Creating Holiday Magic | Author Matt Tavares on Tradition, Creativity, and Fatherhood

Creating Holiday Magic | Author Matt Tavares on Tradition, Creativity, and Fatherhood

From Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!) by Adam Flaherty, Marc Checket

December 5, 2025 · 50 min · Episode 133

About this episode

Matt Tavares discusses the magic of the holiday season through storytelling and creativity while sharing insights on fatherhood.

The holidays are here, and so is that energy—frantic, magical, and a tad overwhelming. But for children’s book author and illustrator Matt Tavares, it’s also the season of book signings and creative endeavors. Matt is an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 30 books, among them the beloved "Dasher" series and its latest installment, "Dasher and the Polar Bear." Matt joins us fresh off his book tour and right in the midst of holiday hustle to chat about raising two young adult daughters, and how storytelling and art keep the spirit of the season alive year after year. Don't miss Adam's "Instant Regret" which found him in an uncomfortable predicament!

People in this episode

Hosts: Adam Flaherty, Marc Checket

Guest: Matt Tavares

Topics covered

  • holiday traditions
  • fatherhood
  • storytelling
  • creativity
  • children's literature

Keywords

  • holiday magic
  • fatherhood
  • children's books
  • storytelling
  • creativity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Dasher, Dasher and the Polar Bear

More episodes of Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!)

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!) podcast page.