Raising Men

Shaun Dawson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Raising Men is a podcast about parenting, masculinity, and the lifelong journey of raising sons—and ourselves—to be men of courage, character, and purpose. Hosted by Shaun Dawson, each episode features real conversations with parents, leaders, and thinkers redefining what it means to raising men in today’s world.

  1. 2d ago

    Why Parenting Boys is Harder Than Ever with Jennifer L. W. Fink

    Jennifer L.W. Fink returns to Raising Men to explore why raising boys today feels increasingly complex and how parents can guide them with clarity and intentionality. Bringing decades of experience as a nurse, mother of four sons, and author of Building Boys, Jennifer addresses the cultural pressures, pathologized narratives, and digital environments shaping young males. Together, Shaun and Jennifer unpack the developmental differences between boys and girls, highlighting how misunderstandings about male growth often lead to unnecessary friction at home and in school. They discuss the unique challenges of modern parenting, from hyper-scrutiny on social media to the loss of traditional community institutions, and offer practical ways mothers and fathers can foster real-world connections. Ultimately, Jennifer shares why looking past idealized expectations to truly connect with the boy right in front of you is the most powerful principle for raising great men. Key Takeaways Developmental Timing Matters: Male developmental progress often differs from female timelines, and expecting young boys to sit still or perform academically too early can lead to unnecessary pathologizing.  Connection Over Absence of Sickness: True health and positive growth require active, forward-thinking support rather than simply trying to avoid negative outcomes or misbehavior.  Role Models Don't Need Perfection: Male influences and mentors do not have to be flawless to provide valuable guidance, life lessons, and positive examples for young boys.  Digital Pressures Require Vigilance: Modern boys face intense online environments, making intentional offline experiences and real-world relationships crucial for their growth.  Mothers and Fathers Face Distinct Pressures: Parents carry intense societal expectations regarding their sons' performance and behavior, making clear communication and patience essential. Chapter Markers04:39 Why Building Boys was written and released in paperback08:17 Health vs absence of sickness in raising boys10:30 Expectations vs reality and developmental differences14:17 Navigating school systems and male teacher shortages19:48 Why parenting boys is harder today than a decade ago22:23 Social media algorithms and permanent digital records27:20 Crumbling community institutions and parental pressure31:01 Finding masculine role models for sons without fathers in the home34:10 Embracing imperfection in mentors and role models38:47 The danger of seeking perfection over good guidance40:51 The one principle for raising excellent men: Connect with the boy in front of you Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands Males by Jennifer L.W. Fink https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/building-boys-9798216455615/) & use promo code GLR RN2On Boys Podcast hosted by Jennifer L.W. Fink https://www.jenniferlwfink.com https://www.on-boys-podcast.com/Suffering Model: Suffering occurs when expectations do not match reality, which can be used intentionally to drive growth or unintentionally through misunderstandings.

