Episodes

  • The Art of Fatherhood: Lessons in Letting Go and Growing Together

    The Art of Fatherhood: Lessons in Letting Go and Growing Together
    Jun 29 2026
    How do you nurture independent, confident daughters while creating a deep, lasting relationship as a father? That's the question at the heart of the Dad and Daughter Connection, hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis—and in a recent episode, guest Art Eddy, host of the Art of Fatherhood podcast, shares relatable, hard-earned wisdom every dad (and parent) can appreciate. Cherishing the Small Moments One central theme is the value of everyday experiences—the dinners, shared jokes, and simple activities that reveal how "the small things make the big impact" in your relationship. Art Eddy recounts favorite moments: attending chorus performances, bonding at Bruins games, and even just sharing movie nights or video games at home. These aren't grand gestures, but they're where connection is built. Letting Go and Fostering Independence A recurring challenge, as discussed by both Dr. Christopher Lewis and Art Eddy, is finding the right balance between protecting your kids and gradually letting go. With both dads preparing for daughters to leave for college, they reflect on that poignant "crossroads"—learning to trust the foundation you've laid, and accepting that your children need space to stretch, fail, and grow. Art Eddy shares a particularly touching story about watching his daughter walk a college campus by herself for the first time, a real-life metaphor for this parental transition. The Power of Listening and Honest Conversation Listening—truly hearing your daughter, not just advising her—is another core message. Art Eddy emphasizes "two ears, one mouth—listen more, talk less," offering support when asked, and encouraging self-reflection instead of top-down instruction. This nurtures strong communication and respect, especially as children become teens and young adults. Imperfectly Present Both speakers candidly share their own mistakes, whether it's not asking for help, occasional impatience, or the struggle of balancing technology and quality time. The takeaway? No one is perfect, and being present—putting the phone down, engaging authentically—is what matters most. Fatherhood Is for Every Dad Finally, Art Eddy speaks passionately about celebrating diverse stories, real fatherhood from all walks of life, and creating positive, supportive communities for dads. If you're a dad (or parent) looking for practical wisdom, honest conversation, and plenty of heart—and maybe a few laughs—the Dad and Daughter Connection is for you. Listen in, and start building those small moments that make the biggest difference. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Art Eddy [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:05]: build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week I love that you show up. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:56]: You're showing up not only to learn, to grow, to be able to be that dad that you want to be, but you're showing up for your daughters. Because every week you have an opportunity to be able to learn something new, to be able to meet new people, people that have gone through what you're going through, people that have something that they can share with you to help you to be that dad that you want to be. That's why this podcast exists. This podcast is here to be able to help you build those strong connections with your daughters who one day at a time. Because it's not always going to be roses, it's not always going to be easy, but showing up, being there, and being willing to put in the work, you're going to have a ton of dividends in the end. That's why every week, I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences, people that can give you some of their own experiences as being either dads, two daughters, or other people with resources that can help you to be that dad. Today we've got another great guest, Art. Eddie is with us. Dr. Christopher ...
