In this episode of Raising Men, Shawn sits down with Lisa Johnson , a high-conflict divorce strategist, certified domestic violence advocate, and co-founder of Been There, Got Out . After enduring a decade-long legal battle with her ex-husband—including more than 100 court appearances—Lisa transformed her painful experience into a mission to help parents navigate high-conflict divorces and protect their children from emotional harm. She shares the lessons she learned about parental alienation, e...
May 25, 2026•51 min•Ep. 39
In this special mailbag edition, Shaun dives deep into two core questions that surface at the very beginning of the fatherhood journey: how to establish foundational non-negotiables for raising a son of character, and how to navigate the intense emotional mirroring of toddlers. Relying on the collective wisdom of past guests—such as Sean Harvey, Emily Huston, Ryan North, and Paul Kix—Shaun maps out what it truly means to raise a "gentleman with a backbone." He unpacks why character must always t...
May 21, 2026•13 min•Ep. 38
This episode of Raising Men features an intimate deep dive with Jordan Ritter Conn , a senior staff writer at The Ringer and author of the groundbreaking 2026 book, American Men . After spending five years embedded in the lives of four vastly different men, Jordan discusses the "missing roadmap" of modern masculinity and the internal struggle men face when they fail to meet inherited ideals. 1. Key Topics Covered The "Masculinity Crisis" vs. The Reality Gap : Discussion on how men don’t necessar...
May 18, 2026•48 min•Ep. 37
This episode dives into the "refining fire" of parenting, where Shaun Dawson explores the collective wisdom of past guests to answer two heavy-hitting listener questions about balancing strength with warmth and navigating the silent guilt of new fatherhood. Questions: "I want my son to be resilient, but I don't want to be a 'cold' dad. How do I provide comfort without making him 'soft'?" "I’m a new dad and I’m struggling to feel that 'instant connection' everyone talks about. I feel guilty, like...
May 14, 2026•14 min•Ep. 36
In a culture that has "clear-cut" the traditional forests of masculinity, 40% of young men now report having no one to turn to for guidance. We are navigating a landscape where traditional rites of passage have vanished, leaving parents to choose between "toxic" archetypes or the empty alternative of no masculinity at all. In this episode, Shaun sits down with Dan Doty , a pioneer in men’s development and leadership with over 20 years of experience in wilderness therapy and emotional intelligenc...
May 11, 2026•38 min•Ep. 35
Key Topics Covered Moving from inherited parenting patterns to helping sons build their own operating systems for life Balancing reactive responses with logical and empathetic thinking through the Two-Brain Metaphor Redefining masculine strength as a drawbridge of trust rather than a wall of armor Understanding why boys adopt social masks and silent postures in public settings to feel safe Prioritizing heart-level connection to open the "drawbridge" to a child’s inner world Using the power of re...
May 07, 2026•12 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of Raising Men, Sean Dawson sits down with Ralph Brewer , founder of the Help for Men Brotherhood and creator of Dad Starting Over. Ralph shares his journey from divorce and single fatherhood to building a global community helping men navigate relationships, masculinity, fatherhood, and personal growth. The conversation explores the hidden struggles many men face—from sexless marriages and identity loss to the importance of brotherhood and taking ownership of one’s life. Key Take...
May 04, 2026•45 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of Raising Men, Shaun Dawson explores the complex topics of masculinity, consent, and digital influence in parenting. He offers practical advice on teaching boys emotional sensitivity, consent through play, and building internal discipline to navigate social media algorithms. Questions: "I’m terrified of my son being a 'predator' or 'toxic.' Should I be teaching him consent now, or wait until he’s older?" "He’s always on his phone. I feel like he’s living in an 'algorithmic mised...
Apr 30, 2026•17 min•Ep. 32
In this conversation, Todd Adams — Executive Director of Men Living and co-host of Zen Parenting Radio — unpacks what “conscious masculinity” truly means when you’re raising boys today. From the man box, to modeling emotional literacy, to partnership dynamics, to navigating conflict and consent, Todd brings grounded, practical wisdom for parents who want to raise strong, emotionally capable young men. This episode is about presence, modeling, and doing your own work — because our sons learn far ...
Apr 27, 2026•49 min•Ep. 31
In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson reflects on a powerful conversation with Deland McCullough . Shaun shares a poignant story about a young entrepreneur in Chicago who built a thriving barbershop but nearly lost everything because he lacked a permit—and, more importantly, because his "default mindset" told him the world was designed to take his success away. This narrative serves as a backdrop to explore the resilient spirit of Deland who faced NFL-ending injuries only to rebuild ...
