Bonus: Paper Cradles Interview: Author Jameel Mayers on Open Adoption & Gay Fatherhood

In this powerful episode of Fathernetics, we go behind the scenes of Paper Cradles — a deeply personal and gripping memoir that chronicles the emotional terrain of fatherhood, open adoption, identity, and love. From the first phone call to finalizing the paperwork, this story doesn’t shy away from the messy, the beautiful, and the deeply human moments that make up the adoption journey.

Whether you’re an adoptive parent, a birth parent, or somewhere in between, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to choose fatherhood — again and again.

We explore:

• The reality of open adoption
• Navigating fatherhood as a gay, married couple
• How to stay grounded when the system tests your patience
• Why “chosen family” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a calling
• What Paper Cradles reveals about grief, hope, and parenthood

If you’ve ever questioned what makes a family, or how far you’d go to protect a child not born to you but born for you — this one’s for you.

📕 Buy the book: Buy Here.

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @fathernetics & @jmayerspublushing

💬 Let us know what resonated with you in the comments or reviews!

In this episode of Fathernetics, we sit down with the endlessly lovable and hilariously honest Tony—aka Daddy Chen (https://www.instagram.com/avery.atlas.zc) a proud gay dad raising two spirited little ones with his husband, Daddy Chase, in the heart of Orange County, California.

Tony opens up about his surrogacy journey and how being the son of immigrants shaped his identity as both a father and a partner. We get real about social pressures in Los Angeles, the uprising, and protest- how they impact him, his children, and the culture of comparison - "How do you talk to your children about war" and why intentional parenting is the only parenting that works when you’ve got a fiercely independent three-year-old daughter named Avery and a 20-month-old daredevil son named Atlas.

Get ready for laughter, real talk, and some serious dad wisdom with a whole lotta sass.

✨ Topics We Cover:

• Gay dads navigating fatherhood in Orange County
• The beautiful chaos of parenting toddlers
• Real talk on being a child of immigrants
• The emotional layers of surrogacy and chosen family
• The truth about social status and expectations in LA
• Why being intentional as a parent is everything

📢 Perfect for:

• LGBTQ+ parents
• Dads exploring surrogacy options
• Sons of immigrants navigating new generational paths
• Anyone who wants a heartwarming, hilarious, and honest convo about modern parenting

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Slide into the DMs with your stories—we might just talk about it!

🎧 New episodes weekly. Real talk. Dad perspective. LGBTQ+ lens.

Because fatherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it sure isn’t quiet.

📌 Tags:

#GayDads #SurrogacyJourney #LGBTQFamily #TwoDads #IntentionalParenting #ToddlerLife #FatherhoodUnfiltered #ModernFamily #OrangeCountyDads #SonOfImmigrants #DadPodcast #Fathernetics #GayDadLife #war #NoKings

🎙 Abuelo Energy: Celebrating Zaddy Vibes with Esteban on Father’s Day

In this special episode (Father's Day), I sit down with my own father for a real, unfiltered conversation about what fatherhood meant to him—and how it’s evolved across generations. We get into the values he passed down, the mistakes he owned, and the pride he carries watching me raise my kids. It’s a full-circle moment you don’t want to miss.

Highlights include:

• The lessons he learned from his father

• What he thinks I’m doing right (and wrong)

• How parenting has changed—and stayed the same

• Laughter, vulnerability, and a few surprises

This one’s straight from the heart. Let’s get into it.

Follow us on Instagram @fathernetics - https://www.instagram.com/fathernetics/

#Fathernetics #GayDadPodcast #ModernFatherhood #LGBTQDads #dadLife #Fathersday #ParentingUnfiltered #DadTalks #LGBTQ #FathersMatter #InclusiveParenting #FatherhoodIn2025 #Panama

In this episode, I talk with Michael (@mdjeffersonii) —one of many siblings, a proud Black father, and someone who always knew parenthood was part of his path.

