Parenting like a Superdad

Right in time for Opening Day, this episode takes a different look at youth sports. Most kids who play sports dream of going pro—but very few actually do. So what should parents and kids really be focused on? In this episode, I sit down with a high school classmate of mine, Alex Slater, who built a career inside Major League Baseball, working his way from an intern to Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. We talk about the reality of careers in sports beyond playing, what it actually takes to work in professional sports, and how youth sports should be developing more than just athletes. If you have a child in sports—or you’re thinking about their long-term future—this conversation will give you a different perspective on what success can look like.

Summary: Pat Hankin, author of The Field Guide for Single Parents, joins Derrick to discuss the realities and misconceptions surrounding single-parent households. Pat shares practical strategies for managing time, money, and stress while raising resilient kids—along with why traditional advice often fails single parents. From the “15-Minute Parent” concept to building support systems in unexpected places, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance for parents trying to balance family, work, and life.

In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Derrick sits down with DJ Stutz — a lifelong caretaker, foster and adoptive parent, and mom of five — to talk about the imperfect, meaningful journey of parenting. They explore what it means to build confidence as a parent, improve communication with children, navigate discipline and emotions, and support healthy sibling relationships. DJ shares insights from her personal experience and her work with families, reminding us that parents don’t need to be perfect to make a powerful impact. This conversation is for any parent who has ever wondered if they’re doing enough — and wants encouragement to keep showing up and growing.

This episode of Parenting Like a Superdad is a reflective conversation in which Randall Tom asks Derrick thoughtful questions about parenting, values, and decision-making when certainty fades. Randel, a Bay Area native, aspiring broadcaster and journalist, and a sophomore at Syracuse University, brings a curious, generational perspective that helps surface deeper reflection around listening to the child, choosing values over nostalgia, and how confidence is built through trial, discomfort, and ownership. The conversation explores the tradeoffs parents face when circumstances change and the importance of staying aligned while remaining open to adjustment.

Many parents today aren’t worried about raising perfect kids — they’re worried about raising kids with character. But when it comes to raising boys, the guidance can feel conflicting, outdated, or incomplete. Strength versus sensitivity. Discipline versus understanding. Independence versus connection. In this episode, Derrick sits down with Shaun Dawson, host of Raising Men, to talk honestly about why raising boys today feels harder than it used to — and what parents can focus on when there isn’t a clear playbook. They discuss emotional resilience, healthy masculinity, the role of modeling over messaging, and how parents can guide boys through pressure, screens, and modern expectations without losing the values that matter most.

Sports, Screen Time, and Raising Resilient Kids In Part Two of this conversation, Derrick continues his discussion with family therapist Angela Caldwell by shifting the focus to sports, competition, and the digital world kids are growing up in today. Drawing from Angela’s background as a competitive athlete, they talk about how sports can teach resilience, accountability, and optimism — and where families sometimes struggle to find balance. The conversation also explores how parents can think more intentionally about screen time and social media without fear, overreaction, or avoidance. This episode closes out 2025 with a reflection on growth, boundaries, and raising kids who are prepared to navigate both challenge and change.

It Takes a Village — Why Parents Feel Alone Parenting was never meant to be a solo effort — yet so many parents today feel like they’re doing it alone. In Part One of this conversation, Derrick sits down with family therapist Angela Caldwell to unpack what people really mean when they say “it takes a village.” They explore why modern families often struggle to find support, how misalignment (not failure) creates isolation, and what shared values have to do with feeling truly supported. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on connection, communication, and why building a village is less about having more people around — and more about clarity, trust, and intention. In Part Two, the conversation continues with a focus on sports, screen time, and social media.

In this episode, world-renowned relationship expert Anil Gupta — The Love Doctor — joins us for a parent Q&A. Anil has coached families in 18 countries, spoken on TEDx and major media outlets, and created tools like The Happiness Formula and The Relationship Score. Together, we talk about practical ways parents can build stronger connections, support their kids, and bring more love and intention into family life.

Coach Joey Curtin has helped bring new life to one of San Francisco’s most storied basketball programs at Riordan High School. In this conversation we talk about his path from player to head coach, what it means to build athletes with both skill and character, and how he sees middle school sports shaping kids today. From the energy of the Crusader Forum to lessons that last beyond the court, this episode is about tradition, growth, and raising young people to compete with purpose. Music in this episode provided by our friends in the Riordan community.

