Better Call Daddy

Fred Hakimian came to the U.S. from Iran with about $460, a dream of becoming an engineer, and a determination to build a better life. He worked three jobs while putting himself through college, helped bring his family to America, and traded a computer programming career for the jewelry business.

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with her friend Shaily Hakimian, founder of Your Social Media Sherpa, and Shaily’s dad, Fred, to talk about the Iranian Jewish immigrant experience, building a business from scratch, and how family values shape entrepreneurship. Big Daddy Wayne Friedman closes with his take on the American Dream, finding your path, and the legacy of working hard for the people you love.

From hidden jewelry finds to a WhatsApp jewelry-trading network, this conversation is full of stories about resourcefulness, trust, and building something that lasts across generations.

🔥 What You’ll Learn

• How Fred worked his way through college after arriving in America with very little money
• Why he left a steady computer programming job to start a jewelry business
• How he helped his family get established and find homes of their own
• How to build trust and community in a global jewelry network
• How immigrant family values shaped Shaily’s entrepreneurial drive
• Why sharing your voice and what makes you unique matters
• Wayne’s reflections on the American Dream, persistence, and finding your path

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome to Better Call Daddy
• 03:30 – Fred’s journey from Iran to the United States
• 08:00 – Working three jobs, college, and learning English as an immigrant
• 15:30 – From computer programmer to jewelry entrepreneur
• 21:00 – Helping family build a life in America
• 27:30 – Family history, hardship, and business ingenuity
• 36:00 – Hidden jewelry, big finds, and the hustle behind the deals
• 44:30 – Building a trusted jewelry trading community on WhatsApp
• 54:00 – Shaily’s work, Jewish heritage, and passing culture forward
• 1:06:00 – Using your voice and sharing what makes you different
• 1:18:00 – Egg freezing, Shy Tribe, and finding community
• 1:34:00 – Wayne on hard work, opportunity, and the American Dream

💬 Quotable Moment

“Don’t deprive the world of what makes you special.” – Shaily

👤 About Shaily

Shaily Hakimian is a marketing professional, social media coach, and community builder who helps business owners stay connected with the people who matter to their work. She is passionate about Jewish innovation and culture and about helping people find the confidence to share their voices.

🔗 Your Social Media Sherpa: https://yoursocialmediasherpa.com/
🔗 Fred’s Trading Company: find Fred on Instagram at Fred’s Trading Company

🎙️ About Better Call Daddy

Better Call Daddy is a podcast hosted by Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman, featuring stories of inspiration, resilience, and hard-earned wisdom.

http://bettercalldaddy.com | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review (http://ratethispodcast.com/bettercalldaddy), and share it with someone building a life and a legacy of their own.

Keywords: Iranian immigrant story, Iranian Jewish immigrant, Persian Jewish culture, American Dream, immigrant entrepreneur, jewelry business, jewelry trading, family business, family legacy, immigrant parents, father daughter podcast, Fred Hakimian, Shaily Hakimian, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman, Better Call Daddy, WhatsApp business, community building, social media coach, finding your voice, resilience

Dad Reacts: From Intern to Producer in One Season

Reena Friedman Watts drove to Chicago for a radio job she didn’t get. A season later, she was a producer on The Jerry Springer Show.

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, Reena and her dad, Wayne Friedman, watch back her conversation with LuRae Lumpkin on And Then I Did This. Wayne has a front-row seat to the moment it all started: the call she made to him when she spotted that intern flyer.

🔥 In This Episode

• What Reena watched and learned to go from intern to producer in a single season
• Why she chose to work for the boss everyone else avoided
• Why she walked away from a producer title to answer phones in Los Angeles
• How twenty years of persistence with one publicist led to one of Jerry Springer’s last interviews, and later a piece of an HBO documentary
• How the Better Call Daddy podcast grew out of daily calls with her father
• Rebuilding your identity after every move and every role
• Career change advice for seasoned professionals
• Wayne’s reactions along the way

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⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – The creative idea that can’t wait
• 02:05 – Better Call Daddy and the father-daughter legacy project
• 05:30 – Intern to producer: what she watched to get promoted
• 08:20 – A singing scholarship, sports medicine, and the pivot to radio
• 13:40 – Landing one of Jerry Springer’s last interviews
• 19:20 – The episode that led to an HBO documentary
• 23:50 – Rebuilding your identity after every move
• 26:40 – Leaving the nine-to-five and learning sponsorships on the fly
• 31:10 – Career change advice for seasoned professionals
• 37:50 – Confidence, cutting toxicity, and the gold in your inbox

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👤 About Reena Friedman Watts

A small-town Kentucky girl turned television producer, Reena is now a podcast host, media coach, and storyteller. She’s a mom of four and 500 episodes into Better Call Daddy, and she lives by one rule: if the idea is real, put it on the calendar or act on it today.

🎙️ About Better Call Daddy

Hosted by Reena Friedman Watts with her dad, Wayne Friedman. Stories of resilience, inspiration, and hard-earned wisdom, building a legacy one call at a time.

🔗 http://bettercalldaddy.com | 📸 Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

🙏 Thank You to LuRae Lumpkin

This conversation originally aired on And Then I Did This. Find more from LuRae:

• Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free newsletter

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👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe,leave a review, and share it with someone standing at their own crossroads.

Keywords: Reena Friedman Watts, Wayne Friedman, dad reacts, Better Call Daddy, And Then I Did This, LuRae Lumpkin, Jerry Springer Show, career change, intern to producer

Actor, teacher, and dad Rob Brownstein joins host Reena Friedman Watts. You may recognize him as the pain doctor in the Michael Jackson documentary. He’s a working actor, and he talks about what that really looks like: the freelance hustle, the rejection, and the persistence it takes to keep going.

Rob traces his path from budding musician to working actor, and what he learned along the way. He also talks about raising two daughters who are chasing their own dreams, and how being a parent has changed the way he thinks about life, art, and his own career.

If you love the arts, or you’re trying to figure out how to support the people you love while building a life you care about, this one’s for you.

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🔥 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• What life as a working actor looks like, ups and downs included
• How parenting shapes your personal and professional growth
• Why passion and authenticity matter in any career
• A look behind the scenes of film and television
• How to build confidence and push through self-doubt

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 – Meet Rob Brownstein: working actor, teacher, and dad
• 05:15 – From musician to actor
• 15:30 – Supporting your kids’ dreams
• 25:00 – The reality of working in entertainment
• 35:45 – Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt
• 45:00 – Family, passion, and what matters most

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💬 QUOTABLE MOMENTS
“You might as well find a job you love, because no matter what you do, it’s going to be freelance, and it’s going to be difficult.”

“Confidence comes from having the proof that you can do something.”
— Rob Brownstein

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👤 ABOUT ROB BROWNSTEIN

Rob Brownstein is a longtime working actor, teacher, and coach based in Los Angeles. His credits span film, television, theater, commercials, and voiceover, including Argo, Mad Men, The Office, Gilmore Girls, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Breaking Bad, Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy, Young Sheldon, Straight Outta Compton, Blonde, and Velvet Buzzsaw, among many others. He also appears in Michael, the recent and very popular Michael Jackson biopic, where he plays the burn doctor.

In addition to acting, Rob runs An Actor’s Space in LA and has been teaching and coaching actors all over the world. He loves talking about the craft of acting, auditions, self-tapes, confidence, career longevity, and why acting classes can be valuable for actors and non-actors alike.

Quick Links:
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0115282/
An Actor’s Space: https://www.anactorsspace.com/about

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🎙️ ABOUT BETTER CALL DADDY
Hosted by Reena Friedman Watts alongside her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman, Better Call Daddy features stories of inspiration, resilience, and the wisdom that comes from experience.
http://bettercalldaddy.com | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

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Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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KEYWORDS: Rob Brownstein, working actor, Michael Jackson documentary, acting, parenting, family, confidence, creative process, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

What makes someone fall for extremist ideas, and what makes them finally stop believing? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with TM Garret Schmid, a former KKK and neo-Nazi member who broke free of hate and converted to Judaism.

TM shares the loneliness, trauma, and need for belonging that pulled him into extremism, the tragedy of his then-wife's kidnapping, and the years of therapy and self-reflection that helped him confront his past. Together, Reena and TM explore forgiveness, why people are drawn to hate groups, and why compassion and real human connection are the most powerful tools against hate.

If you've ever wondered how someone leaves a hate movement, or whether anyone can truly change, this conversation is for you.

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🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- How a former KKK and neo-Nazi member came to embrace Judaism
- The vulnerabilities and unmet needs that push people toward extremism
- How trauma shapes relationships, and what healing looks like
- Why compassion and community are essential to combating hate
- How self-worth and self-reflection make lasting change possible

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Meet TM Garret Schmid: former extremist turned advocate
05:15 – The journey to Judaism
15:30 – Confronting trauma and the kidnapping
25:00 – Why people join hate groups
35:45 – How community helps us heal
45:00 – Love, self-worth, and human connection

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💬 QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"If I can change one person's life with what I'm doing, then I have succeeded." – TM Garret Schmid

"You need to listen to the people around you; it might change your perspective." – TM Garret Schmid

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👤 ABOUT TM GARRET SCHMID

TM Garret Schmid is a former white supremacist who left extremism, converted to Judaism, and now speaks about understanding, compassion, and the humanity in everyone. He works with people struggling with identity and the search for acceptance.

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🎙️ ABOUT BETTER CALL DADDY

Hosted by Reena Friedman Watts with her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman, Better Call Daddy features stories of inspiration, resilience, and hard-earned wisdom.

🔗 http://bettercalldaddy.com
🔗 LinkedIn| Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

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👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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KEYWORDS: former KKK member, leaving the KKK, KKK to Judaism, former white supremacist, neo-Nazi to Jewish, how to leave a hate group, how people get radicalized, why people join hate groups, breaking free from extremism, overcoming extremism, deradicalization, reversing hate, TM Garret Schmid, TM Garret, trauma and healing, forgiveness, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

How does an independent podcaster get on the radar of Forbes? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Frank Racioppi, Forbes contributing writer and founder of Earworthy, to pull back the curtain on podcast press, podcast reviews, and what editors actually want to see.

Frank takes us from his childhood in New Jersey to becoming one of the most passionate champions of the independent podcast community.

He explains why he left corporate podcast coverage behind to spotlight indie creators, and why a genuine, human interview beats a polished but empty one every time.

Reena and Frank also get into the cutthroat side of traditional media versus the collaborative spirit of the podcasting community, and why collaboration beats competition for anyone trying to grow a show.

Whether you're launching your first podcast or you're a seasoned host hunting for media exposure, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to stand out in a crowded market.

🔥 What You'll Learn

• Why authenticity is the most powerful growth tool in podcasting
• How Frank went from writing about corporate podcasts to championing independent creators
• What makes a podcast worthy of coverage in Forbes and other major publications
• How to conduct interviews that create real connection with your guests and audience
• Why community and collaboration matter more than competition
• Lessons from Frank's career as a writer and podcast reviewer

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Meet Frank Racioppi
• 05:15 – From New Jersey to Forbes contributor
• 15:30 – Why authenticity wins in podcasting
• 25:00 – How independent podcasters can stand out
• 35:45 – Community over competition
• 45:00 – Frank's biggest lessons from the podcast industry

💬 Quotable Moments

"Independent podcasters have a unique voice that deserves to be heard." – Frank Racioppi

"The best interviews are the ones where you create a genuine connection with your guest." – Frank Racioppi

👤 About Frank Racioppi

Frank Racioppi is the owner and manager of Earworthy, a podcast review publication, and a contributing writer for Forbes. He is dedicated to promoting independent podcasters and sharing their stories with the world.

Frank Racioppi is a South Jersey-based author who works as a podcast journalist, and is the author of the following books: "Stop For My School Bus...Or Else" "Away from Home" "Hit Pause For Life" "A Suburban Prison" "Ear Worthy" "The COVID Hotel" "For The Love Of Books" You can find my books on Amazon.

🔗 Connect with Frank: LinkedIn | https://podalization.substack.com/

Frank Racioppi will be speaking at Illuminate tomorrow with Freddy Cruz. If you’re an independent podcaster, this is a great opportunity to hear more from Frank and connect with other people in the podcasting community.

About Better Call Daddy

Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts alongside her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman. Join them for stories of inspiration, resilience, and the wisdom that comes from experience.

🔗 https://bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a podcaster who needs to hear it.

SEO keywords: Frank Racioppi, Earworthy, how to get featured in Forbes, independent podcasting, podcast press, podcast reviews, podcast growth tips, how to get podcast publicity, Forbes contributor, podcast interview tips, podcast community, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

Happy International Podcast Day! To celebrate, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with a fellow podcaster and gifted storyteller.

Jim Littlefield Dalmares is a storyteller, podcaster, and author (Seeing Ability) who turns his experiences as a father into stories that help other parents feel less alone. On Better Call Daddy, he shares the story behind "A Breath for Sophia" and his journey raising a child with disabilities.

