Fathers Making Progress Podcast

Can one small act of kindness change the direction of someone's life?

In this powerful episode of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards sits down with David Sinclair, a longtime community advocate and violence intervention professional with 414LIFE, to explore what it really takes to prevent violence, build trust, and create safer communities.

David shares his journey from growing up in Milwaukee's Highland Park housing community to participating in youth advocacy in Washington, D.C., attending Langston University, becoming a father, and dedicating his career to helping people impacted by violence.

But this conversation goes deeper than crime statistics and headlines.

David takes us inside the work of community violence intervention where outreach workers build relationships, respond to conflicts, support people in crisis, and try to prevent retaliation before another life is lost.

One of the most unforgettable moments comes when David shares a story about helping a struggling father purchase diapers. What seemed like a simple act of kindness became an emotional encounter that revealed how close the man had been to a potentially violent decision.

The conversation also explores the connection between fatherhood and community responsibility, how poverty and trauma shape people's experiences, why credible messengers matter, and how compassion and respect can create opportunities for change.00:22 - Can We Cure Community Violence?

02:05 - Meet David Sinclair of 414LIFE

03:01 - From Highland Park to National Youth Advocacy

05:29 - Education, Activism and Langston University

06:48 - How Neighborhood Conditions Affect Opportunity

09:54 - A Family Legacy of Community Organizing

12:14 - From Fatherhood to a Career of Service

14:30 - The History of Credible Messengers

15:49 - How Becoming a Father Changed Everything

16:34 - The Conversation That Changed David's Life

17:42 - Turning His Talents Into a Legal Business

20:10 - A Father's Responsibility to His Community

22:05 - A Day in the Life of a Violence Interrupter

24:36 - Why Violence Prevention Is Hard to Measure

26:22 - Changing the Community's Narrative

27:04 - Is Violence Intervention a New Civil Rights Movement?

28:54 - Trauma, Isolation and Young People's Experiences

32:43 - Facts or Cap: Myths About Community Violence

34:20 - Are Young People Driving Most Violence?

36:01 - Does Growing Up Around Violence Determine Your Future?

38:05 - What Should You Do When Conflict Escalates?

40:11 - How Respect and Permission Can De-escalate Conflict

41:40 - Building Relationships Through Small Acts of Kindness

43:15 - The Diaper Story: A Moment That Changed Everything

45:41 - You Could Be the Miracle in Someone's Story

46:08 - De-escalating Conflict in Co-Parenting

48:07 - Rapid Fire: Fatherhood, Investment and Loyalty

49:10 - Final Message: Get Involved and Build Relationships

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!

Subscribe to Fathers Making Progress for conversations about fatherhood, healing, relationships, community leadership, and building a better future.

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Who gets to tell the story of Black fathers, families, and communities?

In this episode of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards sits down with his wife and FMP Media Coordinator, Chrystal Edwards, for a candid conversation about owning our narrative, challenging stereotypes, and using storytelling to strengthen families and communities.

Krystal shares how her creativity and entrepreneurship became part of the Fathers Making Progress mission. Together, they explore why positive stories about Black fathers often go untold, how media shapes public perception, and why organizations must remain committed to their purpose.

They also open up about their own marriage, blended family, co-parenting experiences, and the challenges of balancing community leadership with family life.

Key Moments:

00:22 - Who Gets to Tell Our Community's Story?

01:08 - Meet Krystal Edwards: Media Coordinator & Entrepreneur

02:17 - From Creativity to Building Foxy Locks LLC

04:21 - Turning a Co-Parenting Workbook Into Something Powerful

06:23 - Working With Your Spouse: Mission vs. Marriage

08:44 - Promoting a Brand vs. Promoting a Mission

09:19 - If We Don't Tell Our Story, Who Will?

11:38 - Responding to Negative Publicity With Integrity

14:27 - Why Organizations Must Never Forget Their Mission

17:01 - How Fatherhood Programs Change Generations

18:40 - The Lasting Impact of a Father Who Shows Up

22:05 - Facts or Cap: The Myths About Black Fathers

25:02 - Does Being Unmarried Mean a Father Is Absent?

26:32 - Who Do Communities Really Trust?

