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Why Dads Need to Show Up for More Than Games | Kelin Mark Sr. and Brother Thomas X-Williams, The Dad Difference
On today's show I sat down with Indiana educators and fathers Kelin Mark Sr. and Brother Thomas X-Williams about engaging dads in schools through their DADS Program (Dedication, Academics, Athletics, Discipline, Sacrifice) and "The Dad Difference." They describe how Mark's experience of not being contacted after his son was injured sparked a focus on making schools more welcoming to fathers beyond athletics, and how they began with workshops on changing school culture by increasing father involvement. They share personal reflections on their own fathers, discuss practical strategies like emailing teachers, learning school policies, knowing key staff, and balancing hands-on support with student independence. They also cite statistics linking active fathers to higher rates of wealth and confidence in children and explain how schools can book their 90-minute workshops. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - The DADS Program and "The Dad Difference" - Workshops to Help Schools Become More Welcoming to Fathers - Strategies for Fathers to Be Involved Thank you to our partners: Cowpokes Work & Western Barkeep Vodka Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 What Education Really Means 01:32 Meet the DADS Founders 02:31 How The Dad Difference Started 04:53 Workshops and School Culture 07:22 Lessons From Their Fathers 13:21 Why Schools Miss Dads 15:56 Meeting Dads Where They Are 17:32 DADS Philosophy and Outcomes 22:13 Building the DADS Curriculum 25:12 Simple Habits That Show You Care 33:24 Implementing DADS in Schools 35:41 Questions Every Dad Should Ask 43:33 Avoiding Helicopter Parenting 44:09 Coaching From Stands 44:43 Hands On To Hands Off 46:03 Accountability Questions 48:11 Skills Beyond School 48:54 Dads In The Building 49:53 Confidence With Teachers 52:51 Dad Difference Vision 56:50 Indiana Rapid Fire 01:00:05 Fictional Dad Role Models 01:02:11 Being A Village Dad 01:05:44 Indiana Memories And Gems Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
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