Jim talks about the emotional rollercoaster of his daughter's premature birth and what it taught him about acceptance, love, and community. He explains why parents do better when they stop trying to "fix" their child and start supporting their unique path. He also covers sibling dynamics, navigating the medical system, and finding your tribe.

Whether you're a new parent facing the unexpected, a caregiver, an advocate, or a podcast fan who loves a great story, this episode offers practical, heartfelt guidance.

What You'll Learn

• Why acceptance matters when raising a child with disabilities
• The story behind "A Breath for Sophia"
• How storytelling, writing, and podcasting can build community and change lives
• How to navigate the medical system and advocate for your child
• How siblings shape family dynamics
• How to find community support and "your tribe"
• How to build resilience and adaptability in your child

Timestamps

• 00:00: Meet Jim Littlefield Dalmares, dad, storyteller, podcaster, and author
• 05:15: The emotional impact of a premature birth
• 15:30: Shifting from "fixing" to accepting your child
• 25:00: Navigating the medical system as a parent
• 35:45: The role of siblings in the family
• 45:00: Building a supportive community and finding your voice

Memorable Quotes

"Your life will change when you stop trying to fix your child and start accepting them for who they are."

"There are communities out there to support you, and you're not alone in this journey."

About Jim Littlefield Dalmares

Jim is a storyteller, podcaster, and author. He hosts the Seeing Ability podcast, where he shares stories and insights from parents and professionals in the disability community, and he wrote the book Seeing Ability.
Connect with Jim: https://seeingability.com

https://a.co/d/0iHc0x4T

About Better Call Daddy

Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts with Big Daddy Wayne Friedman.
Connect: https://bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

@bettercalldaddypodcast

Related Episodes

David Hirsch Special Fathers Network

https://bettercalldaddy.podbean.com/e/pedaling-through-parenthood-special-fathers-network-david-hirsch/

Florence Ann Romano

https://www.podparadise.com/episodes/16095321/

Keywords: International Podcast Day, A Breath for Sophia, Seeing Ability book, Jim Littlefield Dalmares, storyteller, podcaster, author, fatherhood, parenting a child with disabilities, special needs, premature birth, disability advocacy, acceptance, sibling relationships, navigating the medical system, disability community, Seeing Ability podcast, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts

Former FBI intelligence analyst John Petrozzelli, host of the Done With Dating podcast, shares advice on dating after divorce, co-parenting, and what the Boston Marathon bombing investigation taught him about people.

Reena Friedman Watts and Big Daddy Wayne Friedman sit down with John to talk about life after the Bureau, fatherhood, and dating as a divorced parent. John worked on high-profile cases, including the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, and explains how that work shaped the way he reads people and relationships.

He also talks about raising kids while working in law enforcement, why honesty guided his parenting, and why co-parenting after divorce has to put the kids first. Then the conversation turns to dating today, especially for single parents.

John explains how he uses his investigative skills to match people on Done With Dating and why he tells listeners to do the inner work before looking for a partner.

Listen if you're dating after divorce, curious about a career in law enforcement, or looking for honest perspective on parenting and relationships.

What You'll Learn

• How John went from FBI intelligence analyst to matchmaker
• What the Boston Marathon bombing investigation taught him about human behavior
• How to balance a demanding career with being a dad
• Why co-parenting works best when the kids come first
• How to approach dating after divorce
• Why self-reflection has to come before finding a partner
• How to build trust and rapport in a new relationship

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Meet John Petrozzelli, former FBI intelligence analyst
• 05:15 – Balancing an FBI career with fatherhood
• 15:30 – Lessons from the Boston Marathon bombing case
• 25:00 – Why dating as a parent is different
• 35:45 – Using investigative skills in matchmaking
• 45:00 – Why self-reflection comes before love

Quotes from John

"Truth and honesty are the cornerstones of everything I do, both in my career and as a father."

"I believe in love, and I want others to have hope that their person is out there waiting for them."

About John Petrozzelli

John Petrozzelli is a former FBI intelligence analyst and the host of the Done With Dating podcast. He combines his investigative background with his understanding of human behavior to help people find lasting relationships.

Connect with John: https://donewithdating.co

About Better Call Daddy

Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts, with Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

Connect with Reena: https://bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn| Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

Keywords: ex-FBI analyst, dating after divorce, dating as a single parent, co-parenting advice, John Petrozzelli, Boston Marathon bombing investigation, matchmaking podcast, Done With Dating, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Roberto Vela III, a former oil field worker turned SpaceX aerospace technician, to talk career reinvention, military discipline, and fatherhood.

Roberto shares how he answered Elon Musk's open call for talent and landed a job at SpaceX, describing the chaotic, high energy experience of interviewing alongside hundreds of other hopefuls.

He talks candidly about the pressure of working in the aerospace industry, where every launch carries massive stakes and the margin for error is razor thin.

The conversation traces Roberto's path from military paratrooper to aerospace technician, and how his time in the service built the resilience, composure, and work ethic that prepared him for a career at one of the most demanding companies in the world. He recounts witnessing rocket launches and explosions firsthand, the tight camaraderie among people working at the edge of what is possible, and even lighter perks of the job, like SpaceX providing food for employees during long shifts.

Roberto also opens up about fatherhood, sharing how becoming a young dad reshaped how he thinks about legacy, purpose, and the values he wants to pass on to his children. He talks about the importance of work ethic, adaptability, and staying curious in a fast changing world, from his unconventional career path to teaching himself photography.

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, career changes, military to civilian transitions, the space industry, or raising kids with strong values, this episode has something for you.

What's In This Episode

• Roberto Vela’s career journey from oil fields to SpaceX
• What it's really like interviewing for a job at SpaceX
• How military service as a paratrooper shaped his career
• Witnessing rocket launches and rocket failures up close
• Life inside SpaceX, including everyday perks like on site food for employees
• Why family and legacy drive everything he builds
• Lessons from a non-linear, unconventional career path
• The role of mentorship and community in career growth
• How to embrace change and pursue new passions
• Why work ethic matters most when building a legacy
• Teaching himself photography as a creative outlet

Memorable Quotes

From Roberto Vela
"The military taught me to look cool under pressure, even when I didn't know what I was doing."

"Everything I'm building is for my children. I want them to have the tools to succeed."

"If I can learn something that's very hard, then I think other people can."

"I want them to have the generational work ethic."

From Reena Friedman Watts
"You're creating that legacy one call at a time."

From Big Daddy Wayne Friedman
"It's always worthwhile to be on the Better Call Daddy show."

Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction to Roberto Vela III and his background
(05:15) The experience of interviewing at SpaceX
(15:30) Insights from military service and its impact on his career
(25:00) Witnessing rocket launches and the culture at SpaceX
(35:45) The joys and challenges of being a young dad
(45:00) Building a legacy and instilling values in his children

About Roberto Vela III
Roberto Vela III is a former oil field worker turned aerospace technician who has worked with SpaceX and Stoke Space. A dedicated father and passionate photographer, he is focused on learning new skills and building a lasting legacy for his family.

Connect with Roberto Vela III

Roberto Vela III, Co-Founder & CTO, Starport Space
https://robertvelaiii.com/
LinkedIn: Roberto Vela III
Instagram: Roberto Vela III
X (formerly Twitter): Roberto Vela III

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Website: http://bettercalldaddy.com
LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts
Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

Keywords: Roberto Vela III, SpaceX employee, aerospace industry career, military to civilian transition, paratrooper, career reinvention, fatherhood and legacy, entrepreneurship podcast, Better Call Daddy podcast, Stoke Space

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes Jenny Wuckert, a dynamic musician from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who wears many hats as a punk band member, airline employee, and freelance marriage commissioner.

Jenny shares her journey from being a shy kid to rocking the stage with her band, Toaster Bath, and opens up about the transformative power of music in her life.

The conversation delves into Jenny's experiences in the local music scene, her love for punk rock, and the cathartic release she finds in performing.

She offers valuable advice for young musicians, emphasizing the importance of finding comfort in collaboration and the joy of playing music with friends.

As they explore the challenges of being a woman in the punk scene, Jenny recounts the hurdles she faced from gender biases to the importance of authenticity in a world that often rewards performance over honesty.

She reflects on her evolution as an artist and the significance of creativity in navigating life's ups and downs.

Jenny also candidly discusses her health challenges, including her battle with endometriosis, and the importance of self-advocacy and community support.

Her heartfelt stories about caring for her grandmother and the lessons learned from her parents add depth to this engaging episode.

If you're interested in music, personal growth, or the punk rock scene, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

🎙️ What's In This Episode

• Jenny Wuckert's journey from a shy kid to a punk rocker
• The transformative power of music and self-expression
• Advice for young musicians on collaboration and comfort
• Challenges of being a woman in the punk music scene
• The importance of authenticity in the age of social media
• Health challenges and the significance of self-advocacy
• Heartwarming stories about family and community support
• Exploring the evolution of music technology and culture
• The role of creativity in personal growth and well-being

💭 Memorable Quotes from Jenny Wuckert

"Music is a way to express yourself and overcome fear."

"Find people you're comfortable with to play music; it makes everything flow more naturally."

"If there's anything that I could share with today's youth is that there are so many different ways that you can go about learning something new."

"You might go in totally different directions than what you thought."

🗣️ Quotes from Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

"You can be shy, you can have idiosyncrasies, but trying to live life to the fullest and to try to be creative at what you're doing, that's what life's all about."

⏱️ Timestamps Time Segment 00:00 Introduction to Jenny Wuckert, punk band member and marriage commissioner 05:15 Jenny's journey from shyness to punk rock 15:30 The importance of collaboration in music 25:00 Challenges of being a woman in the punk scene 35:45 Navigating health challenges and self-advocacy 45:00 Family dynamics and the role of creativity in life 👤 About Jenny Wuckert

Jenny Wuckert is a multi-talented musician and freelance marriage commissioner based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A member of the punk band Toaster Bath, she has been an active participant in the local music scene for years, using her voice to advocate for authenticity and creativity while navigating personal challenges.

Thank you Jon Waldman for the intro

Check out his episode too

🔗 Connect with Jenny Wuckert

• Instagram: Jen E. Talia
• Weddings: J. Harmony Matrimonial

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts

• Website: https://bettercalldaddy.com/
• LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts
• Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

Keywords: Jenny Wuckert, punk rock, Toaster Bath, Winnipeg music scene, endometriosis, self-advocacy, women in music, creativity, Better Call Daddy podcast

In this milestone 500th episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Will McKee, Jiu Jitsu black belt and founder of Asylum Jiu Jitsu in Aledo, Texas.

Will shares his transformative journey from a 255-pound medical operations manager to a confident, mission-driven Jiu Jitsu practitioner shedding 60 pounds and rebuilding his mental health along the way.

Will opens up about the physical and mental transformation he's experienced through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), emphasizing self-confidence, resilience, and discipline.

He explains how he coaches kids to embrace competition without pressure, creating a gym culture where every student child or adult can grow, learn, and overcome real obstacles.

The conversation dives into Jiu Jitsu culture at large: the balance between competition and personal growth, the importance of a safe training environment, and the darker sides of martial arts culture that Asylum Jiu Jitsu was built to push back against.

Despite its name, Will explains, Asylum isn't a cage it's a place of refuge, structure, and freedom, closer to a monastery than an asylum in the traditional sense.

Will also reflects on his own mental health struggles and how Jiu Jitsu became his sanctuary during the hardest chapters of his life. He shares stories of student progress, his approach to mentorship, and his mission to be the coach he wished he'd had growing up — shaped in part by his relationship with his own father.

If you're interested in martial arts, BJJ, mental health, fitness transformation, or raising resilient kids, this milestone episode of Better Call Daddy delivers all of it.

🎙️ What's In This Episode

• Will McKee's journey from medical operations manager to Jiu Jitsu black belt
• His 60-pound weight loss transformation through BJJ
• How Jiu Jitsu improved his mental health and self-confidence
• Coaching kids in competition without pressure or fear of failure
• Building Asylum Jiu Jitsu as a safe, supportive training environment
• The balance between competition and personal growth in martial arts
• Confronting the darker side of Jiu Jitsu culture
• Why Asylum Jiu Jitsu is a space for freedom, not confinement
• Community, mentorship, and student success stories
• Lessons from his relationship with his father

💭 Memorable Quotes from Will McKee

"Jiu Jitsu is about helping people. I want to create a safe place for everyone to train."

"It's not about winning or losing — it's about learning and growing from every experience."

⏱️ Timestamps

• (00:00) Introducing Will McKee, Jiu Jitsu black belt and founder of Asylum Jiu Jitsu
• (05:15) His 60-pound weight loss journey through BJJ
• (15:30) Building confidence in kids through martial arts
• (25:00) Community and mentorship at Asylum Jiu Jitsu
• (35:45) Competition vs. personal growth on the mats
• (45:00) Mental health, resilience, and finding freedom through Jiu Jitsu

👤 About Will McKee / Asylum Jiu Jitsu

Will McKee is a Jiu Jitsu black belt and founder of Asylum Jiu Jitsu, based in Aledo, Texas. After a career in medical operations, Will transformed his own life through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has since built a gym culture centered on safety, mentorship, and personal growth for students of all ages. His mission: prove that Asylum isn't a cage — it's a space for freedom, discipline, and community.

