Episode 10

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Published on:

15th Jun 2026

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!

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About the Podcast

Fathers Making Progress Podcast
Fathers Making Progress is real conversations, real stories, and real growth. Highlighting the journeys of fathers committed to becoming better men, stronger parents, and leaders in their families and communities.
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.