Better Call Daddy

2d ago

"You can overcome your past and create a brighter future." — Linda Krystal "Forgiveness is a journey, and it starts with understanding." — Linda Krystal "Every child deserves to feel loved and safe." — Linda Krystal In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, sit down with Linda Krystal, an abuse survivor on a mission to help others heal from trauma. Linda shares her incredible story of resilience, forgiveness, and the importance of love in overcoming a painful past. Facing the Shadows of the Past Linda opens up about her tumultuous childhood, marked by violence and trauma, and how she navigated her way through a life that felt like a real-life soap opera. From discovering her father's connections to the mafia to confronting her own experiences of abuse, Linda's journey is one of survival and strength. Breaking the Cycle As a mother and now a grandmother, Linda reflects on her past mistakes and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of trauma and how therapy has helped her find peace and understanding. Linda's commitment to healing is further demonstrated through her foundation, the Nanita Foundation, aimed at supporting children facing similar struggles. Key Themes - The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships - The power of forgiveness and its role in healing - Creating a legacy of love for future generations - Supporting survivors and advocating for mental health - Finding purpose through helping others Episode Highlights - (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show - (01:20) Meet Linda Krystal: A Journey from Trauma to Triumph - (10:30) Growing Up in a Chaotic Environment - (20:00) The Role of Forgiveness in Healing - (30:15) Establishing the Nenita Foundation - (40:45) Advice for Survivors and the Importance of Therapy - (50:00) Wisdom from Wayne: The Value of Unconditional Love Connect with Linda Krystal Instagram: Linda’s Instagram Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy where resilience, compassion, and love meet!

Dec 10

"Winning for my dad wasn’t just motivation—it was my love language." "I train hard, set goals, and never waste time—because nothing is given, everything is earned." "I promised my dad I’d pay him back for this match—and I always keep my promises." "Judo’s culture is unique, and it taught me discipline, respect, and how to fight smart." "The strongest relationships are built on respect and discipline." — Wayne Friedman From Hungary to the ring, Sheena shares how her father’s guidance and her judo roots shaped her into a fierce competitor in MMA and power slapping. This episode is packed with hard-hitting insights, family legacy, and lessons in discipline you don’t want to miss. Episode Overview In this exciting episode of Better Call Daddy , host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, welcome Sheena Bathory —black belt in judo, MMA competitor, and rising power slap champion. Sheena takes listeners on her incredible journey from her traditional upbringing in Hungary to competing at the highest levels of combat sports. With her father as her coach, she learned the value of discipline, respect, and legacy, lessons that shaped both her training and her life. Sheena reflects on how her father’s old-school mentality pushed her to always strive for excellence and never settle. Behind the Slap Delve into the world of power slapping, where Sheena breaks down the mental and physical preparation required to compete at the highest level. She explains why technique beats brute strength and how her judo background gives her a unique edge in the ring. Family and Legacy Sheena opens up about her bond with her father, sharing heartfelt stories about how his guidance and discipline influenced her career choices. She also discusses the impact of his passing and how it fuels her drive to honor his legacy through her achievements. Key Themes How a traditional upbringing shapes personal development The importance of discipline and respect in sports and life Navigating personal and professional challenges Building a legacy through hard work and dedication Empowerment and the evolution of women in combat sports Episode Highlights (00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy (01:20) Meet Sheena Bathory: From Judo to Power Slapping (10:45) The Role of Family in Shaping a Champion (20:30) Technique vs. Strength: Insights from the Ring (30:00) Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth (40:15) Honoring a Legacy: Sheena's Journey Forward (50:00) Wisdom from Wayne: The Value of Hard Work and Respect Connect with Sheena Bathory Instagram: Sheena’s Instagram Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy —where wisdom, strength, and heart meet!

