Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

In this rich and grounded conversation, Kathy sits down with Teddy Stripling, a school counselor, therapist, and host of the Talking Emotions podcast, to explore the emotional lives of boys through the lens of Gestalt therapy, fatherhood, and years of experience in both schools and private practice.Teddy brings over a decade of experience working with children and teens, and shares how his journey—from wanting to become a chef to becoming a therapist—was shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep desire to help young people feel seen and understood.

Reflecting on his early work with younger children, Teddy describes how his role was initially framed around “fixing” kids to help them function in the classroom. But with time, he came to realize that real change starts with connection. By slowing down and getting curious about who the student is, he found more meaningful ways to support emotional growth and partner with educators.

The conversation dives into the rising levels of anxiety among adolescents, especially in high-performing school environments, and how shame, peer pressure, and subtle messages around masculinity can shape a boy’s sense of identity.  

Drawing from his Gestalt therapy training, Teddy explains why awareness—especially awareness of body sensations and inner experiences—is the foundation for emotional change. He speaks to the importance of giving kids space to be bored, creative, and independent, and why modeling calm and curiosity as parents is often more powerful than solving every problem.

Teddy also shares the story behind his podcast Talking Emotions—a creative outlet that lets him reach students, parents, and mental health providers alike—and recounts a memorable interview that left him both inspired and a little starstruck.

This conversation is full of grounded insights for parents navigating school life, identity development, and emotional presence with their 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.

**********

Teddy Stripling is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and high school counselor based in Chicago, IL. He brings over 14 years of experience working with children and adolescents, both in schools and private practice. Teddy is trained in Gestalt therapy, certified in Shame-Informed Treatment, Anger Management, and Executive Functioning strategies. He presents at conferences in the midwest and nationally,andconsults with schools to help support youth with diverse needs.

He is also the host of the podcast Talking Emotions, which bridges conversations between teens, parents, educators, and mental health providers.

• Teddy’s winding path from aspiring chef to therapist and school counselor
• Why emotional awareness is the foundation for change
• The shift from “fixing kids” to connecting with them first
• The growing presence of anxiety in teens
• The impact of school culture on boys' identity and self-esteem
• Shame as a blocker of connection and confidence
• What Teddy has learned from being a new dad—especially about patience and presence
• The importance of letting kids be bored, curious, and independent
• The origin and vision behind Teddy’s Talking Emotions podcast

“Awareness is the engine of change. If you can start to notice what’s happening in your body, you’ll start to learn what you actually need.”

— Teddy Stripling

“We get messages—subtle and overt—about what it means to be a boy or man. And often, those messages don’t leave room for vulnerability or honesty.”

— Teddy Stripling

• Talking Emotions Podcast: https://present-mind.org/podcast/
•  West Coast Institute – Gestalt Therapy for Children & Adolescents: westcoastinstitute.us

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.

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.

Find out more at Sonhood Coaching

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we explore the science of sports injury, recovery, and brain health with Paige Roberts—sports psychology consultant, brain optimization expert, and founder of Performance Neuro Training.

Paige explains how both physical and emotional trauma—such as concussions, chronic stress, and performance pressure—impact the brain, and how specific therapies can help restore brain function to its pre-injury state. Drawing from traditional practices, cutting-edge neuroscience, and her own journey through injury and loss, Paige has developed a unique, holistic approach that is transforming the way athletes heal and perform.

A former NCAA athlete herself, Paige brings both lived experience and expert insight to this conversation. From trauma and concussions to performance anxiety and pressure from coaches or fathers, this is a must-listen for any parent raising a boy in sports today. We unpack the neuroscience behind emotional resilience, the risks of early sports specialization, the ongoing impact of toxic masculinity in athletics, and how we can help our sons thrive—not just on the field, but in life.

This conversation is especially important for parents of boys, who often channel their sons’ energy into sports. Paige offers critical insights into how to prevent long-term injury, what to do when injury occurs, and how to support your child’s mental and emotional health through the ups and downs of competitive athletics.

Whether you're raising a young athlete or simply want to better understand how trauma affects the brain—and how healing is possible—this episode delivers the knowledge, hope, and tools every parent needs.

**********

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.

