Dear Son,

Watch the show here: https://youtu.be/P_u3jbFLUs4

What are we really teaching our sons about dating? Is this even a conversation anymore, or was it ever for that matter? Dear Son, nice guys finish last! That might be a myth but jerks certainly don’t win the race. Perhaps there’s a middle ground that will position our young men to mature into respectful companions for the right young lady.

We had a lively discussion about the importance of dating with clarity and intention. Our sons need to be aware of what’s acceptable, questionable, and absolutely off limits when it comes to courtship. They need to have standards when identifying attractive characteristics and qualities in the young ladies they pursue. Also, how much energy and effort should be invested into the pursuit? We agree that our young men must be respectable in all aspects as a baseline; however, we might have differing opinions on the appropriate level of “savagery or suckery”…you’ll just have to watch (or listen) to understand.

With all the questions posed above, you’ll find several answers throughout. We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village. 

#daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence #theblackfamilyexperience #stressedout

Three dating tips for young men:

1.     Be yourself and be confident in who you are. Don't try to be someone you're not to impress someone else.

2.     Listen actively to your date and show genuine interest in them. This means putting away your phone and giving them your full attention.

3.     Be respectful and considerate towards your date. This includes things like being on time, dressing appropriately, and being mindful of their boundaries.

Follow James: 

https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show:

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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 sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

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The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

This episode is just as the title implies. Am I about to pop? Every man (that I know) has come face-to-face with an ‘about to pop’ moment at some stage of life. For some of us, this is a mile marker at every phase, from adolescence to the elderly years. While seemingly inevitable, the more important part is how we show up in those moments. 

Losing a source of income, losing a relationship, losing health, or perhaps even losing a family member can trigger anxiety, feelings of inferiority, and uncertainty. Conversely, those ‘about to pop’ moments can cause the loss of the things and relationships mentioned above. Adversity introduces a man to himself, and some men don’t like that version of themselves. Life comes at us fast, and often without warning. Are you (or the men in your life) battle tested and prepared for these moments?

We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village. 

#daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence #theblackfamilyexperience #stressedout

Three tips to help men manage stress:

1.     Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

2.     Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

3.     Seek support: Talking to trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional can help in managing stress and improving mental health.

Follow James: 

https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1.  follow this podcast, 

2. turn on auto-downloads,

3. leave a 5-star rating, 

4. leave a positive written review, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Other social media: 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://tiktok.com/podcast_pops

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Enjoy the visual experience: https://youtu.be/hq9P3qQ93eo

How often do you reject a message simply because it was coming from a source that you don’t like? Whether the source is a person, place, or thing, you just don’t like it and, consequently, will not accept anything it has to offer, even if it could improve your life. Don’t shoot the messenger!

Sometimes there is a valid reason to disregard information being offered to you. Other times, you might just be missing out on information that can change the trajectory of your family’s future. There are those that complain about not having the information that they choose not to access. Where do we draw the line between excuses and maturity?

Now consider if you’ve been the source of information that people reject because of your character, behavior, beliefs, etc. Perhaps those in your community or church, at your job, or even in your home feel this way about you. How would you adjust if they told you this was so? For some, this would be a tough truth to accept while others would embrace the opportunity to grow and change. 

We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village. 

#daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence #theblackfamilyexperience #Mali #ghana #tanzania #malawi #bahamas

Three tips to become a better listener.

1.     Make sure to give the speaker your full attention. Don't let yourself get distracted by external factors. Make eye contact and stay focused.

2.     Don't interrupt the speaker, even if you feel an urge to do so. Allow them to finish what they're saying before you respond.

3.     Listen actively by repeating back the main points that the speaker is making. This will show the speaker that you are really paying attention and want to understand them better.

Follow James: 

https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

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 sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Other social media: 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://tiktok.com/podcast_pops

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Enjoy the visual experience: https://youtu.be/udmv7aIX9Sc

It’s a safe assumption that nobody likes to feel disregarded. Unfortunately, many of us have or will experience this in various phases of life. As a child, perhaps a classmate shared his candy with everyone in the class except you. Maybe as a teenager, the girl of your dreams rejected your invite to homecoming and laughed it off with her friends. Over time, we essentially become numb to it, or at least we put up a good front as if being disregarded doesn’t bother us. Don’t disregard the disregard.