Apr 23, 2026•9 min•Ep. 30
In today’s episode of the Raising Men podcast, we sit down with Kirk Martin , founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast. For more than two decades, Kirk has helped over a million parents stop the power struggles and build stronger relationships with their children. In this conversation, we explore how traits that make boys “difficult” today—arguing, stubbornness, intensity—can become the very strengths that lead to leadership, creativity, and resilience in adulthood. Kirk ...
Apr 20, 2026•47 min•Ep. 29
In this Q&A episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson dives into some of the most pressing parenting challenges shared by listeners. Drawing on insights from past guests like Steve Biddulph, Eric Davis, Ryan Walton, and Devin Kuntzmann, Shaun unpacks why boys often express emotions through anger, how parents fall into reactive patterns when exhausted, and what it really takes to raise resilient, emotionally strong young men. Key takeaways Boys' nervous systems react more intensely to stress ...
Apr 16, 2026•16 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of Raising Men , Shaun sits down with mindfulness teacher, author, and parenting expert Hunter Clarke-Fields , bestselling author of Raising Good Humans and host of the Mindful Mama Podcast . Together they explore what it really means to raise a “good human,” why parents’ emotional regulation matters more than perfect parenting, and how mindfulness can transform the parent–child relationship. Hunter shares honest stories from her own parenting journey—including struggles with ang...
Apr 13, 2026•46 min•Ep. 27
In this solo Q&A episode, Shaun Dawson answers some of the most common and emotionally charged parenting questions from the Raising Men community. Drawing on insights from past guests including child development experts, military leaders, and veteran fathers, Shaun unpacks how to raise boys with both strength and emotional health. This episode covers how to respond to a sensitive son, how to handle defiance without crushing a child’s spirit, and whether a surrogate male mentor can help fill ...
Apr 09, 2026•14 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Raising Men, Shaun sits down with former NFL player and current Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Deland McCullough . Deland shares a powerful journey that began with adoption, fatherlessness, and adversity in Youngstown, Ohio. Through football, mentorship, relentless work ethic, and a deep commitment to helping young men reach their potential, Deland built a remarkable career as a player, educator, and coach. His story explores masculinity, emotional development, mentorsh...
Apr 06, 2026•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of the Raising Men podcast, Shaun sits down with former Navy SEAL, master sniper instructor, and author Eric Davis , whose book Raising Men helped inspire the very foundation of this show. Eric shares the deeply personal story that drove him to explore masculinity, fatherhood, and the role men play in shaping the next generation. The conversation explores the modern masculinity crisis, why traditional models of manhood are failing many young men, and how fathers can intentionally...
Apr 01, 2026•42 min•Ep. 24
In this deep dive, Shaun sits down with lifelong friend and former professional athlete Emily Huston to discuss the silent crisis of identity and mental health facing boys and men today. From the high-pressure world of elite sports to the "cliff effect" of retirement, Emily shares her journey through depression and professional burnout to build Home Team —a marketplace and community designed to bridge the systemic gaps in athlete care. Key Topics Covered The Masculinity Crisis & The Zero-Sum...
Mar 25, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 23
In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Ryan Walton of Daring to Dad joins Shaun to unpack why so many men find themselves coasting through life — and what it really takes to show up with courage, presence, and emotional integrity for our children. Drawing from fatherhood, personal failures, and deep inner work, Ryan challenges modern dads to confront the parts of themselves they often avoid, cultivate resilience in their sons, and reclaim joy as a masculine virtue. This episode invites ev...
Mar 18, 2026•56 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of Raising Men , host Shaun sits down with retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a leader who spent nearly four decades commanding soldiers in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. But beyond the battlefield, Mark is also a father who once wrote a series of journal entries to his young sons while preparing for war during the first Gulf War—letters he hoped would guide them if he didn’t make it home. Years later, those handwritten reflections became t...
Mar 11, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 21
If you’ve ever had a toddler throw themselves on the floor because you cut their toast the wrong way, you know how intense those early years can be. But what if toddlerhood isn’t something to survive? What if it’s one of the richest seasons for growth—both for our kids and for us? Today on Raising Men , Shaun sits down with Devon Kuntzman , parenting coach, author of Transforming Toddlerhood , and the leading voice helping parents move from chaos to connection. Devon brings practical tools, mind...
