Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Keanu Mendoza, a warm, reflective, and deeply thoughtful young man whose early life could have easily led him down a familiar path of drugs, gangs, and incarceration. Raised without his parents present, Keanu spent his early childhood with his grandmother before her passing, and later with an aunt and uncle who stepped in during his most vulnerable years.Keanu shares openly about growing up feeling lonely, shy, and unsure of who he was — including being bullied at school, struggling with self-confidence, and longing to belong. Grounded in faith and shaped by consistent, firm, and loving guidance, he chose a different path. Today, Keanu is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, is a first-generation college graduate, and is continuing his education with plans for graduate school.This conversation offers hope to young people who feel trapped by their circumstances — and powerful insight for parents, mentors, and educators into what truly helps boys find their footing, their voice, and their sense of self.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioKeanu Mendoza was born and raised in California. He grew up without his parents present and spent much of his early childhood being raised by his grandmother before her passing. In his early teens, his aunt and uncle stepped in to raise him and his brother, providing the stability and guidance that would change his life’s direction.Keanu is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, the first in his family to do so. He is also a first-generation college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, where he earned both his associate and bachelor’s degrees in business administration. At 26 years old, Keanu continues to pursue growth, learning, and service, with plans to begin graduate studies.Topics DiscussedFamily & Early LifeRaised primarily by his grandmother; family instability and early loss.Met his biological father only once (around age 5–6).Mother in and out of his life, mostly out, and struggling with substance issues.Moved in with his aunt and uncle in 7th grade (age 12–13) — the adults who “stepped up.”School, Identity & BullyingGrowing up a shy, chubby child and being bullied at school.Struggles with self-confidenceHow loneliness and the need to belong made him vulnerable in adolescence.Turning Points & MentorsThe decisive influence of his uncle and aunt: structure, discipline, and steady presence.Other local mentors (neighbor/church leader) who introduced him to faith and music.How one person’s intervention can change a boy’s trajectory.Choices, Resilience & PurposeChoosing a different path despite generational patterns of drugs, gangs, and incarceration.Joining the U.S. Marine Corps: finding structure, belonging,

In this episode, Kathy sits down with Joey Stoneburgh, — a corrections officer, husband, father, and podcast host — for an honest look at childhood, masculinity, mental health, and the reality of working inside Canada’s largest jail. Joey opens up about growing up between two homes, the feeling of not fully belonging, the decisions that could have taken his life in a different direction, and the personal redemption he continues to choose every day.We dive into fatherhood, boundaries, identity, and the invisible pressures many men carry. Joey shares openly about mental health challenges, testosterone, and the work it takes to stay grounded. His story is one of self-reflection, resilience, connection — and choosing who you want to be, even when early life experiences may pull you in other directions.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Topics Discussed• Core values & identity Joey reflects on honesty, integrity, inclusivity, and humor as foundational to who he is — and how these values led him into law enforcement.• Working in corrections & mental health How 13 years in a jail environment impacts a person, the risk of becoming hardened, and the outlets that kept Joey grounded (sobriety, jiu-jitsu, family, meaningful routines).• Childhood in a split family Navigating two households, complex family dynamics, feeling like he didn’t fully belong in either, and how those early experiences influenced his teens and early 20s.• Searching for belonging as a teen Partying, substance use, risky decisions, and the fine line between becoming an officer or becoming an inmate.• Religion, symbolism & redemption The surprising church visit that shifted his perspective, the powerful encounter at work that deepened his belief in good and evil, and the story behind his “redemption” tattoo.• Boundaries & self-worth Learning to stop people-pleasing, set limits with friends and family, and step into a stronger sense of self-respect.• Masculine pressure, drive & self-criticism Feeling like a failure in his late 20s, the internal pressure to be “the provider,” the battle in his own mind, and how ambition can be both a strength and a struggle.• Fatherhood & testosterone How becoming a dad transformed his identity, feeling “off,” low libido, and emotionally overwhelmed during that period, and his history of anabolic steroid use.• Masculinity, mentorship & mixed messages Outdated gender expectations, exposure to pornography, confusing early guidance from elders, and how culture shapes boys’ understanding of manhood.• Fears for today’s society The tension around motherhood, gender roles, and why he believes children need present, emotionally engaged parents.• What he wants...

