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The Dad & Daughter Connection

The Dad & Daughter Connection

By: Chris Lewis
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 The Dad & Daughter Connection is the podcast for fathers who want to build a strong, meaningful relationship with their daughters while empowering them to become confident, independent women. Hosted by [Your Name], this show brings you real conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories from dads, daughters, and professionals who understand the unique challenges and joys of fatherhood. Whether you're navigating the early years, the teen phase, or beyond, The Dad & Daughter Connection is here to support you with practical advice, heartfelt discussions, and encouragement for the journey. Because being a dad isn’t just about being present—it’s about truly connecting. Join us as we learn, grow, and lead together—one conversation at a time. Subscribe now and start building the connection that lasts a lifetime!2025 Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Building Confidence and Connection: Lori Sugarman Lee’s Journey of Family, Fair Play, and Fatherhood

    Building Confidence and Connection: Lori Sugarman Lee’s Journey of Family, Fair Play, and Fatherhood
    May 19 2025
    Building Stronger Bonds: Insights from Lori Sugarman Li on The Dad & Daughter Connection Podcast If you're a dad striving to nurture a lasting, meaningful relationship with your daughter—or any parent eager to foster confidence and independence in your kids—this week’s episode of The Dad and Daughter Connection is a must-listen. Dr. Christopher Lewis is joined by Lori Sugarman Li, author of Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family as well as a community activist, author, coach, and mom, whose work centers on the power and value of care within families. Through her personal stories and professional insights, Lori Sugarman Li offers a fresh, empowering perspective for families looking to grow closer and thrive together. The Legacy of Everyday Care Lori’s reflections on her relationship with her own father are both touching and instructive. She describes her dad as an active, hands-on parent who chose to include her in all sorts of household maintenance tasks—traditionally seen as “dad things”—from working with tools to maintaining the car. What made these moments powerful were not the chores themselves, but the partnership and trust her father demonstrated by teaching her, empowering her, and viewing her as an equal. Lori’s story challenges fathers to break away from gendered expectations and instead welcome their daughters into all aspects of family life, helping girls see themselves as competent, valued, and independent. Rethinking Roles and Responsibilities A major theme Lori champions—both in her book Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family and this conversation—is reframing household responsibilities as acts of love, not burdens or obligations. By inviting daughters (and sons!) to participate in shared tasks and explaining the “why” behind them, chores become chances for learning, teamwork, and connection. For dads, it’s an opportunity to show up not just as helpers, but as owners of the emotional, physical, and mental labor that keeps a family thriving. Modeling Healthy Partnership and Vulnerability Lori makes a strong case for vulnerability: dads who embrace imperfection, share their struggles, and show genuine care set the stage for deeper connection. By actively engaging in the less visible aspects of home life, from scheduling appointments to planning family routines, fathers can teach daughters the true meaning of partnership, self-worth, and emotional presence. Listen In and Level Up Your Connection This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice—perfect inspiration for any parent hoping to spark richer conversations, instill independence, and create joyful shared traditions at home. Ready to take that next step in your parenting journey? Listen to the episode and discover how simple, everyday moments can become the foundation for confidence, resilience, and lifelong connection. Tune in to The Dad and Daughter Connection for more inspiring stories and expert advice to help you be the best parent you can be! If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and daughter connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm doctor Christopher Lewis, and the dad and daughter connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started because being a great dad isn't just about being there, it's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and daughter connection, where every week we have an opportunity. You and I have an opportunity to be able to work with one another, to walk with one another as we work to build these strong connections that we want to have with our own daughters. And every day that is something that we have to challenge ourself on because we have to continue to engage, to build, and to work, to create that relationship that we want to have with our daughters. That's why this podcast exists every week. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:24]: I love being able to be on this journey with you because it is a journey. Every day is gonna look a little bit different and we have to work to be able to engage with our ...
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    32 mins
  • Talking About Feelings: Helping Your Daughter Express Herself

