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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 Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Becoming a new dad is one of the most exciting, terrifying, exhausting, and meaningful moments of your life. But let’s be honest—it’s also hard. The expectations, the pressure, the shift in your identity… it all hits differently when you’re holding your newborn and thinking, “I’ve gotta raise this tiny human?”
In this milestone 20th episode of Courtside Forever, we’re flipping the script on the outdated “just figure it out” mentality. I’m giving you 20 real, practical pieces of advice for new dads—tips that are honest, relatable, and designed to help you show up as the dad your kid needs and the partner your family deserves.
We cover everything from managing sleep schedules and emotional support, to checking your benefits and keeping your identity intact. You’ll learn why it’s okay to cry, how to bond at your own pace, the importance of asking questions, and why every new dad needs a “Treat Yo’ Self” moment.
Whether you're taking the night shift or learning how to swaddle, this episode is a reminder that perfection isn’t required—presence is. And yes, I even squeeze in a few Parks and Rec references for good measure.
So to the new dads out there, or anyone supporting one—this episode is for you. Because, as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house. Let’s enjoy them.
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