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Kathy sits down with Pat Barber—father of four boys, longtime CrossFit leader, and thoughtful voice on masculinity, parenting, and personal growth. Pat opens up about the evolution of his core values, his marriage, and the lessons he brings into raising boys today.Together, they explore conflict, communication, risk-taking, digital safety, sexual development, honesty, and the role of testosterone in shaping boys’ inner worlds. Pat shares candid stories about raising four sons in the mountains, why he gives his boys real opportunities to take risks, and how he and his wife navigate everything from arguments to conversations about porn, erections, and emotional regulation.This episode offers grounded wisdom for parents raising boys in an age of misinformation, overprotection, hyper-connectivity, and confusion around masculinity.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioPat Barber is a dedicated husband, father of four boys, and one of the most respected leaders in the functional fitness world. A longtime CrossFit athlete, coach, mentor, and community builder, Pat is known for his thoughtful reflections on fatherhood, integrity, and personal development. His work centers around authenticity, honesty, and strength—values he works to model in the gym, online, and at home. Pat speaks openly about parenting, relationships, and raising emotionally intelligent boys in a rapidly changing world.Topics Identity & Core ValuesPat’s three core values: authenticity, honesty, strengthMarriage & Conflict NavigationPat’s turning point in conflict with his wifeLearning to let go of “being right”Distinguishing core values from trivial argumentsCuriosity as a parenting and relationship toolParenting BoysRaising boys to be emotionally intelligent and self-awareWhen to guide vs. when to let children experimentGiving kids real risk: autonomy without negligenceRisk comparison: physical danger vs. digital dangerDiscipline, Boundaries & CommunicationHow Pat handles disagreements with his boysEncouraging them to explain their reasoningWhen to say “No” and when to say “Show me your plan”Apologizing to kids and modeling emotional regulationMasculinity & TestosteroneWhy parents need to understand testosterone surgesHow hormonal changes shift boys’ psychologyNormalizing sexuality without shameLack of societal literacy around male developmentEffects of testosterone seen through the lens of transgender menDigital Safety & Porn ExposureWhy Pat keeps devices in...

In this first solo episode of Season 3, Kathy reflects on what she has learned from 21 in-depth conversations with young men, dads, and experts on male mental health and masculinity. With November marking Men’s Mental Health Month, she explores why it’s so important that parents, caregivers, and communities pay closer, more consistent attention to the emotional well-being of boys and young men.Kathy shares why this season shifted from talking about boys to talking with the young men they grow into—and how those conversations revealed a powerful missing piece in how we understand and support boys.A moment from her interview with her son stands at the heart of this episode: the unspoken pressure many boys feel to keep their emotions “flat”—not too happy, not too sad, not too anything. She unpacks the cost of emotional restriction and how it affects boys’ mental health, relationships, coping skills, and lifelong well-being.Despite the challenges, Kathy ends with hope. Across her interviews, she met young men who are building community, doing inner work, showing up honestly for their families, and actively redefining what healthy masculinity can look like. She also gives a preview of next week’s inspiring episode featuring a father of four boys who is committed to doing this work from the inside out.In this episode, Kathy explores:Why November’s focus on men’s mental health matters—but isn’t enoughThe “missing piece” in understanding boys’ emotional worldsHer son’s powerful insight about the pressure to stay emotionally flatHow emotional suppression impacts addiction, mental health, and connectionSigns of hope: young men choosing honesty, presence, and growthA preview of next week’s episode with a dad raising four boys with intention**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********TakeawaysMen’s mental health doesn’t begin in adulthood—it begins in childhood.If we want mentally healthy men, we must raise emotionally supported boys.And that starts with listening—to their stories, their struggles, and their truths. Learn more @sonhoodcoaching.comShare This EpisodeIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with a parent, a father, or a young man.“The world of humanity has two wings—one is women, the other is men.Not until both wings are equally developed can a bird truly fly.”**********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...

