Derek Johns

Dear Son,

About the show

This is a safe space to build upon and reinforce the values of fatherhood. We'll explore the gaps between the current generation of fathers and fathers of generations past, and mature the dialogue that will close those gaps for the generations to come. Whether your passion is to be a great father or peel back the layers of why your father wasn't present in your life (physically and/or emotionally), this is for you. Let's grow through it.

Newest episodes

Why Regular Days Are Priceless | Life After Seizures w Dr. Mu | Ep 228 | The Dear Son, Show

Nov 11, 2026 1 hr 6 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Stop Chasing the Spectacular: Dr. Imamu Tomlinson on Trauma, Fatherhood, and the Power of Regular Days On the Dear Son Show, D Johns (host) talks with Dr. Imamu Tomlinson about fatherhood, legacy, and learning to value “regular days” instead of constantly chasing the spectacular. Tomlinson shares how his son’s debilitating seizure disorder lasted a year and a half, repeatedly disrupting family life with hospital admissions and changing his approach to parenting from pursuing ego-driven aspirations to helping his children become the best version of themselves. The host recounts his own experience rushing his one-year-old daughter to the hospital during a febrile seizure and the helplessness he felt. They discuss duty, emotion, trauma’s lingering impact, and showing up for children, including coaching, presence, and saying “I love you.” Tomlinson also explains his Less Than 1% message about rejecting societal boxes and refusing to let others preselect winners and losers. 00:00 Chasing the Spectacular 00:59 Welcome to Dear Son 02:23 Stewarding the Platform 04:31 Legacy and Letting Go 07:17 Corporate Identity Shift 15:25 Family Structure Today 17:40 A Childs Seizure Scare 21:48 Year and a Half of Helplessness 27:22 Reading Chapter Fifteen 29:05 Finding Joy in Regular Days 31:45 Book Plug and Reflection 33:44 Chasing Spectacular Moments 34:38 Seizure Trauma and Perspective 35:52 Living With Lingering Depression 37:04 What Changed in Me 40:37 Coaching Kids Their Way 45:22 Pushing Limits Safely 49:41 One Moo Many Roles 51:40 Advice Versus Direction 55:12 Letting Kids Be Heroes 57:34 What Kids Need Now 58:29 What He Will Never Miss 01:03:13 Less Than One Percent Mission 01:05:07 Where to Find Him 01:05:34 Final Thanks and Signoff #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lif...

You Must Stay Ready | Ep 227 | The Dear Son, Show

Nov 6, 2026 47 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son, Have You Been Shooting? | Readiness, Discipline, and Real Talk About Sex & Fatherhood On The Dear Son Show, hosts D Johns and Jey Blac discuss “Dear Son, Have You Been Shooting?” as both slang for unprotected sex and a metaphor for readiness when life puts you on the spot. They explore how trust in relationships can lead young people to drop protection, stressing that avoiding consequences matters beyond trust. D Johns shares how watching church camera operators stay prepared inspired the idea of always “shooting” so you’re ready when your moment comes, tying it to school, work, interviews, and character. Jey reflects on fatherhood lessons like patience and coaching instead of discouraging, using stories about his son navigating college without a car, finding ways to travel, and making decisions, plus concerns about safety and communication with their kids. 00:00 Cold Open Slang Setup 02:13 Show Intro And Check In 02:40 Voting And Fatherhood Lessons 04:05 Road Life And Graduation Countdown 05:24 College Comeback Story 07:57 Celebrate Milestones And Hard Lessons 09:05 Episode Topic Unprotected Sex 11:47 Trust And Dropping Barriers 14:25 Church Cameramen Metaphor 16:31 Stay Ready Preparation Mindset 18:07 Character When No One Watches 20:02 Mastery Over Worker Bee Mentality 21:24 Earning the Interview 21:58 Office Time Principle 23:25 Bring Solutions Not Problems 24:32 Who You Are Shows 25:24 Patience in Real Time 27:08 No New Car Lesson 29:24 Uber to the Wedding 33:28 Redirecting His Energy 35:19 Talking Money and Gambling 38:33 Daughter Borrowing the Truck 40:04 Road Rage and Awareness 41:32 Trust What You Taught 42:16 Avoid Creating Sneaks 44:53 Fathers Keep Shooting 46:39 Final Takeaways and Outro #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen...

Building My Dream with My Family | Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship | Ep 226 | The Dear Son, Show

Nov 4, 2026 1 hr 11 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Cord and the Kitchen on Fatherhood, Faith, and Building a Food Brand | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son, Show, host D Johns sits down with Dallas creator and cookbook author Cordarrius Green (Cord and the Kitchen) for a conversation about entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and identity. Cord shares how he learned to cook out of necessity in Mississippi summers, how a Food Network recipe sparked his passion, and how he turned cooking videos into a fast-growing business during the pandemic after working as a claims adjuster. He discusses meeting his wife before his platform took off, building as a team without ego, and the flexibility and mental load of being an entrepreneur-parent. Cord reflects on discipline, avoiding yelling, involving kids in chores and cooking, rebuilding a strained relationship with his father through therapy and hard conversations, and the importance of men expressing love. He also plugs his Kitchen Culture cookbooks and holiday orders. 00:00 Carrying Comparison 01:43 Show Welcome Intro 02:37 Meet Cord Kitchen 03:32 Holiday Content Hustle 04:04 Cookbooks Plug 05:05 Roots Dallas Mississippi 07:23 Growing Up With Dad 09:37 Learning To Cook 12:54 Vegetarian Upbringing 15:22 Gadgets QVC TikTok 16:17 Pandemic Creator Leap 18:16 Quitting Claims Job 19:35 Faith Delusion Plan 23:59 Business Growth Coach 25:11 Meeting Future Wife 28:35 Choosing Right Partner 29:47 Choosing the Right Partner 30:53 Ego and Teamwork 33:07 Provision and Identity 33:56 Fatherhood Mirror 35:23 Discipline Without Fear 39:48 Safety and Call Response 43:48 Being Present as Dad 48:39 Entrepreneur Dad Balance 55:35 Rebuilding with Father 59:55 Saying I Love You 01:03:48 Cooking as Creativity 01:06:29 Heavy Loads and Faith 01:09:40 Wrap Up and Where to Find #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultc...

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 237 episodes

Why Regular Days Are Priceless | Life After Seizures w Dr. Mu | Ep 228 | The Dear Son, Show

Nov 11, 2026 1 hr 6 min

You Must Stay Ready | Ep 227 | The Dear Son, Show

Nov 6, 2026 47 min

Building My Dream with My Family | Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship | Ep 226 | The Dear Son, Show

Nov 4, 2026 1 hr 11 min

Forgive to a Fault: When Grace Becomes a Trap | Ep 225 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 29, 2026 52 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Forgive to a Fault: When Grace Becomes a Trap | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss “the forgive to a fault fallout,” exploring whether anything is truly unforgivable, how forgiveness differs from reconciliation, and how expecting forgiveness can erode its value. They unpack how endless forgiveness and unspoken boundaries can create the illusion that harmful behavior is acceptable, leading to resentment, exhaustion, and eventual blowups. The conversation stresses the need to communicate clearly rather than relying on others to “read the room,” especially within family dynamics where children may be conditioned to undervalue themselves and tolerate neglect. They share examples about overextending, misinterpreting increased effort as forgiveness, and the consequences of reacting impulsively. The episode closes by encouraging self-awareness, taking time to process, and articulating issues even after calming down. 00:00 Unforgivable Questions 01:02 Show Intro and Hosts 01:32 Live Show Announcement 02:17 Life Updates and Gratitude 03:51 Forgive to a Fault 05:27 Is Anything Unforgivable 06:24 Forgiveness Versus Reconciliation 10:16 Communicating Boundaries 15:34 Family Dynamics and Assumptions 19:19 Fallouts of Overforgiving 21:34 Doing More Is Not Forgiving 25:16 Teamwork Through Communication 26:10 When Forgiveness Enables 28:25 Ambition Versus Family Time 29:59 The Chocolate Cake Wakeup 31:56 Conditioning Kids to Settle 35:21 Forgiveness Is a Choice 39:02 Know Yourself Before You Snap 40:41 Road Rage and Real Consequences 45:21 Healing Means Avoiding Triggers 46:53 Articulate and Process Conflict 49:30 Show Updates and Farewell #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus...

My Big Black Therapist: Triggers, Healing, and Intentional Fatherhood | Ep 224 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 26, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. My Big Black Therapist on Triggers, Healing, and Intentional Fatherhood | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, host D. Johns talks with therapist Demani Anderson (“My Big Blac Therapist”) about what success in therapy really looks like: intrusive inner conversations and triggers may not disappear, but therapy builds tools to recognize, ground, and respond differently. Demani shares how losing his mother at 21, growing up as a large Black only child with identity pressures, and later reconnecting with his father shaped his path to therapy and his brand name, which challenges stereotypes. They discuss being intentional in marriage and parenting, validating children’s experiences (especially post-pandemic), separating intent from impact, asking for help, managing biases through real relationships, and the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. 00:00 Therapy Success Defined 01:07 Show Intro and Guest 03:28 Family Wins This Week 05:42 Learning Intentionality 07:30 Path Into Therapy 07:43 Identity and Childhood 09:45 Loss and Breaking Point 11:17 Becoming Big Blac Therapist 13:05 Healing With Mom 14:43 Imposter Syndrome Talk 16:54 Therapy Tools Not Erase 18:19 Why Everyone Needs Therapy 19:37 Pandemic Impact on Kids 21:02 Stop Dismissing Children 23:53 Free Therapy Dallas County 25:13 Parents Guilt About Therapy 27:17 Generational Trauma Context 30:36 When to Push Through 31:51 Work Ethic Inherited 32:47 Beyond Survival Mode 34:21 Process Before You Crash 35:09 Therapist vs Husband Dad 36:30 Holding Space Across Differences 38:58 Naming Biases Intentionally 42:48 Capacity And Taking Off Cape 46:06 Asking For Help Personally 48:04 Owning The Brand 55:20 Choosing The Right Partner 01:00:22 Meeting Dad And Forgiveness 01:04:44 What I Wish He Said 01:07:29 Final Takeaways And Where To Find #fat...

Maybe It Is Harder for Our Kids | Don't Dismiss Their Struggles | Ep 223 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 22, 2026 45 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son… It Might Be Harder for You: COVID, Tech, and Not Dismissing Their Struggles In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, D Johns and Jey Blac discuss how modern pressures—technology, social media, shifting norms, and the lasting effects of COVID—may make life harder for today’s young men. Jey Blac shares concern after hearing an “off” tone in his son’s voice following missed calls and texts, prompting him to pivot from frustration to checking in and offering space to talk. They reflect on how parents can dismiss children’s difficulties by comparing them to their own experiences, and how isolation, lost milestones like graduation, and changing work culture have reshaped expectations. The conversation emphasizes reading the room, acknowledging impact even when it isn’t a loud cry for help, and approaching kids’ struggles with neutrality, support, and humility. 00:00 Worried Dad Call 02:04 Show Intro Setup 02:47 Life Updates Loss 03:37 Support And Growth 04:47 Harder For You 06:34 COVID Parenting Blindspots 09:33 Son Sounds Off 13:12 Isolation And Expectations 16:01 Workforce Waiting Season 18:07 Marriage Reading The Room 20:30 Not Always About You 21:21 Rethinking Toughness 22:10 Damani on Lost Milestones 23:39 COVID Norms and Business Shifts 27:45 Kids Need Space to Share 29:19 Common Core Patience Lesson 32:33 Work From Home and Kids Perception 34:41 Hard Is Relative for Generations 36:34 Grinding for Opportunity 41:27 Information Age Overload 44:14 Neutral Parenting Closing #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: ht...