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    36 mins
  • The Power of Presence: Building Strong Bonds Between Dads and Daughters

    The Power of Presence: Building Strong Bonds Between Dads and Daughters
    Jun 22 2026
    What does it mean to truly connect with your daughter? That's the central question explored in the latest episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast, where Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes guest Brandon Smith for an honest, insightful and at times emotional conversation about fatherhood, mistakes, and building resilient, confident daughters. From the start, Brandon Smith distinguishes between "intended" and "unintended" moments in parenting, emphasizing that the unscripted, everyday experiences often make the deepest impact. Whether it's a trip for just the two of them or sitting quietly in support during a crisis, simply showing up consistently is the anchor of a strong bond. As Brandon Smith shares, "the small moments mattered the most" — a lesson he learned not only in his journey as a dad but also through the advice of other fathers. The episode dives deep into the challenges dads face: resisting the urge to "fix" everything, sitting with difficult emotions, and learning to ask open-ended questions that give daughters the space to vent, reflect, and find their own solutions. Dr. Christopher Lewis and Brandon Smith steer the conversation toward agency, urging fathers to build their daughters' confidence and resilience by empowering them to make decisions — even allowing for failure as an important part of growth. It's not about being perfect. It's about being truly present — listening, apologizing when you get it wrong, and making your child a priority. Brandon Smith reminds listeners that kids are far more forgiving than we think, as long as we're willing to acknowledge our mistakes and keep trying. Traditions, whether as simple as a regular dinner or a unique holiday ritual, also play a role in creating a safe foundation daughters can count on, even as they gain independence. Fathers of daughters — whether your relationship is close or still growing, this episode of "Dad and Daughter Connection" is packed with real advice, vulnerable stories, and practical tips to help you show up as the dad your daughter needs. Ready to deepen your connection? Tune in to the full episode and join Dr. Christopher Lewis and Brandon Smith on the journey to raising strong, independent women. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week I love that you come back. You come back to learn, to grow and to find new ways to be able to build those intentional connections with your daughter. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:06]: And it's so important because we have to show up. We've got to show up every day. We've got to learn from the things we do well. We got to learn from the things that we mess up on as well, because there's going to be times that are going to go perfectly and then other times where we'll. They may be an epic fail. And that's okay. That the fact that you do show up, the fact that you do come back and you're willing to, to learn and to hear others stories about their journeys says a lot about you and it says a lot about where you want to be as a father. This podcast is here to give you some help, some perspective, some thoughts on fatherhood. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:42]: Every week I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences that have gone through their own fatherhood journey and they're still going through their fatherhood journey. And today we got another great guest. Brandon Smith is with us today and Brandon is a return guest, I'm going to say, in some aspects, not he wasn't a return guest from this podcast, but for those of you that have been listening to me for a while, you know that I had another podcast called Dads with Daughters, and Brandon's a past guest from that show. So if you want to find that episode, go over to fathering together, you can check that out. It's still out there. And he'll add some hot sauce to your fatherhood as well. And I'll leave it at that because and tease that out. But I'm really excited to be able to have Brandon on. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:26]: We're going to be talking about his own journey with his daughter. And I look forward for you to get to know him as well. Brandon, thanks so much for being here ...
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    31 mins
  • Building Lasting Bonds: Intentional Fatherhood with Adam Angel

    Building Lasting Bonds: Intentional Fatherhood with Adam Angel
    Jun 15 2026
    In this powerful episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes Adam Angel, father, therapist, and founder of the Dads with Wisdom community. Together, they explore what it really means to show up for your daughter—not just as a parent but as a vulnerable, intentional human being. A recurring theme in their conversation is intentionality. Adam Angel shares touching stories about helping his daughter face challenges, like her anxiety before a swim test and building confidence in new activities like basketball and jiu jitsu. Instead of forcing outcomes, he strives to give her the safety and encouragement to try, fail, and choose for herself. As Adam Angel reveals, "I want you to see what it could look like...I'll show you, and you can tell me if you want to do it after you try." The episode delves deeply into supporting your child through difficult moments, embracing open conversations about emotions, and being honest with your kids about your own struggles. Adam Angel reflects on the need for dads to be "open-hearted and willing to not just be wrong, but to be able to learn from her, and also grieve or struggle through something with her." These moments of honesty, he suggests, build trust and teach kids about resilience and empathy. Another core lesson: connection isn't always about grand gestures; it's often found in the consistent, day-to-day presence—whether it's attending basketball games, settling in for bedtime, or making one-on-one smoothie dates. Adam Angel emphasizes that just "showing up and being there" in both small and big ways tells your daughter she can count on you. This episode doesn't shy away from tough realities, either—like how admitting mistakes and apologizing as a parent strengthens bonds, or the challenges of allowing your child independence in a world that sometimes feels unsafe. Lastly, the conversation highlights the importance of community and vulnerability for dads. Through his Dads with Wisdom groups, Adam Angel sees firsthand the transformative impact of men supporting each other, breaking cycles of isolation, and learning together. If you're a dad—or anyone invested in raising confident, emotionally healthy daughters—this episode offers a wealth of practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Listen now and be inspired to connect more deeply, both with your child and yourself. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have an opportunity to be able to work on those relationships that we want to have with our daughters one day at a time. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:03]: I love being able to have you here every week because it is an opportunity. It's an opportunity for you and I to be able to learn and grow together. You know, I've got two daughters, you have daughters, and you're here. And I applaud you for that. Because by showing up, that's saying something. Because that means that you do want to create a stronger, more lasting relationship with your daughter. And that's why this podcast is here. This podcast is here to help you, to give you some tips, some tricks, some tools for your toolbox to help you to be that dad that you want to be. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:37]: I love being able to introduce you to different people, different people with different experiences that can give you some help along the way, give you some perspective about things that might have worked, maybe they didn't work, but it will help you to be able to frame how do you want to show up for your daughter. So I am really excited because we are having a brand new guest here today. Adam angel is with us. And Adam is a father of two. He's got a. He's got a son and a daughter, and we're going to be talking about his daughter, of course, but we're also going to be talking about a community that he has been building over a number of years called Dads With Wisdom. And it's an. It's a community that you might want to check out yourself, so we'll learn a little bit more about that as well. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:22]: Adam, thanks so much for being here today. Adam Angel [00:02:24]: Thanks for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:25]: I'm really excited ...
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    38 mins
  • Redefining Fatherhood: Building Strong Bonds With Your Daughter

    Redefining Fatherhood: Building Strong Bonds With Your Daughter
    Jun 8 2026
    Fatherhood comes with its own set of joys, challenges, and constant learning curves—especially when raising daughters. If you're a dad looking to deepen your connection with your daughter and help her become a confident, independent woman, the latest episode of Dad and Daughter Connection is an absolute must-listen. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, the podcast's mission is clear: to provide real stories, expert advice, and practical tips so fathers can show up as the dads their daughters need. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Michael Mirza, a father of two, to revisit his parenting journey since he last appeared on the show four years ago. As both Dr. Christopher Lewis and Michael Mirza share, the parenting landscape is always shifting, and what worked yesterday may need to be reimagined for the children we love today. The Power of Presence and Pause A central theme is the importance of being present. Michael Mirza recounts a recent moment with his daughter at a quiet park, where they simply paused to enjoy nature and each other's company. He shares how his daughter's insight—"it's really nice to just pause and be quiet sometimes"—reminded him of the value in stepping back from the busyness of life and savoring stillness and connection. These simple acts, often unplanned, create the foundation for deep and lasting bonds. Embracing Neurodiversity The episode dives deeply into Michael Mirza's and his daughter's shared experience with ADHD. He discusses how receiving a diagnosis became an opportunity to empower his daughter, framing ADHD as a unique superpower rather than a setback. The family's approach—open conversations, focusing on strengths, and using creative analogies (like referencing Elsa's powers from Frozen)—drives home the message that differences can be celebrated, not shamed. Nurturing Independence and Repairing Connection Another important discussion centers on balancing guidance with independence. Michael Mirza talks about giving his daughter room to grow, whether it's letting her walk to a friend's house or manage her own routines. He stresses that letting go of control so children can rise to the occasion fosters confidence and trust. Crucially, the practice of apologizing and intentionally repairing after conflict is highlighted. Michael Mirza emphasizes humility, admitting when he's made mistakes, and always reaffirming his love—no matter the frustrations or tantrums. Final Takeaways From outdoor "treasure hunts" to creative home projects, this episode is filled with real-life examples of building strong, resilient relationships. Michael Mirza's core advice to dads? Meet your daughter fully in her world, free of self-consciousness and stereotypes—paint her nails, dance, and never be afraid that vulnerability will compromise your strength as a father. Whether you're a new dad or have years of parenting under your belt, this episode of Dad and Daughter Connection offers wisdom, encouragement, and the firm reminder that being present and authentic is what matters most. Tune in and let these stories inspire you to build an even stronger bond with your own daughter. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection. I'm your host, Dr. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:54]: Christopher Lewis, and I'm really excited that you're back again this week, because every week I love the opportunities that we have to be able to learn and grow together. I've said this many times, but you know that I've got two daughters myself, and this podcast came out of the fact that I wanted to be able to talk to other dads about what they were learning along the way. And I knew that dads are not always the best at asking questions. They're not always the best at reaching ...
