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Your founder and host
Ryan Rucker
Hi. I'm Ryan Rucker: A dad, husband, author, ice cream enthusiast, and even a game show winner.In 2020, I launched Complicated Fatherhood, an eight-episode podcast recorded with my biological father, Maurice, to explore the complexities of absent fatherhood. Through candid conversations, I sought to understand how my father’s absence shaped my approach to parenting, while working to inspire others navigating similar journeys.After Courtside Forever, I contemplated my podcasting next steps. With the amount of parenting podcasts available, I was concerned about creating another one in a market that felt saturated. Then I thought how silly it was to let other people's perception prevent me from doing what I'm good at, and that's leading conversations and telling stories.I am also the founder of Be Ice Cream Or Be Nothing, an online community that celebrates making memories and delicious ice cream our familes. My children’s book, Is This Your Favorite Ice Cream?, became an Amazon Best Seller, sparking joy and curiosity for readers worldwide.When I'm not writing, recording, or consulting, you can find me soaking up family time at the beach, taking walks with my dogs, or cheering courtside at his daughters’ basketball games.
Our Goals
Promote Positive Fatherhood
We aim to highlight the importance of parents being present and engaged in their children’s lives. Through powerful stories and discussions, we showcase how being a parent is the ultimate courtside experience.Build a Supportive Dad Community
Courtside Forever is a space for parents to connect, share, and support one another. We foster a sense of belonging by encouraging conversations that uplift and empower parents in their journey.Inspire Life-Work Balance
We help parents navigate the challenges of balancing their professional careers with the demands of parenthood, providing practical advice and real-life examples from people who’ve found ways to succeed both on and off the court.Raise Awareness on Men’s Mental Health
We are committed to opening up conversations about men’s mental health, especially in the context of fatherhood. By addressing the emotional challenges that many fathers face, we hope to remove the stigma and provide support.Highlight Fatherhood as a Legacy
We believe being a great parent is among our greatest joys. Our mission is to celebrate the lasting impact parents have on their children’s lives, creating a legacy far beyond the field or court.
Contact Me
For questions related to the podcast, email me at [email protected]
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About the podcast
Courtside Forever is a podcast for parents swept up in the circus of everyday problems who, despite the world’s best efforts, are still dedicated to seeking intentional moments with their kids.I’m your host, Ryan Rucker, and each week, I will bring you a new episode made for you. We’ll keep it brief for some weeks, diving into a specific topic such as Youth Sports or Paternity Leave in America.These 15-20 minute episodes will focus on overarching themes, statistics, and practical next steps parents can take. In other weeks, we’ll extend our conversations, inviting parents in sports, business, and other industries to look at how they center parenthood in their lives and touch on our inevitable struggles while building a career, business, and future.Whether you’re a dad or mom or thinking of stepping into the role someday, Courtside Forever is a podcast that aims to recenter the world we’re building for our kids.In 2024, The United States of America declared parenting a public health crisis, citing the way society is set up for the reason we struggle. In the document created by the US Department of Health and Services Department, Parents Under Pressure, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy stated, “Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us. And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.”In 2020, I hosted and produced the 8-episode docuseries Complicated Fatherhood, where I spent each episode speaking to my biological dad to understand how his absence from my life affected my Fatherhood. Since wrapping the podcast, I knew I wanted to get back into podcasting, and Courtside Forever is a continuation of my mantra to be ever present in my daughters’ lives.On Courtside Forever, we’ll have fun, get serious, tell stories, and work to focus on the only thing that matters because, as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house. Let’s enjoy them.
Episode 1 | Youth Sports in America | Are we pushing our kids too hard?
Episode 2 | Paternity Leave Is Not a Vacation | Changing The Narrative For Dads