**********

Paige Roberts is a sports psychology consultant and an energy optimization expert. She specializes in helping high performers and athletes reset their nervous system to overcome performance anxiety, increase reaction times, decrease mistakes, increase performance confidence, decrease recovery time, get in on command and stay in flow state and reverse the damage from past stress or injuries. Paige owns a private practice (Performance Neuro Training) where she implements various neuroscience and quantum physics performance expansion modalities. Paige has a degree in Exercise Science, Master of Social Work and a Doctorate of Integrative Medicine. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social worker, Certified Light Therapist, Certified Brain Health and, QEEG Brain Scan Practitioner. Paige was led down the path of sports psychology through her personal experience as an NCAA athlete and the various mental and physical health challenges she faced. And through the loss of multiple athlete friends to suicide. Paige is on a mission to shift the mental health stigma paradigm. 

• Paige’s personal story: injuries, healing, and the birth of her mission
• What parents need to know about boys, sports, and mental health
• The hidden cost of early sports specialization
• Concussions: how they affect the brain and emotions
• The link between trauma, addiction, and nervous system dysregulation
• How to help your son stay emotionally resilient under performance pressure
• Toxic masculinity in sports and how it harms boys
• The vital role of fathers—and how over-coaching can backfire
• The science of flow state, brain health, and recovery
• Why crying is healthy and emotional expression is key to healing
• How sports culture is beginning to shift toward openness and vulnerability
• The importance of being a safe, emotionally present parent

• Perform ance Neuro Trainingwww.robertsneurotraining.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportspsychpaige/

Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for more resources for raising boys.

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 Samir Aweidah—a deeply thoughtful, nuanced thinker whose life journey spans cultures, questions, and real conversations about what it means to grow into manhood today.

From growing up with young parents in the Middle East to navigating identity, masculinity, and mental health in Canada, Samir shares insight into the emotional terrain boys and men walk—and how society often misses the full picture. Together, they explore the power of mentorship, the importance of vulnerability, and why healthy risk-taking is essential for development.

This conversation offers something rare: space to reflect, question, and feel understood. Whether you're a young man, raising boys or simply care about the next generation of men, this episode is a powerful reminder that real conversations do create real change.

LISTEN / WATCH HERE:

**********

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.

**********

Samir Aweidah is a multidisciplinary thinker known for his curiosity, compassion, and ability to see beneath the surface of social expectations. Raised between cultures, Samir brings a global lens to conversations around identity, masculinity, and emotional growth. He’s passionate about nuance, honest dialogue, and the kind of introspection that leads to deeper human connection. Whether one-on-one or in group circles, Samir’s approach to conversation is both grounded and expansive—always aiming to understand, rather than to judge.

• Masculinity Reimagined: What values define manhood today?
• Growing Up with Young Parents: Early insights from layered family dynamics
• Healthy Risk & Rites of Passage: Why challenge matters in a boy’s development
• Vulnerability & Friendship: Redefining strength through emotional honesty
• Pornography as Super-Stimulus: Intimacy, overstimulation, and learning the wrong lessons
• Mentorship & Male Circles: The role of supported risk and being “caught when you leap”
• Middle Eastern Identity & Gender Norms: Breaking the mold from within
• School, Humor, and Learning Through Laughter: Rethinking how boys are taught
• Mental Health, Mindfulness & Meaningful Conversations: What boys really need

“Risk without failure is not possible. You have to fail in order to grow.”

“There’s so much talk about redefining masculinity—but for me, it’s about vulnerability, honesty, and presence.”

“When we let go of pressure to act a certain way, we make space for who we really are.”

https://www.instagram.com/sphereofsamir/

Thank you for listening to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys—where real conversations create real change. Find out more about boys 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.

Many young men, like Jack, grow up carrying the weight of a challenging childhood, stepping into adulthood with a fragile or diminished sense of self. Jack’s voice gives shape to what has been called the Silent Crisis—a growing mental health concern among men—and offers a vivid, personal glimpse into what it means to be one of the many boys who feel lost. Listening to this conversation opens a door into the inner world of a young man who is trying to make sense of himself and the world around him. It’s a powerful invitation to understand the emotional realities that too often go unspoken.

