Better Call Daddy

"Charlie Mike, continue the mission."

"Life is a journey filled with second chances." — Raul Moreno

"I hid behind a smile."

In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, dive deep with the inspiring Raul Moreno, a veteran and entrepreneur who has turned his struggles into a story of resilience and hope. Raul opens up about his journey through sobriety, the heart-wrenching loss of his son, and the transformative power of being a present father.

Facing Adversity
Raul's candid reflections on his battle with addiction reveal the darkness he faced and the pivotal moment that led him to seek help. He shares his experience with Veterans Court and how he learned to embrace vulnerability, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and connection. His story is a testament to the strength found in acknowledging one’s struggles and the importance of mental health awareness.

Creating a Legacy
As a father of three daughters, Raul discusses the lessons he’s learned about parenting and the significance of being present. He emphasizes the difference between material gifts and the true gift of time, love, and attention. His heartfelt anecdotes about his daughters showcase the joy and responsibility of fatherhood, as well as his commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma in his family.

Building Community and Connection
Throughout the episode, Raul highlights the importance of community support, whether through his podcast or his clothing brand, Charlie Mike. He discusses how sharing stories and uplifting others can create a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement, particularly within the veteran and first responder communities.

Key Themes
- The journey of recovery and the importance of mental health
- The impact of loss and the power of second chances
- The significance of being a present and engaged parent
- Building a supportive community and lifting others up
- Embracing vulnerability as a source of strength

Episode Highlights
(00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show
(01:20) Meet Raul Moreno: A Journey of Resilience
(10:30) Overcoming Addiction: The Path to Sobriety
(20:00) The Importance of Presence in Parenting
(30:15) Creating a Community of Support and Connection
(40:45) Wisdom from Wayne: The Power of Love and Guidance

Episode Keywords
Better Call Daddy, Podcast, Sobriety, Fatherhood, Mental Health, Resilience, Community Building, Veteran Support, Addiction Recovery, Parenting, Second Chances, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, Inspirational Stories, Family Legacy, Vulnerability, Life Lessons

Connect with Raul Moreno

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where love, resilience, and community come together!

 

Resources and disclaimer this episode talks about suicide

https://988lifeline.org/

"Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change." — Brené Brown

In this raw and insightful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, sit down with the candid William Gray Jr. William opens up about his personal journey, sharing struggles and triumphs that many can relate to. He gets real about the importance of accountability, the challenges of past relationships, and how his experiences have shaped his mission to inspire others.

Embracing Vulnerability
William dives deep into the concept of vulnerability, discussing how it has played a pivotal role in his life and relationships. He reflects on his past struggles with addiction and the journey to sobriety, emphasizing the significance of being open and honest about one’s challenges. His story serves as a reminder that sharing our truths can empower not only ourselves but also those around us.

Building Meaningful Connections
Throughout the conversation, William shares how he formed meaningful connections, particularly with Raul, his business partner. Their relationship exemplifies the power of mentorship, support, and the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who challenge and uplift you. William highlights the importance of community and the impact of having a strong support system.

Lessons in Fatherhood
As a father of three daughters, William reflects on the lessons he wants to impart to his children. He emphasizes the value of showing love through actions and the importance of modeling healthy relationships. His commitment to breaking generational cycles of trauma shines through as he discusses the steps he takes to ensure his children grow up with a strong sense of self-worth and respect for others.

Key Themes
- The power of vulnerability and authenticity
- Overcoming addiction and the journey to sobriety
- Building supportive and meaningful relationships
- The importance of accountability in personal growth
- Parenting with intention and breaking generational cycles

Episode Highlights
(00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show
(01:20) Meet William Garay Jr.: A Journey of Vulnerability
(10:30) The Impact of Sobriety on Personal Relationships
(20:00) Building Connections: The Power of Mentorship
(30:15) Parenting Lessons: Modeling Healthy Relationships
(40:45) Wisdom from Wayne: The Essence of Accountability

Episode Keywords

Better Call Daddy, Podcast, Vulnerability, Military Experience, Leadership Training, Charlie Mike, Personal Growth, Addiction Recovery, Fatherhood, Accountability, Emotional Intelligence, Community Impact, Sobriety, Mentorship, Overcoming Adversity, Relationship Dynamics, Generational Trauma, Self-Awareness, Personal Stories, Inspirational Journey

Connect with William Garay Jr.

William's Linkedin

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where vulnerability, community, and love converge!

"Every journey has its challenges, but it's how we rise that defines us." — Gaby Velasquez

"Never be ashamed of where you came from."

 

"This ends with me."

 

"I always show up, even though I show up late."

 

In this timely episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Vinnie Friedman, welcome the incredible Gaby Velasquez, a survivor with a remarkable story of resilience and hope. Gaby shares her journey of overcoming adversity, from her traumatic experiences as an undocumented immigrant to her inspiring mission of helping others find their voice.

Finding Strength Through Adversity
Gaby recounts her harrowing journey to the United States, where she faced domestic violence, human trafficking, and the challenges of navigating life without documentation. Despite these obstacles, she has maintained her humor and optimism, using her experiences to empower others and advocate for change.

The Power of Storytelling
During their conversation, Gaby reflects on how watching the Jerry Springer Show helped her learn English and connect with her own life experiences. She emphasizes the importance of having a voice and sharing stories that might otherwise remain hidden, shedding light on issues that many are afraid to discuss.