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    27 mins
  • Building Father-Daughter Connections Through Presence and Support

    Building Father-Daughter Connections Through Presence and Support
    Jun 1 2026
    Are you a dad striving to forge a deeper, lasting relationship with your daughter? The latest episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast is a must-listen. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, this heartfelt conversation with guest Craig Parks spills over with practical wisdom, real-life stories, and a focus on the small moments that truly matter in father-daughter relationships. A central theme in this episode is the extraordinary power of being present. Craig Parks reflects on the transition from seeking only "big moments" to cherishing the everyday interactions—whether it's sharing a chat during the drive to school, game nights, or the simple rituals at bedtime. These small but consistent acts of presence, he argues, lay the foundation for trust and connection that daughters carry into adulthood. As the episode unfolds, the conversation shifts to the challenges and joys of raising daughters through their tween years. Craig Parks emphasizes the importance of balancing guidance with allowing independence. He shares, with refreshing honesty, the natural struggles of parenting—highlighting the need for self-reflection, giving space for children to assert themselves, and not taking it personally when daughters begin to assert their own identities. Another powerful takeaway is the value of supporting your child's passions and dreams. Craig Parks's support for his daughter's love of music and theater—showing up for rehearsals, being her biggest cheerleader, and even creating a "Daddy Daughter Duo"—serves as a model for embracing who your child truly is, not who you expect them to be. The podcast doesn't shy away from the tough stuff either. Craig Parks candidly shares a parenting mistake, underlining the importance of apologizing and repairing relationships. This humility and willingness to grow set the tone for authentic connection. Rounding out the episode, Dr. Christopher Lewis and Craig Parks discuss actionable tips, from fostering safe communication to managing your own well-being as a dad. Ready for more heartfelt advice and stories that inspire? Tune in to this episode of "Dad and Daughter Connection." You'll come away equipped and encouraged, with fresh ideas to nurture the most important relationship in your—and your daughter's—life. Listen now and start building those everyday moments that last a lifetime! If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to connect with one another, working toward building those strong relationships that we want to have with our daughters one day at a time. And it is so important that you show up, because every day that you show up shows your daughters that you care, shows your daughters that you're in it to be able to be the dad that they want and that you want to be. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:18]: And that's why this podcast is here. It is here to be able to give you some tools for your toolbox, to provide you some perspective and allow for you to learn from some other people that have gone through different experiences that can give you some different perspective that can help you to be the dad that you want to be. Today, we've got a great guest. Craig Parks is with us. And Craig is someone I've known for a few years. He's a past guest on my other podcast, Dads With Daughters, that I did for many years. And I asked him to come back to talk about where we are today, because the last time we chatted was about. About five years ago, I think. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:56]: And things are definitely different. Kids are older, and life is different in many different ways. So I'm excited to be able to talk to him, especially about his relationship with his daughter, and to be ...
