Better Call Daddy

Reena Friedman Watts
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Film Interviews
  • Updated twice weekly

Reena loves a story, and she‘s fascinated by the people behind them. She loves to bring stories to life. Her appetite for storytelling has taken her from the Jerry Springer Show to the legal drama of the courtroom. From influential players to reality stars, nothing is censored here. Reena interviews people whose stories haven‘t been told, at least not through her unique lens, and then gets daddy‘s advice afterward like a good daughter does. Whether you have daddy issues or a father who‘s inspired your path, you will be able to tap into my daddy‘s wisdom, wit, and humor at the end of every episode. My daddy has been a guiding light my whole life and there‘s not much he doesn‘t know, as an entrepreneur for forty-plus years, a husband, a loyal son, and my number one supporter. He has learned lots of life lessons along the way and is here to share them with you. It‘s time to reminisce and reflect on the conversations you‘d like to have with your daddy and learn from mine. Come share in some good old-fashioned family bonding and help us up our wisdom rating. There is wisdom from four generations and I’m addressing what happens from childhood to adulthood!

  1. 1 day ago

    498. Boarding School Made Her Fearless: Chomp Founder Kiko Zhang on Identity, Open Relationships & Authenticity

    In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Kiko Zang, business executive, tech founder, and opinion leader building human-centric consumer products. Kiko is the Founder & CEO of Chomp, a social game that rewards honesty instead of punishing it and she's on a mission to fix what she calls the "performative internet." Kiko opens up about her path from boarding school in China to New Zealand and the United States, the anti-authoritarian streak she carried as a kid, and the long road to understanding her own identity across cultures. The conversation gets candid as she discusses her experience with open relationships and how it reshaped her views on love, trust, kindness, and loyalty then turns to the bigger picture: why social media rewards performance over authenticity, why women in particular self-censor online, and why honest human belief may be the scarcest, most valuable data in the age of AI. Kiko also shares her founder journey from COO at Orca (one of Solana's largest decentralized exchanges, where she helped raise $19M and grow the platform to $1B+ in 24-hour trading volume) to building Chomp, which drew 50,000 beta users sharing millions of honest answers and raised $3.6M from backers including BlueYard, JSquare, and Accomplice placing her among the 2% of female-led startups to raise venture capital. Chomp launches on iOS in 2026. Equal parts personal memoir and founder story, this episode covers identity, relationships, resilience, the loneliness epidemic, the funding gap for female founders, and what it takes to build something real in a "dead internet" full of bots and AI slop. Keywords: Kiko Zang, boarding school identity, open relationships podcast, cultural identity, female tech founder, women in venture capital, social media and authenticity, dead internet theory, Chomp app, Solana Orca DEX, honest opinions app, read the room, loneliness epidemic, Better Call Daddy podcast, Reena Friedman Watts 🎙️ What's In This Episode How growing up in boarding school in China shaped Kiko Zang's identity and friendships Immigrating from China to New Zealand to the U.S. navigating culture shock and belonging Childhood rebellion and an anti-authoritarian mindset where it came from and what it taught her Inside open relationships: what they are, how they work, and the lessons they teach about love Why kindness and loyalty matter more than performance in real relationships The perception vs. reality gap what people really think vs. what they post online Why women self-censor online, and how anonymity can support female mental health The loneliness epidemic and the search for genuine connection in a performative social feed The "dead internet": bots, AI slop, and human authenticity as the new luxury From COO at Orca (Solana's largest DEX) to Founder & CEO of Chomp Raising $3.6M in venture capital as a female founder and the broader funding gap Building Chomp, a social game that protects honest opinions instead of punishing them Why honest human belief may be the most valuable data in the age of AI 💭 Memorable Quotes from Kiko Zang "I think the most universal experience is feeling misunderstood." "It's important to find a space where you can embrace all of who you are." ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to Kiko Zang, Founder & CEO of Chomp (05:15) Growing up in boarding school: culture shock and identity (15:30) Inside open relationships: love, trust, and commitment (25:00) Kindness and loyalty as the foundation of real relationships (35:45) From Orca to Chomp: building a career in tech and Web3 (45:00) Social media, the "dead internet," and the case for honest opinions 👤 About Kiko Zang Kiko Zang is a business executive, tech founder, and opinion leader passionate about building human-centric consumer products. Career Founder & CEO, Chomp — a social game that rewards honesty instead of punishing it, in a world of performative internet. Chomp drew 50,000 users sharing millions of answers in beta, and has raised $3.6M from backers including BlueYard, JSquare, and Accomplice — placing Kiko among the 2% of female-led tech startups to attract VC capital. Launching on iOS in 2026. COO at Orca, one of Solana's largest decentralized exchanges, where she helped raise $19M, partnered with 100+ projects, and grew the platform to a category leader with $1B+ in 24-hour trading volume. A decade of launching consumer products and leading cross-cultural projects at Deloitte, Mattel, and IDEO. Education: University of Southern California (USC) — B.S. Accounting Information Systems and B.S. Business; also trained at a jazz conservatory. Languages: Mandarin, English Commentary Topics The perception vs. reality gap: what people really think versus what they post, and why it's not the same thing Why women self-censor, and how anonymity can benefit female mental health The loneliness epidemic and the search for genuine connection in a performative social media feed The "dead internet": bots, AI slop, and human authenticity as the new luxury Building consumer products that actually benefit people Female founders, the funding gap, and capital efficiency Reorienting capitalism for long-term social good Why honest human belief is the scarcest, most valuable data in the age of AI Selected Media Appearances FINTECH.TV, "Vibe Markets and Consumer Insights, A Deep Dive with KZ from Chomp" Breakpoint 2025's Superteam Demo Day — presenting Chomp, a deceptively simple quiz game that functions as a "Trojan horse" for more accurate internet information "Making Complexity Accessible" 🔗 Connect with Kiko Zang Website & waitlist: chomp.fyi LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kikozang X: x.com/KayZizzle Instagram: instagram.com/askchomp 🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website: bettercalldaddy.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts Instagram: instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts YouTube: youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy #CulturalIdentity #OpenRelationships #BetterCallDaddy #SocialMedia #Authenticity #StartupJourney #Resilience #BoardingSchool #ChompApp #FemaleFounders #Web3 #DeadInternet