Autism Is A Superpower | Daycare Abuse to Autism Advocacy | Ep 222 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 19, 2026 1 hr 2 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. From Daycare Abuse to Autism Advocacy: Will Adams on Fatherhood, Purpose & The Village Network In this episode of The Dear Son Show, host D Johns sits down with neighbor and nonprofit founder Will Adams, Sr. to discuss fatherhood, identity, and purpose through the lens of raising a son with autism. Will shares how his family discovered his youngest son’s needs after a daycare abuse case surfaced six months later through CPS, leading to a difficult diagnosis process and years of depression he largely masked while in corporate America. He explains the importance of early intervention, therapies, and ABA, and describes meaningful milestones like hearing his son say “Happy New Year” and progressing to full sentences. Will also talks about being laid off, ego and provision, building The Village Network to support fathers and families navigating autism, and challenging misconceptions while encouraging kindness and education about special needs. 00:00 Daycare Abuse Shock 01:21 Show Welcome Guest Intro 02:48 Life After Corporate Exit 04:00 Building The Village Network 06:42 Layoff Ego And Purpose 13:30 Kids Notice The Changes 16:20 How Autism Was Discovered 19:58 Diagnosis Depression And Masking 21:50 Early Intervention And ABA 25:08 Accepting A New Fatherhood 28:33 Learning Love And Communication 30:26 First Words Moment 32:19 Milestones Worth Celebrating 33:42 Family Shift and Legacy 35:52 Autism Misconceptions 38:28 Advocacy as a Black Dad 40:24 Dad Linkups Safe Space 42:28 Authenticity Over Clout 44:23 Called to the Work 51:33 Grace and Fear of Success 58:19 Fatherhood Without a Dad 01:01:03 Where to Find The Village 01:01:45 Final Message Be Kind #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fa...

Don't Let Anyone Disqualify You | Ep 221 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 16, 2026 57 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Don’t Get Your Qualifications Disqualified On The Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss how people can “disqualify” themselves despite being qualified—through pride, distractions, emotional reactions, or poor decisions. They reflect on fatherhood challenges like knowing when to let sons learn lessons the hard way, recognizing different expressions of focus, and helping children seek support such as tutors or therapy without making it about parental failure. The conversation covers owning outcomes and opportunity cost, finding mentors, staying consistent when consequences from the past surface, and not letting one negative comment outweigh broader impact. They also share workplace lessons about power, courtesy, and long-term cycles of authority, plus a personal story about wasting time over a $25 tire plug as a reminder to pause before acting on frustration. 00:00 Let Them Learn Lessons 01:10 Welcome to Dear Son 01:33 Fall Check In and Community 02:26 Making Space for Priorities 03:57 Qualifications Disqualified 05:49 Don’t Let Doubt In 09:36 Distractions After Graduation 13:44 Pushing Without Controlling 17:00 Asking for Help Matters 20:27 Own Your Outcome 21:55 Mentors for Young Men 24:14 When You Need New Tools 26:41 Learning Through Deficiency 28:04 Understanding Depression Together 28:56 Ego and Asking for Help 29:41 Stop Justifying Relapse 34:05 Consequences Lag Lesson 34:45 Money Habits and Lifestyle Creep 38:48 Gatekeepers and Compassion 43:09 Seize Teachable Moments 46:04 Power Leapfrog and Humility 48:53 Yesterday Today Tomorrow Balance 50:41 Tire Shop Value Lesson 54:45 Final Fatherhood Takeaways #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk #newtofatherhood Channel Focus Areas: “What F...

I Asked My Dad the Toughest Questions | Ep 4 Remastered | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 16, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. A Father-Son Conversation on Legacy, Loss, and Breaking Cycles | Dear Son Network (Ep. 4 – 5-Year Anniversary) D Johns re-releases and remasters his first unscripted podcast conversation with his father, Leonard Johns, for the show’s five-year anniversary. Leonard reflects on growing up in a stable two-parent home, his father’s early death at 46, and how a largely nonverbal, hardworking dad shaped his own parenting style. They discuss fond memories of his father’s carpentry, the pain of returning from Vietnam to face family loss, guilt and unprocessed grief, and how those experiences influenced Leonard’s distance, discipline, and later self-reflection—especially after a prostate cancer diagnosis that refocused him on legacy and family. The two address misunderstandings from D.’s childhood, generational differences, marriage and affection models, and the purpose of the platform: clarifying, healing, and ending negative cycles. Subscribe and share, and comment which part of their conversation resonated most with you. 00:00 Welcome Back Episode Four 00:58 Introducing Dad Leonard 02:31 His Fatherhood Snapshot 04:01 Growing Up Without Feeling Poor 05:20 Losing His Father Young 06:29 Quiet Dad Big Impact 09:02 Expectations And Validation 12:52 Vietnam Hospice Goodbye 15:06 Tools Shipped From Vietnam 17:58 Grandfather Anchor And Legacy 19:18 Grief Guilt And Mentors 22:44 Becoming A Father Without Dad 24:09 Distance Overcorrecting And Discipline 28:03 Fear of Disappointing Dad 28:53 Running Away Memory 30:36 Dad Reflects on Parenting 31:19 Family Sayings Explained 36:57 Puberty Talk Regrets 38:50 Watching You Parent 44:00 Grandparents Go Softer 46:19 Losing Dad and Cancer 50:14 Legacy After Diagnosis 51:46 Saying What We Feel 55:21 Breaking Negative Cycles 57:25 Father to Father Advice 59:19 Closing and...

Because of Alcohol | From DUI to DWI Dad With Influence | Ep 220 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 12, 2026 55 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. From DUIs to Redemption: Steve Anderson on Addiction, Prison, Fatherhood & Faith | Dear Son Show Steve Anderson joins D Johns on The Dear Son Show to share how alcohol-fueled choices led to multiple DUIs, fighting, a felony DUI with great bodily injury, and eventually a third DUI that sent him to prison for a year and a half. He describes a turning point through Christian rehab, his father’s unwavering support, and leading a growing Bible study in prison where dozens of men got saved. Steve discusses leaving corporate to become an entrepreneur, facing his 13-year-old daughter’s suicidal ideations, relapse risks, and the importance of community and accountability through The Good Dad Tribe. He reflects on divorce, co-parenting three kids, parenting with fun and structure, learning patience, and staying aligned with God while rebuilding his life. 00:00 Alcohol Fueled Downfall 01:46 Show Intro And Guest Welcome 03:38 What Im Good Really Means 05:40 Pastors Kid Pressure 08:33 Living A Double Life 10:39 Daughters Crisis And Relapse 15:39 Seeing Dad As Human 16:58 Felony DUI And Rehab 21:50 Marriage Stability Then Slip 23:56 Third DUI Prison Wake Up 26:29 Sin Is A Series 28:14 Counting the Cost 29:00 Dad’s Integrity Question 30:34 Time Served and Prison Ministry 32:55 Fresh Start in Texas 33:37 Scars and Accountability 34:49 Best Friends After Divorce 36:11 Forgiving Yourself 37:41 Parenting With Structure 39:05 Not Bleeding on Kids 40:19 Pride in the Children 41:42 Resilience and Staying Aligned 44:15 Love Later, Focus Now 45:06 Waiting Well and Patience 47:59 Entrepreneurship Storm Season 50:30 Dear Son Final Answer 52:19 Where to Find Steve 53:28 Changing the Narrative Together 54:56 Final Wrap and Blessing #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #ra...

Is It Racist or Just Wrong? Teaching Our Sons How to Respond Without Losing Control | 219 Dear Son,

Oct 9, 2026 55 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Is It Racist or Just Wrong? Teaching Our Sons How to Respond Without Losing Control | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, hosts D Johns and Jey Blac discuss the theme “it’s not right, but it’s okay,” sparked by an incident where D. Johns’ son, working in customer service, was loudly accused by an older white customer of miscounting change despite doing the right thing. They use the moment to talk about reacting appropriately, de-escalating to achieve the best outcome, and how being right differs from facilitating the right outcome. The conversation expands to parenting Black sons in a tense 2026 climate, when and how to discuss racism and discrimination without projecting paranoia, and how past experiences shape the “lens” parents pass to children. They also address misinformation, social media groupthink, election-cycle polarization, and the long-term consequences of public reactions and opinions. 00:00 Is It Racist Or Wrong 02:03 Show Intro And Hosts 02:31 Football Banter 03:31 Housekeeping And Merch 05:12 Topic Not Right But Okay 06:12 Son’s Customer Incident 07:53 Reactions And Outcomes 11:31 Talking Race With Kids 14:15 Generational Lens And Bias 19:17 History Control And Records 21:14 Growing Up In Shreveport 24:23 Projecting Fear Onto Kids 27:21 Neighborhoods Change Over Time 28:20 Property Decline Cycle 28:58 Gentrification Versus Progress 30:06 Teaching Street Awareness 33:40 Workplace Bias Lessons 36:37 Raising Kids With Context 39:47 Humanity Over Status 43:06 Internet Groupthink Dangers 48:44 Think Before You Post 53:29 Closing Advice and Wrap #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice”...

I Worked for this Smile | Protecting the Unprotected | Ep 218 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 5, 2026 56 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. John Lewis on Childhood Trauma, Identity in Christ, and Becoming the Father His Son Needs | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with Jon Lewis about growing up in Pleasant Grove, his parents’ divorce around age 12, and being told he was “the man of the house,” which led to pressure to perform, resentment, and years of carrying responsibility for his mother and brother. John shares experiences of child abuse and being molested while protecting his brother from a neighbor, and how his father’s reaction left him feeling unprotected. He describes learning his worth beyond providing, seeking affirmation in relationships, pursuing therapy and coaching, and having difficult but healing conversations with his mother and later his father, who apologized and shared his own fatherlessness. John recounts years of nonstop crises, including a gun being pointed at him, a legal case, and a head injury causing cognitive deficits, and explains how faith and community helped him cope. He discusses how these lessons shape his relationship with his son and highlights his journal, “When God Calls You by Name,” about men’s identity in a biblical framework, available via @justjohnlewis. 00:00 Childhood Trauma Revealed 01:11 Welcome to Dear Son 01:44 Fighting for a Smile 02:04 Family Life Updates 03:40 Where You From Dallas 05:11 Parents Divorce Fallout 09:07 Man of the House Pressure 13:14 Resentment and Rejection 15:38 Healing Talk With Dad 17:43 Learning Self Worth 20:10 Therapy and Mom Talks 23:21 Molestation and No Protection 25:01 Protector Identity and Aggression 26:20 Living for Me After COVID 27:44 Love and Brain Cancer 28:59 Blended Family Commitment 30:33 Identity After Loss 32:22 Life Event After Event 33:15 Gunpoint Hotel Incident 36:11 Injury And Recovery 36:43 Community Over Isolation 41...

