Dawson and James dive deep into the question: What makes a man, a man? With honesty, humor, and real talk, these Gen X dads unpack the pressures, expectations, and evolving definitions of masculinity in today’s world. From fatherhood and divorce to dating, purpose, and emotional strength, this conversation reminds men they’re not alone in their struggles — and helps women better understand the male experience. If you’ve ever questioned what it really means to be a man in modern society, this is the episode for you. Tune in for laughter, insight, and connection from two dads who’ve lived it.

00:00 - Introduction - discussing manly things

08:35 - What makes a man - Provider, Protector, Satisfier

11:40 - Provider - What does this look like

29:02 - Protector - Violence isn't what this means

38:34 - Satisfier - Sexually and emotionally

44:02 - Conclusion - What it all boils down to is....

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, Dawson and James dive into “Halloween Then vs Now: Growing Up Gen X vs Parenting Today,” a hilarious and heartfelt look at how the spooky season has changed from our Gen X childhoods to the modern-day chaos of parenting. From homemade costumes, unsupervised trick-or-treating, and haunted houses that actually terrified us—to today’s trunk-or-treats, sugar limits, and social media costumes—we share the funny, scary, and surprisingly emotional moments that define Halloween across generations. Join us for real talk, laughter, and nostalgia as two Gen X dads explore fatherhood, divorce, dating, and the humor that keeps us all sane. Perfect for parents, single dads, and anyone who misses when Halloween was truly scary (and simpler).

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Halloween as kids, pillowcases to late nights shenanigans.

18:01 - What did we do with our kids

20:31 - Costumes as a kid vs now

30:13 - hording candy

37:52 - Halloween now

40:19 - Conclusion

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, Dawson and James dive into the real talk about setting boundaries—why they matter, how to recognize unhealthy ones, and how to protect your peace as a dad, partner, or man rebuilding life after divorce. With their trademark mix of honesty, humor, and heart, these Gen X dads break down the struggles of saying “no,” handling guilt, and learning self-respect in relationships, parenting, and dating. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, misunderstood, or unsure where to draw the line, this conversation will hit home. Join the laughs and lessons as we explore what healthy boundaries really look like for modern men—and why setting them can change everything.

00:00 - Introduction (toe licking and pegging) setting boundaries

09:39 - Growing with relationships and the nice guy syndrome

16:16 - What is the difference between unhealthy and healthy boundaries

48:40 - Conclusion

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, Dawson and James get real about becoming balanced—mentally, physically, and spiritually—while juggling fatherhood, work, relationships, and personal growth. Through honest stories, humor, and raw conversation, they dive into the daily struggles of finding balance after divorce, dealing with loneliness, and rediscovering purpose as Gen X dads. This video explores how men can rebuild confidence, heal emotionally, and create a healthier mindset while offering women valuable insight into the male experience. If you’re searching for genuine connection, relatable dad talk, and a laugh along the way, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

00:00 - Introduction

05:50 - How do we get our mind right?

21:11 - The mind and body feed each other

29:53 - How do you combat negative self-talk

41:13 - Struggling spiritually

47:01 - Conclusion

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, Dawson and James get real about the struggles of weight loss, aging, and trying to stay healthy while juggling fatherhood, work, and real life. James opens up about his amazing weight loss journey—the highs, the setbacks, and the mental battles that come with it—while Dawson shares his own perspective on body image and motivation as a Gen X dad. Together, they deliver an honest, funny, and emotional conversation about why losing weight isn’t just physical, it’s deeply personal. If you’ve ever battled the scale, felt invisible, or wondered how to start again, this episode will hit home. Perfect for men navigating divorce, dating, and midlife changes—and for women who want to better understand what men go through behind the humor.

00:00 - Introduction

08:50 - What are your motivations to lose the weight

18:10 - What are our personal struggles to losing weight.

36:56 - What tools are we using to help us be healthier and to loss the weight.

42:57 - Conclusion

Please reach out to us via EMAIL or in comments if you would like more information on James Weight loss program.

When is the right time to introduce your kids to your new partner? In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, we dive into the challenges divorced and single dads face when navigating dating, fatherhood, and family dynamics. With humor, honesty, and real-life stories, we discuss how to gauge whether your children are ready, the emotional impact of blending relationships, and the common mistakes parents make during this important step. Our goal is to help dads feel less alone while giving women insight into the male perspective on parenting, dating, and love after divorce. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance fatherhood, loneliness, and introducing a partner into your kids’ lives, this conversation is for you!

00:00 - Introduction

08:26 - Honeymoon phase and a little more.

27:05 - What steps do you take to make sure you and your kids are ready to meet your partner?

41:18 - What is a good way to introduce your kids?

55:50 - Conclusion

When To introduce the Kids

1. Early Dating (0–3 months): - Keep your dating life private while you’re still figuring things out. Kids don’t need to meet every person you date casually.
2. Building Commitment (3–6 months): - Once you’re confident the relationship is serious and stable, start talking about your partner to your kids—without a meeting yet. - Gauge their reactions and slowly normalize the idea.
3. Transition to Meeting (6+ months, or when it feels stable): - Plan an introduction only when, - You see long-term potential.- Both you and your partner feel ready.- Your kids have had time to adjust to the idea. Best Ways to Introduce Your Kids to a Partner 1. Start with Conversationsa. Mention your partner casually in daily talk: “My friend Sarah loves that movie too.” - Frame them positively but not overhyped—don’t create pressure.2. First Meeting = Low-Key & Neutral a. Choose a neutral, kid-friendly place (park, ice cream shop, bowling alley, etc.). - b. Keep it short and casual—an activity-based hangout, not a formal dinner. 3. Avoid Over-labeling at First a. Introduce them as a “friend” initially to ease kids into the idea. b. Once comfort grows, you can explain the relationship more directly. 4. Follow Your Kids’ Leada. Some kids warm up quickly, others need more time. - b. Don’t force interaction—allow natural bonding. 5. Reassure Continuity a. Remind your kids they still come first. b. Affirm that your love for them doesn’t change. - Address fears about “replacement” if they arise.