    Talking About Feelings: Helping Your Daughter Express Herself
    May 16 2025
    Hey dads! Welcome to Dad Connections in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one intentional action at a time. I’m [Your Name], and today, we’re talking about something that can be tough for dads—helping your daughter express her feelings. Let’s be honest—talking about feelings doesn’t always come naturally, especially for us dads. But helping your daughter feel safe sharing her emotions is one of the most important things you can do for her. So today, I’ll share why emotional expression matters, what stops kids from opening up, and three simple ways to help your daughter feel comfortable sharing her feelings. Why Helping Your Daughter Express Feelings is So Important When your daughter knows she can talk to you about anything, she builds: ➡️ Emotional confidence – She learns that feelings are normal and manageable. ➡️ Stronger relationships – She understands that good communication is key to connection. ➡️ Resilience – Instead of bottling things up, she learns to process emotions in a healthy way. And most importantly, she knows that no matter what she’s feeling—happy, sad, excited, or frustrated—Dad is a safe place to share it. Why Some Kids Struggle to Talk About Feelings Sometimes, your daughter may not open up because: ❌ She doesn’t have the words to describe what she’s feeling. ❌ She’s afraid of being judged or dismissed. ❌ She thinks she has to be “strong” and hold it all in. That’s why it’s up to you to create an environment where she feels safe expressing herself. 3 Ways to Help Your Daughter Express Her Feelings 1. Be Her Safe Space – No Judgment, Just Listening When she shares her feelings, avoid the instinct to fix or minimize the problem. Instead of: ❌ “That’s not a big deal.” ❌ “Don’t be upset—it’ll be fine.” Try: ✅ “I can see this really matters to you.” ✅ “That sounds really tough. Tell me more about it.” Sometimes, she doesn’t need a solution—she just needs to be heard. 2. Help Her Name Her Emotions If she’s struggling to describe how she feels, help her put words to it. 💬 “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated because of what happened at school. Is that right?” 💬 “Are you feeling nervous, or is it more like excited energy?” Giving her language for her emotions makes it easier for her to express them. 3. Lead by Example – Talk About Your Own Feelings Your daughter learns how to talk about emotions by watching you. Instead of bottling up stress, say: “I had a tough day today, but talking about it helps.”If you’re feeling proud, say: “Seeing you work so hard on that made me really happy.” When she sees that you’re open about emotions, she’ll feel more comfortable sharing hers. Quick Takeaways: Start Today! Here’s your challenge: Today, create one small moment where your daughter feels safe talking about her feelings. ✅ Listen without judgment or trying to fix things. ✅ Help her name her emotions if she struggles. ✅ Model emotional openness in your own life. The more she feels safe talking to you now, the more she’ll keep coming to you as she grows. That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5! If this was helpful, share it with another dad who wants to build a stronger, more open relationship with his daughter. Until next time—keep listening, keep supporting, and keep showing her that her feelings matter. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.
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    5 mins
  • From Latvia to Leadership: A Daughter’s Journey and Her Father’s Lasting Influence

    From Latvia to Leadership: A Daughter’s Journey and Her Father’s Lasting Influence
    May 12 2025
    How can fathers truly empower their daughters to become confident, independent women? The latest episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection, featuring trailblazer Dagnija “Daggie” Lacis, author of The Wall Falls, A Woman Rises, A Memoir: How a U.S. Tech Entrepreneur Broke the Glass Ceiling and Helped Modernize Latvia. She is an inspiring masterclass in building meaningful, lasting relationships between dads and daughters. In this moving conversation with host Dr. Christopher Lewis, Daggie Lacis shares her extraordinary life story, beginning with her family's flight from Latvia during WWII, their years in a displaced persons camp, and starting anew in Indiana. Through every challenge, her father played a quietly powerful role—showing love and support, setting high standards, and most importantly, taking an active interest in her life. One of the core themes of the episode is the profound impact a father’s involvement has on a daughter's confidence and success. Daggie credits her father with instilling the self-assurance and resilience that would carry her from those early challenges to becoming the first woman programmer at Burroughs Corporation, and later a pioneering vice president. She recounts personal stories—like her dad taking her fishing at dawn and helping her tackle impossible math problems in high school—that illustrate how everyday moments foster trust, self-belief, and in Daggie’s own words, the courage to “never give up.” The episode also explores how fathers can nurture independence and ambition in their daughters without dictating their paths. Daggie’s father supported her interests, provided guidance without pressure, and above all, made himself present—qualities she urges today’s dads to embrace despite the distractions of modern life. As Daggie suggests, “be interested, be involved, be her best friend”—a simple recipe with profound results. Listeners will also find valuable advice on overcoming adversity, breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces, and why it’s crucial for girls to see themselves as capable of greatness. Daggie’s journey, detailed in her new book The Wall Falls, A Woman Rises, is a testament to both paternal support and personal determination. If you’re a dad who wants to build a stronger bond with your daughter—or if you simply want to hear an uplifting story of family, resilience, and achievement—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover how the seeds of confidence, sown early, can help daughters rise to meet any challenge the world sets before them. Ready to be inspired? Listen to this episode and more at dadanddaughterconnection.com. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and daughter connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: Welcome back to the dad and daughter connection. I love being able to be here with you every week where we have an opportunity to be able to talk about the bonds that you are creating with your own daughter. And it is so important for us to have these conversations because every day we have an opportunity to be able to build stronger connections with our daughters, to help them to become the strong, independent women that we hope that they will become as they get older. And none of us have all the answers. So it's so important for you and I to be able to learn from other people, other individuals that have had different experiences, that could share those experiences with us. And we can hear them and internalize what they're saying. Gain some tools for our toolbox and allow for us to be able to then be better fathers in the end. That's why every week I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences, different guests that can share that journey with you. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:22]: And today we've got another great guest. Dagie Laces is with us today. And Dagie was born in Latvia in 1943 and forced to flee in 1944. After five years in a displaced persons camp in Germany, she immigrated with her family to Indianapolis. Dagie graduated from Butler University and her career includes being the first woman programmer at Burroughs Corporation, then the second largest worldwide IT company, and later becoming the first female line VP. When the Berlin Wall fell, the newly elected Latvian prime minister and foreign minister asked Lacis to install modern technology in the foreign ministry. And that began her work to modernize...
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    29 mins

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