Mar 04, 2026•48 min•Ep. 20
Ryan North, co-founder of One Big Happy Home, shares his journey raising six children—four of whom were adopted from the child welfare system—and how those experiences shaped his trauma-informed approach to parenting. This episode explores the "connection-first" methodology, the essential balance between nurture and structure, and the vital distinction between raising "nice" boys and "good" men. 1. Why Trauma-Informed Parenting Matters for Every Dad Ryan explains why trauma-informed principles a...
Feb 25, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, Shaun sits down with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, a psychologist with decades of experience working with preschool boys often mislabeled as "problematic". They explore the "emotional desert" many boys are forced into by a culture that unintentionally shames their natural sensitivity. Dr. Vanderhorst explains how parents can move beyond surface-level behavior to address the root emotional needs of their sons, ultimately helping them grow into men of both strength and tenderness. Key T...
Feb 18, 2026•53 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Shaun sits down with Jonny Miller, the founder of Nervous System Mastery and host of The Inner Frontier Podcast . As a tech leader and father of two, Shaun explores the messy reality of staying regulated when kids push every "magic button" we have. Jonny reframes the nervous system not as something to be "beaten into submission," but as the primary lens through which we experience our relationships, our creativity, and our capacity to lead our families. Key Takeaways The Nervous...
Feb 11, 2026•58 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, Shaun Dawson sits down with Steve Biddulph , a world-renowned psychologist, educator, and author of the global bestsellers Raising Boys and The New Manhood . With over three decades of experience, Steve explores the "quiet crisis" facing boys today—from school environments that disadvantage their slower biological development to a digital landscape that is rewriting the rules of adolescence. This conversation is a roadmap for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy sons of...
Feb 04, 2026•43 min•Ep. 16
Retired Green Beret and Wild Ops Box founder Aaron Blaine joins Raising Men to talk about the battles he faced long before combat — growing up fatherless, angry, and adrift — and how pain, discipline, and purpose forged him into the man and father he is today. In this conversation, Aaron and Shaun unpack lessons from military life, the transition back home, and the inner healing that led to his mission of helping fathers and sons reconnect through Wild Ops Box . From men’s circles and emotional ...
Jan 28, 2026•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, Shaun sits down with Jennifer L.W. Fink —writer, nurse, mother of four boys, and author of Building Boys . Jennifer brings decades of lived experience and research to help us understand what boys really need: space, presence, and parents who see them as they truly are. Together, they explore why boys are often misunderstood, how parents can respond with calm instead of fear, and what it means to raise great guys in a world full of mixed messages. Topics Covered Developmental dif...
Jan 21, 2026•58 min•Ep. 14
Paul Kix built a career telling powerful human stories—from ESPN to bestselling books. But becoming a father pushed him to rewrite the narrative of masculinity itself. In this conversation, Paul shares what he’s learned about raising boys to be strong and gentle, confident and vulnerable. We go deep on identity, authenticity, inner courage, and why sometimes the bravest thing a dad can do is admit he doesn’t have all the answers. Key Takeaways / Topics Covered Masculinity must include kindness, ...
Jan 14, 2026•54 min•Ep. 13
A deep dive into how Dave Rossi — entrepreneur turned mindfulness teacher and author of The Imperative Habit — reframes success, presence, and internal awareness for parents raising boys today. This episode explores how achievement culture shapes a boy’s identity, why inner peace matters more than winning, and how small daily rituals can help boys grow into grounded, self-aware young men. Dave brings practical habits, consciousness principles, and real-life insights that help families shift from...
Jan 07, 2026•55 min•Ep. 12
In this conversation, Shaun sits down with Damian Gomes — a father, technologist, and long-time Scout leader — to explore what it means to raise two sons who couldn’t be more different. From leading Boy Scouts and teaching leadership through failure to navigating remote schooling during the pandemic, Damian shares the lessons, struggles, and surprising gifts of modern fatherhood. One son thrived in self-paced learning and now builds AI systems with his dad; the other is still discovering his pat...
Dec 31, 2025•48 min•Ep. 11
In this thoughtful and often funny conversation, Dr. Daniel Singley—founder of The Center for Men’s Excellence and creator of MenExcel—joins Shaun to unpack what it really means to raise emotionally healthy boys in a rapidly changing world. Together, they explore how traditional models of masculinity can evolve without abandoning strength, why fatherhood is the “tip of the spear” for redefining what it means to be a man, and how dads can model emotional resilience and connection in everyday life...
Dec 24, 2025•57 min•Ep. 10