28:22 - Why Bad News Gets More Attention Than Good News

31:35 - Why Communities Must Tell Their Own Stories

32:00 - The Everyday Impact of Community Fatherhood

35:13 - The Love Blueprint: How Terron and Krystal Met

38:20 - Why Asking the Right Questions Matters in Dating

41:09 - The Challenges of Mixing Marriage and Mission

43:20 - Keeping Family First Through Difficult Times

44:40 - Guest Best: Personal Favorites and Father's Advice

45:34 - Final Message: Our Community Story Is Ours to Tell

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!

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What does it really take to build a business, create wealth, and leave something behind for the next generation?

In this episode of Fathers Making Progress, Terron Edwards sits down with three experienced Milwaukee leaders and entrepreneurs for a powerful conversation about fatherhood, entrepreneurship, ownership, investing, mentorship, financial literacy, and legacy.

The conversation moves beyond simply telling men to "work hard." The panel explores the importance of knowing your numbers, learning how money works, surrounding yourself with the right people, building systems, preparing for opportunities, and understanding the difference between owning a business and simply creating another job for yourself.

You'll hear real stories about starting businesses with limited resources, building investment clubs, operating McDonald's franchises, growing airport retail businesses, learning from mentors, making mistakes, downsizing strategically, and creating businesses that can function beyond the founder.

One of the biggest lessons? Hard work matters—but hard work without the right strategy, systems, financial knowledge, and relationships can only take you so far.

This isn't just a conversation about making money.

It's about building something that can outlive you.

Stronger Fathers. Stronger Families. Stronger Communities.

Key Moments:

00:46 Fatherhood Meets Entrepreneurship

01:33 Meet the Entrepreneurs & Community Leaders

03:23 Story Spotlight: From Milwaukee's 53206 to Business Ownership

08:24 From the Air Force to McDonald's Ownership

09:36 Why Entrepreneurs Have to Know Their Numbers

13:03 Why Success Doesn't Mean You're Finished Growing

15:34 From Law & Economic Development to Financial Education

16:37 How $25-a-Month Investing Can Build Wealth

18:37 The Investment Club That Grew to $1.1 Million

19:55 Why Talking About Money Can Be So Difficult

22:19 How Role Models Create Entrepreneurs

23:19 "I Learned How to Work"

25:42 Starting a Business With Limited Money

27:40 Facts or Cap: Can a Man Make It by Himself?

28:28 Why Nobody Really Makes It Alone

31:09 "Show Me Your Receipts" — Credibility in Business

33:13 You Don't Just Need People — You Need the RIGHT People

35:23 Why Ownership Matters

36:03 Why Communities Need Profitable Entrepreneurs

39:45 Everybody Wants the Butterfly—Nobody Wants to Be the Caterpillar

44:01 Stop Glorifying Struggle & Start Working Smarter

47:29 When Hustle and Grind Stop Working

48:40 Why More Growth Isn't Always Better

49:08 Your Business Needs Systems, Not Just Your Hard Work

50:19 Know How Much You Must Make Before You Make a Dollar

53:00 Be Ready When Opportunity Cracks the Door Open

54:30 Ask Better Questions When You Meet Successful People

56:31 Scarcity vs. Collaboration

57:27 Final Thoughts: Living Proof That You Can Make It

58:10 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!

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What does it really mean to be a healthy father?

Is it simply eating better and exercising... or is true wellness much deeper?

In this powerful season finale of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards sits down with Coach Ambrose Wilson Brown, founder of Miss Bebo Fitness and Deep Health Coach, and endurance athlete Shirak "The Activeist" Berry for an honest conversation about holistic wellness.

Together they explore why physical health is only one piece of the puzzle. They discuss emotional wellness, mental resilience, therapy, mindfulness, healthy relationships, accountability, grief, trauma, nutrition, and creating habits that help fathers live longer—not just for themselves, but for the families who depend on them.

If you've ever struggled to balance work, family, purpose, and your own well-being, this conversation is a reminder that taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.

Healthy fathers build healthy families, and healthy families build stronger communities.

Key Moments:

02:09 Who Are You Beyond Your Title?

10:05 The Challenge of Staying Healthy as a Busy Father

14:43 One Breathing Technique Every Father Should Know

16:44 Why Most Men Struggle to Build Healthy Habits

20:45 Trauma, Grief & Why Men Stop Taking Care of Themselves

26:20 Building Accountability Between Men

31:00 Facts or Cap: Fitness vs. Health vs. Wellness

36:04 Therapy Isn't Only for Crisis

39:46 Is Healthy Eating Really Too Expensive?

