Raising Men - podcast cover

Raising Men

Shaun Dawsonraising.men
Raising Men is a podcast about parenting, masculinity, and the lifelong journey of raising sons—and ourselves—to be men of courage, character, and purpose. Hosted by Shaun Dawson, each episode features real conversations with parents, leaders, and thinkers redefining what it means to raising men in today’s world.
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Episodes

Regulate Before You Relate: The Inner Work of Raising Men with Jonny Miller

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, 202658 minEp. 17

Why Boys Are Falling Behind (and What We Can Do About It) with Steve Biddulph

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, 202643 minEp. 16

Battles Before the Battlefield: Aaron Blaine on Becoming the Father He Never Had

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, 20261 hr 20 minEp. 15

Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands Males with Jennifer L.W. Fink

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, 202658 minEp. 14

How Storytelling Helps Us Raise Men with Paul Kix

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, 202654 minEp. 13

The Imperative Habit of Raising Conscious Young Men with Dave Rossi

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, 202655 minEp. 12

Lessons in Leadership, Tech, and Letting Go with Damian Gomes

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, 202548 minEp. 11

The Psychology of Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys with Dr. Daniel Singley

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, 202557 minEp. 10

Real Talk on Fatherhood, Marriage, and Mayhem with Sean Harvey

In Part Two, Sean reflects on losing his stepfather and guiding his sons through grief, legacy, and growth. He shares stories of finding laughter in pain, of writing a eulogy that helped him truly understand the man who raised him, and of passing those lessons forward. Together, Shaun and Sean unpack how fathers can model empathy, resilience, and strength through vulnerability—and why raising sons of character starts with being honest about our own humanity. Key Takeaways / Topics Covered Grief ...

Dec 17, 202553 minEp. 9

No Perfect Dads Allowed: The Truth About Love and Showing Up with Sean Harvey

In this first half of our conversation, The Kids Are Sleep co-host Sean Harvey joins Shaun to talk about the messy, meaningful side of marriage and modern fatherhood. From late-night talks with his wife Shannon to the daily rhythm of keeping love alive while raising two boys, Sean opens up about what real connection looks like when life gets chaotic. They explore how humor, honesty, and presence keep a family grounded—and how redefining masculinity starts at home. Key Takeaways / Topics Covered ...

Dec 10, 202548 minEp. 8

From Dudes to Dads: Redefining Modern Fatherhood with Eli Weinstein

In this conversation, Eli Weinstein unpacks the emotional journey men go through as they shift from “just a guy” to a present, grounded, emotionally intelligent dad. Drawing from his work as a therapist, author, and host of The Dude Therapist , Eli breaks down the fears, expectations, and heart-level responsibilities that come with modern fatherhood — and how men can rise to them with honesty, humility, and strength. His new book, Dudes to Dads , gives fathers a roadmap to show up with clarity a...

Dec 03, 202544 minEp. 7

Fathers Who Heal Lead Better: Dr. Michelle Watson on Raising Connected Dads

In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield shares her insights on the unique dynamics between fathers and daughters, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and communication. She discusses practical tools for fathers to improve their relationships with their children, particularly daughters, and highlights the significant influence fathers have on their children's emotional health. The conversation also touches on the challenges fathers face in understanding and responding to...

Nov 26, 202554 minEp. 6

What It Really Means to Be a Whole Man with Christopher Veal

In this episode of Raising Men , host Shaun Dawson sits down with Christopher Veal — author of The Whole Man: Evolving Masculinity , Marine veteran, and host of The Vulnerable Man Podcast — to explore what it really means to be a “whole man.” Together, they unpack the myths of masculine strength, the courage behind vulnerability, and how fathers can model emotional integrity for their kids. Key Takeaways True strength isn’t in the walls we build. Masculinity isn’t about armor or control — it’s a...

Nov 12, 202553 minEp. 5

Healing the Modern Man: Lessons from Mindful Men with Simon Rinne

Simon shares how mindfulness transformed his life after years of mental-health struggle and burnout — helping him become a more present father, husband, and therapist. Together, Shaun and Simon explore how mindfulness, emotional awareness, and healthy masculinity shape the next generation of men. Key Takeaways Mindfulness begins with awareness. Bringing the subconscious to the conscious allows fathers to be truly present with their children. Healing starts with connection. Therapy, lived-experie...

Nov 12, 202541 minEp. 4

Crossing the Threshold: Rites of Passage and Raising Good Men with Luke Entrup

In this conversation, Shaun Dawson and Luke Entrup explore what it really means to guide boys into manhood in a culture that has lost its rites of passage. Luke shares how fathers can reclaim the ancient practice of initiation to raise sons of character, courage, and conviction. Together, they discuss how emotional intelligence, mentorship, and time in nature can help boys develop “heart-connected power” — strength balanced with compassion. Key Takeaways Rites of passage matter. When boys lack m...

Nov 12, 202549 minEp. 3

The End of the Lone Cowboy: Redefining Strength for the Next Generation with Ken Mossman

In this conversation, Shaun sits down with Ken Mossman, leadership coach and host of Mojo for the Modern Man , to dismantle one of the most enduring myths in manhood — the “lone wolf” and “self-made man.” Together, they explore what it truly means for men to live with courage, connection, and curiosity in an age of isolation. Key Takeaways / Topics Covered The Lone Wolf is a Lie - Both Ken and Shaun dismantle the myth of the “self-made man” and the “lone cowboy.” Connection Requires Courage - Me...

Nov 12, 202557 minEp. 2

Raising Men Starts with Raising Ourselves with Caleb Scott

In this conversation, Caleb Scott shares his journey into fatherhood, discussing the unexpected challenges and emotional experiences that come with becoming a dad. He emphasizes the importance of community support, grace, and accountability in parenting. The discussion also touches on conflict management, resilience in children, and the significance of being present in their lives. Caleb reflects on the balance needed in parenting, learning from mistakes, and the invaluable gift of time spent wi...

Nov 12, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 1

Episode 0: Why Raising Men Matters

Shaun Dawson opens Raising Men with a simple truth: our sons aren’t just watching us—they’re becoming us. This is where the journey begins to raise men of purpose, strength, and heart. Follow the Raising Men Podcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingMen_Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/raisingmen/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-men/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingmenpodcast X https://x.com/raisingmen...

Nov 05, 202514 min

Trailer

Join Shaun Dawson in the important conversations shaping the next generation of men. Raising Men is a space for parents, mentors, and leaders committed to building character, courage, and conviction in today’s boys. Each episode dives deep into real stories and practical wisdom from thinkers, leaders, and fellow parents — all sharing tools for becoming more intentional guides in a world that often confuses masculinity with noise. Because raising men isn’t just about them — it’s about who we’re b...

Oct 17, 202550 sec
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