Ep 12 - Redefining Masculinity in Fatherhood

What does it really mean to be a man today?In this powerful episode of the Fathers Making Progress Podcast, Terron Edwards sits down with David Comer and Tristan Gross for a deep and honest conversation about masculinity, fatherhood, healing, emotional intelligence, relationships, vulnerability, and breaking free from harmful expectations placed on men.The discussion explores emotional suppression, toxic masculinity, healthy masculinity, accountability, fatherhood, violence prevention, emotional healing, relationships, and what it means to become an authentic man in today's world.This episode challenges traditional ideas of manhood while encouraging fathers, sons, husbands, and mentors to embrace growth, healing, vulnerability, and purpose.A must-watch conversation for every father, husband, mentor, coach, and young man.Key Moments:Masculinity should not require emotional suppression.Men often perform masculinity for other men.Growth requires letting go of old identities.Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.Your worth is not tied to productivity.Healing creates healthier fathers and families.Boys need emotional language and safe spaces.Accountability is essential for growth.Strong men can be both humble and fierce.Better men help create better communities.01:05 - Meet David Comer & Tristan Gross01:52 - Why Fatherhood Conversations Matter02:21 - Tristan's Work Around Healthy Masculinity04:14 - David's Journey as a Father of Daughters05:34 - Balancing Fatherhood, Work & Identity06:06 - Becoming Your Authentic Self07:20 - Shedding the Masks of Masculinity08:05 - Why Men Perform Masculinity for Each Other09:29 - Growth, Change & Letting Go of Old Versions10:35 - Why People Resist Your Evolution11:26 - Can People Really Change?12:35 - When Your Growth Challenges Others12:55 - Tristan's Personal Journey Into Violence Prevention14:01 - Recognizing Harmful Behaviors in Yourself15:23 - Black Women Who Changed His Life15:48 - Accountability, Growth & Transformation17:07 - What Men Must Unlearn About Masculinity18:11 - Letting Go of Perfection19:17 - Unlearning Sex as Emotional Regulation21:22 - The Dangers of Always Needing Control22:03 - Your Worth Is More Than Productivity23:18 - Why Rest Feels So Hard for Men24:21 - The Cost of Poor Discipline24:58 - The Only Emotions Men Are Allowed to Show26:01 - Why David Struggles With the Phrase Toxic Masculinity27:01 - Masculinity Without Motive28:26 - Healthy vs Harmful Masculinity29:20 - Building Relationships That Work for Your Family31:01 - Breaking Traditional Gender Roles at Home32:04 - Teaching Boys Emotional Intelligence Through Sports33:20 - Why Boys Struggle to Say "I Love You"33:47 - The Emotional Funnel of Manhood35:20 - A Lifetime of Suppressed Emotions36:42 - What Black Boys Need Most37:17 - The Forgotten Middle School Years39:39 - Being Both Humble and Fierce40:37 - Masculinity, Liberation & Black Identity42:05 - Reclaiming Traditional Definitions of Manhood43:21 - Learning to Accept Praise & Recognition44:26 - Why Black Men Struggle to Rest46:09 - Safe Spaces vs Safe People46:27 - What Happens When Men Do Their Inner Work?47:16 - Better Men Create Better Communities48:28 - Facts or Cap: Real Men Cry49:21 - The Power of Healthy Emotional Release50:21 - Facts or Cap: Men and Violence52:59 - The Shame Men Carry54:01 - How Men Can Support Women Better54:15 - Calling Out Harmful Locker Room Talk55:40 - Accountability Starts With Men56:03 - Rapid Fire Word Association57:14 - Why Brotherhood Matters58:11 - Final Reflections on Modern MasculinityIf 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)