Fathers Making Progress Podcast

Terron Edwards

Fathers Making Progress is more than a podcast, it’s a real, unfiltered look into the lives, journeys, and growth of fathers committed to becoming better men, better parents, and stronger pillars in their communities. This is a platform to amplify the mission, expand the movement beyond Milwaukee, and connect with listeners nationwide changing the narrative around fatherhood one conversation at a time. Because the best fathers don’t just show up… they keep growing. Born out of over 20 years of grassroots impact and brotherhood, this podcast gives listeners a front-row seat to the powerful conversations happening inside FMP spaces. These are real discussions, real reflections, and real stories from everyday fathers navigating life’s challenges, breaking cycles, and redefining what fatherhood looks like. Each episode highlights the voices that often go unheard, men who are showing up, doing the work, and making progress despite adversity. From overcoming personal trauma and fatherlessness to building healthy relationships and support systems, this podcast shines a light on the growth, resilience, and excellence of fathers everywhere. Fathers Making Progress also explores the deeper issues impacting families and communities, including the national fatherhood crisis, while offering solutions rooted in connection, accountability, and brotherhood. Whether you’re a father, aspiring father, or someone who simply values strong families, this podcast provides insight, inspiration, and truth.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep 13 - Fathers Reclaiming the Role of Protector and Healer

    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! Stay Connected: Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement) Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

  2. Jun 30

    Ep 12 - Redefining Masculinity in Fatherhood

    What does it really mean to be a man today? In this powerful episode of the Fathers Making Progress Podcast, Terron Edwards sits down with David Comer and Tristan Gross for a deep and honest conversation about masculinity, fatherhood, healing, emotional intelligence, relationships, vulnerability, and breaking free from harmful expectations placed on men. The discussion explores emotional suppression, toxic masculinity, healthy masculinity, accountability, fatherhood, violence prevention, emotional healing, relationships, and what it means to become an authentic man in today's world. This episode challenges traditional ideas of manhood while encouraging fathers, sons, husbands, and mentors to embrace growth, healing, vulnerability, and purpose. A must-watch conversation for every father, husband, mentor, coach, and young man. Key Moments: Masculinity should not require emotional suppression.Men often perform masculinity for other men.Growth requires letting go of old identities.Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.Your worth is not tied to productivity.Healing creates healthier fathers and families.Boys need emotional language and safe spaces.Accountability is essential for growth.Strong men can be both humble and fierce.Better men help create better communities. 01:05 - Meet David Comer & Tristan 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! Stay Connected: Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement) Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

  3. Jun 22

    Ep 11 - "Raising the Next Generation" Fatherhood, Mentorship & Building Boys Into Leaders

    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! Stay Connected: Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement) Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

  4. Jun 15

    Ep 10 - Girl Dads of the Year "First Love & Lasting Lessons"

    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! Stay Connected: Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement) Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

  5. Jun 8

    Ep 9 - Co-Parents of the Year "Teamwork in Parenting"

    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 Announcement 01:11 – Meet the Guests 02:02 – Tim Cole's Introduction 03:11 – Ashley Crawford's Introduction 03:48 – Alexis Outlaw's Story 04:58 – Antoine Carter's Story 06:38 – Why Co-Parenting Matters 08:34 – How Tim & Ashley Became Co-Parents of the Year 09:17 – The #1 Key to Successful Co-Parenting: Forgiveness 10:18 – Rebuilding Trust After Separation 11:13 – Why Trust Often Breaks Down 13:19 – Antoine & Alexis Share Their Story 14:00 – Separating Relationship Problems from Parenting 15:15 – Raising a Teenager Together 17:08 – "We Will Always Be Family" 18:33 – Heartbreak, Friendship & Co-Parenting 19:39 – Mourning the End of a Relationship 20:10 – Is Divorce a Death or a Transition? 22:10 – Why Society Normalizes Conflict 23:42 – Becoming Examples Through the Better Together Documentary 25:05 – "It's Safer to Hate" 27:10 – Receiving the Co-Parent of the Year Award 29:43 – Antoine Opens Up About His Father 31:45 – The Importance of Showing Up 33:44 – Giving Flowers to Good Fathers 35:09 – Never Blocking a Child's Love 36:30 – The Turning Point 37:54 – The Letter Exercise That Changed Everything 39:37 – Rebuilding Trust Through Small Wins 40:31 – The "North Star" Philosophy 43:44 – Supporting Children's Mental Health 45:17 – Facts or Cap: Do Moms Have More Rights Than Dads? 46:12 – Facts or Cap: New Relationships Ruin Co-Parenting 49:28 – Modeling Healthy Relationships for Children 53:33 – Final Reflections 54:24 – Why Co-Parenting Matters 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 Connected: Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement) Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

  6. Jun 1

    Ep 8 - Trailblazer Fathers Pioneering New Paths for Rookie Dads

    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 communities This 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 Connected Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement) Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

