This episode of the I Am Dad Podcast is a masterclass in perspective, memory, and meaning.

Host Kenneth Braswell welcomes longtime friend and respected fatherhood practitioner Scott Leach for an expansive conversation rooted in New York City’s five boroughs and shaped by decades of work with fathers and families.

Scott shares his personal daddy story, reflecting on early separation, childhood anger, sports as an outlet, and the moment his understanding of fatherhood shifted through evidence, accountability, and love. From there, the conversation widens into the complexities of doing fatherhood work in New York—where geography, culture, transportation, and community identity all shape how fathers show up.

Together, Braswell and Leach unpack masculinity, marriage, toxic narratives, community mentorship, faith, and the generational impact of the 1980s on today’s fathers. They explore why children need to see healing, why community men still matter, and why fatherhood work is ultimately about supporting healthy children—not choosing sides.

This is not a theoretical discussion. It is lived experience, honest reflection, and practical wisdom for anyone committed to strengthening families in real-world conditions.

This episode of the I Am Dad Podcast is a powerful reminder that fatherhood is shaped not only by biology, but by community, responsibility, and purpose.

Host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Greg Harris, Outreach Lead with Fathers Incorporated, for an honest, deeply reflective conversation rooted in Brooklyn streets and Atlanta impact.

Greg shares his daddy’s story—marked by loss, trauma, and resilience—and reflects on growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by coaches, elders, and community men who stepped in when fathers were absent. Together, Braswell and Harris explore how trust is built with fathers, why outreach is sacred “first contact,” and how heart work—not just hard work—drives transformation.

The conversation also examines the realities fathers face today, from apprehension and distrust to redemption and accountability. Through stories of loss and success, the episode underscores the power of relationship, navigation, and purpose in helping men stay present for their children.

This is not a conversation about programs alone—it is a conversation about people, pain, healing, and the men who choose to stand in the gap.

Five seasons in, the I Am Dad Podcast continues to examine the foundations of responsible fatherhood—and this episode goes straight to the core question too few ask: So what?

Host Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, welcomes national thought leader Matthew Shepherd, founder of Midwest Evaluation and Research, for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective discussion on fatherhood, research integrity, program evaluation, and systems change.

Shepherd shares his personal fatherhood journey, including lessons learned from his own dad and the transformative experience of adoption. From there, the conversation expands into the realities of Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs, the challenges of sustainability, the role of policy, and why data without meaning fails to move systems forward.

Together, Braswell and Shepherd unpack how programs can use research not as a compliance exercise, but as a tool for continuous improvement, storytelling, and long-term impact. The episode challenges practitioners, funders, and policymakers alike to rethink how success is measured—and why fatherhood remains one of the most powerful, bipartisan investments society can make.

If you care about fathers, families, research, or the future of social impact work, this conversation will stretch how you think about all four.

2025 was not a year of isolated wins — it was a year of alignment.

In this Fathers Incorporated 2025 Year in Review, we reflect on how fatherhood moved beyond conversation and into infrastructure, systems change, and national influence. Across programs, policy, media, and community engagement, Fathers Incorporated strengthened its role as a trusted leader in responsible fatherhood and family well-being.

This review highlights the organization’s national stewardship of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, expanded public education through fatherhood.gov, and large-scale behavior change driven by national media partnerships. It also captures the growth and outcomes of the Gentle Warriors Academy, including record-setting graduations, independent evaluation findings, and expanded reach into communities and correctional facilities.

Viewers will also see how Fathers Incorporated elevated fatherhood through civic engagement, including the 20th Anniversary of the Million Fathers March, policy leadership on legitimation reform, and sustained narrative change through media appearances and op-eds. Together, these efforts reflect a clear commitment: treating fatherhood not as a side issue, but as a foundational strategy for strengthening families and communities.

This video is both a reflection on what was accomplished in 2025 and a statement of where the work is going next. It affirms a simple truth backed by data and experience alike: when fathers are supported, families stabilize, children thrive, and communities grow stronger.

In this powerful and reflective episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Coach Wayne Dawson—certified life and mindset coach, father of seven, and a man whose journey through family, faith, and leadership exemplifies what it means to live with legacy in mind.

Wayne shares a deeply personal story about growing up with a strong, present father and how that foundation shaped his approach to parenting and leading a blended family. From his early days as a social worker and youth advocate in Harlem, to his rise as a Fortune 50 executive and now as the VIP Coach, Wayne opens up about the defining moments that taught him resilience, authenticity, and the sacred responsibility of guiding Black men to live with clarity, confidence, and certainty.

