Fathers Making Progress Podcast

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)

In this powerful episode of the Fathers Making Progress Podcast, host Terron Edwards sits down with Victor Barnett, founder of Running Rebels, and Lanelle Ramey, Executive Director of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, for an honest conversation about mentorship, community leadership, fatherlessness, healing, collaboration, and what it takes to raise the next generation of leaders.From gang prevention and youth development to the importance of vulnerability, therapy, fatherhood, and saying “I love you,” this episode is packed with wisdom for fathers, mentors, coaches, educators, and anyone who wants to make a difference in a young person's life.Key TakeawaysEvery young person needs more than one mentor.You don't have to be perfect to mentor someone.The strongest leaders ask for help.Fatherlessness often creates hidden emotional wounds.Healing yourself is part of helping others.Collaboration beats competition in community work.Young people need adults who listen before they lecture.Every mentor needs support, accountability, and community.Saying "I love you" can change lives.No one succeeds alone.Key Moments:01:04 - Meet Milwaukee Mentorship Leaders01:52 - Who Is Linnell Rainey?02:34 - Who Is Victor Barnett?03:16 - Why Running Rebels Was Created04:08 - Growing Up During Civil Unrest04:26 - Keeping 50 Young Men Out of Gangs05:12 - How Mentoring Became Linnell’s Mission06:06 - Finding Purpose Through Youth Work06:27 - The Power of Family-Centered Mentorship07:15 - Building Leaders by Building Others07:49 - Why Running Rebels Feels Like Family08:42 - Terron’s Running Rebels Story10:22 - How Community Organizations Should Work Together11:25 - Why Every Young Person Belongs to the Village12:35 - Breaking Down Organizational Silos14:09 - How MENTOR Greater Milwaukee Works15:42 - Can Anyone Become a Mentor?16:42 - Everybody Has a Story Worth Sharing17:40 - What Young People Have Taught Them18:18 - The Hidden Pain Many Boys Carry19:03 - Why Today’s Youth Are So Resilient20:20 - The Danger of Judging Young People21:24 - Why Accountability Requires Compassion22:29 - Stop Trying to Know Everything23:35 - The Myth of the Self-Made Man24:34 - Trust Is Earned, Not Given25:35 - Facts or Cap: Mentorship Edition26:04 - Do Kids with Good Parents Need Mentors?26:52 - Do Mentors Need Mentors?27:10 - Who Supports the Helpers?28:17 - Trauma Comes in Many Forms29:43 - Why Mentors Must Heal Themselves30:16 - Do Young Men Still Listen to Elders?31:39 - The Love Blueprint Begins32:01 - The Support System Behind Great Leaders33:27 - Finding Purpose Through Community Work34:22 - How Fatherhood Shapes Mentorship35:18 - You Can’t Save Everyone36:06 - When Tough Love Becomes Necessary37:27 - Repairing Broken Relationships38:13 - Why Fathers Need to Apologize39:36 - The Power of Saying “I Love You”40:51 - Final Advice for Future Mentors41:32 - Milwaukee’s Future Depends on Collaboration42:12 - Why Every Child Needs a Village42:58 - Stay Present, Stay Positive & Keep Making ProgressIf 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)

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)

What does healthy co-parenting actually look like?In this powerful episode of the Father's Making Progress Podcast, host Terron Edwards sits down with the 2025 and 2026 FMP Co-Parents of the Year to discuss the challenges, heartbreak, forgiveness, communication, and intentionality required to successfully raise children together after a relationship ends.Featuring:Tim Cole & Ashley Crawford (2025 Co-Parents of the Year)Antoine Carter & Alexis Outlaw (2026 Co-Parents of the Year)These parents share their real-life journeys navigating separation, rebuilding trust, raising children collaboratively, handling new relationships, supporting their children's mental health, and putting their children's needs above personal conflict.This episode is packed with practical wisdom for parents, co-parents, educators, counselors, and anyone committed to building stronger families.Sponsored by Community Care, 2026 FMP Awards Partner of the Year.00:46 – Community Care Sponsorship & FMP Awards Announcement01:11 – Meet the Guests02:02 – Tim Cole's Introduction03:11 – Ashley Crawford's Introduction03:48 – Alexis Outlaw's Story04:58 – Antoine Carter's Story06:38 – Why Co-Parenting Matters08:34 – How Tim & Ashley Became Co-Parents of the Year09:17 – The #1 Key to Successful Co-Parenting: Forgiveness10:18 – Rebuilding Trust After Separation11:13 – Why Trust Often Breaks Down13:19 – Antoine & Alexis Share Their Story14:00 – Separating Relationship Problems from Parenting15:15 – Raising a Teenager Together17:08 – "We Will Always Be Family"18:33 – Heartbreak, Friendship & Co-Parenting19:39 – Mourning the End of a Relationship20:10 – Is Divorce a Death or a Transition?22:10 – Why Society Normalizes Conflict23:42 – Becoming Examples Through the Better Together Documentary25:05 – "It's Safer to Hate"27:10 – Receiving the Co-Parent of the Year Award29:43 – Antoine Opens Up About His Father31:45 – The Importance of Showing Up33:44 – Giving Flowers to Good Fathers35:09 – Never Blocking a Child's Love36:30 – The Turning Point37:54 – The Letter Exercise That Changed Everything39:37 – Rebuilding Trust Through Small Wins40:31 – The "North Star" Philosophy43:44 – Supporting Children's Mental Health45:17 – Facts or Cap: Do Moms Have More Rights Than Dads?46:12 – Facts or Cap: New Relationships Ruin Co-Parenting49:28 – Modeling Healthy Relationships for Children53:33 – Final Reflections54:24 – Why Co-Parenting MattersIf 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)

What happens when fatherhood pioneers sit down with today’s fathers to discuss family, marriage, leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to show up?In this special episode of the Father’s Making Progress Podcast, host Terron Edwards brings together a powerful panel featuring Bishop Buck, Al Holmes, Jeremy Triblett, and LaQuinton “Q” Gladney for a conversation that bridges generations of fatherhood wisdom.From surviving the loss of parents and children, to raising families, building businesses, mentoring thousands of young people, and sustaining marriages that have lasted decades, these men share lessons that every father can learn from.Topics include:Old school vs new school fatherhoodMarriage and partnershipRaising children intentionallyMentorship and legacyTeen fatherhood and second chancesBlended familiesAnger management and self-loveBlack fatherhood across generationsThe importance of eldersBuilding strong families and communitiesThis episode is a masterclass in wisdom, leadership, and legacy.0:00 – Opening Spoken Word & IntroductionPowerful opening poem and welcome back to the Father’s Making Progress Podcast.0:22 – Community Care SponsorshipTerron recognizes Community Care and introduces the episode theme.0:43 – Old School Meets New School FatherhoodWhy this conversation is different and why multiple generations matter.1:08 – FMP Awards AnnouncementUpcoming FMP Awards and recognition of this year's honorees.2:05 – Story Spotlight BeginsGuests introduce themselves and share their fatherhood journeys.2:47 – Quinton Gladney's Fatherhood StoryPodcasting, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and raising an 18-year-old and a newborn.4:57 – Bishop Lahav Buck's Legacy80 years of life, 61 years of marriage, ministry, family, and community leadership.6:30 – Jeremy Triplett on Raising a Four-Year-OldTeaching children how to think, not just what to think.7:58 – Al Holmes Shares His JourneyMilitary service, fatherhood, loss, coaching, and helping launch Milwaukee’s fatherhood movement.10:38 – Losing Parents at Four Years OldAl Holmes discusses how tragedy shaped his life and leadership.11:21 – Lessons from a Grandfather Born Near SlaverySurvival, craftsmanship, and generational wisdom.13:19 – The Importance of EldersJeremy reflects on what younger fathers lose when elder relationships are missing.15:04 – Stop Chasing the Next ThingWhy life becomes less about achievements and more about people and purpose.16:18 – Marriage, Ambition & BalanceJeremy explains how marriage reshaped his priorities.17:15 – 61 Years of MarriageBishop Buck shares lessons from six decades of partnership.19:08 – Relationship Building & Choosing a PartnerAl Holmes discusses selecting partners with shared values and goals.24:25 – Healthy Relationships as MirrorsHow marriage exposes strengths, weaknesses, and growth opportunities.24:56 – No Success Can Compensate for Failure at HomeA powerful discussion on priorities and family responsibility.26:33 – Fatherhood the Second Time AroundQuinton discusses becoming a father again after nearly two decades.28:27 – Teaching the Next Generation About ResponsibilityAl Holmes shares lessons he teaches his grandson about relationships and accountability.30:01 – Lessons Learned from the StreetsConversations about choices, consequences, and protecting future generations.31:24 – Are Young Men Really To Blame?An honest discussion about generational responsibility and family challenges.33:26 – Terron Reflects on Teen FatherhoodHow mentors helped shape his journey and saved lives through fatherhood programs.36:03 – The Challenge of Blended FamiliesPractical wisdom about co-parenting, step-parenting, and navigating complex family systems.38:06 – Married at 17Bishop Buck explains how he and his wife built businesses and a life together.39:09 – Coaching Thousands of ChildrenAl Holmes discusses his decades of coaching and mentoring youth.41:28 – Fatherhood Beyond BiologyBeing a father figure to generations of young people.42:01 – What the FMP Award MeansAward recipients reflect on recognition, service, and impact.44:07 – Fatherhood Is LegacyJeremy explains why the FMP Awards represent something bigger than recognition.46:09 – What Fathers and Mothers Bring to FamiliesDiscussion on the unique roles parents play in child development.47:14 – Skills We Must Pass DownGardening, self-sufficiency, family knowledge, and generational teaching.49:25 – 30 Years of Teaching FatherhoodReflections on fatherhood curriculum, training, and mentoring men.52:48 – Anger Management & Self-LoveWhy healing begins by facing yourself in the mirror.54:19 – The Story Behind “Lucifer”Al Holmes shares how anger nearly destroyed him and how self-love transformed his life.56:25 – Final ReflectionsLove your children. Show up. Build your family. Pass the legacy forward.57:18 – Youth Cypher AnnouncementQuinton Gladney shares information about his youth initiative.58:00 – Closing MessageStay present. Stay positive. Stay making progress.Sponsored by Community Care, 2026 FMP Awards Partner of the Year.If 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 ConnectedFacebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement)Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

