I Am Dad

Kenneth Braswell
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The I AM DAD. Podcast is an exploration of fatherhood insight, information, and inspiration for dads, their families, the people who love, and those that support them.

  1. 4D AGO

    Juan Baxter on Love, Legacy, and Creating Safe Spaces for Men to Heal and Lead

    In this deeply moving episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell sits down with Juan Baxter, a relationship therapist, youth mentor, and co-founder of the media and training duo Those Baxters. Juan shares his story of growing up without a present father, raising his own son at 19, and transforming generational cycles through intentional fatherhood, community service, and spiritual calling. Juan reflects on his decision to put himself on child support, become a single father in his teens, and walk away from street life for the sake of his children. With equal parts vulnerability and wisdom, he explains how faith led him into social work, radio, theater, and fatherhood programming—culminating in his role as a Gentle Warriors Academy facilitator with Fathers Incorporated. Together, Juan and Kenneth dive into the realities of parenting while healing, the importance of availability over perfection, the needs of men reentering community life, and how brotherhood among fathers can help men thrive where systems once failed them.

    54 min

  2. SEP 21

    Dena Barnwell on Redefining Perinatal Care to Include Fathers and Why Paternal Mental Health Matters

    In this thought-provoking episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Dena Barnwell, a Doctor of Public Health candidate, health educator, and former doula, whose work focuses on making fatherhood visible in systems that often leave men out. Dena’s journey into fatherhood advocacy began with her own personal story—a deep bond with her father, followed by a decade-long absence that challenged everything she believed about paternal relationships. Her work explores how mental health, systems involvement, and social stigma impact fathers during the perinatal period, and why public health must treat men as more than “accessory parents.” Kenneth and Dena unpack the often-overlooked role of dads in maternal health, the emotional complexity of co-parenting, and the critical importance of storytelling in reshaping narratives about Black fathers. From her powerful research in Baltimore to her reflections as a mother, Dena makes a compelling case for family-centered—not mother-only—models of care.

    1h 2m

  3. SEP 14

    Sharmain Harris on Rising from Prison to Purpose: Fatherhood, Forgiveness, and the Power of Redemption

    In this gripping episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes back author, speaker, and reentry advocate Sharmain Harris. From growing up in the streets of Racine, Wisconsin, to serving time in prison, Sharmain’s story is a raw and redemptive testament to the transformative power of second chances. Now a husband, father of three, and community leader, Sharmain returns to share the deeper truths behind his new memoir, Rising Above the Odds: My Journey from Pain and Prison to Power and Purpose. With honesty and humility, Sharmain reflects on childhood trauma, the heartbreak of family separation, his time in prison, and the pivotal moments that changed his mindset. The conversation explores fatherhood as both an identity and a responsibility, how trauma impacts Black boys and men, and the systems that too often fail them. Sharmain also shares how becoming a stepfather, reconnecting with his faith, and facing his past led to a gubernatorial pardon and a renewed purpose to serve others. This episode is not just a story—it’s a blueprint for healing, hope, and generational transformation.

    1h 8m

  4. SEP 7

    Beau Gaudreau on Fatherhood, Redemption, and Why Men Must Learn to Lead With Love

    In this moving episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Beau Gaudreau—veteran, educator, actor, former firefighter, and dedicated father—opens up about his transformative journey through adversity, identity, and intentional parenting. Host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, takes Beau through a heartfelt and unfiltered reflection on fatherhood, including growing up without his own father present, navigating the trauma of abandonment, and breaking generational cycles of emotional suppression. Together, they explore Beau’s military service during the Gulf War era, his personal battles with fear and faith, and his decision to leave behind stability for purpose-driven work that centers Black fathers and children. Through stories of loss, growth, and redemption, Beau emphasizes how men must be willing to go deep, organize the emotional “closets” of their lives, and evolve into the fathers their children truly need. This is a conversation about presence, intentionality, second chances—and the sacred call to manhood.