Keywords: Asylum Jiu Jitsu, Will McKee, BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Aledo Texas, martial arts mental health, Jiu Jitsu weight loss, Better Call Daddy podcast

🔗 Connect with Will McKee / Asylum Jiu Jitsu

Instagram: Asylum Jiu Jitsu | Will McKee, BJJ

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts

Website: https://bettercalldaddy.com/ | LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

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What if the biggest limitation in your life isn't your circumstances, but what you've been taught to believe is possible?

On this episode of Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Dr. Ravi Iyer, a physician with more than four decades of experience, for a thought-provoking conversation about human potential, authenticity, integrity, suffering, emotional wealth, family, artificial intelligence, and the future of humanity.

Dr. Iyer's lifelong curiosity began as a child when he started questioning how life works—and what happens when it doesn't. That curiosity eventually led him into medicine and decades of exploring the human experience.

He opens up about his complicated relationship with his father and the tension between love and fear, sharing how those early experiences shaped his understanding of integrity, possibility, relationships, and what it means to live authentically.

The conversation goes far beyond medicine.

Reena and Dr. Iyer explore how language shapes our reality, why our words matter, what suffering can teach us, and why emotional wealth may be more valuable than financial wealth. Dr. Iyer shares his powerful perspective on integrity: being your word, no matter what, and helping other people become more of who they are capable of being.

Then they tackle one of the biggest questions of our time:

What happens to truth, reality, and human connection in the age of artificial intelligence?

As AI becomes increasingly influential, Dr. Iyer argues that society will need people who can help distinguish reality from misinformation—what he calls “authenticators of reality.”

Ultimately, this episode asks a bigger question:

How much more is possible for each of us if we stop accepting the limits we've been given?

If you've ever questioned your purpose, struggled through suffering, felt limited by expectations, or wondered how AI will change what it means to be human, this conversation will make you think.

🔥 In This Episode

• Dr. Ravi Iyer's journey from a curious child to a physician with 40+ years of experience
• How curiosity can challenge the expectations society places on us
• The complicated relationship between love and fear
• How childhood experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves
• What suffering can teach us about love and life
• The concept of emotional wealth
• How language shapes our experiences and reality
• What it really means to live with integrity
• Why authenticity matters in an era of misinformation
• What it means to be your word
• How supporting others can unlock human potential
• The future of AI and humanity
• Why we may need “authenticators of reality”
• How artificial intelligence could impact truth, relationships, and human connection
• Breaking free from self-created limitations
• Discovering possibilities you may not have considered
• Living with greater curiosity, connection, authenticity, and purpose

💬 Powerful Quotes From Dr. Ravi Iyer

“People can be freed from their own prisons that they create.”

“Integrity is actually being your word, no matter what.”

“Joy and suffering are equal portions of life.”

“The best you can do is do what you can do.”

“Life shows up differently for an autistic person as compared to life shows up differently for Elon Musk than it is thus for me.”

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Dr. Ravi Iyer
05:15 — The curiosity that changed Dr. Iyer's life
15:30 — Love, fear & lessons from his father
25:00 — Integrity, authenticity & being your word
35:45 — AI, misinformation & authenticators of reality
45:00 — Human potential, suffering & personal growth

👤 About Dr. Ravi Iyer

Dr. Ravi Iyer is a physician and author who has spent more than four decades exploring medicine, human possibility, personal growth, and the complexities of the human experience. His work focuses on helping people question their limitations, live with greater integrity, and recognize the possibilities available to them.

🎧 Listen to Better Call Daddy

Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts, a former reality TV producer turned podcast host. The show features honest, unexpected conversations about family, relationships, personal growth, resilience, business, authenticity, and the messy parts of being human.

Website: Better Call Daddy

YouTube: Better Call Daddy on YouTube

LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts on LinkedIn

Instagram: Reena Friedman Watts on Instagram

🔗 Connect With Dr. Ravi Iyer

Dr. Ravi Iyer

🔎 SEO Keywords

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#BetterCallDaddy #DrRaviIyer #HumanPotential #HumanPossibility #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Integrity #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalWealth #HumanConnection #ReenaFriedmanWatts

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Kiko Zang, business executive, tech founder, and opinion leader building human-centric consumer products.

Kiko is the Founder & CEO of Chomp, a social game that rewards honesty instead of punishing it and she's on a mission to fix what she calls the "performative internet."

Kiko opens up about her path from boarding school in China to New Zealand and the United States, the anti-authoritarian streak she carried as a kid, and the long road to understanding her own identity across cultures.

The conversation gets candid as she discusses her experience with open relationships and how it reshaped her views on love, trust, kindness, and loyalty then turns to the bigger picture: why social media rewards performance over authenticity, why women in particular self-censor online, and why honest human belief may be the scarcest, most valuable data in the age of AI.

Kiko also shares her founder journey from COO at Orca (one of Solana's largest decentralized exchanges, where she helped raise $19M and grow the platform to $1B+ in 24-hour trading volume) to building Chomp, which drew 50,000 beta users sharing millions of honest answers and raised $3.6M from backers including BlueYard, JSquare, and Accomplice placing her among the 2% of female-led startups to raise venture capital. Chomp launches on iOS in 2026.

Equal parts personal memoir and founder story, this episode covers identity, relationships, resilience, the loneliness epidemic, the funding gap for female founders, and what it takes to build something real in a "dead internet" full of bots and AI slop.

Keywords: Kiko Zang, boarding school identity, open relationships podcast, cultural identity, female tech founder, women in venture capital, social media and authenticity, dead internet theory, Chomp app, Solana Orca DEX, honest opinions app, read the room, loneliness epidemic, Better Call Daddy podcast, Reena Friedman Watts

🎙️ What's In This Episode

• How growing up in boarding school in China shaped Kiko Zang's identity and friendships
• Immigrating from China to New Zealand to the U.S. navigating culture shock and belonging
• Childhood rebellion and an anti-authoritarian mindset where it came from and what it taught her
• Inside open relationships: what they are, how they work, and the lessons they teach about love
• Why kindness and loyalty matter more than performance in real relationships
• The perception vs. reality gap what people really think vs. what they post online
• Why women self-censor online, and how anonymity can support female mental health
• The loneliness epidemic and the search for genuine connection in a performative social feed
• The "dead internet": bots, AI slop, and human authenticity as the new luxury
• From COO at Orca (Solana's largest DEX) to Founder & CEO of Chomp
• Raising $3.6M in venture capital as a female founder and the broader funding gap
• Building Chomp, a social game that protects honest opinions instead of punishing them
• Why honest human belief may be the most valuable data in the age of AI

💭 Memorable Quotes from Kiko Zang

"I think the most universal experience is feeling misunderstood."