In this powerful one-on-one episode of the Father’s Making Progress Podcast, host Terron Edwards sits down with community elder, mentor, activist, and inaugural Trailblazer & Father of the Year, Baba Anthony Courtney Sr.From growing up without his father, to becoming a mentor to generations of men in Milwaukee, Baba Courtney shares wisdom on fatherhood, Black family structure, relationships, systemic racism, economics, spirituality, and the importance of rebuilding the village.This conversation dives deep into:The destruction of Black communities through economic divestmentFatherhood across generationsMentorship and community leadershipRespect for eldersMarriage and relationship longevityWhy “things became more important than people”The difference between racism and prejudiceThe spiritual role of fathersRaising children with purpose and legacyThis is more than a podcast episode, it’s a masterclass in wisdom, history, and healing.Sponsored by Community Care, 2026 FMP Awards Partner of the Year.Get your tickets to the FMP Awards, June 19th at fathersmakingprogress.org0:00 – Opening spoken word & podcast intro0:22 – Terron Edwards introduces the episode theme: Intergenerational Fatherhood0:47 – Community Care sponsorship + FMP Awards announcement1:17 – Introducing Baba Anthony Courtney: Trailblazer & Father of the Year1:46 – Baba Courtney shares his background and legacy2:23 – The difference between prejudice and racism3:14 – How highways destroyed Black communities4:13 – Milwaukee factories, NAFTA & economic collapse4:52 – How job loss fueled drugs, incarceration & broken homes5:07 – Terron reflects on Flint, Milwaukee & neighborhood decline6:24 – The impact of community divestment7:01 – Baba reveals he has 13 children, 57 grandchildren & 27 great-grandchildren7:48 – Growing up without his father and siblings being separated8:33 – Welfare policies & the destruction of Black families9:22 – Terron reflects on losing his father at a young age10:24 – What the Trailblazer Award meant to Baba Courtney11:07 – Mentoring generations of fathers through FMP12:12 – Ben Watson’s tribute and mentorship legacy13:10 – Biggest differences between fatherhood then vs now13:30 – “There’s no such thing as a stepdad”14:11 – The importance of community fatherhood and spiritual lineage15:13 – “Superstar on the Losing Team” and individualism in the Black community16:06 – Team building and rebuilding the village mindset16:49 – Traditional African matrilineal societies explained17:30 – The meaning behind the word “inheritance”17:52 – Why young people don’t listen to unhappy adults18:41 – Respect for elders in past generations19:36 – “Things became more important than people”20:23 – Fact or Myth segment begins20:49 – “Kids should be seen and not heard”21:29 – “Fathers can’t be nurturing”22:34 – Parenting roles of mothers vs fathers23:45 – “Elders don’t understand today’s world”24:24 – The importance of protecting people’s spirit25:07 – “Young dads don’t take fatherhood seriously”25:51 – Grandparents Day story that changed Baba’s perspective26:44 – The importance of lineage and knowing your ancestors27:11 – Relationships, marriage & staying together 47 years28:10 – “Black men carry the word, Black women carry the power”29:26 – Why Black singing groups disappeared30:23 – Equality vs complementary relationships31:07 – Men, women & household roles explained32:47 – How parenting changes relationships over time33:35 – Growing up without seeing his father at sports games34:11 – Why fathers should show up for their children34:57 – The importance of praise, encouragement & presenceIf 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 ConnectedFacebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement):Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