    1 hr
  5. Dr. Matisa Wilbon and Kenneth Braswell on Georgia's Legitimation and the Fight for Fathers' Rights

    JUL 13

    Dr. Matisa Wilbon and Kenneth Braswell on Georgia's Legitimation and the Fight for Fathers' Rights

    In this special episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, is joined by researcher and sociologist Dr. Matisa Wilbon to discuss the often-overlooked issue of legitimation in the state of Georgia—a legal process that determines a father's right to custody and decision-making for his child if he is not married to the mother. Through a detailed presentation and moving personal testimonies, the episode sheds light on how Georgia remains the only state that separates paternity from legal fatherhood, leaving countless fathers without any legal standing in their children's lives—even if they are on the birth certificate or paying child support. Dr. Wilbon presents findings from her research brief on the link between legitimation, father engagement, and youth academic outcomes, while the video features fathers sharing the emotional toll, legal confusion, and financial barriers they’ve faced. This episode is a critical call to action for policymakers, practitioners, and communities to support legal reform and greater access for fathers striving to be present in their children’s lives. Learn more at: https://fathersincorporated.com Visit: https://iamdadpodcast.com

    1h 3m
  6. Kenneth Braswell on Dental Health, Manhood, and Why Fathers/Men Must Stop Ignoring Their Wellness

    JUL 6

    Kenneth Braswell on Dental Health, Manhood, and Why Fathers/Men Must Stop Ignoring Their Wellness

    In this special episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, joins Dr. David Miller for a raw and eye-opening conversation on a topic rarely discussed in men’s health: dental care. Sharing his own painful journey through full dental reconstruction, Kenneth reflects on how cultural silence around health—especially among Black men—has led many to neglect the very care that sustains life, connection, and legacy. From emergency extractions to permanent dentures, the experience reshaped his relationship to food, fitness, family, and self-care. Kenneth and Dr. Miller explore how early messages around toughness, survival, and masculinity leave men unprepared to prioritize prevention. They also discuss the systemic failures of the health insurance system, the cultural need to redefine what it means to be strong, and why modeling healthy behaviors for our children starts with taking care of ourselves first. This episode is a call to action for fathers: your health is not just about you. It’s about the story your children will tell and the moments you might miss if you don’t take care of yourself now. Explore more from Fathers Incorporated: https://fathersincorporated.com Visit I Am Dad Podcast: https://iamdadpodcast.com

    27 min
  7. Danielle Shears on Chronic Illness Recovery, Lifestyle Medicine, and Wellness for Fathers Over 40

    JUN 29

    Danielle Shears on Chronic Illness Recovery, Lifestyle Medicine, and Wellness for Fathers Over 40

    In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, speaks with Danielle Shears, founder of Better Choice Health LLC, about how chronic illness and unresolved fatigue are reshaping how men—especially fathers—approach wellness in their 40s and beyond. Drawing from her 30+ years in nursing and her own journey through chronic illness, Danielle explains why the traditional medical system often overlooks root causes and how lifestyle change, functional nutrition, and stress management offer a new path toward healing. With practical strategies and powerful affirmations, she encourages fathers to lead themselves and their families from a place of strength, clarity, and purpose. Learn more about Danielle Shears: https://danielleshearscoach.com Download her free guide: https://bit.ly/44O2fia Book a free strategy session: https://l.bttr.to/4hCBc Learn more about Fathers Incorporated: https://fathersincorporated.com

    59 min
  8. Dina Israel on Fatherhood, Policy, and Using Research to Strengthen Families Nationwide

    JUN 22

    Dina Israel on Fatherhood, Policy, and Using Research to Strengthen Families Nationwide

    How do we use research to better support fathers? Dina Israel shares how evidence and action come together to improve real lives. In this episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell speaks with Dina Israel, senior associate at MDRC, a national nonprofit research organization committed to improving the lives of low-income families. For over 20 years, Dina has worked with agencies across the country to design and evaluate programs that support family stability and father engagement. She shares insights on what it means to bridge the gap between data and daily life, and how fatherhood programs are most effective when they reflect both rigorous research and real human experience. Dina explains how MDRC is shaping national conversations around parenting, policy, and the power of showing up for fathers. Learn more about MDRC: https://www.mdrc.org Explore more from Fathers Incorporated: https://fathersincorporated.com

    1h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The I AM DAD. Podcast is an exploration of fatherhood insight, information, and inspiration for dads, their families, the people who love, and those that support them.

Information

  • Creator
    Kenneth Braswell
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright {2025} All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    I Am Dad