I Am Dad

A Conversation with the Founder of 100 Fathers w/ Frank Malone

In a deeply personal and inspiring episode of the "I Am Dad Podcast," host Kenneth Braswell converses with Dr. Frank Malone about his transformative journey in life and his profound impact on fatherhood and community development.
Personal Journey
Frank Malone opens up about a crucial turning point in his life where he was suffering from Gion Beret syndrome, brought on in part by personal issues including drug use. He describes a near-death experience where he was in a coma for three days. He attributes his recovery to spiritual intervention, saying he saw a light and felt the need to confess his sins to turn his life around.
Career in Community Service
Frank went from paralysis to a state of proactive change. With a 20-year background in government service, he took a job in the city of Alexandria, working with underprivileged families and focusing particularly on children whose fathers were incarcerated or absent. Frank was instrumental in the Family Resource Learning Center, where these children were provided with a fatherly figure that contributed to their personal growth. This connection and support even led these kids to excel in the Standard of Learning exams.
Advancements in Fatherhood Advocacy
Frank's success drew attention and support from various sectors including government and corporations. He founded the Virginia Regional Coalition for Fathers and later initiated the "100 Fathers" project in Washington, D.C. He has been recognized with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award and has played a role in enacting important legislation like the Custody Relocation Act.
Global Impact
Frank also talked about his involvement in The Million Fathers Project and his partnership with the Apostle, a religious leader with a massive following. Through these platforms, they're taking the mission of responsible and present fatherhood to an international level.
Future Goals
With the recognition of an honorary doctoral degree from Godsu University, Frank remains dedicated to the cause, emphasizing that the journey is ongoing but the work so far has been profoundly rewarding.
This episode delivers a strong message on the power of transformation and the critical importance of fatherly roles in community and personal development. Frank Malone serves as an exemplification of how one can turn personal trials into a triumphant mission to serve others.

A Practitioner Perspective from Baton Rouge, Louisiana w/ Levar Robinson

A native of Baton Rouge and member of Capitol Senior High school class of 1995.  In 1996, after working at K&B Drug Store for a short time, with supportive enforcement from his mother Levar joined the U.S. Navy. He spent 6 years as a nuclear Submarine Machinist Mate on 2 nuclear submarines and a submarine repair ship. This is where he grew his love for traveling and watersports. After the Navy, Levar held positions of  employment with Northrop Grumman, Dow Chemical Company, and ExxonMobil for a combination of 17 years.  Meanwhile in 2008 Levar started mentoring in church with the youth, young adults and prison ministries and volunteered in the community with Big Buddy, 100 Black Men and Volunteers in Public Schools. In 2017 determined to do more with misguided youth and along with supporting fathers he established the 501c3 nonprofit Fathers On A Mission (FOAM) while working shift work for DOW. Levar launched FOAM with the mission of supporting Fathers, Father Figures and mentoring misguided youth. Levar is also a father of 6 and a father figure to hundreds.
On any given day you can find him in schools and the community empowering youth through open dialogue on Enhancing Your Greatness or providing social services intervention to Fathers and Father Figures.
Because of his consistent, effective, and impactful work Levar has been recognized by some of the best organizations and companies in the city and state. He is the recipient of the 2018 Emerge Center Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activist Award, 2018 Louisiana Association of Non-Profits (LANO) Community Leaders Alumni, 2019 ExxonMobil Responsible Care Award, 2020 Business Report Executive Leadership Academy Alumni, the 2020 NAACP Trailblazer Award, a 2020 BlueCross BlueShield Foundation Angel Award Honoree, 2022 New Orleans Saints and Community Coffee Military and Community Volunteer Honoree, and 2023 Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) John W. Barton Sr. Excellence in Nonprofit Management Rising Star Award. 