"It's important to find a space where you can embrace all of who you are."

⏱️ Timestamps

• (00:00) Introduction to Kiko Zang, Founder & CEO of Chomp
• (05:15) Growing up in boarding school: culture shock and identity
• (15:30) Inside open relationships: love, trust, and commitment
• (25:00) Kindness and loyalty as the foundation of real relationships
• (35:45) From Orca to Chomp: building a career in tech and Web3
• (45:00) Social media, the "dead internet," and the case for honest opinions

👤 About Kiko Zang

Kiko Zang is a business executive, tech founder, and opinion leader passionate about building human-centric consumer products.

Career

• Founder & CEO, Chomp — a social game that rewards honesty instead of punishing it, in a world of performative internet. Chomp drew 50,000 users sharing millions of answers in beta, and has raised $3.6M from backers including BlueYard, JSquare, and Accomplice — placing Kiko among the 2% of female-led tech startups to attract VC capital. Launching on iOS in 2026.
• COO at Orca, one of Solana's largest decentralized exchanges, where she helped raise $19M, partnered with 100+ projects, and grew the platform to a category leader with $1B+ in 24-hour trading volume.
• A decade of launching consumer products and leading cross-cultural projects at Deloitte, Mattel, and IDEO.
• Education: University of Southern California (USC) — B.S. Accounting Information Systems and B.S. Business; also trained at a jazz conservatory.
• Languages: Mandarin, English

Commentary Topics

• The perception vs. reality gap: what people really think versus what they post, and why it's not the same thing
• Why women self-censor, and how anonymity can benefit female mental health
• The loneliness epidemic and the search for genuine connection in a performative social media feed
• The "dead internet": bots, AI slop, and human authenticity as the new luxury
• Building consumer products that actually benefit people
• Female founders, the funding gap, and capital efficiency
• Reorienting capitalism for long-term social good
• Why honest human belief is the scarcest, most valuable data in the age of AI

Selected Media Appearances

• FINTECH.TV, "Vibe Markets and Consumer Insights, A Deep Dive with KZ from Chomp"
• Breakpoint 2025's Superteam Demo Day — presenting Chomp, a deceptively simple quiz game that functions as a "Trojan horse" for more accurate internet information
• "Making Complexity Accessible"

🔗 Connect with Kiko Zang

• Website & waitlist: https://chomp.fyi
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kikozang
• X: https://x.com/KayZizzle
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/askchomp/

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts

• Website: https://bettercalldaddy.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy

#CulturalIdentity #OpenRelationships #BetterCallDaddy #SocialMedia #Authenticity #StartupJourney #Resilience #BoardingSchool #ChompApp #FemaleFounders #Web3 #DeadInternet

Award-winning aerospace speaker and communicator Ken Ruffin joins Better Call Daddy host Reena Friedman Watts for a conversation about the moon landing, rocket propulsion, and the future of space exploration.

Ken Ruffin, founder and CEO of Didymos Consulting LLC (dba Ruff-in-Space) and a longtime leader within the National Space Society, shares how being woken up as a child to watch Neil Armstrong's historic moonwalk sparked a lifelong passion for space, and how Star Trek shaped his transition from aerospace engineering into a career as a space communicator.

This episode covers rocket propulsion technology, nuclear electric propulsion, the future of NASA, commercial space travel, and commercial space stations. Ken and Reena also explore the cultural impact of space exploration and why curiosity and education matter for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.

If you're interested in space exploration, aerospace engineering, NASA's future missions, commercial spaceflight, rocket science, space industry careers, or the story behind the Apollo 11 moon landing, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ What's In This Episode

• Ken Ruffin's early memories of the Apollo 11 moon landing
• How Star Trek influenced his path from aerospace engineering into space communication
• Rocket propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion explained
• The future of NASA and commercial space stations
• Ken's transition from engineering into public speaking and space industry consulting
• Why curiosity and education matter for inspiring future generations of space explorers

💭 Memorable Quotes from Ken

"Nothing satisfies me like space, nothing from 1974 to this date."

"Dreams can come true if we put the energy into it."

⏱️ Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to Ken Ruffin, award-winning aerospace speaker and communicator

(05:15) Memories of the Apollo 11 moon landing

(15:30) How Star Trek influenced Ken's ambitions

(25:00) Rocket propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion

(35:45) The future of NASA and commercial space travel

(45:00) Inspiring future generations through curiosity and education

👤 About Ken Ruffin

Ken Ruffin is the Founder & CEO of Didymos Consulting LLC, dba Ruff-in-Space, a firm specializing in space industry public outreach, connecting job seekers with commercial space employers, and connecting investors with commercial space executives across the USA and beyond. A former aerospace engineering student, Ken has served as president of the National Space Society of North Texas (NSS-NT) since 2011, and sits on both the NSS Board of Directors and the NSS Board of Strategic Advisors as a Space Ambassador. Under his leadership, NSS-NT has been ranked the #2 NSS chapter in the world for seven years and the #1 chapter in the world for six years for public outreach, starting in 2013. Ken has presented to nearly 250 audiences across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond, and has been interviewed dozens of times by DFW TV news stations on the present and future of space travel.

🔗 Connect with Ken Ruffin

Website: https://www.didymosconsulting.com/

LinkedIn: Didymos Consulting LLC, dba Ruff-in-Space Email: ken.ruffin@nss.org

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts

Website: http://bettercalldaddy.com |

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/ |

Instagram: http://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy

#SpaceExploration #NASA #RocketScience #AerospaceEngineering #MoonLanding #CommercialSpaceTravel #BetterCallDaddy #NuclearPropulsion #NationalSpaceSociety #SpaceIndustryCareers

What happens when an Uber ride turns into a profound conversation about spirituality, dreams, and the meaning of life?

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Charles Cade founder of TrueViews Transportation, former rideshare driver, and self-described spiritual messenger — to talk about God, connection, and the lessons that show up in the most unexpected places.