In this powerful episode of the Fathers Making Progress Podcast, the conversation centers around the impact of community fathers and what it means to lead beyond the home. Host Terron Edwards is joined by Community Father of the Year honorees Clinton Wray and Ameen Allen, along with comedian and community advocate D-Rock, for a heartfelt discussion on fatherhood, mentorship, co-parenting, community healing, and generational leadership.From stories of growing up in Milwaukee and the South, to lessons from fathers, mentors, judges, coaches, and community elders, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, vulnerability, and real talk about what our communities need from men today.Sponsored by Community Care and highlighting the upcoming FMP Awards on Juneteenth, this episode celebrates fathers who are changing lives every day through consistency, love, mentorship and presence.Key Take Aways:Fatherhood is leadership both inside and outside the home.Presence matters more than perfection.Community mentorship can save lives.Co-parenting requires maturity, communication, and respect.Children learn more from what they see than what they hear.Fathers showing up changes outcomes.Healing communities starts with healing families.Laughter, mentorship, and accountability all matter.Moments of Fatherhood:00:00 - A Powerful Opening About Purpose, Truth & Legacy00:22 - Why Fatherhood Changes Entire Communities00:48 - Meet the Community Fathers of the Year01:31 - The FM Awards Are Bigger Than Ever02:02 - Born Into a Legacy of Black Leadership03:45 - Civil Rights, Open Housing & Milwaukee History04:37 - Growing Up With Eight Sisters Changed Everything06:02 - How Old-School Games Built Real Community07:07 - The Man Bringing Life Back to the Park08:18 - Why Everything at the Park Costs Just 50 Cents08:54 - Comedian D-Rock Joins the Conversation09:22 - From Arkansas to Milwaukee: A Fatherhood Journey10:18 - The Summer Job That Changed His Entire Life12:47 - From Fighting in the Streets to Entertaining Crowds14:03 - D-Rock Reacts to Hosting the FM Awards15:14 - They Accidentally Discover They’re Basically Family16:22 - Why Being a Father Is Easier Than People Think17:29 - “Just Listen to Your Kids”18:18 - The Parenting Rules Missing Today20:31 - 40 Years of Marriage & Fatherhood Wisdom21:32 - Why Communication Matters After Divorce23:08 - Giving Children the Best of Both Parents24:19 - How Healthy Co-Parenting Really Works25:46 - The Life Lessons That Kept Him Out of Prison27:52 - The Judge Who Saved His Future30:17 - Helping Young Men Find Purpose Through Work33:49 - The Night He Gave God “The Keys”35:13 - One of the Most Powerful Spiritual Moments Yet36:04 - Learning to Father a Child That Isn’t Yours37:22 - The “3 D’s & 2 C’s” of Parenting38:35 - Why They Call Him the “MLK of Fatherhood”39:16 - “I Just Like Seeing People Happy”40:04 - Being the Only Black Father in Court42:25 - Why Fathers Showing Up Changes Everything43:18 - Guess Who He Ran Into in Los Angeles?45:15 - Giving Flowers to Fathers While They’re Here46:00 - Why Fathers Rarely Get Appreciated47:32 - The Meaning Behind “Keep Living”48:39 - “I Couldn’t Be Me Without My Wife”49:04 - Comedy, Community & Final Shoutouts50:22 - How One Park Is Rebuilding Community51:00 - “We Can’t Play Man-to-Man Anymore”51:10 - Stay Present. Stay Positive. Keep Making Progress.If 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 ConnectedFacebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement):Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

