FatherShould

Season 3 finale of FatherShould, Karen Faustin joins the show, turning the tables on Fleming and Ms. Von to gauge their reflections on the latest season. Among other poignant and thought-provoking questions, she asks them both to summarize the season in three words, and has each expand on the other's chosen words. They touch on the sacrifice and hard work of building a successful podcast, what they appreciate about each other, and what they've learned from their guests. It's emotional. For Ms. Von the biggest takeaway from this season was the importance of being your own self-advocate, while Fleming felt the running theme was how people can make a healthy functioning family dynamic work through all kinds of adversity. They also look to the future, to Season 4 and beyond, and reveal what shape they hope the show will take. Fleming, notably hoping for it to become an agent of change. As long as men, and their crucial role in society, especially as fathers, continue to be undervalued, Fleming and Ms. Von will continue to champion them through thoughtful dialogue, unflinching storytelling, and humor.

“There's nothing wrong with needing a time-out from your kid,“ says Ganell Lewis, who returns to the podcast to talk about the challenges of co-parenting, custody arrangements, and the influence of parents on children via both nature and nurture. Ganell argues that family courts work to keep children with their mothers regardless of the childrens' best interest, and that the role of fathers is not taken seriously because it's not recognized. Ms. Vonn argues that men don't make the same sacrifices as women in terms of child rearing and therefore co-parenting should be divided more equally. Fleming argues that if women want equal custody, they have to give up a certain amount of power and control (and some will have to be willing to part with the extra money). Throughout this lively hour, all three dare to be honest about issues society tends to gloss over, fairly turn over both sides of every issue, and check themselves as gamely as they check each other and the rest of society. As always, they find humor and camaraderie amidst even the heavier topics, and you'll find yourself nodding along–and shaking your head–throughout.

“One thing's for certain, there will not be a student that came out of Freedom Home Academy ill-prepared academically,” says Marcus Kline. After their first son was born, Marcus and his wife, decided to homeschool their son, developed the school's original curriculum based on neuroscientist Glenn Doman's flash method. The school opened in February of 2008, for parents who were looking for alternatives to the public schools in Chicago. Since then, they've welcomed hundreds of students through their doors, expanding into a School of Literacy for kids coming out of daycare. Academic rigor and an understanding of culture remains at the heart of the curriculum at Freedom Home Academy. Even students who were failing in, (and/or were failed by) the public system, have gone on to achieve academic excellence, either when transferring to elite private high schools or going on to elite universities. Marcus tells the heartbreaking-turned-life-affirming story of C.J., who went from a class pariah at his previous school to Dean's List thanks to Freedom Home's commitment to reaching students where they are. His own son Oba makes an appearance to demonstrate how effective the Academy's methods are in children as young as five.

This week's guest Fred Brown, is a father of three and raising his niece Nia in the wake of the death of both of her parents. While navigating her unique trauma, Fred and his village work to assure his niece that she's not alone. Knowing he would be the one to raise Nia, Fred continues to instill in her the legacy of academic rigor that meant so much to her parents. On the firmer side of things are the whoopings they all endured that are no longer allowed and they trade stories from the trenches. On the softer side is the therapy that they all advocate for. Fred also makes sure to spend individual time with each child, knowing what they like and shares his confusion at their ever-changing interests. As always, FatherShould takes a firm/soft approach, taking us from the most poignant moments of life and loss, and back to the hilarious. Join to hear what Fleming advises parents what to look for in potential godparents and Ms. Von's tireless defense of Geminis everywhere.

“I feel like the people who are loyal to us are about to throw us away,” Ms. Von manages to say while nearly crying with laughter, “I apologize in advance.” No apology is necessary for the hilarity that ensues. The episode opens with the term “boomerang baby,” which Fleming thinks he coined to describe an unexpected pregnancy resulting from a one-night stand. Ms. Von is quick to correct him explaining it actually refers to a grown child who returns home to live with his or her parents. This leads to discussions about how expensive it is to raise children, the baffling clothing and hygiene choices of teenagers, and why all of Ms. Von's girlfriends insist having kids is a scam.

“You two should lead seminars,” Fleming tells Virginia (Rita) and her ex-husband Victor of how they maintain a strong family unit and exemplary co-parenting since their divorce. And it's a relationship that's had perhaps more than its fair share of challenges. Having had their first son Victor at the end of high school, they credit both of their parents for helping them raise a new baby while just becoming adults themselves. Though they'd eventually realize they were better off as good friends, they continued to prioritize their sons above all, and now each socializes, attends family functions and even vacations with the other's new spouses. Their foundation of respect is evident even in the way that Rita alternately turns to prompt Victor's opinion on a topic, after she's given her own. Join the conversation to hear Victor Sr.'s ambivalence toward protests against gun violence, the strength of his and Rita's faith, and the one issue he and Rita ever argued about as co-parents.

“You only get one body,” Ms. Von reminds us on this episode of FatherShould, “Most people don't realize it until it's too late, until it's literally too late.” A large part of keeping our bodies in optimal health is knowing our genetic risks and predispositions. Both agree on the importance of self-advocacy, which includes knowing your body and paying attention to those changes. Besides genetics, our family influences our health by the habits they instill in us, habits we shouldn't be afraid to change, especially as we get older. We naturally grow out of certain tastes, or otherwise suddenly develop allergies to foods we've always eaten. Once you begin to upgrade your eating habits, Ms. Von explains, foods you once couldn't live without just cease to be appealing. Fleming and Ms. Von weigh in on the great peanut butter debate, the popular and/or traditional foods they don't like and which foods are worth a trip to the hospital.

“Self-care is about consistency, doing things routinely,” says Shanta Hayes, therapist and licensed clinical social worker. Structure and routine are the foundation of raising a successful child who practices their own self care. Creating structure doesn't just make life easier for parent and child, it also builds bonds. This can be challenging particularly when co-parenting, but it's vital to consistency. Shanta explains that parents shouldn't be afraid to walk the child through the reasons, consequences and benefits of the rules they have to follow, letting them know how certain behaviors are connected. It's vital that parents mirror the behavior they wish to see, and teach children the "how" of things, rather than demand "why" when the child can't produce what they haven't learned. They also need to be taught the vocabulary to be able to express their specific feelings. On this week's episode Shanta, Von and Fleming reiterate the importance of your body language matching your verbiage, the importance of finding a therapist with the right fit, and why anger in adolescence is often a sign of depression.

What starts off as a conversation about the quirky yet honest things children say, transitions into observations about how closely children pay attention to their parents. This means they know when adults are fighting, and need adults to confide in, whether it be a therapist, mentor or older family member. Fleming and Von are baffled by the clothing choices and hygiene practices of the young people in their life. Other challenges with children include how protective and territorial they get when introducing new family members into the family dynamic. In turn, the adults have to adjust and learn to let go as the children grow up, gain independence and prefer the company of their peers. Join the conversation to learn about the power of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, whether Fleming's greatest fear with his son was ever realized and vital warning in the song “Cat's in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin.

Today's guests, Tarasha and Ryan Bell, discuss the joys and challenges of raising a blended family, including their two daughters from previous relationships who are the same age. They highlight the importance of recognizing all the children as theirs, and making sure the kids are aware that no one is being replaced even as they adjust to having to share parents and living spaces. The same goes for the adults, who have to recognize that there are now other parents in the children's lives who have similar standing. Parents must be willing to learn their personalities and discipline– and accommodate– accordingly. It's also important to receive feedback from people with the opposite parenting styles, so that you don't fall into a parenting echo chamber and can continue to grow. Today's episode includes a spirited debate about the equivalent of a push present for fathers, the importance of taking the time before responding emotionally, and finding the humor in it all.

On this episode of FatherShould, Fleming and Ms. Von discuss how more Dads have been vocal this year about how they want to be properly celebrated and what they want to receive for gifts. Men are beginning to embrace the tradition that some usually would have shied away from – or been shy about vocalizing it. They also discuss why children need to have a healthy fear of adults and why you should always remember that however a relationship ends, the children involved are innocent.

Ms. Von's father, Albert Tompkins joins the conversation to talk about his journey of fatherhood. He discusses how his daughters and life softened his rigid edges, as he approached being the dad he never had himself. Father and daughter look back on situations ranging from uncomfortable to tragic. But every situation only inspired togetherness, communication, and evolution both individually and with each other. On this episode of FatherShould, hear Albert describe the special relationship he has with his grandson, what he is proud of and the many situations that can be explained with a car analogy.

“I was staying up very late on Sunday nights, because I didn't want to face Mondays,” says Steve E. Ballard explains on this episode of FatherShould. This was more than just that “dreary Monday” feeling. Mondays represented reality, having to face the business he had built and the mounting decisions that came with it, fear of dealing with himself and with life. He was unable to make even the most basic decisions, paralyzed, like so many people, by the worry of how others would judge him. It nearly drove him to have a breakdown. Only when he reconciled with his sexuality, enrolled in therapy and gave his life over to God, did he free himself. On this episode of FatherShould, learn why acknowledging your talents leads to recognizing your purpose, how fear plays into the evolving relationship between parent and child, and how to free yourself from worrying about what others think of you.

“Do you think there's ever a time when emotions are not required in a situation?” Fleming asks in this conversation with Ms. Von. They discuss the myriad situations that require emotions and emotional restraint. Whether it's being overly invested in the 24-hour news cycle during the pandemic, staying in relationships despite both parties no longer being emotionally invested, and having inappropriate emotional reactions at somber events. Part of emotional intelligence is knowing when to not let your needs supersede the other person's. When a person doesn't want to talk, leave them be. When they don't have something to say, respect it. On this episode of FatherShould, the difference between a villain and a repeat offender, why it's crucial for your body language to match your words, and which are the conversations worth having

After finding out his divorce via publication, this week's guest Stanley Thompson Jr. decided to make sure that the ending of his marriage would not negatively impact his children or well-being. He learned his rights, fought the court system and WON!! Tune into this week's episode of FatherShould for an inspiring conversation on fighting for your rights.

“The family court work is some of the most meaningful work that I've done in my time on the bench,” says guest Judge David Baker. For his first two years in the courtroom, Judge David was dedicated to family court, presiding over many child custody cases. With Fleming and Ms. Von, Judge David debunks false perceptions of family court and what goes into the process.

“My personal motto is to be there for the ones that you love. Show up and walk your talk,” explains Diane Del Conte, host Fleming's surrogate aunt, and role model. Years ago, Diane met Fleming's mother while at work and they immediately became friends. Since then, Diane has been an enormous part of Fleming's life and positively influences everyone she knows. Tune into this week's episode of FatherShould for a heartfelt conversation about mother figures.

“There's no manual for this thing called life,” says returning guest Dr. Siah. When he became a new father, Dr. Siah also became a caretaker to his mother before she passed. With hosts Fleming and Ms. Von, Dr. Siah shares the highs and lows of that time and the complicated emotions of gaining and losing the most important people in your life.

Whether it's sex or food, anything can look good if you haven't indulged in a while, according to Fleming and Gerald. Although they understand that it's not right, men will do anything, even lie, to fulfill their “hunger.” However, Dr. LaShauna and Ms. Von recognize that once people become adults, it's time to take responsibility, not just in their relationships but for themselves. With this in mind, all sides can agree that you should have the love life you want, regardless of social conditioning.

After experiencing the tremendous loss of their uncles, hosts Fleming and Ms. Von reflect on what it means to lose important father figures. By walking through their family dynamics, the hosts highlight how the people around us shape us.

As humans we talk daily however how effectively are we communicating what our needs are? This week we talk with Life Coaches Terri Hase and Kenneth Mitchell on practical tools we can use effectively communicate one's needs.

Ryan Bell of The Bell Effect talks about his experience with the court system fighting for his rights as a dad to be in his children lives.

Micheal Cristal discusses the importance of being spiritual grounded and how the absence of his father has influenced his relationship with his children.

