Fathernetics

In this conversation, Dennis Wesemann Widmark shares his journey of becoming a father through surrogacy, his experiences traveling in the US, and the cultural insights from Colombia. He discusses the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood, the importance of community support, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ parents. Dennis also highlights the significance of social media in connecting with others and providing resources for those interested in surrogacy. His story emphasizes the joys and challenges of parenting, the importance of open communication, and the need for more visibility in the LGBTQ community.

In this engaging conversation, Joseph Tito shares his journey as a father, navigating the complexities of parenthood, surrogacy, and cultural influences. He reflects on the importance of family, self-care, and the challenges of balancing work and parenting. Joseph discusses his Italian upbringing and how it shapes his parenting style, emphasizing the need for open communication and intentional parenting. He also highlights the legal challenges faced by LGBTQ parents and the significance of representation in parenting. Through his creative ventures, including books and content creation, Joseph aims to inspire others while embracing authenticity in his parenting journey.

Chapters<...

In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers introduces his son Jacob, who takes on the role of interviewer. They discuss various topics including Jacob's experiences in school, reflections on parenting, and the lessons learned from childhood. The conversation highlights the dynamics of their family life, the challenges of being a parent, and the importance of personal growth and understanding. Jameel shares insights from his own upbringing and the values he hopes to instill in Jacob as he navigates his own journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fathernetics and Family Dynamics

05:47 Navigating School Life and Friendships<...

In this episode of Fathernetics, we talk with Tammy — founder of Oak Surrogacy in Canada, and a woman who has been a surrogate multiple times herself. Tammy brings a rare perspective to the conversation, sharing both her personal experiences as a surrogate and her professional role guiding intended parents and surrogates through the journey of family building.

She discusses the emotional and practical realities of being a surrogate, the importance of trust and communication, and how her agency connects families from all backgrounds — LGBTQ+, single parents, and traditional couples alike. Tammy’s insights shed light on the heart of...

In this episode of Fathernetics, we sit down with Dustin Talley — a proud husband, dedicated father of two (a son and a daughter), and a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Dustin opens up about balancing career and family, the joys and challenges of raising kids in today’s world, and what allyship really looks like in practice.

From parenting milestones to the values he hopes to pass down, Dustin’s story is one of intentional fatherhood, partnership, and community support. Whether you’re a dad, parent-to-be, or ally yourself, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on what i...

In this heartfelt episode of Fathernetics, we sit down with Nader—a devoted father of two daughters, loving husband, and longtime friend I’ve known since our Houston days when he was just 12. Our conversation dives deep into what it means to be an intentional father: building the kind of foundation that allows children to grow into their truest, most amazing selves.

Nader also shares his experience as an ally to the LGBTQ community, how his time living in Israel shaped his views on parenting and global citizenship, and why raising daughters in today’s world requires both co...

In this episode of Fathernetics, we sit down with John Berno — husband, new dad, and proud father to baby girl Vivian. John opens up about the three-year surrogacy journey that took him and his husband to Mexico, a process filled with challenges, perseverance, and ultimately the joy of welcoming their daughter into the world.

From navigating international surrogacy laws to the emotional weight of waiting, John’s story is both heartfelt and eye-opening. Now, as a first-time father, he shares the early moments of bonding with Vivian, the lessons learned along the way, and what family means after...

In this episode, I sit down with my big sister Jowharah McNeil—the original trailblazer of the McNeil clan—who’s got receipts on how Dad shaped her world and, by extension, ours. As the firstborn, Jowharah took the brunt of “first-child strictness,” only to turn around and soften the landing for me and our brother Abbas. She unpacks the lessons Dad passed down—work ethic, compassion, and fierce loyalty—and shows how those values became the blueprint she carried into every role: daughter, sister, aunt, and unflinching family advocate.

In this conversation:

• Dad’s legacy in action: p...

In this episode, I pull up a chair with Sonia M.—wife to Chrispin Mayers, Panamanian powerhouse, and veteran TV exec—to spill the tea on fatherhood from the mother’s side of the net. Born and raised in Panama, daughter and sister first, corporate juggernaut second, Sonia blends cultural wisdom with boardroom savvy to give us a fresh playbook on supporting dads, kids, and families in high-stakes arenas.

In this conversation:

• Cultural baseline: how growing up in Panama shaped her understanding of family roles and paternal care

• Daughter & sister serve: lessons learned from the men...

In this episode of Fathernetics, I sit down with Brian Rosenberg, founder of Gays With Kids, the leading resource and community platform for queer dads and dads-to-be. Brian opens up about his journey as a father, what inspired him to build an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ families, and the very real challenges and triumphs that come with parenting in today’s political climate.

From his personal experiences raising kids as a gay dad to the larger mission of creating visibility and resources for queer families, Brian shares candid insights on love, resilience, and advocacy. We also dive...

