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
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2:E25 - Leo Massey | Jewish Therapist for the LGBTQ+ Community (Prescribed)
2d 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
1w ago01:05:02Tap 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
2w ago01:01:22Tap 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
3w ago01:05:26Tap 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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S2:E18 - Jaimie Kelton | Reverse Trolling Online, the LIGIBITIQUA way!
Mar 3101:05:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Jaimie Kelton, host of the Queer Family Podcast, to talk about LGBTQ+ family life, evolving holiday traditions, parenting in a digital world, infertility, and the intentional nature of queer family building. The conversation centers on representation, community support, and navigating visibility amid online noise, aligning closely with the mission of Fathernetics.YouTube & Socialhttps://www.youtube.com/@fatherneticsInstagram: @fatherneticsJaimie Kelton: @jaimiekelton (instagram)Queer Family Podcast: @queerfamilypodcast
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S2:E17 - Sam Leeson -| Who Are You Becoming As They Grow?
Mar 2600:58:30Tap to summarizeSam dives into the real work of raising kids who can stand on their own. She unpacks the tension parents feel between wanting to give their children more than they had and actually preparing them for adulthood. The conversation centers on teaching life skills, building responsibility, and shaping experiences that lead to confidence and maturity. It’s a grounded look at how intentional parenting creates independent young adults—exactly the kind of fatherhood conversation Fathernetics is known for, especially for families exploring modern approaches to raising resilient kids.TakeawaysEvery parent wants more for their children than they had.It's important to assess a child's readiness for independence.Life skills are essential for a child's maturity.Children need opportunities to grow and mature.Setting children up for success is a parental responsibility.Part-time jobs can contribute to a child's readiness.Household responsibilities help children learn independence.Maturity is not just about age but about experience.Parents should focus on teaching practical skills.Preparing children for adulthood requires intentional effort.
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S2:E16 - Oded Heilinger | War Time Dad
Mar 1901:03:55Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Jameel Mayers and Oded Heilinger discuss the significance of names and cultural heritage, Oded's journey from Israel to becoming a father through surrogacy, and the challenges and joys of parenting. They explore the importance of community, travel experiences, and the lessons learned from their own parents. Oded shares insights on navigating current events with children and the importance of giving back to the community, all while planning future adventures with his son, Ari.TakeawaysNames carry deep cultural significance and history.Surrogacy can be a fulfilling path to parenthood.Parenting requires meticulous planning and organization.Cherishing moments with children is essential.Community support is vital for single parents.Traveling creates lasting memories and cultural awareness.Parenting involves navigating various challenges and stages.Intentional parenting fosters positive values in children.Discussing current events with children requires sensitivity.Giving back to the community is an important lesson for children.Chapters00:00 The Significance of Names and Their Meanings02:40 Cultural Background and Family Dynamics05:09 Parenting Journey: From Surrogacy to Single Fatherhood08:26 The Quest for a Sibling: Expanding the Family09:20 Choosing Surrogacy in Canada: A Thoughtful Decision11:00 Navigating the Surrogacy Process and Challenges12:22 Planning for Parenthood: Balancing Responsibilities14:00 Lessons from Generations: Parenting Influences16:09 The Emotional Connection of Food and Family19:26 Experiencing the Early Years of Parenting22:11 Intuition in Parenting: Trusting Yourself24:12 The Terrible Twos: A Learning Experience25:26 Building Community as a Gay Parent27:37 Embracing the Gay Community and Parenting29:43 Creating Memorable Experiences with Ari30:51 Planning the Perfect Family Trip33:59 Traveling with Kids: Experiences and Memories39:16 Oded's Journey Before Fatherhood45:48 Teaching Values: Giving Back and Community Engagement49:11 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Children56:42 Future Travel Plans and Adventures#FatherneticsPodcast #ModernFatherhood #SurrogacyJourney #LGBTQFamilies #ParentingStories #CrossCulturalParenting #CulturalHeritage #FamilyTraditions #GlobalParenting #IsraelToUSA #ParentingAdvice #DadCommunity #FamilyBuilding #TravelWithKids #FatherhoodUnfiltered
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