In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Alonzo McKenzie, a fatherhood practitioner and author. They discuss Alonzo’s upbringing, his relationship with his family, and the journey of becoming a father. Alonzo shares humorous anecdotes about meeting his wife and the challenges he faced during the birth of his daughter. He emphasizes the importance of strong family relationships, the role of faith in fatherhood, and the need for community support among fathers. Alonzo also discusses his work with fathers in correctional facilities and his vision for empowering families through his book, ‘The CEO Husband and CEO Father Blueprint.’
Takeaways
Alonzo had a solid upbringing with a strong family foundation.
He emphasizes the importance of humor in family dynamics.
Alonzo’s relationship with his father was built on shared activities like fishing and basketball.
He values the relationships he has with his siblings and parents today.
Meeting his wife was a humorous and awkward experience that led to a strong bond.
Transitioning to fatherhood brought significant changes and challenges.
Alonzo admires his wife’s strength during childbirth and values her support.
He believes in the importance of being present and available as a father.
Alonzo’s work with fathers focuses on empowerment and community support.
He encourages men to surround themselves with strong male role models.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alonzo McKenzie 00:44 Alonzo’s Childhood and Family Dynamics 04:14 Current Family Relationships 05:05 Meeting His Wife and Early Relationship 11:29 Transition to Fatherhood 13:11 Passion for Marriage and Family 15:32 The CEO Husband and Father Blueprint 18:44 Challenges in Marriage and Fatherhood 22:22 Joy in Family Life 24:24 Work with Fathers in the Community 27:56 Future Vision for Fatherhood Work 32:47 Final Advice for Fathers
Alonzo’s book, “The CEO Husband & CEO Father Blueprint: Recognize. Lead. Transform.” can be found on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/dJ7ofao
In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Robert McKinney, a dedicated foster parent and fatherhood director, about his journey in fostering and adopting children. Robert shares his experiences, the challenges faced, and the joys of raising a large family that includes both biological and adopted children. He emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, support systems, and the transformative power of faith in navigating the complexities of foster care. The conversation highlights the need for more foster parents in the community and the impact of mentorship on both children and parents.
Takeaways
– Fostering is about more than just adopting a child; it’s about adopting their history and experiences. – Children in foster care often carry trauma that requires understanding and unconditional love. – Support systems, such as friends and family, are crucial for foster parents. – Every child has a unique story that shapes their behavior and needs. – Fostering can lead to unexpected blessings and a larger family than initially planned. – The journey of fostering can reveal the harsh realities of the world. – It’s important to balance the needs of biological children with those of foster children. – Fostering can be a rewarding but challenging experience that tests one’s faith and patience. – Mentoring fathers who have lost custody of their children can be a fulfilling way to give back. – The love of a family can significantly change a child’s life trajectory.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Foster Parenting Journey 03:38 The Decision to Foster and Adopt 05:18 Understanding the Challenges of Fostering 07:36 Experiences with Fostered Children 09:08 The Most Challenging Foster Experience 14:27 Spiritual Growth and Transformation 28:48 Overcoming Obstacles in Foster Care 37:52 Motivation and Purpose in Parenting
You can reach Rob McKinney at email: fatherhood@prcclarkcounty.org
The Fathering Strong podcast is a production of Urban Light Ministries. Your support helps us reach more fathers with free resources and workshops. You can give at www.urbanlight.org.
In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Joe Scrutchen, the Fatherhood Coordinator for Franklin County, Ohio. Joe shares his personal experiences growing up with a strong father figure and how that shaped his approach to fatherhood. He discusses the importance of communication in co-parenting and the challenges many fathers face regarding child support. Joe emphasizes the need for supportive relationships and community outreach to help fathers navigate their responsibilities. He also reflects on his own family life, the joys and challenges of parenting, and his aspirations for the future of both his family and the fatherhood programs he oversees.
Takeaways
– Joe’s parents maintained a positive co-parenting relationship after separation. – Preparation and emotional intelligence were key lessons from Joe’s father. – Communication is essential for effective co-parenting. – Many fathers struggle to understand child support and its implications. – Joe’s work focuses on building trust with fathers in the community. – The Franklin County Child Support Agency aims to support rather than punish fathers. – Joe emphasizes the importance of teamwork in his family. – Every child requires a unique approach to parenting. – Joe’s goal is to see his children surpass his and his wife’s achievements. – Collaboration with community partners is vital for effective fatherhood programs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Personal Background 05:32 The Impact of Parenting on Fatherhood 06:54 Daily Life as a Fatherhood Coordinator 09:38 Building Relationships with Fathers 17:57 Common Questions from Fathers about Child Support 22:08 Supporting Fathers with Arrearages 25:31 Personal Insights on Fatherhood 33:33 Future Aspirations for Family and Work
To contact Joe for more information, you may reach him at: Phone: 614-961-1864 Email: joseph.scrutchena@jfs.ohio.gov
The Fathering Strong podcast is produced by Urban Light Ministries. Your support in continuing this podcast and in reaching more fathers is greatly appreciated. Go to urbanlight.org for more information and to donate.
The conversation explores the societal expectations placed on men regarding emotional expression and vulnerability, particularly in the context of therapy. Harrison Crawford discusses the challenges men face when asked to show emotions, be vulnerable, and relinquish control, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these difficulties in the therapeutic process.
Takeaways
Things like don’t cry, don’t show your emotions, don’t be vulnerable, always be in control, never ask for help.
We ask them to show emotions.
It’s okay to cry.
We want them to be vulnerable.
Sometimes they have to relinquish a little control to the therapist.
Recognizing that that’s a big ask for a lot of men.
I’m here to meet you wherever you’re at in that process.
Acknowledging that it’s hard for you.
Therapy requires emotional expression.
Societal norms impact men’s mental health.
Chapter Listing
1. Introduction (00:28) • Eli Williams welcomes Harrison Crawford to the Fathering Strong podcast 2. Growing Up with Dad (01:34) • Harrison reflects on his childhood and relationship with his father • Discusses his dad’s career and family dynamics 3. Becoming a Father (05:28) • Harrison’s journey to fatherhood • Overcoming fears about parenting • Introduction to his two children 4. Parenting a Son and Daughter (07:21) • Challenges of raising children • Being intentional about gender messages • Encouraging emotional openness and leadership 5. Finding His Passion for Father Work (11:05) • Meeting Dan Griffin • Attending the “Engaging Fathers More Effectively” conference • Experiencing a professional epiphany 6. Current Therapy Practice (13:31) • Virtual counseling approach • Referral processes • Being the “go-to guy” for fathers in therapy 7. Why Men Don’t Seek Help (15:56) • Exploring the “man rules” • Barriers preventing men from seeking therapy • Emotional vulnerability challenges 8. Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword (18:05) • Internet’s impact on fatherhood • Positive and negative aspects of online communities • Masculine anger and echo chambers 9. Supporting Fathers Facing System Barriers (21:11) • Validating fathers’ experiences • Navigating resistance and emotional safety • Helping alienated fathers reconnect 10. Creating Virtual Support for Dads (24:35) • Discussing potential platforms for father support • Importance of peer-to-peer connections 11. The Amazing Dads Curriculum (31:37) • Overview of the passion project • Unique aspects of the curriculum • Trauma-informed approach to fatherhood 12. Partnership with Dan Griffin (37:01) • How Harrison and Dan met • Developing a collaborative relationship • Shared vision for father support 13. Upstream Work with Young Men (39:15) • Preparing the next generation of fathers • Addressing generational shifts in masculinity • Holistic approach to gender understanding 14. Vision for the Future (42:58) • Dreams for Amazing Dads curriculum • Breaking cycles of trauma • Raising a more emotionally intelligent generation of fathers
To reach Harrison Crawford, contact him through email at: harrison@griffinrecoveryenterprises.com
The Fathering Strong Podcast is a production of Urban Light Ministries. To support the podcast, the Fathering Strong App, and the work to help more fathers, please go to www.urbanlight.org.
Sam Treadaway grew up with an alcoholic father and vowed to break the cycle. As a teacher, coach, and school administrator, he learned invaluable lessons about parenting that shaped how he raised his two sons. In this powerful conversation, Sam shares his philosophy on setting boundaries, the importance of parental unity, why consequences matter less than expectations, and how modeling behavior shapes children more than words ever could. He also offers his vision for the future of education, including year-round schooling and removing screens from classrooms. Whether you’re a father, educator, or both, Sam’s hard-won wisdom will challenge and inspire you to father with greater intentionality.
Takeaways:
Breaking generational cycles starts with recognizing harmful patterns
The paradox of parenting: preparing children for when you’re not around
Boundaries matter more than consequences in effective parenting
Parental unity and consistency are essential for raising responsible children
Modeling behavior shapes children more powerfully than words
Avoid helicopter and snowplow parenting styles
Teaching responsibility through chores and clear expectations
Education reform: year-round schooling and screen-free classrooms
Chapters:
00:27 – Welcome to the Podcast – Introducing Sam and the Conversation 01:22 – Shadows of Childhood: Growing Up with an Alcoholic Father 03:55 – Breaking Generational Cycles of Addiction 08:59 – The Path to Intentional Fatherhood 09:38 – College, Teaching, and Personal Growth 11:27 – Two Sons, Two Unique Journeys: Tyler and Dave 18:17 – Navigating Different Parenting Challenges 22:19 – Setting Boundaries with Love and Wisdom 28:45 – The Art of Teaching Respect and Manners 31:20 – United Parenting: Consistency is Key 34:58 – Avoiding Common Parental Pitfalls 38:45 – Creating Supportive Educational Environments 45:16 – The Power of Authentic Student Care 50:03 – Reimagining Education for the Future 57:41 – Fathering as a Lifelong Commitment
The Fathering Strong podcast is a production of Urban Light Ministries. Please consider supporting this podcast and the Fathering Strong programs. Learn more at Urbanlight.org and sign-up for the free FatheringStrong.com fatherhood app.
In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Eli Williams speaks with Chris Lightfoot about his journey as a father and the impactful work he is doing at the Center for Christian Virtue. Chris shares his experiences growing up as a pastor’s kid, the lessons he learned about responsibility and character from his father, and how these lessons shaped his approach to fatherhood. He discusses the challenges and joys of parenting, particularly with his three children, and reflects on the importance of patience and mentorship in raising the next generation. The conversation also delves into the Hope in the Future initiative, which aims to strengthen families and address the breakdown of marriage in communities. Chris emphasizes the need for churches to engage with fathers and provide support, highlighting the role of the Church Ambassador Network in equipping local churches to foster healthy relationships and families. The episode concludes with Chris sharing the accomplishments of the Center for Christian Virtue and his personal motivation for the work he does.
Takeaways
Chris Lightfoot grew up as a pastor’s kid, which shaped his values.
His father taught him important lessons about responsibility and character.
Chris faced challenges as a teenager but learned from his mistakes.
He emphasizes the importance of patience in parenting.
Baptizing his sons was a significant joy for Chris.
The Hope in the Future initiative aims to strengthen families.
Chris believes churches need to engage more with fathers.
The Center for Christian Virtue focuses on community impact through family values.
Chris’s work helps him become a better father.
He sees his role as equipping pastors and churches for ministry.
Chapters
00:00 Chris Lightfoot’s Early Life and Lessons from His Father 09:01 Chris Lightfoot’s Fatherhood Journey 16:04 Chris Lightfoot’s Work at the Center for Christian Virtue 21:48 The Impact of Family Structure on Community Issues 25:13 Addressing Fatherhood in the Church 32:33 Achievements of the Center for Christian Virtue 39:14 The Role of the Church in Community Transformation 42:08 Personal Motivation Behind the Work
To reach out to Chris and learn more about Church Ambassador Network go to https://www.ccv.org.
To learn more about the research focused on the impact of importance of marriage and strong families and get a copy of the 2025 Hope and Future Report go to https://hope.ccv.org/hope/.
The Fathering Strong podcast is a production of Urban Light Ministries. To support Fathering Strong and help us continue to reach more fathers, please go to https://givebutter.com/J8PuE8. If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, go to https://givebutter.com/0V6zEb.
