Episode Details

By their second date, Ian and Danny were already talking about something big: they both dreamed of becoming fathers.

For Ian, that dream of fatherhood would eventually include adoption. Together, he and Danny welcomed their son, Carson, into their family. Now 13, Carson is at the heart of Ian's story as a father — and, in many ways, his journey as an author, too.

Ian is a father, husband, teacher, and author, and in this episode, we talk about the power of stories and the messages we give children about family, identity, and belonging.

Long before he became a parent, Ian was drawn to the messaging and meaning found in children's picture books. That love eventually became something more: the creation of RJ and the Ticking Clock, a picture book written by Ian and beautifully illustrated by Scott Ritchie.

Ian is quick to point out that a picture book is a collaborative art form — and that the words and illustrations are equally important in bringing a story to life. It's a wonderful reminder that creating a book, much like creating a family, is about the coming together of different people, perspectives, and talents to create something greater than any one person could create alone.

In this conversation, we talk about fatherhood, adoption, representation, storytelling, and the importance of creating books that help children feel seen, understood, and reflected in the stories they read.

Because every child deserves to see their family represented — and every family deserves to know that their story belongs.

Follow Ian and learn more about his work:
Instagram: @ian_duncan.pb