you say to your daughter becomes the voice she hears in her own head. In this episode of Girl Dad: The Podcast, J.R. Kenna, a Pittsburgh dad, softball coach, and work-from-home father, shares how intentional words, goal setting, and everyday habits shape confident, resilient daughters. J.R. talks about coaching his daughter's softball team, having healthy conversations about body image and strength, keeping treats in moderation, managing screen time, and protecting date nights and family traditions, all while balancing a career from home. If you want practical, real-world tools for raising a confident girl, this conversation is full of them. In this episode, we cover: - How your words and thoughts shape your daughter's reality - Why writing goals down works, and the science behind positive thinking - Using youth sports to teach confidence, resilience, and fun - Talking to daughters about body image, strength, and healthy habits - Handling food, treats, and moderation with kids - Why date nights and intentional family time matter - Managing technology and screen time at home - Balancing work from home with family life - J.R.'s #1 piece of advice for girl dads 💬 Key Moments: "Your thoughts become your reality." "The key word is yet. Emphasizing that future outcome." "It's that act of optimism versus delusional optimism." ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Meet J.R. Kenna 01:13 Family and work life in Pittsburgh 02:47 Why writing things down and goal setting matter 05:28 The power of words and thoughts in shaping reality 08:48 The science behind manifestation and positive thinking 11:13 Coaching his daughter's softball team 15:00 Fun, confidence, and resilience in sports 19:15 Body image, strength, and healthy habits 21:28 Creating lifelong memories through shared activities 24:59 Food, treats, and moderation with kids 29:59 Date nights and intentional family time 34:58 Managing technology and screen time 40:00 How words and actions shape children's development 45:00 Balancing work from home and family life 47:06 Final advice for girl dads: be authentic and have fun 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: www.girldadnetwork.com Instagram: @girldadnetwork YouTube: @girldadnetwork Get a Copy of Girl Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ

  7. Sep 17

    Deep Dive on The Right Way to Praise Your Daughter

    This episode explores the impact of praise on your daughter's motivation and self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of effort-based praise over outcome and navigating appearance praise. Madeline Anderson shares research insights and practical tips for parents to foster a growth mindset and healthy self-image in their daughters. In this episode: The effects of outcome praise versus effort praiseResearch by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck on motivationThe risks of appearance-based praise and self-objectificationStrategies for praising character and effortHow praise influences a child's risk-taking and resilience Sound bites:🎙️ "Praise effort, not just outcome."🎙️ "Effort-based praise inspires a growth mindset."🎙️ "Confidence based on external praise is fragile." Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to the importance of praise in child development01:22 - Research findings on praise and motivation from Carol Dweck's studies02:45 - The dangers of outcome-based praise and fixed mindset04:35 - The impact of appearance-based praise and self-objectification08:34 - The risks of frequent body-focused comments and their effects11:27 - Practical alternatives to common praise phrases13:23 - Summary: mindful praise and fostering a growth mindset 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: ⁠www.girldadnetwork.com⁠Instagram: @girldadnetworkYouTube: @girldadnetworkGet a Copy of Girl Dad: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ⁠

  8. Sep 10

    Protecting Your Daughter from Violence, Teaching Healthy Boundaries, & Red Flags to Look Out For - Ft. Liz Ortenberger

    Liz Ortenberger, CEO of SafeNest, joins the show to help fathers navigate one of the hardest jobs in parenting a daughter: keeping her safe without keeping her sheltered. From modeling respectful behavior at home to spotting the early red flags of people who are more likely to be violent, Liz breaks down what actually protects daughters and it starts long before the "big talk." This conversation covers consent and bodily autonomy, the impact of social media and pornography on how kids understand relationships, and how dads can build the kind of trust that makes daughters come to them first, not last. In this episode: Why daughters learn more from what fathers do than what they sayHow to spot love bombing and other early red flagsTalking to teens about consent and bodily autonomy, without the awkward silenceThe real impact of social media and porn on how kids see relationshipsBuilding an environment where daughters actually come to you with problemsTeaching daughters to trust their own intuition 🔗 Connect with Madeline Anderson: Website: ⁠www.girldadnetwork.com⁠Instagram: @girldadnetworkYouTube: @girldadnetworkGet a Copy of Girl Dad: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ⁠

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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Girl Dad: The Podcast with Madeline Anderson is dedicated to helping dads build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their daughters. Madeline interviews both dads and daughters and shares heartwarming stories, actionable parenting tips, and insightful conversations to guide dads in raising confident, resilient, and happy young women. Whether you're a new dad striving to build a great relationship with your daughter, a dad who needs advice on parenting teenage girls, or a seasoned dad simply looking to improve your relationship with your daughter, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Madeline Anderson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Madeline Anderson
  • Show Website
    Girl Dad: The Podcast

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