Fathering Strong

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, Eli Williams speaks with Joseph Luisi about his experiences growing up, becoming a father, and the importance of being present in children’s lives. Joseph shares his journey as a single father and how he founded Our Father’s Hood, a community initiative aimed at supporting fathers through biblical teachings and mentorship. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration in fatherhood work and the impact of community programs on families.

Takeaways

• Joseph learned valuable skills from his father, including mechanics and gardening.

• The importance of spending quality time with children was emphasized by –
• Joseph’s experiences as a young father. –
• Joseph became a single father and recognized the need to be present for – his daughter.
• He founded Our Father’s Hood to support fathers in their parenting journey.
• Collaboration with community organizations is essential for effective fatherhood programs.
• Joseph encourages fathers to build testimonies to inspire others.
• The role of a father is crucial in shaping children’s lives and values.
• Joseph emphasizes the need for balance between work and family life.
• He believes that every father should strive to be a positive example for their children.
• Joseph’s work has impacted around 150 fathers annually through various programs.

Chapters

00:00 Growing Up in the Luisi Household
 03:50 Becoming a Father: Early Lessons
 09:35 Building a Community for Fathers
 25:19 Impacting Lives Through Our Father’s Hood
 36:23 The Importance of Fatherhood

You can reach Joseph on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063592029419#

TakeawaysChapters

Summary

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, Eli Williams interviews Marty Dennis, who shares his experiences growing up in a large family and the profound impact of his father on his life. Marty reflects on the importance of a strong father figure, the blessings of a sheltered upbringing, and the challenges he faced as a new father. He discusses the joy of parenting and his vision for a fatherhood ministry within his church, emphasizing the need for intentionality in raising children and the church’s role in supporting fathers.

Takeaways

• Marty grew up as the youngest of six children, with a strong bond to his father.
• His father’s love and discipline shaped his understanding of God.
• Marty’s upbringing was sheltered, protecting him from many hardships.
• He values the importance of having praying parents.
• Transitioning to fatherhood was a challenging yet rewarding experience.
• Marty faced significant challenges when his first wife left him and their son.
• The support from his church community was crucial during tough times.
• He emphasizes the need for fathers to be intentional in their parenting.
• Marty’s vision includes creating a fatherhood ministry in his church.
• He believes the church should be a support system for fathers.

Chapters

00:00 Growing Up in the Dennis Household
07:50 The Impact of a Strong Father Figure
10:04 The Blessing of a Sheltered Life
12:56 Becoming a Father for the First Time
19:31 Challenges of Single Parenting
23:38 The Joys of Parenting
30:02 Vision for Fatherhood Ministry
39:19 Connecting with the Community

Marty is the lead pastor at High Street Church in Springfield, Ohio. https://www.highstreetnaz.org/

Summary:In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Jeff Hamilton, founder of Dad Academy, about the importance of fatherhood, the integration of faith in parenting, and the role of sports in family life. Jeff shares his personal journey as a father, the challenges of balancing sports and faith, and the creation of Dad Academy to help fathers develop a plan for their parenting journey. The conversation emphasizes the significance of values, rituals, and community in raising children and the need for a revival of fatherhood in society.Takeaways:Integration of Faith and Family: Jeff Hamilton emphasizes the importance of integrating faith into daily family life, not just as a Sunday activity but as a core part of the family's values and routines.The Role of Dad Academy: Jeff founded Dad Academy to provide fathers with a strategic plan for parenting, focusing on values discovery, skills development, and creating meaningful family traditions.Balancing Commitments: Jeff discusses the challenges of balancing children's sports and activities with faith commitments, highlighting the importance of setting clear family priorities and boundaries.Community and Mentorship: The episode underscores the value of community and mentorship among fathers, encouraging men to support each other and share their fatherhood journeys.Revival of Fatherhood: Jeff calls for a revival of fatherhood, urging fathers to embrace their roles with intentionality and to foster a spirit of fathering within their communities.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Music02:33 Jeff's Fatherhood Journey06:06 The Role of Sports in Fatherhood09:01 Balancing Sports and Faith15:29 The Birth of Dad Academy21:10 The Importance of a Dad Plan34:30 Building a Legacy Through Values42:12 The Role of Rituals in Fatherhood43:17 Collaboration in Fatherhood MinistryYou can reach Jeff Hamilton and review his newly released book, "Dad Academy: Raising Courageous, Capable, Confident Kids" at https://www.dadacademy.info/.You can also find him on :https://www.facebook.com/dadacademy/https://www.tiktok.com/@UCzoXxbzj3GRT9CeNIOmFIDg https://www.instagram.com/dad.academyPodcast production by: https://www.movementum.com/Theme music by Harold Rayford.

