Dope Black Dads Podcast

Dope Black Dads Podcast

The Dope Black Dads Podcast is an adult-only podcast for all parents or adults preparing for parenthood. Led by Marvyn Harrison with contributions from the Dope Black Dads leadership as well as a host of special guests from the world of healing, media, parenting, TV/film, music, and beyond. We discuss everything from co-parenting, masculinity, and the Black experience all the way to our favourite Netflix show. Don't listen if you're expecting conversations about nappies! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

July 30, 2025 46 mins

Today’s episode is a throwback episode with Kate Ferdinand — mother, entrepreneur, and host of the award-winning podcast Blended. We discussed what began as a WhatsApp group is now a powerful platform supporting Black and mixed-heritage fathers across the world.


In this episode, Kate and Marvyn explore how our own childhoods shape the way we parent, the importance of emotional honesty, and how to have age-appropriate conversatio...

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From Kool Herc’s Kingston-style block parties to Kendrick’s Grammy sweeps and Carti’s moshpit mayhem, who really ran rap every year since 1979? In this definitive timeline, we break down the Big 3 artists of each year, blending mainstream dominance, cultural impact, and lyrical integrity.


Featuring heavyweights like LL Cool J, OutKast, Missy, Future, Nicki Minaj, and J. Cole, this episode challenges revisionist history and makes...

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⚡ THE CHALLENGE

I forced my household to try twenty one penny pinching moves in one week. No edits. No mercy.


WHAT HAPPENED

• Hack 3 sparked a shower time race

• Hack 7 killed takeaway cravings

• Hack 14 slashed our energy bill in thirty seconds

• Hack 21 broke my Netflix habit and the kids survived


FULL LIST

1 Kill phantom power at bedtime

2 Daily smart meter checks

… all the way to 21 Rotate streaming subs like a pro


WHY...

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What does the government’s new health plan actually mean for your community?

In this exclusive, no-holds-barred Q&A, Marvyn Harrison sits down with Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to ask the questions that matter most to working-class and Black British families.


We dive into:

  • The postcode lottery in care
  • Why Black men aren’t trusting the NHS
  • Where the money’s really going
  • And how this plan could ...
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What’s it really like being Education Secretary? In this powerful conversation, Bridget Phillipson marks her first year in post by speaking openly with Marvyn Harrison and young voices from Dope Black Dads. She reflects on the teacher who changed her life, discusses her priorities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and sets out her vision for mental health in every school. This episode goes beyond ...

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Is there still honour in hip-hop? Can rap teach us how to be better men?

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the extraordinary journey of Clipse—brothers Pusha T and No Malice—uncovering what their story reveals about masculinity, loyalty, and principled living. From “Grindin’” lunch tables to Louis Vuitton runways, we walk through their full timeline, pulling out the life lessons embedded in their rhymes, career moves, and pu...

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June 29, 2025 18 mins

In this episode, Marvyn Harrison asks a question that shifts the way we show up in our relationships: How can I love you better?

This is a practical, vulnerable reflection on how love evolves over time, and why checking in with our partners, children, and friends matters more than ever.

From the changing landscape of fatherhood to the emotional intelligence needed for deep connection, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lov...

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Imagine Friends… but Black.

Not just a race-swap, but a complete cultural remix.

In this episode, we explore what a modern-day, all-Black reboot of the iconic 90s sitcom could look like, set in Hackney, rooted in today’s Black culture, with characters that reflect our reality.

We break down:

  • The reimagined character archetypes
  • The new hangout spot (spoiler: it’s not Central Perk)
  • The themes that would actually resonate today—gentle p...
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⏱️ THE CHALLENGE

I put 20 parent-approved hacks to the ultimate test on live Sports Day—no retakes, no mercy.


