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Courtside Forever is a podcast for parents swept up in the circus of everyday problems who, despite the world’s best efforts, are still dedicated to seeking intentional moments with their kids. I’m your host, Ryan Rucker, and each week, I will bring you a new episode made for you. We’ll keep it brief for some weeks, diving into a specific topic such as Youth Sports or Paternity Leave in America. These 15-20 minute episodes will focus on overarching themes, statistics, and practical next steps parents can take. In other weeks, we’ll extend our conversations, inviting parents in sports, business, and other industries to look at how they center parenthood in their lives and touch on our inevitable struggles while building a career, business, and future. Whether you’re a dad or mom or thinking of stepping into the role someday, Courtside Forever is a podcast that aims to recenter the world we’re building for our kids. In 2024, The United States of America declared parenting a public health crisis, citing the way society is set up for the reason we struggle. In the document created by the US Department of Health and Services Department, Parents Under Pressure, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy stated, “Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us. And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.” In 2020, I hosted and produced the 8-episode docuseries Complicated Fatherhood, where I spent each episode speaking to my biological dad to understand how his absence from my life affected my Fatherhood. Since wrapping the podcast, I knew I wanted to get back into podcasting, and Courtside Forever is a continuation of my mantra to be ever present in my daughters’ lives. On Courtside Forever, we’ll have fun, get serious, tell stories, and work to focus on the only thing that matters because, as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house. Let’s enjoy them.
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In today's episode of Courtside Forever, I unpack what it really means to be a "girl dad" beyond the hashtags and the merchandise. Sparked by the immense popularity of the #girldad movement after the tragic loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, I'm taking a hard look at whether we're truly living up to this title.
I open up about my own experience as a father to two wonderful daughters. When I first heard the news of each daughter's upcoming arrival, I faced a mix of joy and the typical cliché reactions from friends and family. But beyond the personal celebrations and challenges, I delve into how society at large treats our daughters and the disparities they face, such as the employment challenges heightened by the pandemic, the erosion of reproductive rights, and the persistence of gender-based violence.
This episode critically examines how the concept of being a "girl dad" has been commercialized while many of the systemic issues that disadvantage women remain unaddressed. I challenge fellow dads to look beyond the surface—beyond wearing a themed sweatshirt or posting a social media update.
Through personal reflections and insights from writers like Adam Bulger, who outlines what daughters need to hear from their fathers, I share practical and impactful ways to truly empower and uplift our daughters. It’s about more than just compliments; it’s about engaging in the tough conversations, dismantling outdated stereotypes, and advocating for their rights and opportunities.
Join me as I call on all dads to actively contribute to a world where our daughters are not only safe but are valued and respected as equals. Being a "girl dad" should be a commitment to lifelong advocacy and action, ensuring our daughters can thrive in a world that truly cherishes them. This isn’t just about being proud fathers—it’s about being active allies.
You can find the article this podcast is based on here: https://ryanrucker.com/writing/dont-tell-me-youre-a-girl-dad-show-me
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