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Robert McKinney about his experiences as a father and his role as a fatherhood coordinator at a pregnancy resource clinic. They discuss the importance of mentorship for new dads, the challenges of fatherhood, and the need for community support. Robert shares his journey of becoming a father at a young age and how it shaped his perspective on parenting. The conversation also highlights the role of pregnancy resource centers in supporting families and the vision for building strong families through community and church involvement.Takeaways- Robert's relationship with his father shaped his parenting style.- Advocacy for children is a key part of fatherhood.- Becoming a father at a young age changed Robert's perspective on life.- Community support is crucial for new dads.- Pregnancy resource centers play a vital role in family support.- Education on parenting is essential for new fathers.- Building relationships in the church can strengthen families.- Long-term vision for fatherhood includes mentoring future dads.- Dads need to be included in the pregnancy process.- Strong families contribute to a healthier community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood Experiences03:50 Becoming a Father: Early Challenges08:12 Advocacy in Fatherhood12:47 Transitioning to a New Community17:17 The Role of Pregnancy Resource Centers21:44 Mentoring New Dads25:44 Building Strong Families30:41 Long-Term Vision for Fatherhood35:50 Conclusion and ResourcesLearn more about the PRC Clark County at:https://www.prcclarkcounty.org/

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Mike Mattes, leader of Kingdom Dads, about the importance of fatherhood, intentional parenting, and building strong family relationships. Mike shares personal stories from his own upbringing and fatherhood journey, emphasizing the significance of modeling behavior, reading with children, and affirming their worth. The conversation also delves into the challenges of being present as a father, the creation of Kingdom Dads to support fathers in their roles, and the vision for future generations of intentional dads.

Takeaways

- Modeling behavior is crucial for children.

- Reading with kids fosters a love for learning.

- Intentional one-on-one time strengthens parent-child relationships.

- Affirmation helps build children's self-worth.

- Family devotions create a rhythm of faith in the home.

- Dads should communicate openly with their spouses about parenting.

- Community support is vital for fathers.

- Small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes.

- Presence in the moment is essential for meaningful relationships

.- The future of fatherhood relies on intentionality and community.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Fatherhood and Personal Stories

04:35 - The Importance of Reading and Modeling Behavior

10:35 - Building Individual Relationships with Children

11:36 -Training Up Children in the Right Way

17:12 - Communication and Collaboration in Parenting

22:28 - The Challenge of Presence in Fatherhood

24:33 - Finding Joy in Fatherhood

26:00 - The Birth of Kingdom Dads

30:01 - Building Community Among Dads35:50 - The Future Vision for Kingdom Dads

41:03 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Dads

You can reach Mike Mattes at https://kingdomdads.org/ or email at [email protected].

For a full transcript of the podcast, go to https://www.urbanlight.org.

The podcast is recorded and produced by Bruce Stapleton, https://www.movementum.com

🎙️ SPECIAL COMPILATION: Voices of Fatherhood Experience | Fathering Strong PodcastWelcome to a powerful compilation episode featuring the best insights from our most impactful conversations about modern fatherhood. Host Bruce Stapleton weaves together wisdom from four incredible guests who've dedicated their lives to strengthening families and supporting fathers.🎯 FEATURED EXPERTS:• Barbara Coloroso - Internationally recognized parenting expert and author• James McDonald - Mental health professional and founder of Forever Dads• Peter Lawson Jones - Attorney, actor, and creator of Ohio Commission on Fatherhood• Ted Strader - Substance abuse prevention expert with 35+ years of experience📝 KEY TOPICS COVERED:✅ The 6 critical daily messages every child needs to hear✅ Understanding why fathers struggle to ask for help (hint: it's about shame, not weakness)✅ Overcoming substance abuse challenges in fatherhood✅ Supporting children through grief and loss✅ The power of presence over "quality time"✅ Breaking generational cycles of trauma✅ Practical strategies for connecting with your kids💡 POWERFUL QUOTES:"There is no amount of money that's better than hearing your kids say, 'I want to be like you, you're my hero.'" - Peter Lawson Jones"Parenting is the toughest job on the planet because you care so deeply, so all your emotions are engaged at a high level of intensity." - Ted Strader

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:• Fathering Strong App - Download at fatheringstrong.com• Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families• Forever Dads program• Creating Lasting Family Connections curriculum📺 WATCH FULL EPISODES:Links to complete interviews with each guest are below:Barbara Coloroso - Episode 32https://youtu.be/_0UtqAhd1fATed Strader - Episodes 24 & 25https://youtu.be/SRPYemqPtFAhttps://youtu.be/jYsYr-Hrh44Peter Lawson Jones - Episode 23https://youtu.be/5MK4T4i2tKIJames McDonald - Episode 16https://youtu.be/Si8cQDGBFBo🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more fatherhood content and hit the notification bell to never miss an episode!📱 CONNECT WITH US:Website: fatheringstrong.comInstagram: @fatheringstrongFacebook: Fathering StrongRemember: You have the power to give your child what no one else on earth can - your fully developed father love. Keep fathering strong!

SummaryIn this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with John Upshaw, exploring his journey as a father and community leader. John shares his childhood experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges he faced as a young father. He discusses the joy of watching his children grow and the significance of community engagement through initiatives like Springfield Promise Neighborhood. The conversation highlights the importance of intentional parenting, the role of fathers, and the impact of positive male figures in the lives of young men.Takeaways- Eli Williams introduces the podcast and its mission to inspire fathers.- John Upshaw shares his childhood experiences and the mentors who influenced him.- The importance of positive male role models in the community is emphasized.- John reflects on his grandfather's impact on his life and fatherhood.- Becoming a father figure at a young age comes with challenges and responsibilities.- The joy of fatherhood is found in celebrating children's achievements.- Community engagement is vital for fostering healthy family relationships.- Springfield Promise Neighborhood aims to connect families with resources and support.- Dad-tivities encourage intentional time between fathers and children.- The POPs 101 course teaches essential fatherhood principles and the importance of being present.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood Stories02:00 John's Childhood and Mentorship04:30 The Role of Mentors in Fatherhood05:45 Becoming a Father Figure10:02 Challenges of Young Fatherhood12:50 Joy in Fatherhood16:35 Community Engagement through Promise Neighborhood17:03 Overview of Springfield Promise Neighborhood22:02 Dad-tivities: Engaging Fathers and Children26:42 Lessons from POPs 10131:11 Future Goals and Community ImpactLearn more about Springfield Promise Neighborhood at:https://www.springfieldpromise.com/

Summary

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with David Woodrow, a young father, musician, and minister. David shares his journey of growing up with a complicated relationship with his father, becoming a dad himself, and navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery. He reflects on the transformative experience of fatherhood, the importance of family, and his work in ministry, emphasizing the need for balance between work and family life.

Takeaways

• David’s relationship with his father was complex, marked by both joy and pain.
• Fatherhood transformed David’s understanding of love and sacrifice.
• David’s journey into addiction began during a stressful period in his life.
• He experienced a radical encounter with God while in jail, which changed his life.
• David emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own faith rather than relying on parents’ beliefs.
• He believes that being a parent is both the hardest and most rewarding experience.
• David’s work in ministry focuses on making people feel valued and cherished.
• He actively participates in community outreach and support for the homeless.
• David and his wife prioritize their relationship and family time amidst busy schedules.
• He acknowledges the ongoing challenge of balancing work and family life.

Chapters

00:00 Growing Up in the Woodrow Household
 08:05 Becoming a Father: A Life-Changing Moment
 16:36 Struggles with Addiction and Recovery
 33:32 Finding Purpose in Ministry and Family Life

David is the Upper Valley Campus Pastor at Fellowship Church in Springfield, OH. For more information, go to www.fellowshipchristian.org.

The Fathering Strong Podcast is produced by Bruce Stapleton at the Movementum Group.

Summary

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, Eli Williams interviews Dan Griffin, who shares his profound experiences growing up with an alcoholic father. Dan reflects on the complexities of their relationship, the impact of generational trauma, and how these experiences shaped his work in fatherhood and masculinity. He discusses the importance of emotional healing, vulnerability, and the need for trauma-informed approaches in parenting. Dan’s journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a father himself highlights the challenges and rewards of breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering healthy relationships with children. In this conversation, Dan Griffin shares his journey of personal growth and the challenges of fatherhood. He reflects on his initial reluctance to become a father, the emotional turmoil of experiencing miscarriages, and the joy of welcoming his daughter, Grace. Dan emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in parenting and the lessons he has learned from his daughter. He also challenges common myths about adolescence and highlights the deep connection he maintains with Grace as she grows into her teenage years.

