Ep 11 - "Raising the Next Generation" Fatherhood, Mentorship & Building Boys Into Leaders

In this powerful episode of the Fathers Making Progress Podcast, host Terron Edwards sits down with Victor Barnett, founder of Running Rebels, and Lanelle Ramey, Executive Director of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, for an honest conversation about mentorship, community leadership, fatherlessness, healing, collaboration, and what it takes to raise the next generation of leaders. From gang prevention and youth development to the importance of vulnerability, therapy, fatherhood, and saying “I love you,” this episode is packed with wisdom for fathers, mentors, coaches, educators, and anyone who wants to make a difference in a young person's life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Every young person needs more than one mentor. You don't have to be perfect to mentor someone. The strongest leaders ask for help. Fatherlessness often creates hidden emotional wounds. Healing yourself is part of helping others. Collaboration beats competition in community work. Young people need adults who listen before they lecture. Every mentor needs support, accountability, and community. Saying "I love you" can change lives. No one succeeds alone. Meet Milwaukee Mentorship Leaders 01:52 - Who Is Lanelle Ramey? 02:34 - Who Is Victor Barnett? 03:16 - Why Running Rebels Was Created 04:08 - Growing Up During Civil Unrest 04:26 - Keeping 50 Young Men Out of Gangs 05:12 - How Mentoring Became Linnell’s Mission 06:06 - Finding Purpose Through Youth Work 06:27 - The Power of Family-Centered Mentorship 07:15 - Building Leaders by Building Others 07:49 - Why Running Rebels Feels Like Family 08:42 - Terron’s Running Rebels Story 10:22 - How Community Organizations Should Work Together 11:25 - Why Every Young Person Belongs to the Village 12:35 - Breaking Down Organizational Silos 14:09 - How MENTOR Greater Milwaukee Works 15:42 - Can Anyone Become a Mentor? 16:42 - Everybody Has a Story Worth Sharing 17:40 - What Young People Have Taught Them 18:18 - The Hidden Pain Many Boys Carry 19:03 - Why Today’s Youth Are So Resilient 20:20 - The Danger of Judging Young People 21:24 - Why Accountability Requires Compassion 22:29 - Stop Trying to Know Everything 23:35 - The Myth of the Self-Made Man 24:34 - Trust Is Earned, Not Given 25:35 - Facts or Cap: Mentorship Edition 26:04 - Do Kids with Good Parents Need Mentors? 26:52 - Do Mentors Need Mentors? 27:10 - Who Supports the Helpers? 28:17 - Trauma Comes in Many Forms 29:43 - Why Mentors Must Heal Themselves 30:16 - Do Young Men Still Listen to Elders? 31:39 - The Love Blueprint Begins 32:01 - The Support System Behind Great Leaders 33:27 - Finding Purpose Through Community Work 34:22 - How Fatherhood Shapes Mentorship 35:18 - You Can’t Save Everyone 36:06 - When Tough Love Becomes Necessary 37:27 - Repairing Broken Relationships 38:13 - Why Fathers Need to Apologize 39:36 - The Power of Saying “I Love You” 40:51 - Final Advice for Future Mentors 41:32 - Milwaukee’s Future Depends on Collaboration 42:12 - Why Every Child Needs a Village 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! Stay Connected: Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement) Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)