Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

 My conversation with Yenson She was filled with quiet insight and genuine reflection on what it means to be a young father in Hong Kong today. Though he grew up during the years when the city was transitioning from British to Chinese rule, Yenson described his childhood as simply that — an ordinary boyhood untouched by politics or change.

Now a father and host of the podcast Ordinary But Unique, Yenson speaks thoughtfully about his evolving understanding of masculinity, fatherhood, and emotional awareness. From his reflections on growing up in Hong Kong’s high-pressure education system to the tender hopes he holds for his young daughter, this conversation offers a window into how modern Asian men are redefining strength — not through silence, but through compassion and courage.

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Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

 In This Episode, We Explore:

• What it was like growing up as a boy in Hong Kong during the late 80s and 90s
• The deep cultural mix of East and West — and how it shaped identity
• Why emotional awareness and mental well-being are central to Yenson’s parenting today
• How the definition of masculinity in Chinese culture is slowly evolving
• His reflections on his own father’s quiet influence — and what he hopes to do differently
• The challenges and pressures men face in their 30s and 40s as they juggle fatherhood, career, and identity
• How grief and self-reflection led him to launch Ordinary But Unique

Guest Bio

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Yenson She is a multi-sector generalist and podcast host who explores the intersections of masculinity, growth, and well-being. Educated at Cambridge and now working across Asia, Yenson is the creator of the podcast Ordinary But Unique, where he invites men to share their stories with honesty and empathy. A devoted father, Yenson is passionate about learning how to be both a strong and emotionally attuned parent — and helping other men do the same.

Memorable Quotes

“It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be wrong. What matters is to become better next time.”

“Being strong doesn’t mean hiding your emotions — it means knowing how to face and express them.”

“If my daughter knows how to love herself, she’ll know how to love others — and that’s the kind of strength I hope to pass on.”

Connect with Yenson:

• 🎙️ Podcast: Ordinary But Unique
• Instagram / LinkedIn: yensonshe 

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.

Discover more at SonhoodCoaching.com

From the rush of a semi-professional motorcycle career to the quiet reckoning of divorce and fatherhood, Corey Baum has lived the full spectrum of what it means to chase control — and what it costs to find connection. People described him as “always at a five” — never too high, never too low — steady on the outside, but disconnected within.

Behind the image of the capable man was someone using achievement, porn, and relationships to escape the pain of disconnection. The façade of confidence hid a deep fear of being truly seen.

Divorce marked the beginning of a long, unfiltered journey of self-discovery — through therapy, men’s work, and an honest confrontation with the patterns that kept him small.

Today, as the founder of The Evolved Men Project and father to two boys, ages 7 and 11, Corey helps men break free from the old rules of masculinity, build real confidence, and lead from emotional truth rather than performance. His story is one of courage, accountability, and evolution — and a reminder that it’s never too late to become the man you were meant to be.

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Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

Corey Baum is the founder of The Evolved Men Project, a coach and community builder helping men lead with confidence, connection, and purpose. Drawing on years of personal growth, men’s group leadership, and professional coaching, he creates spaces where men can develop self-mastery, strengthen relationships, and live boldly. Corey hosts The Evolved Men Podcast and facilitates both local and online groups, blending practical tools with real conversations that inspire change.

• Corey’s childhood and the masks boys learn to wear to feel safe
• What boys need most from their parents today
• The turning point
• Escaping through achievement, relationships,, and porn — and learning to sit with pain instead of numbing it
• Fatherhood after divorce: building connection through honesty, not perfection
• How men can redefine strength, leadership, and love
• Practical ways to help boys express emotion and develop inner confidence

• Facebook - https://facebook.com/evolvedmenproject
• IG - https://instagram.com/evolvedmenproject/
• YouTube - https://youtube.com/@EvolvedMenProject
• Website - https://evolvedmenproject.com/

• Website: sonhoodcoaching.com

Join the Tiny (FREE) Challenge: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection with Your Son

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.

Sagi Ayalon is a man who has had to start over. His story spans continents, careers, and deep inner transformations. Born in Israel and now living in New York, Sagi’s life has taken him from the army to entrepreneurship, from marriage and fatherhood to heartbreak and profound spiritual renewal.

After losing not only his marriage but also connection with his two young sons, Sagi turned to his Buddhist practice — not to escape, but to understand, to heal, and to rediscover what it means to live with love and compassion.

In this deeply moving conversation, Sagi talks about what it’s like to navigate fatherhood in a system that often overlooks men’s emotional lives, the loneliness that can come with societal expectations, and the slow rebuilding of peace from the inside out. What stands out most is his honesty — and his quiet strength — in speaking about loss, tenderness, and the power of presence.

If you’ve ever wondered how someone rebuilds their life from the ground up — and manages to lead with heart, not bitterness — this episode will stay with you.