  2. 13 Aug

    497. The Final Frontier: Aerospace Speaker Ken Ruffin on NASA, Rocket Propulsion & the Moon Landing

    Award-winning aerospace speaker and communicator Ken Ruffin joins Better Call Daddy host Reena Friedman Watts for a conversation about the moon landing, rocket propulsion, and the future of space exploration. Ken Ruffin, founder and CEO of Didymos Consulting LLC (dba Ruff-in-Space) and a longtime leader within the National Space Society, shares how being woken up as a child to watch Neil Armstrong's historic moonwalk sparked a lifelong passion for space, and how Star Trek shaped his transition from aerospace engineering into a career as a space communicator. This episode covers rocket propulsion technology, nuclear electric propulsion, the future of NASA, commercial space travel, and commercial space stations. Ken and Reena also explore the cultural impact of space exploration and why curiosity and education matter for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers. If you're interested in space exploration, aerospace engineering, NASA's future missions, commercial spaceflight, rocket science, space industry careers, or the story behind the Apollo 11 moon landing, this conversation is for you. 🎙️ What's In This Episode Ken Ruffin's early memories of the Apollo 11 moon landing How Star Trek influenced his path from aerospace engineering into space communication Rocket propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion explained The future of NASA and commercial space stations Ken's transition from engineering into public speaking and space industry consulting Why curiosity and education matter for inspiring future generations of space explorers 💭 Memorable Quotes from Ken "Nothing satisfies me like space, nothing from 1974 to this date." "Dreams can come true if we put the energy into it." ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to Ken Ruffin, award-winning aerospace speaker and communicator (05:15) Memories of the Apollo 11 moon landing (15:30) How Star Trek influenced Ken's ambitions (25:00) Rocket propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion (35:45) The future of NASA and commercial space travel (45:00) Inspiring future generations through curiosity and education 👤 About Ken Ruffin Ken Ruffin is the Founder & CEO of Didymos Consulting LLC, dba Ruff-in-Space, a firm specializing in space industry public outreach, connecting job seekers with commercial space employers, and connecting investors with commercial space executives across the USA and beyond. A former aerospace engineering student, Ken has served as president of the National Space Society of North Texas (NSS-NT) since 2011, and sits on both the NSS Board of Directors and the NSS Board of Strategic Advisors as a Space Ambassador. Under his leadership, NSS-NT has been ranked the #2 NSS chapter in the world for seven years and the #1 chapter in the world for six years for public outreach, starting in 2013. Ken has presented to nearly 250 audiences across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond, and has been interviewed dozens of times by DFW TV news stations on the present and future of space travel. 🔗 Connect with Ken Ruffin Website: https://www.didymosconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: Didymos Consulting LLC, dba Ruff-in-Space Email: ken.ruffin@nss.org 🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website: bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/ | Instagram: instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy #SpaceExploration #NASA #RocketScience #AerospaceEngineering #MoonLanding #CommercialSpaceTravel #BetterCallDaddy #NuclearPropulsion #NationalSpaceSociety #SpaceIndustryCareers

