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

• 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

• (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 

https://itsyourbreak.com/

Connect with Reena

https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/

instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts

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

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

“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

• 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

• (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.

Facebook

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

“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.

• 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

• (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.

Instagram | Twitter

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts speaks with Leron Rodgers, a father of four and Uber driver, whose story begins with a chance encounter while Reena was traveling for a Hollywood Demons shoot.

What starts as a simple conversation turns into a deep discussion about fatherhood, mental health, addiction, and breaking generational cycles.

Leron opens up about growing up with a father who struggled with addiction and how that shaped his approach to parenting. Now raising four children, he reflects on the challenges of single fatherhood, the importance of community support, and what it takes to heal and build a different future for his children.

This episode explores vulnerability, forgiveness, and the resilience required to rebuild family patterns and create lasting change.

Key Topics
Uber driver father of four life story
Chance meeting during Hollywood Demons shoot travel
Single fatherhood and raising four children
Growing up with addiction in the family
Mental health and emotional resilience
Breaking generational cycles
Community support and “it takes a village”
Forgiveness and personal healing

Episode Highlights
How Leron’s childhood shaped his parenting style
The realities of raising four kids as a single father
Lessons learned from addiction, absence, and resilience
Why communication and emotional honesty matter in families
Reframing pain into purpose and growth

Why This Episode Matters
This conversation is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Through honesty and reflection, Leron shares how he is building a new legacy for his children rooted in awareness, love, and intention.

Listen now for a conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and rewriting your story.

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.

• 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/

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 

Amma Primicino is a confidence coach and transformation guide for high-achieving women navigating career transitions.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations, she now helps women rebuild unshakable self-trust, step into visibility, and turn their experience into meaningful, profitable work.

Known as “Your Favourite Confidence Coach, Amma blends deep identity work with strategic clarity to help her clients reinvent themselves and lead with confidence in their next chapter.

In this throwback episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes fellow daddy's girl, Amma Primicino, for a candid conversation about family, creativity, and the unique bonds we share with our parents.
The episode kicks off with Reena and her dad, Wayne Friedman, setting the stage for a season filled with stories that inspire and entertain. As they delve into their personal experiences, they reflect on the importance of cherishing time with loved ones and how those moments shape our identities.
Amma shares her journey as a fellow daddy's girl, exploring the significance of storytelling and the connections we forge through our family histories. The discussion touches on:
- How family influences shape our paths and identities
- The beauty of vulnerability and emotional connections
- The challenges of balancing creativity with motherhood
- Lessons learned from navigating relationships and generational wisdom
- The power of storytelling in understanding ourselves and others

Listeners will be treated to heartfelt anecdotes that highlight the special relationships between parents and children, the importance of resilience, and the wisdom that can be passed down through generations. Reena and Amma emphasize the value of time spent with loved ones, reminding us that every moment is precious.
Episode Highlights:
- (00:00) Introduction with Reena and Grandpa Vinnie
- (10:15) Amma's journey as a daddy's girl
- (20:30) The importance of storytelling in family dynamics
- (30:45) Balancing motherhood and creative pursuits
- (40:00) Reflections on vulnerability and emotional connections
- (50:00) Closing thoughts and wisdom from Wayne
Join us for this touching episode that celebrates family, creativity, and the lessons we learn from those we love. Don't miss out on the opportunity to reflect on your own relationships and the stories that shape your life.
🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
(00:00) Reena Friedman Watts interviews Wayne Friedman for the Better Call Daddy podcast
(02:41) Reena says her podcast began as a way to connect with everyday people
(05:18) Your father passed away two years ago; you have recordings of his voice
(06:36) You grew up with all four of your grandparents in Kentucky
(11:48) You were born and raised in Kentucky and went to college in West Virginia
(14:29) Are Jewish people not considered white? That is such a great question
(20:21) Who is Reena right now? And what does happiness mean to you
(23:33) My favorite part of church is the praise and worship
(24:07) Tell me what you've learned about motherhood from reality TV
(28:44) What has been the rescue mission that you've taken from your children
(32:56) I want to talk about your dad because that's the thing that appeals
(40:03) Tell your dad he has a raving fan in England
(40:22) Amma says time is our most valuable commodity
(43:43) You don't have to be the bad guy to stay the good guy
(48:42) To spend special time with your dad is what all dads should be doing

Samantha Elizabeth’s journey into stress management began with an unexpected discovery a mass on her left adrenal gland. Though not cancerous, the mass caused her body to produce excess cortisol, leaving her in a constant state of stress.

Facing the daily challenge of managing her own stress, especially with the demands of work and parenthood, Samantha realized how difficult it can be to simply “not stress” when life gets overwhelming.

Determined to find effective solutions, she turned her experience into purpose by becoming a stress management coach and starting "The Stress Mess Podcast." Through her coaching and podcast, Samantha now helps others learn to manage stress and find balance in their own lives.

