

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

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.

Jun 18, 2025 • 17min
Finding Peace With My Father: A Step-by-Step Guide for Healing the Father Wound
What if the key to your peace isn't reconciliation, but release?In this solo episode, Marvyn Harrison offers a detailed, compassionate guide for anyone navigating unresolved feelings toward an absent, distant, or emotionally unavailable father. You'll learn:Why closure matters (even without reconciliation)How to know if you're ready for contactA safety-first outreach planWord-for-word scripts for conversationAftercare tips for the 72-hour emotional falloutWays to navigate reluctant siblingsOne powerful mantra to carry with youWhether you're seeking answers or simply looking to lay old pain to rest, this episode gives you the tools, structure, and emotional protection to take your next step with courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2025 • 7min
Thank You for Staying – A Letter from Your Future Child
Synopsis In this intimate twenty-minute letter, written from the perspective of your grown child twenty years in the future, Marvyn Harrison pays tribute to fathers who stayed. The episode celebrates everyday courage, explores the quiet heroism of presence, and shows how one man’s consistency can echo through generations.Key Chapters1. Staying Is an Act of Courage (0 – 3 min)2. Presence Builds Identity (3 – 6 min)3. Breaking the Cycle (6 – 9 min)4. Lessons Learned by Watching You (9 – 12 min)5. How Your Presence Changes the World (12 – 14 min)6. The Hidden Cost of Staying (14 – 16 min)7. The Gift of Being Seen (16 – 17 min)8. Your Story Is a Masterclass (17 – 18 min)9. Flowers While You Can Still Smell Them (18 – 19 min)10. The Echo You Created (19 – 20 min)Listener Takeaways• Consistency beats grand gestures• Presence builds a child’s inner voice• Staying breaks generational patterns• Everyday dads are quiet revolutionariesCall to ActionIf this episode moved you, share it with a dad who needs to hear how much his everyday effort matters. Rate and review to help more listeners find Dope Black Dads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 2025 • 45min
Johnny Nelson MBE: "My Dad Ignored The Symptoms"
Join former WBO World Champion Johnny Nelson, who shares the poignant story of his father's battle with cancer, emphasizing the need for early detection. Dr. Aziza Sesay, a dedicated NHS GP, discusses the heightened cancer risks in Black communities and addresses the cultural stigmas that prevent open dialogue. Together, they explore the vital role of awareness, the importance of challenging health misinformation, and building trust within healthcare. This heartfelt conversation encourages proactive health management to combat cancer effectively.

Apr 7, 2025 • 29min
Stop! Think Fraud: Protect Yourself from Scams
In this episode, financial expert Emmanuel Asuquo joins us for a vital conversation on fraud prevention. With fraud affecting millions every year, Emmanuel breaks down the most common scams targeting the community, including online shopping fraud, holiday booking scams, and family fraud. He shares practical tips on how to spot suspicious activity and explains the importance of two-step verification (2SV) to secure online accounts.Tune in to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud, what to do if you've fallen victim, and how to report fraud. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Don't forget to share it with your friends and family! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 16, 2024 • 1h 55min
Father's Day Special: Things I've Learned About Fatherhood
In this special episode we talk to fathers David Gyasi and Nii Odarte Evans about the various stages of fatherhood - from the moment they found out to their experiences today. Join the conversation and tell us what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2024 • 48min
I Want My Real Daddy To Walk Me Down Aisle
Welcome to this week's episode of Dear Dope Black Dads! In this engaging discussion, Marvyn and Romantha delve into thought-provoking topics circulating on social media. From the impact of childhood trauma on adult experiences of PTSD to the profound experience of loneliness, no stone is left unturned.Have you ever found yourself reliving moments from your upbringing as an adult? Join us as we explore the complexities of this phenomenon and its implications on mental health.Loneliness, a universal human emotion, is also discussed as the reasons why sharing vulnerable moments online may not always lead to immediate empathy. Discover our personal strategies for coping with loneliness and share yours in the comments below. In a saddening case, we tackle the story of a stepfather who feels sidelined by his stepdaughter, who prioritised her biological father at her wedding. The ethical dilemmas and emotional intricacies of family dynamics unfold as we invite you to weigh in on what you would do in such a situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.