Takeaways

• Dan’s father struggled with alcoholism, impacting their relationship.
• Generational trauma can affect father-son dynamics.
• Emotional vulnerability is often seen as weakness in men.
• Anger can be a protective response to childhood trauma.
• Dan’s experiences shaped his work in fatherhood and masculinity.
• The importance of emotional healing in parenting.
• Men can learn to express feelings and seek help.
• Trauma-informed approaches are essential for fathers.
• Dan’s journey emphasizes the need for empathy in parenting.
• Breaking the cycle of trauma is crucial for future generations. The journey of growth is ongoing and evolves over time.
• Parenting can bring up fears and insecurities from one’s past.
• The experience of becoming a parent can be filled with challenges and emotional turmoil.
• Naming a child can hold deep significance, reflecting the journey to parenthood.
• Children can be incredible teachers for their parents.
• Vulnerability is key in building a strong parent-child relationship.
• Apologizing to children can foster mutual respect and connection.
• Myths about adolescence can create self-fulfilling prophecies in parenting.
• Being present in a child’s life can lead to a strong bond.
• Open communication and emotional honesty are essential in parenting.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Fatherhood and Personal Stories
01:35 – Dan’s Relationship with His Father
06:00 – The Impact of Trauma on Father-Son Relationships
11:05 – Navigating Anger and Vulnerability
16:18 – The Influence of Personal Experience on Professional Work
22:28 – Exploring Masculinity and Recovery
27:19 – Developing Trauma-Informed Approaches for Fathers
28:40 – The Journey of Growth and Learning
32:15 – Becoming a Father: Emotions and Challenges
39:32 – Lessons from Parenting: Vulnerability and Connection
44:19 – Dispelling Myths of Adolescence and Parenting

To contact Dan, go to https://dangriffin.com/

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Dr. Michael Newsome about his experiences growing up in a supportive family, his journey into fatherhood, and his work in fatherhood initiatives. They discuss the importance of presence in parenting, the challenges faced by fathers, and innovative approaches to support them, including community events and programs aimed at celebrating fatherhood. Dr. Newsome shares insights on co-parenting, the child support system, and the significance of creating a supportive community for fathers. In this conversation, Dr. Michael Newsom discusses the complexities of co-parenting, the challenges fathers face in the justice system, and the importance of advocating for fatherhood. He highlights his achievements in changing perceptions around fatherhood, the significance of family connections, and the collaborative efforts within the community to support fathers. Dr. Newsom shares his motivations for helping fathers and outlines upcoming events aimed at celebrating fatherhood.

Takeaways

-Presence is more important than presents in parenting.-Growing up in a supportive family shapes parenting styles.-Co-parenting can be successful with mutual respect.-Community events can strengthen fatherhood engagement.-Child support systems often disadvantage fathers.-Innovative programs can help fathers navigate challenges.-Celebrating fatherhood fosters community support.-Understanding family dynamics is crucial for effective parenting.-Fathers face unique challenges in the legal system.-Building relationships with other family members enhances parenting. Co--parenting challenges can lead to feelings of injustice for fathers.-Changing the narrative around fatherhood is crucial for family dynamics.-Involving fathers in child-rearing is essential for children's well-being.-Community collaboration enhances support for fathers and families.-Understanding the father's family is vital for children's stability. - Advocacy for fathers can lead to positive changes in the justice system. - Motivation often stems from witnessing injustices faced by fathers. - Fatherhood initiatives can significantly impact community dynamics.Events celebrating fatherhood foster community engagement. - All children benefit from having involved parents, regardless of their circumstances.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Fatherhood and Personal Experiences

04:42 - Navigating Fatherhood: Personal Journey and Challenges

10:13 - Innovative Approaches to Supporting Fathers

18:30 - Community Engagement and Celebrating Fatherhood

24:22 - Challenges Faced by Fathers in the System

27:48 - Navigating the Challenges of Co-Parenting

30:10 - Achievements in Fatherhood Advocacy

34:36 - The Importance of Family Connections

38:03 - Collaborations and Community Support

43:08 - Motivation and Future Aspirations

48:04 - Upcoming Events for Father's Day

For more information on the Fatherhood Programs in Montgomery County, Ohio go to www.mcohio.org.