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!

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