  3. 7 Aug

    496. How an Uber Ride Led to TrueView: Charles Cade's Spiritual Journey

    What happens when an Uber ride turns into a profound conversation about spirituality, dreams, and the meaning of life? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Charles Cade founder of TrueViews Transportation, former rideshare driver, and self-described spiritual messenger — to talk about God, connection, and the lessons that show up in the most unexpected places. Charles opens up about his personal mission and the wisdom he's picked up along the way, reminding us that every encounter, even a routine car ride, can carry a lesson if we're paying attention. Charles also pitches his idea for a reality show built around positive behavior instead of drama, and talks about his ongoing work in animal rescue and logistics. His path from a difficult childhood to a career full of unexpected turns — has shaped how he thinks about forgiveness, karma, and living in step with God's teachings. Reena and Charles dig into community, the ripple effects of our everyday choices, and the quiet power of kindness. Charles's core message: heaven and earth are connected, and it's on us to bring a little more heaven into daily life. 🎙️ What's In This Episode The unexpected lessons learned from an Uber ride Charles's vision for a reality TV show that promotes positive behavior Why animal rescue and logistics work matters to him His take on forgiveness and karma How to bring more heaven to earth through everyday actions The importance of community and understanding different cultures 💭 Memorable Quotes from Charles "Everything happens for a reason." "Why not try to make earth a little more heavenly?" ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to Charles Cade (05:15) The lessons from an Uber ride (15:30) Vision for a reality show (25:00) The role of forgiveness and karma (35:45) Insights on community and kindness (45:00) Bringing heaven to earth 🔗 Connect with Charles Cade Instagram 🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts [Website] | [LinkedIn] | [Instagram] | [YouTube]

  4. 30 Jul

    495. Old School Values in a New Age: Oshri Cohen on Family, Tech, and Legacy

    What does it mean to balance old school values with the rapid advancements of technology? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes tech expert Oshri Cohen, who delves into the importance of maintaining traditional values in a world increasingly dominated by AI and digital innovation. Oshri shares his journey from a young coder to a fractional CTO, discussing how his unconventional beginnings shaped his approach to technology and business. He emphasizes the significance of creativity in an age where AI is often seen as a replacement for human ingenuity. The conversation touches on the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly when it comes to navigating platforms like YouTube, and how his new product, Watchly Player, aims to create a safer viewing experience for children. Reena and Oshri explore the evolving role of a CTO, the pitfalls of corporate culture, and the necessity of kindness in leadership. Oshri’s insights challenge listeners to rethink their relationship with technology and the impact of family dynamics on personal and professional growth.   Oshri Cohen is an AI-native Chief Product & Technology Officer who helps companies build software the way modern teams actually should. Over 25 years in software — 20 of them in technology leadership — he has made AI-native transformation his focus: rewiring how engineering organizations plan, build, and ship, not just bolting AI features onto old workflows. He leans on cloud-native architecture, DORA metrics, and GitOps to turn slow, siloed teams into fast, measurable product engines. His range is unusually broad. Since 2018 he has served as fractional and interim CTO to more than 30 companies, almost all US-based, and at his peak directed 12 engineering teams across seven countries. He has shipped more than ten digital products across healthtech, e-commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and finance. A McGill business grad who taught himself to code at 13, Oshri leads business-first — every technical decision starts at the P&L, never the other way around. 🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE: - The importance of old school values in modern society - Oshri's unconventional path to becoming a fractional CTO - The role of AI in creativity and problem-solving - Parenting in the age of YouTube and the creation of Watchly Player - Insights on corporate culture vs. startup mentality - The significance of kindness and respect in leadership 💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM OSHRI: "Don’t lose old school values because if you do, your society can run amok." "Be kind to the person who seems unimportant, because that's the most important person." ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction to Oshri Cohen (05:15) Balancing old school values with modern technology (15:30) Understanding the role of a fractional CTO (25:00) The challenges of parenting in the digital age (35:45) Insights on corporate culture vs. startup mentality (45:00) The significance of kindness in leadership 🔗 CONNECT WITH OSHRI COHEN: Website | LinkedIn 🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, highlighting the essential lessons we can pass on to future generations.

