Fathernetics

Jameel Mayers
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Fathernetics | Dad Hero Stories Real stories from the men who chose fatherhood and everything it took to get there. From adoption and fostering to IVF and surrogacy, Fathernetics explores the journeys behind modern dads, who they were before, what they faced, and who they became along the way. Centered on LGBTQ+ men, with occasional perspectives from women reflecting on their own fathers, these are honest, unfiltered conversations about identity, resilience, relationships, and the realities of building a family. Because becoming a dad isn’t simple and it’s never one-size-fits-all. 🎙️ Hosted by Jameel Mayers 📲 YouTube & Instagram: @fathernetics 📢 New episodes every Thursday

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    S03:E15 - Casey & Sunshine (Surrogacy.is ______).

    Thinking about surrogacy? Wondering how gay couples, LGBTQ parents, single parents, and cancer survivors build families through gestational surrogacy? In this episode of Fathernetics, host Jameel Mayers sits down with Sunshine and Casey from Surrogacy Is to answer the questions people are often afraid to ask. They break down the surrogacy process, explain how intended parents choose the right agency, discuss surrogate screening, costs, legal considerations, and the biggest myths surrounding modern family building. From debunking the misconception that surrogacy is “buying a child” to explaining why education matters more than ever, this conversation provides practical guidance for anyone exploring surrogacy. Whether you’re researching surrogacy for gay couples, LGBTQ family building, IVF, gestational surrogacy, or simply want to understand how families are created today, this episode offers honest insight from people who live this work every day. In This Episode Surrogacy for LGBTQ couples and intended parentsHow gestational surrogacy worksChoosing the right surrogacy agencyQuestions every intended parent should askSurrogate qualifications and screeningSurrogacy costs, insurance, and financial planningAdoption vs. surrogacyBuilding families after cancer and infertilityCommon myths about surrogacySupporting surrogates and intended parents throughout the journeyWhy education helps combat misinformationThe future of ethical family building Resources Surrogacy IsThe Ultimate Surrogacy GuideAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)ReproductiveFacts.org Connect with Sunshine & Casey Instagram: @surrogacyis TikTok: @surrogacyis Facebook: Surrogacy Is Website: https://surrogacy.is

    S03:E15 - Casey & Sunshine (Surrogacy.is ______).

  2. Oct 1 ·  Video

    S03:E14 - Arnel Calvario Ripkens || Kaba Modern Father

    What does it take to build stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and more connected families? In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Dr. Arnel to explore how a passion for helping others shapes leadership, parenting, and personal growth. From preparing for fatherhood to embracing self-care without guilt, this conversation highlights how investing in yourself allows you to better support the people around you. Dr. Arnel also shares how his Filipino heritage has influenced his perspective on culture, community, and creating lasting impact. In this episode: Why passion is more than a career—it’s a callingBuilding healthier cultures at work and at homeWhy self-care isn’t selfishPreparing for the journey into fatherhoodThe influence of Filipino culture on leadership and familyCreating environments where people can thriveWhy every parent’s story matters Chapters: 00:00 – Passion for Helping Others 01:19 – Building Healthier Cultures and Stronger Teams 01:50 – The Journey to Fatherhood If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more stories and insights from fathers, parents, and leaders making a difference. Share your thoughts in the comments—what has had the biggest impact on your parenting journey? #FatherNetX #Fatherhood #Parenting #Leadership #SelfCare #Culture #PersonalGrowth #Filipino #DadLife #Podcast

    S03:E14 - Arnel Calvario Ripkens || Kaba Modern Father

  3. Sep 24 ·  Video

    S03:E13 - Lindsey Strickland | What Do You Really Know about Surrogacy?