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Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

The journey from Israel to New York — and what shaped his early years

Navigating marriage, fatherhood, and the shock of divorce

The emotional and legal toll of custody battles

What homeschooling taught him about patience, play, and connection

How Buddhist practices helped him find peace and meaning

The societal expectations that confine men — and what freedom really means

Why connection and compassion are the foundation of true strength

How he unexpectedly found love again and rebuilt his life

Sagi Ayalon was born in Israel and relocated to New York as a young man. His journey has included entrepreneurship, real estate development, and bodywork — as well as homeschooling, permaculture, and years of Buddhist study and meditation.He is the father of two boys (currently ages nine and seven) and has navigated the highs and lows of family life: 15 years of marriage, parenting, homeschooling, and a difficult divorce that required him to rebuild financially, legally, and emotionally.

Today, Sagi works as a bodyworker and spiritual guide dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves and find healing through touch, presence, and mindful practice. His path has been shaped by deep traditions in wellness and spirituality, as well as the personal challenges of navigating a difficult divorce and raising two children. These experiences have taught him resilience and compassion, and they inspire him to support others on their journey toward balance, healing, and a sense of true home within themselves.

Connect with Sagi

Email: [email protected]

Learn more @sonhoodcoaching.com

Email: [email protected]

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.

In this episode Stefanos Koutsoumpis shares how his childhood shaped a lifetime of chasing success; but happiness always eluded him. Raised as the third of four boys in a crowded household, and a strained relationship with his father, Stefanos grew up learning routine, duty, and a message that “finding a job, a wife and kids” was enough. Emotional expression — especially anger or conflict — was discouraged, and practical encouragement was mainly limited to school performance.

Those early patterns left Stefanos with under-developed self-esteem, a fear of risk, and a habit of looking outward for validation. Despite earning a PhD and building a corporate career, he describes a cycle of perfectionism, constant interest-hopping and restless achievement-seeking that never satisfied him — until he discovered mindfulness, Positive Psychology and CBT. Today he combines that lived experience with training to help men stop living on autopilot and rebuild internal confidence.

This episode highlights how early family experiences influence the choices, confidence, and emotional health of boys as they grow into men.

**********

Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

Guest Bio:

The third of four brothers, Stefanos Koutsoumpis earned a Ph.D. in Physics and built a successful career as a researcher and corporate project manager in multinational IT.He knows what it’s like to achieve success on paper while still feeling unfulfilled. His personal journey led him to mindfulness, CBT, and happiness studies training at leading institutions in the US and UK—including the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, the Mindfulness Coaching School, and the Happiness Studies Academy. Today, Stefanos coaches men in their 30s to recover purpose, strengthen emotional resilience, and define success on their own terms.

Topics:

• What it was like growing up in a home of four boys—and how family dynamics shaped his views on masculinity.
• Why confidence is a skill (not a trait) and how men can build it step by step.
• The silent struggles men face with conflict, vulnerability, and emotional growth.
• How societal expectations of success clash with men’s inner needs for happiness and authenticity.
• The unique challenges men face in their 30s—and why community, mentorship, and male role models matter more than ever.
• Why healthy masculinity isn’t outdated—it’s urgently needed.

Website: https://www.mindfullife.coach/

 https://www.mindfullife.coach/guide

https://www.instagram.com/mindfullife_coach/

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about raising boys who become remarkable men @sonhoodcoaching.com

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Mitchell, the creator and host of the hit podcast Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam shares his journey of growing up on the autism spectrum — from the challenges of school and social life to the strength he found through family, self-advocacy, and eventually, his podcasting platform.

Sam opens up about what he wishes more parents of boys understood, how gender roles and expectations impact neurodivergent kids, and the biggest misconceptions about autism that he’s determined to challenge. We also talk about his vision for Autism Rocks and Rolls in the years ahead and the surprising insights he’s gained from conversations with guests across the spectrum of life.

This is a conversation about courage, persistence, and the power of embracing who you are — not just for those with autism, but for anyone navigating difference in a world that too often demands conformity.

**********

Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

Sam Mitchell is the creator and host of Autism Rocks & Rolls, a podcast dedicated to celebrating life on the autism spectrum and challenging the stigma that surrounds it. Living with autism himself, Sam has grown his show to over 21,000 downloads and featured incredible guests, including NASCAR driver Armani Williams, American Idol rocker James Durbin, autism advocate and professor Dr. Temple Grandin, and WWE legend Mick Foley.

Beyond podcasting, Sam is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, blogger, TEDx presenter (Souled Structure), and nonprofit leader. He sells merchandise, partners with sponsors, and has been recognized with multiple honors — from the Davey Award to top placements in the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, the JAG Entrepreneurship Project, and Indiana’s CEO Trade Show. His podcast is also ranked among the top 200 in Canada.