  5. 22 Jul

    494. Dads, Daughters, and Dreams Kelby Green

    What does it really take to break the cycles you were handed and build something better for the next generation? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Kelby Green, purpose-driven entrepreneur and proud girl dad, for a conversation that moves between boardrooms and bedrooms the business of building a life with intention. Kelby opens up about leaving the corporate world behind, what pushed him toward entrepreneurship, and the hard lessons that came with the leap. Reena and Kelby get into the real work of validating ideas before falling in love with them, why investing in yourself is non-negotiable, and how to network in a way that actually feels human. They also tackle the trickier stuff when to work for free, when to walk away from a partnership, and how to build community around what you create. And woven throughout it all: fatherhood. Kelby reflects on how raising daughters shapes the way he thinks about business, legacy, and what it means to give kids room to figure out who they are. 🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE: - Kelby's leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship - How to validate a business idea before going all in - Building community spaces for content creators - The real rules of networking and when free work makes sense - Navigating partnerships and knowing when to walk away - Raising daughters to be curious, confident, and free from the box 💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM KELBY: "Everything is figureoutable." "I want to encourage them to try things and see what they're interested in without feeling pressured to fit into any box." 🗣️ QUOTES FROM WAYNE FRIEDMAN: "I think there is a solution. You can figure it out." "You want to be able to share ideas, share people where everybody can get a common good out of it." ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Meet Kelby Green (05:15) From corporate employee to entrepreneur (15:30) Building community spaces for content creation (25:00) Validating business ideas through client engagement (35:45) Networking, partnerships, and the free work question (45:00) Raising daughters with intention   🔗 CONNECT WITH KELBY GREEN: Instagram | Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the power of community, the importance of authentic connections, and the journey of parenting in the entrepreneurial world.

  6. 15 Jul

    493. Still Connected: Carre Gordon on Grief, Signs, and Love Across the Veil

    In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reunites with her childhood friend Carre Gordon to talk about loss, connection, and healing. The two reminisce about their carefree days growing up together in Kentucky before Carre shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her son, Grant, during what began as an ordinary birthday celebration. Carre opens up about the unexpected signs and messages she's received from Grant, and how they've shown her that her bond with her son didn't end it just changed shape. The conversation moves through the role of spirituality, the healing power of community, and the lessons trauma can teach us about strength and vulnerability. Together, Reena and Carre explore mediumship, the idea of soul contracts, and what it means to stay connected to someone you've lost. Carre's story is a gentle, grounded reminder that grief isn't linear and that love doesn't disappear, it just finds new ways to reach us. If you or someone you love is navigating loss, this episode offers comfort, honesty, and the reassurance that you're not walking through it alone. 🎙️ What's in This Episode Carre's journey through grief and healing after losing her son Signs and messages from loved ones beyond the veil Why community and support matter so much in navigating loss Grief as a personal journey there's no "right" way to do it Soul contracts and the idea of a pre-written path Finding comfort and connection in the face of loss 💭 Memorable Quotes from Carre "Life happens for us, not to us." "We can still have an energetic relationship with our loved ones." ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to Carre Gordon (05:15) Reminiscing about childhood memories in Kentucky (15:30) The impact of losing a child and navigating grief (25:00) Signs and messages from Grant (35:45) The role of community in healing (45:00) Spiritual connections and the concept of soul contracts   Resources mentioned https://www.helpingparentsheal.org/   🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Join us for this enlightening conversation about love, loss, and the connections that keep shaping our lives even after death. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that support is available and healing is possible.