    Think surrogacy is just a fancy way to skip the line? Think again! Today, we're diving into real-life stories of LGBTQ surrogates, unexpected family ties, and the magic moments that make this journey so uniquely human and humanizing. In this episode: The inspiring story of Lindsay, a surrogate with a heart as big as her city of North CarolinaHow LGBTQ families redefine heroism and parenthood by choice, not chanceThe importance of agency, support, and honesty in surrogacy journeysBehind-the-scenes of a birth involving intended parents, surrogates, and emotional choreographyHow open communication creates a family in and out of hospital wallsThe role of agencies that treat surrogates like humans, not checkboxesKids’ hilarious (and adorable) take on how families are "baked"Surrogacy as a tool for education, acceptance, and community building Resources & Links: Surrogacy Is Agency | A supporter of inclusivity and surrogates’ well-beingAmazon - Surrogacy and Family Building Books Connect with Lindsay: Instagram - L Strickland 1026TikTok - NCMama and Surrogate Closing thoughts: Surrogacy isn’t just about creating a family, it’s about rewriting what family looks like more love, more diversity, and more stories that inspire smile-inducing, tear-jerking, "Wow, that’s real life" moments. Buckle up, and let’s celebrate the human side of making families one extraordinary journey at a time.

    S03:E13 - Lindsey Strickland | What Do You Really Know about Surrogacy?

  4. Sep 17 ·  Video

    S03:E12 - Lance Souter | Is there a Formula to the Father Figure?

    Fatherhood doesn’t come with a blueprint, but it does come with opportunities to grow. This week on Fathernetics, Friend of the Show Lance Souter (LGBTQ+ Ally) joins me for a conversation about becoming a better parent through accountability, communication, and intentional living. We talk about navigating family illness, setting goals that actually matter, challenging toxic masculinity, building stronger support systems for dads, and why the smallest moments with our kids often become the biggest memories. If you’re a queer dad, intended parent, or simply someone striving to raise great humans, this episode is for you. What resonated with you most? Share your thoughts in the comments. I read every one. Whether you’re new here or you’ve been part of the Fathernetics family from the beginning, thank you for being here. Subscribe for more conversations with queer dads, intended parents, and experts helping us build stronger families. This is Fathernetics. Let’s get into it. Guest links: Website: https://fatherfigureformula.com Instagram: @fatherfiguerformula #fathernetics #Fatherhood #LGBTQParenting #GayDads #ParentingPodcast

    S03:E12 - Lance Souter | Is there a Formula to the Father Figure?

  5. Sep 10 ·  Video

    S03:E11 - Chris & Robbie | What's Up With the Cordovas?

    What happens when a Britney Spears superfan, Pride celebrations, and the emotional journey to parenthood all collide? In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Chris and Robbie to talk about building a family through surrogacy, celebrating Pride as parents, and finding joy in the unexpected moments along the way. Their story moves from unforgettable pop culture memories to the realities of fertility treatment, financial planning, and raising a daughter in today’s world. Whether you’re exploring surrogacy, already parenting, or simply looking for an honest conversation about LGBTQ family life, this episode is full of laughter, practical insight, and encouragement. In this episode Their unforgettable Britney Spears concert story and the fan moment they’ll never forgetThe debate over which anniversary actually countsHow Pride celebrations changed after becoming parentsWhy representation matters for LGBTQ familiesThe emotional and financial realities of surrogacyIVF transfers, setbacks, and staying hopefulParenting fears, school acceptance, and preparing for the futureBuilding a family through patience, community, and resilienceWhy love, consistency, and yes… snacks, solve more problems than you’d think Timestamps00:00 Introduction 01:20 Britney Spears concert memories 02:28 Proposal plans in Las Vegas 03:52 Anniversary debates and family traditions 10:52 Pride before and after becoming parents 26:34 Why LGBTQ representation matters 36:43 The surrogacy journey begins 47:58 Parenting fears and navigating acceptance 51:01 Dreams for their daughter’s future 51:52 The parenting essentials: love, patience, and snacks Connect with our Friends of the Show Chris & Robbie - @keepingupwiththecordovas If you’re considering surrogacy, IVF, adoption, or simply want to hear authentic stories from queer parents building their families, subscribe to Fathernetics for new conversations every week.