41:05 Your Children Are Watching Your Habits

44:00 How Wellness Makes You a Better Partner

50:59 Protecting Your Peace Through Healthy Boundaries

54:17 Rapid Fire: Strength, Healing, Discipline & Peace

55:08 Final Thoughts: Healthy Fathers Build Healthy Families

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Holistic wellness is more than physical fitness.

True health includes your mind, body, emotions, relationships, and purpose. A father can look healthy on the outside while silently struggling internally.

2. Your habits become your children's habits.

Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. Every healthy—or unhealthy—choice a father makes becomes part of the example he leaves behind.

3. Healing starts with vulnerability.

Whether it's therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, or trusted conversations with other men, healing begins when fathers stop carrying everything alone.

4. Accountability creates lasting change.

Health isn't built through motivation alone. It's built through consistent habits, intentional planning, honest relationships, and people willing to check in on you before you're in crisis.

5. Taking care of yourself is taking care of your family.

Self-care isn't selfish. Fathers who protect their physical, mental, and emotional health are better equipped to love, lead, provide, and remain present for the people who depend on them.

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!

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What happens when you finally discover who you are, why you're here, and how you know it to be true?

In this transformative episode of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards welcomes Kweku Tangelo Cargill Jr. and Abba Sheila Haygood for a powerful conversation about African-Centered Rites of Passage and how reconnecting with culture can transform identity, purpose, fatherhood, and community.

Together they explore the life-changing impact of understanding your roots, embracing your spiritual identity, honoring your ancestors, and raising the next generation with intention. Through deeply personal stories, they discuss overcoming identity struggles, finding purpose, mentoring young people, becoming community fathers, and why rites of passage are just as important for adults as they are for youth.

This episode is an invitation to stop wandering without roots and begin walking in purpose.

"When you know who you are, you stop living for performance and start living with purpose."

Key Moments:

00:23 Why African-Centered Rites of Passage Matter

01:20 Meet Abba Sheila Haygood & Kweku Tangelo Cargill Jr.

03:03 Better Together Co-Parenting Sponsor

03:22 Who Are You Beyond Your Title?

03:56 Sheila's Journey From Identity Crisis to Self-Discovery

06:03 Learning to Love Your Black Identity

06:58 Kweku's Journey Into Fatherhood & Community Leadership

10:54 Education, Homeschooling & Raising Children with Purpose

12:09 How Rites of Passage Changed Terron's Life

13:54 Ghana, Mentorship & Serving the Community

15:32 What Are African-Centered Rites of Passage?

18:53 Why Male & Female Facilitators Matter

20:00 Teaching Young Men Purpose, Discipline & Self-Respect

22:18 Scholarship Opportunities Through the Battalion Program

23:44 Becoming Rookie Dad of the Year

27:52 Reconnecting With Culture Restores Identity

32:27 Discovering Your Purpose Through Rites of Passage

35:09 Spirituality, Rituals & Honoring Ancestors

39:40 Facts or Cap: What Rites of Passage Really Are

41:25 Helpers vs. Tricksters in Every Stage of Life

43:47 Rites of Passage Are for Everyone

46:19 Facts or Cap: Everyone Has a Purpose

46:43 West Africa & Reconnecting to Your Roots

49:28 Rites of Passage Is Not a Religion

50:39 Rapid Fire Word Association

51:57 Final Reflections on Culture, Identity & Fatherhood

52:56 How to Join the Next Rites of Passage Class

Key Takeaways:

• Knowing who you are is the foundation for living with purpose.
• Rites of Passage help answer three life-changing questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? How do I know it to be true?
• Identity rooted in culture creates confidence, direction, and spiritual grounding.
• Fatherhood begins long before children are born—it starts with becoming the person your family needs.
• Mentorship and community are essential for raising strong leaders.
• Healing your identity allows you to heal future generations.
• Spirituality is about intentional living—not religion.
• Rituals help create discipline, gratitude, and deeper connection with family and ancestors.
• Every stage of life requires growth, guidance, and intentional development.
• Purpose is greater than money, status, or performance.
• Strong families are built by people who know who they are and why they are here.
• Reconnecting with your roots strengthens your future.

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!

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What does it truly mean to leave a legacy? Is it wealth...A last name... Or is it something far greater?

In this inspiring episode of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards is joined by Pastor Dr. Walter Lanier and Shawn Mitchell for a powerful conversation about faith, fatherhood, leadership, and the stories that shape generations.