June 28th marked five years since the transition of Eugene Fleming Jr., father of co-host and the inspiration behind the FatherShould Podcast. This week Fleming discusses the evolution of their relationship as father and son.

A conversation on how these men hold each other accountable while raising kids within their brotherhood.

Neville Forsythe II of Son of Chef sat down to share the relationship he had with his father.

First time dad Talon Hurst talks about how he manages being an attorney, dad and husband.

A mom's perspective on being a co-parent, life coach and working as a family law attorney.

Fleming and Ms Von discusses their childhood while addressing the challenges today’s kids face.

A discussion about having the courage to leave home and your support system in order to start a new life else where.

See how putting your child first combined with understanding respect, and a co-parenting arrangement can keep you out of court.

A discussion on the importance of communicating with children and leaving them documentation of your life as their dad and what was important to you.

Jason Wallace of Lyrics and Lattes discusses how he balances juggling working a demanding job, being a dad, podcaster and social media influencer.

Raschid Smith, President/CEO and Program Director of AGS Programs discuss the importance of men making their mental health a priority.

This week we talk with licensed therapist Dr. L about being a coparenting and how those experiences influence her approach to therapy.

Fleming and Ms Von discuss how the choices they made for themselves that moved them out of their comfort zone

We look at the critical roles school counselors play in the lives of our kids with LaSundra Vines and Anthony Thomas

Fleming and Ms Von discuss the importance of self awareness and spiritual alignment with Steve Ballard.

This week Kevin Davis and Dave Hall discuss how they balance working a 9 to 5, their drive that helps them pursue various business endevors, spending quality time with family and maintaining their peace of mind during these COVID times.

Chico stops by the FatherShould Podcast to discuss how he balances juggling being a dad, entrepreneur, social media influencer and overall life.

Our Family...Our Way by FatherShould

This week Roderic Irby joins Fleming and Ms. Von, discussing raising/influencing kids that aren’t biological theirs.

This week we welcome Coach K and Coach Fabrice to discuss emotional intimacy, unspoken exceptions and betrayal of the heart.

Welcome to Season 2 of the FatherShould Podcast where we discuss everything about fatherhood in #20Today. This week Fleming and Ms. Von share what they have been working on during their hiatus and 21st century dating.

Fleming and Ms Von sit down to discuss their take aways, lessons learned and overall thoughts of Season 1 of FatherShould Podcast. This podcast is for fathers, sons, mothers and daughter of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to encourage the building of productive family relationships and promote a positive view of dads.

Fleming and Ms Von sit down to discuss their take aways, lessons learned and overall thoughts of Season 1 of FatherShould Podcast. This podcast is for fathers, sons, mothers and daughter of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to encourage the building of productive family relationships and promote a positive view of dads.

Unspoken Promises with Chris Rey discusses the expectations and promises parents make to themselves and their children. This podcast is for fathers, sons, mothers and daughter of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to encourage the building of productive family relationships and promote a positive view of dads.

This week we discuss fatherhood, connecting with kids and having those tough conversations with Rev. Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. Immediate Past President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. This podcast is for fathers, sons, mothers and daughter of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to encourage the building of productive family relationships and promote a positive view of dads.

We continue our co-parenting conversation with Coach Kenny a Court Appointed Advocate for Children. Hear how he navigates the wants of the parents, the best interest of the child and duty of the court. This podcast is for fathers, sons, mothers and daughter of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to encourage the building of productive family relationships and promote a positive view of dads.

This week we continue our conversation on co-parenting with guest Tremont Sutton. Hear how he raised his son with the help of his village and not the courts. This podcast is for fathers, sons, mothers and daughter of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to encourage the building of producitve family relationships and promote a positive view of dads. #20Today #healthyconversations #wemadecoparentingwork #ittakesavillage #understandingyourrole #coparentingisaboutfamily

FatherShould discusses the roles step parents play in co-parenting with this week guest Gee Lewis. This podcast is for fathers, sons, mothers and daughters of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to encourage the building of productive family relationships and promote a positive view of dads. #fathershould #20Today #healthyconversations #coparentingisaboutthefamily #creatinglovingfamilies