Charles opens up about his personal mission and the wisdom he's picked up along the way, reminding us that every encounter, even a routine car ride, can carry a lesson if we're paying attention.

Charles also pitches his idea for a reality show built around positive behavior instead of drama, and talks about his ongoing work in animal rescue and logistics. His path from a difficult childhood to a career full of unexpected turns — has shaped how he thinks about forgiveness, karma, and living in step with God's teachings.

Reena and Charles dig into community, the ripple effects of our everyday choices, and the quiet power of kindness. Charles's core message: heaven and earth are connected, and it's on us to bring a little more heaven into daily life.

🎙️ What's In This Episode

• The unexpected lessons learned from an Uber ride
• Charles's vision for a reality TV show that promotes positive behavior
• Why animal rescue and logistics work matters to him
• His take on forgiveness and karma
• How to bring more heaven to earth through everyday actions
• The importance of community and understanding different cultures

💭 Memorable Quotes from Charles

"Everything happens for a reason."

"Why not try to make earth a little more heavenly?"

⏱️ Timestamps

• (00:00) Introduction to Charles Cade
• (05:15) The lessons from an Uber ride
• (15:30) Vision for a reality show
• (25:00) The role of forgiveness and karma
• (35:45) Insights on community and kindness
• (45:00) Bringing heaven to earth

🔗 Connect with Charles Cade

Instagram

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts

[Website] | [LinkedIn] | [Instagram] | [YouTube]

What does it mean to balance old school values with the rapid advancements of technology?

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes tech expert Oshri Cohen, who delves into the importance of maintaining traditional values in a world increasingly dominated by AI and digital innovation.

Oshri shares his journey from a young coder to a fractional CTO, discussing how his unconventional beginnings shaped his approach to technology and business. He emphasizes the significance of creativity in an age where AI is often seen as a replacement for human ingenuity.

The conversation touches on the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly when it comes to navigating platforms like YouTube, and how his new product, Watchly Player, aims to create a safer viewing experience for children.

Reena and Oshri explore the evolving role of a CTO, the pitfalls of corporate culture, and the necessity of kindness in leadership. Oshri’s insights challenge listeners to rethink their relationship with technology and the impact of family dynamics on personal and professional growth.

Oshri Cohen is an AI-native Chief Product & Technology Officer who helps companies build software the way modern teams actually should. Over 25 years in software — 20 of them in technology leadership — he has made AI-native transformation his focus: rewiring how engineering organizations plan, build, and ship, not just bolting AI features onto old workflows. He leans on cloud-native architecture, DORA metrics, and GitOps to turn slow, siloed teams into fast, measurable product engines.

His range is unusually broad. Since 2018 he has served as fractional and interim CTO to more than 30 companies, almost all US-based, and at his peak directed 12 engineering teams across seven countries. He has shipped more than ten digital products across healthtech, e-commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and finance. A McGill business grad who taught himself to code at 13, Oshri leads business-first — every technical decision starts at the P&L, never the other way around.

🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:
- The importance of old school values in modern society
- Oshri's unconventional path to becoming a fractional CTO
- The role of AI in creativity and problem-solving
- Parenting in the age of YouTube and the creation of Watchly Player
- Insights on corporate culture vs. startup mentality
- The significance of kindness and respect in leadership

💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM OSHRI:
"Don’t lose old school values because if you do, your society can run amok."
"Be kind to the person who seems unimportant, because that's the most important person."

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction to Oshri Cohen
(05:15) Balancing old school values with modern technology
(15:30) Understanding the role of a fractional CTO
(25:00) The challenges of parenting in the digital age
(35:45) Insights on corporate culture vs. startup mentality
(45:00) The significance of kindness in leadership

🔗 CONNECT WITH OSHRI COHEN:
Website| LinkedIn

🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:
Website| LinkedIn| Instagram| YouTube
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, highlighting the essential lessons we can pass on to future generations.

What does it really take to break the cycles you were handed and build something better for the next generation?

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Kelby Green, purpose-driven entrepreneur and proud girl dad, for a conversation that moves between boardrooms and bedrooms the business of building a life with intention.

Kelby opens up about leaving the corporate world behind, what pushed him toward entrepreneurship, and the hard lessons that came with the leap.

Reena and Kelby get into the real work of validating ideas before falling in love with them, why investing in yourself is non-negotiable, and how to network in a way that actually feels human. They also tackle the trickier stuff when to work for free, when to walk away from a partnership, and how to build community around what you create.

And woven throughout it all: fatherhood. Kelby reflects on how raising daughters shapes the way he thinks about business, legacy, and what it means to give kids room to figure out who they are.

🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:
- Kelby's leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship
- How to validate a business idea before going all in
- Building community spaces for content creators
- The real rules of networking and when free work makes sense
- Navigating partnerships and knowing when to walk away
- Raising daughters to be curious, confident, and free from the box

💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM KELBY:
"Everything is figureoutable."
"I want to encourage them to try things and see what they're interested in without feeling pressured to fit into any box."

🗣️ QUOTES FROM WAYNE FRIEDMAN:
"I think there is a solution. You can figure it out."
"You want to be able to share ideas, share people where everybody can get a common good out of it."

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Meet Kelby Green
(05:15) From corporate employee to entrepreneur
(15:30) Building community spaces for content creation
(25:00) Validating business ideas through client engagement
(35:45) Networking, partnerships, and the free work question
(45:00) Raising daughters with intention

🔗 CONNECT WITH KELBY GREEN:
Instagram| Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:
Website| LinkedIn| Instagram| YouTube
Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the power of community, the importance of authentic connections, and the journey of parenting in the entrepreneurial world.

In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reunites with her childhood friend Carre Gordon to talk about loss, connection, and healing. The two reminisce about their carefree days growing up together in Kentucky before Carre shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her son, Grant, during what began as an ordinary birthday celebration.

Carre opens up about the unexpected signs and messages she's received from Grant, and how they've shown her that her bond with her son didn't end it just changed shape. The conversation moves through the role of spirituality, the healing power of community, and the lessons trauma can teach us about strength and vulnerability.

Together, Reena and Carre explore mediumship, the idea of soul contracts, and what it means to stay connected to someone you've lost. Carre's story is a gentle, grounded reminder that grief isn't linear and that love doesn't disappear, it just finds new ways to reach us.

If you or someone you love is navigating loss, this episode offers comfort, honesty, and the reassurance that you're not walking through it alone.

