What does it take to raise a son who can navigate the complexities of modern manhood while developing authentic leadership character? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and former executive at the John Maxwell Company, shares hard-won wisdom from both his professional research and personal journey as a father.

After spending two decades alongside John Maxwell, Tim discovered his calling: equipping the emerging generation with the leadership skills they desperately need. But his most profound lessons didn't come from boardrooms or conferences—they came from designing a transformative rite of passage experience for his own son.

Drawing from his groundbreaking research in "The Future Begins with Z," Tim unpacks the unique challenges facing Gen Z boys growing up in the "Peter Pan" era, where extended adolescence and screen-mediated relationships have fundamentally altered the path to manhood. He reveals why today's young men need bridges, not badges, and offers a fresh perspective on helping fragile sons receive firm feedback without breaking their spirit.

This isn't theoretical parenting advice. It's a field-tested framework from someone who's studied leadership development across generations and applied those principles in his own home. Whether you're a father who had strong role models or one who's figuring it out as you go, Tim provides actionable strategies for cultivating emotional intelligence, developing both book smarts and street smarts, and creating the kinds of meaningful moments that shape character.

You'll discover practical first steps for designing your own father-son experiences, learn how the Habitudes framework can transform everyday 

Here is the link to his website:

https://www.timelmore.com/

You can connect with Tim on his socials.  His handle is @timelmore

To purchase his new book at the time of this podcast, "The Future Starts with Z" GO TO THIS LINK (or you can get it wherever books are sold-Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.)

When you join his newsletter, receive teaching moments and encouragement for the sacred work of raising godly young men in a generation that desperately needs them.

If you're ready to move beyond survival mode and into intentional fatherhood, this conversation will equip and inspire you for the journey ahead.

Connect with Dr. Tim Elmore and access his resources at GrowingLeaders.com

Many dads show up, provide, and keep things running — but that doesn’t mean they’re nurturing. In this episode, Marcus Meazzo and Stephen Meeks unpack what it really means to be a nurturing father and why simply being functional isn’t enough.

We dive into the emotional and spiritual impact of fathering without connection, and how that silent wound gets passed down through generations. If you’ve ever felt like you're doing your best but still missing something with your son, this one’s for you.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between a functional and nurturing father
• Why emotional connection is just as critical as provision and discipline
• How to begin healing your own father wounds so you can break the cycle
• Practical steps to reconnect with your son and build lasting trust
• What it looks like to lead your son into godly manhood, even if you never had that example yourself

This episode is raw, real, and rooted in biblical wisdom. No fluff. Just the truth that fathers need to hear.

Grab your copy of "Save the Boys" and our "Manabout Fieldguide" so you can start the journey of taking your son on a life-transforming journey into Manhood.

A practical guide for fathers to take their sons on a rite-of-passage journey toward godly manhood.
Available now on Amazon

Want to help us launch this? Join the campaign and partner with us by visiting:
https://www.fathermediagroup.org/letssavetheboys

In this episode, we welcome Elizabeth Cole, a single parent raising her son, as she shares her journey, challenges, and triumphs of navigating life as a solo parent. Elizabeth opens up about the importance of finding a supportive community and how she is intentionally raising her son despite the gender dynamics of solo parenting.

Our host Marcus Meazzo interviews Elizabeth Cole with Soloparent.org as they dive into meaningful topics such as:

Elizabeth also highlights Solo Parent Society, a resourceful organization designed to equip and connect single parents through free resources like podcasts, an app with daily meditations and sleep aids, and online support groups. Together, Dan and Elizabeth emphasize the message that single parents are never alone.

If you're a single parent, or know someone that is that is looking for support, visit SoloParent.org to learn more about the resources and community available to help you through your journey.

On this episode of The Father Podcast, we have the privilege and honor of interviewing Pastor Heath Hardesty about his story about his father and the process of being an apprentice of Christ.

A Introduction to Heath Hardesty:

Heath is the Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, CA. Originally from Boulder County, Colorado, he now resides in Livermore. Before his pastoral journey, he worked as a plumber's apprentice, which perhaps influences his focus on the concept of being apprentices of Jesus. Heath and his wife, Marla, moved to the Tri-Valley area in October 2009 to join the pastoral team at VCC, and he became the lead pastor in 2015.

Heath and Marla are proud parents of three children: a 9-year-old boy, a 6-year-old girl, and a 4-year-old girl. Heath is an avid reader with a particular fondness for authors such as Tolkien, Lewis, Dostoevsky, Eliot, O'Connor, and Peterson. Expect to hear some literary references in our conversation. Heath believes that our walk as men starts with becoming a true apprenticeship of Jesus which is the embodiment of this episode.

To learn more about VCC go to VC.church

About Our Show:

The Father Podcast by Father Magazine is produced by Father Media Group, a soon to be non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the honor, nobility, and legacy of biblical manhood.

