Dear Son,

Mr. JB the Barber is a multi-faceted young entrepreneur with an old soul. He owns a successful barber shop filled with expressive art and hair artists that have become a staple in the community. Growing up, he was inspired by his father, also a barber, to take business ownership seriously, and he has become a savvy people leader in the process. 

We talked about his early days growing up in Pine Bluff, AR where he recalls life in the hood being fun as a child, but he later understood the dangers of that environment. His family ultimately settled in the DFW metroplex by way of Bellevue, NE. DFW is where he formed the friendships and relationships that have significantly shaped his life. He gives us a peak into his relationship with the mother of his child and a with a friend that was murdered over a very trivial matter.

Fatherhood has been one of his most rewarding roles in life. His daughter is a brilliant and beautiful artist in the making. Though they are no longer a couple romantically, he speaks highly of his daughter's mother, and they work harmoniously to raise babygirl. The loss of his friend; however, clearly impacted him during the conversation. Their friendship created a brotherhood, and a collective of artists formed around that, Top Off Entertainment. He stepped away from the music business after losing his brother but has found the inspiration to rap again lately. His barbershop is named Top Off Cuts to honor the legacy. 

Success looks different for many people. Most of us have a tendency to judge someone's character by what we immediately see. That's just human nature to a large degree. However, for those of us that mature beyond that, we're able to find the beauty in the journey and celebrate individuals for who they are. This conversation broadened my perspectives on a younger generation and gives me hope that they'll be just fine. 

#fatherhood #blackfathers #blackartist #blackexcellence #entrepreneurship #dfwbarbers #barber #dallastx 

Be sure to follow JB: https://instagram.com/mrjbthabarber

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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.”

https://linktr.ee/djohnslive

Do you know the vibes that resonate throughout your family? As fathers we are responsible for demonstrating manhood (amongst other important characteristics) in the home, which requires us to be mindful of our internal frequency. Don’t get tripped up on the wording, I’m just keeping it on par with this episode. Essentially, there is a tone that we set whether intentionally or unintentionally. It’s like the age-old parent-to-child [threatening] question: “Do you have an attitude?” Of course! Everyone always has an attitude. Typically, the inference is that the child is demonstrating some negative behavior at the time, and the parent wants them to “act better.”

In this conversation with Phillip, he challenged my thought pattern to consider how my actions resonate within my household, and whether I’m really in tune with how everyone in my household is feeling. Phillip has always been aware of his inner-spirit and is very open about being sensitive to that voice throughout his life. Society often pairs sensitivity with weakness, which is often a gross misrepresentation of the individual’s emotional state. Embracing this gift propelled Phillip to increasing levels of personal, financial, business, and familial success throughout his life.

Deep into the conversation, we began processing our thoughts on religion, God, and what this current life means. There are several points that require way more conversation to understand the full perspectives; however, I am always encouraged when men can intelligently discuss differences without judgement, anger, or any other unproductive result. We’ll continue the dialogue on a future episode. In the meantime, I challenge you to process your internal responses and why you believe what you believe. The end goal is not to change your mind, but you should be certain about your beliefs, and unbothered by those that believe otherwise. Be blessed.

#fatherhood #blackfathers  #thoughtleader  #blackexcellence   #fatherandson #spiritual 

Learn more about Phillip's business:  https://stonehillwealthmanagement.com

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

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The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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Let’s connect socially: 

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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.”

There's trauma on the yard! Many of us (parents) considered the school to be one of the safest places to send our children at one time. Over the past decade or so, the senseless attacks on our babies may have caused a heightened sense of awareness for some, paranoia for others, and perhaps even panic for a few. How would your life change if your child was the victim of a violent act at school? That's an unfair question to those who've never experienced it, and I pray that it is a question you'll never be able to answer from experience. 

Unfortunately for the George family, they will have to live with such an experience forever. Reggie George is a loving husband, father, and father figure. One routine morning he dropped his twin daughters off at a Mansfield ISD (TX) public school not knowing that his life, his twin daughters’ lives, and his wife's life would pivot within hours due to a cowardly, horrific event at the school. 

