Podcast Summary: Ep 345 | Fathers Matter in Raising Healthy Children
Podcast Information:
- Title: Kibbe on Liberty
- Host/Author: Blaze Podcast Network
- Episode: Ep 345 | Fathers Matter in Raising Healthy Children
- Guest: Adam Coleman
- Release Date: August 13, 2025
Introduction and Reunion at Freedom Fest
The episode opens at Freedom Fest, where host Matt Kibbe reunites with Adam Coleman, the author of The Children We Left Behind. They reminisce about their first meeting in Memphis two years prior, setting the stage for a deep dive into the importance of family and the role of fathers in children's lives.
Notable Quote:
Kibbe [00:00]: "Welcome to Kibbe on Liberty. I'm live at Freedom Fest talking with my friend Adam Coleman..."
Adam Coleman's Journey to Authorship
Adam Coleman discusses his evolution from a quiet, observant child to a published author and influencer. He highlights how his personal experiences with an absent father shaped his work, particularly building on themes from his previous book, Black Victim, Black Victor.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [01:39]: "I think the most important parts of the book are talking about family. And obviously I talk about how my father wasn't involved in my life and how it sort of impacted me..."
The Thesis of The Children We Left Behind
Coleman delves into the core thesis of his new book, emphasizing that family separation is a common link in many social issues. He uses his personal narrative to illustrate how fatherlessness can lead to long-term mental health struggles and societal problems.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [23:54]: "The big social issues have the common link of family separation for a lot of different people."
The Importance of Fathers in Child Development
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the critical role fathers play beyond financial support. Coleman argues that fathers contribute emotionally and socially, creating lasting memories and providing stability that money alone cannot buy.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [11:38]: "You can't buy time. And so it becomes incredibly valuable. And I think everyone intrinsically knows this."
Impact of Media Bias on Public Perception
Coleman reflects on his shift in media consumption after recognizing substantial bias in mainstream outlets. By diversifying his sources, he solidified his moderate views and public persona, allowing him to build a broad and engaged audience.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [13:30]: "When you're only getting one perspective, like you're not getting the full picture... I can go to Fox News, now I can go to Breitbart, I can go to all these different sources..."
Addressing Mental Health and Youth Medication
The conversation touches on the rising trend of medicating children for behavioral issues, a practice Coleman criticizes. He emphasizes that such solutions often ignore underlying familial and emotional problems, leading to long-term negative consequences.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [08:39]: "Physical abuse, sexual abuse, just complete neglect... all these things happen for that person to end up at that point."
Public Reception and Growth as an Influencer
Coleman shares his experience gaining a significant following on Twitter by being authentic and addressing topics that resonate with his audience. His relationship with the New York Post has been instrumental in amplifying his message without being pigeonholed.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [25:20]: "I grew on Twitter really fast. I gained 100,000 followers in a year... The New York Post is probably like, the biggest help."
Connecting with Others and Supporting Fathers
Adam Coleman discusses how his story has connected him with other fathers striving to be more involved in their children's lives despite systemic challenges. He offers advice on persistence and accountability in maintaining these crucial relationships.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [28:45]: "Don't give up... validate how they feel... be accountable and just apologize."
Legal Bias Against Fathers
Addressing systemic issues, Coleman recounts stories of fathers facing biases in the legal system, hindering their ability to maintain relationships with their children. He underscores that this is a pervasive problem across different cultures.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [30:33]: "I've heard the same story from men, you know, in the U.S. so that's why I use, you know, western culture, because this is a much bigger problem."
Personal Motivation and Legacy
Coleman reveals that his primary motivation for writing is to create a legacy for his son, demonstrating resilience and the importance of questioning societal narratives. He aspires to be a role model, not only through his words but also through his actions.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [34:02]: "I'm not telling anybody until the book comes out... I wanted to show my son that I wasn't afraid to say how I actually felt."
Future Projects and Availability
In the concluding segment, Coleman shares information about his book's availability and upcoming projects, including a new streaming platform, Thirst. He continues to engage his audience through various mediums, emphasizing his commitment to spreading his message.
Notable Quote:
Coleman [38:14]: "The book is everywhere... I'm working on co-founding a streaming platform called Thirst."
Conclusion and Invitation to Future Engagement
Host Matt Kibbe expresses his appreciation for Coleman’s insights and encourages listeners to support his work. He suggests continuing the conversation at future events like Freedom Fest, highlighting the ongoing importance of these discussions.
Notable Quote:
Kibbe [39:02]: "We should do this at Freedom Fest next year."
Key Takeaways:
- Family Separation: Fatherlessness has profound and lasting impacts on children's mental health and societal behavior.
- Role of Fathers: Emotional and social involvement of fathers is crucial for healthy child development.
- Media Bias: Diversifying media consumption is essential for forming balanced and informed perspectives.
- Mental Health: Addressing underlying familial issues is more effective than medicating behavioral problems in children.
- Legal System Bias: Fathers face systemic challenges in maintaining relationships with their children.
- Personal Legacy: Creating a positive legacy through resilience and honest discourse is vital for future generations.
Where to Find Adam Coleman's Work:
- Book: The Children We Left Behind is available on WrongSpeak.net, Amazon, and other platforms.
- Substack: adambcoleman.substack.com
- Upcoming Projects: Streaming platform "Thirst" launching by September 2025.
Final Thoughts: Episode 345 of Kibbe on Liberty offers a profound exploration of the significance of fathers in nurturing healthy children and the broader societal implications of family separation. Adam Coleman's personal narrative, combined with his professional insights, provides listeners with a compelling argument for the vital role of fathers and the need for systemic change to support family integrity.