WHAT HAPPENED

• Tip #3 nearly caused a water-fight 🤣

• Tip #7 saved £50 in 10 seconds

• Tip #14 kept my son’s muscles warm like a pro sprinter


FULL HACK LIST

1. Balanced breakfast (slow-release carbs)

2. Pre-hydration strategy

3. Super-labelled bottle trick

… all the way to 20. Capture memories, not just photos.


W...

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What if the key to your peace isn't reconciliation, but release?

In this solo episode, Marvyn Harrison offers a detailed, compassionate guide for anyone navigating unresolved feelings toward an absent, distant, or emotionally unavailable father. You'll learn:


  • Why closure matters (even without reconciliation)
  • How to know if you're ready for contact
  • A safety-first outreach plan
  • Word-for-word scripts for conversation
  • Aftercare tips ...
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Synopsis In this intimate twenty-minute letter, written from the perspective of your grown child twenty years in the future, Marvyn Harrison pays tribute to fathers who stayed. The episode celebrates everyday courage, explores the quiet heroism of presence, and shows how one man’s consistency can echo through generations.


Key Chapters

1. Staying Is an Act of Courage (0 – 3 min)

2. Presence Builds Identity (3 – 6 min)

3. Breaking th...

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In this deeply moving episode of DopeBlackDads, we sit down with former world champion boxer Johnny Nelson and NHS GP Dr. Aziza Sesay to talk about something bigger than sport or titles — life, loss, and the power of early cancer detection.

Johnny shares the emotional story of how his father missed the signs of cancer, and how that experience shaped his own approach to health. Dr. Aziza offers vital insights into why Black communiti...

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In this episode, financial expert Emmanuel Asuquo joins us for a vital conversation on fraud prevention. With fraud affecting millions every year, Emmanuel breaks down the most common scams targeting the community, including online shopping fraud, holiday booking scams, and family fraud. He shares practical tips on how to spot suspicious activity and explains the importance of two-step verification (2SV) to secure online accounts.

T...

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In this special episode we talk to fathers David Gyasi and Nii Odarte Evans about the various stages of fatherhood - from the moment they found out to their experiences today. Join the conversation and tell us what you think. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Welcome to this week's episode of Dear Dope Black Dads! In this engaging discussion, Marvyn and Romantha delve into thought-provoking topics circulating on social media. From the impact of childhood trauma on adult experiences of PTSD to the profound experience of loneliness, no stone is left unturned.


Have you ever found yourself reliving moments from your upbringing as an adult? Join us as we explore the complexities of this p...

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March 26, 2024 38 mins

Discover the pressing issue affecting 1 in 4 children: the alarming lack of measles protection. In this important discussion with experts shedding light on London's measles crisis, especially within the Black community. We ask the experts some vital questions to guide you in making informed choices for your family's health.


Join the conversation and empower yourself with knowledge to safeguard your loved ones. Don't miss out on...

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Tune in to this insightful podcast segment where we delve into the challenges of self-confidence post-mental health setbacks, affecting relationships profoundly. Our discussion explores vital themes surrounding men's health, beauty, fitness, and self-care routines, shedding light on societal acceptance and prioritisation of men's well-being.


Join us for an engaging conversation as we navigate through these important topics and ...

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New Series "Dear Dope Black Dads" Hosted by Marvyn Harrison at Spotify Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Welcome to our YouTube channel! This week, we're thrilled to have influencer marketing expert Charlotte Stavrou and the self-proclaimed "OG Influencer," Franklin Boateng, join us for an insightful discussion. In Part I, we explore the essence of influencer culture and discuss the future trajectory of the industry.


Stay tuned for Part II and Part III, where we address dilemmas from our community. Don't miss out on valuable insig...

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Join Dope Black Dads as we delve into the topic of mental health in the Black community, and unpack NHS Talking Therapies , and the treatments available, with therapist Sharon Black. 


If you are struggling with feelings of depression, or anxiety such as excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or obsessions and compulsions, you should reach out to NHS Talking Therapies on nhs.uk/talk....

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