Dan Medcraft

Dan Medcalf bio Dan is a first-time dad and husband from Melbourne Australia. He works for a local tech start-up company as their Community Manager, but lives for Patrick, his 6 month old son. When fatherhood became something in his immediate future, he struggled to find a good blog or guide for new dads that didn't fall into a tired outdated old cliche, so decided to start his own blog, writing as honestly as possible about the new experience in the hopes to help start conversations with other like-minded dads.

Scott Wallace

Scott Wallace

I am the proud single parent of a nine year old autistic son. I have had a career in the entertainment industry for thirty years. I have worked in the areas of ballet, opera, theater, rock and roll and circus. I spent thirteen years touring around the world with Cirque du Soleil over five continents. My son was born at circus and toured with me until he was five years old which is when we needed to leave the circus to find school for him. I am now embarking on writing about my life experiences especially about the bond between my son and me, the challenges of single fatherhood and the rewards of having a neurodiverse son. I currently work for Emerson College as a manager in the Office of the Arts.

Nathan Timmel

When but six years old, Nathan conned his sweet little grandmother into buying him George Carlin’s “Class Clown,” and was soon running around the playground shouting the Seven Dirty Words You Can’t Say On Television. It was a fitting start to Nathan’s journey to a career in stand up comedy. 

Since those auspicious beginnings, Nathan has headlined comedy clubs across the country, recorded several comedy CDs (with regular airplay on Sirius/XM), visited the Bob & Tom Show three times, and been overseas to perform for American troops eight times—including stops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s been a three-time guest on Iowa Public Radio’s talk shows “River to River” and “Talk of Iowa.” 

With an act that covers everything from making babies to the politics of prison overcrowding, Nathan’s comedy is relatable and teases out the absurd humor of everyday life. He builds stories with real-life anecdotes that draw you in before hitting you with the punch line you didn’t see coming. He doesn’t leave anyone out – including the ridiculous people among us, and they’re all fair game for mockery. 

Not as serious as Plato, but lighter than Socrates. Not as edgy as Clinton, but livelier than Nixon. Not as heavy as GWAR, but deeper than Culture Club, Nathan isn’t afraid of using his own life, from his oddball father to his diva toddler, to get you laughing. Nathan’s style is likeable and open, and by the end of his set, he’ll leave you wanting more jokes (and his Twitter handle). 

To his mother’s delight, Nathan put his English degree to use writing of his travails as a comedian. He’s published two full-length novels and his writing has been featured in the worldwide military newspaper Stars & Stripes, and on Rooftop Comedy where he interviewed comedic celebrities such as Rob Corddry and Margaret Cho. Nathan is currently a contributing blogger for The Huffington Post. 

Nathan currently lives near Iowa City, Iowa, with his wife, two children, and a dog named “Kitty.”

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Julian Redwood

Why are some families so happy and fulfilled while others struggle so painfully? Having spent over a decade researching this question, I found that the differences are actually quite clear and addressable. The modern family so often consists of a disempowered dad and overburdened mom. This imbalance increasingly strains the family and explains a lot of the suffering we as parents are experiencing.  

 Full Frontal Fatherhood breaks down this issue and provides concise DIY videos on how to have a balanced and joyful family that functions as a healthy team. It is remarkably simple information that has helped many families.  

 You can view the videos at www.FullFrontalFatherhood.com and follow us on Facebook  Or if you prefer, there is a podcast, a YouTube channel and of course Twitter. 

 

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Rick Johnson

Bestselling author and speaker Rick founded "Better Dads" in 2001 based on the urgent need to empower men to lead and serve in their families and communities. Rick's books have expanded his work to include influencing the whole family, with life-changing insights for men and women on parenting, marriage, and personal growth. Inspiring and equipping through innovative multimedia presentations and seminars, Rick's resources, methods and personal approach have been transforming the lives of men, women, and their families for over 13 years.

 

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Dan Lythcott-Haims

Dan is a Designer and Photographer. He is currently co-founder and VP of User Experience for Thuuz, working to build apps that make sure sports fanatics never miss an exciting game. Prior to Thuuz, Dan spent 10 years as Creative Director for Pandora. During that time, he was the principal designer of all Pandora's web and mobile applications. Before Pandora, Dan owned a small design firm, applying the principles of user-centered design to all kinds of projects - web sites, museum exhibits, graphic design, and product design. Earlier, Dan worked for a number of exhibit design firms, working on interactive exhibits for a wide range of museums - from science and technology centers to National Historic Sites. As a photographer, Dan is interested in documenting the broken edges of the man-made world, where nature creeps back in. He find beauty in the patterns, textures, colors, and forms found in the process of decay. For the last 16 years, Dan has managed to pursue his career while working part-time, after choosing to be the primary caretaker for his two children (now 14 and 16). Dan received his B.S. from Stanford University, where he studied Product Design. He likes photography, playing the guitar, and sunshine. Oddly enough, he doesn't like sports.

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Ryan McKelly

Ryan A. McKelley, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist and chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He teaches courses on health, psychology, behavior modification, abnormal psychology, group counseling, and men and masculinities. He has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, mostly in the area of men and masculinity. Specific research and presentation topics include men’s help-seeking, alternative treatment models, non-traditional work and family roles, fatherhood, men and depression, marketing mental health, and health psychology. Dr. McKelley has provided clinical services in several different clinical settings, and currently maintains a small private practice providing individual and group therapy. He is a member of Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, a division of the American Psychological Association.

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Jay Payleitner

Jay Payleitner is one of the top freelance producers for Christian radio. For years, Jay produced Josh McDowell Radio, Today's Father, Jesus Freaks Radio, and Project Angel Tree with Chuck Colson. Jay is a nationally-known speaker for Iron Sharpens Iron, the National Center for Fathering, marriage conferences, and even MOPS groups. He is the author of more than 15 books including the bestselling 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List? He has been a guest multiple times on The Harvest Show and Focus on the Family.

Jay and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they’ve raised five great kids and loved on ten foster babies.

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Dennis Coates

Denny Coates is the author of two books for young teens: Conversations with the Wise Aunt and Conversations with the Wise Uncle. He's also the creator of online coaching systems for parents, Strong for Parenting, and for teens, Strong for Life. His eye-opening ebook for parents of teens, The Race against Time, is available free on www.DrDennyCoates.com.

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Sheldon Barrocks

Sheldon Barrocks is a Logistics Professional by day and moonlights as a Freelance Writer by night. His Blog "The Amateur Dad" has been going strong for 2 years and is dedicated to helping Dads be intentional about all aspects of fatherhood, while also teaching them on how to embrace failure at the same time. He credits most of his material from raising his 4 kids with his lovely wife of 13 years. 

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Eric Snow

Eric Snow is the Executive Director of WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), a father-engagement and educational initiative of the National Center for Fathering. 

In 1998, Eric helped create a program in his children’s school that was designed to provide fathers and father figures with the opportunity to be uniquely involved in the educational process of their children. With the goals of enhancing school safety and providing positive male role models, the first WATCH D.O.G.S. program was born. Eric was instrumental in developing the vision for WATCH D.O.G.S. and is credited with giving the program its name. Eric served on the Board of Directors for WATCH D.O.G.S. for more than 5 years. 

Since joining the National Center for Fathering in 2008 Eric has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the WATCH D.O.G.S. headquarters as he has criss-crossed the country, speaking at hundreds of educational conferences in order to train parents and educators how to implement the WATCH D.O.G.S. program in their schools. 

In June 2012 Eric was appointed to a two-year term on the Board of Directors for National PTA and June 2014 he was appointed to serve a one year term on the National PTA Strategic Planning Committee. Currently Eric is serving two year appointments to both the National PTA Membership Committee and the Kansas PTA Board of Managers as the Membership Committee Chair. 

Before joining the National Center for Fathering, Eric was the President and owner of New South Directory Company, Inc. Prior to that, Eric was the Vice President of Operations for K.W Brock Directories Inc. 

Eric attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he majored in Political Science. 

Eric and his wife Valerie were married in 1982 and they have two children.

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Joe Kelly

Joe Kelly is a journalist, author, educator and expert on fathering.  He and his spouse Nancy Gruver have been together 37 years; we have 2 adult daughters, 2 honorary granddaughters, and 1 biological grandson.  

Since 1992, Joe has been researching and writing about the roles of men in their families and stepfamilies. His 11 books include Dads & Daughters®: How to Inspire, Understand, and Support Your DaughterThe Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being a New Dad; and (with Dr. Margo Maine) The Body Myth: Adult Women and the Pressure to Be Perfect.  

 Joe co-founded the girl-edited magazine New Moon Girls (www.newmoon.com) and has advised or been on the boards of numerous NGOs, including The Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood, Eating Disorders Coalition (US), Minnesota Fathers & Families Network, and Voice Male magazine. I enjoy baseball, bicycling, and reading history

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Jason Kreidman

There are plenty of parenting resources and groups for moms.  Most women also talk to their friends and family members about what is going on in their lives.  Unfortunately this is typically not the case for men.  What about the dads?  Where can they turn when they need some guidance?  Many are turning to Jason Kreidman and Dudes To Dads.  Jason founded Dudes To Dads with the mission of helping men transition from single dude into family man.  Jason does this through a weekly podcast, a dad-only meetup group, speaking events, and personal coaching.   He is married to his elementary school sweetheart and has two energetic young kids.

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Michael Gurian

Michael is a  marriage and family counselor  in private practice and the New York Times bestselling author of  twenty-eight books published in twenty-two languages.  The Gurian Institute, which he co-founded,  conducts research internationally, launches pilot programs and trains professionals.   Michael and his colleagues at the University of Missouri-Kansas City  completed a  two year pilot study in the 1990s  that established  best practices for educating boys and girls.   These best practices are now used in  schools and communities worldwide.   

As a social philosopher, Michael has pioneered efforts to bring  neuro-biology and brain research  into homes, schools, corporations, and public policy.    A number of his books have sparked national debate, including  THE WONDER OF BOYS,  THE WONDER OF GIRLS,  BOYS AND GIRLS LEARN DIFFERENTLY!, and  LEADERSHIP AND THE SEXES 

Michael provides keynotes and consulting throughout the world, and his work has been featured in many professional journals, including  the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Psychology Today.  He has also been a guest on such programs as the Today Show and Good Morning America, as well as appearing on CNN, PBS, and National Public Radio.  Michael has been called “the people’s philosopher” for his ability to bring together scientific principles and people’s every day lives. 

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Kelly Farley

Kelly Farley was caught up in the rat race of life when he experienced the loss of two babies over an 18-month period. He lost his daughter, Katie, in 2004, and son, Noah, in 2006. Like many men, during these losses and the years that followed, he felt like he was the only dad that had ever experienced such a loss. Kelly spent several years trying to put his life back together.  He realized during his journey that society, for the most part, doesn’t feel comfortable with an openly grieving male.  That realization inspired him to start the Grieving Dads Project and to write his book Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back.  Kelly has a passion for helping people “pick up the pieces” after a profound life event.  Kelly commits his time to connecting with and advocating for bereaved parents.  He is currently working on changing a federal bill to help provide parents with unpaid leave from work after the death of a child.

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Paul Banas

Paul Banas has had a long career in marketing but is currently Publisher of Pregnancy Magazine and PregnancyMagazine.com 
 
Pregnancy is the only all-digital pregnancy magazine after a conversion from print in 2011. Articles cover a breadth of subjects in the longer format that has set Pregnancy apart for years. 

Earlier in 2006, when Paul was a full time dad to his two kids, he founded a site called GreatDad.com, which has become the premiere source of parenting information for dads. 