Together they explore how fathers build lasting legacies not through money, but through character, love, mentorship, and unwavering presence. The discussion touches on mental health, marriage, military service, storytelling, grief, faith, and the responsibility fathers have to lead both their families and their communities.

Whether you're a father, mentor, grandfather, or simply someone trying to become a better man, this episode is a reminder that the greatest inheritance you can leave isn't what you own, it's who you become. "Legacy isn't what you leave behind. It's what lives on because of you."

Key Take Aways:

• Legacy is built through character, values, and relationships—not money.
• Every father is writing a story that future generations will remember.
• Faith is believing in a better future before you can see it.
• Strong fathers don't have to be perfect—they have to be present.
• Storytelling helps people heal, connect, and preserve family history.
• Mental health matters, and fathers need safe spaces to be honest.
• Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
• Male mentors can change the trajectory of a young person's life.
• Fatherhood doesn't end when children become adults.
• It's never too late to rebuild a relationship with your children.
• Children need consistency, stability, and a place where they always feel safe.
• Healthy marriages create strong families and lasting legacies.
• Community leadership begins at home.
• The greatest inheritance you can leave your children is your example.

Key Moments:

00:22 Building Strong Communities Through Strong Fathers

00:44 Meet Rev. Dr. Walter Lanier

01:40 Meet Master Storyteller Sean Mitchell

02:12 Better Together Co-Parenting Sponsor

02:33 Who Are You Beyond Your Title?

03:13 Why Storytelling Changes Lives

04:06 Walter Lanier's Journey & Community Leadership

07:10 The Legacy of NBA Hall of Famer Bob Lanier

08:20 Lessons Learned From a Great Father

09:30 Sean Mitchell's Military Journey

11:10 Growing Up Without a Father

12:30 Why Every Young Man Needs Male Mentors

14:40 The Healing Power of Storytelling

16:50 Faith Beyond Religion

18:30 Becoming a Father Without a Manual

20:10 Mental Health & Fatherhood

22:15 Committed to the Solution

23:00 Protecting Every Child Like Your Own

25:40 Having Faith in Your Children

27:20 Facts or Cap: Is Legacy About Money?

27:50 Facts or Cap: Do Fathers Have to Be Perfect?

29:50 Fatherhood Never Ends

30:40 When Adult Children Still Need Their Fathers

33:00 It's Never Too Late to Rebuild the Relationship

35:40 Advice for Young Fathers

36:20 Every Child Needs a Safe Space

37:30 34 Years of Marriage & Black Love

39:30 Navigating Grief Together as a Family

41:10 Why Healthy Black Marriages Matter

41:45 Urban Love Stories

43:00 Final Reflections on Faith, Legacy & Leadership

43:45 Better Together Co-Parenting Invitation

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!

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In this powerful episode of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards sits down with Professor Charles Robinson, attorney, mediator, founder of the Kalahari Institute, and Floyd "Wild Horse" Rowell, Urban Healer and conflict resolution specialist, to explore what it truly means for fathers to become protectors, peacekeepers, mediators, and healers.

The conversation dives into conflict resolution, trauma, mindfulness, co-parenting, accountability, mediation, emotional healing, and why healing fathers create stronger families and stronger communities.

Rather than leading through anger or control, these men challenge fathers to lead through wisdom, emotional maturity, accountability, and love.

If you're a father...

If you're co-parenting...

If you're healing from trauma...

Or if you simply want to become a better man...

This episode is filled with practical wisdom that can transform families for generations.

"Healing fathers build strong families. Strong families build strong communities."

Key Takeaways

• Strong fathers create strong families, and strong families create healthy communities.
• Conflict resolution is one of the greatest leadership skills a father can develop.
• Peacekeeping is not weakness, it is one of the highest forms of strength.
• Trauma is often inherited, but healing can begin with one generation.
• Mindfulness helps fathers respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.
• Children learn relationships by watching how adults handle conflict.
• Fathers must prepare emotionally, mentally, and practically before seeking greater parenting responsibility.
• Accountability creates empowerment; victimhood keeps people stuck.
• Healthy fathers challenge destructive behavior instead of remaining silent.
• Mediation and communication often solve problems better than courtroom battles.
• Real fatherhood requires presence, consistency, sacrifice, and emotional maturity.
• Every father has the power to change the legacy passed to the next generation.

Key Moments:

0:22 Why Healing Fathers Build Strong Communities

0:50 Meet Professor Charles Robinson

1:45 Meet Floyd "Wild Horse" Roll

2:25 Better Together Co-Parenting Program

2:42 Who Are These Men Beyond Their Titles?

3:15 Conflict Resolution as a Ministry

5:23 Discovering Mediation as Preventive Justice

6:00 Charles Robinson's Football Journey & Choosing Law School

7:10 Floyd's Mission to Heal Men

8:00 Why Helping One Father Changes an Entire Family

10:00 Fatherhood, Sacrifice & Co-Parenting

13:20 Raising Children Through Presence Instead of Perfection

14:20 Bringing Mediation Into the Community

16:00 Why Black Families Often Opt Out of Court Mediation

17:45 The Need to Train More Black Mediators

19:40 What Happens When Men Receive the Right Tools?

20:00 Trauma, Healing & Taking Responsibility

20:45 Mindfulness Changes the Brain

22:20 Removing the Emotional Barbed Wire Around the Heart

24:00 Floyd's Journey Through Fathers Making Progress

25:00 Following the Crowd vs Following Wisdom

26:00 Changing Harmful Cultural Norms

27:30 Somebody Has to Have Some Sense

29:20 Fathers as Peacekeepers

30:20 Healing Yourself Before Leading Your Children

33:50 Facts or Cap: Do Good Men Enable Abuse Through Silence?

35:40 How Men Should Challenge Harmful Behavior

37:20 Children Learn What Love Looks Like By Watching Us

39:00 Facts or Cap: Does Child Support Have to Go Through Court?

40:40 Why Child Support Systems Often Create Winners & Losers

41:00 Can Men Be Victims of Abuse?

43:30 Michigan Fatherhood Conference Lessons

45:00 Accountability Before Seeking Custody

46:40 Are You Truly Ready to Parent Full-Time?

48:30 Healing Before Fighting for Custody

49:30 Taking Responsibility Creates Personal Power

50:00 Protecting Children Starts With Protecting Yourself

51:45 Guest Favorites & Rapid Fire Questions

53:20 Books That Inspire Healing

54:20 Every Problem Begins to Heal Through Conversation

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!

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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 Gross

01:52 - Why Fatherhood Conversations Matter

02:21 - Tristan's Work Around Healthy Masculinity

04:14 - David's Journey as a Father of Daughters

05:34 - Balancing Fatherhood, Work & Identity

06:06 - Becoming Your Authentic Self

07:20 - Shedding the Masks of Masculinity

08:05 - Why Men Perform Masculinity for Each Other

09:29 - Growth, Change & Letting Go of Old Versions

10:35 - Why People Resist Your Evolution

11:26 - Can People Really Change?

12:35 - When Your Growth Challenges Others

12:55 - Tristan's Personal Journey Into Violence Prevention

14:01 - Recognizing Harmful Behaviors in Yourself

15:23 - Black Women Who Changed His Life

15:48 - Accountability, Growth & Transformation

17:07 - What Men Must Unlearn About Masculinity

18:11 - Letting Go of Perfection

19:17 - Unlearning Sex as Emotional Regulation

21:22 - The Dangers of Always Needing Control

22:03 - Your Worth Is More Than Productivity

23:18 - Why Rest Feels So Hard for Men

24:21 - The Cost of Poor Discipline

24:58 - The Only Emotions Men Are Allowed to Show

26:01 - Why David Struggles With the Phrase Toxic Masculinity

27:01 - Masculinity Without Motive

28:26 - Healthy vs Harmful Masculinity

29:20 - Building Relationships That Work for Your Family

31:01 - Breaking Traditional Gender Roles at Home

32:04 - Teaching Boys Emotional Intelligence Through Sports

33:20 - Why Boys Struggle to Say "I Love You"

33:47 - The Emotional Funnel of Manhood

35:20 - A Lifetime of Suppressed Emotions

36:42 - What Black Boys Need Most

37:17 - The Forgotten Middle School Years

39:39 - Being Both Humble and Fierce

40:37 - Masculinity, Liberation & Black Identity

42:05 - Reclaiming Traditional Definitions of Manhood

43:21 - Learning to Accept Praise & Recognition

44:26 - Why Black Men Struggle to Rest

46:09 - Safe Spaces vs Safe People

46:27 - What Happens When Men Do Their Inner Work?