In this deeply personal conversation, Kathy sits down with Jack Seikaly—a Lebanese photographer, political analyst, and visual storyteller—for a raw and powerful exploration of masculinity, identity, and mental health. Jack opens up about the emotional terrain of growing up in a tumultuous relationship with his father and a complex one with his mother, the burdens of male expectations, and his lifelong search for self-worth. Together, they explore how boys come to measure their value, why so many men suffer in silence, and the hidden crisis of loneliness and low self-esteem in men’s mental health.

You’ll hear Jack reflect on what remains when all titles and achievements fall away—grappling with the question, “Who am I, really?” He explains how he reframed his relationship with his father by moving him “into the friend box,” creating connection without resentment. He also speaks honestly about the tension between solitude and connection in our digital age, and what it means to seek community while often feeling emotionally alone.

**********

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.

**********

Jack Seikaly is a Lebanese photographer, political analyst, and visual storyteller known for his bold infrared photography and his documentation of Lebanon’s 2019 revolution. His work has been featured in WIRED and exhibited globally. Jack is largely shaped by growing up in an unstable political environment in Lebanon, as well as the spontaneous existence in the Cedars that fostered the creativity needed for photography.Beyond his public achievements, Jack is a young man navigating what it means to be male in today’s world—with honesty, emotional depth, and an unwavering willingness to examine the hard questions.

Early family dynamics & how childhood experiences shape adult self-worth

Rebuilding a fractured father-son relationship through reframing and emotional boundaries

Masculinity redefined: what Jack learned from both his mother’s values and his father’s expectations

Solitude vs. community: why emotional isolation persists even in connection

Masculinity, Sensitivity & Emotional Expression

Purpose, Achievement & Self-Worth

Building Authentic Friendship & Community

• Website: https://jackseikaly.com
• Instagram: @jrseikaly
• YouTube / intogrey: https://youtube.com/intogrey

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who’s raising a boy—or someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next week for more real conversations on Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys.

**********

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

This episode has the power to transform how we see neurodiversity. Nova’s passion mirrors my own: awareness, understanding, and perspective are the essential ingredients for creating a more compassionate world for anyone who doesn’t fit society’s mold. By viewing neurodiversity through a new lens, parents and children alike can recognize that there’s nothing “wrong” with them—they simply communicate differently. It’s our responsibility to learn that language and help bridge the gap. As a neurodivergent mother raising two neurodivergent children, Nova intimately knows what it’s like to feel boxed in, misunderstood, and judged—and then watch her own children face the same struggle. She’s uncovered the key insights into what it truly means to be neurodivergent and offers listeners a fresh, inclusive perspective. This is a heartfelt, essential conversation that you’ll want to absorb—and share with anyone who needs its inspiring message.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, host Kathy sits down with Nova Rose—a neurodivergent-informed parent coach, and fierce advocate for families navigating autism, ADHD, and big emotions.

Nova supports neurodivergent tweens, teens, and parents through a blend of mindset work, nervous system tools, and practical strategies that help regulate emotions and build confidence. She brings science and soul to her work, helping families shift from chaos to connection.

Nova shares her personal story—the heartbreak of repeated meltdowns at playgroups, the guilt of feeling like a “bad parent,” and the eventual relief and empowerment that came with the discovery that both of her children—and herself—are neurodivergent.

Together we explore:

• The unique emotional regulation challenges neurodivergent boys face in neurotypical systems
• How labels like autism or ADHD can both help and hinder
• Practical tools like EFT “magic buttons,” mindset reframes, and nervous-system–based strategies
• Why shame often sits at the root of behavioral struggles—and how to shift it
• What educators need to understand about energy, communication, and support

Nova challenges the cultural narrative around “fixing” neurodivergent kids and invites us to see emotional outbursts not as bad behavior, but as communication. This conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom, emotional truth, and the tools parents need to feel less alone—and more empowered.

**********

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.

**********

Nova Rose is a certified NLP Coach, Timeline Therapy® Practitioner, EFT (Tapping) Practitioner, Certified Youth Mentor, and Accredited Mental Health First Aider. After discovering that both of her children—and later herself—were autistic and ADHD, she retrained to fill the support gap she wished had existed for her family. Today, she helps neurodivergent tweens, teens, and parents regulate big emotions, heal from shame, and build self-esteem through a compassionate, science-backed, soul-centered approach.

