Reena loves a story, and she‘s fascinated by the people behind them. She loves to bring stories to life. Her appetite for storytelling has taken her from the Jerry Springer Show to the legal drama of the courtroom. From influential players to reality stars, nothing is censored here. Reena interviews people whose stories haven‘t been told, at least not through her unique lens, and then gets daddy‘s advice afterward like a good daughter does. Whether you have daddy issues or a father who‘s inspired your path, you will be able to tap into my daddy‘s wisdom, wit, and humor at the end of every episode. My daddy has been a guiding light my whole life and there‘s not much he doesn‘t know, as an entrepreneur for forty-plus years, a husband, a loyal son, and my number one supporter. He has learned lots of life lessons along the way and is here to share them with you. It‘s time to reminisce and reflect on the conversations you‘d like to have with your daddy and learn from mine. Come share in some good old-fashioned family bonding and help us up our wisdom rating. There is wisdom from four generations and I’m addressing what happens from childhood to adulthood!
Episodes
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
1 hr 13 min
What happens when deep grief meets the journey of healing, honesty, and vulnerability?
In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reconnects with Malisa Hepner grief expert and host of Emotionally Unavailable who has faced unimaginable loss.
Malisa shares her profound journey through the heartache of losing her child, revealing the layers of grief that come with such a loss and how it has shaped her understanding of emotional availability.
Malisa opens up about her experiences with loss, including the passing of her parents and her child, and how these events have reshaped her perspective on vulnerability and connection. Reena and Malisa dive deep into authentic communication, the discomfort that often accompanies grief, and the necessity of allowing yourself to feel every emotion without judgment.
They also talk honestly about the adjustments that come with major life changes how grief forces you to rebuild your sense of normal, and what that process actually looks like day to day.
They discuss how societal expectations often lead to dismissive responses to grief, the importance of creating safe spaces for those who are mourning, and the power of vulnerability and community support.
Sharing one's story, they explore, can be a healing act not just for the person grieving, but for everyone who hears it.
🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:
- Malisa's journey through grief and loss
- The impact of emotional availability on relationships
- Strategies for coping with loss and fostering connection
- The importance of authentic communication in healing
- How to support someone who is grieving
- Navigating the adjustments and changes that come with major life shifts
- The role of community and nourishment in the grieving process
- Navigating vulnerability and fear in conversations about grief
💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM MALISA:
"If we can't have an authentic conversation, I'd rather us just pass each other, not say a word."
"The only shift really has become more of, like, yeah, me too."
"I just want to connect with people. Whatever we're talking about, I want to connect."
"I can't do anything that doesn't just give me light or is part of my life force."
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction to Malisa Hepner
(05:15) Malisa's experiences with loss and grief
(15:30) The importance of vulnerability in communication
(25:00) How to support someone in mourning
(35:45) The healing power of sharing stories
(45:00) Reena's reflections on grief and connection
🔗 CONNECT WITH MALISA HEPNER:
Instagram | Linktree
🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:
YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram
Join us for this enlightening conversation that reminds us of the power of connection, empathy, and the importance of sharing our stories in the face of tragedy.
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
39 min
Reena goes on the other side of the mic and brings it back home.
This one's a flip of the script. Robert Plank — podcaster, interviewer, and WordPress wizard who's sat across from over a thousand guests — turns the tables and interviews Reena on his own show. Then Wayne tunes in, weighs in, and Reena wraps it with a custom intro just for the Better Call Daddy family.
The conversation covers what happens when you spend years behind the mic before you ever step in front of it: how early experiences in entertainment shaped Reena's approach to storytelling, why vulnerability is the through-line of every great interview, and what it actually takes to find your voice as a podcaster. Robert brings the craft perspective — Reena brings the heart — and Wayne brings the commentary only a dad can.
🎙 HOW THIS EPISODE WORKS:
Robert Plank's show interviews Reena → Wayne listens and weighs in → Reena adds a custom BCD intro
🔑 WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:
• What shaped Reena's storytelling instincts — and where the Better Call Daddy concept actually came from
• Why vulnerability is the non-negotiable ingredient in any interview that sticks
• Blending education with entertainment — lessons from 1,000+ interviews on Robert's end
• How to research guests, find your voice, and actually connect with your audience
• The evolution of Better Call Daddy — from concept to community
• Networking, relationship-building, and why the conversations you have off-mic matter just as much
⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Reena's custom intro for the BCD audience
(05:15) Robert's background and how he got to 1,000+ interviews
(15:30) Making podcasts fun without sacrificing substance
(25:00) Reena's time in entertainment and what it taught her
(35:45) Practical advice for aspiring podcasters
(45:00) Wayne weighs in — dad's take on the whole thing
🔗 CONNECT WITH ROBERT PLANK:
https://robertplank.com/
🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
59 min
What happens when everything you've been taught to believe is built on fear?
In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with cult survivor Ryan Anthony Hernandez, host of the Truth That Heals podcast, to discuss his journey out of a controlling religious community and into a life of freedom, healing, and self-discovery.
Ryan shares what it was like growing up in a high-control religious environment where questioning authority came at a cost. He opens up about the promises of belonging, purpose, and certainty that initially drew him in, as well as the manipulation, fear, and emotional consequences that followed.
Together, Reena and Ryan explore religious trauma, faith deconstruction, identity reconstruction, and the courage it takes to leave behind everything you've ever known. Ryan reveals how storytelling became an essential part of his healing process and how he's learning to trust himself after years of conditioning.
The conversation also dives into relationships after trauma, redefining spirituality, and the search for authentic love and connection. With thoughtful insights from Reena's dad, the discussion highlights the importance of loyalty, self-worth, and living in alignment with your truth.
Whether you've experienced religious trauma, left a high-control group, questioned your beliefs, or are simply searching for deeper authenticity, this episode offers hope, perspective, and healing.
"Leaving a cult is a lot like leaving a religion. You're taught fear before freedom." — Ryan Anthony Hernandez
In this episode:
• Ryan's experience growing up in a cult-like religious environment
• The psychology of indoctrination and fear-based control
• What it takes to leave a cult and rebuild your identity
• Healing from religious trauma and spiritual abuse
• Reclaiming your voice after years of conditioning
• Faith, deconstruction, and redefining your relationship with God
• Dating, relationships, and vulnerability after trauma
• Why storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for healing
Keywords: cult survivor, religious trauma, spiritual abuse, healing from a cult, faith deconstruction, identity reconstruction, personal growth, self-discovery, emotional healing, truth that heals, overcoming fear, cult recovery, trauma recovery, spirituality, freedom from control, Better Call Daddy podcast.
Connect with Ryan Anthony
https://www.facebook.com/ryan.anthony.hernandez.2025
May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
1 hr 15 min
What happens when Kentucky roots, a life in radio, and a passion for understanding people come together through the power of voice?
In this down-to-earth episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reconnects with Jonathan Mertz host of It’s Your Break for a conversation about creativity, reinvention, and what it truly means to use your voice with purpose.
From Kentucky roots to radio beginnings, Jonathan shares how his journey has taken him through IT, consulting, voice work, and even working in a jail each chapter shaping how he sees people and the stories they carry.
“There’s power in speaking and even more power in learning to understand people.”
Jonathan opens up about fatherhood, mentorship, weight loss, knee surgery, and the uncomfortable seasons that force growth.
He reflects on his late grandmother’s influence, the importance of education, and how family continues to ground his creative path.
The conversation also explores his wife’s experience discovering her biological father later in life, highlighting themes of identity, connection, and healing through truth.
Reena and Jonathan dive into the art of voice acting, podcasting, and storytelling discussing how tone, presence, and authenticity shape the way we connect with others.
This episode is a reminder that every voice carries weight and every story has the power to change how we understand one another.
🔑 Episode Keywords
Better Call Daddy, Family Relationships, Parenting Advice, Generational Trauma, Jewish Culture, Personal Development, Emotional Healing, Forgiveness, Life Lessons, Family Dynamics, Bar Mitzvah, Motherhood, Storytelling, Self-Discovery, Legacy Building, Communication Skills, Relationship Building, Healing Through Art, Navigating Divorce, Childhood Memories
🎙️ In This Episode:
-
Kentucky roots and early radio beginnings
-
Reinvention through IT, consulting, and voice work
-
Lessons learned from working in a jail
-
Fatherhood, mentorship, and personal growth
-
Family legacy and his grandmother’s influence
-
Identity, adoption, and reconnecting with family
-
The craft of voice acting and storytelling
-
Why discomfort leads to growth
⏱️ Episode Highlights:
-
(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy
-
(05:15) From radio to reinvention
-
(15:30) Working in a jail & understanding people
-
(25:00) Fatherhood and family influence
-
(35:45) Identity, connection & discovery
-
(45:00) Voice acting, creativity & storytelling
If you’ve ever wondered how your voice, your story, and your experiences connect you’ll feel right at home in this conversation.
Connect with Jonathan
Connect with Reena
https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/
instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
58 min
What does it really take to be a high achiever without losing yourself in the process?
“Feel your feelings and embrace your journey.” — Victoria O. Makanjuola
"I want to be independent, I want to do things on my own. I kind of want to figure things out."
In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes the inspiring Victoria Makanjuola, a Gen Z podcaster and high achiever, to discuss creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
Victoria shares her journey of growing up influenced by her father's love for music and education, which shaped her unique perspective on success.
As a proud graduate of USC, she reflects on the challenges of pursuing her dreams, including earning two master's degrees and delivering a commencement speech alongside industry legends.
“I want to bridge the gap between mental resilience and high achievement.” — Victoria
The conversation dives deep into the importance of vulnerability, the impact of generational differences in relationships, and how curiosity fuels Victoria’s podcast, “Feel Your Feelingz.”
With a focus on mental health, she emphasizes the significance of connecting with others and sharing experiences as a means of growth.
Reena and Victoria also touch on the nuances of being an introvert in a world that often values extroversion, the beauty of creativity, and the lessons learned from navigating life’s transitions.
This episode is a celebration of self-discovery, community, and the journey of embracing one’s true self amidst the pressures of society.
In This Episode:
- Victoria’s journey from student to podcaster
- The influence of family and culture on personal growth
- Exploring the intersection of mental health and achievement
- Understanding generational differences in relationships
- The importance of vulnerability and community support
- Creative expression as a tool for healing
- Navigating life transitions and finding independence
- Building a platform for high achievers
Episode Highlights:-
(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy
(05:15) Victoria’s background and influence of her father
(15:30) The journey to earning two master’s degrees
(25:00) Embracing vulnerability in creative spaces
(35:45) Generational differences in dating and relationships
(45:00) The power of community and connection
If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations or sought to understand your identity in a fast-paced world, this episode will resonate with you. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the importance of feeling your feelings and pursuing your passions.
Connect with Victoria
https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-o-makanjuola/
https://www.instagram.com/astoldbyvictoria_/
https://www.instagram.com/fyfzpod_/
Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
1 hr 13 min
“It’s never too late to have a relationship, and you can always choose your own destiny.” — Liana Morris
“Everything can be ritual. Everything can be sacred.” — Liana Morris
In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with a long term friend Liana Morris for a conversation about family relationships, divorce, forgiveness, motherhood, and healing generational wounds.
Liana opens up about growing up with an absent father, the emotional impact of divorce on children, and what it was like trying to reconnect after years of distance. She shares how personal growth, creativity, and self-awareness helped her heal and become more intentional in raising her son, David.
“The more calmness and intention I bring into a situation, the more sacred it becomes.” — Liana
Reena and Liana talk about mother-son relationships, building trust after family trauma, and how laughter, art, and shared experiences can create connection even after painful chapters.
This episode explores forgiveness, parenting, emotional resilience, and the reality that family relationships are rarely simple — but healing is still possible.
“Decide who you’re going to be — then become that person.” — Liana
In This Episode:
-
Growing up with an absent parent
-
Divorce and its impact on children
-
Rebuilding family relationships later in life
-
Mother-son connection and parenting with intention
-
Forgiveness and emotional healing
-
Art, creativity, and self-expression
-
Breaking generational patterns
-
Creating safe spaces within families
Episode Highlights:
-
(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy
-
(05:15) Liana’s healing journey and reflections on forgiveness
-
(15:30) Growing up with an absent father
-
(25:00) Creating emotional safety for family and self
-
(35:45) How art and creativity became part of healing
-
(45:00) Family legacy, motherhood, and moving forward
If you’ve ever struggled with family dynamics, forgiveness, divorce, or reconnecting with a parent, this conversation will resonate deeply.
Liana Morris is a passionate, colorful, and fun podcast guest who brings enthusiasm, laughter, and heart to every conversation. With 25 years in the corporate world and 22 years of marriage to her supportive husband, she offers a grounded, real-life perspective alongside her playful energy.
Liana loves exploring topics such as spirituality, art, joy, laughter, parenting, and the healing and nervous system benefits of laughter, all through stories from her lived experience. Based in Pasadena, Maryland, she shares her laughter and reflections with a growing community online, inviting others to reconnect with joy as a meaningful part of life.
Connect with Liana
Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
1 hr 9 min
“Freedom isn't permanent, and it depends on who's willing to fight for it.” Abteen Vaziri
“The biggest victims of radical Islam are Muslims.”
“I have a duty not only to save America, but to save Germany, because Germany saved me.”
"Iranians are not going to be quiet."
In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with political commentator, entrepreneur, and activist Abteen Vaziri for an eye-opening conversation about escaping Iran, confronting radical ideology, finding faith, and fighting for the American Dream.
Born into a family fleeing the oppressive Islamic regime in Iran, Abteen shares the sacrifices his parents made to build a life in America. In one of the episode’s most emotional moments, he reflects on his father — a man who rarely used his voice — and the powerful “why” behind leaving everything behind in search of freedom.
From growing up Muslim to converting to Christianity, Abteen opens up about identity, faith, censorship, political activism, and why he believes more Iranian Americans must speak out against radicalism.
He also discusses immigration, entrepreneurship through the EB-5 visa industry, cancel culture, and the dangers of extremism both abroad and in the United States.
This episode dives deep into freedom, resilience, family legacy, and what it truly means to protect the American Dream.
In This Episode:
-
Escaping Iran and starting over in America
-
The emotional story behind Abteen’s father’s silence
-
From Islam to Christianity: Abteen’s faith journey
-
Fighting radicalism and political extremism
-
Iranian-American identity and cultural pressure
-
The American Dream and why freedom matters
-
Immigration, entrepreneurship, and political activism
-
Why more Iranian Americans are entering politics
Episode Highlights:
-
(00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy
-
(05:15) Abteen Vaziri’s journey from Iran to America
-
(15:30) Why Iranian Americans need political representation
-
(25:00) The story behind his father’s sacrifice and silence
-
(35:45) Radicalism, free speech, and the political climate
-
(45:00) Faith, freedom, and final thoughts on the American Dream
If you’ve ever wondered what people risk for freedom — or how one family’s escape from Iran shaped a new generation of outspoken activists — this is an episode you won’t forget.
Connect with Abteen Vaziri
Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Apr 30, 2026
Apr 30, 2026
58 min
Apr 22, 2026
Apr 22, 2026
51 min
Jon Waldman is a Winnipeg-based writer, TEDx speaker, and advocate for infertility awareness. His book 100 Things Jets Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die was shortlisted for the Winnipeg Book Award. His work has appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press, The Hockey News, and The Toronto Sun, and he’s been featured by CBC and HuffPost.
After a six-year infertility journey with his wife Elana, Jon became a leading voice in the conversation around male infertility. Their daughter, Kaia, was born in 2015. Today, he serves as a spokesperson for Fertility Matters Canada, using storytelling to break stigma and build community.
In this episode of Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with TEDx speaker Jon Waldman for a conversation most men aren’t having but should be.
After six years of infertility, Jon opens up about the emotional toll, the silence surrounding male infertility, and how it reshaped his identity, marriage, and sense of legacy.
This episode drops during National Infertility Awareness Week—a reminder that 1 in 6 couples face this reality, yet men are often left out of the conversation.
From collecting sports memorabilia to confronting one of life’s hardest challenges, Jon shares how storytelling became his way through—and why speaking up matters.
This isn’t just about infertility. It’s about fatherhood, identity, and what we leave behind.
What We Cover
- Why male infertility is rarely talked about—and why that needs to change
- The emotional impact on men, relationships, and self-worth
- How Jon turned pain into purpose through his TEDx talk
- The surprising connection between sports memorabilia and legacy
- Using humor to navigate heavy conversations
- Building support and breaking isolation
Episode Highlights:
- (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show
- (05:30) Introduction of Jon Waldman and his TED Talk
- (15:00) The statistics of infertility and its impact on men
- (25:00) Jon’s journey in the sports memorabilia world
- (35:45) The importance of storytelling in personal experiences
- (45:00) Wayne’s insights on legacy and compassion
- (55:00) Closing thoughts and reflections
Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that encourages listeners to embrace their stories and foster connections. Tune in and discover how vulnerability can lead to strength and understanding in the journey of fatherhood and beyond.
Connect with Jon Waldman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwaldman/
Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
(00:00) The Better Call Dream Daddy Show features interviews with influential and controversial fathers
(01:54) Jon Waldman did a TED talk on the subject of infertility
(07:26) Talk to me about how you started becoming a collector
(11:29) In high school, in grade 10, I took our journalism program
(13:02) Have you written any favorite pieces? Um, funny question
(15:12) There are many people who you dream of interviewing as a sports fan
(20:49) Comedian discusses his fertility journey in a new podcast
(23:23) The world of infertility, especially around males, is vast
(28:05) Is there anything that didn't make it into the book
(29:37) Are there any organizations or people like books that you read, anything that helped you
(32:17) Have you ever spoken up at all in the Jewish community
(38:17) How do you instill the enjoyment of collecting in the next generation
(42:37) Jon Waldman says collecting things can be part of your legacy
This episode is part of National Infertility Awareness Week, helping raise awareness around male infertility, IVF, and the emotional impact on families.
More info on National Infertility Awareness
https://www.asrm.org/advocacy-and-policy/take-action/national-infertility-awareness-week/
Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
30 min
Join host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, for another captivating episode of the Better Call Daddy Show as they dive into the life and stories of Dean, known as 904 Dad Life. This episode is packed with humor, heart, and raw honesty as Dean opens up about his journey through sobriety, the challenges of fatherhood, and the complexities of family relationships.
From delivering his daughter on the bathroom floor to navigating a complicated relationship with his own father, Dean shares his experiences with candidness and wit. He discusses the impact of his upbringing on his parenting style and how he strives to break the cycle of dysfunction.
The conversation touches on:
- The challenges of being a dad while managing personal struggles
- How music became a creative outlet for healing
- Insights into sobriety and the importance of support systems
- The complexities of family dynamics and the influence of past relationships
- Lessons learned from navigating difficult conversations with children
Listeners will resonate with Dean's story of resilience and the importance of creating a positive legacy for future generations.
As always, Wayne shares his wisdom, offering insights into the nature of family and the importance of setting boundaries.
Episode Highlights:
- (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show
- (05:15) Introduction to Dean and his journey
- (15:30) The story of delivering his daughter
- (25:00) Navigating sobriety and family life
- (35:45) The impact of Dean's father on his parenting
- (45:00) Wayne's thoughts on family dynamics
- (55:00) Closing remarks and reflections
Don't miss this engaging episode filled with laughter, tears, and valuable life lessons. Tune in and discover how Dean is redefining fatherhood and creating a brighter future for his family.
🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
(00:00) Each week I interview a guest, share the stories with my dad
(03:30) Had a friend pass away from a fentanyl overdose
(05:54) When you're getting sober, your mind is going crazy, so
(07:22) Wife had a natural childbirth that was easier than planned
(10:28) How'd you guys meet? How did you reconnect on MySpace
(11:42) Can I ask, like, what makes you drink? That is the ultimate question
(15:54) The question about how it affect my marriage, it didn't start affecting it until
(17:38) So what is sobriety look like for you? It looks good so far
(22:40) Dean uses medical marijuana for back pain after two back surgeries
(25:37) Did you watch the Jerry Springer show? Of course
(26:59) Dean's father has a history of being a predator