When fatherhood meets entrepreneurship, life can feel like a balancing act — one that tests patience, priorities, and purpose. In this warm, honest conversation, Kathy talks with Thomas Buttino, a dad of three (including twin toddlers!) who’s learning how to build both a thriving business and a deeply connected family life.Together, they talk about the real stuff — curiosity, boundaries, mistakes, forgiveness, and how 10 minutes of undivided attention can change everything. Thomas shares personal stories that remind us that connection doesn’t come from control — it comes from courage and conversation.This is an episodeI for every parent who wants to raise boys who feel seen, valued, and deeply loved — and for every dad learning that strength and softness can live in the same heart.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Topics CoveredThe three core values that guide Thomas’s life and fatherhood: love, loyalty, and honestyHow to talk to boys about pornography, alcohol, and curiosity — without shame or fearThe importance of keeping communication open before teens turn to the internet for answersHow 10 minutes of focused time a day can change your relationship with your kidsWhat it means to raise authentic, emotionally intelligent young menThe difference between a work ethic and a life ethic — and why fathers need bothWhy embracing failure and risk is key to growth and resilienceHow fathers can model love without losing their sense of strengthGuest Bio: Thomas Buttino is a husband, father, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and mentor who’s on a mission to help Dadpreneurs — fathers building both businesses and families — achieve extraordinary growth in life and work. Through his mentoring and writing, Thomas encourages men to lead with authenticity, love, and purpose, and to create lives where success and connection thrive side by side.Links:https://www.instagram.com/automatedexec/https://www.facebook.com/thomas.buttinoWebsite: The Automated ExecutiveLearn more @sonhoodcoaching.comEmail:...

 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.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com 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 90sThe deep cultural mix of East and West — and how it shaped identityWhy emotional awareness and mental well-being are central to Yenson’s parenting todayHow the definition of masculinity in Chinese culture is slowly evolvingHis reflections on his own father’s quiet influence — and what he hopes to do differentlyThe challenges and pressures men face in their 30s and 40s as they juggle fatherhood, career, and identityHow grief and self-reflection led him to launch Ordinary But UniqueGuest 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 Why Season 3 Is DifferentToo many boys...

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.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********GuestBioCorey 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. Topics DiscussedCorey’s childhood and the masks boys learn to wear to feel safeWhat boys need most from their parents todayThe turning pointEscaping through achievement, relationships,, and porn — and learning to sit with pain instead of numbing itFatherhood after divorce: building connection through honesty, not perfectionHow men can redefine strength, leadership, and lovePractical ways to help boys express emotion and develop inner confidence🔗 Connect with CoreyFacebook - https://facebook.com/evolvedmenprojectIG - https://instagram.com/evolvedmenproject/YouTube - https://youtube.com/@EvolvedMenProjectWebsite - https://evolvedmenproject.com/💬 Connect with KathyWebsite: sonhoodcoaching.comJoin the Tiny (FREE) Challenge: 3 Days to a...

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.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Topics CoveredThe journey from Israel to New York — and what shaped his early yearsNavigating marriage, fatherhood, and the shock of divorceThe emotional and legal toll of custody battlesWhat homeschooling taught him about patience, play, and connectionHow Buddhist practices helped him find peace and meaningThe societal expectations that confine men — and what freedom really meansWhy connection and compassion are the foundation of true strengthHow he unexpectedly found love again and rebuilt his lifeGuest BioSagi 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 SagiEmail: sagiayalon@gmail.comLearn more

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com 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.Links:Website: https://www.mindfullife.coach/ https://www.mindfullife.coach/guidehttps://www.instagram.com/mindfullife_coach/ Email: stefanos@mindfullife.coachLearn more about raising boys who...