Just Because You Could Doesn't Mean You Should (AI and Fatherhood) | Ep 217 | The Dear Son, Show

Oct 2, 2026 40 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Just Because You Could Doesn’t Mean You Should (AI, Discipline, and Fatherhood Lessons) Jey Blac and D Johns open The Dear Son, Show by introducing the theme “just because you could doesn’t mean you should,” reflecting on how freedom can lead to poor choices and how fathers decide when to intervene with kids versus letting consequences teach. They discuss students relying on AI to transcribe lectures and complete work, warning that it can reinforce laziness and produce graduates who can pass exams but can’t perform in real jobs, drawing on hiring-manager experience and entitlement seen in interviews. They also connect the idea to professionalism in business, where owners may abuse flexibility at the cost of customers’ trust. The hosts share parenting stories about checking on a college son’s grades and avoiding assumptions after misreading a situation at home. They promote the merch store, tease upcoming lives and a docuseries update, and encourage audience support via likes, subscriptions, memberships, and sponsorships. 00:00 Just Because You Can 01:40 Welcome to Dear Son 02:26 Catching Up and Wins 03:44 Merch and Hoodies 04:53 Topic Setup and Parenting Lens 06:32 AI in the Classroom 10:09 What Grades Measure 12:47 Real Skills vs Credentials 14:29 Workplace Reality Check 16:56 Professionalism and Entitlement 21:01 Convenience Without Earning 22:13 Leaving Life to Chance 23:23 Grave Secrets Debate 23:53 Baton Rouge Trip Canceled 24:51 Parenting With Prompts 26:56 Dad Assumptions Lesson 30:52 Default Parent Reality 32:01 Q4 Plans And Lives 33:58 Could Versus Should 35:49 Let People Support 39:03 Finish Year Strong 39:26 Final Sign Off #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk #AIandparenting #parentinggenz ...

What I Found While Looking for Love | w/ Beleaf in Fatherhood | Ep 216 | The Dear Son, Show

Sep 28, 2026 1 hr 34 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Beleaf on Fatherhood, Identity, and Healing: From Baltimore Trauma to Building a Family Legacy In this episode of The Dear Son Show, the host talks with Glen “Beleaf” Henry, creator of Beleaf in Fatherhood, about growing up in Baltimore with a single mother, a distant but present father, and how trauma shaped his views on love, Black identity, sex, and family. Glen shares suicidal thoughts from childhood, the pivotal call to his father that led him to move to California, and how exposure to other families, mentors, hip-hop, Upward Bound, and an HBCU helped restore pride in Blackness and expand his vision of manhood. They discuss marriage, serving a spouse, pressures of leadership and entrepreneurship, boundaries around family and public life, and how Glen’s book "Father Yourself First" pushed him toward therapy conversations with his mother. Subscribe for more meaningful fatherhood conversations, and comment with the moment that hit you the hardest. 00:00 Searching For Love 01:55 Dear Son Show Intro 03:41 Roots And Home Base 04:55 Baltimore Survival Lessons 05:57 Learning Black Is Beautiful 08:40 Complicated Father Bond 12:18 Suicidal Crisis And Reset 16:39 Moms Trauma And Abuse 20:16 Sex And Seeking Validation 28:04 Mentors And Better Models 33:00 Reclaiming Black Identity 35:48 Upward Bound Awakening 39:17 College Culture And Hotep Era 41:21 Faith Shift In California 42:54 GPA Confessions And Distractions 44:23 Leaving College Hungry 44:53 Meeting His Future Wife 45:59 Myspace to Marriage 47:23 A Pastor Models Family 49:48 Learning Leadership at Home 53:23 Serving Through Pregnancy 55:59 Strength Misread as No Help 01:00:05 Entrepreneurship Pressure 01:01:02 Obedience Over Comfort 01:10:47 Losing Deals Going Offline 01:16:28 Writing the Book Therapy 01:21:41 Marriage Is a Future Bet 01:23:11 Ta...

I've Had Enough | Dads Are Tired | Ep 215 | The Dear Son, Show

Sep 25, 2026 47 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Stop Being Everyone’s Fixer: Protect Your Health, Family & Purpose | Dear Son Show In this episode of The Dear Son Show, hosts D Johns and Jey Blac open up about feeling spread too thin, frustration from a lack of reciprocity, and how being dependable can lead others to exploit your time and energy. They discuss setting firm boundaries, prioritizing health, family, and the platform, and learning to be “selfish” for self-preservation without becoming a selfish person. D. Johns shares lessons from his corporate past about overextending, how unaddressed stress can spill into other relationships, and why communicating needs matters before resentment builds. The conversation also touches on letting people fall off if they don’t fit your priorities, and the value of trusted friends who genuinely ask how you’re doing. 00:00 Setting New Priorities 00:58 Show Intro and Catch Up 01:53 Feeling Spread Too Thin 05:52 Consideration and Reciprocity 12:17 Breaking Point and Cutting Ties 14:42 Health First and Letting People Fall Off 16:34 Hard Lessons Build Grit 19:05 Red Flags and Emotional Suppression 22:38 Frustration Spilling Over 24:23 Selfishness For Survival 25:40 Speak Up Before You Snap 27:10 Career Goals And Boundaries 28:00 Marriage Needs Clarity 29:12 Corporate Burnout Story 31:51 Birthday Email Blowup 36:15 Dependability Gets Exploited 39:40 Stop Spoiling People 41:02 Real Friends Check In 42:55 Trust And Proximity 45:23 Signs And Confirmation 46:26 Episode Wrap Up #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsons...

Father Wounds: I Just Wanted to Make Him Proud | Ep 214 | The Dear Son, Show

Sep 21, 2026 1 hr 2 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Billy Grubbs on Healing Father Wounds, Trust, and Becoming the Father He Needed | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with Billy Grubbs about how maturity changes a man’s readiness for fatherhood, reflecting on how a younger, cockier version of himself lacked accountability compared to who he is now. Billy shares growing up as an Army brat across the U.S. and abroad, the instability of a broken home, attachment and trust issues, and how those patterns fueled relationship struggles, including infidelity and fear of being alone. He describes reconciling long-held animosity toward his late father after a personal development training led to a powerful phone call where his father admitted he didn’t always know what he was doing but called Billy and his brother his greatest accomplishment. They discuss vulnerability, friendship accountability, fatherhood standards, and Billy’s desire to build a healthy, authentic family legacy. 00:00 Maturity Before Fatherhood 01:18 Welcome to Dear Son 01:51 Timing and Loss 03:10 Where Billy Is From 04:12 Life as a Military Brat 08:39 Searching for Stability 10:36 Parents Divorce and Secrets 14:20 Loner Years and Gangs 18:04 Identity and Trophy Kids 19:17 Healing Talk With Dad 23:14 Vulnerability and Fatherhood 29:42 Generational Standards 30:59 Granddad Standards 31:47 Dad Hidden Struggles 32:35 Becoming Like Dad 33:40 Machismo And Vulnerability 34:58 Being The Friend 36:47 Preparing For Fatherhood 39:53 Trust And Triggers 42:28 Masks Off Authenticity 46:25 Girl Dad Perspective 54:17 What I Wish He Said 59:19 Contracting Side Talk 01:01:27 Where To Find Billy 01:01:57 Final Thanks And Outro #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers...

I Waited For My Dad to Die | A Father's Fight with Diabetes | Ep 213 | The Dear Son, Show

Sep 14, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Rob Weaver on Caretaking, Co-Parenting, and the Words Our Sons Need to Hear | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with Rob Weaver (known in Dallas as “Chi-Town Rob”) about how his upbringing shaped his identity and fatherhood. Rob shares being born in St. Louis, becoming a man in Chicago, and becoming a dad in Dallas, emphasizing the importance of village and family support. He describes his mother’s resilience—working multiple jobs and becoming a dialysis technician without a diploma—and his father Big Bill’s decline from diabetes, including Rob caring for him as a child while living with long-term anxiety about losing him. Rob reflects on missing levity in youth, learning that “real men change,” and how he now balances high expectations with letting his children be kids. He discusses co-parenting since 2018, communicating decisions to his son, teaching perseverance through basketball, and ensuring his son never has to interpret love—he says “I love you” directly. 00:00 Waiting For Dad To Die 01:33 Dear Son Show Intro 03:16 Rob Weaver Origins 04:09 Confidence And Identity 06:51 Faking It Social Capital 10:47 Parents And Upbringing 12:43 Mom Resilience And Work 15:39 Big Bill And Decline 16:45 Child Caregiver Anxiety 20:34 Late Night Porch Talks 23:18 Generational Fatherhood Lens 26:06 Fatherhood Under Pressure 27:59 Papa Versus Dad 29:22 Dad Adapts to Disability 30:24 Uncle Ralph as Mentor 31:27 Rushing Fatherhood Dreams 33:08 Missing Youthful Levity 36:32 Perfectionism and Anxiety 38:39 Co-Parenting and Kids 41:35 Basketball Life Lessons 45:49 What I Wish Dad Said 52:31 Saying I Love You 55:04 Rat Pack Reflections 01:00:03 Closing and Recurring Guest #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk C...

That's Not Really You | Adjusting for Acceptance | Ep 212 | The Dear Son, Show

Sep 11, 2026 53 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Why Can’t People Safely Dislike Anymore? | Boundaries, Groupthink & Raising Kids to Think Hosts Jey Blac and D Johns open with D’s birthday and a recap of Eden’s first night cheering at a football doubleheader, then shift into a discussion sparked by social media about why disagreeing or disliking something is increasingly labeled as “hate.” They explore how public platforms amplify conflict, how kids absorb “if you’re not with me you’re against me,” and why parents must teach independent thinking, respectful disagreement, and boundaries. They debate whether you must “defend” a dislike, emphasizing that “no” is a complete sentence while acknowledging times when explaining helps collaboration. They connect this to trends, relationships, modeling healthy communication, avoiding stagnation disguised as preference, and distinguishing dislike from disrespect, support from respect, and personal preference from groupthink. 00:00 Sports Fans and Hate 01:21 Welcome and Birthday Talk 02:04 Cheer Game Schedule Chaos 04:05 Celebrate Life and Loss 04:50 Why Dislike Feels Unsafe 08:00 Teaching Independent Thinking 11:37 Do You Need to Explain 15:12 Boundaries and Relationship Safety 21:24 Parenting Guardrails and Timelines 25:36 Personal Preference in Public 28:16 Trend Parenting Reflection 29:00 Guacamole Bias Check 30:39 False Ceilings and Avoidance 32:18 Why Dont You Like It 34:17 Preference Without Hate 38:11 Respect Versus Support 40:45 Peace Comfort Compliance 45:42 Groupthink and Music Takes 49:44 Final Thoughts and Updates #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Le...