This conversation explores co-parenting dynamics, healing from divorce, honoring the wisdom of our elders, and redefining masculinity in ways that liberate—not limit—our boys and men. A must-listen for fathers, leaders, and anyone seeking purpose in the seasoned stage of life.

00:00 – Intro to I Am Dad Podcast 01:00 – Meet Coach Wayne Dawson 03:00 – Wayne’s fatherhood origin story 06:00 – Blended families and owning your past 12:00 – Childhood influences and cultural identity 16:30 – Harlem roots and youth mentorship 19:00 – The generational impact of absent fathers 23:00 – Leaving nonprofit for corporate leadership 27:00 – The power of seasoning and wisdom 30:00 – Coaching Black men through transformation 34:00 – Why Black men often feel unworthy 38:00 – Strength, masculinity, and healthy sensitivity 42:00 – Teaching boys the difference between hurt and injury 45:00 – Boundaries, expectations, and legacy 50:00 – The missing blueprint for modern manhood 55:00 – Writing your story and leaving a legacy 60:00 – Closing reflections and ways to connect

Wayne Dawson is a certified life and mindset coach, speaker, and founder of VIP Transformative Living. With decades of experience in social work, corporate leadership, and coaching, Wayne helps Black men live aligned with their values, identity, and purpose. He is a devoted father of seven and a passionate advocate for legacy-driven living.

Website: iamdadpodcast.com Website: fathersincorporated.com

#Fatherhood #BlackFathers #SeasonedMen #WayneDawson #KennethBraswell #Manhood #LegacyLiving #BlendedFamilies #BlackMenMatter #PurposeDrivenLife #VIPCoach #IAmDadPodcast

In this eye-opening episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Tom Garber, the Berlin-based founder of Hope for Men—a global platform dedicated to male mental health and the host of the groundbreaking podcast What Happened to Me. Through his own experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and his journey toward healing, Tom has become a powerful advocate for men navigating trauma, shame, and emotional suppression.

Together, Kenneth and Tom examine the reasons why men—even those surrounded by family and friends—often feel invisible, unsupported, and alone. From the structural failure of therapy models to society’s reluctance to acknowledge male vulnerability, they dissect the barriers to healing and explore why storytelling, safe spaces, and community matter. Tom also discusses why his platform was forced to shift away from its original vision and how resistance to male-focused wellness underscores a larger cultural denial.

Whether you're a father, a mentor, a survivor, or simply someone who believes in the importance of men's well-being, this conversation is a call to action. When men are well, families heal. Communities thrive. And silence finally breaks.

In this compelling episode of I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell sits down with Dwayne Roberts, U.S. Army veteran and founder of Men of Vision Colorado, to explore the intersection of faith, failure, and transformation in the lives of men and fathers. From 15 years in the military to serving time in county lockup, Dwayne's path was anything but linear—but it was divinely orchestrated.

Kenneth and Dwayne unpack how faith became the foundation for a second act in life, leading to a ministry dedicated to empowering formerly incarcerated men. They talk about the power of mentorship, the emotional toll of shame and unworthiness, and how spiritual growth plays a critical role in reshaping a man’s identity. Dwayne introduces his “Vision. Plan. Execute.” framework and offers insight into how churches and leaders can more effectively engage and support men on their journey toward healing and leadership.

This episode is a masterclass in spiritual fathering, character building, and building environments where men can grow beyond their past into their full potential.

In this deeply moving episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, Michelle Lockhart, a cornerstone of the Fathers Incorporated team, sits down with host Kenneth Braswell for a powerful conversation about family, history, and the fatherhood journey. Sharing her own story of growing up without her father—who was tragically murdered before she was born—Michelle reflects on how that loss shaped her commitment to supporting dads and communities across Atlanta.

Together, they unpack the cultural richness of Atlanta, the consequences of generational trauma, and the importance of creating spaces where men feel seen, supported, and equipped. They highlight the life-changing power of grace, accountability, and emotional safety for men navigating fatherhood, legitimation, and community expectations. Michelle's insight is rooted in love, lived experience, and a fierce determination to ensure that no child grows up without a sense of protection and presence.

Whether you're a dad, an advocate, or someone committed to building stronger communities, this episode will move you to reflect, act, and lead with intention.