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, Dawson and James sit down with guest Tammy to dive into the idea of the “perfect partner” and how modern expectations, feminism, and shifting gender roles have shaped marriage, family, and dating today. With raw honesty, humor, and emotion, we explore the delusions many men and women carry about finding the ideal relationship, the impact of the death to masculinity, and the clash between classic and modern feminism. This candid conversation sheds light on fatherhood, divorce, dating struggles, and loneliness from a Gen X dad’s perspective while helping women understand the realities men face in today’s world.

00:00 - Introduction

03:18 - Our Guest Tammy Appears - She starts us off with how men are being treated by woman.

26:17 - Masculinity - our boys are being attack - open thoughts on Charlie Kirk and what he stood for and what it means to truly be OPEN to an honest discussion.

40:11 - Circling back - Tammy asks us, What makes a perfect woman?

56:22 - James asks Tammy, Where should hope to find love come from?

1:08:40 - Would you like if a woman approached you as a man?

1:14:23 - Conclusion

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, Dawson and James dive into the biggest fashion faux pas men make when going out and break down the infamous Crazy/Hot Scale to help men and women better navigate dating and relationships. With a mix of humor, honesty, and real talk, we explore how style choices can affect confidence, attraction, and first impressions, while also unpacking what the Crazy/Hot Scale really means in today’s dating world. Whether you’re a divorced dad re-entering the dating scene, a guy trying to level up your wardrobe, or a woman curious about the male perspective, this conversation delivers laughs, lessons, and a reminder that no one has to face the struggles of fashion, fatherhood, or relationships alone.

00:00 - Introduction

02:51 - Fashion Faux Pas

11:19 - Do you dress to impress or dress to match who you are. BE yourself?

23:58 - THE CRAZY/HOT SCALE

33:17 - Conclusion

How I Met Your Mother - Season 1 Episode 1 and Season 3 Episode 5

This is completely joking and we both in no way fell that picking a partner should be based on this BUT it kind of does work......

Making a mixtape for someone you like was the ultimate Gen X love language, a carefully curated soundtrack that said everything you couldn’t put into words. In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, we dive into the art of the old-school mixtape versus today’s playlists, exploring what made those cassette compilations such a powerful expression of love, longing, and personality. With humor, honesty, and a touch of nostalgia, Dawson and James share the male perspective on dating, relationships, and connection in a world that has shifted from tapes to streaming. Whether you’re navigating fatherhood, divorce, loneliness, or just curious about how men think about romance, this conversation blends comedy with real talk to remind us all that love, in any generation, is about showing someone they matter.

00:00 - Introduction

05:36 - What was the point of a mix tape and our go to songs

11:27 - A side and B side: what we put on each and how its changed

25:15 - The Break up tape or songs that helped us through it

30:56 - From CDs to Playlists

36:57 - Conclusion

High Fidelity 2000 R 1h 53m

Check out our personalized playlists on Spotify.

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, we dive into the raw and hilarious reality of dating after divorce, rejection, and rebuilding your confidence as a single individual. “Shot Down but Not Out: Dating Confidence After Rejection” takes an honest look at what it means to put yourself back out there, deal with the sting of being turned down, and still find the courage to keep going. From the struggles of online dating apps to the awkward first dates, we bring the humor, honesty, and real talk that every MAN can relate to. Whether you’re navigating loneliness, starting over after a breakup, or just trying to figure out how to date again without losing your sanity, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone. Women who want a better understanding of what men really face in the dating world will also gain valuable insight into the male perspective.

00:00 - Introduction

05:34 - Rejection as a Teenager vs Now

18:38 - Cal Weaver Transformation

28:03 - Mentally Switching from Fuckboy/Jumpgirl to wanting something meaningful.

35:38 - Once you get over being reject, life gets easier.

40:27 - Finding your puzzle piece!

44:54 - Conclusion

Rebuilding confidence to date again—especially after a breakup, divorce, or long pause—takes time, but it’s absolutely possible. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1.Work on yourself first – Focus on your health, hobbies, and passions. When you feel good about who you are, that energy naturally shows up when dating.

2.Shift your mindset – Instead of thinking, “I need to impress them,” think, “Do they align with me?” That small switch takes pressure off and builds self-assurance.

3.Practice small wins – Start by talking to people casually (at the gym, coffee shop, or work) to get comfortable being social again. Confidence builds through repetition.

4.Learn from the past, don’t live in it – Take the lessons from your last relationship but don’t carry the baggage forward. You’re not the same person you were back then.

5.Update your look and vibe – A small style change, haircut, or fitness routine can make a big impact on how you feel.

6.Surround yourself with support – Good friends who encourage and uplift you help reinforce confidence.

7.Take baby steps – Don’t jump straight into serious dating if you’re not ready. Try casual coffee meetups or apps where conversation comes first.

8.Be kind to yourself – Confidence doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from accepting your flaws and still showing up as you are.

Crazy, Stupid, Love - Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily have the perfect life together living the American dream...until Emily asks for a divorce. Now Cal has to navigate the single scene with a little help from his professional bachelor friend Jacob (Ryan Gosling). 1 h 53 min 2011 PG-13