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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 Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode of Courtside Forever, I dive deep into the delicious world of ice cream—a journey that's deeply personal and steeped in history. I start by sharing how my own path as an ice cream maker was ignited by family bonds and the local flavors of upstate New York, highlighting the personal connections and community spirit that inspire my craft.
The star of this episode is Augustus Jackson, an extraordinary figure known as "The Father of Ice Cream." Jackson's pioneering work in the 19th century didn't just revolutionize how ice cream was made but also reshaped its cultural footprint across Philadelphia and beyond. Born during a time when the scars of slavery were still fresh, Jackson's legacy extends far beyond his culinary innovations, weaving into the very fabric of community and entrepreneurship.
I explore Jackson's formative years in the White House kitchens, his impactful return to Philadelphia, and his groundbreaking introduction of eggless recipes that helped forge a new business model supporting other Black entrepreneurs. Despite his profound influence, Jackson's narrative remains largely hidden in the shadows of history—a story I'm passionate about bringing to light and celebrating.
This episode isn't just about tracing the origins of a beloved dessert; it's a recognition and appreciation of the broader contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Join me as I uncover why stories like Jackson's are crucial for both understanding our past and inspiring future generations.
Tune in to see how every scoop of ice cream is filled with stories of innovation, resilience, and community—lessons as enduring and rich as the flavors themselves. Remember, as parents and community members, we've got the best seats in the house. Let's make the most of them, one scoop at a time.
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