DaJuan Johnson

Introductions and casual conversation @ 0:00

DaJuan and Emily introduce themselves and engage in friendly small talk, discussing their children's ages and the challenges of parenting teenagers. They acknowledge the difficulties of the teenage years and the need for patience and understanding.

DaJuan's journey to parenthood @ 8:00

DaJuan shares how he and his husband decided to foster-to-adopt their two sons, Mark and Duke, rather than waiting to have children until his acting career was more established. He describes the whirlwind experience of getting the call about the boys and having them move in with them just a few days later, without the typical 9-month preparation period.

Navigating the financial and practical aspects of parenthood @ 9:00

DaJuan discusses the financial considerations of becoming a parent, including the challenges of buying a home and the shift in his career priorities. He explains how he and his husband were able to purchase their first home by getting a loan with a lower down payment, and how his acting income and coaching business helped provide financial stability.

Overcoming "imposter syndrome" and building a coaching business @ 19:33

DaJuan shares how he started his coaching business, Think Bigger Coaching, by drawing on his own experiences and the requests from fellow actors for advice. He discusses overcoming "imposter syndrome" and the importance of shifting one's mindset to embrace new opportunities, rather than doubting one's abilities.

The benefits and challenges of self-tapes @ 24:54

DaJuan reflects on the shift to self-tapes in the industry, acknowledging the pros and cons. He emphasizes the need for actors to adapt and embrace this new medium, while also advocating for maintaining a positive mindset and not succumbing to the "cult of average" that often complains about the changes.

Navigating social media and technology with teenage children @ 56:34

DaJuan discusses his approach to managing his children's use of social media and technology, including his decision to not share their images publicly and to limit their access to certain platforms. He shares the challenges of setting boundaries and the importance of having open conversations with his sons about the risks and benefits.

Self-care and maintaining balance as a parent @ 1:02:00

DaJuan emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, including getting enough sleep and making time for activities like yoga, as a way to maintain balance and be the best parent he can be. He acknowledges that putting oneself first is often taboo in parenting, but argues that it is necessary to avoid burnout and be present for his children.