In this episode we address how being disregarded is viewed through the lens of fatherhood. This isn’t a grip session by any stretch, but rather an ‘aha’ moment of sorts when realize that we can be guilt of disregarding what’s important to our children. Many of us have shewed a child away while on a work call, preparing dinner, or watching something meaningless on tv. I’d also bet that many of us experienced that as a child as well. So…is it just our turn to be the givers in this cycle of carelessness? 

The ends don’t always justify the means. We shouldn’t take for granted that our children will simply get over things in time. Be mindful that our journey of “just getting over a hurt” may have taken months, years, or even decades. Let’s not try to condense the healing process for our children as a careless convenience. We don’t want them to arrive at adulthood as masters of disregarding the disregard. How does this play out in your home?

We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village. 

#daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence #theblackfamilyexperience #Mali #ghana #tanzania #malawi #bahamas

Three tips to ensure your children feel heard:

1.     Make sure to set aside undisturbed time each day to talk to your children. This helps them feel like you are truly listening to them and hearing their needs.

2.     Ask open-ended questions that encourage your children to think and express themselves. This will help you understand their perspective and make them feel like their opinions are valued.

3.     Show your children that you are listening by giving them your full attention. Make eye contact, take time to think before responding, and avoid distractions like cell phones or television. This will make them feel like their thoughts and feelings are being taken seriously.

Follow James: 

https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. follow this podcast, 

2. turn on auto-downloads,

3. give this podcast a 5-star rating, 

4. leave a positive written review, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Other social media: 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://tiktok.com/podcast_pops

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Enjoy the visual experience: https://youtu.be/UrSR_iiDdQY

It seems like everyone is looking for some kind of “goal” to help define personal success. Relationship goals, marriage goals, mom goals are popular hash tags across many social media platforms, but what about dad goals? Do men publicly proclaim that they admire how other men parent, or does ego limit those feelings to internal conversations? Manhood is tricky…well at least some of us make it harder than it should be.

In this episode we have a transparent conversation about the top three focus areas for our families in 2023. Notice that I didn’t use the term “goals,” and that was quite intentional. It is easy to get caught up in identifying resolutions in alignment with the turn of the calendar year, but do they really yield meaningful results? In my opinion most resolutions are glorified checklists of things that are easily and objectively measured (i.e., weight loss, exercise habits, saving money, etc.). How we parent is not so cut and dry.

Our lists are not presented as one size fits all as even our priorities differed. As with any other content offered on this platform, we believe this dialogue provides meaningful life prompts to promote the conversation in your home, neighborhood, and even the broader global community. Take some time to assess how you’re leading your family, and jot down a couple of areas that need improvement. Be mindful that the length of your list doesn’t equate to failure. Personally, I believe anyone that struggles to identify at least three areas for improvement is probably delusional about how great of a job they’re doing. 

We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village. 

#fatherhood #daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence

Consider these three areas of focus to get the ball rolling:

1. Communication: Fathers should strive to communicate better with their children. This includes actively listening to their kids and engaging in meaningful conversations about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 
2. Quality Time: Fathers should make time for quality bonding experiences with their children. This could include playing games, going on walks, or engaging in other activities that allow them to spend quality time together and foster a strong bond.
3. Empathy: Fathers should strive to show empathy and understanding to their children. This means being willing to take their feelings and perspectives into account when making decisions or addressing issues.

Follow James: 

https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

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 sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Other social media: 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://tiktok.com/podcast_pops

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Dear Son, you ain't the man of nothing! How often do young boys get thrusted into adulthood way before their time? There's an array of circumstances to blame, and many are plausible. Unfortunately, telling a boy he is a man, or worse, treating a boy as a man before his time can yield very damaging results.

In this episode, we have a transparent conversation about the dangers of levying the weight of manhood on a young boy. Now there's no specific age guidelines, and there are exceptionally mature young boys in this world, but expecting one to be the man of the house too soon is dangerous. We explore the challenges that come with the responsibilities of manhood when a man (adult) wasn't properly prepared. Considering those challenges, we had to evaluate how the situations occur, who is responsible for the development of a man, and what are the reasonable expectations of women as it pertains to grooming responsible, accountable, and emotionally intelligent men.