🎙️ What's in This Episode

• Carre's journey through grief and healing after losing her son
• Signs and messages from loved ones beyond the veil
• Why community and support matter so much in navigating loss
• Grief as a personal journey there's no "right" way to do it
• Soul contracts and the idea of a pre-written path
• Finding comfort and connection in the face of loss

💭 Memorable Quotes from Carre

• "Life happens for us, not to us."
• "We can still have an energetic relationship with our loved ones."

⏱️ Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to Carre Gordon
(05:15) Reminiscing about childhood memories in Kentucky
(15:30) The impact of losing a child and navigating grief
(25:00) Signs and messages from Grant
(35:45) The role of community in healing
(45:00) Spiritual connections and the concept of soul contracts

Resources mentioned

https://www.helpingparentsheal.org/

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts

Website| LinkedIn| Instagram| YouTube

Join us for this enlightening conversation about love, loss, and the connections that keep shaping our lives even after death. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that support is available and healing is possible.

What happens when personal trauma intersects with a mission to advocate for justice?

In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Ariella Goldberg-Kay, a survivor liaison for Zaakah, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence within the Jewish community.

Ariella Kay opens up about her deeply personal connection to this work, rooted in her aunt's tragic story of sexual assault and suicide a loss that has profoundly shaped her life and advocacy.

Reena and Ariella explore the complexities of trauma recovery, the stigma surrounding mental health in religious communities, and the fight for justice for survivors of sexual abuse.

Ariella shares how her own experiences fueled her passion for advocacy, helping other survivors find their voice and pursue legal action against their abusers.

The conversation also unpacks the unique challenges Jewish survivors face from barriers to reporting abuse to inadequate institutional responses. Ariella explains how Zaakah is changing the landscape for survivors by empowering them to seek justice without needing rabbinical approval, and why a trauma-informed approach is essential to real healing.

If you or someone you know needs support, Zaakah's confidential hotline is available at 1-888-492-2524, or visit http://www.zaakah.org.

🎙️ What's in This Episode:

• Ariella's personal connection to sexual violence advocacy
• The impact of silence and stigma on mental health
• Navigating the justice system as a sexual abuse survivor
• Why community support is critical for healing
• How Zaakah is transforming survivor support in the Jewish community
• The power of sharing personal stories to build connection and understanding

💭 Memorable Quotes from Ariella:

"I don't want people to have to live with the aftermath of suicide or sexual abuse."

"Your relationship with God is between you and God, and no one else should dictate that."

"If an institution can't afford to pay restitution for the abuse that happened there, it doesn't deserve to exist anymore."

⏱️ Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Ariella K. and Zaakah
(05:15) The personal story behind Ariella's advocacy
(15:30) Challenges faced by survivors in the Jewish community
(25:00) The role of Zaakah in supporting legal justice
(35:45) Navigating trauma and mental health stigma
(45:00) Ariella's insights on community and healing

🔗 Connect with Zaakah:

Website: http://www.zaakah.org | Instagram
📞 Hotline: 1-888-492-2524

Outcry Podcast

https://www.facebook.com/zaakah

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:

Website| LinkedIn| Instagram| YouTube

If you've ever wondered how trauma shapes our lives — and why advocacy and community support matter for survivors of sexual abuse — this episode of Better Call Daddy is a must-listen.

Need support? Zaakah's hotline: 1-888-492-2524 | http://www.zaakah.org

What draws us to true crime and what does it say about us?

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Jerry Matz, the mind behind the hit Instagram account ID Crime Vault, for an honest conversation about true crime, storytelling, and the family moments that shape who we become.

Jerry traces his love of true crime back to childhood watching shows like Joe Kenda and Hollywood Demons with family, and slowly realizing he didn't just want to consume these stories. He wanted to tell them.

Reena and Jerry dig into what makes crime narratives so compelling, how he built a loyal community one consistent post at a time, and why patience might be the most underrated skill in content creation.

The conversation also gets real about the darker side of the industry — the psychological toll reality TV takes on its participants, and the responsibility creators and media have to portray crime with accuracy and empathy.

🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:
- Jerry's origin story in the true crime world
- How family shapes the interests we carry into adulthood
- The psychology behind why crime stories grip us
- Empathy as a storytelling superpower
- Reality TV's hidden cost on its participants
- Growing a community around a shared passion

💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM JERRY:
"Sometimes people like suspense. They like the mystery. It's like a mystery book."
"You never know what you're going to get out of it. Just try it and don't quit."

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Meet Jerry Matz true crime storyteller
(05:15) The family influences behind his passion
(15:30) The psychology of crime media
(25:00) Reality TV's darker realities
(35:45) Building community through shared obsession
(45:00) Grandpa's take on crime, media & responsibility

🔗 CONNECT WITH JERRY:
Instagram

🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:
Website| LinkedIn| Instagram| YouTube

If you've ever found yourself three hours deep in a true crime rabbit hole and wondered why — this episodeis for you.

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Jey Young, a mental health counselor and podcaster, to talk about holding grief and joy at once. Just weeks before welcoming his baby boy into the world, Jey lost his father to suicide.

Jey Young opens up about what it's like to process devastating loss while celebrating new life, sharing raw, unfiltered insight into that emotional whiplash. Together, Reena and Jey dig into the nuances of mental health, the power of open communication, and why community support matters most in moments of crisis.

The conversation traces how Jey's experiences have reshaped his understanding of fatherhood and mental health, offering listeners real takeaways on resilience, connection, and the importance of checking in on the people we love. Reena and Jey also reflect on their own stories, underscoring how vulnerability and authenticity are what make relationships meaningful.

It's also Men's Mental Health Month, and this episode is a reminder of why that matters: men are still far less likely to ask for help or talk about what they're carrying, even when it's costing them everything.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text, 24/7.

🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:

• Jey's experience with grief alongside the birth of his son
• Holding space for loss and new life at the same time
• Navigating mental health conversations, especially among men
• Why reaching out and showing up for each other matters
• Building real connection through vulnerability
• What podcasting has taught Jey about sharing stories

💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM JEY:

"Life is a lot emptier. My phone feels a lot heavier, and my call log feels empty."

"Just to check on people, just to ask how they're doing, just to be there for them, just to show up for them."

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction to Jey Young
(05:15) Jey's journey through grief and fatherhood
(15:30) Why mental health conversations matter
(25:00) Supporting loved ones through difficult times
(35:45) Vulnerability and the power of storytelling
(45:00) Wisdom from Reena's dad on parenting and connection

🔗 CONNECT WITH JEY YOUNG:
Instagram| Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:
Website| LinkedIn| Instagram| YouTube

Join us for this heartfelt conversationabout sharing our storiesand showing up for one another through life's hardest and most beautiful moments.