Episodes

Send a text to Girl Dad Nation We will get back to meaningful conversations with dads of daughters. But today, I am excited to share the first episode of Welcome to Hope Springs, the newest audio drama from my friends over at the award-winning Augustine Institute. Set in a small Colorado mountain town, Welcome to Hope Springs follows a group of friends whose prank unexpectedly pulls them into a mystery filled with secrets, adventure, and tough choices. The series blends humor, suspense,...

Send a text to Girl Dad Nation Mike aka Dad Rap joins Girl Dad Nation to share how fatherhood has changed his mindset, his music, and his mission. With honesty and humor, Mike reflects on parenting in his 40s, learning to regulate emotions, and letting go of the illusion of control. He opens up about balancing work, creative passion, and being fully present for his kids. We talk about: What tantrums teach us about ourselvesGiving kids space to just beHow rap became his creative outletThe insp...

In this honest and hilarious episode, Matthew is joined by Hollywood actor and fellow podcaster, Preston Geer, for a raw and relatable conversation about the highs, lows, and curveballs of parenting. Preston compares raising kids to running a business you can’t quit—with “employees” you can’t fire—and reflects on how quickly parenting turns into survival mode. Together, they discuss: The mental shift from idealistic parenting plans to real-life flexibility and grace The ever-changing “...

In this episode of Girl Dad Nation, host Matthew Krekeler welcomes back author Evan S. Porter! While their last conversation focused on Evan’s novel, Dad Camp, this time they’re diving into another passion of his—playing games with his daughters. Matthew and Evan discuss their favorite board games, card games, and video games, and how these experiences help strengthen the bond between dads and their kids. Whether it’s classic board games, strategic card games, or fun family-friendly video gam...

In this exciting episode of Girl Dad Nation, host Matthew Krekeler sits down with Evan S. Porter, a talented writer and dedicated dad to two daughters. Evan shares insights into his journey of fatherhood and discusses his recent novel, Dad Camp. Together, Matthew and Evan explore the themes of the book, the joys and challenges of being a girl dad, and how storytelling shapes our experiences as parents. From humorous anecdotes to heartfelt reflections, this episode dives deep into the power of...

Happy Valentine’s Day, Girl Dad Nation! In this special episode, host Matthew Krekeler reflects on the joy of celebrating Valentine’s Day with his four daughters and shares some fun dad hacks for school valentines. From choosing allergy-friendly treats to the magic of handwritten notes, Matthew offers simple yet meaningful ways to spread love to our kids, spouses, and communities. Matthew also revisits the incredible Valentine’s tradition of past guest Lonnie Anderson, known as the King of Vale...

In this important episode of Girl Dad Nation, I welcome back Chris McGhee, who courageously shares his family's story of trauma and resilience after his daughter was sexually assaulted by a police officer. Chris talks about the grooming behaviors of predators and provides practical advice for parents to recognize red flags and protect their children. This conversation delves into the alarming statistics around child sexual abuse and the tactics predators use to gain trust, not only from child...

In this deeply impactful episode, Chris McGhee shares his personal story of advocating for his daughters after his teen daughter was sexually assaulted by a police officer. Chris opens up about the emotional and difficult journey of seeking justice, changing laws, and protecting his daughters from harm. Through this conversation, he provides invaluable insights into the importance of being present, proactive, and engaged as a father. He discusses the significance of father-daughter relationships...

In this episode of Girl Dad Nation, host Matthew Krekeler welcomes back pilot and fellow dad, Ben Bashinski, for an insightful conversation on flying with kids. With 19 flights under his belt with his 14-month-old daughter, Ben shares practical tips and personal experiences from traveling as both a pilot and a dad. From managing expectations and navigating TSA, to keeping your little one comfortable during takeoff and landing, Ben provides a wealth of advice to make flying with kids a smoother e...

In this heartfelt episode of Girl Dad Nation, host Matthew Krekeler sits down with Ben Bashinski, a pilot and proud girl dad, whose touching moment of flying his daughter on her first flight with him as the pilot went viral on social media. Ben shares the experience of balancing his dream job as a Southwest pilot with being a new father. He talks about the joys and challenges of traveling with his daughter, the unique work-life balance in aviation, and the invaluable support of his wife, Hannah....

In this bonus episode I welcome back Richard Franklin to share his miraculous story about how his life was saved through a kidney donation, and being thankful for each day. LINKS National Kidney Foundation PKD Foundation KDA (Kidney Donor Athletes) Thank you to Richard for sharing and being part of Girl Dad Nation. I encourage you to be thankful for each day and help those most in need. If you have an inspiring story to share, please leave a comment on social media or send me an email to gi...

Welcome to Girl Dad Nation! In this episode, I sit down with Richard Franklin, the proud father of five-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin. As a fellow girl dad, I'm excited to delve into Richard's experiences raising Missy and navigating the waters of fatherhood. Join us as Richard opens up about becoming a dad at 50 and the unexpected joys and challenges that came with it. From early swim lessons to cheering Missy on at competitions around the world, Richard shares the highs and lows...