We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village.

#fatherhood #daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence

Three tips to help children deal with peer pressure

1. Talk to a trusted adult - Having a supportive and understanding adult to talk to can help children find the strength and courage to stand up to peer pressure.

2. Practice saying no - Role playing with a trusted adult can help children practice responding to peer pressure in a confident and assertive way.

3. Spend time with supportive friends - Spending time with friends who share similar values and beliefs can help children stay away from negative peer pressure. Encourage your child to make friends with peers who can be a positive influence.

#fatherhood #daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence

Follow James:

https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

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 sponsors:

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Other social media:

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Enjoy the visual experience: https://youtu.be/Ij2CYiwvCF0

Dear Son, tell me who you are! I see what you are doing, but is that really you? I'm not sure how many households are addressing this, but it is critical for our children to understand the difference between their actions and their character. Adults struggle with this as well. As men, we often lead an introduction with our (job) title. "Hello, I'm Joe, Sr. Manager of blah blah blah."

In this episode, we have a transparent conversation about the dangers of not knowing who you are as a parent and how that can impact your children. We explore the challenges of the internet age and how information outside of the home outpaces the information provided inside the home. Considering that challenge, we had to evaluate whether the children are willingly conforming to behaviors that don't accurately reflect who they are, or if the pressure is so great that they don't see any other way to be. 

We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village. 

#fatherhood #daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence

Three tips to help children deal with peer pressure

1.     Talk to a trusted adult - Having a supportive and understanding adult to talk to can help children find the strength and courage to stand up to peer pressure.

2.     Practice saying no - Role playing with a trusted adult can help children practice responding to peer pressure in a confident and assertive way.

3.     Spend time with supportive friends - Spending time with friends who share similar values and beliefs can help children stay away from negative peer pressure. Encourage your child to make friends with peers who can be a positive influence.

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 

1. follow this podcast, 

2. turn on auto-download, 

3. rate this podcast (5 stars), 

4. leave a written review, and 

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Other social media: 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma 

3. Help through telling stories of it all 

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Enjoy the visual experience: https://youtu.be/Ij2CYiwvCF0

Sometimes men get struggle with the dual roles of father and husband. In fact, we can be downright jealous of our children when their needs supersede our physical and emotional needs as a husband. “Hey Son…get off my wife!” Is that unrealistic? Is there a way to balance the roles? What is balance?!

In this episode, we have a transparent conversation about the responsibilities of fatherhood and how they impact the romantic relationships in our homes. We’re both fathers and husbands with relatively large families, but the household dynamics are different. This resulted in a healthy dialogue and several meaningful revelations along the way.

We highly recommend that you consume the entire episode for the best results. Also, meet us in the comments or tag us with your opinion on social media via the links below. As always, we welcome your perspective. It takes a village. 

Consider the following recommendations when assessing your current performance as a father and a husband (or significant other).

Three Tips to Balance Being a Father and a Husband

1. Make time for yourself - As a father and husband, it can be easy to put your own needs last. However, make sure to carve out some time for yourself each day. Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation, reading a book, or going for a walk, having some “me time” can help you stay balanced and energized for your family. 
2. Connect with your spouse - Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your spouse. Talk about how each of you are feeling, what’s going on in your life, and how you can support each other. It’s important to stay on the same page and stay connected.
3. Prioritize family time - Create meaningful family time each week. Whether it’s having a family dinner, playing a board game, or going out for ice cream, make sure to carve out time to be together and appreciate each other. This will help create strong bonds and build memories that will last a lifetime.

#fatherhood #daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence 

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Follow the show: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 

1. follow this podcast, 

2. turn on the auto-download, 

3. rate this podcast (5 stars), 

4. leave a written review, and 

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Other social media: 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma 

3. Help through telling stories of it all 

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Visual experience: https://youtu.be/CpbNyHLJfBk

"That time I almost died" is a phrase often thrown around in jest to make light of a scary experience or over-exaggerate an experience that wasn't so serious. This conversation doesn't fit into either category. Les provides a transparent account of the day his life changed for ever. One seemingly regular morning ended in emergency surgery, saving his life from the second heart attack he experienced in the same day. Summarizing it in this description won't do it much justice, so you'll need to consume the entire episode to get the full benefit. 

