How (And Why) to Raise Change-Makers | Dr. Alvin Thomas on Anti-Racism, Mentorship, Empathy
Have you ever considered why the experience of being a dad can look radically different across cultures and communities? In our 2025 holiday episode, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Alvin Thomas—associate professor, mentor, thought leader, award-winning podcast host, and an internationally respected researcher in human development and family studies. Dr. Thomas has devoted his career to supporting Black fathers, families, and children, and advancing anti-racism efforts, and in our conversation he opens up about anti-racism, modern masculinity, and our responsibility as parents to raise empathetic, informed, and resilient kids.
Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!) · Dr. Alvin Thomas, Caspar Babypants, Spencer Albee, Marc Checket, Chris Ballew, Adam Flaherty
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Show Notes
Have you ever considered why the experience of being a dad can look radically different across cultures and communities? In our 2025 holiday episode, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Alvin Thomas—associate professor, mentor, thought leader, award-winning podcast host, and an internationally respected researcher in human development and family studies. Dr. Thomas has devoted his career to supporting Black fathers, families, and children, and advancing anti-racism efforts, and in our conversation he opens up about anti-racism, modern masculinity, and our responsibility as parents to raise empathetic, informed, and resilient kids.
Topics include:
• Exploring the broad definition of fatherhood—including mentorship, community care, and “cosmic children”—beyond biological ties.
• Dr. Thomas’s anti-racism work and what it means to create spaces for Black children and families to thrive authentically.
• The challenges and responsibilities of teaching kids about racism, empathy, and dualities in the world, especially as white parents in predominantly white communities.
• Storytelling, mentorship, and the creation of The Black Fathers' Pulse podcast as tools for sharing research, building community, and supporting fathers.
• Modern masculinity, vulnerability, and the evolving expectations of men and fathers in society—and how culture and the internet can impact those roles.
• The importance of supportive spaces for men, breaking generational cycles, and building resilient, healthy family ecosystems.
• And more!
LINKS
Dr. Alvin Thomas (homepage)
Dr Alvin Thomas (LinkedIn)
Dr. Alvin Thomas (YouTube)
Dr. Alvin Thomas (Instagram)
Dr. Alvin Thomas (X)
The Fatherhood Depot (Substack)
The Black Fathers' Pulse (TikTok)
The Black Fathers' Pulse Podcast (Apple)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Modern Dadhood listeners! We are so grateful for you.
-Adam & Marc
#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast