Fatherhood Connection

Efrain Reyes
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Fatherhood Connection Podcast Welcome to the Fatherhood Connection Podcast—a space where fathers come to grow, heal, and lead with purpose. Hosted by Efrain Reyes, father, community leader, and family educator, this podcast features honest conversations about the realities of fatherhood, relationships, mental health, personal growth, and breaking generational cycles. Through inspiring stories, practical tools, and conversations with experts, community leaders, and everyday dads, you'll discover what it means to show up with intention for yourself, your children, and your family.

  1. Sep 20

    Ep.36 Andrew Montejo - Reimagining The Systems for Fathers

    Reimagining the Sytestems for Fathers with Andrew Montejo In this episode, Efrain Reyes sits down with Andrew Montejo to learn more about his personal journey, his passion for fatherhood, and the important work being done to support dads and families throughout Orange County. Andrew is a proud father of two young boys and a founding member of the OC Fatherhood Coalition, where he spent four years helping lead efforts to increase fatherhood inclusion and engagement. Through his work with First 5 Orange County, Andrew focuses on strengthening the role of fathers in their children’s lives and helping ensure dads have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to be active and engaged parents. With experience in data, evaluation, program development, and community engagement, Andrew brings both professional expertise and personal experience to his work. He is trained to facilitate the Boot Camp for New Dads and has led sessions using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. In this conversation, Efrain and Andrew talk about Andrew’s journey, the importance of father involvement, the challenges dads can face, and why investing in fathers ultimately strengthens the entire family. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about fatherhood, community, and the work being done to make sure dads have a meaningful place at the table.

  2. Aug 10

    Ep.35 Supporting our Children Back to School

    🎙️ BACK TO SCHOOL: SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR! 🎒📚 Tune in to a great conversation with Efrain Reyes and Jose Salce as they reflect on the summer and talk about preparing our children for the transition back to school. The back-to-school season can bring excitement, stress, and even anxiety for both children and parents. In this conversation, we explore practical ways fathers, parents, and caregivers can support their children during this important transition. We talk about creating healthy routines, helping children manage their emotions, preparing them mentally for a new school year, and keeping communication open at home. We also discuss how parents can stay connected and involved while giving their children the space to grow and become more independent. Most importantly, we talk about the power of being present, listening, and reminding our children that they are supported every step of the way. A new school year is more than just getting school supplies ready. It’s an opportunity to reset, reconnect, set goals, and strengthen our relationships with our children. 🎧 Listen in and take away some practical tips you can implement with your family this back-to-school season! When we support our children, we help them feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive. 💙

  3. 09/28/2025

    Ep.33 Fernando Deveras - Liberating Brown Fatherhood

    What kind of father are you striving to become? And what are you working to break free from? For many of us Brown fathers, we carry generational trauma and inherited ideas of masculinity that don’t always serve us—or our familias. In this episode, Efrain Reyes sits down with Fernando Deveras to unpack liberation, healing, and how these two powerful forces shape our journey through fatherhood." Guest Bio: Fernando Deveras is a proud son of Mexican immigrants, father to a 10-year-old son, community organizer, and certified educator. He currently serves as the Resident Dad and Director of Community Engagement at Latinx Parenting, a trauma-informed, healing-centered organization supporting Latine families. Fernando’s work centers on empowering working-class families through education, organizing, and advocacy. A former middle school teacher and Restorative Justice Practitioner, he brings a deep commitment to community healing, connection, and breaking cycles for future generations. Guest Links: Instagram @Fernando.deveras @latinxparenting Latinxparenting.org If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to connect with us on Instagram at @latinodad_connection and share your thoughts. For additional information, please visit our website at latinodadconnection.org or reach out via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠latinodadconnection@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Just Show Up, Compadre!"

    Ep.33 Fernando Deveras - Liberating Brown Fatherhood

  4. 07/22/2025

    Ep.32 Brian M. Smith - Cafesito Talk with Grinchos

    Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Brian M. Smith, founder of Grinchos Coffee. In this episode, Brian opens up about his upbringing in the Bay Area and the rich cultural influences of his Peruvian mother and Canadian father. His story is one of identity, resilience, and the passion that led him to create Grinchos Coffee. We invite you to support Brian’s work by exploring his unique coffee offerings at grinchos.online. If you believe in our mission to uplift and empower fathers through community and storytelling, consider supporting Latino Dad Connection with a donation via Venmo: @Latinodad_Connection Thank you for being part of this journey.

  5. 04/08/2025

    Ep.31 Vince Chafin - From Boys to Men: The Power of Mentorship!

    In this episode, Efrain Reyes welcomes one of his mentors and teachers, Vince Chafin, for a powerful conversation on the importance of men’s work. Together, they explore how working with men can be a transformative remedy for many of the challenges we face in today’s world. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Be sure to listen through to the end—Vince shares exclusive details about his upcoming Master Facilitation Class happening this May. Guest Bio: Passionate leader with two decades of experience in men's work, serving as a dedicated Trainer, Instructor, Facilitator, Leader and Speaker for renowned organizations like Sacred Sons and the ManKind Project. Expertise in Gestalt, Family Systems, Somatic, IMAGO, NLP, Bioenergetic therapies, along with proficiency in modalities such as Clean Language and Shadow Work. Vince has supported diverse programs from Women Within to H.E.R., Boys to Men, Sober Living and Recovery Facilities. Vince has also been Invited to lead trainings for Indigenous communities at Pine Ridge S.D. and in Western Europe including Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Denmark and Canada to share his knowledge and hard won wisdom. Learn more about Vince Chafin’s work: Visit www.vincematoska.com

    Ep.31 Vince Chafin - From Boys to Men: The Power of Mentorship!

