What does it mean to grow up fast, find role models in unexpected places, and carry those lessons into some of the most high-stakes environments imaginable? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan MacDougall — podcaster, storyteller, and Correctional Peace Officer — to explore the intersections of masculinity, resilience, and mental health inside and outside prison walls.

Ryan shares candidly about his childhood marked by chaos, moving away from home at 13, the mentors who stood up for him, and his years in a group home that shaped his understanding of human nature. Today, his work at the Edmonton Remand Centre puts him face-to-face with men navigating the pressures of incarceration — where questions of dignity, emotional regulation, and masculinity are tested daily.

This conversation dives into the thin line between ending up on one side of the bars or the other, the power of awareness, and why mentorship can change the trajectory of a young man’s life.

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Guest Bio

Ryan MacDougall is the host of Solo Spotlight and The Conversationalist, two podcasts under the Spare Bedroom Studios banner. His shows spotlight authentic stories, cultural commentary, and deep-dive conversations across diverse perspectives. Known for his grounded and engaging style, Ryan brings curiosity, candor, and humor to every dialogue.

Professionally, Ryan serves as a Correctional Peace Officer for the Government of Alberta, a role that gives him a unique perspective on responsibility, resilience, and human behavior. His passion lies in storytelling, connection, and uncovering the lessons behind the headlines.

Topics Covered

• Growing up in a chaotic home and the turning point of leaving at age 13
• The role of mentors, chosen family, and group homes in shaping resilience
• Defining healthy masculinity through peace, transparency, and dignity
• The thin line between correctional officer and inmate — and how the environment shapes both
• The importance of emotional awareness, boundaries, and self-reflection in high-stress work
• What parents should know if their son ever becomes incarcerated

Links

https://www.youtube.com/@Sparebedroomstudios

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and tune in next week for more insights into the inner world of boys and young men.

For more support, reach out to sonhoodcoaching.com

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Why Is Season 3 Different?

Too many boys today feel lost, alone, and misunderstood. And far too often, the same is true for their parents.

Behind the troubling statistics is a generation of boys quietly longing to be seen, heard, and valued — yet the conversation around boys’ emotional lives remains far too quiet.

Season 3 of Unlocking the Parenting Code is here to change that.

In this new season, you’ll hear:

🔹 Real conversations with young men who are ready to share their truth.

🔹 Powerful insights from experts in boys’ mental and emotional health.

🔹 And raw, real wisdom from dads who are walking this road every day

🔹 Solo episodes where I reflect on what I’ve witnessed, wrestled with, and learned

At the heart of this season — and at the heart of Sonhood Coaching — is a mission:

To understand the inner emotional world of boys, to recognize the very real challenges they face, and to name the damaging myths and societal expectations that continue to shape how we see, treat, and raise our sons.

This is not about fixing boys.

It’s about truly seeing them — and learning how to show up differently, with compassion, courage, and connection.

Together, we’re building a world where boys feel safe to be their authentic selves.

Because when we get it right for our boys, we begin to heal something much bigger.