Sam’s mission is simple but powerful: to show the world that autism is not a limitation. “I am not broken, I don’t need to be fixed, and there is no normal in this world,” he says. His work spreads a message of acceptance, empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves to embrace who they are and succeed on their own terms.

• What it was like growing up on the autism spectrum
• The role his parents played in supporting his confidence and independence
• Why boys and men need space to show vulnerability and hurt
• Misconceptions about autism and how his podcast challenges them
• Lessons learned from interviewing high-profile guests like Temple Grandin and Mick Foley
• Sam’s mission to celebrate differences and show that success looks different for everyone

Website: autismrocksandrolls.com

Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (available on all major platforms)

TEDx Talk: Understanding Autism: Controlling chaos with structure

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.

More @sonhoodcoaching.com

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.

**********

Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

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.

• 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

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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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.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys!, Kathy sits down with Prof. Maurizio Rosini—international trainer, men’s coach, and founder of MyMasterMan, a movement dedicated to redefining modern masculinity. After years of success in the corporate and fashion worlds, Maurizio realized that achievement without meaning leaves men empty. Today, he guides men to drop the masks of ego and disconnection and embrace deeper purpose, grounded strength, and brotherhood.

**********

Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

Maurizio Rosini has lived and worked across Italy, the UK, Japan, the USA, Colombia, and now Malaysia, giving him a rare global perspective on men and masculinity. After a career spanning luxury fashion, corporate leadership, and academia — where he now serves as Head of Marketing and Communication at Alzette University — he founded MyMasterMan, a movement redefining modern masculinity. His work blends Stoic philosophy, Jungian psychology, and lived experience to help men overcome fear, build resilience, and live with authentic purpose.

• Masculinity itself isn’t “toxic” or “healthy” — it’s the behaviour that expresses masculine energy; the goal is grounded, embodied masculinity (body + mind + heart).
• Rites of passage matter: boys need intentional moments that acknowledge growth, discomfort, and responsibility — parents can create these with simple rituals and time in nature.
• Start emotional education early: teach emotional ownership through modeling, journaling, breathwork, and open conversation — not judgment.
• Look for withdrawal, secrecy, and growing dependence on substances or screens as early warning signs of isolation or addiction.
• Community (brotherhood/men’s circles) is not optional — it’s a crucial container for honest masculinity and healing.

Maurizio leaves us with this powerful reminder: for all the shame or guilt we carry, peace comes when we find the courage to know ourselves, live authentically, and rediscover community.

www.mymasterman.com

Instagram: @my.master.man

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.

Reach out to Sonhood Coaching for more support.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys!, Kathy sits down with Dr. Will Dobud—researcher, educator, outdoor therapist, and co-author of Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health. Together, they explore the complex realities facing boys and young men today, from the challenges of the education system to the importance of play, risk-taking, and authentic connection. Will shares his refreshing perspective on treating young people as “crew, not passengers,” and offers insights for parents who want to support their sons’ confidence and sense of worth, even when schools and systems feel slow to change.

This conversation is filled with wisdom, storytelling, and practical advice for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation of boys.

**********

Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

Dr. Will Dobud is an award-winning researcher, educator, and outdoor therapist whose work has been recognized internationally for excellence in research, teaching, and even crime prevention. He is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Charles Sturt University in Australia and an invited speaker who delivers workshops for therapists and families around the globe. Will’s research focuses on improving therapy outcomes for teenagers and promoting safe, ethical practices, especially through wilderness and adventure-based approaches.

He is also the co-author, alongside Dr. Nevin J. Harper, of Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health—a book that reframes how we see young people, reminding us of the critical role of relationships, play, and exploration in fostering resilience and well-being.

• Why youth mental health is best understood as a “wicked problem”
• Rethinking compulsory schooling and helping boys who are struggling in education
• How disconnection, over-labeling, and over-diagnosing are affecting young people
• The importance of rough-and-tumble play for resilience and growth
• “Crew, not passengers”: reframing how we see young people’s role in their own lives
• Practical advice for parents: creating home as a safe place where boys feel heard, valued, and confident
• The power of modeling: why teens need adults worth imitating

• 📖 Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health (Available September 30)
• www.willdobud.com
• https://www.instagram.com/kids_these_days_book/
• https://www.facebook.com/WillDobudPhD/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-dobud-5209ab74/

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.

Learn more @sonhoodcoaching.com

Welcome back to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys! In this episode, host Kathy sits down with Scott Taylor Peek, a former private investigator and business owner who has reinvented himself as a Mental Health Coach. Scott is a staunch advocate for men’s mental health, focusing on resilience, healing, and reinvention.

Scott shares his personal journey — from privilege to loss, burnout, and depression — and how those experiences shaped his calling to support teenage boys and men navigating life’s challenges. He opens up about heartbreak, anxiety, depression, masculinity, and the unique emotional depth boys feel, as well as the importance of discipline and respect.

