Episode 44: The Science of Fatherhood: Lessons from Year One with Brandon Larson

The DNA of Things with Dr. Jeremy Koenig

In this episode of The DNA of Things, Dr. Jeremy Koenig reflects on his first year as a father and how it has reshaped his understanding of human performance, family systems, and child development. Joining him is Brandon Larson, creator of Fantastic Dads, a program that blends scientific insights with practical strategies to help fathers foster deep connections with their children. Together, they explore the role of dads in modern society, the balance between individualism and community in parenting, and the importance of systems thinking in human development. Dr. Koenig shares his personal journey of navigating fatherhood, the impact of structured guidance, and the lessons learned from integrating developmental science into everyday parenting. Whether you're a parent, coach, or someone passionate about shaping the next generation, this conversation offers valuable insights into raising resilient, capable individuals.

Episode Highlights:

• Fatherhood as a Transformative Experience – Becoming a dad reshapes perspectives on performance, family dynamics, and child development.
• The Power of Systems Thinking – Parenting benefits from a structured, problem-solving approach similar to coaching elite athletes.
• The Role of Fathers in Child Development – Dads play a crucial role in communication, motor skill development, and emotional bonding from day one.
• Balancing Individualism and Community – While modern parenting often feels isolating, building a supportive network is essential for both parents and children.
• The Importance of Early Development – Critical developmental windows, such as early motor skills and self-regulation, shape a child’s long-term growth.
• Resilience and Emotional Regulation – Teaching children coping mechanisms, like slow breathing, helps develop emotional intelligence and executive function.
• Personalized Parenting Through Science – Leveraging genetics, data, and behavioral insights can enhance parenting strategies and child well-being.
• Consistency and Rituals Matter – Establishing family routines fosters security, learning, and strong parent-child relationships.

Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conceivecreaterepeat/

LINKS:
https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/.