Tell us more about who you all are and what you do.
“Bridging the Gap began as a father–son YouTube channel where my dad and I shared a mutual love for music—especially hip hop. What started as a way to introduce my dad to a genre I cherish has blossomed into a vibrant community of music lovers. We exchange opinions, share our favorite tracks, and build connections through the universal language of music.” – Rod Jr.
What inspired you to start the Bridging the Gap Father/Son Podcast?
“My dad wasn’t initially into hip hop, but he did nurture my love for music from a young age. I thought that by inviting him to experience the music I love, we could spend meaningful time together and explore a new world side by side. It was really about bridging the gap between our musical tastes and creating moments that matter.” – Rod Jr.:
Define the importance of a father/son relationship.
“A father–son bond is like a timeless melody. The relationship is built on guidance, mutual respect, and the passing down of life lessons from one generation to the next. Just as a family gathers in a heartfelt reunion, the father leads by example while the son learns and eventually carries those values forward, creating a cycle of support and legacy.” – Rod Sr.:
Roderick Coffman Sr., who are you as a father and what has your son taught you about fatherhood?
“As a father, I strive to be a role model who exemplifies hard work and authenticity. I learned the ropes on the fly since my own father wasn’t always there. My sons have shown me that there isn’t a single blueprint for parenting. They’ve taught me that forgiving myself and accepting that perfection isn’t the goal are key parts of growing as a parent.” – Rod Sr.
Roderick Coffman Jr., what has your dad taught you and how has his guidance shaped who you are as a father?
“My dad has instilled in me the importance of hard work, being true to oneself, and having confidence in who you are. These values have guided me throughout my life, and I now carry them into my own journey as a father. His influence continues to shape my approach to parenting every day.” – Rod Jr.:
What are the top five things you want people to take away from your podcast?
“First, be open to new experiences—even those outside your comfort zone. Second, cherish quality time with loved ones. Third, embrace the joy of music and its power to connect us. Fourth, remember that life is short, so celebrate every moment with positivity. And finally, build a community that supports and uplifts each other.” – Rod Jr.
“For me, it’s all about fun and genuine connection. I love hearing that our conversations bring comfort and happiness, sometimes even reminding people of cherished family moments. It’s a reminder that our shared experiences—no matter how unplanned—can touch lives around the globe.” – Rod Sr.:
Roderick Coffman Sr., how did having a son change your life?
“Having a son was a dream come true. The moment I welcomed my first son, I felt a surge of pride and responsibility. That feeling grew with each child. It motivated me to invest even more in my relationships with all of my sons, deepening our bond and enriching my life in ways I never imagined.” – Rod Sr.
How has this podcast made your relationship closer as father and son?
“Working together on this podcast has deepened our bond by fostering honest and fun conversations. It isn’t just about the music—it’s about connecting on a personal level, learning from one another, and sharing experiences that resonate not only between us but with our entire family.” – Rod Jr.
What hurdles have you two faced in being father and son while managing your podcast?
“For me, most of the production challenges are handled by our team. My real challenge has been navigating content that sometimes conflicts with my personal values. I truly appreciate my son’s support in filtering out material that doesn’t align with who we are. Our goal is to remain authentic and maintain creative freedom while still resonating with our audience.” – Rod Sr.
Any advice to sons wanting to mend their relationship with their fathers?
“Understand that no one is perfect—fathers and sons alike are just human. Try to see things from each other’s perspective, be patient, and give grace. Building or mending a relationship is about being present, communicating openly, and working together to form a lasting bond.” – Rod Jr.
Top three words of advice for fathers and sons looking to build a stronger relationship.
“When asked to sum up our relationship, the word that stands out is ‘communication.’ Truly listening, sharing openly, and embracing one another’s emotions are the cornerstones of any strong bond.” – Rod Sr.
Tell people what’s next for you, how they can follow you, etc.
“We’re excited about what the future holds. Expect more exclusive interviews, engaging vlogs, and even live event coverage—yes, we’re heading to Coachella! To keep up with everything, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Instagram and TikTok (@bridgingthegapYT), and consider supporting us on Patreon. Your support helps us continue creating content that celebrates life, music, and connection.” – Rod Jr.