The scenario is too graphic to type here, but one of the twins was a approached and stabbed...which landed her in an 8.5 hour brain surgery fighting for her life. This episode connects the dots from that eventful day to the Father Figure movement that was birthed through Reggie's healing process, much of which he credits to an evolved relationship with God. 

This testimony will rock your spirit, but, more importantly, will bless you. 

#fatherfigure #fatherhood #blackfathers #blackexcellence  #fatherandson #schoolviolence #girldad #childhoodtrauma 

Follow Reggie: https://instagram.com/fatherfigureapparel

Shop the F2 collection: https://f2apparel.store

Learn more about the movement: http://thefatherfiguremovement.com

F2 podcast: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPSX9PNtDHR8kj-pFEpdNjQ

Audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/father-figure/id1571057131

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https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

Let’s connect socially: 

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

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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.”

Which comes first, black, or blue? Is there even a line between the two for police officers of color? Lieutenant Yowman gives us a peek into the everyday life and psychology of an officer, and how his journey to the force evolved. It all started in Port Arthur, TX, where Adrian grew up with his younger sister and single father in the home. He credits his father's drill sergeant background for the strict tone of the house. Adrian understood responsibility and leadership early as he was charged with overseeing his sister, ensuring that she handled her household chores and was safe and protected outside of the house. 

At a young age, Adrian spent time riding along with his uncle, also a police officer, and knew immediately that he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Even after his uncle's untimely death while on the job, Adrian's desire to join the force never wavered. At the time of this recording, Adrian is thirteen years in, and provides a real-world perspective of what his priorities are as a black husband, father, and cop. We talked about the challenges with inadequate training and expectations of the average police officer. Does more need to be done to qualify and place officers? Are there still traces of racism and discrimination in the police system? Watch the full episode to gain a broader perspective, and then sound off in the comments, respectfully. 

#blackandblue #blackfathers ##blackexcellence #stepdad #stepfather #stepmom #blendedfamily #fatherandson #dadhacks #emotionalintelligence

Follow Adrion: https://facebook.com/adrian.jamar.75

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

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The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

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.”

You've just entered the no step zone. For some, there isn't much thought given to the term step as applied to familial relationships. Stepmom, stepsister, stepbrother...stepdad. I'll agree that the word prefix doesn't seem all that powerful, but does it impact how the individuals act in those relationships? On the one hand, we consider it a mere technicality... a lack of a biological connection. On the other hand, treating someone like a stepchild has been a dismissive insult (or assault) for as long as I can remember. 

In this episode, James and I share the vulnerabilities we've experienced from both sides of non-biological fatherhood. Our stories are nuanced as is every fatherhood journey, but there are many core principles we share. Parenting in general is a very rewarding gift; however, do we really treat biological and non-biological children equally? If you just answered this question in your head, immediately share your thoughts in the comment section. You'll see how we answered this question by the end of the episode. I hope this blesses you where you are.

#blackparents #blackfathers ##blackexcellence #stepdad #stepfather #stepmom #blendedfamily #fatherandson #dadhacks #emotionalintelligence

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

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, and 

4. leave a comment.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

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.”

My son thinks I'm a whole person, and I think he is amazing. We spent some time catching up on what's going on in his 14 yr-old life. He chronicles his bout with COVID and how it impacted him. I don't take anything my children say for granted as they are dealing with a different pace of information and emotional distress has many flags that are often unrecognized or ignored. I am grateful that he is in a good headspace all things considered.

He also manages to take control of the conversation with a few questions for me. I wasn't shocked by the depth of the questions, but admittedly didn't think he would ask a couple of them on camera. The point of this channel is to expose our journey to a healthier relationship. I'm becoming a better man in the process. Hopefully, this blesses you where you are. 

#blackparents #blackfathers #blackexcellence #fatherandson #dadhacks #emotionalintelligence

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, and 

4. leave a comment.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

Let’s connect socially: 

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

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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.”

