Episode 188 - Maury Wood - Grit and Wit For Dads - Give Your Kids Permission to Ask Questions Without Fear

life’s too short to take seriously all the time — and way too long not to laugh at yourself along the way.

Grit & Wit is where real-life stories meet a little sarcasm, a little wisdom, and a lot of "well, that didn't go as planned." It’s faith, family, and finding the good stuff — even when you’re dodging laundry piles and rogue snakes in the kitchen.

Now also available in surround sound:

The Grit & Wit Podcast on Spotify — real talk on parenting, marriage, faith, and whatever chaos shows up next

YouTube Channel — stories, reflections, and moments that hit home (and hit your funny bone)

Want to support the stories? You can buy me a coffee here.

New! Check out the official Grit & Wit shirts: Grit & Wit Store

Currently writing a book inspired by a handwritten letter from my grandmother — a story about legacy, grit, and the lessons that last. Coming soon.

Also featured on podcasts like Dad Up, Dad Space, Living the Next Chapter, and The Family Teams Podcast, with more to come. You can give them a listen in the Grit and Wit in the Wild tab.

No spam. No ads. No lectures. Just a guy with a few scars, a lot of memories, and a stubborn streak trying to make sense of it all — and helping you do the same.

Pull up a chair. It’s going to be fun.

https://gritandwit.substack.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 187 - Sally McQuillen - Loving and Losing a Wild Child, Addiction, Rehab and Dangerous Choices

Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction, grief, and trauma recovery.

She provides ongoing support for addiction recovery, as well as support for those recovering from the impact of a loved one’s addiction. She sees adults seeking relief from mood symptoms, helps them navigate their personal and professional relationships and lead more fulfilling lives. She works with clients to find peace and healing from trauma and loss. Her goal is to bring light into the lives of her clients intuitively pulling from different therapeutic models and resources to support their specific needs.

Book: Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child

A luminous story of how love triumphs over pain, love transcends fear, and love never dies; this debut memoir from a mother grieving her young-adult son’s death is a must-read for any parent who has lost a child, is raising a child from the edge of their seat, or whose family struggles with addiction.

When Sally’s twenty-one-year-old son died in a boat accident, her greatest fear is realized. Christopher was often drawn to risk and struggled with addiction. In this riveting memoir, Sally captures the wild ride of his jam-packed life and her deep love for him while reflecting on her own childhood and family’s legacy of alcoholism.

Sally shares insights about what it’s like to experience the emotional aftershocks of acute grief, filtered through the lens of her personal experience as a mother and her professional vantage point as a psychotherapist. Even if they have not been touched by loss in this way, readers may see themselves in Sally’s bittersweet illusion of trying to keep her son safe, in how she is challenged to let go of her fear, guilt, and regret in order to forgive herself, and in the ways grief teaches her about the power of love.

https://www.sallymcquillen.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 186 - Mista Yu (Yusef Marshall) - What Men Deal With, Helping Dad's, Introverted Parenting

Yusef Marshall (Mista Yu) was born in Brooklyn, NY and has multiple degrees in Business Admin and Mgmt as well as degrees in Computer Programming, Certified Business Coaching, and Culinary Arts.

Mista Yu has also authored his first and only published book "The Heart of The Stepfather" in 2016. His story on blended families and the challenges of building family without a personal context is awe-inspiring! You probably won't be able to find the book these days though.

Mista Yu's career has been centered around serving others and attempting to make the world around him better. He has worked for a decade in the food service industry as a Chef in the LowCountry kitchens, serving in the State Government as a Passport associate and Department Supervisor, as well as currently serving as a Licensed and Ordained Minister, teaching leadership development, biblical principles, and community service.

Mista Yu and his wife have three grown daughters, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild they have yet to meet formally. He believes that strong families create strong communities and strong communities create strong cities and states and strong cities and states create strong nations and a strong world.

Mista Yu escaped death multiple times and has two stories that he calls "conversion stories" that are instrumental in shaping the man, the father, and the leader he is today. Feel free to ask about them.

Yusef is the founder of Mirror Time Media, LLC, and the "They Call Me Mista Yu" podcast/media brand, as well as the Co-Founder of a non-profit organization, Save The Children SC, dedicated to the advocacy and awareness of the needs of children in our community. We endeavor to teach financial and reading literacy, how to conduct oneself wisely and become an asset to our communities and not a liability, as well as partner with local organizations who share our desire to see our children grow healthy and strong, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

They Call Me Mista Yu is a podcast brand with four shows currently airing (live and recorded):

Inspiration Station - Teaching and encouragement with a personal touch and taken from the challenging stories Mista Yu has overcome as well as current topics and issues in our time that are relevant to every listener. The goal is to be "Your Weekly Mirror Check before you change your world". This is where Mista Yu is most transparent and where he shoots the straightest!

One On One with Mista Yu - our flagship interview show where Mista Yu interviews everyone from former CEOs to former and current athletes to Mompreneurs to best-selling authors. If there is a compelling story that resonates with his viewers, Mista Yu is ready to have that conversation.