Broadening the Perspective of Fatherhood through an International Lens w/ Gary Barker

Gary Barker, PhD, has been a global voice in engaging men and boys in advancing gender equality, gender justice and positive masculinities for three decades. He is the CEO and co-founder of Equimundo Center for Masculinities and Social Justice (formerly Promundo-US), a major contributor to international activism on male allyship in gender equality. He was the first Executive Director of Instituto Promundo in Brazil and led its pioneering work on healthy masculinities. 
He is co-founder of MenCare, a global campaign in more than 50 countries to promote men’s involvement as caregivers, and co-founder of MenEngage, a global alliance of more than 700 NGOs. He co-created the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES), the largest survey of men’s attitudes and behaviors related to violence, fatherhood, and gender equality. 
He leads Equimundo’s State of the World’s Fathers reports, which has become a major advocacy platform for the global care economy. He has coordinated Equimundo’s partnerships in conflict-affected settings including work on community-based trauma support and restorative justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Balkans, the US and Brazil. He advises the UN, the World Bank, national governments, international foundations and corporations on strategies to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality. In 2017 he was named by Apolitical as one of the 20 most influential people in gender policy worldwide. He is an Ashoka Fellow and received the Voices of Solidarity Award from Vital Voices for his work to engage men for gender equality. He holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and a Research Affiliate position at the Center for Social Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal. He lived nearly 20 years in Latin America and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Conversation with the Chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus w/ Congressman Jimmy Gomez

Congressman Jimmy Gomez proudly represents California’s 34th Congressional District, one of the most diverse and culturally rich districts in the country. In the 118th Congress, Congressman Gomez sits on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and serves as an Assistant Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Deputy Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). Congressman Gomez is the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus and is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and Future Forum.Prior to his election to Congress in June of 2017, Congressman Gomez served four and a half years in the California State Assembly where he served as Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. In the Assembly, Congressman Gomez distinguished himself as a proven national champion of paid family leave and combatting climate change. He became a key figure in authoring landmark legislation to address public health, environmental justice, water conservation, access to education, civic engagement, campaign finance disclosure, LGBTQ rights, and affordable housing.
Congressman Gomez attended Riverside Community College before receiving a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He lives in Eagle Rock with his wife Mary, baby son Hodge, and rescue dog Austin. He is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

A Father’s Resiliency to Overcoming a Challenging Pathway to Responsible Fatherhood w/ Joseph R. Stiltner

Joseph R. Stiltner is a native of Pittsburgh, PA but has called Loris, SC, home for the last 20 years.  Joseph is happily married and has four children ranging in age from three to 15.  Joseph overcame the struggles of childhood trauma, long-term substance abuse, and gang life and now works as an Intervention Specialist at a local fatherhood initiative.  Joseph also has an entrepreneurial spirit that’s on fire inside of him, and he’s in the process of launching his third business

All You Need to Know about Child Support in the Peach State of Georgia w/ John Hurst

John currently serves as Assistant Deputy Commissioner / IV-D Director for the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). With more than 31 years of professional experience, John began his career with DCSS as a case manager in the Atlanta office. His experience in leadership roles in both the public and private sector has provided a strong foundation in operations, administration, and strategic management. John is a member of the National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) and Eastern Regional Interstate Child Support Association (ERICSA) Board of Directors, and he serves on the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) Executive Committee.

Understanding Child Support from the State of Missouri w/ John Ginwright

John Ginwright has been with the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) since 1992, and has worked with all aspects of the child support program.  Mr. Ginwright has served as the Family Support Division Deputy Director (IV-D Director) since 2014. In this role, he manages the Child Support program for the state of Missouri.
In 2015 Mr. Ginwright created the Child Support Outreach Unit to develop and coordinate child support services with community agencies. The Outreach Unit engages the public with six driving pillars (employment, parenthood, pre-parenthood & young adults, corrections, diversion programs and community engagement). This unit focuses its effort to meet its child support goals, thinking beyond normal child support actions and procedures, while meeting problems before they manifest.  The Child Support Outreach Unit has collaborated and established partnerships with over 100 organizations in Missouri, and has a budget in excess of thirteen million dollars.
In 2023 Mr. Ginwright received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Partnership for Community Leadership, for his outstanding contributions to the fatherhood community. Mr. Ginwright also serves as a member on various boards and committees, including the Missouri Reentry Program Steering Team and the Government Contact Center Council.  He is a sought out speaker on various topics nationwide.

