Fathernetics

In this episode, we sit down with therapist and Friend of the Show Leo Massey (@lmsw_leo) to talk about normalizing therapy, breaking down misconceptions around CBT and DBT, and why representation in mental health matters — especially for LGBTQ+ families. We also get into parenting, coping skills, neurodivergence, ADHD, and how understanding support systems can change lives.

This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply relatable.

Follow Leo on Instagram: @lmsw_leo

Follow the show on Instagram: @fathernetics

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What does fatherhood look like when your journey doesn’t follow the script? In this Fathernetics episode, August Black shares his experience as a transgender dad navigating masculinity, identity, and raising a daughter with intention. We talk about coming out more than once, balancing strength and softness, working in the gaming voiceover world, and what it really means to show up as a parent. This is an honest conversation about modern fatherhood, trans parenting, and LGBTQ+ family life.

IG: @augustsinsta

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This episode of the Fathernetics podcast explores what modern fatherhood looks like before kids even arrive. The conversation moves from K pop and Dungeons and Dragons to the very real emotional weight of surrogacy, chosen family, and building support systems as LGBTQ+ men planning for parenthood. It is an honest look at anticipation, uncertainty, and how community, creativity, and connection carry you through the waiting.

🎧 Watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/@fathernetics

📲 Guests on Instagram

Joshua Bishop @twodadsandababydream

Ben Bishop @bennybishop89

#Fathernetics #LGBTQDads #SurrogacyJourney #GayDads #ChosenFamily #ModernFatherhood #QueerParents #FutureDads

In this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Alex and Dustin share an honest, wide-ranging conversation about life as LGBTQ+ parents. From their shared love of music and concerts to their journey through fostering and adoption, they reflect on how culture, upbringing, and chosen community have shaped the way they parent. They talk candidly about intentional parenting, the importance of self-care, and the real joys and challenges of raising children in a diverse family structure. The episode centers on showing up with purpose, building support systems, and redefining what modern fatherhood can look like.

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In this Fathernetics podcast episode, Nathan Serran shares his perspective on modern fatherhood through adoption, offering an honest look at raising two daughters with intention, presence, and emotional awareness. The conversation touches on communication inside the family, mental health, and how technology shapes childhood today.

Nathan also reflects on his transition from restaurant ownership to building a skincare business, and how redefining success allowed him to become a more engaged and available father. This episode focuses on adoption, intentional parenting, and the everyday choices that strengthen family connection.

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This episode brings Jameel Mayers and Casey Benson together for a real conversation about fatherhood, homeownership, and the emotional work behind raising kids with intention. They get into cultural differences, immigration stories, family politics, and the ways racism and relocation shape how we show up as parents. They talk about adoption, naming, shifting friendships, and the pressure fathers feel to model accountability every day. At its heart, this conversation is about presence, growth, and the way our children quietly teach us who we’re becoming.

Takeaways

Homeownership brings excitement but also unexpected challenges.

Pa...

The conversation looks at the real-world impact of information asymmetry in healthcare and how it shapes the patient experience. Daniel Berezowsky and Jameel talk about what happens when service providers control most of the information, leaving families to make decisions without the clarity or context they deserve. They unpack how this imbalance creates confusion, limits personal agency, and makes it harder for people to advocate for themselves in a system that already feels overwhelming. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll—how navigating complex medical information adds pressure to parents and caregivers who are trying to do right by...

In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Jaimie Kelton, host of the Queer Family Podcast, to talk about LGBTQ+ family life, evolving holiday traditions, parenting in a digital world, infertility, and the intentional nature of queer family building. The conversation centers on representation, community support, and navigating visibility amid online noise, aligning closely with the mission of Fathernetics.

YouTube & Social

Sam dives into the real work of raising kids who can stand on their own. She unpacks the tension parents feel between wanting to give their children more than they had and actually preparing them for adulthood. The conversation centers on teaching life skills, building responsibility, and shaping experiences that lead to confidence and maturity. It’s a grounded look at how intentional parenting creates independent young adults—exactly the kind of fatherhood conversation Fathernetics is known for, especially for families exploring modern approaches to raising resilient kids.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Jameel Mayers and Oded Heilinger discuss the significance of names and cultural heritage, Oded's journey from Israel to becoming a father through surrogacy, and the challenges and joys of parenting. They explore the importance of community, travel experiences, and the lessons learned from their own parents. Oded shares insights on navigating current events with children and the importance of giving back to the community, all while planning future adventures with his son, Ari.

Takeaways

Names carry deep cultural significance and history.

Surrogacy can be a fulfilling path to parenthood.

This episode of Fathernetics follows Nate Kimeyer’s journey from South Korea to Norway and the unexpected path that shaped him as a gay dad to twins born through surrogacy. Nate talks about navigating cultural shifts, building a multicultural family, and learning to communicate openly in relationships. He shares the humor, chaos, and emotional depth of raising twins, along with the personal growth that comes from parenting across identities, borders, and traditions. The conversation explores modern LGBTQ family structures, the realities of surrogacy, and the evolving meaning of fatherhood today.

#Fathernetics #NateKimeyer #LGBTQdads #SurrogacyTwins #GayDadsAbroad #ModernFamilyLife #MulticulturalParenting #Su...

This episode of Fathernetics dives into the real journey of parenting through surrogacy, identity, and LGBTQ family life. The conversation with Cory Allen explores raising kids with cultural intention, navigating loss during pregnancy, and finding strength in community. Cory opens up about self-discovery, dating as an LGBTQ parent, and the legal realities around surrogacy today. He shares how music shapes his home, how communication and self-care keep fatherhood grounded, and why representation in children’s literature matters. The episode also touches on his connection to the Obamas and how their legacy shaped his views on family, service, and visibility. Th...

