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Fathernetics
Fathernetics
Jameel Mayers

Fathernetics

ParentingSociety & CultureRelationshipsEnglish
Fathernetics | Dad Hero Stories

Real stories from the men who chose fatherhood and everything it took to get there.

From adoption and fostering to IVF and surrogacy, Fathernetics explores the journeys behind modern dads, who they were before, what they faced, and who they became along the way. Centered on LGBTQ+ men, with occasional perspectives from women reflecting on their own fathers, these are honest, unfiltered conversations about identity, resilience, relationships, and the realities of building a family.

Because becoming a dad isn’t simple and it’s never one-size-fits-all.

🎙️ Hosted by Jameel Mayers
📲 YouTube & Instagram: @fathernetics
📢 New episodes every Thursday
Website

Episodes

S03:E18 - Anthony Eftimeo | “Ally Is a Verb”: Parenting, Coming Out & PFLAG Support
29 October 2026

S03:E18 - Anthony Eftimeo | “Ally Is a Verb”: Parenting, Coming Out & PFLAG Support

Anthony Eftimeo on LGBTQ+ Allyship, Parenting & PFLAG Family SupportHow can parents better support LGBTQ+ children, and what does being an LGBTQ+ ally actually require?In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers talks with Anthony Eftimeo, Vice President of PFLAG Los Angeles, about LGBTQ+ parenting, coming out, allyship, pronouns, family acceptance, and the support available to parents...
S03:E17 - Ben Ptashinsky-Skinner | Embracing Parenthood and Authenticity: A Conversation with (@equityBEN)
22 October 2026

S03:E17 - Ben Ptashinsky-Skinner | Embracing Parenthood and Authenticity: A Conversation with (@equityBEN)

What does it mean to build a family with intention?Friend of the Show Ben (@equityBEN) shares his journey through musical theater, adoption, and fatherhood, offering an honest look at raising a child with openness, authenticity, and love. From performing as Edna in Hairspray to creating lasting family traditions, Ben reflects on how representation, visibility, and community have shaped both his...
S03:E16 - Benji Moorman-Fuzi | Queer Parenting from the UK
15 October 2026

S03:E16 - Benji Moorman-Fuzi | Queer Parenting from the UK

What does it look like to spend every day helping children grow, while also raising your own daughter in a loving queer family? In this episode of Fathernetics, Friend of the Show Benji Moorman-Fuzi, a UK-based childminder, educator, author, and dad, shares his journey through parenting, childcare, community, and the ten-year road to welcoming his daughter, Phoebe, through surrogacy.Benji opens...
S03:E15 - Casey & Sunshine (Surrogacy.is ______).
08 October 2026

S03:E15 - Casey & Sunshine (Surrogacy.is ______).

Thinking about surrogacy? Wondering how gay couples, LGBTQ parents, single parents, and cancer survivors build families through gestational surrogacy? In this episode of Fathernetics, host Jameel Mayers sits down with Sunshine and Casey from Surrogacy Is to answer the questions people are often afraid to ask.They break down the surrogacy process, explain how intended parents choose the right...
S03:E14 - Arnel Calvario Ripkens || Kaba Modern Father
01 October 2026

S03:E14 - Arnel Calvario Ripkens || Kaba Modern Father

What does it take to build stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and more connected families? In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Dr. Arnel to explore how a passion for helping others shapes leadership, parenting, and personal growth.From preparing for fatherhood to embracing self-care without guilt, this conversation highlights how investing in yourself allows you to...
S03:E13 - Lindsey Strickland | What Do You Really Know about Surrogacy?
24 September 2026

S03:E13 - Lindsey Strickland | What Do You Really Know about Surrogacy?

Think surrogacy is just a fancy way to skip the line? Think again! Today, we're diving into real-life stories of LGBTQ surrogates, unexpected family ties, and the magic moments that make this journey so uniquely human and humanizing.In this episode:The inspiring story of Lindsay, a surrogate with a heart as big as her city of North CarolinaHow LGBTQ families redefine heroism and parenthood by...
S03:E12 - Lance Souter | Is there a Formula to the Father Figure?
17 September 2026

S03:E12 - Lance Souter | Is there a Formula to the Father Figure?

Fatherhood doesn’t come with a blueprint, but it does come with opportunities to grow.This week on Fathernetics, Friend of the Show Lance Souter (LGBTQ+ Ally) joins me for a conversation about becoming a better parent through accountability, communication, and intentional living. We talk about navigating family illness, setting goals that actually matter, challenging toxic masculinity, building...
S03:E11 - Chris & Robbie | What's Up With the Cordovas?
10 September 2026

S03:E11 - Chris & Robbie | What's Up With the Cordovas?

What happens when a Britney Spears superfan, Pride celebrations, and the emotional journey to parenthood all collide?In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Chris and Robbie to talk about building a family through surrogacy, celebrating Pride as parents, and finding joy in the unexpected moments along the way. Their story moves from unforgettable pop culture memories to the...
S03:10 - Tosha Field | Surrogacy, Support, and Sisterhood.
03 September 2026

S03:10 - Tosha Field | Surrogacy, Support, and Sisterhood.

Ever wonder what it's like to carry hope—literally—for a family in need? Tasha Field breaks down the ins and outs of surrogacy from her unique perspective as a two-time surrogate and advocate for LGBTQ families. Grab a cup of tea—this episode is full of heart, science, and some seriously funny stories.Main Insights:Tasha’s journey started at age 16 and evolved into helping others build...
S03:09 - Dr. Adam Anthony | Once Adopted, Always Connected
27 August 2026

S03:09 - Dr. Adam Anthony | Once Adopted, Always Connected

In this heartfelt interview, ally and friend of the show, Dr. Adam Anthony, shares his journey as a black adoptee, the importance of transparency in adoption, and how his experiences shape his advocacy for supporting young men of color and adoptive families. Discover insights on navigating identity, family connections, and fostering understanding in the Black community.resourcesEmpowerment by Dr...