Podcast
Fathernetics
Hosted by Jameel Mayers · EN
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
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2:E28 - Gaytriarch | Serious Comedy with Gavin and David
2d ago00:39:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Gaytriarchs Podcast, hosts David and Gavin explore what it means to raise children in a politically charged climate as gay fathers. Blending humor with honest reflection, they unpack how modern parents can address politics, global instability, and social tension while protecting their children’s emotional well-being.The episode opens with relatable banter about New England winter weather, using snow and icy sidewalks as a metaphor for how quickly something beautiful can turn complicated. A story about a slippery sidewalk accident becomes a reminder that everyday parenting moments often hold unexpected lessons. This conversational start sets the tone for deeper discussions about resilience, adaptability, and perspective in family life.This episode speaks directly to parents searching for guidance on raising children in uncertain political times. Key themes include:• How to talk to kids about politics• Parenting during political division• Raising emotionally secure children• Gay dads and family communication• Teaching kindness and civic awarenessAt its core, this conversation reminds listeners that while the political climate may shift, strong family values, open dialogue, and humor remain steady anchors. Parenting today requires intention, empathy, and courage—but it also leaves room for laughter along the way.
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S2:E27 - Cody Dolly | We Swiped Right on a Surrogate and Built a Family
1w ago01:01:34Tap to summarizeFriend of the Show Cody Dolly sits down to talk about surrogacy, LGBTQ family planning, and what it really takes to build a family with intention. From triathlons and travel to budgeting for surrogacy and finding the right match, this conversation breaks down the real life process behind becoming gay dads. If you are exploring surrogacy, parenting as an LGBTQ couple, or just want honest talk about modern fatherhood, this one is for you.Watch on YouTube at youtube.com/@fatherneticsIG: @codykdollyListen wherever you stream podcasts#fathernetics #lgbtqdads #gayparenting #surrogacyjourney #modernfatherhood
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S2:E26 - Drummond | You Need More Positive Talks in Your Life
2w ago00:55:35Tap to summarizeWhat happens when two men decide that positivity is not soft, it is strategy?In this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Kiki with Friend of the Show Drummond (IG: @drummondculture)to unpack the origin of Positive Talks and why intentional spaces matter more than ever.We get into content creation, real networking versus surface connections, and how building community takes purpose. We also go deeper with crazy talk around generational trauma, family dynamics, and how our upbringing shows up in our parenting. Drummond shares how self discovery and healing changed how he navigates relationships, leadership, and fatherhood.Watch on YouTube | Listen on all podcast platformsChapters00:00 The Birth of Positive Talks05:47 Navigating Content Creation and Networking11:53 Building Intentional Networking Spaces17:39 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing27:39 Generational Trauma and Its Impact39:27 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth#fathernetics #lgbtqdads #fatherhoodjourney #personalgrowth #positivetalks
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S2:E25 - Leo Massey | Jewish Therapist for the LGBTQ+ Community (Prescribed)
3w ago01:11:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with therapist and Friend of the Show Leo Massey (@lmsw_leo) to talk about normalizing therapy, breaking down misconceptions around CBT and DBT, and why representation in mental health matters — especially for LGBTQ+ families. We also get into parenting, coping skills, neurodivergence, ADHD, and how understanding support systems can change lives.This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply relatable.Follow Leo on Instagram: @lmsw_leoFollow the show on Instagram: @fatherneticsWatch and subscribe on YouTube for more real conversations about modern fatherhood, mental health, and family.#fathernetics #mentalhealth #therapy #LGBTQparents #CBT #DBT
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S2:E24 - August Black | Mr. Black talks about being an intentional Trans-Dad
May 1401:05:02Tap to summarizeWhat does fatherhood look like when your journey doesn’t follow the script? In this Fathernetics episode, August Black shares his experience as a transgender dad navigating masculinity, identity, and raising a daughter with intention. We talk about coming out more than once, balancing strength and softness, working in the gaming voiceover world, and what it really means to show up as a parent. This is an honest conversation about modern fatherhood, trans parenting, and LGBTQ+ family life.IG: @augustsinstaWatch on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.#fathernetics #lgbtqdads #transparents #modernfatherhood #queerfamilies
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S2:E23 - Ben & Joshua Bishop | The Journey Does Sometimes Require A Smash Room