Creating a Legacy of Love
As a single mother of three, Gaby is dedicated to breaking the cycle of trauma and ensuring her children grow up in a loving and supportive environment. She expresses gratitude for the positive male role models in her life, highlighting the significance of having a father figure who inspires and uplifts.

Key Themes
- Overcoming trauma and adversity
- The importance of storytelling and finding your voice
- Empowering the next generation through love and support
- Navigating life as an undocumented immigrant
- Building community and advocating for change

Episode Highlights
(00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show
(01:20) Meet Gaby Velasquez
(10:30) Learning English Through Jerry Springer: Finding Connection
(20:00) The Importance of Sharing Stories and Lifting Others
(30:15) Breaking the Cycle: Parenting with Love and Support
(40:45) Wisdom from Wayne: The Value of Commitment and Kindness

 

Episode Keywords

Daddy Drama, Inspirational Stories, Overcoming Adversity, Immigrant Experience, Learning English, Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Empowerment, Family Legacy, Jerry Springer, Personal Growth, Healing Trauma, Women Empowerment, Life Skills, Parenting Advice, Resilience, Community Support, Cultural Identity, Storytelling, Positive Mindset

Connect with Gaby Velasquez
Instagram: Gaby’s Instagram

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where resilience, love, and community come together!

"The world would be a better place if more people had a strong relationship with their father." — Wayne Friedman

In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, welcome the inspiring Sonia Cacique—a proud daddy's girl, wife, mother, and community builder. Sonia shares her journey of navigating life after the loss of her father and how his influence has shaped her into the person she is today.

Building a Legacy of Love
Sonia opens up about her deep bond with her father, who instilled in her the values of entrepreneurship and community engagement. She recounts how his unwavering support fueled her passion for helping others and how she strives to honor his legacy through her work in career coaching and community building.

Embracing Opportunities
As Sonia discusses her recent career shift, she shares the serendipitous moments that led her to a new role at the Pearland Chamber. Her story serves as a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when we least expect them, and that it's essential to stay open to change and growth.

Advice for Moms and Dads
Sonia emphasizes the importance of being present for our children and encourages parents to involve their kids in their work. She shares practical tips for fostering a supportive environment where children can explore their interests, build their networks, and develop their personal brands—all while navigating the ever-changing landscape of careers.

Key Themes
- The impact of a strong father-daughter relationship on personal development
- Embracing unexpected career opportunities and trusting the process
- The importance of community involvement and networking
- Encouraging children to explore their passions and interests
- Building a legacy through love, support, and entrepreneurship

Episode Highlights

(00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show
(01:20) Meet Sonia Cacique: A Proud Daddy's Girl
(10:30) Navigating Life After Loss: Honoring a Father's Legacy
(20:00) Embracing New Opportunities in Career Growth
(30:15) The Importance of Community and Networking
(40:45) Raising Confident Children: Tips for Parents
(50:00) Wisdom from Wayne: The Power of Encouragement

Connect with Sonia Cacique
Website: College Career Ready

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where love, legacy, and community converge!

"Relationships are everything, and community is the backbone of progress." — Charles Stein

In this enlightening episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, welcome Charles Stein, a dynamic force in technology and community engagement. Charles shares his remarkable journey from the U.S. Navy to a prominent role at AT&T, where he is making strides to close the digital divide.

Building Bridges Through Technology
Charles recounts his experience at Tech Fest Live, where he connected with Reena and her son, highlighting the importance of mentorship and community involvement. He discusses his commitment to helping underprivileged communities access technology and education, showcasing how volunteering can create meaningful relationships that drive change.

The Power of Community Engagement
Diving into his work in government relations, Charles emphasizes the necessity of building relationships with elected officials and how these connections can foster significant societal improvements. He shares insights on AT&T’s $5 billion commitment to connect 25 million people to affordable internet and digital tools by 2030, illustrating the profound impact of corporate responsibility.

This live conversation also drew thoughtful engagement from past Better Call Daddy guest Priscilla Mensah, who tuned in for the entire interview, added insightful questions, and expressed strong interest in STEM education and community outreach—a powerful reminder of how these conversations ripple outward and spark collaboration beyond the mic.

With unmistakable bonus dad energy, Charles reminds us that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about presence, kindness, and lifting others as you climb.

Key Themes
- The importance of mentorship and networking in career development
- How technology can bridge gaps in underserved communities
- Leadership lessons learned from military service
- The role of kindness and community in personal and professional growth
- Encouraging the next generation to pursue STEM careers

Episode Highlights
(00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show
(01:20) Meet Charles Stein: From Navy to Tech Advocate
(10:30) The Importance of Community and Relationships
(20:00) Closing the Digital Divide: AT&T’s Commitment
(30:15) Leadership Lessons from the Military
(40:45) Inspiring the Next Generation in STEM
(50:00) Wisdom from Wayne: The Value of Respect and Kindness

Join the Conversation
What role do relationships play in your career or community?
How can STEM education create more equitable opportunities where you live?
Who helped open doors for you—and how are you paying it forward?

Connect with Charles Stein
LinkedIn: Charles’s LinkedIn

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom, community, and kindness converge!