    S03:E11 - Chris & Robbie | What's Up With the Cordovas?

  6. Sep 3 ·  Video

    S03:10 - Tosha Field | Surrogacy, Support, and Sisterhood.

    Ever wonder what it's like to carry hope—literally—for a family in need? Tasha Field breaks down the ins and outs of surrogacy from her unique perspective as a two-time surrogate and advocate for LGBTQ families. Grab a cup of tea—this episode is full of heart, science, and some seriously funny stories. Main Insights: Tasha’s journey started at age 16 and evolved into helping others build familiesHow she explains surrogacy to her young children (spoiler: honest and adorable)The importance of transparent communication within families about surrogacyThe role of men in surrogacy—like her husband’s evolving supportNavigating legal, emotional, and physical hurdles in the US and abroadSupporting other surrogates with community and fashion (yes, fashion)The mental health support systems that should come with surrogacy journeysHow surrogacy’s public perception is changing (or not) across borders Resources & Links: Surrogacy is — Support Organization & CommunityBook: The Business of Surrogacy by Susan K. MarshallTasha Field on InstagramSupporting Surrogates: Saroswag Clothing Line Connect with Tasha: InstagramEmail/Message through surrogacy.is

    S03:10 - Tosha Field | Surrogacy, Support, and Sisterhood.

  7. Aug 27 ·  Video

    S03:09 - Dr. Adam Anthony | Once Adopted, Always Connected

    In this heartfelt interview, ally and friend of the show, Dr. Adam Anthony, shares his journey as a black adoptee, the importance of transparency in adoption, and how his experiences shape his advocacy for supporting young men of color and adoptive families. Discover insights on navigating identity, family connections, and fostering understanding in the Black community. resources Empowerment by Dr Adam - https://www.empowermentbydrad.com Yes We Adopt (Stacey Gatlin) - https://www.yestweadopt.org Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/empowermentby_dradam Adoption and foster care experiencesIdentity and connection for adopteesSupport systems for young men of color in foster care

    S03:09 - Dr. Adam Anthony | Once Adopted, Always Connected

  8. Aug 20 ·  Video

    S3:E08 - Jamayne & Chris | HBCU, Houston, and Louisiana Dads..

    Ever wondered what it’s like to be an LGBTQ+ couple navigating the wild world of adoption, parenting, and good old southern hospitality? Well, buckle up because this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and heartwarming insights straight from parents who’ve done it all from adopting multiple kids to cooking, traveling, and dreaming of Coachella.In this episode: The joys and challenges of adopting multiple children quickly and unexpectedlyHow they navigate connection with birth families and keeping the community closeThe role of culture, food, and family traditions in shaping their everyday livesTheir thoughts on race, identity, and advocating for kids in a changing worldHonest fears about the future and excitement for what’s yet to come Let's celebrate diverse families, authentic stories, and the power of love, one chapter at a time!

    S3:E08 - Jamayne & Chris | HBCU, Houston, and Louisiana Dads..
See All (72)

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Fathernetics | Dad Hero Stories Real stories from the men who chose fatherhood and everything it took to get there. From adoption and fostering to IVF and surrogacy, Fathernetics explores the journeys behind modern dads, who they were before, what they faced, and who they became along the way. Centered on LGBTQ+ men, with occasional perspectives from women reflecting on their own fathers, these are honest, unfiltered conversations about identity, resilience, relationships, and the realities of building a family. Because becoming a dad isn’t simple and it’s never one-size-fits-all. 🎙️ Hosted by Jameel Mayers 📲 YouTube & Instagram: @fathernetics 📢 New episodes every Thursday

Information

  • Creator
    Jameel Mayers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jameel Mayers
  • Show Website
    Fathernetics