My Son Chose Money Over the NFL | Fatherhood and Finances | Ep 211 | The Dear Son, Show

Sep 4, 2026 58 min

From Jordans to $580K: Teaching Kids Ownership with Wall Street With Wallace On the Dear Son Show, host Jey Blac welcomes financial analyst and chief market strategist Wallace Fisher (“Wall Street With Wallace”), a husband, father in a blended family of seven, and Christ follower, to discuss fatherhood through financial literacy. Fisher shares how his investing journey began with Home Depot’s employee stock plan and 401(k), how a spiritual advisor inspired him to give assets instead of big Christmas gifts, and how consistently buying his son stocks in companies he used helped build a portfolio that reached $580,000—leading the son to quit football due to CTE concerns and pursue portfolio management. They discuss starting early with kids, routines for learning the market, the dangers of internet “tips,” the value of mentorship and accountability, and beginner approaches like disciplined saving, ETFs, and researching fundamentals. Follow the channel, subscribe, and leave a review. 00:00 Gifts Into Stocks 01:29 Show Intro And Guest 03:03 Meet Wallace Fisher 05:20 Family And Athletes 07:50 Finance Origin Story 10:00 Home Depot To 200K 12:35 Christmas As Assets 16:00 Quitting Football Shock 19:48 Parenting Evolves Over Time 24:21 Kids Learn By Watching 26:32 Internet Investing Warnings 29:17 Routine First Steps 31:30 Daily Reading Habit 33:59 Mentorship Over Ego 39:07 Class Structure Accountability 43:27 Starting With Small Money 48:50 Portfolio Basics ETFs 51:55 Research Beats Cheap Stocks 55:10 Contact Info Wrap Up #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk #5starathlete #texasfootball #fridaynightlights Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonshop.store Connect with Wallace: https://wswinvestors.com Follow James: http...

TELL HIM NOW | Tomorrow Isn't Promised | Ep 210 | The Dear Son, Show

Aug 31, 2026 46 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Tomorrow Isn’t Promised — Condensing the Lessons, Health Wake-Ups & Dating vs. Marriage Energy Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac open the Dear Son Show by reflecting on health wake-up calls, accountability, and support Jey has received while chronicling his fitness and recovery journey. They emphasize that tomorrow isn’t promised and urge parents to “condense” key conversations with their kids rather than delaying important lessons. They discuss how children can misread a parent’s communication, reinforce that love and frustration can coexist, and argue that correction shows belief in a child. The conversation shifts to relationships: distinguishing lust, love, sex, and long-term consequences, warning against applying “marriage energy” in dating, and advising sons to understand value, phases, and self-awareness. They also defend having practical talks about protection without “letting the streets” educate kids, encouraging listeners to stop leaving critical conversations to chance. 00:00 Cold Open Banter 00:51 Welcome to Dear Son 01:31 Health Scare Update 02:58 Fitness Accountability Plan 04:37 Tomorrow Isn’t Promised 07:43 Condense the Lessons 10:58 Love Not Performance 15:54 Correction Means Belief 19:25 Dating vs Marriage Energy 24:19 Commitment Clocks 26:20 Environment Shapes Love 27:38 Fixer Fantasy Trap 29:26 Value Over Hope 33:16 Sex Love Decoupling 35:32 Real Talk Protection 38:33 Talk Before Streets 42:55 Conversations Cost 44:51 Final Thanks Goodbye #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsons...

From Juvenile Delinquent to Juvenile Justice Leader | Ep 209 | The Dear Son, Show

Aug 28, 2026 57 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. From Gangs to Purpose: Louie McClain II on Fatherhood, Identity, and Building Pathways On The Dear Son Show, host (D Johns) converses with Louie McClain II from Arlington, Texas, who recounts getting involved in gangs, hiding violence and drug activity from his Liberian immigrant mother, and a pivotal school incident caught on camera that devastated her. Louie explains how seeking protection, acceptance, clout, and a father figure drew him deeper into that life amid a diverse, volatile environment, while his biological father was largely absent after moving to Delaware and later kicked him out. After college in Pensacola studying criminal justice, he found purpose helping at-risk young men and worked in juvenile justice for seven years. Now a father of two, he discusses being unprepared for parenting, challenges of having hard conversations with kids, and building a clear vision through entrepreneurship, including Melanin Origins, The Meditative Coach, and leading the nonprofit Building Pathways to connect disadvantaged people to high-paying construction careers. 00:00 Caught on Camera 00:22 Purpose From Pain 00:57 Welcome to Dear Son 01:53 Optimism and Enthusiasm 02:48 Leaving Home and College 03:48 Arlington and Gang Life 04:47 Why Criminal Justice 06:35 Drawn to the Streets 08:55 Home Life and Hiding It 11:32 School Fight Intervention 13:25 Acceptance and Father Figures 16:32 Identity as African American 17:38 Biological Father Story 23:15 What a Father Absence Costs 25:26 Needing Dad at Any Age 26:54 Custody And Ages 27:29 Unprepared Fatherhood 29:01 Choosing To Be Present 30:24 Learning A New Blueprint 32:13 What To Tell The Kids 34:45 Timing Hard Conversations 38:20 Work Versus Family 41:30 Becoming This Version 44:01 Building Melanin Origins 45:05 Vision And Identity Shift 50:38 Building P...

Young Man: You Must Train People How to Treat You | Setting Boundaries | Ep 208 | The Dear Son, Show

Aug 24, 2026 37 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Which Side of the Process Are You On? Boundaries, Criticism & Real Growth On The Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss how society treats disagreement and criticism, arguing that always “taking the high road” can enable disrespect if boundaries aren’t set and enforced. They explore “which side of the process” you’re on—waiting for outcomes versus doing the work—using an orange vs. fresh-squeezed juice analogy, and connect it to parenting, public perception, and social media clips shaping opinions. They emphasize training people how to treat you, defending your name when boundaries are breached, and teaching children awareness, environment-reading, and how behavior communicates value—especially in risky social settings. The episode closes with announcements of a docuseries and live event, and a personal doc-style segment beginning August 15, 2026, following a 90-day health journey after a dangerous blood-pressure reading and a commitment to lifestyle and nutrition changes. 00:00 Disagreeing Feels Forbidden 00:59 Meet Dear Son Show 01:23 Texas Heat Warmup 01:49 Which Side of Process 02:26 Orange Juice Mindset 03:23 Critics and High Road 04:50 Parenting Under Scrutiny 05:53 Kids Pushback Dialogues 08:32 Dishes Lesson Boundaries 10:41 Clips and Misjudgment 11:08 Stop Taking High Road 15:36 Training Treatment Boundaries 16:56 Defending Your Name 18:22 Knowing Your Worth 19:10 Value Shown Not Said 19:38 Common Denominator Check 20:23 Dump Truck Or Jewel Box 22:21 Teaching Kids Awareness 24:43 Environments Shape You 29:00 Twenties Are Theory 29:38 Consequences Lag Lesson 31:33 Elders Were Right 33:26 Network Updates And Events 34:56 High Road And Gratitude #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk C...

My Father Gave Me Discipline. That's What I Needed to Be Excellent | Ep 207 | The Dear Son, Show

Aug 21, 2026 1 hr 6 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. NéAndré Broussard on Fatherhood, Vulnerability & Building Blac Menswear | Dear Son Show On The Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with NéAndré Broussard—child of God, husband, father, and visionary entrepreneur—about how his Marine father’s disciplined presence shaped his approach to parenting, structure, and being a dad who’s not a friend. Broussard shares how corporate travel and the loneliness of hotel life pushed him toward full-time entrepreneurship, and how his wife Erica’s support, therapy, and better communication helped him lead through a difficult transition while learning to be vulnerable. He explains Blac Menswear’s mission to change narratives about Black men through content, storytelling, experiences, service, and global brotherhood, including navigating early backlash and defining excellence as aspirational. Broussard credits the vision’s origin to Philando Castile’s killing and describes goals to become a destination platform for Black men. Subscribe and comment with the moment that resonated most. 00:00 Backlash and Criticism 01:00 Show Welcome and Guest Intro 03:00 Roots in Houston and Dallas 03:47 Marine Dad to Softer Side 07:14 Presence Is Production 11:33 Hotel Door Turning Point 15:45 Wife as the Rock 20:04 Rough Transition and Therapy 26:46 Modeling Conflict for Kids 28:57 Nonverbal Damage Lessons 30:36 Raising Boys Presently 34:07 Travel Mindset Lessons 35:51 Father Not Friend 37:52 What Is Blac Menswear 42:05 Excellence As Standard 45:27 Backlash And Staying Ten Toes 51:34 Vision Sparked By Philando 57:31 Essence For Men Dream 01:01:34 Vulnerability Advice To Sons 01:04:34 Where To Find Him #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”...

Where Did That Behavior Come From? | Ep 206 | The Dear Son, Show

Aug 17, 2026 47 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Where Did That Come From? Why Examples, Culture, and Honesty Matter Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac open The Dear Son Show with light family updates, then center the episode on the question, “Son, where did that come from?”—a prompt for understanding the roots of a child’s emotions, choices, and hesitation to communicate. They discuss why examples matter in learning decency and relationship skills, how cultural norms shape expectations and conflict, and why authenticity—rather than sending a “representative”—is crucial in dating and marriage. The conversation stresses sharing age-appropriate real-life stories and lessons, addressing red flags and abusive behavior early, and not covering for harmful actions to avoid consequences. They emphasize checking children’s reactions in sports and life, being intentional about trade-offs, and using honest dialogue to equip sons beyond what they observe at home. 00:00 Fatherhood Reference Point 00:42 Show Intro and Hosts 01:05 Back to School Pickup Chaos 02:09 Grandbaby Turns Two 03:47 Where Did That Come From 06:19 Comment Sparked the Topic 08:58 Why Examples Matter 11:53 Decency vs Relationship History 14:52 Cultural Norms and Ethnocentrism 18:29 Family Culture Inside the House 19:14 Kids Growing Up and Parenting Shifts 20:59 Authenticity in Relationships 22:23 Safety Nonnegotiables 23:52 Tell The Whole Story 25:50 Drop The Representative 33:43 Dating Without Attachments 35:29 Modeling Is Not Enough 37:43 Checking Aggression Early 41:17 Stop Covering Abuse 46:45 Tradeoffs And Farewell #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: The Dear Son, Shop: https://thedearsonshop.store Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com...