We unpack:

• What it means to grow up in a big family and build your own

• How race, culture, and identity shape the parenting journey

• Why representation and community matter in adoption

Michael brings heart, history, and humor as he shares how the Black experience has shaped his approach to fatherhood, love, and legacy. His story is one of intention, deep roots, and dreaming forward.

🎧 Tap in—this one hits soul deep.

ELYSIUM, a book by Jameel Mayers

Where to get your copy:

📚 Paperback & Kindle available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXGGMCJ8

📖 Direct from the author: https://www.jameelmayers.com/

📲 Connect & explore more:

Follow the book on Instagram: @jmayerspublishing

#Fathernetics #GayDadPodcast #ModernFatherhood #LGBTQDads #dadLife #ParentingUnfiltered #DadTalks #FathersMatter #InclusiveParenting #FatherhoodIn2025

🎙 Sis Has Thoughts: Women Talking Fatherhood with Daisy – Sunday Special

In this special Sunday episode, I sit down with our dear family friend Daisy to explore fatherhood from a different angle—not from the seat of a father, but from the heart of someone who’s been beside us, loving us, supporting us, and witnessing our journey as two dads raising boys.

Daisy brings the kind of insight only a woman can—nurturing, reflective, and unflinchingly honest. She speaks to the quiet power of emotional labor, the role of women in shaping family systems, and what it means to show up for fathers as they show up for their kids.

In this conversation:

• The gift of proximity: watching fatherhood unfold from the inside out

• Why women often see what fathers miss—and why that matters

• How chosen family and allyship strengthen LGBTQ+ parenting

• The balance of softness and strength in raising children today

Daisy offers a voice filled with warmth, clarity, and experience. Her perspective reminds us that fatherhood doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s enriched, challenged, and elevated by the women who walk with us.

This one’s about the village, the wisdom of women, and the power of showing up.

#Fathernetics #GayDadPodcast #ModernFatherhood #LGBTQDads #dadLife #ParentingUnfiltered #DadTalks #FathersMatter #InclusiveParenting #FatherhoodIn2025

🎙 Adoption Chronicles: Destiny’s Story with Nicholas D. — LGBTQ+ Adoptive Dad

In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Nicholas (Instagram: @nicnick), to have an open and honest conversation about fatherhood from our unique perspective as an interracial LGBTQ+ couple. We ask and answer some of the biggest questions we’ve faced on this journey, including:

• How do you know you’re ready to be a dad?

• How do we navigate adoption as an interracial LGBTQ+ couple?

• How do we teach our child about diversity and acceptance?

From personal reflections to practical insights, this discussion is all about love, intentionality, and the lessons we’re learning as parents. Whether you’re a father, hoping to be one, or just curious about different perspectives on parenting, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and let’s keep the conversation going!

#Fathernetics #GayDadPodcast #ModernFatherhood #LGBTQDads #dadLife #ParentingUnfiltered #DadTalks #FathersMatter #InclusiveParenting #FatherhoodIn2025

🎙 Category Is: Fatherhood Realness – Fathernetics Podcast Introduction

In this very first episode of Fathernetics, I introduce myself, the concept behind the podcast—fatherhood, redefined. This show is for fathers, by fathers, covering the real experiences, challenges, and joys of being a dad, especially from the perspective of LGBTQ+ fathers.

I dive into:

✅ What inspired me to start Fathernetics

✅ The many facets of fatherhood—parenting, adoption, relationships, mental health, career balance, and more

✅ How being an LGBTQ+ father brings unique experiences and perspectives

✅ Why this space is needed and how I hope it grows

This is just the beginning of conversations that matter. Whether you’re a dad, planning to be, or simply interested in fatherhood through a broader lens, Fathernetics is here to spark real dialogue.

👉 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram @fathernetics for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and ways to be part of the conversation.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join me on this journey!

#Fathernetics #GayDadPodcast #ModernFatherhood #LGBTQDads #dadLife #ParentingUnfiltered #DadTalks #FathersMatter #InclusiveParenting #FatherhoodIn2025