This is the 8th and final episode for Season 4 of Fatherless Fathers Podcast. During our season finale, we are honoring THE ACHIEVERS, fathers who have served as role models for generations of fatherless youth, while working on behalf of prestigious institutions. Our achievers include: Dr. Marvin Barnard, one of the first African American scholars to integrate Virginia Episcopal School (ves.org/giving) a private boarding school in Lynchburg, VA. Mr. James Bennett, the first African American Director of the American Legion's South Carolina Palmetto Boys State program (fobs.palmettoboysstate.com). Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, former president of the premier Historically Black University, Howard University (giving.howard.edu). And last, but definitely not least, Brother Jimmy McMikle (dreamdivers.org), the Grand Polemarch of the world's greatest fraternity known to man, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. *Sources not mentioned during the show include The History Makers, Howard University: A Tribute to Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Jimmyfor35, VES: Dr. Marvin Barnard ’71 Shares His Wisdom & Inspiration During Black History Month, and Palmetto Boys State: Our Final Remarks.

A RECAP FROM SEASON 4 INCLUDES A SNIPPET FROM THE GRAND FINALE (THE ACHIEVERS) THAT WILL BE RELEASED ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023!!!

This season we've been talking about the A-LISTERS: THE ATHLETES, THE ARTISTS of Hip Hop, THE ACADEMICS, THE ANOINTED, and now THE ACTORS!!! The purpose of this episode is to highlight the impactful contributions of these fathers to fatherhood, through their acting.  Our featured Actors include Morgan Freeman, Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, and Denzel Washington!

This is Part Two of my message on the calling of THE ANOINTED.   "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it."                                                    -‭Mark‬ ‭8:35‬ ‭NLT‬  

On today's show we will have a conversation about Bishop TD Jakes, Kirk Franklin, and Devon Franklin (no relation). These are THE ANOINTED.  Did you know that Bishop Jakes and Devon Franklin were still children when their fathers died from medical-related issues, or that 53-year-old father Kirk Franklin just met his own father for the first time this year? During our conversation, we will discover how these anointed men of God have journeyed through various life experiences including divorce, parent-child conflict, and substance use. 

On today's episode of the Fatherless Fathers Podcast, we are taking a look at THE ACADEMICS. These are our scholars, who through academic pursuits, have made a reputation for themselves, while making it their life's work to educate us about our history. They have also been great role models, teaching Black fathers how to be fully present in their children's lives. Our spotlight today shines on leading academics of note, including Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., and one other surprise guest.  

Four of the Top 5 Artists of Hip Hop on my list, were abandoned by their fathers during childhood, which means 7 of the 10 greatest rappers EVER, not without overcoming varying levels of trauma, achieved major success without the support of their dad. I hope that after listening to this episode, you're going to want to start your healing journey, so that you too can become the best that you were created to become!

We are honoring THE ARTISTS of Hip Hop.  We often hear how fatherless children look to the streets for father figures, and no one has been able to tell this story better than some of Hip Hop's biggest stars. This episode will analyze some of the best songs ever written about fatherhood and being fatherless. I'm going to test your memory to see how many lines you can remember from a few classic Hip Hop songs. I'm also going to give you my Top 10 Greatest of All Time list, with a special spotlight on Hip Hop's fatherless fathers.  

On this first episode of Season 4, we are celebrating the achievements of fathers like Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tony Dungy. Seeing these fathers use their platform as athletes, to become champions on and off the field, has inspired generations of fatherless fathers to aspire to be just like them.

Season 4 of Fatherless Fathers Podcast begins on Wednesday, September 13, 2023!!!