Grown Up Dad

Historically, being a dad meant providing financially - putting food on the table and a roof overhead. Yet, this norm feels incomplete. With important societal discussions about toxic masculinity and evolving gender roles, defining good fatherhood has never been more complex. Host Joseph Gidjunis is a dad who grew up seeing fathers as drive-by parents who often missed out on real family time. Wanting to be there more for his son, and with inspiration from the hit Australian animated series Bluey, Joseph sets out on a journey across the United States and Australia to discover what that looks like for him and his family. Along the way, Joseph meets up with experts and other dads for conversations about fatherhood, parenting, work and life balance, and being a role model.

With concerns mounting over the mental health crisis among teens, host Joe Gidjunis heads to Washington, D.C., to sit down with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who reveals alarming data linking the rise of social media to soaring rates of anxiety and depression. Determined to explore the complexities of this issue, Joe continues his journey to Los Angeles, New York, and Virginia, where he engages with creators, educators, and parents to uncover who holds the power and responsibility to make the changes needed to ensure our children thrive.

Joe explores what healthier masculinity looks like today-centering emotional well-being, vulnerability, and connection. He's joined by Jermar Perry, Richard V. Reeves, chef Danny Freeman, and men's health expert Dr. Joshua D. Gonzalez for a candid, heartfelt conversation.

Joe confronts the growing crisis of loneliness and isolation-especially among men-and shows how intentional connection can be a powerful force for healing. Through personal stories and expert insight, he explores how friendships, support networks, and community can transform not just individual lives, but strengthen families, caregivers, and entire communities.

Joe delves into practical, real-world strategies that caregivers, educators, and communities can use to protect kids in today's complex digital landscape. With insight from experts, he explores how to raise informed, resilient digital citizens who can navigate online spaces with confidence, empathy, and critical thinking.