My father taught me everything by telling me nothing. That may sound farfetched to some; however, this will make perfect sense as you progress through this conversation. Jermaine Lewis, Sr is an accomplished writer, business owner, community leader, husband, and father. In this episode he shares several poignant views from his philosophy on male leadership in the household.  These views include allowing children to explore, obedience, family finances, and mutual submission between spouses. I'm certain that you'll leave with an expanded and enriched perspective on the importance of fatherhood, and what family leadership looks like. I pray that it blesses you where you are. 

Connect with Jermaine and support his projects via https://jermainelewis.com

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, and 

4. leave a comment.

#blackdoctors #blackfathers #blackexcellence #fatherandson #menshealth

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

Let’s connect socially: 

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast 

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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.”

Leave a legacy of compassion. Dr. Eric Yancey is a general surgeon, and by many standards, is wildly successful. In this episode, he shares the experiences along the road through medical school to establishing medical practices and the how it intersected with parenthood and his relationship with God. Of course we'll get the backdrop of his childhood and relationship with his father for proper context, but you may be surprised by the one thing he wishes he'd done better sooner during his journey.

There are so many practical and informative lessons woven throughout that you'll probably pickup a new one each time you watch or listen. When you're done, be bold enough to share this with someone who needs it.

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

1. follow this podcast,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. give it a 5-star rating, and

4. leave a review to let others know this podcast adds value.

#blackdoctors #blackfathers #blackexcellence #fatherandson #menshealth

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

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.”

"My dad will never know why his mom didn't want him." David Jones is a well-respected, well-educated business professional with an uncanny ability to see simple solutions amidst seemingly big problems. That's his gift as it pertains to business, but how does that translate into his personal life? Carefully.  High level conversations aside, his fatherhood journey is fascinating, and I left the conversation inspired. 

First, to clarify, David is not yet a father in the traditional sense; however, he processes life through a lens significantly influenced by the relationship he has with his father, and further, how his father's journey progressed. David spent much of his younger years with his great grandmother in Arkansas. She raised his father as well. While this isn't uncommon, I've never considered the commonalities that may (or may not) exist between a father and a son raised by the same woman. Though he recalls the time spent under his great grandmother's care with fondness, there's another side of the coin that reflects the pain that his father endured. 

His father's parents weren't actively involved in his father's life, which resulted in a feeling of emptiness. Thankfully, David's father was determined to break that cycle, and he poured into David the best way he knew how.  He was determined to always be there for his children. David is now a proud husband and family leader, and this conversation challenged him to take more introspective look at what fatherhood means. Let's see if practical business logic can also solve matters of the heart.   

#blackfathers #blackexcellence #fatherandson

Follow David:

IG: https://instagram.com/coahcdavejones

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachdavejones

Business: https//4ward.Solutions, Inc.: 

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

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.”

This is what protection really looks like. As men we are often challenged to protect our families from harm in all forms, but what does that really look like in the average relationship? Sometimes we don't want to be the voice of reason. Sometimes we just need a reason...I digress. This conversation was inspired by the 2022 Oscars, but we don't say their names. Honestly, the event that trended worldwide sparked a different conversation with me and the guys. We take inventory of what we will and won't do for our families when it comes to protecting them. 

Do you know what your 'line' looks like? You need to have a healthy understanding of what is off limits, and what you're willing to do about it before you're presented with a well-timed, unexpected sla....

Ok...ok...we've all had enough of the word, the reference, and all the Monday-morning quarterbacking that always ensues. This conversation is rich with three varying perspectives from successful black men. I welcome your feedback on the discussion as well as the look and feel of this episode. This has been a journey and I'm enjoying the process. Be blessed.

Follow James:

IG: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

FB: James Johnson

Follow Anvalon:

IG: https://instagram.com/iamanvalon

FB: Anvalon Elliott

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: 

https://tatewhalun.com -- Discount Code: THEDSP

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

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

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.”