We are a listener supported podcast and organization. If you have enjoyed our content please subscribe to our channel and rate us. If you feel called to support us financially you can go to our ⁠⁠donate page⁠⁠ ⁠⁠fathermagazine.com⁠⁠.

Father Media Group is a dedicated team of makers, creators and leaders who stands as the vanguard of a larger movement, striving to transform the very essence of modern-day manhood, empowering each man to embrace and fulfill his duties and roles.

Free Resources:

On this episode of The Father Podcast, we have the privilege and honor of interviewing Peter Ostapko about his passion for building community among men through the power of story.

A Introduction to Peter Ostapko:

Peter is the Founder and Publisher of Kinsmen Journal. Publishing has long been a dream of his, though only in recent years did the dream become more clear. This platform and voice has been birthed out of his belief that God is good, and that each of us have a story to tell, because of a Savior that redeems.

To learn more about Kinsmen Journal go to Kinsmen.org

About Our Show:

The Father Podcast by Father Magazine is produced by Father Media Group, a soon to be non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the honor, nobility, and legacy of biblical manhood.

We are a listener supported podcast and organization. If you have enjoyed our content please subscribe to our channel and rate us. If you feel called to support us financially you can go to our ⁠donate page⁠ ⁠fathermagazine.com⁠.

Father Media Group is a dedicated team of makers, creators and leaders who stands as the vanguard of a larger movement, striving to transform the very essence of modern-day manhood, empowering each man to embrace and fulfill his duties and roles.

Free Resources:

On this episode of The Father Podcast, we have the privilege and honor of interviewing Dale Alexander. Dale shares the profound impact his father had on his deep relationship with God, his approach to handling money, and how his father's legacy fueled his mission to help teens across the country. Dale's insights lay a game-changing foundation for financial management. This is an interview you do not want to miss.

A Introduction to Dale Alexander:

Dale is an author, speaker and founder of The Talk About Money that teaches teens about the 70-20-10 rule about money and how it can change the trajectory of their financial future.

He has been blessed to pour inspiration and motivation into others for 30 years. As a well-known employee benefits broker and Certified Financial Planner®, Dale also combines his passion for living with speaking opportunities to impact others’ lives and attitudes.

His stages have included numerous corporations, association conferences, school convocations and numerous media outlets.

If you meet Dale, you will never forget his passion for everything he does, from riding his skateboard on his hands to his love of sweet tea! He believes he is here solely to change lives, and after hearing his messages, he hopes you will believe you are too.

Dale serves on the Boards of The John Maxwell Leadership Foundation, Camp Highland, and is an Elder for North Point Ministries.

If you have a teen and want to give him/her a simple plan that could change the course of his/her financial future, Dale offers a free video by going here: VIEW VIDEO.

About Our Show:

The Father Podcast by Father Magazine is produced by Father Media Group, a soon to be non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the honor, nobility, and legacy of biblical manhood.

We are a listener supported podcast and organization. If you have enjoyed our content please subscribe to our channel and rate us. If you feel called to support us financially you can go to our donate page fathermagazine.com.

Father Media Group is a dedicated team of makers, creators and leaders who stands as the vanguard of a larger movement, striving to transform the very essence of modern-day manhood, empowering each man to embrace and fulfill his duties and roles.

Free Resources:

On this episode of the father podcast, we have the privilege and honor to interview Matthew Potter. Matthew shares his story about being adopted by an amazing man of God and the ripple effect that made on his life. Don't miss his story.

A Introduction to Matthew Potter:

Matthew Potter is an American Christian entrepreneur and the founder of Pray.com, the world’s #1 app for daily prayer and faith-based media content. He serves as the president of the PRAY Foundation. As an entrepreneur, Matthew has started multiple ventures including HomeStack, America’s largest white-label real estate app provider.

Matthew is offering one free year to our listeners by going here: GET PRAY.COM FOR FREE FOR ONE YEAR

About Our Show:

The Father Podcast by Father Magazine is produced by Father Media Group, a soon to be non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the honor, nobility, and legacy of biblical manhood.

We are a listener supported podcast and organization. If you have enjoyed our content please subscribe to our channel and rate us. If you feel called to support us financially you can go to our ⁠donate page⁠ ⁠fathermagazine.com⁠.

Father Media Group is a dedicated team of makers, creators and leaders who stands as the vanguard of a larger movement, striving to transform the very essence of modern-day manhood, empowering each man to embrace and fulfill his duties and roles.

Free Resources:

Welcome to Episode 14,  where we will be going to walk through chapter 9 in our new book Save the Boys.

We’ve been asking, “What would it be like if you, as a Father, poured your heart, time and energy into a trip for your soon-to-be teen or teenage son, that would change his life, bring the two of you closer than ever, and help him know what means to be a man?  What do you think that would do to your relationship through the teen years and even as an adult?  How do you think that would impact his definition of manhood?

This book, Save the Boys!, is about how to take your son on a life-changing adventure and transform into a man of character and faith.

Just a recap, we are delving into Part 4 of our 6 part series walking through our new book, Save the Boys!

