Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of maternal mortality and grief.
In our season finale, we sit down with Charles Johnson, founder of 4Kira4Moms, who turned the devastating loss of his wife Kira during childbirth into a mission to change maternal health in America. Charles opens up about his journey from grief to fatherhood, advocacy, and healing. Through his story, we hear what it means to honor a loved one’s legacy while raising children and pushing for systemic change. This conversation isn’t just about loss—it’s about love, resilience, and the hope that no other family has to endure the same pain.
In this check in Joe and Ricky explore the child free life right and intertwine that with the fact that we have children. A fellow father shares a story where he is simply lacked accommodation and although he isn't asking for anything special, it seems like he doesn't even get the standard. What do you think?
This week we sit down with the founders of Moms on Call to talk about routines, sleep, and the small shifts that make family life smoother. As dads, Ricky and I wanted to hear how their approach can help fathers plug in, support their partners, and bring more balance to the chaos.
We missed you last week and we are back after a week break! In this episode of Father Figure, Joe and Ricky talk about the power of saying no — not to your kids, but to everything that doesn’t serve you outside of your family. From work asks to social pulls, we unpack how boundaries protect your time, energy, and presence at home.
In this episode, we sit down with our friend April Lockhart — Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and passionate disability advocate. April opens up about her journey, what life is really like beyond the highlight reels, and how she continues to push boundaries by challenging the norms around representation and accessibility.
This conversation goes deep into resilience, authenticity, and what it means to show up fully as yourself. For us as dads, April’s perspective is a reminder that fatherhood isn’t just about raising kids it’s about learning from voices that challenge us to rethink strength, success, and inclusion, so we can show up better for our families.
In this Father Figure check in Ricky and Joe catch up on the milestones their children are in at 14 months for Sol, almost 2 years for Laguna, and 7 months for Bear. No comparisons or seeking validation, just two dads meeting each other where they’re at as they try and navigate the unknowns of their babies learning something new, every… single… day.
In this episode of Father Figure, Ricky interviews Joe in a recap style way as he is navigating the post "1st birthday" with his son Sol. Joe reflects on milestones, the new season of life has he begins a new career and how all that plays into answering the most common only child question... When is the next one?
In this episode Ricky and Joe get vulnerable about what it's like balancing all of the responsibilities they have as fathers and more broadly people. They discuss the truth about the different hats they have to wear and talk each other through the best way to handle it. Ricky closes with his life lessons gained from his most respected leaders.
In this episode of Father Figure, Artist and new dad Andy Mineo opens up about his journey into fatherhood and the powerful lessons he’s learning along the way especially empathy. He shares the raw and honest story of his wife's challenging pregnancy, including her experience with hyperemesis gravidarum, and how it changed the way he shows up as a partner and parent. Andy also talks about the unexpected moment Amy Schumer reached out to them with support, and how community and compassion have shaped this new season of life.
This week, Ricky opens up about the guilt that creeps in and the weight of trying to show up as the support his family needs. An honest check-in on the tension between presence, pressure, and purpose.
Ricky shares what it’s like raising two kids under two the chaos, the love, and the growth. A real look at being outnumbered and showing up anyway.
In our first weekly check-in, we’re kicking off a space to talk about what fatherhood is teaching us in real time no filters, no scripts. This week, Joe shares a moment from his birthday that took an unexpected turn when someone showed up with a baby to the premiere. Should they have brought the baby?
We’re talking about equal parenting what it actually looks like, if it’s even real, and how we can truly support our partners in this whole parenthood thing.
It’s not just about doing more it’s about showing up better.
The moment everything changes. In our first episode, we talk about the raw, unfiltered reality of becoming a parent for the first time. From the emotions that hit you in the delivery room to the quiet moments no one prepares you for — this one’s about those first days, and how they shape us. We also dive into what support really looks like for your partner and the unexpected ways fatherhood challenges and grows you.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes a personal story involving a traumatic birth experience. Listener discretion is advised. (23:45)
Article: https://nyulangone.org/news/mother-baby-celebrate-shared-birthday-one-year-after-lifesaving-obstetrics-care-nyu-langone
Welcome to Father Figure a podcast about modern fatherhood and the men behind it. Hosted by Joe Gonzales and Ricky Bee, we’re unpacking what it means to show up as fathers, partners, and people. No experts here just honest conversations, shared stories, and a space to grow together.
This episode is all about empathy. What it is, when to use it, how to teach it!
LINK TO DONATE TO LA FIRES
Just a quick nod to the new year and living life to the fullest.
Season 2; here for your callouts and consumption. Ricky goes over where the "opt out" mentality comes from in parents (fathers) and lays a broad overview of how to challenge it externally and from within.
Only listen to this if you are also insane. We are very much back baby!