Founder of Here Comes the Apocalypse, marketer and mom Jennifer Heller joins Derrick to make disaster preparedness doable for real families. We talk about splitting responsibilities at home (so it’s not all on mom), quick wins when you have zero time, and how to turn wildfire anxiety and extreme weather into simple, step-by-step action. Jen explains why community connections beat stockpiles, how tech both helps and hurts in a crisis, and what a no-bunker, no-panic go-plan looks like for busy families.

For over 50 years, Dominic Franco has lived and breathed Catholic youth sports on the Peninsula. From his days at All Souls to his role today as PPSL League Commissioner and high school baseball coach, Dominic has seen how the league has grown, adapted, and shaped generations of students. In this episode of Parenting Like SuperDad, Derrick and Dominic explore three big themes: Fairness: how PPSL balances resources across parishes Change: the evolving role of youth sports in kids’ lives Future: what’s next for PPSL, from rules to new sports It’s a conversation about tradition, community, and how sports continue to build character on and off the court.

Derrick sits down with Daniela Feldhausen from Kids Up Reading Tutors to talk about why reading is the foundation for lifelong learning. They share how their program supports struggling readers, tips parents can use at home, and success stories that show the power of personalized reading instruction. Learn more at KidsUpReadingTutors.com

In this episode, Derrick sits down with Craig, creator of Parenting Harmony, to talk about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary for your kids. From his early background to launching YouTube episodes during the pandemic, Craig shares how simple, consistent routines can become fun, meaningful moments. Whether it’s breakfast, bedtime, or a quick car ride, discover how showing up in small ways can make a big difference in your child’s life. Learn more about Craig and Parenting Harmony at ParentingHarmony.com

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow parent to talk about her family’s journey navigating the world of special education. From early signs to diagnosis, IEP meetings, and advocating for her son’s needs, she shares what she’s learned — and what she wishes every parent knew. We explore the differences between support systems in California and Texas, the emotional toll of the process, and the power of persistence, community, and love.

Parents, meet Peggy Chan — CEO of ActivityHero and the voice of a smarter way to plan your kids’ summer. In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Peggy joins me to tackle the camp-registration headache most families know too well: filling out endless forms, racing to grab popular weeks, and juggling multiple kids’ schedules. Together, we explore how ActivityHero empowers parents to: Search and compare camps with ease Save time using autofill and one-click bookings Coordinate schedules across kids, weeks, and activities By the end, you’ll hear Peggy’s personal take on why simplifying camp signups isn’t just a convenience — it could be a parenting game-changer that saves your sanity (and your summer).

In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Derrick sits down with Marilou Lafon, owner and artistic director of Spark of Creation Studio. Marilou shares how her studio has become a second home for young performers, where kids build confidence, learn discipline, and discover the power of teamwork—on and off the stage. They discuss the role of competition, how to know when a child is ready to take that step, and what parents should consider when choosing a performing arts program. If you’re a parent exploring dance or performance programs—or just looking for ways to support your child’s growth—this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and heart.

In 1996, Derrick was cast as Gilligan in a Kidstock! summer show — an experience that sparked his love for performing. Decades later, Kidstock! is still helping kids grow through creativity, teamwork, and confidence-building. In this episode, Derrick catches up with Melissa Suncin, Co-Director of Kidstock!, to talk about: How they cast roles with care Helping kids handle disappointment and build resilience Making theater accessible to all families The life skills kids gain through performing Whether your child loves the spotlight or needs help finding their voice, this one’s for you. 🎟️ Learn more at kidstockinc.org

Derrick talks with mentors Kelly Page and Annette Mixon—ex‑Sylvan directors turned franchise owners—about what truly moves the needle for kids. Highlights Casting kids into roles that stretch them (and turning “no part” into growth). Tutoring as a confidence engine, backed by real success stories. Making help affordable for low‑income families. Keeping an education business alive during a recession. Fast tips for parents: spot gaps early, pick the right tutor, partner with teachers. Want a peek behind the tutoring curtain and plug‑and‑play ideas for your child? Hit play.

“Show up, no matter what”—that’s the lesson Derrick learned from his dad, Steve: from post‑poker abalone dinners to dugout pep talks and a lightning‑fast swing from fury to hospitality over a leftover‑pork sandwich. Tune in for three true‑life stories and a simple challenge to trade convenience for connection this week.