There are countless reasons why a parent might choose to step away from their career to stay home and raise their kids—financial considerations, personal values, or simply wanting to be more present during those formative years. But even in 2026, most people still assume it’ll be Mom who makes that move. Enter Shannon Carpenter: a stay-at-home dad of three who traded investigating elder abuse for state agencies for full-time parenting almost 20 years ago, and has never looked back. Shannon is the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad (Penguin Random House), a humorous, heartfelt guide for dads navigating the world of primary caregiving. He opens up about fighting isolation, bucking stereotypes, and how he has redefined success and identity in his life. Listen to the end for Kisses & Disses!

Topics include:
• The decision-making process behind becoming a stay-at-home dad and challenging traditional gender norms.
• Navigating isolation, building community, and the importance of friendships for at-home fathers.
• Strategies for connecting with teenagers and adapting parenting styles for different phases and individual children.
• Mental health for dads: separating personal identity from the parenting role and prioritizing self-care.
• Societal perceptions of stay-at-home dads and ongoing barriers to equality in caregiving roles.
• The impact of workplace policies, cultural changes, and paid family leave on modern fatherhood.
• Writing "The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad" and advocating for actionable, practical advice for fathers.
• And more!


LINKS
Shannon Carpenter (homepage)
The Ultimate Stay At Home Dad (Bookshop.org)
Shannon Carpenter (Instagram)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

In this special episode we're calling Moments of Profundity in 2025, we're revisiting some of the most meaningful conversations from the past year, celebrating the joys and complexities of fatherhood in 2025. The topics range from building trust around screens and social media with Soren Poulsen, to supporting men through the grief of miscarriage with Kelly Jean-Philippe, and reimagining parent-child communication to encourage openness and problem-solving with Nick Hexum of 311.

Links to the full episodes:
Building Trust Around Screens + Social Media | Soren Poulsen on Raising Digital Citizens
Navigating Miscarriage and Grief as a Dad | Kelly Jean-Philippe on Pregnancy Loss + Healing
Breaking The Cycle, Filling The Void | Chris Robbins on Self Development + Empty Nesting
Music, Milestones, and Mindfulness | Nick Hexum of 311 on Raising Creative, Empathetic Girls
Finding Calm in the Parenting Chaos | Kirk Martin on Triggers, Patience, Problem Solving
Father's Day 2025 | Father/Son Reflections on Being a Dad

Thanks, Modern Dadhood listeners for sticking with us, and here's to a positive, healthy, and fruitful 2026!
-Adam & Marc

LINKS
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Have you ever considered why the experience of being a dad can look radically different across cultures and communities? In our 2025 holiday episode, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Alvin Thomas—associate professor, mentor, thought leader, award-winning podcast host, and an internationally respected researcher in human development and family studies. Dr. Thomas has devoted his career to supporting Black fathers, families, and children, and advancing anti-racism efforts, and in our conversation he opens up about anti-racism, modern masculinity, and our responsibility as parents to raise empathetic, informed, and resilient kids.

Topics include:
• Exploring the broad definition of fatherhood—including mentorship, community care, and “cosmic children”—beyond biological ties.
• Dr. Thomas’s anti-racism work and what it means to create spaces for Black children and families to thrive authentically.
• The challenges and responsibilities of teaching kids about racism, empathy, and dualities in the world, especially as white parents in predominantly white communities.
• Storytelling, mentorship, and the creation of The Black Fathers' Pulse podcast as tools for sharing research, building community, and supporting fathers.
• Modern masculinity, vulnerability, and the evolving expectations of men and fathers in society—and how culture and the internet can impact those roles.
• The importance of supportive spaces for men, breaking generational cycles, and building resilient, healthy family ecosystems.
• And more!

LINKS
Dr. Alvin Thomas (homepage)
Dr Alvin Thomas (LinkedIn)
Dr. Alvin Thomas (YouTube)
Dr. Alvin Thomas (Instagram)
Dr. Alvin Thomas (X)
The Fatherhood Depot (Substack)
The Black Fathers' Pulse (TikTok)
The Black Fathers' Pulse Podcast (Apple)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Modern Dadhood listeners! We are so grateful for you.
-Adam & Marc

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast