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. 1d ago

    Ep 15 - Reclaiming Identity, Spirit, and Legacy Through African-Centered Rites of Passage

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

  2. Jul 20

    Ep 14 - Fathers Who Build, Believe, and Pass It On

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

  3. Jul 13

    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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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)

  6. 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)

  7. 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)

  8. 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)

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About

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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