Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

In this episode of Dad’s Book Club, I review Dad’s Child Custody Action Plan by attorney David Zahra. I’m not compensated for this review—I share my honest thoughts on the book and why I found it so useful, not just for custody cases, but for anyone navigating court systems, foster care, or advocating for children. The book breaks down how to prepare for court, present evidence, work with attorneys, manage emotions, and protect your role as a parent in a system that often feels stacked against dads.

I also talk about Zahra’s background, the additional resources he offers, and why this book stood out as practical, direct, and empowering. Whether you’re dealing with custody, foster care, or just trying to document and advocate for kids effectively, this book offers tools that can make a real difference.

00:00 — Intro: Dad’s Book Club + Book Overview

00:23 — Disclaimer & Legal Caveat (Not Legal Advice)

01:00 — Episode Pace, Hiatus, and Family Time Context

01:20 — About the Author: David Zahra’s Background

01:41 — Community, Interviews, and Support Networks

02:08 — Book Breakdown: Court Prep, Evidence & Strategy

03:13 — Why the Book Applies Beyond Custody Cases

03:58 — Podcast Quotes, Emotional Support & Mindset

04:45 — Gender Bias, Courts, Trauma & Child Development

06:05 — Resources, Courses, Cost Perspective & Final Recommendation

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

In this episode, I share a quick review of Dad’s Child Custody Action Plan by David Zahra and focus on five things I really liked about the book. I talk about how it breaks down courtroom etiquette, documentation and evidence, choosing the right lawyer, understanding judges, and creating a proactive parenting plan. These are things that are useful not just for custody cases, but for navigating court systems in general.

I’m not compensated for this review—I bought the book myself and wanted to share what stood out. While I wish the audiobook QR code had worked, I found the book to be practical, easy to follow, and genuinely helpful. If you’re going through a custody situation or want to better understand how to advocate for yourself and your kids, this is a resource worth looking into.

00:00 — Intro & Book Overview

00:18 — Purpose of This Short Review (Top 5 Takeaways)

00:38 — Courtroom Etiquette & How to Present Yourself

00:58 — Evidence, Documentation & Witnesses

01:00 — Laws to Focus On & Choosing the Right Lawyer

01:21 — Knowing the Judge & Trial Preparation

01:22 — Parenting Plans, Classes & Being Proactive

01:20 — One Criticism: Audiobook QR Code Issue

01:39 — Final Thoughts & Recommendation

01:53 — Call for Feedback & Closing

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

In this episode, I give a short review of Raising Regulated Kids: The Reset Method by Dr. Becky Owens and highlight five things I really liked about the book, along with one area I think could’ve been expanded on. I’m not compensated for this review—I bought the book myself for the podcast—and I also have a longer, more in-depth review available if you want to dive deeper.

I talk about how the book focuses on regulation and co-regulation, understanding environmental triggers, leading with empathy instead of punishment, breaking generational parenting patterns, and using practical tools and check-ins to support kids outside of crisis moments. While I wish the book had gone deeper in certain sections, I’ve already started using some of these ideas with my foster kids and found them genuinely helpful. For the price, it’s a solid, accessible parenting resource I’d recommend checking out.

00:00 — Intro & Book Overview
00:22 — Disclosure & Why I Bought the Book
00:32 — Regulation & Co-Regulation
00:41 — Environmental Factors & Planning Ahead
00:57 — Empathy, Understanding & Discipline vs Punishment
01:10 — Generational Parenting & Letting Go of Shame
01:32 — Tools, Exercises & Ongoing Check-Ins
01:44 — One Area for Improvement (Book Length)
01:53 — Final Thoughts, Recommendation & Cost
02:03 — Call for Feedback & Closing

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink