The pod is back with a fresh new direction but the same great fatherhood content you love! 🙌 In this episode, AJ breaks down the vision behind the podcast, the exciting topics to come, and potential future guests.

We always wrap up each episode by asking our guests, "What would you want your legacy as a father to be?"—and this time, AJ takes a moment to reflect and answer the question himself. 💭

Sit back, enjoy the episode, and we’ll see you next week! 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join us on this fatherhood journey. #JustMyBabyDaddyPodcast #Fatherhood #Legacy

Summary
In this episode, AJ and Eli interview Lamar Johnson Jr., co-founder of Dear Fathers, about the importance of #fatherhood and the #challenges faced by #fathers who grew up without a #strong father figure. They discuss the #influence of TV portrayals of fathers, the #fear and uncertainty of discussing puberty with daughters, and the #emotional #impact of daughters' first periods. Lamar shares his journey of maturing as a #man and a father, the influence of a supportive partner, and the importance of building a team in co-parenting. They also explore the impact of father absence on #maturity and reflect on their own #experiences of fatherhood and abandonment. In this part of the conversation, Lamar Johnson Jr. discusses the impact of absent fathers and reflects on his own #relationship with his father. He shares his hesitation to start a conversation with his father and the first #question he would ask him. Eli also shares his experience with his father and the importance of being a good dad. They discuss using the Dear Father's platform to start the conversation and the significance of being named after a father. They also touch on the tradition of naming in Eli's #family and the #ego behind naming patterns. Lamar Johnson Jr. discusses the #inception and ultimate #vision of his platform dedicated to Black fatherhood. He shares how the platform started as a forum to provide guidance and support for Black men in their role as fathers. The platform has since evolved into a #media platform, including a podcast, events, and a book club, with the goal of changing the narrative around Black fathers and promoting positive fatherhood. Lamar emphasizes the importance of being intentional as a father and creating lasting memories with his children. He also discusses the impact of conversations on fatherhood and the therapeutic nature of sharing experiences.

Takeaways
Fatherhood is important for creating a positive legacy and shaping the next generation.
TV portrayals of fathers can be misleading and do not fully prepare men for the realities of fatherhood.
Discussing puberty and periods with daughters can be challenging, but open communication and support are crucial.
Maturing as a man and a father requires self-reflection, growth, and learning from positive role models. The platform started as a forum to provide guidance and support for Black men in their role as fathers.
The platform has evolved into a media platform, including a podcast, events, and a book club, with the goal of changing the narrative around Black fathers and promoting positive fatherhood.
Being intentional as a father and creating lasting memories with children is crucial.
Conversations about fatherhood can be therapeutic and provide valuable insights and advice.

In this episode, AJ and Eli discuss the #topic of sickle cell disease with their guest, Sam Bryant, whose #child has sickle cell. They cover various aspects of the disease, including its #impact on the family, #challenges faced, and the importance of #support from #family and friends. Sam shares his #experiences and offers #advice for #parents dealing with sickle cell, emphasizing the need to stay informed but also manage the amount of #information consumed. The #conversation highlights the #strength and #resilience required to navigate the challenges of raising a child with sickle cell. The conversation covers various #topics including advice for going through challenges, appreciation for Sam's perspective, the toll of parenting, topics for Sam's podcast, discussion on commercial real estate, Sam's experience in multifamily sales, setting up recording with Riverside FM, understanding the recording process, casual conversation, discussion on single women buying houses, and using a gimbal for recording.

Takeaways
Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells.

Having a support system of family and friends is crucial when dealing with the challenges of sickle cell disease.

Managing information and resources is important to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Maintaining open communication and seeking emotional support can help parents cope with the emotional challenges of raising a child with sickle cell.

Accommodations may be necessary in school to ensure the well-being of a child with sickle cell. Take it step by step and be easy on yourself when going through challenges.

Recognize that relationship challenges are common during difficult times and course correct when needed.

Parenting can take a toll, but it's important to show strength and provide love to children.

Consider discussing the human aspect of real estate transactions in Sam's podcast, focusing on topics like why someone needs to buy a new house, difficulties of selling a house through a divorce, and the progression of single women buying houses.