I am joined once again by Allan Shedlin, creator of the Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) to talk about the 2024 festival! 

My short film 'Love Grows Here' was selected for the 2023 festival and I encourage everyone to submit a film! 

DADDYING FILM FESTIVAL & FORUM (D3F)

Virtual Festival - May 2-9, 2024
Live Forum in Philadelphia, PA - May 17, 2024
Call for Entries via FilmFreeway NOW OPEN! Submit by MARCH 4th!
LATE FEE DEADLINE: MARCH 25th

Watch the 'Love Grows Here' Short Film

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome Bryce Kenny. Bryce is a father of 3, and a professional Monster Jam driver as the Great Clips Mohawk Warrior. He shares his experience raising kids, what he’s learned from raising daughters, and advice from his new book Geared for Life: Making the Shift Into Your Full Potential.

LINKS

• Website: https://brycekenny.com/
• Instagram: @warriorbryce
• TikTok: @warriorbryce
• Facebook: Bryce Kenny
• Book order: Geared For Life: Making the Shift Into Your Full Potential

Thank you to Bryce for sharing his journey and for being part of Girl Dad Nation.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review. I’ve made it even easier! Just go to my website http://girldadnation.org and click on the Reviews tab.

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

Thank you for journeying with me.

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome J Hall. J is a father of four (2 daughters, 2 sons), a podcaster, and an author. He recently released a book titled “God Help Me! I'm a Young Dad: 10 Essentials for Becoming the Dad Your Kids Need.” We dive into the inspiration for his book and what he’s learned from raising girls.

LINKS

Book, Podcast, and more about J
https://www.jhallwriter.com/


Thank you to J for sharing his journey and for being part of Girl Dad Nation.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review. I’ve made it even easier! Just go to my website http://girldadnation.org and click on the Reviews tab.

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

#GirlDad #GirlDadNation

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this bonus episode I welcome back Kevin McCarty of The McCarty Family to talk about enjoying spooky family fun!


LINKS
www.TheMcCartys.tv
https://www.youtube.com/@TheMcCartyfam

Thank you to Kevin for sharing and being part of Girl Dad Nation.

I encourage you to make the most out of each season. And if you have a fun family tradition to share, please leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

And if you haven't done so yet, hit that Follow button! It means a lot to me!

Thank you for listening!

Until next time, go be a dad!

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome Kevin McCarty of The McCarty Family. You may have seen them on YouTube or social media with their comedy videos starring the whole family. It was a great conversation about inspiring creativity and prioritizing what matters.

Let’s get to it!

LINKS
www.TheMcCartys.tv
https://www.youtube.com/@TheMcCartyfam


IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome Brian Young. Brian has 4 daughters and he’s the author of the book “Thriving Girl Dad: A Dude’s Guide to Raising Daughters.” A major theme of his is not just to survive, but how we can thrive as men, husbands, and fathers. It was a great conversation. Stick around after the interview for my takeaways.

LINKS

Thriving Girl Dad Book

Thank you to Brian for sharing his journey and for being part of Girl Dad Nation.

Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Thriving Girl Dad Book.

I loved how Brian talked about making intentional time, even excusing himself from a business dinner, to connect with his daughters. In what ways are you and I prioritizing our family? How can we model our values to others? That’s what I’ll be reflecting on.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review. I’ve made it even easier! Just go to my new website http://girldadnation.org and click on the Reviews tab. I hope to feature some more great reviews like this one:

From Jordan on Twitter: “Girl Dad Nation has really helped me grasp how to navigate being a girl dad in terms of trying to connect a young females' emotions with a grown male's emotions. Without a doubt, the biggest thing I've taken from Matthew and his guests is that at the end of the day, the most important thing that my daughters need to know is that they are noticed, they are valued, and they are loved; no strings attached.”

Thank you Jordan! He has been a long time listener of the podcast and I really appreciate it!

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

Thank you for journeying with me.

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

I welcome Carter from The Touched Out Podcast. Carter has three kids and he says his parenting style has evolved over the past year after he was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, alongside his 2-year-old son. His podcast focuses on men’s mental health and parenting, and it's about to launch into Season 2.

Let’s get to it!

LINKS

The Touched Out Podcast

Thank you to Carter for sharing his journey and for being part of Girl Dad Nation.

Check out the links in the description to learn more about The Touched Out Podcast.

I encourage all of us dads to check in our our mental health and each other. You never know what internal battles someone is going through. But there are resources and community out there. Speak up. Share your story. And keep showing up for your kids.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review. I’ve made it even easier! Just go to my new website girldadnation.org and click on the Reviews tab. I hope to feature some more great reviews like this one:

From ludicrsspeed: “Awesome stuff. Matthew interviews some great dads and the content is always relevant and insightful. As a dad of 2, would recommend.”

Thank you ludicrsspeed!

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

Thank you for journeying with me.