In this episode, we unpack the challenges of teen boys, highlighting South African cultural expectations while offering insights relevant to young men worldwide.

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Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

Scott Taylor Peek is a former private investigator and business owner turned Mental Health Coach specializing in resilience, reinvention, and healing. A passionate advocate for men’s mental health, Scott draws on his personal journey to help others navigate life’s challenges. He has hosted an international radio show, captained South Africa’s only team to compete at the Paintball World Cup in 2009, and holds IMDB producer credits.

Scott works with teen boys and men aged to build emotional resilience, navigate heartbreak, and strengthen communication skills, all while breaking the stigma around seeking help.

• Early life experiences, challenges, and turning points that shaped Scott’s perspective on growing up and becoming a man.
• 
  
• Masculinity & Cultural Expectations — what healthy masculinity looks like and how societal pressures influence boys and young men.
• 
  
• Teenage Boys — Emotional and developmental changes during adolescence, navigating anxiety, and coping with modern influences like social media.
• 
  
• Heartache & Relationships — How boys and men experience emotional pain, coping with breakups, and recognizing the signs of deeper distress.
• 
  
• Discipline & Respect — Guiding boys with clear boundaries, structure, and communication while fostering responsibility and respect.
• 
  
• Mental Health Awareness — Overcoming stigma, making support accessible, and the importance of connection and communication for emotional wellbeing.

• Scott Taylor Peek: allmylinks.com/speaktoscotty
• Email Scott: [email protected]

Scott’s journey is a powerful reminder of the emotional depth and resilience of boys and men, and how support, guidance, and open communication can make a life-changing difference.

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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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.

More resources @sonhoodcoaching.com

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. 

At just 33, Craig has lived more life than most. Through deep pain, confusion, and two suicide attempts, he rebuilt himself into a better human, father, and husband. By speaking openly about his struggles, Craig offers a hopeful road map for others: it’s possible to come through, do the hard inner work, and use that experience to serve others. Craig’s journey is uncommon in its candor and all too common in its pain—yet from that struggle he’s found contentment, joy, and a fierce commitment to “Be The Best.”

In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Kathy sits down with Craig Maddern, a proud father, Army veteran, and certified stress relief coach. After 15 years in the military and two tours in Afghanistan, Craig faced trauma, a heart pacemaker, a bipolar diagnosis, and two suicide attempts. Now, he’s on a mission to help hardworking dads break free from chronic stress, redefine masculinity, and build joyful, connected family lives.

Craig shares raw truths about military culture, mental health struggles, fatherhood’s hormonal and neurological shifts, and why vulnerability is a strength—not a weakness. This is an unflinching look at the challenges and transformations men face when stepping into fatherhood and life after service.

**********

Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.

Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son

✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day

✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience

✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps

👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.

**********

Craig Maddern is an Army veteran, award-winning author, and ICF- and NLP-accredited stress coach who helps hardworking dads break free from chronic stress and rebuild joyful, stable family lives. After 15 years of service — including two tours in Afghanistan — Craig survived a health crisis (a pacemaker), a bipolar diagnosis, and two suicide attempts, experiences that shaped his honest, practical approach to men’s mental health.  As a public speaker and men’s mental-health advocate, he coaches with no-nonsense compassion—practical tools, zero judgment—helping men move from survival to strength, and from isolation to connection.

• Military Life & Masculinity: Growing up with a strict father, lessons in discipline, and what not to repeat; joining the military at 17; unspoken rules of masculinity in the forces.
• Mental Health & Transition: The crash after leaving service—depression, alcohol abuse, identity loss, feeling like an outsider; surviving two suicide attempts and finding a reason to keep going.
• Fatherhood & the Brain: How becoming a dad lowers testosterone and raises bonding hormones, making fathers more patient; reframing this change as a parenting advantage; the impact of chronic stress on father-child connection.
• Healthy Masculinity & Raising Boys: Defining masculinity as compassion, leadership, emotional depth, and security without dominance; preparing boys to question online “truths” in a social media world; reminding them that real life happens offline.
• Legacy & Life Lessons: What Craig hopes to pass on through his books and example; his core message—family is everything, and children are forever.

Website: https://www.craigmadderncoaching.com/

• https://www.facebook.com/craig.maddern/
• Happy Man Happy Home - YouTube
• How I Went from Stress and Hospital Beds, to Enjoying My Life https://www.amazon.co.uk/went-Stress-Hospital-Beds-enjoying-ebook/dp/B0DP1PSJF5
• "Calm down man Plan" going live at the end of September 

If you found this episode valuable, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next on Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys.

And reach out for more support at Sonhood Coaching.

**********

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.

Discover more at Sonhood Coaching.