Dec 2

“You can go from the depths of despair to a life of purpose.” — Ben Freedland In this gripping episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, sit down with Ben Freedland—a man who’s lived multiple lives: Coconut King, federal inmate, devoted father, and now a respected government consultant. A Wild Behind-the-Scenes Moment Incredibly, during the recording of this interview, Ben was experiencing a spinal fluid leak. The moment we wrapped, he went straight to the hospital. He’s now out, recovering, and we’re grateful to share this episode—made even more powerful knowing what he was enduring in real time. From Labels to Legacy Ben opens up about being known as “the Jew” in prison, surviving solitary confinement, and the pivotal moment a compassionate chaplain changed the direction of his life. He shares how he reclaimed his identity, leaned into faith, and found mentors who helped guide his transformation. Fatherhood as Redemption Today, Ben is a proud and present father. He reflects on how parenting fuels his purpose, shapes his decisions, and inspires the legacy he’s dedicated to building for his children. Key Themes From privilege to crime during the recession Faith, identity, and mentorship behind bars Surviving solitary confinement and unexpected turning points The responsibilities and rewards of fatherhood Choosing redemption, purpose, and storytelling Episode Highlights (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show (01:15) Meet Ben Freedland: From Coconut King to Criminal Consultant (10:30) Solitary Confinement & a Life-Changing Encounter (20:45) Reclaiming Faith and Identity in Prison (30:00) Fatherhood: Joys, Struggles & Second Chances (40:15) Building a Legacy by Being Present (50:00) Wisdom from Wayne: Morality, Growth & Success Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy —where wisdom, resilience, and heart meet!

Nov 26

“Personal finance is personal.” — Anthony Weaver In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne, welcome Anthony Weaver, a financial educator and podcast host, to dive deep into the fascinating world of personal finance and the stories our wallets tell. Anthony shares his journey from teaching mathematics to exploring the nuances of money management, discussing how his relationship with money has evolved over time. He reflects on the importance of understanding the psychology behind spending and saving, emphasizing that personal finance is not just about numbers, but about the choices we make based on our values and experiences. Understanding Money Mindsets Anthony explains how our upbringing shapes our financial habits, from couponing to hoarding, and how the mindset of scarcity can affect our ability to enjoy life. He encourages listeners to rethink their money narratives and to consider what truly brings joy in their lives. He shares valuable insights on: - The thrill of couponing and how it can lead to significant savings - The importance of enjoying experiences while being financially savvy - How to navigate insurance and healthcare costs effectively - Strategies for teaching financial literacy to younger generations Life Lessons & Future Aspirations As a member of the sandwich generation, Anthony discusses the realities of caring for aging parents while planning for his own future. He reveals his curiosity about the funeral industry and the importance of discussing end-of-life plans with loved ones, emphasizing that it’s never too early to have these conversations. Wayne adds his wisdom, highlighting the balance between saving for the future and enjoying the present, reminding us that life is precious and should be lived fully. Keywords & Core Themes Personal Finance, Couponing, Financial Education, Money Mindset, Insurance, Healthcare Costs, Financial Literacy, Parenting, Saving, Spending, Life Lessons, Podcasting, End-of-Life Planning, Money Management Episode Highlights (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show (01:20) Meet Anthony Weaver: From Teacher to Financial Educator (05:45) The Evolution of Money Mindsets (12:30) The Thrill of Couponing: Tips & Tricks (20:15) Navigating Insurance and Healthcare Costs (30:00) Teaching Financial Literacy to Kids (40:50) Conversations About End-of-Life Planning (50:00) Wayne’s Wisdom on Saving and Enjoying Life (55:30) Closing Thoughts and Reflections Connect with Anthony Weaver Podcast: About That Wallet Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy —where wisdom, creativity, and heart meet!