  6. 02/06/2025

    Ep30. Jesus Solorio- We're not saving our cultura—our cultura is saving us

    In this podcast, Efrain Reyes talks sits down with Jesus Solorio and chats about how how we can use ancestral teaching and practices to support our mental and spiritual health. Guest Bio :Jesus is a Xicano, born and raised in Los Angeles (Tongva territory) by migrant parents from Michoacán (Purépecha territory), Mexico. In 2012, I earned my Master’s in CounselingPsychology with a focus on Community Mental Health from the California Institute ofIntegral Studies. My professional experience spans roles as a therapist, lead clinician, supervisor, and program manager in organizations such as Instituto Familiar de La Raza, La Familia Counseling Service, and Kaiser Permanente. I am the founder of Ollin Marriage & Family Therapy, a thriving private practice that incorporates Indigenous worldview with Western psychotherapy. Currently, I serve on the Council of 13 for the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology, am a member of the Latinx Therapist Action Network, and teach at San Francisco State University. My work is culturally responsive, social justice-oriented, trauma-informed, and rooted in re-indigenizing and liberation psychology. I incorporate humor, focus on the healing relationship, and utilize approaches such as narrative therapy and trauma healing modalities like EMDR. I honor my mentors, including my mother and sisters, and those who have guided me in my professional journey—Maestra Concha Saucedo, Dr. Sal Nuñez, and Tio Samuelin Martinez—who taught me to work with authenticity and love. I have apprenticed in Medicinal Drumming Praxis and trained in Chicanx Affirmative Therapy, EMDR, and Generative Somatics. As a Mexica Mitotiani and Huehuetero with Calpulli Nanahuatzin, my cultural roots deeply inform my practice. Above all, I am a husband and proud father to a young Huitzin (hummingbird). If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to connect with us on Instagram at @latinodad_connection and share your thoughts. For additional information, please visit our website at latinodadconnection.org or reach out via email at ⁠⁠⁠latinodadconnection@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. Just Show Up, Compadre!"

    Ep30. Jesus Solorio- We're not saving our cultura—our cultura is saving us

  7. 01/30/2025

    Ep. 29 Luis Roman Islas - Growing up Street Smart

    In this episode, Efrain Reyes sits down with Luis Roman Islas to explore his journey of growing up in Los Angeles as the son of street vendors. Luis shares the invaluable lessons he learned from witnessing his parents' dedication, resilience, and hard work—lessons that continue to shape his path today. Now a ceremonial tattoo artist, first-generation Mexican American, and devoted father of three, Luis infuses his artistry with deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Beyond his work as an artist, he is a passionate advocate for men’s healing and empowerment, actively supporting multiple men’s groups while walking his own path of self-discovery. Through his art and storytelling, Luis strives to honor his roots, break generational cycles, and create transformative experiences that inspire others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their true essence. If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to connect with us on Instagram at @latinodad_connection and share your thoughts. For additional information, please visit our website at latinodadconnection.org or reach out via email at ⁠⁠⁠latinodadconnection@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. Just Show Up, Compadre!"

    Ep. 29 Luis Roman Islas - Growing up Street Smart

  8. 01/17/2025

    Ep. 28 Tone Salinas: From Broken to Whole: Thriving After Divorce

    Kicking Off 2025: Our First Podcast Episode! In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Efrain sits down with Tone Salinas for an open and transformative conversation. A dedicated member of the Latino Dad Connection community for the past two years, Tone brings a wealth of insight and experience to the table. Tone shares his personal journey of navigating divorce and the invaluable tools and strategies he’s used to rebuild and reconnect with himself. His story is one of resilience, growth, and finding strength in vulnerability. Be sure to follow Tone's inspiring journey on Instagram: @tone.ox If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to connect with us on Instagram at @latinodad_connection and share your thoughts. For additional information, please visit our website at latinodadconnection.org or reach out via email at ⁠⁠⁠latinodadconnection@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. Just Show Up, Compadre!"

    Ep. 28 Tone Salinas: From Broken to Whole: Thriving After Divorce
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Fatherhood Connection Podcast Welcome to the Fatherhood Connection Podcast—a space where fathers come to grow, heal, and lead with purpose. Hosted by Efrain Reyes, father, community leader, and family educator, this podcast features honest conversations about the realities of fatherhood, relationships, mental health, personal growth, and breaking generational cycles. Through inspiring stories, practical tools, and conversations with experts, community leaders, and everyday dads, you'll discover what it means to show up with intention for yourself, your children, and your family.

Information

  • Creator
    Efrain Reyes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Efrain Reyes
  • Show Website
    Fatherhood Connection