 GreatDad has the only the pregnancy countdown newsletter written by dads for dads, as well as custom newsletters for dads of kids of all ages. GreatDad.com has hundreds of articles on parenting subjects from the Dad's point of view, forums, polls, comparison shopping reviews, and filtered search.

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Brian Clark

Brian Clark has a degree in history from the University of Southern Maine.  He had intended to become a high school history teacher, but life took him in other directions.   

 For almost a decade now Brian has been working with fathers in every family situation, facing every transition, from every class, background and orientation.  Brian coaches these fathers through their process of change and self-discovery.  He observes that while on the surface these men may have been very different, really they were all united by the desire to be the best father they could be—indeed, to be the father that their child deserved.   

 Through one on one coaching, weekly educational groups and father-focused workshops to groups of 4 to 400, Brian helps men identify and work toward parenting goals, determine their strengths and challenges as fathers and explore the changing face of modern fathering. 

 In the broader professional arena, Brian was the founding manager of STRONG Fathers, the largest Responsible Fatherhood program in the state of Maine.  He was also a member of the Center for Urban Families’ Practitioners Leadership Institute Academy’s 2014 cohort.   He is a member of the planning committee for the New England Fathering Conference, where he has lead workshops, sat on plenary panels and facilitated the Dads’ Stories portion of the conference.  Additional, on multiple occasions, he has presented at the federal Responible Father & Healthy Marriage Grantee Conference.  

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Robert Nickell

Robert Nickell,  a budding entreprenuer since elementary school, says he has always enjoyed the "hunt". 
 He has a long list of interests and specialties including Vision, Strategy, Leadership, Diplomacy, Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Wealth Creation, and Intellectual Property Management, Dad and Family Man.  Robert Nickell, also known as  “DaddyNickell, is an expert dad with seven kids, and his syndicated articles are read across the U.S. and Canada.   

 In 2009, Robert founded a company called Daddy and Co, which offers a complete line of apparel and accessories for new, expecting, active and experienced dads.  The Daddy and Co brand is custom designed for comfort, weekend wear, and to allow dads around the world to be proud of their children and family.   

 Then in 2014, Robert, created a show called My Life As A Dad, a show about celebrities, athletes, musicians, and authors that are Expectant, New, Active, and Experienced Dads.  

Robert interviews these dads to discuss how they feel about being a dad and raising their kids from a dad's perspective. The show is produced at the private studios of Daddy and Company, located in the South Bay of Southern California.

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Al Ferguson

Al Ferguson founded The Dad Network, with the support of his wife Jen. Al works full time as a teacher. He and his wife live in Kent in the UK and have a young son called Ted. Al is loving having a child and it is certainly giving him a lot to write about: every day is a learning curve. 

 Al started The Dad Network because he felt that for too long there has been a void in recognizing the powerful potential in healthy, engaged fatherhood. 

The Dad Network seeks to fill this void and offer dads an alternative to those who believe that being dad is more than just babysitting the kids to give moms a break. 

Dads need direction and support that is too often lacking in today’s society. 

That’s where The Dad Network comes into its own; TDN offers an online hub and support network for dads, like never before.

 

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Keith Jowers

Keith M. Jowershas over thirty years of Law Enforcement experience including School Resource Officer and Officer Friendly. He has served his local church for twenty-five years as youth leader, providing financial counseling, conducting divorce recovery classes, and much more.  He has a Doctorate in Leadership Organization, Masters in Counseling, as well as Bachelors in Marketing.  Keith has worked with youth for over twenty-five years and through all his experiences now encourages, interacts and works with Dads on various issues they may be going through personally or with their children. 

Keith’s own Father died when Keith was only eleven years old, so he knows what it is like to grow up without a Dad through those important teen years. As an early divorced young man, Keith discovered one thing…that he could still keep a connection with his only daughter by choosing to. Together they wrote a book,  called Part-Time Dad, Full-Time Heart and speak whenever possible. 

 Keith’s organization Dads4Life, founded in 2004, formalized the work he had already started helping dads in supporting their greatest assest—their children. 

 

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