In this fabulously unexpected episode (in a good way), I sit down with Robert McNeil—a man whose roadmap to fatherhood wasn’t drawn by his dad but lovingly sketched by his larger-than-life grandfather. Robert shares how “Pop-Pop’s” old-school charm, tough love, and secret stash of life hacks became the foundation for his own parenting style—and how sometimes the fiercest role models come in the most surprising packages.

In this conversation:

• When Dad sat out: the story of why Robert’s father took a backseat and how his grandfather swooped in with playbook in hand, unknowin...

Daniel and Jeff open up about their journey toward fatherhood, reflecting on their relationships with their own parents—especially their dads—and how those experiences shaped their readiness to become fathers themselves. Along the way, they share heartfelt moments, future hopes, and the qualities they believe will make them great dads. Between the emotional beats, the conversation takes fun detours into concert memories, from Beyoncé’s powerhouse performances to Lady Gaga’s show-stopping moments, and the excitement of Vegas adventures. This episode blends laughter, insight, and connection in true Fathernetics style.

#FatherhoodJourney #Fathernetics #GayDads #ParentingStories #LGBTQFamily #FutureFathers #FatherhoodG...

What does it take to build a family when the road stretches across continents? In this episode of Fathernetics, Aldo and Kim share their powerful 10-year surrogacy journey that spans the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, and the US. From navigating laws and cultural expectations to the emotional highs and heartbreaking setbacks, their story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of chosen family.

You’ll hear how these two gay dads kept their vision alive through international challenges, the lessons they’ve learned about patience and partnership, and why visibility for LGBTQ+ families matters now more...

In this extended episode of Fathernetics, Mark and Eoin open up about their family’s surrogacy journey and the joy of raising two kids in a culturally rich, mixed-heritage home. From navigating the emotional highs of surrogacy to recognizing the potential money traps that hopeful parents should watch out for, they bring honesty and humor to every detail of their story.

Food plays a big role in their family life, and they share how good meals have become a grounding force while raising little ones. The conversation also explores Ireland vs. America as home bases—where their kids...

In this episode, I team up with my uncle and lifelong mentor, Crispin M., who coaches fatherhood through the dynamics of the tennis court. From perfecting your serve to mastering the match point, Crispin shows us how each play on the court mirrors moments in parenting—challenging us to stay agile, strategic, and always ready to learn alongside our kids.

In this conversation:

Trevor Said WHAT?! Fatherhood Gets Candid

In this episode, I sit down with Trevor—an only child, proud husband, and devoted dad of two—to explore the realities and rewards of fatherhood through his lens as part of an interracial LGBTQ+ family.

We dive into questions like:

• What does fatherhood look like when you’ve never had siblings?

• How do two dads balance identity, culture, and parenting?

• What are the ups and downs of the adoption process?

From heartfelt reflections to everyday parenting wins and challenges, Trevor brings a war...

In this fabulously candid episode, I catch up with my brother Abbas—our dad’s favorite protégé—who’s mastered the art of viewing life through the vibrant prism Dad handed him. We dive into how growing up under Dad’s watchful gaze shaped Abbas’s compass as a son, how sibling shenanigans turned us into lifelong allies, and how he’s taken that same fierce love into the world as a mentor and “father” to chosen family.

Abbas reflects on the attributes he inherited—compassion and tenacity from Mom, but above all resilience and integrity from Dad—and how those...

In this episode, Shawn and Tyler (@shawnandtylerb) kick things off with stories from their trip to see Beyoncé live in Houston. I jump in with my own memories of meeting Beyoncé a few times at church—alongside Kelly Rowland—back in the day.

We explore how their different upbringings shaped them: Shawn grew up without a dad in his life, while Tyler was close to his. Their YouTube channel, once a window into their everyday lives, skyrocketed when they shared the arrival of Harrison—their newborn son through adoption.

We dive into their experiences of growing...

In this episode of Fathernetics, Louis & Sean takes us through the winding path of becoming a father via surrogacy in Canada. From the early days of uncertainty — paperwork, waiting lists, and emotional hurdles — to the life‑changing moment he held his child for the first time, Sean’s story is as real and raw as it gets.

He shares what surprised him most about the process, the challenges unique to LGBTQ parents navigating international surrogacy, and the powerful lessons about patience, resilience, and redefining family along the way.

This isn’t just about becoming a parent — it...

In this episode of Fathernetics, we sit down with Ethan Levy — whose life story captured national attention when his adoption by LGBTQ parents made the New York Times. Raised between the iconic shores of Fire Island and the vibrant streets of Chelsea, Ethan offers a candid look into what it means to grow up embraced by queer culture and family values.

Ethan opens up about identity, belonging, and the power of safe spaces for LGBTQ youth. He reflects on the unique challenges and joys of being part of a famously public adoption story and shares why he’s comm...

Anthony C. Brings the D(iscussion)

In this episode of Fathernetics, I get on a call with my good friend Anthony—a straight father, husband to Sophia, and proud dad to a beautiful daughter. We dive into the realness of fatherhood from his perspective, the joys and challenges of raising a girl in today’s world, and how he keeps his identity as a husband, friend, and man in balance.