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com
GirlDadNation.org

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this bonus episode I welcome back Eleanor Leddick to talk about her podcast, Talkin' Puppies.

LINKS

Talkin' Puppies Podcast

Thank you to Eleanor for sharing your puppy (and all animals) expertise and being part of Girl Dad Nation.

I encourage you to give Talkin' Puppies a listen, like, and subscribe! You can find the links in the description. And if you have an animal story you want to share, please leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

And if you haven't done so yet, hit that Follow button! It means a lot to me!

Thank you for listening!

Until next time, go be a dad!

IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

This is a special episode! I welcome Justin Leddick and his daughter Eleanor. Justin is not only a friend, but he is also my boss. We’ve worked together for the past 8 years at the Augustine Institute creating video content. He was the first video creator hire for the institute and now serves as Executive Director for the Studios.

He is joined by his teenage daughter, Eleanor, who also is a creative and co-host for her podcast called Talking Puppies.

LINKS

Augustine Institute Studios

Augustine Institute

FORMED.ORG

Thank you to Justin and Eleanor for being part of Girl Dad Nation.

Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Augustine Institute and the video programs mentioned in the interview. As mentioned before, it’s a blessing to work with Justin and I truly am proud of what we have produced.

I encourage dads to find ways to be creative with your kids and invite them into your life as much as we should also be interested in theirs. Just this past week, I had the joy of taking my oldest daughter, Caley, with me to work and she got to see this new children’s drawing show we’re working on. She absolutely loved it! (even though it’s still in the early stages) And so did I seeing her joy!

Thank you for journeying with me.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a Girl Dad! I’d also love to know what creative projects you do with your kids. Drop me a note! I might feature it in a later episode.

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

Long time no see (or hear)

Here to share some updates!



IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

In this episode I welcome Eric Taylor. He is a dad to two young daughters and known as “@girldad_e ” on Instagram. We talk about the importance of being present, admitting mistakes, and holding men to higher standards. That includes us especially as fathers and role models to our kids. No dusty sons allowed! Our daughters deserve better!

Let’s get to it!

LINKS

Eric Taylor - @girldad_e

AFFIRMATION SONG

I’m strong. I’m smart.

I’m beautiful with a brave heart.

I love Jesus so I know how to act. 

I know my worth because the fam' of God got my back.

Thank you to Eric for sharing his story and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description to see more content from “@girldad_e ” including the affirmation song he taught his daughters.

I hope this inspires you, as it does me, to be present, lead by example, and encourage our daughters. The Nation is built first in the home. And I want to raise warriors!

Thank you for journeying with me.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a Girl Dad! I’d also love to know what affirmations you tell your daughters. Drop me a note! I might feature it in a later episode.

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome Allan Shedlin. Allan is a father of and daddy to three daughters and five grandchildren. He has devoted his life’s work to education and the importance of good fatherhood, what he calls “Daddying.” He holds many titles and degrees, but he is most proud of his title D.A.D.. In this episode we talk about his goals for the Daddying Film Festival and Forum. Plus, I share my inspiration for the short film, ‘Love Grows Here’, that I submitted for the festival.

LINKS

Daddying Film Festival and Forum

'Love Grows Here' - Short Film

Thank you to Allan for sharing his story and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Daddying Film Festival and Forum, including the short film I made for my girls. It’s an honor to have my film, ‘Love Grows Here’, selected among so many wonderful films celebrating the role of good dads. I’ll be looking forward to the festival each year around Father’s Day!

As I mentioned in the interview, video technology is more accessible than it ever has been. Most parents have a camera and computer in their pocket with the popularity of smart phones. I encourage you to capture the good memories, share your family’s story, get creative, and also make things with your kids. It will mean so much to you and to them!

Thank you for journeying with me.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a creative dad! I’d also love to know which movies inspire you. Is there a film that you love with a strong father figure? Send me a note!

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this bonus episode, Jerome Kluck of the Everyday Parents Podcast shares his Survival Guide for Being a Stay-at-home Dad. He did not prepare this beforehand. It was not scripted. I put him on the spot and he sure delivered! Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

LINKS

Everyday Parents Podcast

Thank you to Jerome for sharing his top tips as a stay-at-home dad, and being part of Girl Dad Nation.

This episode is coming out shortly after the Nuggets swept the Lakers in the NBA Playoffs. Had to just mention that as a Denver fan!

Anyway, I’d love to hear more of your survival tips.

Leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

And if you haven't done so yet, hit that Follow button! It means a lot to me!

Thank you for listening!

And go Nuggets!

IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome Jerome Kluck. Jerome and his wife Caitlin have a daughter named Charlie, and they host a podcast called Everyday Parents, featuring the day-to-day stories from many different parents. My wife, Becca, and I were guests on that podcast (link in the description) and now it’s an honor to welcome Jerome as a guest on Girl Dad Nation.