The Audacity | Ep 205 | The Dear Son, Show

Aug 11, 2026 46 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Who Do You Think You Are? | Lessons vs. Examples, Ego, and Receiving Wisdom In this episode of The Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss identity and the question “Who do you think you are?” through fatherhood, focusing on how people—especially younger generations—often discredit advice by “considering the source” rather than the lesson. They debate whether someone with failures (like multiple divorces or an overweight doctor) can still offer valid wisdom, and warn against seeking to invalidate others, getting stuck on word choice (like “universe” vs. God), or creating echo chambers. They explore how God’s answers may come in unexpected “packaging,” how disregarding guidance can become self-sabotage, and how imposter syndrome and feeling undeserving can undermine growth. The hosts share personal reflections on parenting, missed opportunities, and staying open to learning from anywhere, then preview upcoming Dear Son Network projects including a series with Jey Blac’s dad and a health documentary. 00:00 Lessons for My Kids 00:51 Welcome to Dear Son 01:55 Episode Theme Identity 03:27 Parents Get Dismissed 05:00 Consider the Source 06:59 Invalidation Culture 10:48 Doctor Example Marketing 13:36 Universe vs God Wordplay 17:50 Don’t Worship People 20:14 Sports Coach Breakthrough 23:47 Adult Children Advice 24:09 Lessons for My Kids 25:06 Consistency Beats Hype 26:23 Shortcut Wisdom Story 30:03 Dad’s Missed Opportunities 32:07 Beyond Your Bubble 34:46 Stop Asking Why Me 38:14 Imposter Syndrome Trap 40:15 Fatherhood Second Chances 43:10 Network Projects Update 46:00 Closing Thanks #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Bette...

Trauma Propelled Me Into Purpose | Shot. Broken. Chosen. | Ep 204 | The Dear Son, Show

Aug 9, 2026 58 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Carlton Young (CY) on PTSD, Fatherhood, and Leading From Clarity | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with guest Carlton Young (CY, “Mr. 8020”) about fatherhood, identity, and healing through faith and self-awareness. CY shares his background growing up in Birmingham, being adopted by his stepfather, and learning discipline and work ethic from a stern but present dad. He explains how trauma—including being shot at Fort Hood, multiple surgeries, lasting numbness, and an unrecovered bullet near his spine—contributed to PTSD, anxiety, and damaged relationships, including the collapse of his first marriage and strain in his second. CY describes confronting “survival scripts,” improving communication, forgiving himself, and renewing his mind through daily time with God. He discusses writing The Discipline to Finish, leading Mindset U, and his goal to impact a million men by helping them lead from clarity, not chaos. 00:00 Surviving the Shooting 00:38 Welcome to Dear Son 01:52 How’s Your Heart 02:19 Communication and Leadership 04:41 Roots and Survival Scripts 07:29 Growing Up Overseas 09:18 A Stern but Present Dad 12:29 Learning to Say I Love You 13:37 Parenting and Hard Feedback 15:06 Shot at Fort Hood 16:23 Joining the Army Fast 23:20 Leaving the Military 23:44 Starting Over in Dallas 24:54 Work Hustle and Uncertainty 26:41 Career Pivots 28:00 Sales Inspiration 28:45 Fatherhood After Trauma 29:38 Faith Awakening 33:24 PTSD And Healing 35:36 Repairing Family Bonds 39:21 Self Forgiveness 42:01 Writing The Book 45:04 Stewarding The Calling 47:19 Mission For Men 53:21 Where To Find Him 54:42 Final Reflections #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach The...

Dear Son, I’m Disappointed: How Fathers Can Communicate Disappointment Without Damaging Trust | 203

Aug 2, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son, I’m Disappointed: How Fathers Can Communicate Disappointment Without Damaging Trust In this episode of The Dear Son Show, hosts D Johns and Jey Blac discuss how fathers can communicate disappointment in ways that teach growth without harming a child’s identity. They open with life updates, then frame the topic around being disappointed in one’s parenting approach—especially not exposing children to enough early on and later trying to overcorrect. Using seven research-based prompts, they explore separating identity from behavior, how tone and nonverbal cues can wound, turning disappointment into a conversation instead of a verdict, aiming for growth over guilt, regulating emotions before addressing issues, offering reassurance after accountability, and focusing on what lesson a child will remember long-term. They share personal examples about sarcasm, facial expressions, escalation, consequences, and the importance of revisiting conversations to repair trust. 00:00 Exposure Both Sides 00:57 Show Intro And Hosts 01:18 Conclave Week Talk 02:42 Back To School Reset 04:18 Family Health Updates 05:11 Dear Son Im Disappointed 07:41 Separate Identity Behavior 12:43 Consequences And Accountability 00:12 Tone Speaks Loudest 22:17 Car Wash Teachable Moment 27:20 Conversation Not Verdict 32:31 Breaking Trauma Reactions 33:27 Dad Brain Fence Moment 35:56 Guilt Versus Growth 38:44 Stuck in Guilt Debate 40:47 Calm Teachable Moments 46:56 Reassurance After Accountability 51:17 Lessons Kids Remember 58:35 Closing Intentional Parenting #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “L...

The Generational Curse Ran Into Me | Ep 202 | The Dear Son, Show

Jul 31, 2026 54 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Leon Brown on Fatherhood, Marriage Storms, and Breaking Generational Cycles | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with special guest Leon Brown (itsrevleon) about growing up in East Oakland raised by his praying grandmother and supported by his older brother, while navigating life without an active father. Leon shares how faith in Jesus Christ grounded him, how he now views his father with grace while still acknowledging the lack of effort, and why he’s intentional about giving his own children what he didn’t have—presence, guidance, and affection. The conversation explores learning manhood and marriage without a model, the impact of pornography and lust, marrying at 19 after sensing God’s direction, and practical marriage preparation like self-awareness, communication, and weathering storms. Leon also shares metaphors about God’s timing, and invites men to “Breaking Bread With Brothers” on August 29 in DeSoto, Texas. 00:00 Provider Pressure 01:02 Show Intro Guest 01:49 Faith Foundation 02:16 Raised By Grandma 03:50 Oakland Roots 04:48 Called From Childhood 06:31 Grandma Kept It Real 07:52 Big Brother Mentor 09:47 Absent Father Impact 12:32 Grace And Cycles 16:03 Present Dad Mission 21:12 Marriage Lessons 23:37 Porn Exposure Begins 25:05 Lust Without Guidance 27:01 Why Lust Feels Normal 28:15 Married at Nineteen 29:53 Waiting and Temptation 33:11 Preparing for Marriage 35:23 Friction and Change 37:13 Family Models and Aging Parents 40:03 Ego and Real Feedback 41:41 Provider Pressure Seasons 45:31 Enjoy the Ride 48:38 Gods Protective Delays 51:36 Where to Find Leon 53:44 Closing Blessing #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to...

Parental Obligation vs Entitlement | Ep 201 | The Dear Son, Show

Jul 27, 2026 59 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Obligation Over Expected Entitlement | Dear Son Show In this episode of the Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss “obligation over expected entitlement,” exploring the difference between what parents are truly responsible to provide versus what children or spouses may come to expect as normal. Using a hypothetical about an 18-year-old son who leaves his dad’s house for the summer but still expects promised benefits (car, TV, clothes, college support), they examine the message parents send when accountability is rejected but rewards are still demanded. They emphasize setting clear boundaries, communicating expectations and consequences, and confirming understanding to remove excuses. The conversation also covers how projection and optics can blur needs versus wants, how expectations can damage relationships, balancing emotion with logic in parenting and business, valuing humility and input, and being mindful of leading families toward goals that may not be shared. 00:00 Parent Duty Vs Choice 01:06 Welcome And Catch Up 02:51 Life Shifts And Family 05:01 Topic Expected Entitlement 08:01 Defining Real Obligations 12:21 Gratitude And Money Optics 14:52 18 Year Old Pushback Scenario 21:58 Boundaries Accountability Contracts 25:50 When Help Includes Advice 28:37 PAP PAD PAM 30:09 Expectations Ruin Bonds 33:32 Let Kids Be Themselves 37:55 Dreams At What Cost 38:59 Logic Emotion Balance 47:20 Humility And Feedback 52:14 No Dictators At Home 54:15 Show Growth And Future #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://ins...

Obedience, Isolation & Rediscovering Yourself | Getting Back to Me | Ep 200 | The Dear Son, Show

Jul 23, 2026 57 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Obedience, Isolation & Rediscovering Yourself | Corey Hughes on Faith, Fatherhood, and Healing Cory Hughes returns to The Dear Son Show to discuss rebuilding happiness and identity after divorce, loss, and seasons of uncertainty. He explains how God’s instruction to move from Dallas to Phoenix in 2023 forced isolation, self-examination, and learning not to outsource happiness, while also creating a pathway that led to his daughter receiving a scholarship to Arizona State. Corey and the host talk about waiting on God, resisting vices during crisis, and how control and distrust can shape faith and relationships. Corey shares lessons from business about accepting help, shifting from chasing money to pursuing peace and presence with family, and becoming authentic instead of performing. He outlines a vision for encouraging men to be emotionally honest and building community through future content, books, and a podcast. 00:00 Disobedience Costs 00:41 Daughter’s Door Opens 01:49 Welcome to Dear Son 02:32 Life in Arizona Heat 04:08 Why Talk About Happy 05:14 Journey to Self 07:12 Hearing God Move 09:06 Obedience Blesses Kids 12:50 Waiting Well Struggles 15:04 Cracks and Kintsugi 19:16 Don’t Waste Crisis 22:13 Ice Tray Theory 24:53 Trust and Control 27:09 Business and Delegation 29:12 Chasing the Bag 29:53 Presence Over Perfection 30:22 Trading Money for Peace 31:45 Enough Without Stuff 32:55 Buying Relationships 34:14 Titles and Identity 36:07 Deleting Instagram Reset 37:46 Authentic Not Performing 39:07 Kind Not Nice 40:13 Family Sees the Change 41:14 Surrendering to Gods Will 43:21 What Glory Looks Like 45:33 Podcast as Personal Growth 48:49 Vulnerability Goes Viral 50:39 Defining Success Impact 53:47 Accountability Podcast Promise 54:49 Where to Find Corey 55:21 Laughter and Closing #fathersonrelatio...

Dear Son, I've Already Made Those Mistakes | Ep 199 | The Dear Son, Show

Jul 17, 2026 52 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Let Them Learn… But Don’t Miss the Conversation | Episode 199 In Episode 199 of The Dear Son Show, hosts D Johns and Jey Blac reflect on how hard it is for fathers to watch their sons make decisions, especially when they ignore advice, and how parenting often means balancing guidance with letting them learn through experience. They share personal stories of being thrust into adulthood early—college detours, military-to-school transitions, dropping out, early parenthood, and reckless moments that once felt “memorable” but carried real danger—highlighting how bad choices can become normalized in groups. They discuss reading warning signs, avoiding “go along to get along” behavior, choosing friends wisely, and timing hard conversations early rather than waiting until it’s too late, while also previewing plans to celebrate Episode 200 with the audience. 00:00 Negotiating Temptation 01:01 Show Intro and Heat Talk 02:04 Son Nearing Graduation 04:14 Watching Him Choose 08:37 Rewinding to 19 09:03 D Johns College Detour 12:57 Jey Blac Army to College 16:34 Fatherhood Changed Everything 18:05 Let Them Crash or Save Them 22:26 Sharing Stories Without Glorifying 24:48 Timing and Wider Bumpers 26:55 Earn the Secret Sauce 27:49 Stay on the Bus 29:05 When Bad Choices Work 30:42 Normalized Foolery 36:58 Signs and Warnings 00:22 Choose Your Circle 44:13 Talk to Them Now 45:48 Planning Episode 200 51:48 Wrap and Goodbye #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Also, if you've made it this far, don't...

Parents Need to Finish the Lesson | Ep 198 | The Dear Son, Show

Jul 7, 2026 59 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: See It Through — The Other Shoe & The Rest of the Lesson On this episode of The Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss “See It Through: The Other Shoe/The Rest of the Lesson,” focusing on the adult responsibility to teach complete, contextual life lessons. They reflect on parenting moments with their kids—like supporting a young goalie through getting scored on and repairing a negative start to family walks through accountability and apology. They explore how lessons like selflessness, hard work, and “providing” can become harmful when parents omit the other side: prioritizing health, sustaining success after achievement, planning beyond arrival, and developing character alongside expertise. The conversation also emphasizes guidance and structure in parenting, warning against letting underdeveloped children make major life decisions without qualified adult input, and encourages revisiting the “why” behind goals. They close with updates on reaching 200 episodes, plans to go live, an “Unhinged” episode in July, and merch availability at thedearsonspodcast.com. 00:00 Provider Mentality Trap 00:57 Welcome to Dear Son 01:33 Summer Updates and Kids Sports 04:31 Anniversary and Episode Setup 06:10 See It Through as a Parent 09:25 The Other Shoe Explained 10:54 Learn What You Disagree With 15:50 Selflessness vs Self Care 21:35 Post Achievement Stewardship 25:21 Beyond Me Mentors and Character 28:41 Big Picture Pace and Purpose 32:30 Passion Versus Status 33:25 First In The Family Pressure 35:10 Parenting Needs Guardrails 43:17 Teaching Context And Consequences 47:43 Tools Over Answers 49:21 Right Turns Lesson 51:42 Chasing Episode 200 55:17 Unhinged And Q3 Push 58:04 Merch And Wrap Up #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingme...

Why It's So Hard for Men to Win Their Family Back | Ep 197 | The Dear Son, Show

Jul 3, 2026 56 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Coach Bell on Faith, Shame, and Winning Your Family Back | Dear Son Show In this episode of The Dear Son Show, D Johns welcomes Coach Bear for a candid conversation about fatherhood, faith, and the hidden cost of wearing a “mask” of stoicism that works at work but fails at home. Coach Bell shares how he went from calling himself a marriage recovery coach to a truth teller who helps people confront hard realities, including infidelity and betrayal. He describes running from God after growing up as a pastor’s kid, wrestling with pride and disobedience, and eventually quitting his job to follow what he felt God was calling him to do. They discuss the pressure of reconciliation, the difference between shame and conviction, why you can’t earn grace, and how healing still carries consequences—especially when children ask painful questions. Coach Bell also reflects on his wife’s character, his father’s impact, and why he continues publicly sharing his story as an act of obedience. 00:00 Stoic Mask at Home 01:07 Welcome to Dear Son 02:44 Grateful Yet Heavy 06:00 No Highs No Lows 08:05 Where Im From 08:51 Dads Impact Legacy 12:53 Coaching and Calling 19:06 Running From God 22:46 Work Success as Vice 24:23 Winning Family Back 26:05 Rebuilding Through Faith 27:14 Do It For You 29:19 Reentry Pressure After Betrayal 30:52 Grace Over Shame 33:31 Noticing Real Change 35:18 Her Strength And Character 38:32 Rock Bottom In Separation 40:54 Fears For The Kids 43:38 Parenting With Transparency 45:42 Public Story And Backlash 49:23 Why It Is Worth It 53:32 Presenting A Loving God 54:39 Where To Find Him 55:16 Final Blessing And Sendoff #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons...

Why a Father's Mental Health Matters | Ep 196 | The Dear Son, Show

Jul 1, 2026 49 min

Men’s Mental Health, Fatherhood & Capacity: Dr. Jason Phillips on Therapy, Burnout, and Being Present On The Dear Son Show, D Johns talks with Dr. Jason Phillips, a licensed therapist and confidence coach, about men’s mental health, fatherhood, and learning to assess personal capacity. Phillips shares how corporate talks during Mental Health Month lead men to seek support, why therapists also need therapy, and how grief and major losses forced him to slow down and care for himself. They discuss the provider mindset, saying no to “raggedy yeses,” balancing career and family, and how parenting choices may not be understood until children reach their 20s. Phillips reflects on his own parents’ roles, emphasizes prioritizing family in real life and calendars, and encourages men to acknowledge struggles, take accountability, and take action while asking for help when needed. 00:00 Parenting For The Future 01:03 Show Intro And Apology 03:06 Meet Dr Jason Phillips 04:04 Mens Mental Health Month 06:32 Fatherhood And Self Care 08:45 Grief On Holidays 10:26 Why He Became A Therapist 14:37 Capacity And Saying No 22:55 Work Ethic Versus Family 27:07 Discipline And Dad Style 31:45 Therapists Need Therapy 39:03 Success Scripts And Identity 43:45 Raising Kids Without Pressure 45:32 Encouragement And Where To Find Him 46:58 Projects And Closing #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow Jason: https://instagram.com/drjasonphillips Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our spon...

Love + Kindness: The Two Ingredients That Saved My Marriage | Ep 195 | The Dear Son, Show

Jun 24, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Love + Kindness: The Two Ingredients That Saved My Marriage | Dear Son Show (Patrick Murphy) On this Father’s Day episode of The Dear Son Show, D Johns welcomes Patrick Murphy from Florida to discuss fatherhood, peace, and relationships. Patrick shares growing up in the Bay Area with nine siblings, learning entrepreneurship from his father, and being shaped by his parents’ divorce and contrasting parenting styles. He describes how his first 27-year marriage ended in divorce, leaving him bitter and searching for answers, which led him to study relationships and help teach a divorce and separation care ministry at One Community Church. In his second marriage, frequent divorce talks shifted after a spiritual warning and a series of “ice cream dates” focused on sharing childhood stories instead of issues, helping them heal. Patrick argues that relationships need both love and kindness, warns against weaponizing vulnerability, and says this approach brought peace at home and years without arguments. 00:00 Guarded Love Mindset 00:26 Kindness Keeps Love Alive 01:27 Welcome to Dear Son 02:55 Building a Peace System 04:36 Corporate vs Family Costs 07:02 Life Escalator and Overwhelm 09:52 Hiding Burdens in Marriage 11:03 Roots in the Bay 13:09 Nine Siblings and Dad Hustle 15:02 Parenting Styles and Lessons 18:35 Parents Divorce Impact 21:52 Breaking the Divorce Cycle 23:33 Divorce Ministry Insights 26:05 Nail in Tire Relationship Radar 28:27 Anti Divorce and Second Marriage 30:38 Ice Cream Date Reset 31:35 Healing The Inner Kids 33:01 Love And Kindness Formula 35:11 Why Counseling Can Backfire 36:54 No Arguments By Design 40:35 Kindness Beats Attitude 44:48 Peace At Home Changes Men 49:46 Hats And Lost Identity 52:48 Helpmeet And Safe Space 56:48 Stop Fixing Start Loving 58:59 Daily Practices To Stay Close...

Read the Room: Awareness, Tact, and Raising Kids Into Adulthood | Ep 194 | The Dear Son, Show

Jun 20, 2026 57 min

Read the Room: Awareness, Tact, and Raising Kids Into Adulthood Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac of the Dear Son Show discuss “reading the room” as a key life skill for kids and adults—balancing individuality with tact, context, and awareness of consequences. They talk about observing who children become around friends, resisting “go along to get along” behavior, and understanding how intent doesn’t erase harm when words land offensively. The conversation also covers parenting older teens and young adults: checking in often, being approachable, not dismissing “kid-like” gaps at 19–20, and helping kids pivot through phases without forcing a parent’s timeline. In dating, they stress consent: a yes can turn to no, and “no” (including hesitation) means stop. Follow the channel and leave a review to support more conversations like this. 00:00 No Means No 00:55 Welcome to Dear Son 01:28 Merch and Community Fuel 03:35 Read the Room Theme 04:35 Be Yourself With Limits 06:04 Parenting Individuality 07:11 Bishop the Brain Example 10:29 Corporate Code Switching 13:34 Peer Pressure and Yes Men 16:06 Context Tact and Access 22:14 Friends Choices and Consequences 26:36 Observe the Friend Group 27:40 Know Your Childs Role 28:42 Confidence Versus Ego 29:38 Spotting Behavior Extremes 30:35 Check In With Your Kids 32:52 Approachable Parent Energy 34:53 Dating And Consent 38:24 Why Are You Dating 40:14 Theyre Not Kids 44:38 Adult Child Still Yours 47:08 Scariest Parenting Fears 51:19 Closing Gratitude And Episode 200 54:07 DFW Pull Up Invite 56:40 Final Sign Off #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel,...

My Emotional Wellness & Healing Journey | Zimbabwe to the UK | Ep 193 | The Dear Son, Show

Jun 19, 2026 51 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. King Cass Ajani on Fatherhood, Emotional Wellness & Healing: Dear Son Show (Zimbabwe to UK Journey) In this episode of The Dear Son Show, D Johns sits down with King Cass Ajani (Dumisani David Moyo), born in Zimbabwe and raised in the UK, to discuss identity, fatherhood, and emotional wellbeing for boys and men. Ajani shares memories of a joyful childhood in Harare, the abrupt move to South London at age 10, and his family’s fragmentation as his father became less present and left when Ajani was 14. He reflects on a father who was accomplished and confidence-building yet emotionally unavailable, and how grief after his father’s death led to a dark season before community, honesty, and therapy helped him rebuild. Ajani explains how his work mentoring men centers on curiosity, gentleness, and asking “Are you okay?”, and he shares his Brunch Brothers books and where to find his work online. 00:00 Emotions With Dad 01:07 Welcome To Dear Son 01:40 Meet Ajani From Zimbabwe 03:07 Growing Up In Harare 04:14 Family Shifts In UK 05:05 UK Culture And Food 06:36 Zimbabwe Comfort Food 08:28 Abrupt Move And Identity 10:32 Remembering His Father 13:07 Grace And Generations 17:54 Becoming A Father Figure 22:23 Calling And Credentials 23:31 When Doors Close 24:24 Divine Appointment Data 25:25 Surrendering the Dream 27:04 Curiosity With Young Men 32:14 Finding Okay After Loss 36:20 Gentle Parenting Lessons 38:09 Learning Love Elsewhere 43:12 Proud Not Pressured 47:55 Books Movement Next Steps 50:26 Closing Thanks Subscribe #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk #Zimbabwe #hararezimbabwe Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make”...