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    24 mins
  • Listening, Laughing, Loving: How to Be the Dad She Really Needs

    Listening, Laughing, Loving: How to Be the Dad She Really Needs
    May 25 2026
    Building a strong, lasting relationship with your daughter is a journey—one filled with challenges, humor, and countless meaningful moments. In the latest episode of The Dad and Daughter Connection, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with dedicated father Charlie Davis and his tween daughter, Harper, to explore what it really takes to foster connection, confidence, and independence in young women. This week Charlie Davis shares how creating traditions—like their annual "Daddy Daughter Dance" outings—has become a cornerstone in their relationship. These shared rituals become "core memories," strengthening their bond year after year. Navigating the tween years brings new challenges. Charlie Davis talks openly about balancing guidance with granting independence, highlighting the importance of giving daughters space to make decisions and learn from them. He reflects on the need for gentle communication, admitting that a softer approach encourages frank discussions and helps avoid misunderstandings. Supporting individual passions emerged as another vital theme. For Harper, a love of animals is front and center, and her parents actively support her interests—arranging shadow days at the local veterinary clinic and fostering her involvement in horseback riding. This affirmation and encouragement empower her to pursue her dreams. What truly shines in this episode is the warmth and humor that permeates Charlie Davis and Harper's relationship. Whether it's inside jokes ("be careful!" before bed), binge-watching favorite shows, or simply running errands together, these small moments add up to a profound sense of closeness and trust. The advice offered is relatable and actionable for dads everywhere: Be present, listen actively, don't take yourself too seriously, and never underestimate the power of laughter. Most of all, remember that daughters are always listening, so choose your words and actions with care. If you're a dad looking for inspiration to deepen your connection with your daughter, tune in to this heartfelt episode. Full of personal stories and practical gems, it's a must-listen for anyone striving to "be the dad she needs." Listen now at dadanddaughterconnection.com and keep building those lifelong bonds! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started because being a great dad isn't just about being there, it's about truly connecting. Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to connect with one another, to work with one another and, and for you to be able to take something tangible, something tangible out of every episode so that you have an opportunity to be able to build some tools for your toolbox. Learning from others and finding some things that might allow you to build that type of relationship that you want to have with your daughter. That's why I love that you're here every week, because every week you are showing up. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:21]: You're showing up to be able to learn, to grow and you are doing what you have to do to be able to build on those relationships. We don't always do it right. There's going to be times when we trip. That's okay. What's important is that you do keep showing up and that's why this show exists. This show exists to help you to be able to do just that. I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences that will provide you with some of their own experiences, some that might work for you and some might not. But it's good to be able to hear and experience and learn from other people in that way. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:55]: Today we got another great guest. Charlie Davis is with us today. Charlie is a father of a daughter. He has almost 12 year old daughter and we're going to be. And she may pop her head in, in just a little bit and, and talk to us a little bit as well. But I'm really excited to be able to have Charlie on today and to introduce him to you. Charlie, thanks so much for being here today. Charlie Davis [00:02:13]: Absolutely. Glad to be here. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:14]: You know, first and foremost, Charlie, I guess one of the questions that I want to be able to start with is that every one of us as fathers love to be able to create those moments, those meaningful moments that are...
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    15 mins
  • Supporting Passions: A Father-Daughter Story of Trust, Creativity, and Growth

    Supporting Passions: A Father-Daughter Story of Trust, Creativity, and Growth
    May 18 2026
    Building Lasting Bonds: Lessons from "Dad and Daughter Connection" with Drew and Eva Bennett On the latest episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis brings listeners an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Drew Bennett and his daughter Eva. This episode dives deep into the journey of father-daughter relationships, the importance of celebrating individuality, and how simple acts of connection can shape a daughter's confidence and independence. One of the standout themes is the power of acceptance and encouragement. From a young age, Eva shares how Drew Bennett always made her feel seen, heard, and valued – whether through supporting her interests in comics and pop culture, or giving her the freedom to express herself creatively. Eva Bennett highlights moments where her dad invested wholeheartedly in her passions, from discussing favorite characters to spending weekends at comic conventions. These shared experiences became more than hobbies; they were opportunities to bond, laugh, and build trust. Cosplay, in particular, played a unique role in strengthening their connection. Eva Bennett describes their adventures crafting costumes for conventions, often designing duo costumes (like Lord of the Rings' Eowyn and Theoden or Spider-Verse's Peter B. and Mayday Parker). Drew Bennett shows up not just as her dad, but as a supportive partner in creativity – accompanying her to events, holding props, and celebrating her success. But this episode isn't just about shared interests – it's also about giving children the independence to grow. Drew Bennett reflects on the balance of guidance and freedom, stressing the value of