Parenting like a Superdad

Right in time for Opening Day, this episode takes a different look at youth sports. Most kids who play sports dream of going pro—but very few actually do. So what should parents and kids really be focused on? In this episode, I sit down with a high school classmate of mine, Alex Slater, who built a career inside Major League Baseball, working his way from an intern to Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. We talk about the reality of careers in sports beyond playing, what it actually takes to work in professional sports, and how youth sports should be developing more than just athletes. If you have a child in sports—or you’re thinking about their long-term future—this conversation will give you a different perspective on what success can look like.

In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Derrick sits down with DJ Stutz — a lifelong caretaker, foster and adoptive parent, and mom of five — to talk about the imperfect, meaningful journey of parenting. They explore what it means to build confidence as a parent, improve communication with children, navigate discipline and emotions, and support healthy sibling relationships. DJ shares insights from her personal experience and her work with families, reminding us that parents don’t need to be perfect to make a powerful impact. This conversation is for any parent who has ever wondered if they’re doing enough — and wants encouragement to keep showing up and growing.

Many parents today aren’t worried about raising perfect kids — they’re worried about raising kids with character. But when it comes to raising boys, the guidance can feel conflicting, outdated, or incomplete. Strength versus sensitivity. Discipline versus understanding. Independence versus connection. In this episode, Derrick sits down with Shaun Dawson, host of Raising Men, to talk honestly about why raising boys today feels harder than it used to — and what parents can focus on when there isn’t a clear playbook. They discuss emotional resilience, healthy masculinity, the role of modeling over messaging, and how parents can guide boys through pressure, screens, and modern expectations without losing the values that matter most.

It Takes a Village — Why Parents Feel Alone Parenting was never meant to be a solo effort — yet so many parents today feel like they’re doing it alone. In Part One of this conversation, Derrick sits down with family therapist Angela Caldwell to unpack what people really mean when they say “it takes a village.” They explore why modern families often struggle to find support, how misalignment (not failure) creates isolation, and what shared values have to do with feeling truly supported. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on connection, communication, and why building a village is less about having more people around — and more about clarity, trust, and intention. In Part Two, the conversation continues with a focus on sports, screen time, and social media.

Coach Joey Curtin has helped bring new life to one of San Francisco’s most storied basketball programs at Riordan High School. In this conversation we talk about his path from player to head coach, what it means to build athletes with both skill and character, and how he sees middle school sports shaping kids today. From the energy of the Crusader Forum to lessons that last beyond the court, this episode is about tradition, growth, and raising young people to compete with purpose. Music in this episode provided by our friends in the Riordan community.

For over 50 years, Dominic Franco has lived and breathed Catholic youth sports on the Peninsula. From his days at All Souls to his role today as PPSL League Commissioner and high school baseball coach, Dominic has seen how the league has grown, adapted, and shaped generations of students. In this episode of Parenting Like SuperDad, Derrick and Dominic explore three big themes: Fairness: how PPSL balances resources across parishes Change: the evolving role of youth sports in kids’ lives Future: what’s next for PPSL, from rules to new sports It’s a conversation about tradition, community, and how sports continue to build character on and off the court.

In this episode, Derrick sits down with Craig, creator of Parenting Harmony, to talk about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary for your kids. From his early background to launching YouTube episodes during the pandemic, Craig shares how simple, consistent routines can become fun, meaningful moments. Whether it’s breakfast, bedtime, or a quick car ride, discover how showing up in small ways can make a big difference in your child’s life.

Parents, meet Peggy Chan — CEO of ActivityHero and the voice of a smarter way to plan your kids’ summer. In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Peggy joins me to tackle the camp-registration headache most families know too well: filling out endless forms, racing to grab popular weeks, and juggling multiple kids’ schedules. Together, we explore how ActivityHero empowers parents to: Search and compare camps with ease Save time using autofill and one-click bookings Coordinate schedules across kids, weeks, and activities By the end, you’ll hear Peggy’s personal take on why simplifying camp signups isn’t just a convenience — it could be a parenting game-changer that saves your sanity (and your summer).

In 1996, Derrick was cast as Gilligan in a Kidstock! summer show — an experience that sparked his love for performing. Decades later, Kidstock! is still helping kids grow through creativity, teamwork, and confidence-building. In this episode, Derrick catches up with Melissa Suncin, Co-Director of Kidstock!, to talk about: How they cast roles with care Helping kids handle disappointment and build resilience Making theater accessible to all families The life skills kids gain through performing Whether your child loves the spotlight or needs help finding their voice, this one’s for you. 🎟️ Learn more at kidstockinc.org

“Show up, no matter what”—that’s the lesson Derrick learned from his dad, Steve: from post‑poker abalone dinners to dugout pep talks and a lightning‑fast swing from fury to hospitality over a leftover‑pork sandwich. Tune in for three true‑life stories and a simple challenge to trade convenience for connection this week.

Derrick sits down with longtime Daly City coach and program director Paul Cunnie, who has spent over four decades shaping young athletes through community baseball. They discuss the evolution of youth sports, the rise of travel teams, and what kids and families truly need to succeed. With personal stories, coaching wisdom, and a few laughs—including a memorable train mix-up at a tournament—this episode is a tribute to mentorship, second chances, and the coaches who change lives.

A couple of years ago, while Ryan and I were working together, we attended a company retreat where we had the chance to speak with a world-renowned psychologist. Ryan seized the moment to ask a bold question about something he feels strongly about: participation trophies. That moment sparked a deeper conversation — one that continues in this episode. Ryan shares his experience as a dedicated youth coach in Texas and how that role intersects with his work as a sales leader. He talks about holding his team — and young athletes — accountable to results, not just effort, and why he’s focused on building long-term resilience in both his players and his own kids. This episode dives into: Why Ryan opposes participation trophies Lessons from the field and the sales floor How parents and coaches can balance encouragement with accountability The importance of preparing kids for real-world challenges I wrap up the episode with a personal reflection on intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation — and what we, as parents, really hope to instill in our children.