Closed Doors Open New Paths | Ep 192 | The Dear Son, Show

Jun 8, 2026 52 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: Not All Doors Are Created Equal | Closed Doors, Consistency & Mental Health On the Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss how closed doors can protect you and redirect you toward better opportunities, emphasizing that rewards are most sustainable when habits and discipline are established first. They share examples of a comedian whose oil-field dreams were denied but led to success in entertainment, and D Johns’ own career path where not getting one shipyard job opened a higher-paying role that shaped his leadership trajectory through learning each phase of the work. They compare life to a warehouse where each season offers tools and lessons, caution against forcing doors, celebrating too early via social media, and chasing outcomes without understanding the “why.” The conversation also addresses men’s mental health, resilience after setbacks, problem-solving, patience, and staying consistent while remaining open to unexpected opportunities. 00:00 Timing and Readiness 01:40 Show Intro and Catch Up 02:05 Weather Talk and Housekeeping 02:55 Sponsor Spotlight LKJ 04:39 Not All Doors Equal 05:40 Closed Door Opens Lane 08:47 Career Detour Pays Off 13:25 Warehouse of Life Lessons 17:22 Know the Why at Work 22:02 Teaching Self Serve Skills 25:35 Rainy Day Parenting Pivot 26:06 Rainy Day Driving Lessons 27:57 Closed Doors New Opportunities 28:52 Redefining Being Broke 30:14 Mens Mental Health Check 33:32 Consistency Opens Doors 37:49 Timing Rewards Sustainability 41:19 Social Media Early Praise 45:06 Support Through Reposts 49:13 Closing Story Life Plan #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relation...

Why Great Fathers Never Stop Learning | Ep 191 | The Dear Son, Show

Jun 6, 2026 1 hr 19 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son Show: Dayshawn Robinson on Fatherhood, Ministry, and Raising Kids with Purpose On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns converses with Pastor Dashawn Robinson, who shares how growing up as a pastor’s kid in Brooklyn shaped his view of fatherhood, ministry, and influence. They discuss moments of disappointment and pain when fathers see their children impacted by “other voices,” including stories of being caught cursing and hiding a journal, and how those experiences revealed deeper concerns about intimacy and influence. Dayshawn explains his call to ministry, resisting it as a teenager, and how repeated “disruptions” led him to yield, including a pivotal incident where an officer spared him despite a weapon. He describes meeting his wife in high school, her family’s faith journey, graduate studies at Princeton, joining Change Church under Pastor Darius Daniels, and a healing conversation with his father. The episode emphasizes parenting as stewardship, God’s priorities of family and union, dual apprenticeship between parents and children, and leading with influence, fun, and values. 00:00 Caught Cussing as a Kid 01:40 Welcome to Dear Son Show 02:27 Guest Intro and Catching Up 04:08 Family Size and Atlanta Move 05:51 Church Planting in Atlanta 06:34 Growing Up Pastors Kid 09:03 Father or Pastor at Home 16:12 Gods Priorities Intimacy First 19:22 Third Grade Journal Story 26:42 Parenting Partnership With God 30:01 Why He Chose Ministry 32:49 Called Young and Running 35:31 Brooklyn Roots and Community Work 36:14 Prayer and Premonition 37:40 Undercover Bust at Wingate 38:19 Weapon Pat Down Mercy 39:46 Disruptions and Fatherhood 40:26 Meeting His Wife Young 41:51 Her Faith Transformation 45:13 Dreams Back to Seminary 47:43 Telling Dad New Calling 50:16 Origin and Ownership Parenting 55:26 Dual Appren...

There's 2 Sides to Every Coin | Unfair Projections In Fatherhood | Ep 190 | The Dear Son, Show

Jun 5, 2026 1 hr 2 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Two Sides to the Coin: Parenting, Perspective, and Better Preparation | Dear Son Show In this episode of The Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D. Johns discuss the importance of perspective and “the other side of the coin,” using the idea of cassette tape B-sides to illustrate value beyond what’s most visible. They share real-life parenting and responsibility lessons, including a story about poor planning while moving a son out of his college dorm and frustrations with household cleanliness and accountability. The conversation expands to how parental coddling can create dependency, how to correct behavior without damaging relationships, and how to connect important responsibilities to personal desires. They also reflect on friendships across life phases, the impact of first impressions and presentation, and the lasting effect of adults who genuinely engage young people—especially those seen as “troublemakers.” 00:00 Real Listening Matters 00:45 Show Intro and Catching Up 03:02 Two Sides of a Coin 04:12 B Sides Explained 06:23 College Move Out Chaos 16:22 Moral Lack of Planning 17:04 Anchored to Bad Habits 18:46 Household Mess and Discipline 24:46 Coddling Creates Dependence 27:57 Embarrassment and Accountability 30:39 Rational Disapproval 32:37 Desire Drives Consistency 33:30 Phases and Day Twos 37:54 Time and Bonding 41:08 No Enemies Energy 43:22 Parenting Open Mind 48:24 Teaching Respectful Presence 53:20 First Impressions Matter 56:42 Support the Brand 59:39 Closing Reflections #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: ht...

Fatherhood, Ministry, and Staying Humble in the Spotlight | Ep 189 | The Dear Son, Show

May 26, 2026 59 min

Quentin Harris on Fatherhood, Ministry, and Staying Humble in the Spotlight | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns welcomes back QuIntin Harris, the young adult director at Concord Church, to discuss busy family life with a daughter in competitive dance and theater and a toddler son, and the ongoing need to “slow down” and stay present. They explore the tension of serving in ministry while prioritizing family, eliminating distractions, and being honest about motives as public recognition grows. Quentin shares how early ambition to grow the ministry through networking was misread as clout-chasing, prompting him to step back and let God lead, and he emphasizes keeping grounded friends for counsel amid shifting perceptions. The conversation also covers faith being marketed, balancing struggle and prosperity, how fatherhood reshaped his understanding of God’s unconditional love and grace, navigating church culture and titles, and ending with an encouragement that it’s never too late to come home to God. 00:00 Lives Changed Calling 00:49 Show Intro Welcome Back 01:32 Dad Life Busy Season 03:27 Church Role Credentials 05:07 Slow Down Parenting 08:00 Balancing Kids Schedules 10:25 Ministry Family Priority 13:44 Ambition Versus Leading 20:03 Grounded By Real Friends 21:42 Stewarding Recognition 24:04 Donkey Story Perception 25:18 Need Sound Counsel 26:10 Faith Beyond Appearances 26:32 Marketing Christianity Today 28:38 Balance Struggle and Blessing 30:15 Ministry and Fatherhood 32:29 Unconditional Love Lens 35:30 Grace Paid in Advance 37:09 Black Sheep in Church 42:07 Impact Over Titles 44:55 Witness in Real Life 47:41 How God Sees Me 52:29 Coming Home and Shift 54:42 Podcast Accountability 56:35 Hard Truth Accountability 58:46 Final Wrap and Blessing #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father...

How Fathers Lose Their Sons Without Realizing It | Ep 188 | The Dear Son, Show

May 23, 2026 56 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Why Sons Stop Talking to Their Fathers | The Dear Son, Show The hosts use ChatGPT to suggest discussion topics for the Dear Son, Show and choose “Why sons stop talking to their fathers,” reflecting on how fathers’ seriousness, constant accountability, and communication style can make kids seek the “path of least resistance” with mom instead. They discuss male ego and pride when a child brings issues to the mother first, the importance of asking why a son doesn’t feel comfortable approaching dad, and how parents can present a unified front without using mom as a buffer. They emphasize balancing love and grace with timely, appropriate lessons, especially as older teens and young adults can walk away. They encourage dads to initiate regular, even trivial conversations so their voice isn’t only heard when something is wrong. 00:00 Asking AI For Topics 01:39 Choosing The Episode Theme 02:43 Welcome To Dear Son 04:10 AI Recap And Reframe 05:18 Family Updates And Summer Break 10:16 DFW Home Base And Merch 11:46 Unhinged Episode Deadline 13:41 Why Sons Go Quiet 17:23 Mom Vs Dad The Yes Path 23:53 Ego And Handling Silence 26:47 Unified Parenting Front 28:00 Accountability Builds Roots 30:00 Correcting With Love 32:48 Ego And Comfort Responses 36:42 Choosing The Right Tone 42:50 Uncle James Work Ethic 46:26 Discipline Over Comfort 51:25 Normalize Casual Connection 53:52 Steamed Syrup Debate 56:14 Final Charge On Silence #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #fatherhoodidentity #mantalk #fathersondiscussions Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Also, if you'v...

Dear Son, Allow Life to Get Better | Ep 187 | The Dear Son, Show

May 21, 2026 45 min

Dear Son: Life Gets Better—Let It Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac open by reflecting on recent positive changes in their families, including the end of the semester, kids coming home for summer, Imani’s medical-school track, and graduation season. They introduce the episode’s theme—“Life gets better. Let it.”—urging listeners to stop clinging to familiar struggle when solutions and blessings appear, and to honor progress instead of roadblocking it with fear, over-caution, or old conditioning. Using analogies like traffic opening up, repeated “dud” opportunities (including solar sales), and relationships, they discuss skepticism, self-sabotage, ego, and identity as the “go-to” person. They emphasize humility, listening, seeking input, admitting “I don’t know,” and defining “better” carefully by valuing what lasts and asking “at what cost?” 00:00 Let It Get Better 01:13 Welcome Dear Son Show 01:33 Family Updates Graduation Season 03:37 Sponsor Candle Shoutout 04:18 Topic Life Gets Better 07:10 Conditioned To Struggle 10:42 Duds Burnout And Love 14:29 Closed Doors Open One 17:43 Finding The Door 20:11 Ask Then Listen 21:39 Pressure To Know How 22:29 Training With Wall Street Wallace 24:22 Thinking Out Loud Vs Precision 26:40 Ego And Yielding To Experts 30:24 Fear Of Getting Better 31:50 Identity Of Being The Go To 34:06 Vulnerable Questions Unlock Growth 39:28 Defining Better And Value 41:39 Masking Pain With Temporary Highs 43:18 Street Love Is Not Better 44:11 Closing Charge At What Cost #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leav...

Dear Son, There's Only Now | Ep 186 | The Dear Son, Show

May 8, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Dear Son: The Time Is Now (Parents & Young Men, Don’t Wait) Hosts Jey Blac and D Johns use a birthday call with a 20-year-old son—turning into a repeated condom and responsibility talk—to stress that if parents are asking “when is the time,” it’s already time. They discuss how rapid shifts in technology, especially AI, make “in my day” advice ineffective unless parents first understand their kids’ perspective, stay relatable, and anchor them to enduring principles and morality. The conversation warns against procrastination, overreliance on convenience, and letting social media “crowds” define truth or personal value, emphasizing that being overlooked doesn’t reduce worth. They challenge parents to act now, communicate without judgment, hold standards at home, and consider “at what cost” when chasing speed, money, or new tools. 00:00 Birthday Talk and Condoms 01:20 Welcome to Dear Son Show 02:29 Setting the Theme Time Is Now 05:00 How to Talk Urgency 11:19 Parents Behind the Curve 15:09 Release Them to Thrive 18:45 Be an Anchor to Principles 25:21 At What Cost of AI 26:37 Crowds Likes and Value 31:45 Stay Your Course Timeless 35:37 Falling Behind Fast 36:44 AI Dependency Spiral 37:50 From Enhancements to Necessities 40:24 Who Holds the Plug 41:09 Only Now Matters 42:44 Procrastination Costs 46:48 Time Allocation Skills 48:40 Parenting Accountability 56:10 Family Familiarity Trap 01:00:24 Hard Talks With Sons 01:06:40 At What Cost 01:07:19 Final Thanks and Signoff #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.co...

