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The Dadsode: Conversation with priest/dads the Revs. Matt Lindeman and Adam Thomas In honor of Father’s Day, we had a conversation with two Episcopal priests who are also fathers. This is somewhat of a partner podcast of the one with“Reverend Moms” we did for Mothers’ Day.   Our guests are the Rev. Matt Lindeman rector of St. Peter’s , Milford. He was born in New Haven, grew up in Nebraska, a teenager in San Diego, and lived in many places. He has an M.Div from Yale Divinity School and was ordained priest in 2015. Matt is the father of Jonah, 6 and Ruth, 2   The Rev. Adam Thomas is rector of St. Mark’s in Mystic. He’s from everywhere: he’s lived in 11 states so far. He received his M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained a priest in 2008. Adam is the father of twins Charlie and Amelia, who are 4.   All four of the children are “PKs” and the two dads are both “PKs” (PK = Preacher’s Kids) BOTH of Matt’s parents are Episcopal priests! So, we talked about that a bit. Matt said he thought he was rebellious - but he was there every Sunday. Adam didn’t think he’d follow, either, but once he was older and out of his “sphere of influence,” the call became clear.    They talked about their own dads a bit and shared some stories about themselves, and their children, and how they’re already incorporating church into their imaginative play.   We asked if people in the congregation talk with them about their children, and their parenting. They said they don’t get a lot of nuts and bolts comments about parenting. Adam described the rector’s schedule as either super flexible, which accommodates shared child care, or completely inflexible (funerals,crisis visits to the hospital).    We talked about how they talk to their children about God, They both recommended Desmond Tutu’s book of bible stories. Adam wrote a book on the Lord’s Prayer, prompted by a discussion with his children. Matt said the Star Wars stories, and an experience with a nest of birds, have prompted some good conversations. Godly Play has inspired a questioning approach.   At the end of the episode we asked about titles: Calling a male priest, “Father,” is really common in the church, regardless of whether they have children. So our guests are “fathers” and also “fathers.” But for women clergy who are mothers, it’s not common to use “mother”  - or “father.” We talked about that. They acknowledged the double standard.   The episode ended with some dad jokes, and last minute comments.