Focus on Fathers Podcast: Dads Supporting Dads
Focus on Fathers helps fathers, stepfathers and other male caregivers ages 18 years and older develop and maintain healthy relationships with their children. The program provides free parenting and co-parenting education classes, case management, job-seeking support and referrals to community resources.
At the core of our work is our belief in the value of men walking alongside and learning from their peers. Our podcast, Focus on Fathers: Dads Supporting Dads, is a space created by men, for men – a place for real stories and insights on fatherhood, relationships and personal growth. Together, we tackle topics such as child development, men's mental health, co-parenting, navigating custody and more.
A Space for Dads Supporting Dads
Watch our episodes below to learn more, or tune in on YouTube or Spotify.
Who is Focus on Fathers? Larry Woody, a longtime leader of the team, and Hakim Smith, our current Program Coordinator, dive into how Focus on Fathers has walked alongside Philadelphia dads over the last two decades, as well as the keys to the program’s lasting relevance.
Malachi Armstrong experienced homelessness, unemployment and other life challenges prior to becoming a father. Now an alumnus of Focus on Fathers and currently working in anti-gun violence and workforce development, he joins us to share how his experience with our community inspired him to raise the bar for himself as a man and father.
Damali Austin, a licensed professional counselor with PHMC Health, joins us to share insights about men’s challenges with vulnerability, why ego can be a hindrance to our mental and emotional well-being, and more.
Clarence Iszard, Lead Facilitator with DadLab, breaks down the stages of children’s development and why it’s important for fathers to be involved from the very beginning.
Did you know that men change when they become fathers, just as women do? Joel Austin, Founder, President & CEO of Daddy University, Inc., joins us to discuss the misconceptions society has about men entering fatherhood and how their role as dads starts before their children are born.