  7. 9 Jul

    492. No Rabbi's Permission Needed: Inside the Fight for Jewish Abuse Survivors Ariella Goldberg Kay

    What happens when personal trauma intersects with a mission to advocate for justice? In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Ariella Goldberg-Kay, a survivor liaison for Zaakah, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence within the Jewish community. Ariella Kay opens up about her deeply personal connection to this work, rooted in her aunt's tragic story of sexual assault and suicide  a loss that has profoundly shaped her life and advocacy. Reena and Ariella explore the complexities of trauma recovery, the stigma surrounding mental health in religious communities, and the fight for justice for survivors of sexual abuse. Ariella shares how her own experiences fueled her passion for advocacy, helping other survivors find their voice and pursue legal action against their abusers. The conversation also unpacks the unique challenges Jewish survivors face from barriers to reporting abuse to inadequate institutional responses. Ariella explains how Zaakah is changing the landscape for survivors by empowering them to seek justice without needing rabbinical approval, and why a trauma-informed approach is essential to real healing. If you or someone you know needs support, Zaakah's confidential hotline is available at 1-888-492-2524, or visit www.zaakah.org. 🎙️ What's in This Episode: Ariella's personal connection to sexual violence advocacy The impact of silence and stigma on mental health Navigating the justice system as a sexual abuse survivor Why community support is critical for healing How Zaakah is transforming survivor support in the Jewish community The power of sharing personal stories to build connection and understanding 💭 Memorable Quotes from Ariella: "I don't want people to have to live with the aftermath of suicide or sexual abuse." "Your relationship with God is between you and God, and no one else should dictate that." "If an institution can't afford to pay restitution for the abuse that happened there, it doesn't deserve to exist anymore." ⏱️ Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction to Ariella K. and Zaakah (05:15) The personal story behind Ariella's advocacy (15:30) Challenges faced by survivors in the Jewish community (25:00) The role of Zaakah in supporting legal justice (35:45) Navigating trauma and mental health stigma (45:00) Ariella's insights on community and healing 🔗 Connect with Zaakah: Website: www.zaakah.org | Instagram 📞 Hotline: 1-888-492-2524 Outcry Podcast  https://www.facebook.com/zaakah 🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube If you've ever wondered how trauma shapes our lives — and why advocacy and community support matter for survivors of sexual abuse — this episode of Better Call Daddy is a must-listen. Need support? Zaakah's hotline: 1-888-492-2524 | www.zaakah.org

  8. 2 Jul

    491. True Crime, No Nightmares: ID Crime Vault's Jerry Matz

    What draws us to true crime and what does it say about us? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Jerry Matz, the mind behind the hit Instagram account ID Crime Vault, for an honest conversation about true crime, storytelling, and the family moments that shape who we become. Jerry traces his love of true crime back to childhood watching shows like Joe Kenda and Hollywood Demons with family, and slowly realizing he didn't just want to consume these stories. He wanted to tell them. Reena and Jerry dig into what makes crime narratives so compelling, how he built a loyal community one consistent post at a time, and why patience might be the most underrated skill in content creation. The conversation also gets real about the darker side of the industry — the psychological toll reality TV takes on its participants, and the responsibility creators and media have to portray crime with accuracy and empathy. 🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE: - Jerry's origin story in the true crime world - How family shapes the interests we carry into adulthood - The psychology behind why crime stories grip us - Empathy as a storytelling superpower - Reality TV's hidden cost on its participants - Growing a community around a shared passion 💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM JERRY: "Sometimes people like suspense. They like the mystery. It's like a mystery book." "You never know what you're going to get out of it. Just try it and don't quit." ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Meet Jerry Matz true crime storyteller (05:15) The family influences behind his passion (15:30) The psychology of crime media (25:00) Reality TV's darker realities (35:45) Building community through shared obsession (45:00) Grandpa's take on crime, media & responsibility 🔗 CONNECT WITH JERRY: Instagram 🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube If you've ever found yourself three hours deep in a true crime rabbit hole and wondered why — this episode is for you.

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out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Reena loves a story, and she‘s fascinated by the people behind them. She loves to bring stories to life. Her appetite for storytelling has taken her from the Jerry Springer Show to the legal drama of the courtroom. From influential players to reality stars, nothing is censored here. Reena interviews people whose stories haven‘t been told, at least not through her unique lens, and then gets daddy‘s advice afterward like a good daughter does. Whether you have daddy issues or a father who‘s inspired your path, you will be able to tap into my daddy‘s wisdom, wit, and humor at the end of every episode. My daddy has been a guiding light my whole life and there‘s not much he doesn‘t know, as an entrepreneur for forty-plus years, a husband, a loyal son, and my number one supporter. He has learned lots of life lessons along the way and is here to share them with you. It‘s time to reminisce and reflect on the conversations you‘d like to have with your daddy and learn from mine. Come share in some good old-fashioned family bonding and help us up our wisdom rating. There is wisdom from four generations and I’m addressing what happens from childhood to adulthood!

Information

  • Creator
    Reena Friedman Watts
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    499
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Better Call Daddy