From navigating marriage to sharing laughs about our own parenting fails, this one is full of gems for dads from all walks of life. Whether you’r...

🎙 Episode: #8 - Same Love, Different Leaves

In this episode of Fathernetics, I sit down with my close friend, Shally V, to explore how culture shapes our experiences as LGBTQ+ individuals and fathers. Coming from a deeply rooted Indian background and now building his life, career, and family in America, Shally shares his unique journey of navigating identity, tradition, and fatherhood as a straight cis-gendered male.

We discuss:

🌏 The cultural contrasts between growing up in India vs. the U.S.

🏳️‍🌈 How LGBTQ+ identity is perceived across different cultures

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 The common threads that connect us as fathers...

🎙 Episode: #07 - Mothers Spilling the Parental Tea

In this special episode, we flip the mic and bring Mom into the Fathernetics fold. As a co-parent, she shares her honest perspective on what it’s like partnering with dads, navigating blended family dynamics, and raising a child with love, boundaries, and humor.

We talk about communication breakdowns, co-parent wins, and what fathers can do to show up better every day. This is the real, unfiltered, necessary convo—because it takes more than one perspective to raise amazing humans.

💬 In This Episode:

• How co-parenting actu...

Bonus: Paper Cradles Interview: Author Jameel Mayers on Open Adoption & Gay Fatherhood

In this powerful episode of Fathernetics, we go behind the scenes of Paper Cradles — a deeply personal and gripping memoir that chronicles the emotional terrain of fatherhood, open adoption, identity, and love. From the first phone call to finalizing the paperwork, this story doesn’t shy away from the messy, the beautiful, and the deeply human moments that make up the adoption journey.

Whether you’re an adoptive parent, a birth parent, or somewhere in between, this episode offers an honest look at what it mea...

Surrogacy to Sippy Cups: A Gay Dad’s Wild Ride with Tony

In this episode of Fathernetics, we sit down with the endlessly lovable and hilariously honest Tony—aka Daddy Chen (https://www.instagram.com/avery.atlas.zc) a proud gay dad raising two spirited little ones with his husband, Daddy Chase, in the heart of Orange County, California.

Tony opens up about his surrogacy journey and how being the son of immigrants shaped his identity as both a father and a partner. We get real about social pressures in Los Angeles, the uprising, and protest- how...

🎙 Abuelo Energy: Celebrating Zaddy Vibes with Esteban on Father’s Day

In this special episode (Father's Day), I sit down with my own father for a real, unfiltered conversation about what fatherhood meant to him—and how it’s evolved across generations. We get into the values he passed down, the mistakes he owned, and the pride he carries watching me raise my kids. It’s a full-circle moment you don’t want to miss.

Highlights include:

• The lessons he learned from his father

• What he thinks I’m doing right (and wrong)

• How par...

🎙 Chassé into Fatherhood: Ballroom Dancer Dad Michael J. Shares the Adoption Journey

In this episode, I talk with Michael (@mdjeffersonii) —one of many siblings, a proud Black father, and someone who always knew parenthood was part of his path.

We unpack:

• What it means to grow up in a big family and build your own

• How race, culture, and identity shape the parenting journey

• Why representation and community matter in adoption

Michael brings heart, history, and humor as he shares how the Black experience has shaped his approach to f...

🎙 Sis Has Thoughts: Women Talking Fatherhood with Daisy – Sunday Special

In this special Sunday episode, I sit down with our dear family friend Daisy to explore fatherhood from a different angle—not from the seat of a father, but from the heart of someone who’s been beside us, loving us, supporting us, and witnessing our journey as two dads raising boys.

Daisy brings the kind of insight only a woman can—nurturing, reflective, and unflinchingly honest. She speaks to the quiet power of emotional labor, the role of women in shaping family systems, and what it mean...

🎙 Adoption Chronicles: Destiny’s Story with Nicholas D. — LGBTQ+ Adoptive Dad

In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Nicholas (Instagram: @nicnick), to have an open and honest conversation about fatherhood from our unique perspective as an interracial LGBTQ+ couple. We ask and answer some of the biggest questions we’ve faced on this journey, including:

• How do you know you’re ready to be a dad?

• How do we navigate adoption as an interracial LGBTQ+ couple?

• How do we teach our child about diversity and acceptance?

From personal reflections t...

🎙 Category Is: Fatherhood Realness – Fathernetics Podcast Introduction

In this very first episode of Fathernetics, I introduce myself, the concept behind the podcast—fatherhood, redefined. This show is for fathers, by fathers, covering the real experiences, challenges, and joys of being a dad, especially from the perspective of LGBTQ+ fathers.

I dive into:

✅ What inspired me to start Fathernetics

✅ The many facets of fatherhood—parenting, adoption, relationships, mental health, career balance, and more

✅ How being an LGBTQ+ father brings unique experiences and perspectives

✅ Why this space is needed and how I hope it gr...