In this episode I welcome Nathaniel Noble Jr who is a girl dad of two biological daughters, 3 stepdaughters, a goddaughter, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. Air Force Veteran and patriot artist Nathaniel Noble Jr (Nate Smoove) is a fabulously talented and creative song writer and producer who brings his political and spiritual views to life with his poetry set to some serious beats and fantastic music. Nathaniel recently started his podcast March 2022 called the Nathaniel Noble Jr Podc...

In this bonus episode I welcome back Shawn Nelson of Lovesac to share an awesome story about when his kids opened for the I Love the 90s Tour! LINKS About Shawn Nelson Let Me Save You 25 Years - Book Lovesac - Modern Furniture @shawnoflovesac Thank you to Shawn for sharing and being part of Girl Dad Nation. I encourage you to make the most out of each opportunity. Inspire your kids to be bold and confident! And if you have a fun family story to share, please leave a comment on social media or...

In this episode I welcome Shawn Nelson, the Founder and CEO of Lovesac, to delve into the entrepreneurial journey he's embarked on and how it intertwines with his role as a dedicated father. Inspired by his recent book, Let Me Save You 25 Years, we explore the invaluable lessons Shawn has learned along the way, fondly termed 'Shawnisms', and their relevance to his experiences in both business and fatherhood. It's important to keep everything in proper priority. Shawn thinks about his wife and k...

I am joined once again by Allan Shedlin, creator of the Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) to talk about the 2024 festival! My short film 'Love Grows Here' was selected for the 2023 festival and I encourage everyone to submit a film! DADDYING FILM FESTIVAL & FORUM (D3F) Virtual Festival - May 2-9, 2024 Live Forum in Philadelphia, PA - May 17, 2024 Call for Entries via FilmFreeway NOW OPEN! Submit by MARCH 4th! LATE FEE DEADLINE: MARCH 25th Watch the 'Love Grows Here' Short Film Girl D...

In this episode I welcome Bryce Kenny. Bryce is a father of 3, and a professional Monster Jam driver as the Great Clips Mohawk Warrior. He shares his experience raising kids, what he’s learned from raising daughters, and advice from his new book Geared for Life: Making the Shift Into Your Full Potential. LINKS Website: https://brycekenny.com/ Instagram: @warriorbryce TikTok: @warriorbryce Facebook: Bryce Kenny Book order: Geared For Life: Making the Shift Into Your Full Potential Thank yo...

In this episode I welcome J Hall. J is a father of four (2 daughters, 2 sons), a podcaster, and an author. He recently released a book titled “God Help Me! I'm a Young Dad: 10 Essentials for Becoming the Dad Your Kids Need.” We dive into the inspiration for his book and what he’s learned from raising girls. LINKS Book, Podcast, and more about J https://www.jhallwriter.com/ Thank you to J for sharing his journey and for being part of Girl Dad Nation. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let...

In this bonus episode I welcome back Kevin McCarty of The McCarty Family to talk about enjoying spooky family fun! LINKS www.TheMcCartys.tv https://www.youtube.com/@TheMcCartyfam Thank you to Kevin for sharing and being part of Girl Dad Nation. I encourage you to make the most out of each season. And if you have a fun family tradition to share, please leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com And if you haven't done so yet, hit that Follow button! It...

In this episode I welcome Kevin McCarty of The McCarty Family. You may have seen them on YouTube or social media with their comedy videos starring the whole family. It was a great conversation about inspiring creativity and prioritizing what matters. Let’s get to it! LINKS www.TheMcCartys.tv https://www.youtube.com/@TheMcCartyfam IG: @‌girldadnation Twitter: @‌girldadnation GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, ...

In this episode I welcome Brian Young. Brian has 4 daughters and he’s the author of the book “Thriving Girl Dad: A Dude’s Guide to Raising Daughters.” A major theme of his is not just to survive, but how we can thrive as men, husbands, and fathers. It was a great conversation. Stick around after the interview for my takeaways. LINKS Thriving Girl Dad Book Thank you to Brian for sharing his journey and for being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description to learn more about...

I welcome Carter from The Touched Out Podcast. Carter has three kids and he says his parenting style has evolved over the past year after he was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, alongside his 2-year-old son. His podcast focuses on men’s mental health and parenting, and it's about to launch into Season 2. Let’s get to it! LINKS The Touched Out Podcast Thank you to Carter for sharing his journey and for being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description to learn more about The...

In this bonus episode I welcome back Eleanor Leddick to talk about her podcast, Talkin' Puppies. LINKS Talkin' Puppies Podcast Thank you to Eleanor for sharing your puppy (and all animals) expertise and being part of Girl Dad Nation. I encourage you to give Talkin' Puppies a listen, like, and subscribe! You can find the links in the description. And if you have an animal story you want to share, please leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com And i...

This is a special episode! I welcome Justin Leddick and his daughter Eleanor. Justin is not only a friend, but he is also my boss. We’ve worked together for the past 8 years at the Augustine Institute creating video content. He was the first video creator hire for the institute and now serves as Executive Director for the Studios. He is joined by his teenage daughter, Eleanor, who also is a creative and co-host for her podcast called Talking Puppies. LINKS Augustine Institute Studios Augustine...