Nov 18

“You have to be able to go for it, and you never know what can come from it.” — Wayne Friedman In this episode of Better Call Daddy , Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne, sit down with Priscilla Mensah a creative visionary who transformed her career from web development to soap making , content creation , and TV pitching . Priscilla opens up about her bold journey to develop and pitch her dream travel show about global soap-making traditions, motherhood, and cultural storytelling. She shares how she turned a personal passion into a compelling TV concept blending craftsmanship, culture, community impact, and adventure. 🚀 Inside Priscilla’s Hollywood Pitch Priscilla breaks down her unforgettable trip to the North Fork TV Festival, where she pitched her show to executives from: Kelsey Grammer’s production company Former Amazon Video leadership Top industry decision makers in TV, film, and digital media She reveals what she learned about: How to pitch a TV show conversationally Why personal stories convert better than polished scripts How networking opens unexpected doors Why embracing the unknown fuels creative breakthroughs 🌍 Reinvention, Motherhood & Creativity As a millennial mom, Priscilla shares the real challenges of pivoting careers while raising kids, exploring her cultural heritage, and building a show that empowers communities worldwide. This episode dives into resilience, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation—and how to keep going when the path isn’t clear. Wayne also weighs in with his signature wisdom, reminding us that relationships beat algorithms, and that every interaction is an opportunity if you show up with curiosity and heart. 🔑 Keywords & Core Themes Soap Making, Storytelling, Travel Show Development, Pitching to Hollywood, Women in Film, Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, Cultural Heritage, Networking, Creativity, Personal Growth, Documentary Grants, Millennial Moms, Reinvention, Content Creation, Podcasting, TV Festivals 📌 Episode Highlights (00:00) Better Call Dream Daddy returns—more father-daughter wisdom (01:38) Priscilla’s pivot: web developer → soap maker → storyteller (08:18) Selling a TV show (14:44) I would have said no a thousand ways (15:35) When is an idea ready to pitch? (20:58) Someone wants to start a podcast—Reena’s advice (22:23) Experience at an energy conference for Supergirls Shine Foundation (28:21) Priscilla finds four documentary film grants (30:11) World in a Bar : a show for millennial moms & makers (34:54) Why YouTube might beat network TV for this concept (40:32) Discovering Houston’s Jewish community (44:58) Volunteering at the Austin Film Festival (47:02) Why connection > product sales online 🔗 Connect with Priscilla Mensah Instagram: Priscilla’s Instagram 🔗 Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy where wisdom, creativity, and heart meet.

Nov 11

“You can’t be afraid to jump.” — Clay Novak "Let’s get left of the boom. We should be doing the same thing for veteran suicide." This Veterans Day, join Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne, as they sit down with Lt. Col. Clay Novak (Ret.), combat veteran, author of the new book Rebellis , and co-host of The Elsa Kurt Show . Clay shares his hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, fatherhood, and life after combat — and weighs in on today’s politics and world events. Elsa Kurt, known as The Blonde Kamala , a political commentator, co-host of the podcast, and married to a police officer and veteran. Together, they bring candid, no-holds-barred insights on freedom, service, and navigating the modern world. Clay shares his journey from military life to becoming a podcaster and author, revealing the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the challenges and camaraderie of military service, the stark contrasts between his experiences and those of veterans from previous generations, and how these insights inform his writing and advocacy work today. With humor and sincerity, Clay opens up about the realities of combat, the importance of community for veterans, and the critical issue of suicide prevention within the veteran population. He emphasizes the need for belonging and the role that camaraderie plays in helping veterans cope with life after service. As they explore Clay's creative endeavors, including his writing process and the inspiration behind his characters, Reena and Wayne engage in a heartfelt conversation that highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the power of storytelling. This episode is not only a testament to the sacrifices made by those in uniform but also a celebration of the legacy they leave behind. Keywords Veterans, Military Service, Podcasting, Author, Suicide Prevention, Fatherhood, Politics, Community, Resilience, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Camaraderie, Life Lessons, Personal Growth, Legacy, Advocacy (00:00) Reena friedman watts brings you the better call dream daddy show (02:13) I co host the podcast with Elsa Kurt, and it's politics of the day (07:14) You grew up in the suburbs in a blue collar family (10:39) How do you think your time in the service differed from Vietnam (16:57) Talk to me about friendly fire during the Vietnam War (18:51) Getting wounded in Afghanistan was incredibly difficult and probably tragic (24:42) It's 22 veterans a day, on average commit suicide (29:04) Talk a little bit about how you have gotten creative since leaving the military (34:41) Keep Moving, Keep Shooting is Terry Davis, that's the main character (37:10) I'm curious about the artwork and the thought behind the cover design (40:01) Would you compare publishing your book to jumping out of a plane (44:43) Clay Novak: Please get my books into libraries. Please do. I think that's benefits everybody (48:05) 22 veterans commit suicide every year, according to Better Call Daddy (53:42) The point is, is that he wants to talk about politics. And writing about it and predicting Connect with Clay Novak Clay Novak's Website Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet!

