Girl Dad Nation

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Ryan shares the story behind the new documentary Cookie Queens, what it was like raising Olive through record-breaking Girl Scout Cookie seasons, and why the greatest success isn't selling cookies—it's raising confident daughters.

What does it really take to raise a confident daughter?
This week on Girl Dad Nation, Matthew sits down with Ryan, father of Olive, one of the featured families in the new documentary Cookie Queens.
While Cookie Queens follows four Girl Scouts through the excitement and pressure of cookie season, this conversation goes beyond cookie sales. Ryan shares what it's like raising a daughter with big dreams, supporting her ambitions without defining her by achievement, and navigating the balance between encouragement, competition, and simply letting kids be kids.
Together, Matthew and Ryan discuss:
• The father-daughter relationship in the documentary
• Encouraging confidence without creating pressure
• What Girl Scouts teaches about leadership, entrepreneurship, and resilience
• Supporting our daughters while allowing them to discover their own identity
• Why success looks different than most parents think
• Lessons every girl dad can learn—whether your daughter sells cookies or not
If you're raising daughters, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, humor, and heartfelt encouragement.

About Cookie Queens
Cookie Queens is a heartwarming documentary directed by Alysa Nahmias that follows four Girl Scouts and their families through one unforgettable cookie season. Rather than focusing solely on cookie sales, the film explores girlhood, ambition, confidence, family relationships, and the pressures young girls experience while discovering who they are. The observational documentary celebrates the joys and challenges of growing up through one of America's most recognizable traditions. 
Ryan's daughter, Olive, is one of the featured girls in the film. A record-breaking Girl Scout, Olive's journey highlights not only extraordinary achievement, but also the importance of family support, leadership, and finding your own definition of success. 

In This Episode
Raising daughters with confidence
Supporting ambition without creating pressure
Behind-the-scenes stories from Cookie Queens
Girl Scouts and entrepreneurship
Father-daughter relationships
Parenting through competition
Letting kids discover their passions
What every girl dad can learn

Resources
🎬 Cookie Queens Official Website
🎟️ Find a theater near you
📽️ Watch the official trailer
📸 Follow Cookie Queens on Instagram
🎧 Listen to more episodes of Girl Dad Nation

Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 
Support the show
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation
For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org
Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

Send a text to Girl Dad Nation
We will get back to meaningful conversations with dads of daughters. But today, I am excited to share the first episode of Welcome to Hope Springs, the newest audio drama from my friends over at the award-winning Augustine Institute. 
Set in a small Colorado mountain town, Welcome to Hope Springs follows a group of friends whose prank unexpectedly pulls them into a mystery filled with secrets, adventure, and tough choices. The series blends humor, suspense, and heart, while exploring themes of friendship, responsibility, and integrity in a way that’s engaging for kids and meaningful for parents.
For dads raising daughters, it’s the kind of story that invites imagination, encourages thoughtful conversations, and gives families something fun to enjoy together.
To continue the journey, follow Welcome to Hope Springs wherever you get your podcasts. 
And stay tuned for more episodes of Girl Dad Nation coming very soon!

Support the show
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation
For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org
Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

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Mike aka Dad Rap joins Girl Dad Nation to share how fatherhood has changed his mindset, his music, and his mission. With honesty and humor, Mike reflects on parenting in his 40s, learning to regulate emotions, and letting go of the illusion of control. He opens up about balancing work, creative passion, and being fully present for his kids.
We talk about:
What tantrums teach us about ourselves
Giving kids space to just be
How rap became his creative outlet
The inspiration behind his new album The Midlife Crisis EP (out now!)
The power of grace, daily progress, and proud dad moments
Whether you’re a parent chasing dreams, trying to stay patient, or simply figuring out how to be more present — this conversation hits home.
🎧 Stay tuned to the very end for a bonus track sample from the new album!
Follow Dad Rap: @DadRapMusic

New album The Midlife Crisis EP Available Now on all streaming platforms.
That's a Rap!
Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 
Support the show
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation
For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org
Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

Send a text to Girl Dad Nation
In this honest and hilarious episode, Matthew is joined by Hollywood actor and fellow podcaster, Preston Geer, for a raw and relatable conversation about the highs, lows, and curveballs of parenting. Preston compares raising kids to running a business you can’t quit—with “employees” you can’t fire—and reflects on how quickly parenting turns into survival mode.
Together, they discuss:
The mental shift from idealistic parenting plans to real-life flexibility and grace
The ever-changing “terms and conditions” of raising kids (and how quickly kids call you out when you break your own rules)
How media and screen time evolve in parenting, especially when introducing your kids to the shows you loved growing up
Saturday morning cartoon nostalgia—from Doug, Rugrats, and Wild Kratts to Street Sharks, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Batman: The Animated Series
Why some childhood shows don’t quite “hold up” the way you remembered (looking at you, Are You Afraid of the Dark?)
The challenge of raising daughters who are kind—but not pushovers—and how, as dads, we want to protect them and support them as they learn to stand up to bullies and advocate for themselves
Preston opens up about how parenting changes your priorities, increases your stress tolerance, and pushes you to extend grace to yourself and your partner. It's a conversation that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel seen in the beautiful chaos of parenthood.
Preston and his wife, Emily Bolt, are both actors working in Hollywood and parents navigating the challenges of raising a family in the entertainment industry. Check out their podcasts:
🎧 What’s Your Movie? 
🎧 Mommywood 
Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 
Support the show
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation
For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org
Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com

Send a text to Girl Dad Nation
In this episode of Girl Dad Nation, host Matthew Krekeler welcomes back author Evan S. Porter! While their last conversation focused on Evan’s novel, Dad Camp, this time they’re diving into another passion of his—playing games with his daughters.
Matthew and Evan discuss their favorite board games, card games, and video games, and how these experiences help strengthen the bond between dads and their kids. Whether it’s classic board games, strategic card games, or fun family-friendly video games like Mario Kart, this episode is packed with fun recommendations.
Episode Highlights:
Evan’s go-to games for his two daughters (ages 9 and 4)
Tips for making games accessible for younger kids
The importance of fun and laughter in parenting
How gaming builds connection and life skills
Favorite board games, card games, and Nintendo Switch picks
Join the Conversation!
What’s your favorite game to play with your kids? Let us know! Comment on social media or send an email to GirlDadNationPodcast@gmail.com.
Stay Connected:
Website: GirlDadNation.org
Instagram: @GirlDadNation
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Thanks for listening—go have some fun and be a dad! 🎲🎮
Girl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast. 
Support the show
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNation
For more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.org
Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at girldadnationpodcast@gmail.com