Fathering Strong provides the resources fathers need to improve families and communities by connecting, engaging, and empowering men. The Fathering Strong podcast is hosted by Pastor Eli Williams, President of Urban Light Ministries, and Bruce Stapleton, entrepreneur and digital marketing expert and discusses important topics to improving fathers, families and communities. Special expert guests join the program each week. Eli and Bruce are cofounders of the new online fatherhood community called Fathering Strong.
The CEO Father: Leading Your Home Like a Business with Faith and Purpose
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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alonzo McKenzie00:44 Alonzo's Childhood and Family Dynamics04:14 Current Family Relationships05:05 Meeting His Wife and Early Relationship11:29 Transition to Fatherhood13:11 Passion for Marriage and Family15:32 The CEO Husband and Father Blueprint18:44 Challenges in Marriage and Fatherhood22:22 Joy in Family Life24:24 Work with Fathers in the Community27:56 Future Vision for Fatherhood Work32:47 Final Advice for FathersAlonzo's book, "The CEO Husband & CEO Father Blueprint: Recognize. Lead. Transform." can be found on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/dJ7ofaoPastor Eli's new book "The Family Shepherd" can be found on Amazon at:https://a.co/d/0F08M5YThe Fathering Strong podcast is a production of Urban Light Ministries. To help support the podcast and help us provide free resources to father be consider giving at: https://givebutter.com/urbanlightdonation
18 Dec 2025
The Journey of Foster Parenting with Rob McKinney
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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Foster Parenting Journey03:38 The Decision to Foster and Adopt05:18 Understanding the Challenges of Fostering07:36 Experiences with Fostered Children09:08 The Most Challenging Foster Experience14:27 Spiritual Growth and Transformation28:48 Overcoming Obstacles in Foster Care37:52 Motivation and Purpose in ParentingYou can reach Rob McKinney at email:fatherhood@prcclarkcounty.orgThe 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.
9 Dec 2025
Navigating Fatherhood with Insights from Joe Scrutchen
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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Personal Background05:32 The Impact of Parenting on Fatherhood06:54 Daily Life as a Fatherhood Coordinator09:38 Building Relationships with Fathers17:57 Common Questions from Fathers about Child Support22:08 Supporting Fathers with Arrearages25:31 Personal Insights on Fatherhood33:33 Future Aspirations for Family and WorkTo contact Joe for more information you may reach him at:Phone: 614-961-1864Email: joseph.scrutchena@jfs.ohio.govThe Fathering Strong podcast is a production of Urban Light Ministries. Your support to continue this podcast and the work of reaching more fathers is greatly appreciated. Go to urbanlight.org for more information and to donate.
Who has been a guest on Fathering Strong
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Mike Mattes
Barbara Coloroso
James McDonald
Peter Lawson Jones
Ted Strader
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
24,638
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
97
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
32
Contact Fathering Strong
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Fathering Strong
Who hosts Fathering Strong?
Eli Williams and Bruce Stapleton host the show. Published by Fathering Strong.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Fathering Strong take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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