May 701:01:22Tap to summarizeThis episode of the Fathernetics podcast explores what modern fatherhood looks like before kids even arrive. The conversation moves from K pop and Dungeons and Dragons to the very real emotional weight of surrogacy, chosen family, and building support systems as LGBTQ+ men planning for parenthood. It is an honest look at anticipation, uncertainty, and how community, creativity, and connection carry you through the waiting.🎧 Watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/@fathernetics📲 Guests on InstagramJoshua Bishop @twodadsandababydreamBen Bishop @bennybishop89#Fathernetics #LGBTQDads #SurrogacyJourney #GayDads #ChosenFamily #ModernFatherhood #QueerParents #FutureDads
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S2:E22 - Alex and Dustin | Fostering, Adoption, and the Messy Truth of Being LGBTQ+ Parents
Apr 3001:05:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Alex and Dustin share an honest, wide-ranging conversation about life as LGBTQ+ parents. From their shared love of music and concerts to their journey through fostering and adoption, they reflect on how culture, upbringing, and chosen community have shaped the way they parent. They talk candidly about intentional parenting, the importance of self-care, and the real joys and challenges of raising children in a diverse family structure. The episode centers on showing up with purpose, building support systems, and redefining what modern fatherhood can look like.Watch the full episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@fatherneticsGuest Instagram handles: @leogee2010, @acabal82
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S2:E21 - Nathan Serran | Talks Adoption and CELL Phones
Apr 2300:59:00Tap to summarizeIn this Fathernetics podcast episode, Nathan Serran shares his perspective on modern fatherhood through adoption, offering an honest look at raising two daughters with intention, presence, and emotional awareness. The conversation touches on communication inside the family, mental health, and how technology shapes childhood today.Nathan also reflects on his transition from restaurant ownership to building a skincare business, and how redefining success allowed him to become a more engaged and available father. This episode focuses on adoption, intentional parenting, and the everyday choices that strengthen family connection.Watch the full conversation on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@fatherneticsFollow Fathernetics on Instagram at @fatherneticsFollow Nathan Serran on Instagram at @nathanserran
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S2:E20 - Casey Benson | Parenting Isn’t a Hobby, It’s a Whole Mortgage
Apr 1601:24:41Tap to summarizeThis episode brings Jameel Mayers and Casey Benson together for a real conversation about fatherhood, homeownership, and the emotional work behind raising kids with intention. They get into cultural differences, immigration stories, family politics, and the ways racism and relocation shape how we show up as parents. They talk about adoption, naming, shifting friendships, and the pressure fathers feel to model accountability every day. At its heart, this conversation is about presence, growth, and the way our children quietly teach us who we’re becoming.TakeawaysHomeownership brings excitement but also unexpected challenges.Parenting often feels like a trial-and-error process.Accountability in parenting helps model behavior for children.Communication styles must adapt to different audiences.Navigating political differences can strain family relationships.Friendship dynamics change when children are involved.Cultural differences can impact personal relationships.Parenting perspectives evolve with generational changes.Personal growth often comes from navigating difficult relationships.Emotional intelligence is key in all forms of communication. Moving can change family dynamics significantly.Conversations can shift perspectives on immigration.Personal experiences shape views on racism.Fathers play a crucial role in daughters' lives.Presence in parenting is more important than perfection.Naming a child can reflect family history and identity.Navigating family dynamics requires awareness and intention.Intentional parenting fosters stronger bonds.Children teach us to appreciate simple joys.Parenting is a journey of growth and learning.
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S2:E19 - Daniel Berezowsky | Breaks Surrogacy Down to Baby Steps
Apr 900:55:30Tap to summarizeThe conversation looks at the real-world impact of information asymmetry in healthcare and how it shapes the patient experience. Daniel Berezowsky and Jameel talk about what happens when service providers control most of the information, leaving families to make decisions without the clarity or context they deserve. They unpack how this imbalance creates confusion, limits personal agency, and makes it harder for people to advocate for themselves in a system that already feels overwhelming. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll—how navigating complex medical information adds pressure to parents and caregivers who are trying to do right by their families. Overall, it’s a conversation about power, clarity, and the need for more transparent, accessible healthcare communication, especially for families seeking fairness and understanding in complex systems.TakeawaysThere is significant information asymmetry in healthcare.Service providers often present biased information.Navigating healthcare requires critical evaluation of sources.Complexity in healthcare can overwhelm individuals seeking information.Understanding the motives behind information sharing is crucial.Clinics and agencies may not provide the full picture.Individuals need to seek diverse perspectives.The healthcare landscape is filled with conflicting narratives.Awareness of biases can lead to better decision-making.Effective communication is essential in healthcare.
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