Dope Black Dads Podcast

This week on the Dope Black Dads podcast, we dive into a powerful and timely story. Victoria Beckham has revealed in her new Netflix documentary that her eating disorder made her “good at lying” A raw admission that sheds light on a condition too often hidden in silence.Beyond the celebrity headline, this conversation is about what it means for our families, our children, and our communities. Eating disorders are not about vanity; they’re serious medical and mental health conditions that can affect any child, regardless of background.In this episode, we explore:Victoria’s experience of secrecy, shame, and resilienceHow eating disorders impact self-esteem, family life, and identityThe signs parents and carers should look out for in children and teensWhat to do if you suspect your child is strugglingWhy open, honest conversations at home can break the cycle of silenceFor Black families especially, where mental health challenges often go undiscussed, this is an opportunity to create safe spaces for truth and healing. Our children deserve to feel loved, respected, and supported in every part of who they are.If this episode raises concerns for you, please seek support: in the UK, Beat Eating Disorders offers free, confidential advice at beateatingdisorders.org.uk. And remember no parent is alone in this journey.Join us as we use Victoria Beckham’s story as a springboard to talk about how we can show up better for our children, our communities, and ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, families of the 97 Hillsborough victims were denied honesty and justice. Public officials lied, delayed, and covered up. Now, the long-awaited Hillsborough Law, formally the Public Office Accountability Bill, introduces a legal duty of candour, forcing officials to tell the truth during major disaster investigations, with criminal penalties if they don’t.In this episode, Marvyn Harrison breaks down why this law matters far beyond football. From Grenfell survivors to Post Office workers, from Black families in police custody cases to maternity wards, cover-ups cost lives, trust, and justice.This is about:Truth as protection for families.Ending decades of lies and silence.Rebuilding trust in institutions.Justice for communities failed by the state.Setting a global example of truth as law.Truth, justice, and accountability aren’t optional. They’re non-negotiable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in the 1930s, love was about survival—one person brought money, the other ran the home. By the 1990s, polarity and attraction became the focus. But in 2025? That’s not enough. Today, real connection needs three things: survival, desire, and alignment.In this episode, Marvyn Harrison explores how blurred gender roles, economic independence, and new expectations around emotional intelligence have reshaped what it takes to build lasting relationships. He asks the tough questions:Can you survive together?Do you still desire each other?Are you truly aligned in values, money, health, parenting, and vision?If you’ve managed all three, you’re not just lucky—you’re rare. Listen in to rethink love, dating, and marriage in a modern world where commitment is harder, but also deeper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Launching this Father’s Day, Not Just a Day, A Legacy is a deeply personal and culturally relevant essay series and visual campaign from Marvyn Harrison — founder of Dope Black Dads. Through intimate letters, storytelling, and healing guidance, the campaign invites fathers, children, and communities to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine legacy beyond absence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When my son was born, I thought I had to choose between staying home to give him everything or going back to work and risking missing the moments that matter. But the truth is, you don’t have to choose. From September, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to school age could get up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, over 38 weeks a year — worth up to £7,500 in savings. That’s not just money back; it’s time to work, breathe, build, and still be present for your child. Apply by 31 August.Check your eligibility at childcarechoices.gov.uk#ChildcareChoices @educationgovuk #ad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Marvyn Harrison, host and community advocate for Black fathers, joins Kate Ferdinand, a dedicated mother and entrepreneur. They delve into how childhood experiences shape parenting styles and the challenges of raising children in today's world. The duo emphasizes the importance of emotional honesty and open discussions about race and identity. They also highlight the need for community support among fathers and the significance of empowering future generations through understanding and inclusivity in blended families.

Dive into the evolution of hip-hop from Kool Herc to Kendrick, showcasing who dominated each year since 1979. Discover iconic artists like LL Cool J and OutKast, and debate the significance of Drake's reign in 2019. Explore the transformation of hip-hop through genres, cultural shifts, and the lyrical integrity of legends. Unpack the dynamics between today's giants like Kendrick and J. Cole, while appreciating the roots and impact of hip-hop on society. This journey through musical history is packed with insights and fiery takes!

Discover hilarious and practical money-saving hacks for families on a budget! From turning shower time into a lively race to curb energy costs in seconds, the challenge tackles creative ways to reduce household expenses. Learn how yellow sticker shopping can score discounts, and uncover the secret to managing subscription services without stress. With engaging dad banter and kid-approved tips, this journey proves saving money can be both fun and effective!

What does the government’s new health plan actually mean for your community?In this exclusive, no-holds-barred Q&A, Marvyn Harrison sits down with Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to ask the questions that matter most to working-class and Black British families.We dive into:The postcode lottery in careWhy Black men aren’t trusting the NHSWhere the money’s really goingAnd how this plan could actually save lives—or just become another empty promiseThis is the conversation the government has to hear. And you need to hear it first. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like being Education Secretary? In this powerful conversation, Bridget Phillipson marks her first year in post by speaking openly with Marvyn Harrison and young voices from Dope Black Dads. She reflects on the teacher who changed her life, discusses her priorities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and sets out her vision for mental health in every school. This episode goes beyond policy, it’s about care, culture and community.Topics covered:Why representation and personal connection matter in educationReforming SEND support for families and schoolsEmbedding mental health into the school dayCreating an inclusive education system that works for all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.