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Artwork for Fathernetics

Fathernetics

Jameel Mayers
Surrogacy
Adoption
Fatherhood
LGBTQ Parenting
LGBTQ+ Parenting
Foster Care
Canada
LGBTQ+ Parenthood
LGBTQ
Family Dynamics
Therapy
LGBTQIA
Communication
Parenting
Video Games
Colombia
New York City
Adoption Process
United States
Social Media

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 ar... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes63Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingKids & FamilyRelationshipsSociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Fathernetics

Latest Episodes

Buckle up, folks. Today’s episode is a powerful mix of heartfelt honesty, mental health truths, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to be an LGBTQ parent in the modern world.

Spoiler: It’s not all unicorns and rainbows, well, actual... more

What happens when you stop living for survival and finally start living as yourself? Friend of the Show Stef Vachon joins Fathernetics to talk about bullying, homophobia, therapy, figure skating, the Gay Games, and the long road to self acceptance. W... more

This episode of Fathernetics explores LGBTQ parenting through adoption, fostering, and raising teens in today’s world. Adrian and Shane Potter share their journey into fatherhood, including the emotional realities of fostering and how it shaped their... more

What happens to kids who never get adopted?

In this episode of Fathernetics, Rita Soronen, president and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, breaks down the real state of foster care in the U.S. This conversation goes beyond headlines—in... more

RuPaul’s Drag Race, Gay Fatherhood, Surrogacy, and LGBTQ+ Representation with Eric Calvario. Eric shares his RuPaul’s Drag Race journey, gay fatherhood, surrogacy, LGBTQ+ representation, and how drag strengthened his family and confidence.

Episode S... more

Season 3 of the Fathernetics podcast opens with an honest, layered conversation on what it really means to be an LGBTQ dad today. Ronaldo Dwight joins the show to talk about identity before and after fatherhood, intentional friendships, therapy, marr... more

Season 3 of Fathernetics kicks off a little differently.

This time, it’s just me, interview style. Answering the questions people actually ask and what it’s like building a space for LGBTQ+ dads. No big debate. Just an honest check-in about how far ... more

This Father’s Day special episode of the Fathernetics podcast brings together Jameel Mayers and his father, Esteban, for an honest conversation about fatherhood across cultures and generations. They reflect on parenting values shaped in Panama and th... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Ken Kemp
Doctor, PhD; professor and mental health advocate
Ken Kemp Mental Wellness; Walden University; Center for Strong Public Schools
Episode: S3:E06 - Dr. Ken Kemp | LGBTQ+ and being Black in America.
Stef Vachon
Figure skater, LGBTQ+ advocate, and podcast host
Together Moving Forward podcast
Episode: S3:E05 -- Stef Vachon | Stef Vachon on Bullying, Therapy, the Gay Games, and Becoming Your True Self
Rita Soronen
President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Episode: S3:E03 - Rita Soronen (CEO) - Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption.
Eric Calvario
Gay dad, former RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars contestant
Drag Race All Stars, LGBTQ+ advocacy
Episode: S3:E02 - Eric Calvario - Drag Race SuperStar and Father Extraordinaire
Ronaldo Dwight
Guest sharing his journey to fatherhood as part of an LGBTQ couple
Partner of Ronaldo Dwight (husband)
Episode: S3:E01 - Ronaldo Dwight | Black Fatherhood Evolved...
Esteban Mayers
Father of the host, former Canal Zone community leader
Family guest, Canal Zone community figure
Episode: S2:E29 - Esteban Mayers - Panama War Zone and the Father Who Raised Me
Cody Dolly
Guest on episode, LGBTQ father via surrogacy journey
Partner of Patrick, father via surrogacy
Episode: S2:E27 - Cody Dolly | We Swiped Right on a Surrogate and Built a Family
Leo Massey
Therapist specializing in DBT; works with LGBTQ+ community and Jewish population
Independent therapist practicing in New York (Manhattan, Bronx)
Episode: S2:E25 - Leo Massey | Jewish Therapist for the LGBTQ+ Community (Prescribed)
August Black
Trans man, dad, co-parent, and speaker
Independent/Creator
Episode: S2:E24 - August Black | Mr. Black talks about being an intentional Trans-Dad

Host

Jameel Mayers
Host of the show; leads conversations with guests and guides discussion

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 27 ratings
  • Fathernetics is such an important podcast.

    Jameel creates a welcoming space where LGBTQ+ dads share their journeys with honesty, vulnerability, and heart. The conversations go far beyond parenting, they explore identity, resilience, relationships, and what it truly means to build a family. Every episode is thoughtful, inspiring, and filled with real-life experiences that deserve to be heard. Whether you're a parent, planning to become one, or simply interested in authentic human stories, this podcast is absolutely worth listening to. Hig... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stef Vachon
    Canada8 days ago
  • The time to showcase what real life, real men, real dads also look like has arrived. Thanks for giving this life, light, and representation!

    Podchaser
    5
    fathernetics
    3 months ago
  • The Conversations We Need to be Havinh

    Growing up there were no queer stories being told unless they were written as a punch line of a joke. The thing that I love about this podcast is the conversations being had to normalize the queer community and the way we live our day to day lives. The stereotypes that are placed on our communities are being used against us in so many different ways and I know that if we can start to show that there is not one mold we as queer individuals all fit into we can begin to create space for us in this ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Drummond88
    United States4 months ago
  • A must listen

    A great inspiring show with amazing interviews and a dedicated and wonderful host.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hopedude2006
    United States5 months ago
  • Good convo and wonderful host

    If you are a Dad who loves "optimization," growth-minded parent discussions then this your place!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    2 Dads 2 Ladies
    United States5 months ago
  • New Fan!

    Just listened to the last episode with Sam! Love the in-depth conversation about tough parenting moments with levity sprinkled in. Just like life should be! Great vibes all around!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AugustB7
    United States5 months ago
  • A valuable resource for fathers and wannabe dads

    This podcast offers great conversations, insights and perspectives about parenting and fatherhood from a variety of guests. It’s really nice to hear so many unique and hopeful stories that all have a common thread. Fathernetics is a valuable resource for parents and wannabe dads at any stage in their journey.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    @our.path.to.parenthood
    Canada5 months ago
  • I’m 100% in ❤️

    I must make a confession. I’m usually not a podcast person, but let me tell you, Fathernetics has me questioning that choice.

    Jameel brings authenticity to these conversations and invites us in by creating spaces where we can relate to his guests. As a father of three, it’s refreshing to hear the good, the bad, and everything in between about parenthood. These conversations also reminds us that we are more than just parents. Honestly, it’s one of the best series of parenthood that I’ve seen in ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ACG1209
    United States5 months ago
  • Relatable and Fun!

    Loving every episode so far and super relatable. Thank you!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Brian Douglas James
    United States5 months ago
  • Always a great listen!

    Fathernetics is a must-listen. The diverse perspectives are incredibly inspiring and provide a powerful sense of connection for every father out there.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RickyRoo86
    United States5 months ago
  • …a dedicated space for us

    Great podcast stemming around authentic relatable topics & also a safe space in the LGBTQ+ parenting community.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MayneLatrey
    United States5 months ago
  • Real conversations about fatherhood

    I have been listening to Fathernetics for a while now and it is one of the few parenting podcasts that feels genuinely honest without trying to be perfect. The conversations are real, thoughtful, and often funny, but they also get into the parts of fatherhood that people do not always talk about.

    We were lucky enough to be guests on the show at one point, and what stood out most was how easy the conversation felt. Nothing forced, nothing scripted, just a proper discussion about parenting, famil... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Looney102
    United States5 months ago
  • Keep Sharing

    A great man doing great work. Keep podcasting King

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Firepit Conversations
    United States5 months ago
  • Exceptionally connected

    Jameel has an uncanny ability to be able to make every conversation he records relevant. He asks provocative questions while respecting his guests immensely. I am excited when I see a new episode drop!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    babyREADY
    Canada8 months ago
  • Amazing!

    Love Fathernetics! BEST podcast! Keep up the amazing work, I’m excited to see how far you take this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hshenendnbren
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show is viewed as a valuable resource for dads and prospective fathers in LGBTQ+ communities.
Many note the host's ability to connect with guests and create a safe space.
Audience appreciates practical, real-world parenting insights for LGBTQ+ families.
Guests are described as diverse, relatable, and informed.
Listeners praise authenticity and vulnerability of conversations.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Top Parenting Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S3:E03 - Rita Soronen (CEO) - Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is discovering an interest in adopting through foster care and thinking about reaching out?
Her guidance is to do thorough research, contact area agencies, assess one's own support system, be honest about capacity (including whether they can handle siblings or additional needs), and consider advocacy or mentoring as first steps if adoption isn't feasible right away.
S3:E03 - Rita Soronen (CEO) - Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption.
Q: From the child's perspective, are recruiters more focused on finding the right family for a child rather than the right child for a family, and how does that work in practice?
She describes recruiters as advocates for the child and the family alike, working to ensure the match serves the child's best interests, with a focus on stable, long-term outcomes and ample support for both sides to enable successful adoptions.
S3:E03 - Rita Soronen (CEO) - Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption.
Q: Let me ask you this. How do you feel things have progressed over the last couple of years when it comes to fostering to adopt?
Rita explains there has been meaningful progress in some areas to benefit children, while acknowledging persistent gaps that still require deep systemic change, and she emphasizes ongoing efforts to improve the pathways to permanency for youth in care.
Louis and Sean Talk Surrogacy, the Canadian Way, Eh!
Q: So how do you deal with people's questions about your family structure, like calling one another dad and the occasional confusion from others?
They use clear self-identification (they introduce themselves as dads) and proactive communication to normalize two-dad families and reduce misunderstanding, while also preparing Maisie with intentional exposure to diverse family structures.
Louis and Sean Talk Surrogacy, the Canadian Way, Eh!
Q: Are you trying to mirror what you experience as far as discipline is concerned, or are you trying to change that completely just based on how you feel about it?
They are both trying to balance discipline with compassion, aiming to be different from how they were raised, while keeping consistency and avoiding fear-based approaches.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Fathernetics

What is Fathernetics about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A candid, community-oriented show centered on LGBTQ+ fatherhood, exploring how modern dads build families through adoption, fostering, surrogacy, and IVF. Episodes mix personal journeys with practical guidance on parenting, relationships, and navigating legal and cultural barriers—often featuring couples, solo dads, and family-building advocates who share behind-the-scenes realities, humor, and resilience. Notable strengths include authentic storytelling, diverse family structures, and a welcoming space for actionable tips and candid conversations that benefit prospective guests and sponsors seeking authentic LGBTQ+ family narratives.

Where can I find podcast stats for Fathernetics?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Fathernetics. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Fathernetics and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Fathernetics get?

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What are the audience demographics for Fathernetics?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Fathernetics, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does Fathernetics have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Fathernetics has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of Fathernetics are there?

Fathernetics launched a year ago and published 63 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Fathernetics?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Fathernetics?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Fathernetics from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Fathernetics. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on Fathernetics?

Recent guests on Fathernetics include:

1. Ken Kemp
2. Stef Vachon
3. Rita Soronen
4. Eric Calvario
5. Ronaldo Dwight
6. Esteban Mayers
7. Cody Dolly
8. Leo Massey

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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