In this powerful and reflective episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Coach Wayne Dawson—certified life and mindset coach, father of seven, and a man whose journey through family, faith, and leadership exemplifies what it means to live with legacy in mind.

Wayne shares a deeply personal story about growing up with a strong, present father and how that foundation shaped his approach to parenting and leading a blended family. From his early days as a social worker and youth advocate in Harlem, to his rise as a Fortune 50 executive and now as the VIP Coach, Wayne opens up about the defining moments that taught him resilience, authenticity, and the sacred responsibility of guiding Black men to live with clarity, confidence, and certainty.

This conversation explores co-parenting dynamics, healing from divorce, honoring the wisdom of our elders, and redefining masculinity in ways that liberate—not limit—our boys and men. A must-listen for fathers, leaders, and anyone seeking purpose in the seasoned stage of life.

00:00 – Intro to I Am Dad Podcast 01:00 – Meet Coach Wayne Dawson 03:00 – Wayne’s fatherhood origin story 06:00 – Blended families and owning your past 12:00 – Childhood influences and cultural identity 16:30 – Harlem roots and youth mentorship 19:00 – The generational impact of absent fathers 23:00 – Leaving nonprofit for corporate leadership 27:00 – The power of seasoning and wisdom 30:00 – Coaching Black men through transformation 34:00 – Why Black men often feel unworthy 38:00 – Strength, masculinity, and healthy sensitivity 42:00 – Teaching boys the difference between hurt and injury 45:00 – Boundaries, expectations, and legacy 50:00 – The missing blueprint for modern manhood 55:00 – Writing your story and leaving a legacy 60:00 – Closing reflections and ways to connect

Wayne Dawson is a certified life and mindset coach, speaker, and founder of VIP Transformative Living. With decades of experience in social work, corporate leadership, and coaching, Wayne helps Black men live aligned with their values, identity, and purpose. He is a devoted father of seven and a passionate advocate for legacy-driven living.

Website: iamdadpodcast.com Website: fathersincorporated.com

#Fatherhood #BlackFathers #SeasonedMen #WayneDawson #KennethBraswell #Manhood #LegacyLiving #BlendedFamilies #BlackMenMatter #PurposeDrivenLife #VIPCoach #IAmDadPodcast

In this eye-opening episode of the I Am Dad Podcast, host Kenneth Braswell welcomes Tom Garber, the Berlin-based founder of Hope for Men—a global platform dedicated to male mental health and the host of the groundbreaking podcast What Happened to Me. Through his own experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and his journey toward healing, Tom has become a powerful advocate for men navigating trauma, shame, and emotional suppression.

Together, Kenneth and Tom examine the reasons why men—even those surrounded by family and friends—often feel invisible, unsupported, and alone. From the structural failure of therapy models to society’s reluctance to acknowledge male vulnerability, they dissect the barriers to healing and explore why storytelling, safe spaces, and community matter. Tom also discusses why his platform was forced to shift away from its original vision and how resistance to male-focused wellness underscores a larger cultural denial.

Whether you're a father, a mentor, a survivor, or simply someone who believes in the importance of men's well-being, this conversation is a call to action. When men are well, families heal. Communities thrive. And silence finally breaks.

In this compelling episode of I Am Dad Podcast, Kenneth Braswell sits down with Dwayne Roberts, U.S. Army veteran and founder of Men of Vision Colorado, to explore the intersection of faith, failure, and transformation in the lives of men and fathers. From 15 years in the military to serving time in county lockup, Dwayne's path was anything but linear—but it was divinely orchestrated.

Kenneth and Dwayne unpack how faith became the foundation for a second act in life, leading to a ministry dedicated to empowering formerly incarcerated men. They talk about the power of mentorship, the emotional toll of shame and unworthiness, and how spiritual growth plays a critical role in reshaping a man’s identity. Dwayne introduces his “Vision. Plan. Execute.” framework and offers insight into how churches and leaders can more effectively engage and support men on their journey toward healing and leadership.

This episode is a masterclass in spiritual fathering, character building, and building environments where men can grow beyond their past into their full potential.