With Father’s Day around the corner, the dads of the TODAY show gathered at Lucali, an iconic Brooklyn pizzeria. As they enjoyed pizza amid classic decor, the conversation turned heartfelt and candid.
When your wrist hurts or you hurt your leg at school, you go to a doctor. Same thing with your brain. If something’s not right, you can go to a doctor
, Carson Daly shared openly about his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. Alongside his wife Siri Daly, he is raising four children: son Jackson and daughters Etta, London, and Goldie.
Breaking old cycles was a recurring theme in their discussion.
Fatherhood through the Generations
Willie Geist reflected on the balance between being a modern dad and an old-school hero for his two kids, daughter Lucie and son George. I think there’s something old school about being a dad
, he noted. You want to, in their eyes, be the hero. And showing that kind of vulnerability … maybe you feel like that puts a little bit of a dent in that.
The Struggles and Triumphs of Al Roker
Al Roker opened up about the impact of his recent health issues on his relationship with his family. This is how I was kind of brought up
, said Roker, who has three children: Courtney, Leila, and Nick. He also shared about his granddaughter Sky. You know, that was the hardest thing for me in the last year and a half: letting them see that I’m not invincible.
Despite these challenges, Roker emphasizes it’s essential to seek help when needed.
An Emotional Celebration
Craig Melvin added humor with a touching story from his daughter Sybil’s class celebration. You are invincible by the way
, Carson joked to Al during their chat. Melvin recalled how his daughter Sybil handed him her certificate and memory book while gently observing if he was crying again. This showcased how frequently Melvin shares emotional moments with his children, including older son Delano—all proof that today’s dads embrace emotional vulnerability.
Redefining Masculinity
The group reaffirmed they are teaching their children that it’s okay to show emotions. Al Roker said it best: The first time I saw my dad cry was when he and my mother lost a child… I was 7 years old. I didn’t understand that loss but seeing him cry many times after from pride or joy taught me it’s okay.
Craig echoed this sentiment warmly: And we’re teaching them that it’s OK.
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