In this powerful episode of the Father’s Making Progress Podcast, we dive deep into stories of resilience, redemption, and second chances with our 2026 Comeback Father of the Year, Joseph Whitaker Jr., and community fatherhood leader Ameen Allen.Host Terron Edwards opens up about personal loss, becoming a young father, and overcoming life’s toughest challenges before the conversation explores what it truly means to rebuild, recover, and reconnect as fathers.Joseph Whitaker shares his emotional journey of becoming a father at 17, losing connection with his sons, and ultimately rebuilding those relationships through honesty, accountability, and love.Ameen Allen tells an unforgettable story of surviving a devastating stroke that left him clinically dead for 15 minutes, overcoming speech and mobility struggles, and dedicating his life to mentoring youth and serving the community through old-school games, karate instruction, and fatherhood leadership.This episode is a raw and honest conversation about:Fatherhood and redemptionHealing broken relationshipsOvercoming trauma and setbacksLife after incarceration and hardshipBlended families and growthThe “pardon me moment” that changes everythingSponsored by Community Care, the 2026 FMP Awards Partner of the Year.Get your tickets for the FMP Awards happening June 19th at fathersmakingprogress.org!Drop a comment:What was your “pardon me moment” that changed your life?0:00 – Welcome to the Father’s Making Progress Podcast0:22 – Terron shares his personal story of loss, fatherhood, and resilience1:32 – Introducing Joseph Whitaker Jr. and Ameen Allen2:13 – Community Care sponsorship + FMP Awards announcement2:31 – “Who You Be?” guest introductions2:34 – Joseph Whitaker Jr. introduces himself and his family3:14 – Ameen Allen shares his fatherhood journey3:55 – Ameen discusses suffering a life-changing stroke in 20074:50 – Teaching kids old-school games at Marcus DeBack Park6:39 – Ameen recounts the terrifying moments during his stroke10:50 – Surviving after being clinically dead for 15 minutes13:51 – Finding purpose through community service after recovery14:10 – Joseph discusses becoming a father at 17 and losing connection with his sons17:43 – Rebuilding relationships with his adult children18:56 – Honest conversations and accountability with his sons21:11 – Ameen talks about writing his book Life of the Comedian22:00 – Racism, setbacks, and perseverance throughout life25:20 – Becoming a top salesman despite adversity27:35 – Story of Josh Johnson: prison, redemption, and transformation28:44 – “Pardon Me Moment” discussion begins29:59 – Joseph shares the moment his son said he didn’t feel like he had a dad31:20 – Terron reflects on apologizing to his sons after divorce33:12 – Ameen opens up about changing his lifestyle and growth through FMP34:40 – Blended family conversations and marriage36:24 – Ameen on learning to be comfortable alone and finding peace38:11 – Final reflections on resilience and redemption38:53 – Closing message: Stay present. Stay positive. Stay making progress.If 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 ConnectedFacebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement):Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

In this episode of the Fathers Making Progress podcast, we dive into the profound impact of fatherhood on families and communities. Our host discusses the ripple effect of engaged fathers and introduces a community mobilization program designed to foster change. Joining him are four dedicated individuals, Carnell Hogan, Dominic, AJ, and Ben Watson who share their personal stories and insights on the importance of father involvement in community development.They bust common myths about fathers and explore practical tips for getting involved and making a difference. Tune in to discover how collective efforts can lead to meaningful progress in neighborhoods and beyond.Key Takeaways• Showing up is half the work, presence matters most• Engaged fathers help strengthen families and entire communities• Fatherhood goes beyond biology, it’s about impact and mentorship• Small acts of kindness can change a child’s life• The stereotype that fathers don’t care is false• You don’t need money to make a difference, just commitment• Every interaction with a child leaves a lasting impression• One engaged father can inspire many others (ripple effect)• Consistency creates safety, trust, and stability for children• Fatherhood is leadership in the home and in the community[00:00:11] Ripple effect of fatherhood.[00:05:20] Black men in education.[00:10:01] Impact of fatherhood on growth.[00:12:19] Fathers as first teachers.[00:17:10] Resilience in overcoming challenges.[00:21:09] Community support for young fathers.[00:23:39] Planting seeds for future success.[00:29:26] School as a family enrichment center.[00:32:52] Impact of engaged fatherhood.[00:36:12] Impact of positive encounters.[00:40:14] Engaged fathers impact communities.[00:42:11] Community impact without wealth.[00:47:41] Community event planning advice.[00:50:54] Community engagement through local initiatives.[00:54:10] Nursing home volunteering experiences.[00:58:05] Community engagement and fatherhood.If 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 ConnectedFacebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement):Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)