What traditions did your father pass on to you? What traditions will you continue? In episode 55 for our Father’s Day episode, we speak with Dr. Tyrie (TJ) Smith a folklorist, educator and nonprofit executive working in the areas of social and environmental justice, and traditional arts conservation about how folklore works within families with a focus on fathers and their traditions. TJ shares insights from his academic journey in folklore, highlighting its significance in understanding human connections. Through personal stories illustrating the educational role of family folklore, he illuminates how family is, in fact, the first folklore group we encounter. We also discuss the application of folklore in the nonprofit sector, stressing the importance of understanding community needs. Don’t miss this fatherly episode!