In this episode, Authorpreneur and host Martina Common interviews her friend/soul brother Jeremy Franklin about his experiences as a father and a man in today's society. They discuss Jeremy's background growing up in Chicago in the 90s, the importance of family and community, and the changes they have seen in the city over the years. Jeremy shares the lessons he learned from his mother and his uncle, who served as a father figure in his life. They also delve into the emotions and struggles Jeremy faced without a relationship with his biological father. This conversation explores the themes of creating a safe and supportive environment, being true to oneself and one's partner, the importance of love, respect, and understanding, appreciating and valuing each other, the power of protection and support, the impact of childhood friendships, being comfortable in one's skin, authenticity and connecting with others, transitioning into adulthood, navigating college and cultural differences, struggles and procrastination, learning to appreciate and value what you have, finding love and support in relationships, the challenges of co-parenting, the impact of devastating moments on children, the joy and responsibility of fatherhood, healing, and forgiveness, and the birth of a child and emotional reflections. Jeremy reflects on his journey as a father and the impact of his uncle's passing. He discusses transitioning from seeking fake reassurance to understanding the importance of real love and patience. Jeremy also shares low moments during fatherhood and how they motivated him to make positive changes in his life. He highlights the high moments of being a father, including nurturing and teaching his children. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of positive connections, being present, and the influence of his uncle in shaping his values and guiding him as a father. In this conversation, Jeremy Franklin and Martina Common discuss various topics related to fatherhood and personal growth. Jeremy shares his perspective on leaving a lasting impact and how he wants his children to remember him. The conversation concludes with Jeremy providing advice for absent fathers and emphasizing the importance of being present in their children's lives.