This season of the show will focus on men's health and identity. Consider these prompts as you prepare to join or continue on this journey with us. Join us via social media or via our website (links below).

Why do some men avoid doctor visits?

Men often feel embarrassed to discuss their health concerns with a doctor, or they may fear that they will be given bad news. They may also be intimidated by the medical environment and feel uncomfortable asking questions. Additionally, there is social stigma that men should be strong and independent and not need medical help, which can lead to a reluctance to go to the doctor. It's important for men to recognize that regular check ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining their health, and that seeking medical help is a sign of strength.

Five tips to become a more confident father.

1. Spend quality time with your children. Doing activities together and having meaningful conversations can help build a strong connection and help boost your confidence.

2. Learn something new. Whether it's a new hobby, language, or skill, taking on something new and challenging can help you feel more capable and confident.

3. Take time for self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential to feeling confident and being a good father. Make sure you are taking time to do activities you enjoy and get enough rest.

4. Celebrate your successes. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small. Doing so can help you feel proud and boost your confidence.

5. Reach out for support. Having a supportive network of family and friends can help you stay confident and motivated as a father. Don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.

Three tips to help men improve communications with their family.

1. Make time to talk: Make it a priority to set aside time to talk to your family members regularly. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, it’s important to stay connected and to be present in your conversations. 

2. Listen and be patient: Communication isn’t just about talking. To be an effective communicator, it’s important to listen to what your family members have to say and be patient as they speak. It also helps to be aware of nonverbal cues and body language so that you can be sure to understand what is being said. 

3. Be respectful and open-minded: Respect is key in any relationship, and family is no exception. Always strive to be respectful of your family’s opinions and be open to different points of view. This will help to foster an environment of understanding and growth.

As always, I welcome your feedback and perspective. It takes a village.

#fatherhood #daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence #grandfather #son 

Follow Les: https://instagram.com/inspirvations

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the podcast, 

2. turn on automatic downloads,

3. give us a 5-star rating, 

4. leave a written review, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

IG: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Listen More Talk Less: https://l-m-t-l.myshopify.com

Let’s connect socially: 

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast 

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help others through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

Enjoy the visual experience: https://youtu.be/aZX-HGscTek

This is the episode that I have been waiting for. I finally sat down with my father and my sons to discuss the history of fatherhood in my family. “What I wish my father told me” is not an indictment on my father, or on me for that matter. The fatherhood journey is nuanced and more dynamic than static at any stage. For every meaningful lesson that I learned late, I want my sons to learn earlier (from my experience when possible).

We talked through the positive and negative tendencies that have been consistent in my family for generations. While some ideologies continued out of tradition, we found others to be very intentionally passed down for good reason. Everyone had a voice. For context, my youngest son was seven at the time of this recording, and, my father, 74…everyone had a voice. I spent parts of the conversation intrigued, proud, envious, and ultimately grateful. We need more of this. 

My father counseled us on the value of painful experiences. Sometimes these are necessary to develop a man’s character, his sense of worth, and his moral compass. I understand the principle very well, yet I struggle with allowing my sons (or any of my children) to experience hurt when I can prevent it. This is a disservice to them in some regards…I’m working on it.

There’s so much more to say, and that’s what the episode provides. Listen all the way through to get the greatest value. Have you had a conversation like this with your family? If not, what is the roadblock preventing it? As always, I welcome your feedback and perspective. It takes a village.

#fatherhood #daddyissues #accountable #blackfathers #fatherandson #blackexcellence #grandfather #son

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 sponsors: 

Johns & Co Apparel: https://johnsandcompany.co

Love Kisha J Studios: https://etsy.com/shop/LoveKishaJStudios

Listen More Talk Less:  https://l-m-t-l.myshopify.com

Let’s connect socially: 

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

https://twitter.com/dearsonpodcast 

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma 

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”