Father’s Day, Minus the Card with Liv Lewis

Not all stories come with a “World’s Best Dad” mug. As Father’s Day looms, Liv Lewis cracks open a conversation many avoid—but need. This raw, reflective episode gets real about the emotional fallout of growing up without a present or emotionally available father, especially as a Black woman.With signature wit, warmth, and vulnerability, Liv shares her own story—from a “you’ve got the wrong number” first call to her estranged father, to navigating complex emotions with the help of therapy, prayer, and a deep love for her daughter. She weaves in insights from researchers like Abishag Israel Douglas and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford to break down how father absence can echo through our confidence, relationships, and even our drive to succeed.Whether you’re lowkey dreading the holiday or just curious why you never ask for help, this one’s for you. It’s not about blame—it’s about truth, healing, and giving yourself the kind of love you didn’t get.3 Soul-Hitting Takeaways:Invisible Wounds Are Still Wounds. Father absence doesn’t always look like pain—it can look like overachieving, never needing help, or choosing chaos as comfort.Reparenting Is Real Work. Healing means nurturing your inner child, setting emotional boundaries, and sometimes, forgiving what you never got an apology for.Mentors Matter. Father figures don’t have to be biological. Liv shouts out the uncles, pastors, coaches, and chosen family helping break generational cycles.Book Recommendations :The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner Focuses on breaking unhealthy emotional cycles, especially for women, and reclaiming personal power in relationships.Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller Explains how attachment styles—formed in early childhood—impact adult romantic relationships, and how to build more secure connections.