Fatha Torch: Be the Dad You Wish You Had

Ep. 28 Unravel the mysterious phrase "Never Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand Is Doing." From parenting to interpersonal dynamics, we'll discuss how it encourages trust, open communication, and a balance between individual autonomy and shared responsibilities. Discover the origins of this phrase, rooted in the biblical teachings of the Gospel of Matthew (6:3), where Jesus advises doing...

Ep 9 Fear-based assumptions can lead to a parent-child relationship of pain, drama and heartache for all involved. As fathers we often lash out at our kids in order to protect them from the unknown, or to prevent them from getting involved with something that we don't understand but are afraid to admit it. In this episode let's explore another way to approach fatherhood in the New Year 1. What doe...

Ep. 17 This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance on discipline and communication with their children. In today's society, many parents walk around on eggshells, and it seems like fathers have no authority when it comes to raising the kids. As an advocate for traditional fatherhood, I have dedicated myself to helping other parents like you reclaim your power and raise kids who resp...

Ep 6 Does toxic masculinity impact on a man's mental health? Carl Binger and Joel Lesses have some theories. In this episode you'll learn 1. How men and women experience and cope with depression differently 2. The influence of rap music on mental health and depression 3. The importance of nature and wilderness in mental health and depression 4. Who has the best chicken wings, Buffalo or Rochester,...

Ep. 18 This episode is a tribute to my grandparents who have shaped my life as Fatha Torch, a beacon of light for the next generation. As a father, I believe it is important to honor our elders and learn from their wisdom, especially in these challenging times. In this episode, you will learn: How honoring your elders is a way of embracing and uplifting our generations How to connect with your eld...

Ep. 27 We must recognize that many of us lack self-awareness and struggle to comprehend the repercussions of losing control, and the importance of practicing self-discipline. To establish a healthy relationship with oneself and others, one must exert self-control and manage one's thoughts, which various emotional and developmental factors can influence. This is especially important to consider as...

Ep. 26 Relationship 101 provides us with the hope that our values and worth will be acknowledged by someone. It is equally crucial to deeply understand ourselves and the aspects we hold in high regard. It is important to make sure that these values are respected by our partners. Otherwise, we risk compromising our own sense of self-worth and integrity. It is also essential to be open to learning f...

Ep. 25 The concept of fatherhood is a joke to many people and systems that govern our society. We have the right to procreate, but our rights to nurture, discipline and guide our children is slipping away every day. In this episode Fatha Torch will help you reclaim your power and authority as a man and be the dad you wish you had.  1: Fathers' Rights and Duties: - Discuss fathers' legal and societ...

Ep. 24 The idea of taking responsibility and being accountable can be intimidating for men who struggle with abandonment issues and commitment-related traumas. Some simply don't care about life or its lessons and behave poorly as a result. It is necessary to break these negative patterns and move on with life, taking responsibility for one's actions and learning from mistakes. This is ultimately t...

Ep. 23 Being a father requires possessing proper guidance, self-control, and discipline. Discipline should be viewed as a tool to impart knowledge to children about making better decisions in the future rather than punishment. Communicating expectations and consequences calmly, firmly, and consistently is essential to ensure the child comprehends. It's crucial for both parents to work together to...

Ep. 22 Translating forgiveness can be a challenging process, especially when grappling with emotions such as regret, anger, and confusion. It's crucial to clearly understand oneself to avoid getting lost in a world of pain. Taking the time to forgive is important in accepting the situation and moving forward in your journey to be the dad you wish you had. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting but ra...

Ep. 21 Growing up without a father I found myself setting unrealistic expectations on other men in my life, trying to fill the void my father left. But there were always disappointments because those men simply could not give me the things my soul longed for. It wasn't until I learned to set realistic expectations for myself, my partner and my children that I could truly embrace my goal of being t...

Ep. 20 As fathers, it's imperative that we possess a deep understanding of ourselves. The archaic notion of relying on guesswork to ascertain our worth and capabilities is a thing of the past. We must be cognizant of our duties and rights as fathers, and we shouldn't have to be reminded of this simply because we are fathers. Because we are men, it is our duty to protect our loved ones from any imm...