I'm Really About to be a Husband | Getting Married | Better Together | Ep 9

May 5, 2026 1 hr 15 min

Two Days to “I Do”: Better Together on Marriage, Covenant, and the Work After the Wedding In this episode of Better Together, the guys gather at Sophist Cuts as they celebrate Joe T being two days away from his wedding and talk through his excitement, anxiety, and spiritual preparation, including centering vows on scripture and covenant with God. The conversation stresses that the wedding is the starting line, not the finish line, and that healthy marriage requires intentional communication, boundaries, reciprocity, and mutual service—avoiding complacency, ego, and “performing” for the wedding. They share hard-won lessons, the value of wise counsel, asking questions early, and choosing a partner with temperament and compatibility for real-life tests, while highlighting legacy and breaking generational cycles through a committed, joyful union. Follow the channel, subscribe, and leave a review to support more conversations like this. 00:00 Wedding Week Kickoff 00:26 Pre Wedding Nerves 02:12 Vows and Scripture 04:39 Marriage Is Work 05:43 Learning From Experience 08:13 Wise Counsel and Fit 10:44 Dating Shows Reality 14:25 Second Chances Talk 17:45 Choosing Her Daily 21:43 Communication Tools 23:57 Stop Worrying Ahead 26:20 Boundaries and Consequences 28:18 Wanting to Be Husband 29:48 Selflessness and Service 33:30 Breaking Curses Legacy 37:18 Where Did You Learn 40:18 Be Her Best Husband 41:34 Complacency Kills Gratitude 44:00 Luxury Car Illusion 44:45 Reciprocity And Respect 48:11 Assessing The Package Deal 51:14 Imposter Syndrome And Obedience 56:10 Harvest Season Marathon 01:00:45 Wise Counsel And Accountability 01:07:59 Covenant Before Marriage 01:12:20 Perfect Love Casts Fear 01:13:51 Timestamp The Wedding Moment 01:15:05 Closing And After Hours #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Fath...

I'm A Full Custody Father | Ep 185 | The Dear Son, Show

May 4, 2026 1 hr 3 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. From Premature Birth to Full Custody: Ace Jackson on Fatherhood, Faith, and Rebuilding On the Dear Son Show, the host and guest Ace Jackson discuss gratitude and perspective through personal stories, including surviving serious car accidents and seeing hardships as decision points for faith and growth. Ace shares his Dallas upbringing, watching his parents sacrifice, start a family bakery, and maintain respect and unity through job loss and injury. He opens up about becoming a father at 20 when his son was born extremely premature and spent 77 days in the NICU, navigating abandonment, court battles, and eventually gaining full custody when his son was about two. Ace reflects on single parenthood, trust and abandonment issues, his son asking for therapy, and lessons about carrying yourself with character. He also describes his work in a family bakery, owning a car restoration/body shop, and using cars as a metaphor for stripping down to rebuild. 00:00 Welcome to Dear Son 00:31 What Blessed Means 01:17 Car Crash Perspective 03:54 Gratitude Decision Points 05:29 Roots in Dallas 08:21 Family Struggle and Sacrifice 13:43 Legacy Beyond Money 16:47 Discipline and Consequences 21:40 Hustler Kid Mindset 23:52 Dad on the Road 27:43 Becoming a Young Father 30:13 Grinding Two Jobs 31:04 Suit And Tie Interview 32:24 Dyslexia And Support 33:56 Preemie Birth Crisis 36:52 Nicu Alone And Betrayal 40:44 Court And Father Rights 44:43 Winning Full Custody 45:08 Raising A Son 48:25 Feeling Like A Failure 50:23 Grandfather Pride 53:34 Fatherhood Lessons 57:44 Business And Purpose 01:00:38 Seen Beyond The Smile 01:01:06 Where To Find Him 01:01:56 Final Reflections #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fath...

Dear Son, You're At Risk of Being Average | Comfort Isn't Peace | Ep 184 | The Dear Son, Show

May 1, 2026 53 min

Dear Son: You’re at Risk of Being Average (Don’t Confuse Comfort with Peace) Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac welcome viewers to The Dear Son, Show and share updates on merch, being recognized locally in the DFW area, and committing to release an “Unhinged” episode by the end of May 2026. The main conversation, “Dear son, you are at risk of being average,” challenges the tendency to do only what’s familiar or minimally required, warning that a lack of demand can be mistaken for peace. Using examples from parenting, work habits, college housing decisions, and preparation, they emphasize initiative, perspective, and building character through what you do when no one is watching. They discuss balancing parenting styles, avoiding mediocrity by thinking beyond job descriptions, and setting routines that create opportunity. They close by identifying personal “average” areas—health and overall effort—and offer merch to the first U.S. commenter. 00:00 Cold Open Word Confusion 00:36 Show Welcome And Mission 00:59 Gratitude And Weekly Check In 01:25 Studio Shoutout And Support Links 01:58 Merch Shirts And Fan Moments 02:42 Local Recognition And Being Approachable 03:57 Side Shows And Episode Commitment 05:21 Turning Cancellations Into Content 06:26 Topic Risk Of Being Average 08:53 Peace Versus Lack Of Demand 11:36 College Housing Planning And Money 16:05 Raising Standards Without Comparison 17:31 Consequences And Work Ethic 22:13 Character And Self Talk 24:29 From Dread to Drive 24:56 Stop the Morning Rush 26:23 Early Is the Advantage 27:57 Parenting Middle Ground 30:04 Habits Beat Mediocrity 32:46 Add Value Beyond Role 35:24 Average Gets Replaced 37:34 Raising Capable Men 43:28 Personal Growth Check In 48:54 Hometown Tour Talk 50:21 Go Time Closing Message #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son...

What Law School Taught Me About Fatherhood | Ep 183 | The Dear Son, Show

Apr 30, 2026 53 min

Dear Son Show: Byron Bailey on Fatherhood, Faith, and Fighting Insurance Companies On the Dear Son Show, the host welcomes Dallas personal injury attorney and father Byron Bailey for a wide-ranging conversation about life through the lens of fatherhood. Byron shares his upbringing in a single-parent home, the influence of his disciplined grandfather and church, and the complicated presence of his Jamaican immigrant father. He explains how an early law-firm internship led him to law school, his path from working for the VA to insurance defense, and why he switched to representing injured people against insurers. The discussion covers misconceptions about handling car-accident claims without a lawyer, long-term medical impacts, and the importance of treatment and compensation. Byron also reflects on balancing heavy responsibilities with intentional parenting of his six-year-old, defining success, cutting distractions, and learning to be proud of himself and communicate that to his son. 00:00 Welcome to Dear Son 01:00 Meet Byron Bailey 02:04 Growing Up in Dallas 03:39 Becoming a Lawyer 06:49 Insurance Defense to Purpose 08:57 Car Wreck Reality Check 12:32 Why You Need Counsel 14:15 Lawyer Dad Balance 17:21 Sports and Coaching Mindset 18:02 Absent Father Story 20:34 Grandfather No Excuses 23:01 Faith as Foundation 24:03 Fatherhood Challenges Today 25:03 Grace Over Perfection 25:58 Trusting the Process 26:15 Corporate Ladder Lessons 28:19 Family First Warning 29:18 Defining Practice Success 29:36 Goals Not Pass Fail 31:04 Cutting Distractions 33:05 Busy Boundaries Systems 36:04 Success in Fatherhood 37:21 Raising Him Different 39:10 Adjusting Expectations 41:54 Math Tablet Balance 42:53 Explaining Your Busy 46:17 Raising Communicators 49:14 Proud of Yourself 51:27 Closing Advice Outro #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “...

Men Are More Than Shock Absorbers | Hard Truth About Being Used | Ep 8 | Better Together

Apr 24, 2026 52 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Don’t Blow Out the Shocks: Hard Truths, Honor, and Communication in Relationships The hosts of “Better Together” discuss how the “happy wife, happy life” mindset can make men “reverse submissive,” avoiding hard truths to keep peace, and argue that leaders in a household must speak necessary hard things without ego. Using shock absorbers as an analogy, they explain how reliable support—whether a man’s resilience, a steady paycheck, or God’s grace—can be taken for granted, overused, and then blamed when it fails. They distinguish respecting vs. honoring what supports you, warn against putting the wrong “shocks” in the wrong situations, and emphasize alignment, self-care, and accountability. Personal examples include tension with an adult child over feeling “not above and beyond,” and the need for boundaries so “no” is received with honor. The episode closes by stressing transparent communication to prevent resentment and burnout. 00:00 Happy Wife Trap 01:02 Meet The Hosts 02:44 Dont Blow Shocks 04:39 Manhood Takes Hits 06:00 Money As Cushion 07:17 When Shocks Fail 10:01 Respect Vs Honor 11:59 Right Tool Wrong Job 14:10 Grace And Consequence 16:34 Purpose Or Overwork 18:09 Chaos And Capability 20:18 Fatherhood Reality Check 26:17 Tough Love and No 27:14 Honor Versus Respect 29:14 Happy Wife Happy Life Myth 30:55 Overtooling for Conflict 32:53 Equally Yoked Reality Check 35:43 Boundaries and Resentment 37:28 Shocks Need Communication 40:57 Adjusting Around the Problem 44:18 Alignment and Self Care 46:59 Wrap Up and Takeaways #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons...

What Breaks A Man? | Ep 7 | Better Together

Apr 24, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. What Makes or Breaks a Man: Perspective, Growth, and Vulnerability | Better Together The hosts of Better Together—Joe T, Reggie George, J Black, and D Johns—discuss what can make or break a man, focusing on perspective, personal development, and honest communication. Joe T reflects on how lust and mismanaging money once seemed like “badges” but were actually breaking him, and he shares how learning business basics like forming an LLC and applying for a loan reshaped his mindset. The group explores how environment can miseducate people into survival tactics, why relationships often resist growth more than other areas of life, and how fear, willful ignorance, and attachment to what’s familiar create dysfunction. They emphasize vulnerability as a strength, the importance of regular check-ins, accountability without weaponizing feedback, avoiding comparison, practicing surrender, and not “dying” in someone else’s lack of development. 00:00 Nineties Haircut Memories 01:39 Show Intro and Check In 03:18 What Makes or Breaks Men 03:54 Lust Money and Unlearning 07:53 Reeducation and Strongholds 09:30 Perspective Changes Everything 12:20 Vulnerability as Strength 15:06 Marriage Growth and Deflection 24:46 Complacency and Silent Ruts 26:54 Why Relationships Resist Change 30:55 Phone Analogy and Human Growth 33:55 Early Marriage Blind Spots 35:13 Cracked Screen Relationships 37:59 Familiarity Versus Growth 41:05 Check Ins Without Weapons 42:39 Change Versus Development 44:09 Dont Die In Prison 48:11 Make Or Break Mindset 53:05 Update Your Data 55:14 Accountability Filters 59:55 Surrender And Priorities 01:06:34 Speak Up In Safe Spaces 01:08:52 Better Together Closing #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Are...

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Why Regular Days Are Priceless | Life After Seizures w Dr. Mu | Ep 228 | The Dear Son, Show

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Podcast details

Created by: Derek Johns
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 11, 2026
Episodes: 237
Release period: Several times a week
Avg. episode length: 53 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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