47:16 - Better Men Create Better Communities

48:28 - Facts or Cap: Real Men Cry

49:21 - The Power of Healthy Emotional Release

50:21 - Facts or Cap: Men and Violence

52:59 - The Shame Men Carry

54:01 - How Men Can Support Women Better

54:15 - Calling Out Harmful Locker Room Talk

55:40 - Accountability Starts With Men

56:03 - Rapid Fire Word Association

57:14 - Why Brotherhood Matters

58:11 - Final Reflections on Modern Masculinity

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!

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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 Takeaways

• Every 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 Leaders

01:52 - Who Is Linnell Rainey?

02:34 - Who Is Victor Barnett?

03:16 - Why Running Rebels Was Created

04:08 - Growing Up During Civil Unrest

04:26 - Keeping 50 Young Men Out of Gangs

05:12 - How Mentoring Became Linnell’s Mission

06:06 - Finding Purpose Through Youth Work

06:27 - The Power of Family-Centered Mentorship

07:15 - Building Leaders by Building Others

07:49 - Why Running Rebels Feels Like Family

08:42 - Terron’s Running Rebels Story

10:22 - How Community Organizations Should Work Together

11:25 - Why Every Young Person Belongs to the Village

12:35 - Breaking Down Organizational Silos

14:09 - How MENTOR Greater Milwaukee Works

15:42 - Can Anyone Become a Mentor?

16:42 - Everybody Has a Story Worth Sharing

17:40 - What Young People Have Taught Them

18:18 - The Hidden Pain Many Boys Carry

19:03 - Why Today’s Youth Are So Resilient

20:20 - The Danger of Judging Young People

21:24 - Why Accountability Requires Compassion

22:29 - Stop Trying to Know Everything

23:35 - The Myth of the Self-Made Man

24:34 - Trust Is Earned, Not Given

25:35 - Facts or Cap: Mentorship Edition

26:04 - 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 Forms

29:43 - Why Mentors Must Heal Themselves

30:16 - Do Young Men Still Listen to Elders?

31:39 - The Love Blueprint Begins

32:01 - The Support System Behind Great Leaders

33:27 - Finding Purpose Through Community Work

34:22 - How Fatherhood Shapes Mentorship

35:18 - You Can’t Save Everyone

36:06 - When Tough Love Becomes Necessary

37:27 - Repairing Broken Relationships

38:13 - Why Fathers Need to Apologize

39:36 - The Power of Saying “I Love You”

40:51 - Final Advice for Future Mentors

41:32 - Milwaukee’s Future Depends on Collaboration

42:12 - Why Every Child Needs a Village

42:58 - 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!

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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 Year

01:08 – Community Care & FMP Awards Announcement

01:42 – Who Are These Men Beyond Fatherhood?

01:58 – Elijah’s Story: Family First, Always

03:20 – Moving to Milwaukee on Juneteenth

03:52 – David Comer: Husband, Dreamer & Community Advocate

05:39 – Meet New Dad David Greene

07:24 – Tristan Gross on Purpose & Healing

09:25 – What Winning Girl Dad of the Year Really Meant

10:21 – Why Great Fathers Feel Undeserving

11:49 – Why Recognition Hits Different for Dads

12:29 – 15 Years of Daddy-Daughter Dances

14:06 – The Emotional Reality of Being Seen

16:14 – Why Fathers Need Safe Spaces Too

17:23 – Watching Your Daughter Grow Up

18:54 – The First Ever FMP Girl Dad of the Year

19:23 – Feeling Seen as a Nurturing Father

20:18 – Fatherhood Through Family Struggles

21:15 – Progress Over Perfection

22:21 – Learning to Accept Celebration

24:10 – Becoming a Better Dad Every Day

26:17 – What It Means to Be Her First Man

27:30 – Building Trust Through Everyday Moments

28:23 – Why Fathers Should Date Their Daughters

30:20 – Respecting Boundaries as Daughters Grow

31:25 – Learning to Parent Girls Differently

32:50 – Parenting Daughters Across Two States

35:23 – The Pain of Long-Distance Fatherhood

37:01 – Balancing Love Between Two Daughters

39:46 – Facts or Cap: Girl Dad Edition Begins

40:22 – 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 Daughter

50:15 – Modeling Love Through Marriage

52:20 – Best Father-Daughter Bonding Activities

53:04 – Why Doing Hair Matters

54:55 – The Power of Daddy-Daughter Dances

57:35 – How Gardening Connected a Father and Daughter

58:12 – Advice for New Girl Dads

59:07 – The Secret Power of School Pickups

01:00:00 – Final Reflections on Raising Daughters

01:01:07 – FMP Awards Invitation

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!

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