Aug. 1, 2025
Exploring Single Fatherhood and Vulnerability with 'Guys Night' Creators
Exploring Single Fatherhood and Vulnerability with 'Guys Night' Creators Ep 364 August 1, 2025
Digging Into Divorce and Fatherhood with the Team Behind 'Guys Night' Movie
In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant sits down with Niko Vitacco, Dave Eichhorn, and Andrew Baird, the creative team behind the upcoming film 'Guys Night.' The film is a heartfelt and nostalgic exploration of fatherhood, vulnerability, and masculinity, inspired by Niko's experience growing up with a single dad in the 1980s. The conversation delves into themes of divorce, emotional openness, and the importance of showing men feeling and healing.
They discuss the significance of telling this story now and how it has impacted their personal lives and relationships. The team also shares insights into the film's production stage, the challenges faced, and how the audience can support their journey. The episode emphasizes the power of empathy, honest communication, and the evolving understanding of masculinity.
The Heart of "Guys Night"
"Guys Night" is not just a film; it's a heartfelt tribute to fatherhood and the emotional struggles that come with it. Inspired by Niko Vitacco's personal experiences of growing up with a single father, the film captures the essence of familial bonds, resilience, and healing.
"Guys Night" is not just a film; it's a heartfelt tribute to fatherhood and the emotional struggles that come with it. Inspired by Niko Vitacco's personal experiences of growing up with a single father, the film captures the essence of familial bonds, resilience, and healing.
As Niko shared, the story revolves around a tradition his father started called "Guys Night," where every Friday, they would rent VHS tapes, grab snacks, and spend quality time together. It was his father's way of saying, "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere," amidst the challenges of raising three sons alone. The film resonates deeply with themes of presence, honesty, and emotional openness.
A Story for Our Times
When asked why this story is relevant now, Niko expressed the universal need for men to receive the support they often lack, particularly in single fatherhood. He emphasized that men, too, can embrace vulnerability and emotional honesty. This film serves as a therapeutic journey for him, reflecting his pursuit of understanding his own upbringing and personal struggles.
When asked why this story is relevant now, Niko expressed the universal need for men to receive the support they often lack, particularly in single fatherhood. He emphasized that men, too, can embrace vulnerability and emotional honesty. This film serves as a therapeutic journey for him, reflecting his pursuit of understanding his own upbringing and personal struggles.
The Emotional Journey
The making of "Guys Night" has been an emotional rollercoaster for Niko, as it revealed different sides of his father and allowed him to heal from past wounds. For Dave and Andrew, the project has proved cathartic in its own right. Dave mirrored his own childhood experience with his father through the concept of "Guys Night," while Andrew found the script to be a reminder of the importance of connection and understanding within his family.
The making of "Guys Night" has been an emotional rollercoaster for Niko, as it revealed different sides of his father and allowed him to heal from past wounds. For Dave and Andrew, the project has proved cathartic in its own right. Dave mirrored his own childhood experience with his father through the concept of "Guys Night," while Andrew found the script to be a reminder of the importance of connection and understanding within his family.
A Deep Dive into Filmmaking
The discussion also clarified the roles of each guest in the filmmaking process. Andrew described the multifaceted responsibilities of a producer, spanning from financial management to problem-solving on set. Dave relished the opportunity to direct a film that aligns with the core values of "Real Men Feel," exploring themes of emotional growth and vulnerability.
The Path Ahead for "Guys Night"
Currently in a late development stage, the film has faced setbacks, including the loss of financing due to industry strikes. However, the team remains committed, engaging with communities and organizations to secure funding. Niko expressed gratitude for the unexpected path the project has taken, as it has built a stronger sense of community and support around it.
Currently in a late development stage, the film has faced setbacks, including the loss of financing due to industry strikes. However, the team remains committed, engaging with communities and organizations to secure funding. Niko expressed gratitude for the unexpected path the project has taken, as it has built a stronger sense of community and support around it.
A Film for the Ages
The team hopes "Guys Night" will serve as a visual tool for healing, reaching beyond the screen to resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level. They aspire for the film to foster reflection, healing, and stronger connections within families and communities.
The team hopes "Guys Night" will serve as a visual tool for healing, reaching beyond the screen to resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level. They aspire for the film to foster reflection, healing, and stronger connections within families and communities.
How You Can Help
Listeners and readers interested in supporting "Guys Night" can make tax-deductible donations via IFA Chicago. The project is open to both donations and investment opportunities, with all proceeds funneling directly into bringing this heartfelt story to life.
For more information, donations, or investment inquiries, visit givebutter.com/guysnight or email info@guysnightmovie.com.
#RealMenFeel
Final Thoughts
Andy Grant, alongside Niko, Dave, and Andrew, beautifully illustrated the power of storytelling in "Guys Night." This film aims to be a mirror reflecting modern fatherhood and emotional honesty. As Andy concluded, the goal is simple: to create something timeless, reminiscent of classic films like "Brian's Song" and "Old Yeller," encouraging men to feel and connect.
Andy Grant, alongside Niko, Dave, and Andrew, beautifully illustrated the power of storytelling in "Guys Night." This film aims to be a mirror reflecting modern fatherhood and emotional honesty. As Andy concluded, the goal is simple: to create something timeless, reminiscent of classic films like "Brian's Song" and "Old Yeller," encouraging men to feel and connect.
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Connect with Guys Night
Support the cause -- https://givebutter.com/guysnight
Website -- https://guysnightmovie.com
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/guysnightmovie/
Support the cause -- https://givebutter.com/guysnight
Website -- https://guysnightmovie.com
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/guysnightmovie/
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