  7. May 25

    Ep 7 - Trailblazer Father, Rookie Dads, Old School, New School Fatherhood

    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 legacy This 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.org 0:00 – Opening spoken word & podcast intro 0:22 – Terron Edwards introduces the episode theme: Intergenerational Fatherhood 0:47 – Community Care sponsorship + FMP Awards announcement 1:17 – Introducing Baba Anthony Courtney: Trailblazer & Father of the Year 1:46 – Baba Courtney shares his background and legacy 2:23 – The difference between prejudice and racism 3:14 – How highways destroyed Black communities 4:13 – Milwaukee factories, NAFTA & economic collapse 4:52 – How job loss fueled drugs, incarceration & broken homes 5:07 – Terron reflects on Flint, Milwaukee & neighborhood decline 6:24 – The impact of community divestment 7:01 – Baba reveals he has 13 children, 57 grandchildren & 27 great-grandchildren 7:48 – Growing up without his father and siblings being separated 8:33 – Welfare policies & the destruction of Black families 9:22 – Terron reflects on losing his father at a young age 10:24 – What the Trailblazer Award meant to Baba Courtney 11:07 – Mentoring generations of fathers through FMP 12:12 – Ben Watson’s tribute and mentorship legacy 13:10 – Biggest differences between fatherhood then vs now 13:30 – “There’s no such thing as a stepdad” 14:11 – The importance of community fatherhood and spiritual lineage 15:13 – “Superstar on the Losing Team” and individualism in the Black community 16:06 – Team building and rebuilding the village mindset 16:49 – Traditional African matrilineal societies explained 17:30 – The meaning behind the word “inheritance” 17:52 – Why young people don’t listen to unhappy adults 18:41 – Respect for elders in past generations 19:36 – “Things became more important than people” 20:23 – Fact or Myth segment begins 20:49 – “Kids should be seen and not heard” 21:29 – “Fathers can’t be nurturing” 22:34 – Parenting roles of mothers vs fathers 23:45 – “Elders don’t understand today’s world” 24:24 – The importance of protecting people’s spirit 25:07 – “Young dads don’t take fatherhood seriously” 25:51 – Grandparents Day story that changed Baba’s perspective 26:44 – The importance of lineage and knowing your ancestors 27:11 – Relationships, marriage & staying together 47 years 28:10 – “Black men carry the word, Black women carry the power” 29:26 – Why Black singing groups disappeared 30:23 – Equality vs complementary relationships 31:07 – Men, women & household roles explained 32:47 – How parenting changes relationships over time 33:35 – Growing up without seeing his father at sports games 34:11 – Why fathers should show up for their children 34:57 – The importance of praise, encouragement & presence 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 Connected Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement): Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

  8. May 18

    Ep 6 - Legacy, Leadership & Fathers Leading Beyond the Home

    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 & Legacy 00:22 - Why Fatherhood Changes Entire Communities 00:48 - Meet the Community Fathers of the Year 01:31 - The FM Awards Are Bigger Than Ever 02:02 - Born Into a Legacy of Black Leadership 03:45 - Civil Rights, Open Housing & Milwaukee History 04:37 - Growing Up With Eight Sisters Changed Everything 06:02 - How Old-School Games Built Real Community 07:07 - The Man Bringing Life Back to the Park 08:18 - Why Everything at the Park Costs Just 50 Cents 08:54 - Comedian D-Rock Joins the Conversation 09:22 - From Arkansas to Milwaukee: A Fatherhood Journey 10:18 - The Summer Job That Changed His Entire Life 12:47 - From Fighting in the Streets to Entertaining Crowds 14:03 - D-Rock Reacts to Hosting the FM Awards 15:14 - They Accidentally Discover They’re Basically Family 16:22 - Why Being a Father Is Easier Than People Think 17:29 - “Just Listen to Your Kids” 18:18 - The Parenting Rules Missing Today 20:31 - 40 Years of Marriage & Fatherhood Wisdom 21:32 - Why Communication Matters After Divorce 23:08 - Giving Children the Best of Both Parents 24:19 - How Healthy Co-Parenting Really Works 25:46 - The Life Lessons That Kept Him Out of Prison 27:52 - The Judge Who Saved His Future 30:17 - Helping Young Men Find Purpose Through Work 33:49 - The Night He Gave God “The Keys” 35:13 - One of the Most Powerful Spiritual Moments Yet 36:04 - Learning to Father a Child That Isn’t Yours 37:22 - The “3 D’s & 2 C’s” of Parenting 38:35 - Why They Call Him the “MLK of Fatherhood” 39:16 - “I Just Like Seeing People Happy” 40:04 - Being the Only Black Father in Court 42:25 - Why Fathers Showing Up Changes Everything 43:18 - Guess Who He Ran Into in Los Angeles? 45:15 - Giving Flowers to Fathers While They’re Here 46:00 - Why Fathers Rarely Get Appreciated 47:32 - The Meaning Behind “Keep Living” 48:39 - “I Couldn’t Be Me Without My Wife” 49:04 - Comedy, Community & Final Shoutouts 50:22 - How One Park Is Rebuilding Community 51:00 - “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 Connected Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement): Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)

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Fathers Making Progress is more than a podcast, it’s a real, unfiltered look into the lives, journeys, and growth of fathers committed to becoming better men, better parents, and stronger pillars in their communities. This is a platform to amplify the mission, expand the movement beyond Milwaukee, and connect with listeners nationwide changing the narrative around fatherhood one conversation at a time. Because the best fathers don’t just show up… they keep growing. Born out of over 20 years of grassroots impact and brotherhood, this podcast gives listeners a front-row seat to the powerful conversations happening inside FMP spaces. These are real discussions, real reflections, and real stories from everyday fathers navigating life’s challenges, breaking cycles, and redefining what fatherhood looks like. Each episode highlights the voices that often go unheard, men who are showing up, doing the work, and making progress despite adversity. From overcoming personal trauma and fatherlessness to building healthy relationships and support systems, this podcast shines a light on the growth, resilience, and excellence of fathers everywhere. Fathers Making Progress also explores the deeper issues impacting families and communities, including the national fatherhood crisis, while offering solutions rooted in connection, accountability, and brotherhood. Whether you’re a father, aspiring father, or someone who simply values strong families, this podcast provides insight, inspiration, and truth.

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