

Dope Black Dads Podcast
Dope Black Dads Podcast
The Dope Black Dads Podcast is an adult-only podcast for all parents or adults preparing for parenthood. Led by Marvyn Harrison with contributions from the Dope Black Dads leadership as well as a host of special guests from the world of healing, media, parenting, TV/film, music, and beyond. We discuss everything from co-parenting, masculinity, and the Black experience all the way to our favourite Netflix show. Don't listen if you're expecting conversations about nappies! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 15, 2025 • 18min
How Funded Childcare Can Give You Back Time and Money
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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 46min
Marvyn Harrison x Kate Ferdinand on Fatherhood, Race, and Healing the Generational Wound
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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Big 3: Who Ran Hip-Hop Every Year Since 1979
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!

Jul 22, 2025 • 28min
I Tried 21 Money Hacks With My Kids—We Saved £300 in 7 Days!
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!

Jul 13, 2025 • 10min
We Asked the Health Secretary: What’s REALLY in the 10-Year Plan for Working-Class Families?
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.

Jul 9, 2025 • 11min
One Year In: Bridget Phillipson on Teachers, SEND and the Future of Education
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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 36min
The Code of Clipse: Integrity, Manhood & Hip-Hop
Is there still honour in hip-hop? Can rap teach us how to be better men?In this episode, we take a deep dive into the extraordinary journey of Clipse—brothers Pusha T and No Malice—uncovering what their story reveals about masculinity, loyalty, and principled living. From “Grindin’” lunch tables to Louis Vuitton runways, we walk through their full timeline, pulling out the life lessons embedded in their rhymes, career moves, and public silence.We explore how No Malice left the rap game for a higher calling, why Pusha T confronted giants like Drake and Kanye, and how the Clipse reunion has become a masterclass in grown-man artistry. Beyond the beefs and bars lies a deeper philosophy: patience, boundaries, spiritual audit, and the refusal to compromise.This is more than a fan tribute. It’s a roadmap. For fathers, brothers, creatives, and thinkers. For anyone navigating manhood in a world that constantly tests your moral compass.Featuring critical moments:The legacy of Hell Hath No Fury and DaytonaThe Kanye fallout and GOOD Music exitThe calculated silence in response to Jim JonesThe rollout of Let God Sort ‘Em Out and what it says about ownershipDiaspora echoes through minimalist Neptunes beats and patois slangWhy Drake had him banned from Canada—and why that doesn’t matterClipse didn't just make music. They made a code. And it still holds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 29, 2025 • 19min
How Can I Love You Better?
In this episode, Marvyn Harrison asks a question that shifts the way we show up in our relationships: How can I love you better?This is a practical, vulnerable reflection on how love evolves over time, and why checking in with our partners, children, and friends matters more than ever.From the changing landscape of fatherhood to the emotional intelligence needed for deep connection, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to love with intention and grow while doing it.🎧 Talking points include:– Why love must evolve with growth– How to ask the question without ego– Common responses and how to receive them– What to do when the answer challenges you– Building emotional fluency as Black men and fathersThis episode is your reminder that emotional leadership begins at home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 14min
What If Friends Was Black in 2025? A Cultural Reboot We Deserve
Imagine Friends… but Black.Not just a race-swap, but a complete cultural remix.In this episode, we explore what a modern-day, all-Black reboot of the iconic 90s sitcom could look like, set in Hackney, rooted in today’s Black culture, with characters that reflect our reality.We break down:The reimagined character archetypesThe new hangout spot (spoiler: it’s not Central Perk)The themes that would actually resonate today—gentle parenting, therapy bills, ghosting during Mercury retrogradeWhy this show would shift culture and go viral across every platformFrom the trap-jazz café to the Pan-African podcast host, this isn’t Friends.This is FAM.🎧 Tap in and tell us: would you watch this show?Learn more about Instagram Teen Accounts by visiting https://familycenter.meta.com/uk/our-products/instagram/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 22, 2025 • 18min
I Tested 20 Sports-Day Hacks on My Kids—#7 Saved Us £50!
⏱️ THE CHALLENGEI put 20 parent-approved hacks to the ultimate test on live Sports Day—no retakes, no mercy. WHAT HAPPENED• Tip #3 nearly caused a water-fight 🤣 • Tip #7 saved £50 in 10 seconds • Tip #14 kept my son’s muscles warm like a pro sprinter FULL HACK LIST1. Balanced breakfast (slow-release carbs) 2. Pre-hydration strategy 3. Super-labelled bottle trick … all the way to 20. Capture memories, not just photos. WHY LISTEN✔ Zero-cost fixes ✔ Kid-approved fun ✔ Stress levels: obliterated CHALLENGE YOUTry three hacks, tag @DopeBlackDads with #SportsDayBoss, and I’ll shout-out the best video on next week’s show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.