supporting his daughter's choices and letting her explore her own path. Eva Bennett expresses gratitude for this sense of trust, which helped her feel safe sharing challenges and seeking advice. As Eva prepares to leave for college, both reflect on how their relationship will evolve. They promise to keep in touch through quick texts, TikToks, and special traditions like convention weekends, showing that even as life changes, strong roots make lasting bonds. In their closing advice, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Drew Bennett, and Eva Bennett urge other parents to "meet your kids where they're at." Even if you don't fully understand their passions, dive in, listen, and show that you care. If you're a dad (or a parent) hoping to nurture a close, meaningful relationship with your daughter (or child), this episode is packed with authentic stories, practical wisdom, and the reassurance that showing up – whatever form it takes – truly matters. Listen to this powerful episode of "Dad and Daughter Connection" and discover how small moments can forge lifelong connections. Subscribe today and join the journey toward building stronger family bonds! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to connect and work with each other, to be able to work, go on a journey together. Because all of us as fathers are on a journey as we're trying to build that relationship with our daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:06]: And that's why this show exists every week. I love being able to have you here to listen, to, learn, to be able to show up. Because by showing up, not only are you doing this for yourself, but you're doing it for the relationship between you and your daughter. And that's why every week, I love being able to bring you different guests, different people with different experiences, and I always love it when I have the opportunity to be able to have a father and a daughter on the show, because I know it. It doesn't always happen, but today I do. And today I'm introducing to you Drew Bennett and his daughter Eva. And I've known Eva since she was very young, virtually. I've known Drew for many years as well, and Drew's been a guest on other podcasts that I've had, but we've never had Drew and Eva on. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:49]: And I'm really excited to be able to have them both on to talk about the journey that they've been on, and I'm looking forward to introducing them to you. Drew, Eva, thanks ...
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    35 mins
  • Building Stronger Father-Daughter Bonds: Insights from John Francis

    Building Stronger Father-Daughter Bonds: Insights from John Francis
    May 11 2026
    This week on the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with John Francis, founder of Father's Eve and proud dad of two daughters, for a heartfelt conversation on what it truly takes to connect with our daughters and nurture their growth into confident, independent women. Whether you're a first-time dad or a seasoned parent looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom, real-life stories, and actionable advice that will resonate long after you listen. One of the central themes of this episode is vulnerability. John Francis recounts a powerful moment when he allowed his daughters to see him grieve and express emotion about the loss of his own father—a memory that not only brought the family closer but gave his daughters permission to be honest about their feelings as well. As Dr. Christopher Lewis highlights, modeling vulnerability to our daughters breaks down barriers, opens up deeper connections, and provides a living example that it's okay to be real and open as men. The show also explores the importance of intentional parenting. John Francis emphasizes being truly present, stepping away from the "helicopter" parenting style, and letting kids learn through natural consequences 05:27. By designing his work and life to allow for more time with his children, he's witnessed the value of being available and engaged throughout their childhood—something he encourages all dads to strive for. Perhaps most touching are the actionable ideas shared: from creating regular one-on-one time with each daughter, to writing handwritten letters at major milestones, John Francis offers practical ways to strengthen bonds during both the joyful and challenging times. He's candid about his own parenting mistakes, revealing how seeking family therapy and learning patience have helped him foster a healthier, happier home environment. Finally, don't miss the inspiring story behind Father's Eve—a growing movement that gives dads a special night to connect, share, and celebrate each other just before Father's Day. John Francis invites all fathers to get involved ("It's fun, it's free, it's everywhere!") and reminds us that being a great dad is about showing up, listening, and always striving to grow. If you're looking for encouragement or practical tips for your own fatherhood journey, tune in to this episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection"—and start building the relationship your daughter will cherish for years to come. Listen now! If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to work together on these relationships, relationships that you want to build with your daughter. And it is a journey because each one of us is on a journey to be able to become the best dad that we want to be. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:09]: But on top of that, we have to put in the time, the effort to be able to build those solid relationships, because the relationship between a father and a daughter is a really important one, and you and I both know that. But we have to be present, we have to be in it to win it, and we have to be willing to learn and to grow to be able to become the dads that we want to be. And that's why this podcast exists every week. I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences to be able to have them share some of their own journey in being a dad to a daughter. And today we got another great guest. John Francis is with us, and John is the founder of Father's Eve, or we're going to be talking about Father's Eve, because Father's Eve is coming up here in not too long. And. But even more important, he is a father of two daughters, so we're going to be talking about ...
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    32 mins