• What it really means to be neurodivergent vs. neurotypical
• The emotional toll of parenting undiagnosed ND kids
• Why traditional parenting strategies often fail neurodivergent children
• How Nova discovered her own neurodivergence through her children
• Emotional regulation challenges unique to neurodivergent boys
• Understanding meltdowns, shutdowns, and sensory overwhelm
• Tools like EFT “magic buttons” and nervous system resets
• What educators must understand about energy and emotional safety
• How shame impacts behavior—and how to shift from shame to self-worth
• Labels: how they can help, and how they can limit
• The crisis of self-esteem in neurodivergent boys—and how to rebuild it
• The power of blending science and soul in parenting support

Nova Rose Coaching (Website & Bookings): https://novarose.as.me

Instagram: @nova_rose_coaching

  Facebook: Nova Rose Coaching

For more support, reach out to 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.

What I loved most about this conversation is the story of a young man whose foundation of life was impacted by an absent father—followed by several stepdads who caused more harm than healing. Brennan and his wife started out on a “minus scale,” and instead of repeating the patterns they inherited, they made a conscious choice to create a different life.

They are doing the inner work. They’re asking the hard questions. And they’re choosing to parent with intention—building a home grounded in faith, emotional honesty, and resilience. This episode is about masculinity, fatherhood, and what it really means to lead from within.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brennan Falks—a father, entrepreneur, and founder of Path to Great, a personal development company rooted in faith and practical wisdom. We talk openly about the challenges men face today, the unspoken weight of being a provider and protector, and the emotional patterns Brennan had to unlearn after growing up in a home without a healthy male role model. He explains how self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and spiritual grounding have helped him become the kind of father his kids can trust, learn from, and lean on.

If you’ve ever wondered how to raise emotionally healthy children in a noisy world, this conversation is full of clarity, challenge, and encouragement.

**********

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.

**********

Brennan Falks is the founder of Path to Great, a personal development company that equips individuals to grow intentionally across six core life zones: health, wealth, faith, family, community, and social-emotional wellness. Through coaching, tools, and habit systems, Brennan empowers others to live with clarity and purpose. A devoted husband and father of two, Brennan integrates faith, effort, and humility into every area of life and leadership.

The balance of toughness and tenderness in modern masculinity

Breaking free from the "Boy Code" and learning emotional regulation

What it means to lead your home by leading yourself

Why emotional intelligence is non-negotiable for fathers

Brennan’s reflections on the 3 Ps of masculinity: protect, provide, procreate

How fatherhood exposed childhood wounds—and began the healing

The impact of homeschooling and intentional parenting

Why faith plays a central role in raising children

Building trust through transparency and brutal honesty with your kids

• 🌐 Website: www.pathtogreat.co
• 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/pathtogreat

**********

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 at Sonhood Coaching

If you're the parent of a boy heading into adolescence, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. When I first met Keoni, I was struck by how grounded and self-aware he was — clear in his values and intentional about the future he’s building. I was genuinely surprised to learn he's still in his teens and that he made a major life shift at just 16 years old. If I were raising a young boy today, hearing Keoni’s reflections on life as a Gen Z young man would give me hope and a deeper sense of what’s possible during those often turbulent teenage years.

In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, 19-year-old entrepreneur and podcast host Keoni Upton joins Kathy to reflect on the challenges and turning points of growing up male today. From being diagnosed with dyslexia early in school, to navigating risky peer pressure and turning his life around after a near-traumatic incident at 16, Keoni shares the personal journey that inspired him to create The Growth Concept podcast and his media company, TGC Media.

Together, Kathy and Keoni explore the critical role of mentorship, emotional presence from fathers, the impact of school systems, and the mental health crisis among Gen Z boys. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand the emotional world of boys and what they need to thrive.

**********

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.

**********

Keoni Upton is the host of The Growth Concept podcast, where he interviews inspiring guests to share powerful lessons on personal development, mindset, and success. He's also the founder of TGC Media, which helps brands grow with strategy-driven content and an authentic online presence. Through his podcast and digital services, Keoni empowers individuals to unlock their potential and create meaningful impact. Passionate about growth and connection, he’s building a community driven by purpose, progress, and real conversations. 