How Father Friendly Judges can use Trauma Informed Strategies to Impact Families from the Bench

This is an enlightening podcast that delves into the pivotal role judges can play in supporting families. It explores how adopting a 'father-friendly' approach and leveraging trauma-informed strategies can transform courtrooms into platforms for positive change, ultimately fostering healthier families and communities. This podcast offers a unique perspective on judicial practice, demonstrating the profound impact judges can have in reshaping the family dynamics and contributing to societal wellbeing.

Understanding Child Support From the Top Down In Louisiana w/ Konitra Jack, Esq.

Konitra Jack is a passionate advocate for family support and the success of every family.  With a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, she brings a unique perspective to discussions on these important topics. Currently serving as the Louisiana CSE Director, Konitra directs the programmatic operations for the child support enforcement section in the state. She joined the Child Support Enforcement team in 2008 as a caseworker in Baton Rouge, LA, and has since made significant contributions to the field.
Hailing from Baker, LA, Konitra is not only a professional leader but also a devoted wife and proud mother of two children, aged 11 and 12. Her personal experiences as a mother further fuel her passion for supporting and empowering fathers in their roles. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, a Master's in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctorate from the esteemed Southern University Law Center, Konitra possesses a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding family dynamics.
Beyond her role as Louisiana CSE Director, Konitra actively contributes to several organizations in the field. She serves on the Louisiana Support Enforcement Association (LSEA) Board of Directors, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and driving positive change. Konitra also holds significant roles in national organizations such as the National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) Policy & Governmental Relations, NCSEA U, and the Child Support Quarterly Committee as an Editor. Additionally, she co-chairs the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) Employer Collaboration Committee, which focuses on bridging the gap between employers and child support initiatives, fostering a more supportive environment for parents who pay support.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Konitra is deeply engaged in her community. She serves as a Children's Church teacher at Jubilee Christian Center Church, imparting valuable lessons to children aged 6 to 12. This role allows her to contribute to the growth and development of young minds within a spiritual setting. Additionally, she is the Co-Leader of Girl Scout Troop 10995 in Baton Rouge, where she guides and empowers young girls, helping them develop into confident, resourceful, and compassionate individuals.
With her extensive experience, educational achievements, and unwavering commitment to family support, Konitra Jack is a valuable voice in the field. Her insights and perspectives contribute to meaningful discussions and help shape a more supportive environment for families to thrive.

Bridging the Gap: Involving Dads in Postpartum Care with Doula 4 Dads

JOEL AUSTIN is the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer for Daddy University Inc. and the Executive Director of The School of Parent Education a 501©3. In this role he serves as a strong, undeniable force in propelling males and responsible parenting to the forefront of the family and community agenda. 
Fueled by his role as a father of four, Mr. Austin is personally and professionally committed to educating and re-educating people about the importance of fatherhood. Through his leadership, Daddy University Inc. has grown into a recognized authority on fatherhood information, support, and training. As a national speaker and skilled facilitator, Mr. Austin presents to thousands across the nation; infusing his passion through audiences and empowering individuals and groups to positively impact the lives of others. 
Mr. Austin is a proud graduate of Cheyney University in Pennsylvania and obtained real-life skills training as a veteran of the U.S. Army. He measures his success by each parent he inspires and attributes his children and family with keeping him focused. He is recognized by his peers as a trailblazer in the field of fatherhood and appreciated by young and more seasoned fathers for his authentic advice, compassionate wisdom, and contagious passion.
Among his many accomplishments; Mr. Austin is the founder of the National Fatherhood and Young Men’s Conference whose message has reached over 58,500 individuals and groups since its inception in 2006. From just a vision the National Fatherhood Conference has become the Largest Fathers Conference on the East Coast and maybe the world.  Mr. Austin founded the conference, as he says, with a dollar and a dream. In 2009 He also founded the Tri-State Daddy Daughter Dance, which has become a tradition that changes the lives of girls everywhere.  Mr. Austin is also the chief facilitator and program developer for the Fathers Club; a free weekly fatherhood training group at three locations in Philadelphia; he services fathers from all backgrounds and ages.