The Men's Roundtable Series Podcast - every month, men from around the country and around the world discuss issues that impact men in every area of their lives. It's a safe space for support and solutions!

Big Blue Lifers Podcast - where Mista Yu gets to discuss his childhood team, the New York Giants, and all things football. This is where he is reminded most of his hometown of NYC and the good things about his city, along with a deep love and appreciation for competitive sports and the connections he has made through those experiences.

The TCMMY brand is dedicated to being the All-Purpose Pod for an All-Purpose Life. Our YouTube channel even has content on gardening and how to plant and grow your own food.

Mista Yu's a licensed and ordained minister, so he can marry you and bury you too. LOL.

https://theycallmemistayu.buzzsprout.com/

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Episode 185 - Kindness, Strength, and Presence - What Father’s Day Means in 2025

Father’s Day 2025 marks a special milestone-the third anniversary of the Dad Space Podcast. As dads everywhere celebrate this year, it’s a perfect moment to share uplifting sentiments that honor the journey of fatherhood. Fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with love, patience, and presence every day. Whether you’re reading bedtime stories, offering guidance, or simply being a steady presence, your consistent care shapes your children’s world in profound ways.

This Father’s Day, take pride in the quiet strength you bring to your family. Your kindness, wisdom, and willingness to grow make you a role model-not just for your kids, but for the community around you. Remember, the small moments-the smiles, the hugs, the everyday acts of support-are the foundation of a loving legacy that lasts a lifetime.

To all dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and father figures: thank you for your dedication, your sacrifices, and the joy you bring into your families’ lives. You are appreciated more than words can say. Celebrate this day knowing you are exactly the father your children need, perfectly imperfect and deeply loved.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 184 - Theo Von - I Wish Someone Told Me to Have More Pride in My Family When I Was Younger

A recent of Theo Von's podcast made me think about the relationship between Dad's and Kids and Kids with their Dad's - check out the full clip here:

https://youtu.be/p-pqzPeAwvs

In a deeply personal reflection, comedian and podcaster Theo Von opens up about his relationship with his father, revealing the complex emotions and regrets he’s been working through as a son. The conversation is raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful—a journey from shame and judgment to understanding and healing.

Main Themes and Points:

Relating Through Shared Experience:

• Theo finds comfort in knowing others can relate to his story about having an older father. This shared experience creates a sense of connection and helps him feel less alone in his struggles.

Regret and Missed Opportunities:

• Looking back, Theo realizes he could have been a better son if he hadn’t judged his father so harshly. He acknowledges that circumstances weren’t ideal, but he now sees how his own judgments and lack of pride in his family shaped their relationship.

Shame and Self-Protection:

• As a child, Theo was embarrassed by his father and even joined others in making fun of his family situation. He reflects that this shame may have been a way to protect himself from the pain of getting close, knowing his father’s old age meant their time together was limited.

The Power of Self-Examination:

• Through writing about his resentments and anger, Theo uncovers deeper feelings—realizing he was angry at his father because he never truly knew him. This process of self-examination brings clarity and allows him to see his own role in the relationship.

Judgment as a Barrier:

• Theo recognizes that his judgment of his father, and of others, has kept him at a distance from real connection. He describes how judgment can become a habit that isolates us, tricking us into thinking we’re protecting ourselves when we’re actually missing out on love and closeness.

Taking Ownership and Finding Healing:

• Rather than blaming his father or circumstances, Theo chooses to take ownership of his part in the relationship. This shift gives him control, allowing him to forgive, apologize (even if only at his father’s grave), and rebuild memories with more compassion and less anger.

The Transformative Power of Reflection:

• As Theo works through his feelings, he notices that his memories of his father soften. The sharp edges of resentment give way to a gentler, more loving perspective. He emphasizes that healing comes from looking inward, understanding our own emotions, and being willing to let go of judgment.

Theo Von’s candid exploration of his relationship with his father is a reminder that regret and shame are universal, but so is the possibility of healing. By facing our judgments, taking responsibility for our actions, and choosing compassion over resentment, we can transform even the most difficult relationships—finding connection, understanding, and ultimately, love.

https://www.theovon.com/podcast

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 183 - Andrew Goldsmith - Lessons from US Army Infantry and Army Ranger School Applied To Being a Dad

Andrew Goldsmith grew up in Los Angeles, California. In 2004, he joined the US Army infantry where he served as a machine gunner, team leader, and squad leader during nearly five years of service. Andrew deployed to Iraq twice, in 2006 and 2008, and graduated US Army Ranger School in 2008.

After leaving the Army in 2009, Andrew studied philosophy at the University of Hawaii. In 2011, he self-published his war-time memoirs, Zarqawi’s Ice Cream: Tales of Mediocre Infantrymen. Later, he would go onto to earn his law degree from the Pepperdine School of Law and passed the California Bar Exam in 2016.

Andrew has studied abroad in Spain and Uganda and adventured in many parts of the world including Iraq, Qatar, China, Mexico, and Western and Central Europe. He has spent time in almost every state in the United States, including touring the country by van, twice, and skateboarding down the entire coast of California in 2013.