Growing up in Perth with dyslexia and how school systems failed to support boys with learning differences

The importance of emotionally present parenting

A life-changing moment at 16 and what it taught Keoni about trust, safety, and resilience

How environment and peer culture can shape or derail a young man’s future

What Gen Z boys are facing with digital life, loneliness, and social media's influence

The difference between real connection and online validation

Why we need more intentional communities, clubs, and groups for boys

Family values, mental health habits, and the foundation for manhood that school doesn't teach

Instagram: @the_growth.concept

Podcast: The Growth Concept on Buzzsprout

YouTube: @TheGrowthConcept1

**********

Learn more about Sonhood Coaching: sonhoodcoaching.com

Book a Discovery Call: Calendly: Tiny Challenge Call

Thanks for listening!

If today’s conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs it, leave a review, and subscribe. Join us next week for another deep dive on Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys.

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.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and personalized support.

Dr. Alifano radiates genuine warmth and compassion. He moves through life with a deep, unwavering desire to truly understand others—and he’s spent decades honing the art of listening to do just that. As someone who has spent much of my own life refining how I listen, I was surprised—and deeply moved—by the powerful insights he shared. There were key elements I had completely missed, yet they make all the difference when it comes to truly connecting with others.

This is a rich and meaningful episode for anyone who wants to strengthen their relationships, deepen their empathy, and better understand what’s really in the hearts and minds of the people they care about. Have a listen—you’ll see.

**********

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. Alifano has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is an Ordained Minister with over 40 years of experience integrating psychology and spirituality in his private practice. He has worked with thousands of people at various stages of their lives, listening to their dreams and aspirations, traumas and confusions, and their desire to live life more attuned to their inner wisdom. And he has loved doing it his entire career. Over the decades, he has studied numerous theories and methodologies—both psychological and spiritual—and they have all filtered down to inform who he is and how he works. His book, Listening in the Raw, teaches how to listen from our unadulterated curiosity and beyond the commonly taught listening techniques, which ironically can inhibit deeper listening. Our sole intention and desire is to understand the speaker at an intimate level where our intentions do not get in the way of hearing so that the separation between self and other momentarily disappears. This not only serves the speaker but expands the listener's perspective beyond the confines of their filtered presumptions. This penetrates the shell of our collective isolation, eases the whirlpool of our emotional turmoil, and has a profound impact on any relationship.

Presence > Procedure – Checklists can keep us in our heads; true listening starts in the body with felt curiosity.

Name the Filter, Loosen Its Grip – Notice the inner flinch (judgment, fear, low self-esteem). Label it, breathe, re-open.

Curiosity Is Connection – A single genuine question—“What’s it like to be you right now?”—outperforms any ready-made advice.

Humor Heals – Light, respectful laughter can puncture shame and invite receptivity.

Self-Care Fuels Listening – Parents who pause to regulate their own stress buy the extra three minutes of presence that can change everything.

Listening in the Raw: Coming Home to Receptivity

Randall Alifano PhD, OM: Psycho-Spiritual Counseling

Earl Of Dad Jokes(Randal'son,Lucas)

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.

Visit sonhoodcoaching.com to learn more.

Our 1st DAD guest of Season 3 is a powerful conversation featuring Matthew Biswas, a father of three who found himself navigating solo parenthood after his wife left in 2015. With a 20-year-old daughter and two sons aged 15 and 9 at the time, Matthew chose to step fully into the role of the only parent—not just a single one.

He shares how he made the decision to move forward with as little disruption as possible, putting his children first in every way—from home-cooked meals to emotional modeling, from structured routines to deep personal growth. Along the way, he discovered a deeper sense of self, did the hard inner work, and eventually co-founded Men and Mastery, a space for men to connect, learn, and grow.

This episode is full of honest reflections, powerful lessons, and actionable takeaways for anyone raising boys—especially those doing it solo.

**********

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.

**********

Matthew Biswas is a solo dad, business owner, and co-founder of Men and Mastery—a community-driven initiative that supports men in personal growth, leadership, and relationships. A firm believer in “walking the talk,” Matthew brings authenticity, vulnerability, and deep insight into what it truly means to raise boys in today’s world.

Since 2015, he’s raised his three kids on his own—leaning into structure, support, and self-reflection. A self-described marketing marauder, novice runner, motorcycle enthusiast, and unapologetic lover of all things ’80s, Matthew brings energy and depth to both his parenting and professional life. He’s also a committed volunteer who stays active through softball, golf, and regular gym sessions.

