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
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S3:E01 - Ronaldo Dwight | Black Fatherhood Evolved...
2d ago01:27:06Tap to summarizeSeason 3 of the Fathernetics podcast opens with an honest, layered conversation on what it really means to be an LGBTQ dad today. Ronaldo Dwight joins the show to talk about identity before and after fatherhood, intentional friendships, therapy, marriage, and the quiet shift that happens when you realize your life is no longer just yours. From protecting your children’s energy to protecting your own, this episode is about growth, boundaries, and choosing community on purpose.Ronaldo shares the full surrogacy journey, including the financial strain, the emotional weight, and the heartbreak of losing a child before welcoming their second daughter. The conversation moves through Men Having Babies conferences, parenting agreements, and the truth that once the child is here, no one questions how they arrived. It is real, vulnerable, and grounded in the kind of perspective only lived experience brings.This episode centers LGBTQ parenting, representation, emotional health, and raising daughters in a world that still misunderstands gay fathers. It is about listening more than lecturing, apologizing when needed, and asking for help when pride says not to. Season 3 starts with depth, humor, and clarity.@rondwight & @2dads2ladies
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S3:E00 - Gay Dads Do It Better | Jameel Mayers - Intro Episode
1w ago00:26:36Tap to summarizeSeason 3 of Fathernetics kicks off a little differently.This time, it’s just me, interview style. Answering the questions people actually ask and what it’s like building a space for LGBTQ+ dads. No big debate. Just an honest check-in about how far this thing has come.The growth has been real. More listeners. More messages. More dads saying, “I needed this," and that only happens because of the incredible Friends of the Show who’ve trusted this mic with their stories and because you keep showing up. Season 3 is grounded.If you’ve been here from the beginning, I appreciate you. If you’re just finding us, welcome in. You’re right on time.YouTube: youtube.com/@fatherneticsInstagram: @Fathernetics Substack: www.substack.com/fathernetics#fathernetics #lgbtqdads #fatherhoodpodcast #modernfamily #gaydadlife
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S2:E29 - Esteban Mayers - Panama War Zone and the Father Who Raised Me
2w ago00:54:09Tap to summarizeThis Father’s Day special episode of the Fathernetics podcast brings together Jameel Mayers and his father, Esteban, for an honest conversation about fatherhood across cultures and generations. They reflect on parenting values shaped in Panama and the United States, the challenges of immigration, and how education, discipline, and community play a role in raising grounded kids. The discussion weaves in historical context, including the long-term impact of Operation Just Cause, and how major events influence family dynamics and parenting choices. At its core, this episode centers on presence, responsibility, and the legacy fathers pass down, offering a thoughtful look at what it means to show up as a parent, then and now.
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S2:E28 - Gaytriarch | Serious Comedy with Gavin and David
3w 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
Jun 401:01:34Tap 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
May 2800:55:35Tap 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)
May 2101:11:47Tap 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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