In this installment of the 6-part series, we're discussing what we term in the book as a "Manabout." To recap, a Manabout is a meticulously planned excursion designed to foster a profound bond between fathers and their sons. These trips not only fortify familial connections but also equip young men with the resilience needed to navigate the trials of adolescence, guiding them towards adulthood with assurance and purpose.

If you do not have a book, you can get yours on Amazon or go to Savetheboys.us.  Also as a reminder, if you enjoy the content on this podcast, please subscribe and give us a rating, which really helps this podcast continue to grow!

The Father Podcast by Father Magazine is produced by Father Media Group, a soon to be non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the honor, nobility, and legacy of biblical manhood.

Father Media Group is a dedicated team of makers, creators and leaders who stands as the vanguard of a larger movement, striving to transform the very essence of modern-day manhood, empowering each man to embrace and fulfill his duties and roles.

Through transformative media and resources, we aim to touch the very depths of every man's soul, providing the sage-like guidance of a father-figure, launching relevant and engaging discourse to ignite young dreamers, and offering a platform for mentors to share their stories with future generations of boys and men. Together, we pave the way for a generation of men who will break free of toxic generational curses,  know their great worth, and walk the path of authentic, purposeful and faithful manhood.

Welcome to Episode 13,  where we will be going to walk through chapter 8 in our new book Save the Boys.

We’ve been asking, “What would it be like if you, as a Father, poured your heart, time and energy into a trip for your soon-to-be teen or teenage son, that would change his life, bring the two of you closer than ever, and help him know what means to be a man?  What do you think that would do to your relationship through the teen years and even as an adult?  How do you think that would impact his definition of manhood?

This book, Save the Boys!, is about how to take your son on a life-changing adventure and transform into a man of character and faith.

Just a recap, we are delving into Part 4 of our 6 part series walking through our new book, Save the Boys!

In this installment of the 6-part series, we're discussing what we term in the book as a "Manabout." To recap, a Manabout is a meticulously planned excursion designed to foster a profound bond between fathers and their sons. These trips not only fortify familial connections but also equip young men with the resilience needed to navigate the trials of adolescence, guiding them towards adulthood with assurance and purpose.

If you do not have a book, you can get yours on Amazon or go to Savetheboys.us.  Also as a reminder, if you enjoy the content on this podcast, please subscribe and give us a rating, which really helps this podcast continue to grow!

The Father Podcast by Father Magazine is produced by Father Media Group, a soon to be non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the honor, nobility, and legacy of biblical manhood.

Father Media Group is a dedicated team of makers, creators and leaders who stands as the vanguard of a larger movement, striving to transform the very essence of modern-day manhood, empowering each man to embrace and fulfill his duties and roles.

Through transformative media and resources, we aim to touch the very depths of every man's soul, providing the sage-like guidance of a father-figure, launching relevant and engaging discourse to ignite young dreamers, and offering a platform for mentors to share their stories with future generations of boys and men. Together, we pave the way for a generation of men who will break free of toxic generational curses,  know their great worth, and walk the path of authentic, purposeful and faithful manhood.

Welcome to Episode 12,  where we will be going to walk through chapter 7 in our new book Save the Boys.

We’ve been asking, “What would it be like if you, as a Father, poured your heart, time and energy into a trip for your soon-to-be teen or teenage son, that would change his life, bring the two of you closer than ever, and help him know what means to be a man?  What do you think that would do to your relationship through the teen years and even as an adult?  How do you think that would impact his definition of manhood?

This book, Save the Boys!, is about how to take your son on a life-changing adventure and transform into a man of character and faith.

Just a recap, we are delving into Part 4 of our 6 part series walking through our new book, Save the Boys!

In this installment of the 6-part series, we're discussing what we term in the book as a "Manabout." To recap, a Manabout is a meticulously planned excursion designed to foster a profound bond between fathers and their sons. These trips not only fortify familial connections but also equip young men with the resilience needed to navigate the trials of adolescence, guiding them towards adulthood with assurance and purpose.

If you do not have a book, you can get yours on Amazon or go to Savetheboys.us.  Also as a reminder, if you enjoy the content on this podcast, please subscribe and give us a rating, which really helps this podcast continue to grow!

The Father Podcast by Father Magazine is produced by Father Media Group, a soon to be non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the honor, nobility, and legacy of biblical manhood.

Father Media Group is a dedicated team of makers, creators and leaders who stands as the vanguard of a larger movement, striving to transform the very essence of modern-day manhood, empowering each man to embrace and fulfill his duties and roles.

Through transformative media and resources, we aim to touch the very depths of every man's soul, providing the sage-like guidance of a father-figure, launching relevant and engaging discourse to ignite young dreamers, and offering a platform for mentors to share their stories with future generations of boys and men. Together, we pave the way for a generation of men who will break free of toxic generational curses,  know their great worth, and walk the path of authentic, purposeful and faithful manhood.