His parenting philosophy is simple: do better, stay present, and keep kids engaged in strong, healthy environments.

What life looked like before and after Matthew became a solo parent

How he balanced being a provider, nurturer, and emotional anchor

The conscious decisions he made to model healthy masculinity for his sons

The truth about "co-parenting" vs. solo parenting

How cooking, calendars, and communication became survival tools

His journey into men’s work and the creation of Men and Mastery

Advice for dads raising sons alone and trying to get it “right”

Why keeping kids busy in good environments became his golden rule

Why he believes, “You are not alone”

"Every moment was about modeling the kind of man I wanted my sons to become."

Matthew reminds us that leadership in parenting doesn’t mean perfection—it means presence, accountability, and growth.

*Website: menandmastery.com

*Instagram: @menandmastery | Instagram: @matthewbiswas

*More from Matthew: https://linktr.ee/matthewbiswas

Thank you for listening to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another parent raising boys.

At Sonhood Coaching, we believe raising boys is one of the most meaningful—and misunderstood—journeys a parent can take. Through personalized coaching, online resources, and insights grounded in real experience, we help parents build deeper, more connected relationships with their sons—relationships that deserve understanding, connection, and intention.

Whether you're navigating big emotions, misbehaviour, or just trying to get your boy to open up, we’re here with clarity, compassion, and practical tools that work.

Learn more at sonhoodcoaching.com

“Our job is too difficult and too beautiful to do alone.” – Amelia Gambetti

Season 3 kicks off with a high bar, and our very first episode dives deep into modern masculinity through the eyes of someone living it every day—my son, Toshi. Having him as our inaugural young man’s voice was uniquely special. Though we talk often, sharing these insights on a public platform opened the door to understanding boys even wider.

Toshi offers a fresh perspective on nature versus nurture—and challenges the idea that genders are so different after all. He speaks candidly about how today’s education system can fuel men’s mental-health struggles, and he reflects on a recent personal challenge that reshaped his view of life’s true quality.

From shifting gender norms to mental health challenges, education gaps, and rediscovering the authentic self, Toshi shares candid insights drawn from his own experiences growing up and navigating modern pressures.

Full disclosure: I’m biased as his mom, but this conversation is important. Men will find comfort in knowing they’re not alone, and parents or caregivers will gain rare access to the emotional world of boys—something I’m always passionate about illuminating. Enjoy the episode, then please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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.

Toshi is a creator and professional problem solver who loves spending time with family and immersing himself in nature. He cherishes authentic expression and advocates for kinder, more flexible norms around masculinity and learning.

Being a Man Today

Gender roles are shaped more by nurture—our environments and media—than nature.

Today’s generation has both more freedom and more conflicting messages about masculinity.

Protector, Provider, Procreator?

Traditional archetypes (protector/provider) may be fundamentally human rather than strictly gendered.

Cultural expectations and media-driven ideals create boxes that can be challenging to fit into.

Mental Health & Loneliness

Authentic self-expression and real-world connections are vital antidotes.

Education & Opportunity

One-size-fits-all schooling “forces a turtle to run faster than a cheetah.”

A more flexible, interest-driven learning environment could nurture boys’ curiosity and confidence.

Pressure Points

Societal pressure to maintain an emotional “flatline” can stifle authenticity.

Comparing oneself to an idealized standard—reinforced by peers and media—fuels negative self-worth.

Rediscovering the Authentic Self

It’s easy to drift away from who you truly are.

Practice self-kindness and question “should” narratives to realign with your authentic self.

“The farther you get away from your authentic self, the more negative experiences you have.”

“There’s no one way to do it—just ways that are more or less authentic expressions of the self.”

“Enjoy the good times and remember that the bad times will pass.”

YouTube: @toshi.hiro

Instagram: @toshi.music

SoundCloud: toshi-hiro

Learn more about Sonhood Coaching: sonhoodcoaching.com

Book a Discovery Call: Calendly: Tiny Challenge Call

Thanks for listening!

If today’s conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs it, leave a review, and subscribe. Join us next week for another deep dive on Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys.

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.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and personalized support.