Jameel Mayers sits down with Frank and BJ to talk about traveling the world with their son Milo and how global experiences shape modern LGBTQ parenting. They share the joy, chaos, and lessons learned from raising a kid while exploring new cultures, along with honest reflections on education, community building, and what it means to create a connected family. Their story highlights the value of curiosity, openness, and raising a child who sees the world without limits.

Chapters

00:00 Traveling with Kids: A Family Adventure

02:53 Cultural Experiences: Italy and Beyond

05:57 Exploring Colombia...

In this powerful episode, Emmanuel opens up about planning a magical Disney trip for his daughter, navigating fatherhood through surrogacy, and the heart of intentional parenting. He shares the highs and challenges of raising a child in today’s world—covering identity, naming, and his research on stigma within marginalized communities. The conversation dives into parenting as a modern LGBTQ+ family, balancing fitness, family activities, and future plans for expanding their family. With honesty and warmth, Emmanuel highlights the value of open communication, adaptability, and love in parenting.

Chapters

00:00 Planning the Perfect Disney Trip

09...

This episode of Fathernetics explores the real journey of parenting and adoption through the eyes of two LGBTQ dads. Jameel, Jason and James talk about raising kids with intention, navigating the adoption process, and building a strong foundation of planning and support. They share the realities of balancing travel, self-care, and community while creating a home where representation matters. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and everyday joy of LGBTQ families, the importance of supportive networks, and what it truly takes to build a family through adoption today.

#Fathernetics #LGBTQFamilies #AdoptionJourney #GayDads #ModernParenting #TwoDadHouseholds #IntentionalParenting #FamilyBuilding #ParenthoodStories<...

Graham Martin joins Fathernetics host Jameel Mayers for a real, funny, and thoughtful talk about modern fatherhood. From parenting through extreme weather and raising kids with completely different personalities to youth sports, homeschooling, and mental health—nothing’s off the table. Graham opens up about creating Hayday Company and why building a community for dads matters more than ever. This episode dives deep into self-care, intentional parenting, and the honest chaos that comes with being a dad today.

Takeaways

In this engaging conversation, Ricky shares his experiences as a single dad navigating the complexities of parenting, creativity in Halloween celebrations, and the journey to fatherhood through adoption. He discusses the importance of communication with his children, the fears and concerns that come with parenting, and the significance of fostering a loving environment. Ricky emphasizes the need for open dialogue about family dynamics and societal perceptions, particularly as an LGBTQ parent. He offers heartfelt advice for aspiring parents, highlighting the joys and challenges of raising children.

In this conversation, Shaun Thomas shares his experiences as a father of three children through surrogacy, discussing the challenges and joys of parenting, the importance of community support, and the process of selecting a surrogacy agency. He emphasizes the need for impartial advice for intended parents and the significance of normalizing diverse family structures. The discussion also touches on the cultural aspects of surrogacy in Colombia and the ongoing journey of parenthood.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Family Routines with Young Children

05:55 Shaun's Journey into Surrogacy

14:54 Experiences in Colombia and Surrogacy Challenges

22:01...

Did you meet Meryl Streep?

Brian James shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in West Virginia to a career in musical theater and film in New York City. He talks about becoming a dad, moving to the suburbs, and why representation in media matters for kids.

He and his husband’s adoption journey highlights the challenges and joy of building a family. Brian reflects on raising a Black child as a white parent, navigating racial dynamics, and the role of community in supporting LGBTQ families.

This conversation explores adoption, parenting, family life, an...

Jameel Mayers sits down with Mauricio Chamberlin for a candid conversation about the journey of fatherhood, adoption challenges, and the joy of building family traditions. They discuss how social media shapes modern shopping habits, why nutrition matters in parenting, and how cultural roots influence both cooking and raising kids. Mauricio reflects on his adoption story, while the conversation expands to explore journalism’s role in shaping family narratives and the meaning of the American dream for LGBTQ families. This heartfelt exchange offers a powerful glimpse into the beauty, complexity, and resilience of modern parenting.

Chapters

00:00 In...

This conversation brings together Jameel Mayers and David Morgenstern for a lively look at how music, parenting, and entrepreneurship shape the lives of LGBTQ dads. They talk boy bands, intentional parenting, generational connections, and the power of community. David opens up about building Gatties, his lifestyle brand focused on representation and support for gay dads, and explains the mentorship and resilience behind his journey. The discussion highlights how fatherhood, creativity, and identity come together in today’s world while offering relatable insights for parents navigating their own paths.

www.gaddies.com

#Fathernetics #LGBTQParents #GayDads #DadPodcast #LG...

The conversation with Matt Tolbert breaks down why surrogacy in the United States has become so expensive and what those rising costs really mean for families hoping to grow through assisted reproduction. It explores how prices have climbed over the years, the real numbers families are navigating today, and the level of financial planning required for anyone starting a surrogacy journey. The discussion offers clarity for parents and future parents who want transparent information about modern family building, LGBTQ plus parenting options, and the realities behind today’s surrogacy landscape. It also reinforces the mission of Fathernetics to make co...

Two cousins, one wild conversation. Kalyani grew up without a dad but with a mom who raised a powerhouse. She’s funny, a deep-thinker, a globe-trotting concert junkie, and one of my fiercest allies. This one’s part laughter, part therapy, and all heart.

Catch the full visual on YouTube as part of Season Two of Fathernetics.

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#FatherneticsPodcast #LGBTQAlly #FamilyStories #AdoptionJourney #ModernParenting #FatherhoodPodcast

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...