Presently, Andrew is a practicing attorney, small businessman, and author. He enjoys skateboarding long distances, spending time with his family, and has a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Andrew's interview on Living The Next Chapter Podcast

https://pod.link/1607392975/episode/a828a79445a76224035feb24c60093ad

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 182 - Teaching Boys to Be Men - The Role of Protection and Responsibility

The opposite of toxic masculinity is often described as positive masculinity or healthy masculinity. This form of masculinity encourages men to be emotionally expressive, supportive, and inclusive, rather than aggressive, controlling, or emotionally closed off. Positive masculinity is about being secure in oneself, communicating in healthy ways, showing vulnerability, and caring for others. It promotes growth, encouragement, and authentic self-expression, allowing men to define what being a man means to them in a way that is adaptive, prosocial, and socially responsible

While toxic masculinity is associated with dominance, aggression, and emotional insensitivity, positive masculinity emphasizes traits such as honesty, openness, empathy, and the willingness to protect and support others without resorting to harmful behaviors. It also involves striving for personal growth, building healthy relationships, and contributing positively to family and community.

Some sources also refer to this opposite as heroic masculinity or simply humanity, highlighting the idea that men can embrace both traditionally masculine and feminine traits in a balanced and authentic way.

In summary, the opposite of toxic masculinity is a version of masculinity that is emotionally healthy, inclusive, supportive, and rooted in positive values and personal authenticity

For young men, it’s valuable to restore an aspirational vision of masculinity-one that can serve as a positive code of conduct.

Embracing either masculinity or femininity, depending on what feels natural, is perfectly valid. When it comes to masculinity, three key pillars stand out: being a provider, a procreator, and a protector.

Provider:

Men should consider taking economic responsibility for themselves and their households, especially early in their careers. Sometimes this means being the primary earner, and other times it means supporting a partner who excels in that role by contributing in other important ways at home. True masculinity includes supporting your partner and stepping up wherever needed.

Procreator:

The drive to seek romantic connection can be a force for personal growth if channeled positively-helping men become kinder, stronger, and more attentive to themselves and others. Simple acts like taking care of your appearance and initiating contact matter. Despite changing social narratives, many women still appreciate when men take the initiative in a respectful and safe way.

Protector:

A core aspect of masculinity is the instinct to protect-not just physically, but also by standing up for others in social situations. Whether it’s ensuring people feel safe in public or defending those who are being unfairly criticized, men should default to a protective stance. This extends to advocating for anyone who is being marginalized, regardless of personal beliefs.

Ultimately, masculinity can be a positive guidepost. If you strive to give more than you take, contribute to your community, and protect and support those around you, you embody the best of what it means to be a man.

Watch the clip referenced - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBTB3KG7/

https://profgmedia.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 181 - Calm in the Storm - Teaching Your Kids Resilience Through How You Handle Adult Bully Encounters

Navigating Adult Bullying and Teaching Kids Resilience

Bullying isn’t just something kids face at school-it happens among adults too, often fueled by power imbalances, insecurity, or patterns learned in childhood. Adult bullies use tactics like gaslighting, exclusion, verbal aggression, and undermining others’ credibility. The effects don’t stop at work or in the community; they can spill over into family life, shaping how our children learn to handle conflict.

So, how can you respond in the moment? One approach is to practice detached empathy-acknowledge the bully’s concerns without getting pulled into an emotional tug-of-war. For example, you might say, “I hear your concern, but let’s focus on the facts.” Another helpful tool is the BIFF technique: keep your responses brief, informative, friendly, and firm. You could say, “I’ll review those numbers and send you an email confirmation by 3 PM today.” Setting boundaries is also key. In public, you might respond with, “Let’s continue this conversation when we can both speak respectfully.” In the workplace, it’s important to document interactions and, if needed, say, “I’m documenting this interaction per our harassment policy.”

For long-term protection, keep records of all communications-save emails, texts, and notes with dates and times. Building a support network at work or in your community can make a big difference; having witnesses to interactions can help if things escalate. Advocate for clear anti-bullying policies and request conflict resolution training in your organization to create a safer environment for everyone.

As parents, we have an opportunity to model healthy ways to handle bullying for our kids. Talk through your process out loud, such as, “I felt upset when that happened, so I’m taking deep breaths first.” Show them what assertiveness looks like by using “I” statements, like, “I need to finish my work without interruptions.” After a tough situation, have a conversation with your child about how you handled it and discuss ways they might respond if they face something similar.

There are times when it’s necessary to escalate the situation, especially if there are physical threats, discrimination, or repeated sabotage at work. Don’t hesitate to reach out to community resources like mediation services or helplines such as BullyingCanada. If things continue, it may be time to involve HR, legal counsel, or even law enforcement.

Key Takeaway:

How you respond to adult bullies isn’t just about protecting yourself-it’s a live lesson in dignity, boundaries, and emotional intelligence for your kids. By handling bullies thoughtfully, you’re helping your children grow into adults who can face conflict with courage and grace.

https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270