Samantha Elizabeth is known as The OG Stress Mess, not because she has life perfectly figured out, but because she absolutely doesn’t, and she’s willing to say it out loud.

She’s a chronic overthinker, professional feeler, and someone who has spent years navigating stress, relationships, big life pivots, and the occasional “what am I doing with my life” spiral with honesty and humor. Instead of pretending to have it all together, she leans into the mess, learns from it, and brings people along for the ride.

She’s the voice behind Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast, where real conversations replace perfection, and mindset shifts come with a side of sarcasm and truth. Whether she’s talking about burnout, breakups, or just trying to function like a normal human on a Tuesday, Samantha keeps it unfiltered, relatable, and refreshingly real.

If you’ve ever felt like a beautiful disaster figuring it out as you go, you’ll feel right at home with her.

Connect with Samantha

https://samanthaelizabeth.com/

How do you control your emotions and communicate effectively in a distracted, fast-paced world?

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with podcaster and emotional storyteller Paula Sima for a powerful conversation on emotional intelligence, communication skills, relationships, and personal growth.

Recorded live in Houston, this episode marks their second in-person meeting after years of online connection, bringing an authentic and energetic dynamic you will not want to miss.

Paula shares her journey as a self-described “government kid,” opening up about identity, resilience, and the lasting influence of her father. Together, Reena and Paula explore:

• How to understand and regulate your emotions

• Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness

• The truth about modern friendships and relationships

• How to communicate clearly and hold attention

• The role of storytelling in healing and connection

This episode blends mental health insights, real-life stories, and humor, including a memorable surprise moment you will not expect.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Emotional intelligence tips for everyday life

• How to express your feelings without losing control

• Communication strategies that actually work

• How to build deeper, more meaningful relationships

• Why storytelling is key to connection and growth

Episode Timestamps:

• (00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy

• (02:15) Paula Sima’s story and “government kid” upbringing

• (15:00) Emotional vulnerability and self-awareness

• (25:30) Friendships, support systems, and relationships

• (35:00) Storytelling as a tool for healing

• (45:00) Surprise prank call to Paula’s dad

About the Guest, Paula Sima:
Host of Talk Shi+ with P, Paula Sima creates meaningful conversations around emotional well-being, personal development, and authentic storytelling.

About Better Call Daddy:
Hosted by Reena Friedman Watts and her dad Wayne Friedman, Better Call Daddy features real conversations about entrepreneurship, family, mental health, relationships, and life lessons, blending humor, honesty, and unforgettable perspectives.

🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram |

Connect with Paula Sima

Linkedin

“We want to improve lives and it starts with real stories, notable musicians, and meaningful solutions. As a music journalist for over 30 years, I’ve seen how deeply mental health impacts the people behind the music.” Mari Fong

“The empath wants to heal, while the narcissist wants to take.”

In this Podcasthon episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts is joined by Mari Fong, the host of the Check Your Head podcast, to explore the intricate dynamics of empathy, mental health, and the music industry.

As they discuss the challenges faced by empaths and the toll of narcissistic relationships, Mari opens up about her personal journey through depression and the transformative power of music.

This Podcasthon special episode is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health, particularly in the context of the arts. Mari Fong shares her experiences with her family, including the emotional weight of supporting loved ones during crises, and how she found healing through music and connection. Together, they delve into the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and the necessity of seeking help when navigating the complexities of mental health.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:
- The emotional toll of empath-narcissist dynamics
- How music can serve as a healing force
- Practical strategies for self-care and finding the right support
- The significance of vulnerability in our relationships
- How to recognize and break free from toxic patterns

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode
(02:15) Mari’s personal journey with mental health
(15:30) The healing power of music
(25:00) Navigating family crises and emotional challenges
(35:00) Understanding the empath-narcissist dynamic
(45:00) Finding support and resources for mental health
Join us for this heartfelt conversation that emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the collective responsibility we share in supporting one another.

Don't forget to check out Mari's Check Your Head podcast for more resources and stories that inspire change.
00:00 This is a special episode for Podcasthon
01:15 You had your grandmother in the ICU and your sisters are in Israel
08:34 As an empath, you feel other people's emotions, good or bad
11:54 You talked about how you learned to be an empath from your own dad
20:23 Mental health is about our relationships with ourselves, with other people
21:35 What would your dad say if someone asked him for help with mental health issues
28:37 You're from a family of hoarders. Yes. Do you know what I mean
32:20 Now that your kids are adults, you get to spend more time together
34:24 You fell into a depression at a time where you were really happy
38:03 Check your head podcast focuses on mental health and addiction issues
44:08 How did you take stephs when you were at 93 pounds
52:15 There are certain people that want to help people and they get emotionally involved

About Better Call Daddy
The Better Call Daddy podcast, hosted by Reena Friedman Watts and her dad Wayne Friedman, features real conversations about entrepreneurship, life lessons, relationships, and resilience with fascinating guests and candid father-daughter wisdom.

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube

Connect with Mari Fong
Check Your Head Podcast