Coffee and Conversations for MEN

#6 FATHER FIGURES: REAL ROLE MODELS FOR REAL LIFE

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🎙️ Podcast Show Notes

Episode 006: “Father Figures: Real Role Models for Real Life”

In this episode of Coffee and Conversations for MEN, Jay and Brian explore the evolving concept of fatherhood and mentorship through the lens of influence, not biology. Whether you're a dad, uncle, guncle, coach, mentor, grandfather, older brother or someone who simply shows up in a guiding role for others this episode is for you.

We dive into the importance of positive male role models, challenge traditional views of fatherhood, and open the doorto a more inclusive conversation around what it means to lead, support, and show up in real time for the people in our lives.

This episode is not just for fathers—it’s for any man who's ever wondered: Am I making a difference?

🎯 Episode Highlights

·      00:46 – Overview

¡      01:46 - The Why?

·      02:52 - What’s in your Cup?

·      03:45 - Fitness: Building strong bodies starts with showing up—just like father figures do in real life, consistency and presence matter more than perfection.

·      12:58  - Nutrition: Nourishment isn’t just about what we eat—it’s about the values and support we feed into others through mentorship and daily actions.

¡      22:35 - Mental Health: Positive male role models can be powerful anchors for emotional resilience, helping men navigate identity, purpose, and connection.

·      38:57 - Relationships: True fatherhood is defined by influence and presence, not biology—what matters most is how we show up for others.

¡      43:33 - Lifelong Learning: Every experience as a mentor or father figure becomes a lesson, showing that growth and leadership evolve through real-time engagement and reflection.

💡 Key Takeaways:

  1. You don't have to be dad to make a difference.
  2. Being a role model is about how you show up, not a title you hold.
  3. Presence, consistency, and emotional honesty are powerful tools.
  4. Legacy is built moment by moment-often in the ordinary, not the grand

☕ What’s in Your Cup?

Jay and Brian: Nicaragua Brand from Manitoba Canada https://greyridgecoffee.ca/

🔗 Connect with Us:

📚 References & Mentions:

FITNESS:

RobinsonEL, StGeorge J, Freeman EE. A Systematic Review of Father Child Play Interactions and the Impacts on Child Development. Children (Basel). 2021 May 13;8(5):389. doi: 10.3390/children8050389. PMID: 34068176; PMCID: PMC8153002.

NUTRITION:

Chu YL, Farmer A, Fung C, Kuhle S, Storey KE, Veugelers PJ. Involvement in home meal preparation is associated with food preference and self-efficacy among Canadian children. Public Health Nutr. 2013 Jan;16(1):108-12. doi: 10.1017/S1368980012001218. Epub 2012 May 11. PMID: 22578854; PMCID: PMC10271544.

MENTAL HEALTH:

Ibrahim MH, Somers JA, Luecken LJ, Fabricius WV, Cookston JT. Father-adolescent engagement in shared activities: Effects on cortisol stress response in young adulthood. J Fam Psychol. 2017 Jun;31(4):485-494. doi: 10.1037/fam0000259. Epub2016 Nov 3. PMID: 27808523; PMCID: PMC5415433.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Gibson, L. C. (2015). Adult children of emotionally immature parents: How to heal from distant, rejecting, or self-involved parents. New Harbinger Publications.

Hausner, L., & Freeman, D. K. (2009). The legacy family: The definitive guide to creating a successful multigenerational family. Palgrave Macmillan.

LIFELONG LEARNING:

Rollè, L., Gullotta, G., Trombetta, T., Curti, L., Gerino, E., Brustia, P., & Caldarera, A. M. (2019). Father involvement and cognitive development in early and middle childhood: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2405. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02405


Stay strong. Stay curious. Stay connected.