A lot of dads quietly carry guilt, self-criticism, and the feeling that they’re never doing enough. One late pickup, one moment of impatience, or one hard day can spiral into the belief that you’re failing as a father.

This breaks down why perfection is the wrong standard, how to redefine failure, and why validation and reassurance are essential for dads who actually want to enjoy the journey. Progress, not perfection, is what builds stronger relationships and a healthier mindset as a dad.

Episode Description Continued: DadderUp — Join the Movement

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Kyle Beats is one of the most influential creators in modern music culture, known for building a massive audience through creativity, consistency, and authenticity. In this conversation, he steps away from algorithms and uploads to talk honestly about becoming a dad, navigating sleep deprivation, and preparing to welcome his second child.

He explains:

◼️ Why becoming a dad made his life feel clearer, not smaller

◼️ How unlimited freedom actually created noise and burnout

◼️ Why fatherhood forces creators to focus on what truly matters

◼️ The mental shift from grinding endlessly to working with intention

◼️ How having kids made him more disciplined, present, and purposeful

◼️ Why society gets fatherhood completely wrong for young men

◼️ How ambition and presence don’t have to compete

Follow Kyle Beats

Website: https://kylebeats.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleBeats_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylebeats/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jt0slkwCPorL4PeFoQtWZ?si=I2XUcoFuQGGscz5vrFm9QQ&nd=1&dlsi=efb9f4691ec34e77

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website: https://dadderup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadderup/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadderup?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61577426596906/

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Born in the Congo, raised across continents, and now raising six kids while building a business with his wife, Julien works with married entrepreneur dads navigating pressure, identity, and emotional weight. His work focuses on helping men stop shrinking, face their inner storms, and become steady leaders at home.

He explains:

◼️ Why good men choose peace over truth and slowly lose themselves

◼️ How achievement gets mistaken for worthiness in men

◼️ Why resentment must be released before real growth can happen

◼️ How kids expose unhealed wounds in fathers

◼️ Why presence matters more than perfection, even when you’re not physically there

◼️ The difference between control and leadership in parenting

◼️ Why emotional intelligence is a non-negotiable skill for dads

◼️ How to stop bringing work stress home and protect your family from it

Julien Marion— Where to find him

Website — https://www.julienmarion.org/

Coaching: https://www.julienmarion.org/coaching

Book Julien: https://www.julienmarion.org/book-julien

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieninspires/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienmarion/

Free Breakthrough Call: https://gentleragemethod.com/

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website — https://dadderup.com/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/

Contact — marketing@dadderup.com

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Dr. Natasha Cabrera is a Professor at the University of Maryland and Director of the Family Involvement Lab. Her work has helped redefine what father involvement actually means in modern families, including diverse, blended, and non-traditional homes.

She explains:

◼️ Why early parenting research accidentally centered moms and left dads out

◼️ How dads form their identity differently than moms and why the prenatal runway matters

◼️ The “dad brain” shift that changes a man neurologically after a baby

◼️ The daily behaviors that create secure connection (and what kids actually need most)

◼️ Why stepfather relationships work best when built with time, honesty, and real commitment

◼️ How fatherhood is evolving and why dads are becoming less “replaceable” culturally and legally

Dr. Natasha Cabrera (University of Maryland)

Connect: https://education.umd.edu/directory/natasha-cabrera

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_J._Cabrera

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website — https://dadderup.com/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/

Contact — marketing@dadderup.com

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Kevin Barney leads one of the largest youth sports organizations in the country, serving over 21,000 boys and girls across Massachusetts. As a coach, father, and nonprofit leader, he’s seen firsthand how presence, restraint, and encouragement matter far more than trophies.

He explains:

◼️ Why kids don't remember the final score but remember the car rides and actions after

◼️ How a dad’s sideline behavior becomes lifelong modeling

◼️ Why losing is essential for resilience and confidence

◼️ The most powerful thing a parent can say after a game

◼️ How youth sports can build community instead of pressure

Follow Kevin & Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse:

Website — https://www.massyouthlax.org/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/Mass_Youth_Lax

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MassYouthLax

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website — https://dadderup.com/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dadderuppod/

Contact — marketing@dadderup.com

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As co-chair of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy and author of What All Dads Should Know, Dr. Shears has spent decades studying how fathers influence self-regulation, school readiness, emotional security, and long-term outcomes. He breaks down the science in a way that every dad can use, whether you live in the home or not.

He explains:

◼️ Why “living in the house” is not the same as being present

◼️ The unique ways dads shape self -regulation and school readiness through play

◼️ Why society keeps labeling fathers as just a paycheck and why that is wrong

◼️ The difference between residential and non -residential dads when it comes to real involvement

◼️ The four biggest influences that shape how men learn to father

◼️ One simple question that reveals what your kids actually need from you

◼️ How the phone quietly weakens the connection and what to do instead

◼️ Why co-parenting and blended families work best when adults stay mission -focused on the child

DR. JEFFREY SHEARS: Where To Find Them

Website - https://thefathercenter.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefathercenter/

DadderUp — Join the Movement

Website: https://dadderup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadderup/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadderup?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61577426596906/

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About Dr. Diann Cameron Kelly

Dr. Diann Cameron Kelly is the Associate Provost for Student Success and a Professor of Social Work at Adelphi University. A thought leader on family systems, civic readiness, and father engagement, she challenges outdated narratives about manhood and parenting, arguing for fathers who are present, intentional, assertive (not aggressive), and emotionally intelligent. Her scholarship and mentoring focus on how dads, schools, and communities can work together to raise confident, socially ready kids.

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In this episode, Kari and Andrew Russell dig into the science of fatherhood, the gap between “being around” and being engaged, and how tools like DadderUp can turn research into real daily action for dads everywhere.

About Dr. Kari Adamsons

Dr. Kari Adamsons is a professor, researcher, and nationally recognized expert on father involvement, co-parenting, and men’s development. Her work spans childhood development, risk behavior prevention, masculinity norms, and how dads uniquely influence outcomes across a child’s life.

Her research has shaped how universities, family programs, and parenting educators understand what dads bring to the table and why fatherhood needs a cultural reset.

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Bret Suffis is the president and owner of Lil Athlete Sports, a Long Island–based youth sports program that helps kids discover confidence, teamwork, and joy through play. Since 2005 he’s coached thousands of young athletes across soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, hockey, and non-contact/flag football—building multi-sport programs that keep things age-appropriate, team-oriented, and fun. Bret’s family-first culture trains coaches to model patience and presence, gives parents flexible ways to stay involved, and treats sports as a language of connection between kids and caregivers.

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In this episode, Andrew Russell speaks with Christopher Brown, president of the National Fatherhood Initiative, about the evolving role of fathers in society. They discuss the importance of holistic fatherhood, the challenges fathers face, and the programs designed to support them. Christopher shares his personal journey and professional insights, emphasizing the need for intentional parenting and community support. The discussion highlights the significance of fathers in children's lives and the necessity of celebrating their contributions to family and society.

About Christopher Brown

Chris serves as the President of National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), where he is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NFI's strategic plan and business model, as well as its operations and fundraising efforts.

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About Bryan Evans

Bryan Adé Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of his organization and a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing community development, workforce initiatives, and economic mobility across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He has built strong partnerships with leaders at every level and has served on boards including The Father Center of New Jersey, the Trenton Downtown Association, and United Way of Northern New Jersey. A dedicated advocate for fatherhood and family-impact programs, he works closely with the Family Success Learning Community and Fathers & Families Coalition of America, integrating technology into innovative parenting and workforce solutions. A LEAD NJ Fellow, he holds degrees from Hunter College and Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business and currently serves on the boards of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber and CNJN-TV.

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