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioSam 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.Topics Covered What it was like growing up on the autism spectrumThe role his parents played in supporting his confidence and independenceWhy boys and men need space to show vulnerability and hurtMisconceptions about autism and how his podcast challenges themLessons learned from interviewing high-profile guests like Temple Grandin and Mick FoleySam’s mission to celebrate differences and show that success looks different for everyoneLinksWebsite: autismrocksandrolls.com Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (available on all major platforms)TEDx Talk: a...

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioRyan 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.Topics CoveredGrowing up in a chaotic home and the turning point of leaving at age 13The role of mentors, chosen family, and group homes in shaping resilienceDefining healthy masculinity through peace, transparency, and dignityThe thin line between correctional officer and inmate — and how the environment shapes bothThe importance of emotional awareness, boundaries, and self-reflection in high-stress workWhat parents should know if their son ever becomes incarceratedLinks https://www.youtube.com/@SparebedroomstudiosDon’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**********Why Is Season 3 Different?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...

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest Bio: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.Key Topics: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.Connect with Mauriziowww.mymasterman.comInstagram: @my.master.manWhy Season 3 Is DifferentToo 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 learnedAt the heart of this season — and at the heart of Sonhood Coaching — is a

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioDr. 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.Topics CoveredWhy youth mental health is best understood as a “wicked problem”Rethinking compulsory schooling and helping boys who are struggling in educationHow disconnection, over-labeling, and over-diagnosing are affecting young peopleThe importance of rough-and-tumble play for resilience and growth“Crew, not passengers”: reframing how we see young people’s role in their own livesPractical advice for parents: creating home as a safe place where boys feel heard, valued, and confidentThe power of modeling: why teens need adults worth imitatingLinks 📖 Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health (Available September 30)www.willdobud.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.**********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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioScott 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. Topics DiscussedEarly 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.LinksScott Taylor Peek: allmylinks.com/speaktoscottyEmail Scott: speaktoscotty@gmail.comScott’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

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioCraig 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.Topics DiscussedMilitary 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...

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioTeddy 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.Topics Covered in This Episode:Teddy’s winding path from aspiring chef to therapist and school counselorWhy emotional awareness is the foundation for changeThe shift from “fixing kids” to connecting with them firstThe growing presence of anxiety in teensThe impact of school culture on boys' identity and self-esteemShame

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioPaige 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. Topics CoveredPaige’s personal story: injuries, healing, and the birth of her missionWhat parents need to know about boys, sports, and mental healthThe hidden cost of early sports specializationConcussions:...

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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioSamir 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.Topics Covered:Masculinity Reimagined: What values define manhood today?Growing Up with Young Parents: Early insights from layered family dynamicsHealthy Risk & Rites of Passage: Why challenge matters in a boy’s developmentVulnerability & Friendship: Redefining strength through emotional honestyPornography as Super-Stimulus: Intimacy, overstimulation, and learning the wrong lessonsMentorship & Male Circles: The role of supported risk and being “caught when you leap”Middle Eastern Identity & Gender Norms: Breaking the mold from withinSchool, Humor, and Learning Through Laughter: Rethinking how boys are taughtMental Health, Mindfulness & Meaningful Conversations: What boys really needQuotes:“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.”Links: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. WHY SEASON 3 IS DIFFERENTToo...

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.Episode SummaryIn 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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioJack 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.Topics CoveredEarly family dynamics & how childhood experiences shape adult self-worthRebuilding a fractured father-son relationship through reframing and emotional boundariesMasculinity redefined: what Jack learned from both his mother’s values and his father’s expectationsSolitude vs. community: why emotional isolation persists even in connectionMasculinity, Sensitivity & Emotional ExpressionPurpose, Achievement & Self-WorthBuilding Authentic Friendship & CommunityLinks Website: https://jackseikaly.comInstagram: @jrseikalyYouTube / intogrey:a...

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 systemsHow labels like autism or ADHD can both help and hinderPractical tools like EFT “magic buttons,” mindset reframes, and nervous-system–based strategiesWhy shame often sits at the root of behavioral struggles—and how to shift itWhat educators need to understand about energy, communication, and supportNova 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 kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioNova 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.Topics CoveredWhat it really means to be neurodivergent vs....