S A U N A I E

The conversation explores the role of fathers, the impact of emotional engagement, the gap in emotional engagement, the provider narrative, the trap of provider-centric fatherhood, practical moves for present fatherhood, and closing thoughts on fatherhood and emotional engagement. The key takeaways include the significant impact of emotional engagement on child outcomes and the three essential needs of children from their fathers: emotional availability, attunement, and cognitive stimulation.

Takeaways

• Emotional engagement of fathers has a significant impact on child outcomes
• Children need emotional availability, attunement, and cognitive stimulation from their fathers

Chapters

• 00:00 The Role of Fathers
• 02:03 The Impact of Emotional Engagement
• 03:01 The Gap in Emotional Engagement
• 04:04 The Provider Narrative
• 10:00 The Trap of Provider-Centric Fatherhood
• 13:10 Practical Moves for Present Fatherhood
• 16:47 Closing Thoughts

The conversation explores the gap between how men perceive themselves as partners and how they are experienced by their partners. It delves into the visibility problem, the effort impact gap, intention as behavior substitution, emotional labor in relationships, and strategies for closing the gap.

Takeaways

• Emotional availability is crucial
• The gap between self-perception and partner experience

Chapters

• 00:00 The Visibility Problem
• 02:57 The Effort Impact Gap
• 06:12 Intention as Behavior Substitution
• 11:56 Emotional Labor in Relationships
• 16:02 Closing the Gap

The episode delves into the biology of conflict, destructive conflict behaviors, preparing for hard conversations, fighting fair in conflict, money conversations in relationships, and concludes with a call to identify reoccurring conflict patterns in relationships.

Takeaways

• Understanding the biology of conflict
• Identifying and addressing destructive conflict behaviors

Chapters

• 00:00 The Biology of Conflict
• 03:23 Destructive Conflict Behaviors
• 07:22 Preparing for Hard Conversations
• 10:49 Fighting Fair in Conflict
• 16:58 Money Conversations in Relationships
• 18:55 Conclusion and Homework

The conversation covers the integrated approach to wellness and the concept of the 'whole man.' It begins with a recap of Quarter Two and an introduction to Quarter Three, followed by a discussion on purpose, money, and body. The conversation then delves into the topics of spirit, masculinity, and healing, defining the 'whole man,' and exploring the connection between brain health and financial health. Finally, it previews Quarter Three, focusing on relationships, fatherhood, community, and money.

Takeaways

• Integrated approach to wellness
• The whole man concept

Chapters

• 00:00 Quarter Two Recap and Introduction to Quarter Three
• 05:22 Defining the Whole Man
• 12:47 Quarter Three Preview: Relationships, Fatherhood, Community, and Money

The conversation delves into the impact of unresolved trauma on men's lives, highlighting how it affects their relationships, health, and ambitions. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of healing and building, providing practical steps for addressing trauma and building a stable foundation for growth.

Takeaways

• Unresolved trauma affects men's lives in various ways
• Healing and building go hand in hand

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Trauma
• 04:51 How Unresolved Trauma Shows Up
• 12:53 The Cost of Unresolved Trauma

The conversation delves into the noise around masculinity, defining masculinity, men's mental health, accountability and integrity, three key areas for men, the importance of follow-through, and a relational check-in.

Takeaways

• Defining masculinity goes beyond traditional norms
• Men's mental health is impacted by societal expectations
• Accountability and follow-through are crucial for personal growth

Chapters

• 00:00 The Noise Around Masculinity
• 06:08 Men's Mental Health
• 11:51 Three Key Areas for Men
• 17:47 Relational Check-In

What does it actually look like to build a creative business, make music, raise a family, and stay grounded in faith — all at the same time?

In this episode, XO sits down with Alexander Boykins — Seattle-based photographer, music artist, and creative entrepreneur — for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations in SAUNAIE history. Alexander has photographed 70+ weddings, been recognized as a 2025 Best of The Bash photographer, and been featured in Canvas Rebel, all while building multiple income streams and showing up as a present father and man of faith.

This is not a how-to conversation. It is a real conversation about what the building actually requires — the sacrifice, the doubt, the moments of almost quitting, and the faith that kept him moving.

What you'll hear in this episode:

→  How photography and music feed each other creatively — and why Alexander went deep on both

→  What 70+ weddings taught him about people, relationships, and what actually matters

→  The '95% customer service, 5% camera skill' philosophy that built his business

→  How he manages multiple creative ventures without losing depth or direction

→  His honest take on AI, social media, and what real success looks like vs. what performs online

→  Faith under pressure — the real version, not the testimony version

→  How fatherhood clarified everything he is building and why

→  Direct advice for every creative who has the gift but hasn't fully bet on themselves yet

Alexander Boykins
Photographer • Music Artist • Entrepreneur

Instagram: @KingBoykinsOfficial
KingBoykins.com
Portfolio: The Bash / Boykins Photography
[email protected]

The conversation delves into the journey of building multiple creative businesses while maintaining faith and intention. It explores life before photography and music, the realization of a creative calling, the coexistence of photography and music, and the valuable lessons learned from wedding photography. Additionally, it reflects on the speaker's first wedding photography experience and the challenges and growth that came with it. The conversation covers the journey of Alexander Boykins from truck driving to wedding photography and the establishment of his photography business. It delves into the importance of customer service in photography, the impact of corporate work on personal growth, and the insights gained from wedding photography experiences. Additionally, it explores the understanding of people and relationships through the lens of wedding photography.

Takeaways

• Faith and intention
• Building multiple income streams Experience is a key teacher
• Customer service is paramount in photography

Chapters

• 00:00 Building Creative Businesses
• 06:20 Realizing Creative Calling
• 13:25 Coexistence of Photography and Music
• 19:55 Learning from Wedding Photography
• 27:35 Learning from Experience
• 33:04 The Importance of Customer Service in Photography
• 44:03 Understanding People and Relationships

Alexander Boykins
Photographer • Music Artist • Entrepreneur

Instagram: @KingBoykinsOfficial
KingBoykins.com
Portfolio: The Bash / Boykins Photography
[email protected]

The conversation delves into the impact of movement and sleep on cortisol regulation, chronic stress, decision making, and overall well-being. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep and engaging in consistent movement to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall health. The prescription for self-care and the call to action provide practical steps for listeners to prioritize their well-being.

Takeaways

• Minimum effective dose
• Cortisol regulation

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Movement on Cortisol Regulation
• 05:13 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

The conversation explores the concept of income expansion and the internal barriers that prevent men from achieving it. It delves into the salary mindset, scarcity thinking, waiting for permission, and the strategic approach to building income. It also addresses career strategy and the relationship between economic autonomy and psychological well-being.

Takeaways

• Salary mindset limits income potential
• Building income requires deliberate, layered approach

Chapters

• 00:00 The Salary Mindset
• 08:11 Career Strategy and Understanding
• 13:15 Income Autonomy and Psychological Well-being