Nov 11

"Freedom isn't free, it's built by the brave." — Tom Fox "I have two metrics for a successful podcast: how much did I learn, and how much fun did I have?" In this compelling episode of Better Call Daddy , host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes Tom Fox , the voice of compliance, for a heartfelt discussion on leadership, legacy, and the importance of courage in both personal and professional realms. Tom Fox shares his journey from aspiring podcaster inspired by the legendary Studs Terkel to becoming a prominent figure in the compliance podcasting space. He reflects on how his upbringing shaped his views on fatherhood and the pivotal role of mentorship in navigating life's challenges. With warmth and sincerity, Tom Fox opens up about his experiences in recovery and the profound impact it has had on his parenting style and personal growth. As they delve into Tom's podcasting adventures, including a memorable interview with John Lee Dumas , they explore the emotional weight of storytelling and the lessons learned from confronting difficult topics. Tom emphasizes the significance of community and support, particularly in the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, highlighting the power of shared experiences in fostering resilience. Join Reena and Tom for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the art of connection, the importance of being present, and the legacy we leave behind. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability, compassion, and the unwavering support of family. Keywords Fatherhood, Leadership, Podcasting, Compliance, Personal Growth, Mentorship, Recovery, Emotional Wellness, Community Support, Storytelling, Resilience, Legacy, Courage, Life Lessons, Family Connections (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts introduces the Better Call Daddy Show (01:20) Tom Fox shares his inspiration from Studs Terkel (07:15) The essence of a good interview: learning and having fun (14:42) Reflecting on the impactful interview with John Lee Dumas (22:10) The emotional journey through podcasting and personal experiences (30:00) Discussing the Kerrville Folk Festival and its significance (35:50) Legacy: Leaving the world a better place (45:15) The importance of being there for others in recovery (52:30) Tom's advice to his daughter and reflections on parenting (01:02:00) Closing thoughts on community and support (01:05:30) Reena wraps up the episode with a heartfelt goodbye Connect with Tom Fox Compliance Podcast Network Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy —where wisdom and heart meet! Podcasting for Business Nov 11-12th Registation link https://app.eventraptor.com/events/452611597626642430

Nov 6

"Evangelism didn't work on me." - Teagan Kuruna "You have to be sincere. You have to be knowledgeable." — Wayne Friedman Reena Friedman Watts is joined by her dad, Wayne Friedman, and special guest Teagan Karuna, a multifaceted career coach and public health professional. Together, they explore the intricate threads that weave through Teagan's diverse career journey—from her formative years grappling with religious identity to her current role helping others navigate their professional paths. Teagan shares her unique perspective on the importance of understanding different belief systems and how her academic pursuits in religion shaped her worldview. As she transitioned into public health, she reflects on the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, especially after experiencing a life-altering concussion. With humor and honesty, Teagan discusses the lessons learned from her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the significance of resilience and adaptability in today’s ever-evolving job market. Wayne weighs in with his timeless wisdom, reminding listeners that sincerity and problem-solving are key to success, regardless of the era. As they discuss the impact of mentorship, networking, and the importance of being open to new opportunities, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that growth often comes from the most unexpected places. Join Reena, Wayne, and Teagan for an engaging conversation filled with laughter, insights, and valuable takeaways that will inspire you to embrace your own journey of self-discovery and professional growth. Keywords Daddy Drama, Career Coaching, Public Health, Religion Studies, Inspirational Stories, Personal Growth, Overcoming Adversity, Emotional Wellness, Job Market, Networking Tips, Career Transitions, Work-Life Balance, Interview Strategies, Mentorship, Navigating Healthcare, Self-Discovery, Professional Development, Life Lessons, Storytelling In Business, Building Connections (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Dream Daddy is back with more daddy drama (01:38) Teagan Kuruna went from undergraduate religion to becoming a career coach (09:37) How did you go from food and diet to public health (16:12) Some skills that you learn at one place are transferable to other verticals (21:51) The area of public health that I have gotten into is communication (24:50) The fellowship was focused on improving the way that healthcare is administered (28:14) It is extremely hard to get comprehensive concussion care when you are not a child (32:35) You are recovering from a concussion (34:31) What would you tell somebody that has trouble managing up (38:25) Personal branding is about helping people imagine what they can do with 200 people (40:02) Do you have any advice for like an entrepreneur who's trying to build a business (46:13) You need support. And you need support from others in your job search (49:24) Talk to me about Substack which is your personal blog (52:23) Tegan offers advice on how to be successful in 1970 and 2025 (54:50) You have to be well educated in knowledge to succeed in business (01:02:46) Better Call Daddy is a weekly podcast featuring parenting advice from Wayne Friedman Connect with Teagan Karuna LinkedIn Vista Career Coaching Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy