My Story
I'm Jameel Mayers, the host of Fathernetics. I was born in Paraíso, in the Panama Canal Zone, and spent my early childhood there before moving to the United States. Houston later became home during my high school years. My Panamanian roots, family, and community remain central to who I am.
I've shared more than two decades with my husband, Nick. Together, we became dads through foster-to-adopt, and our son, Jacob, changed the course of our lives. Becoming a father gave me a new appreciation for the choices, uncertainties, and extraordinary people behind every family-building story.
That's why I created Fathernetics. The show brings together gay dads, queer intended parents, foster and adoptive families, surrogates, advocates, and allies to share the personal stories behind becoming a parent. We talk about the decisions, relationships, costs, setbacks, and joys that shape the journey.
I wrote Paper Cradles: An American Adoption Story to share a personal perspective on adoption and LGBTQ+ family building. Through writing and Fathernetics, I explore the choices, relationships, and experiences that shape our families.
My goal is to make queer fatherhood more visible, more connected, and easier to imagine for anyone considering their own path to becoming a dad.
Listen to Fathernetics ↗