Hot Topics Ep. 1 - Introducing Will Cox, Father of Two Sons, Coach & Entrepreneur

In the first episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Jennifer Baker and cohost J. Fotsch welcome Will Cox, a father of two, coach, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "mediocre dad trying to be good." Will shares his experiences raising two sons with distinct personalities, navigating fatherhood and balancing family life with his career as a solar company owner. This episode dives into why affection matters in fatherhood, particularly in families where open emotional expression may not come naturally. Will reflects on lessons learned from his upbringing, the challenges of showing vulnerability and the importance of building confidence and self-worth in children. Together, the hosts and Will explore how fathers can balance toughness with empathy, ensuring their children feel loved and supported. Join us for this engaging conversation about the joys and struggles of fatherhood as well as practical advice for fostering emotional connection with your children while preparing them to face the world with resilience. Episode Highlights [03:40] "Being vulnerable is a good thing. When I first heard 'Good Dad,' I thought it was some elite club. But really, it’s about showing up, being there, and learning from mistakes." [06:00] "Affection matters in fatherhood, even when it doesn’t come naturally. It starts with listening, asking good questions, and being present for your kids." [13:38] "You want your kids to be tough, but you don’t want to brush away their feelings. Finding that balance is one of the hardest parts of being a dad." [14:11] "My sons are completely different. One responds with a quick 'love you too,' while the other writes back with paragraphs about how much he loves me. It’s about meeting them where they are." [20:06] "It’s amazing how many kids never hear 'I’m proud of you' or 'I love you' from their dads. Those simple words can make a world of difference." Resources Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! Learn more at gooddads.com Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].