Ep. 19 Do you want to leave a positive legacy by shaping and guiding the next generation? As 'young elders' we can empower and inspire the youth to reach their full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow.  In this episode of Fatha Torch, I, Rah, delve into the topic of the importance of becoming an elder and sharing wisdom with younger generations. As a father and mentor myself, I understand...

Ep. 16 Sitting in our favorite pizza joint, Create a Pizza, I felt a sense of peace as we shared a vegan meatball pizza. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would forever change my understanding of masculinity and empathy. As I conversed with my wife, I realized I had to adapt my behaviors to be a better husband and father. But what happened next was truly unexpected and has...

Ep. 15 Your dad was an asshole, alcoholic, abuser or just not around to teach you how to be a good man right? So it's up to us the be the change we wish to see in the next generation of fathers. I was surrounded by men who were a waste of time, women who blocked the teaching of fatherhood, and people who were more excited to see a stranger than me. I realized I needed to learn how to be patient wi...

Ep 14 Men fear being unable to provide, being questioned as fathers, and being unable to protect our loved ones. Men often express fear in destructive ways such as aggression and anger, instead of vulnerability. As men we must be mindful of how we express our fear, as it can stifle the growth of relationships and cause resentment. Instead of relying on fear, we should focus on pouring love and pro...

Ep. 13 I was once plagued by the question, "Am I a good father?" I asked myself if I was a good man and what it meant to be a good father. After much thought and research, I realized that being a good father means having principles and characteristics such as protecting, loving, reasoning and being patient. It also means being willing to learn and humble yourself, while also being teachable and un...

Ep. 12 In part 2 of his conversation with Kelly Marie, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning how to embrace anger, forgive those who have hurt you and relinquish guilt while navigating the complexities of relationships with parents, siblings and even other people who are living with mental health conditions.  In this episode we discuss: 1. How art and old cartoons can help you cope wi...

Episode 11: About last year.... Have faith in yourself. Believe in your abilities to make ends meet, to strive. Lower your pride and lower your ego, that you may do better this year. In this episode, you will learn the following: What are the double standards men face in today's social climate, and what can fathers do to help themselves and their children? How can fathers practice self-love, grati...

Ep. 10 Emotional exhaustions amongst men can lead to depression and suicide. It is essential to recognize our mental exhaustion and make sure we are taking care of ourselves and our loved ones who are suffering in silence. I am here to offer support and to listen to my brothers and sisters. I want to help them find healthy outlets to cope with anxiety and stress and to be the dad they wish they ha...

Ep. 8  As the father of nine children, I've been through a lot. From being told I'm not worth the skin I'm in to having my child kept from me. I'm constantly reminded of how I'm not a "real man" or that I'm not going to amount to anything. Here's what I cover in this episode: 1. What are the consequences of a father being told "You Ain't Shit" by their child's mother? 2. What are the double standa...

Ep. 7 Young men today are depressed, lonely, low self-esteem, withdrawn, angry, confused. I was talking to my son this morning about his self-esteem, and he told me that he thinks he's average. I had to explain to him that he is worthy of my love and that he is not a mistake. In this episode, you will learn: 1. The importance of talking to your children about self-esteem, self-worth, and love. 2....

Episode 5 Depression doesn't discriminate - even successful, high-functioning people like Carl Binger and Joel Lesses suffer from it. In this episode of Fatha Torch, they open up about their experiences with depression and how they've found ways to cope and thrive. "Is he just dumb or is it something deeper?" Depression is a serious issue that many people face, but don't often talk about. For men,...

Episode 4  Unraveling Religion podcast host Joel Lesses sits down with Rah to discuss the personal life of fathers and the spiritual side of parenting. Rah expresses his deep desire to improve the quality of life for fathers, and children and the true meaning of 'Fatha Torch.' Get Involved! Interact with Fatha Torch LIVE on Podbean Leave a review on Podchaser. Rate Fatha Torch on Apple Podcast Buy...