In this powerful and heartfelt episode, acclaimed poet and writer Mutle Mothibe, a father of three, joins us for an intimate conversation about the evolving role of Black fathers in the household. We explore the profound distinction between being a father and being a dad, and how intentional parenting can foster lifelong friendships between fathers and their children, relationships that many in previous generations never had the tools or emotional language to build.

Long before “gentle parenting” became a global phenomenon, Mutle was living it and  embodying a style of fatherhood that is intentional, empathetic, and revolutionary. In this episode, we celebrate the anomaly he represents in his generation and the powerful example he sets for Black dads everywhere.

Mutle opens up about the inner work required to show up not just as a provider, but as a present, emotionally attuned, and nurturing figure in his children’s lives. We unpack how traditional titles and expectations often limit men from fully connecting with their children, and what it means to parent without a blueprint; especially in a society where Black fatherhood has long been misrepresented or misunderstood.

Mutle shares how creating emotional safety at home has empowered his children to feel secure in themselves and in the world. He offers deep insights for both men and women on how to parent from a place of emotional clarity and self-awareness, rather than reaction, and how doing so allows children to experience the best version of their parents.

We also dive into the importance of seeing children as whole human beings, not just as dependents, and how dehumanizing them through dismissal or control can fracture the parent-child bond. This episode is a celebration of healing, growth, and the redefinition of what it means to be a dad in today’s world.