Ep 10 - Girl Dads of the Year "First Love & Lasting Lessons"

What does it really mean to be a Girl Dad?In this special Fathers Making Progress Podcast episode, all four FMP Girl Dad of the Year honorees, Elisha Barren, Tristan Gross, David Comer, and David GreenHeck. They come together for a heartfelt conversation about raising daughters, fatherhood, marriage, co-parenting, boundaries, emotional growth, and the responsibility of being the first man in a daughter's life.From daddy daughter dances and doing hair to teaching confidence, respect, and self-worth, these fathers share powerful stories, lessons learned, and honest reflections on what it takes to raise strong young women in today's world.Whether you're a father, parent, mentor, husband, or community leader, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughter, vulnerability, and inspiration.00:48 – Meet All Four FMP Girl Dads of the Year01:08 – Community Care & FMP Awards Announcement01:42 – Who Are These Men Beyond Fatherhood?01:58 – Elijah’s Story: Family First, Always03:20 – Moving to Milwaukee on Juneteenth03:52 – David Comer: Husband, Dreamer & Community Advocate05:39 – Meet New Dad David Greene07:24 – Tristan Gross on Purpose & Healing09:25 – What Winning Girl Dad of the Year Really Meant10:21 – Why Great Fathers Feel Undeserving11:49 – Why Recognition Hits Different for Dads12:29 – 15 Years of Daddy-Daughter Dances14:06 – The Emotional Reality of Being Seen16:14 – Why Fathers Need Safe Spaces Too17:23 – Watching Your Daughter Grow Up18:54 – The First Ever FMP Girl Dad of the Year19:23 – Feeling Seen as a Nurturing Father20:18 – Fatherhood Through Family Struggles21:15 – Progress Over Perfection22:21 – Learning to Accept Celebration24:10 – Becoming a Better Dad Every Day26:17 – What It Means to Be Her First Man27:30 – Building Trust Through Everyday Moments28:23 – Why Fathers Should Date Their Daughters30:20 – Respecting Boundaries as Daughters Grow31:25 – Learning to Parent Girls Differently32:50 – Parenting Daughters Across Two States35:23 – The Pain of Long-Distance Fatherhood37:01 – Balancing Love Between Two Daughters39:46 – Facts or Cap: Girl Dad Edition Begins40:22 – Can Dads Nurture Like Moms?43:17 – Do As I Say, Not As I Do?46:05 – Different Rules for Daughters?47:58 – Respecting Mom Is Respecting Your Daughter50:15 – Modeling Love Through Marriage52:20 – Best Father-Daughter Bonding Activities53:04 – Why Doing Hair Matters54:55 – The Power of Daddy-Daughter Dances57:35 – How Gardening Connected a Father and Daughter58:12 – Advice for New Girl Dads59:07 – The Secret Power of School Pickups01:00:00 – Final Reflections on Raising Daughters01:01:07 – FMP Awards InvitationIf this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message because no matter where you are in life…You’re still making progress!Stay Connected:Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement)Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)