LINKS

Everyday Parents Podcast

Thank you to Jerome for sharing his story and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Everyday Parents Podcast, including the episode with my wife and I. We loved chatting with Jerome and Caitlin, and I am so glad to have been able to continue the conversation with Jerome as fathers to daughters. It’s obvious that he loves his daughter, Charlie, very much. And the letter he wrote to her at the end of this episode was truly very special. Whether your kids are young, like ours still are (for now), or if they’re all grown up, I encourage you to write your kids a letter letting them know how much they are loved. I know they will cherish that forever.

Thank you for journeying with me.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a friend.

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this bonus episode, I ask Greg Bishop and Chuck Ault from Boot Camp for New Dads to share their top moves for new dads. Basically, these are their recommended best actions that any new father should take from years of experience!

LINKS

Boot Camp for New Dads

Boot Camp for New Moms

Thank you to Greg and Chuck for sharing their top tips and being part of Girl Dad Nation.

I think all of the advice shared is really great and I encourage you to share this episode with a new dad if your life. If you have more recommendations for new dads, I’d love to hear them!

Leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

And if you haven't done so yet, hit that Follow button! It means a lot to me!

Thank you for listening!

And in the words of my almost 4-year-old, "See ya later crocodile!"

IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome Greg Bishop and Chuck Ault from Boot Camp for New Dads. Greg is the founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, and Chuck jumped on board early on and has helped it grow. I was fortunate enough to attend Boot Camp before my first daughter was born and I highly recommend it for any new dad! Really enjoyed this conversation around fatherhood!

LINKS

Boot Camp for New Dads

Boot Camp for New Moms

Thank you to Greg and Chuck for sharing their stories and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description to learn more about Boot Camp for New Dads (and Boot Camp for New Moms). I hope you have found people in your life to learn from and share this amazing journey with.

Thank you for journeying with me.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a friend.

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @‌girldadnation
Twitter: @‌girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this bonus episode, we're talking painting piggies! That right, we're heading to the nail salon! Jon Ekstrom of the 'Jon of All Trades' podcast returns to convince me why every Girl Dad must try getting a pedicure with their daughters.


LINKS

Jon of All Trades - Podcast
@joatpod

Thank you to Jon Ekstrom for sharing his philosophy of pedicures and being part of Girl Dad Nation.

I think I now have to schedule a pedicure with my wife and daughters. Dads, is this something you've done? Would you give it a try?

Leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

And if you haven't done so yet, hit that Follow button! It means a lot to me!

Thank you for listening!

And in the words of my 3-year-old, "See ya later crocodile!"

IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this episode I welcome Jon Ekstrom, dad to Grace and Sloane who are 8 and 6. Jon is a communications professional in the Denver area. His flagship podcast is titled 'Jon of All Trades' which has over 340 episodes. We talk about life as Girl Dads and inspiring our daughters to be whatever they dream to be; embracing the underdog story.

LINKS

Jon of All Trades - Podcast
Jon Ekstrom - Infertility Story Blog
@joatpod

Thank you to Jon Ekstrom for sharing his journey and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description for more of his content. Hearing stories like his and remembering my own experience of first becoming a father is a good reminder of the gift that fatherhood and each new life is. As my girls grow and start asking more 'What ifs,' I hope they never lose that wonder and imagination.

Thank you for journeying with me.
If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a friend.

Girl Dad Nation is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

You can also email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 

In this bonus episode, relatable tiktok dad, Brenden Guy (with the handle @brendenandellie), shares his top 3 must have baby items.

LINKS
Baby Brezza Instant Warmer (for baby formula)

Hair Ties, Hair Bands, and Hair Clips - Everywhere

Wearable Baby Carrier

Thank you to Brenden Guy for sharing his top 3 must have baby items and being part of Girl Dad Nation.

Hope this was helpful to the new dads. And for those veteran dads, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your must have baby items?

Leave a comment on social media or send me an email to girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

And if you haven't done so yet, hit that Follow button! It means a lot to me!

Thank you for listening!

Until next time, go be a dad!

IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

In this episode I welcome Brenden Guy. Brenden is a digital creator and TikToker (Do people say that?), with two young daughters. We recorded this interview back in August 2022. He is know for creating funny and relatable videos about parenting, and also sharing his culture shocks from being a Brit living in the United States. It was really fun to chat with him about lessons learned in parenting and in life.

LINKS

Brenden's Instagram - @brendenandellie
Brenden's TikTok - @brendenandellie

Thank you to Brenden Guy for sharing his journey and being part of Girl Dad Nation. Check out the links in the description for more of his content. I especially love his sentimental videos about the joy and meaning of family life. If a tiktok could make you cry, there's a good chance on of his will.

For all the negatives about social media, sometimes you can find inspiring things and connect with people trying to make a positive difference.

Thank you for journeying with me.
If you've enjoyed this podcast, please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing the show with a friend.

Girl Dad Nation is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also email at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

There is no greater joy than being a dad!

IG: @girldadnation
Twitter: @girldadnation

GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast.