Parenting like a Superdad

Episode 16: Prepared, Not Paranoid — Jennifer Heller on Family-Friendly Disaster Prep

Founder of Here Comes the Apocalypse, marketer and mom Jennifer Heller joins Derrick to make disaster preparedness doable for real families. We talk about splitting responsibilities at home (so it’s not all on mom), quick wins when you have zero time, and how to turn wildfire anxiety and extreme weather into simple, step-by-step action. Jen explains why community connections beat stockpiles, how tech both helps and hurts in a crisis, and what a no-bunker, no-panic go-plan looks like for busy families.

Episode 15: Fairness, Change, and the Future of PPSL — with Commissioner Dominic Franco

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.

Episode 14: Helping Kids Become Strong Readers with Kids Up Reading Tutors

Derrick sits down with Daniela Feldhausen from Kids Up Reading Tutors to talk about why reading is the foundation for lifelong learning. They share how their program supports struggling readers, tips parents can use at home, and success stories that show the power of personalized reading instruction.
Learn more at KidsUpReadingTutors.com

Episode 13: Making Everyday Moments Count – Craig from Parenting Harmony

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.
Learn more about Craig and Parenting Harmony at ParentingHarmony.com

Episode 12: Fighting for What Our Kids Need

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow parent to talk about her family’s journey navigating the world of special education. From early signs to diagnosis, IEP meetings, and advocating for her son’s needs, she shares what she’s learned — and what she wishes every parent knew. We explore the differences between support systems in California and Texas, the emotional toll of the process, and the power of persistence, community, and love.

Episode 11: How to Simplify Summer Signups — ActivityHero Helps Parents Breathe

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).

Episode 10: When Kids Find Their Spark – An Interview with Marilou Lafon

In this episode of Parenting Like a SuperDad, Derrick sits down with Marilou Lafon, owner and artistic director of Spark of Creation Studio. Marilou shares how her studio has become a second home for young performers, where kids build confidence, learn discipline, and discover the power of teamwork—on and off the stage.
They discuss the role of competition, how to know when a child is ready to take that step, and what parents should consider when choosing a performing arts program.
If you’re a parent exploring dance or performance programs—or just looking for ways to support your child’s growth—this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and heart.

Episode 9: Interview with Melissa Suncin – Building Confidence Through Theater at Kidstock!

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

Episode 8: From Sylvan Directors to Mentors: Kelly & Annette’s Guide to Raising Resilient Learners

Derrick talks with mentors Kelly Page and Annette Mixon—ex‑Sylvan directors turned franchise owners—about what truly moves the needle for kids.
Highlights
Casting kids into roles that stretch them (and turning “no part” into growth).
Tutoring as a confidence engine, backed by real success stories.
Making help affordable for low‑income families.
Keeping an education business alive during a recession.
Fast tips for parents: spot gaps early, pick the right tutor, partner with teachers.
Want a peek behind the tutoring curtain and plug‑and‑play ideas for your child? Hit play.

Episode 7 Show Up Like a SuperDad

“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.