    Why Parenting Boys is Harder Than Ever with Jennifer L. W. Fink

  2. 6d ago

    Guided Meditation with Marc Krusin

    In this live short episode, host Shaun Dawson sits down with mindfulness expert Marc Krusin to step away from the standard interview format and experience a live guided meditation. Addressing his own daily struggles with staying relaxed and present, Shaun invites Marc to lead a five-part foundational mindfulness exercise designed to quiet a racing mind. Together, they explore box breathing, thought observation, and sensory awareness. Key Takeaways Box breathing serves as an incredibly effective, accessible tool to instantly soothe the nervous system and relax the physical body.Actively observing and counting your thoughts automatically slows them down by creating distance between your identity and the mental noise.Genuine mindfulness means training an awareness muscle to consistently return to the present moment without passing judgment on your mental state.Shifting attention away from specific content to focus on the physical space around you gives an overstimulated mind a rare opportunity to rest.Intuitive solutions, professional efficiency, and deeper relationship connection emerge naturally when we stop chasing every passing thought.We think we are our thoughts. We think that what we're thinking is literally us. But when we start to have the intention to observe them, that means that if we're observing them, they can't be us. Presence allows us to just be infinitely more efficient and effective in terms of our thinking and in terms of our tasks and in terms of our workflow. 00:00 Welcome01:15 Four-count box breathing exercise 01:42 Live breathing03:29 Watching the mind exercise 04:43 Observing and counting internal thoughts 05:34 Tracking racing thoughts 06:04 Consciousness observing our thoughts 11:21 Shaun’s mountain ski lift metaphor 15:30 Practicing sensory awareness 22:54 The costs of context switching and the benefits of mindfulness Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Email: marc@marckrusin.comhttps://www.marckrusin.com/Website: The Bright Path https://www.thebrightpath.com/en/ Framework - Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts. Framework - Watching the Mind: The intentional act of observing and counting thoughts to build an awareness muscle and separate identity from mental chatter. Framework - Spatial Awareness Rest: Intentionally shifting attention from specific objects or content to rest on the physical space between yourself and your device, or the space within the entire room.

    Guided Meditation with Marc Krusin

  3. Aug 10

    Navigating the Pink Light with Mayra Clay and Marc Krusin

    Modern parents face the ongoing challenge of raising children in an "always on" world saturated with digital noise. In this episode, host Shaun Dawson sits down with London-based meditation teachers Mayra Clay and Marc Krusin to discuss how emotional awareness, stillness, and presence can transform family dynamics. Myra and Mark share how Bright Path Ascension Meditation techniques offer a practical way to quiet the mind without requiring hours of isolated retreat. They emphasize that true strength lies in internal awareness rather than mere external composure, shedding light on the distinction between inner peace and outer stillness. The conversation explores how parents model emotional regulation for their sons, navigating intense childhood triggers through calm presence rather than frustration. By shifting away from control and embracing simple daily practices, parents can help their children develop long-term internal resilience. Key Takeaways Inner Peace vs. Outer Stillness: True meditation and presence address internal mental turmoil rather than forcing an artificial state of external quiet.Leading by Example: Children absorb emotional regulation by watching their parents remain calm and fully present during challenging moments.Flexible Integration: Ascension meditation techniques can be practiced with eyes open during daily interactions, seamlessly fitting into a busy schedule.Separating Frustration from Correction: Addressing a child's unkind or dangerous behavior from a state of pure presence is far more effective than reacting out of personal anger or embarrassment.The Limited Window: The timeframe during which children are deeply open to parental guidance is short, making daily presence essential."It's not about escaping from daily life, it's about becoming fully present within daily life. "Children are so present, they're often not really the ones that are a problem... it's really us that try and control them. "There is a fundamental distinction between inner turmoil and outer freneticness."00:00 Digital noise and raising sons in an always-on world 01:05 Introduction 02:08 Explaining the foundations of Bright Path Ascension Meditation 03:40 Shaun on levelheadedness, triggers, and childhood anger 06:33 Inner turmoil versus outer stillness in active children 08:33 Modeling emotional presence and self-regulation for kids 13:30 Using prefrontal cortex awareness over reactive emotional states 19:20 Practicing eyes-open meditation techniques during daily routines 22:28 The origin and message behind The Boy in the Pink Light 27:03 Cultural perspectives on masculinity between Mexico and the UK 31:46 How internal emotional stress affects young boys beneath the surface 34:48 One principle for parents: getting present and honoring the short window Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Bright Path Ascension Meditation: A simple meditation practice based on praise, gratitude, love, and appreciation, adaptable for eyes-closed or eyes-open daily use.The Boy in the Pink Light: A children's book by Mayra Clay designed to guide kids and parents toward internal heart-centered awareness.Conan the Barbarian vs. Sherlock Holmes Brain: Shaun Dawson's neuroscience metaphor contrasting reactive amygdala responses with logical prefrontal cortex processing.

    Navigating the Pink Light with Mayra Clay and Marc Krusin

  4. Aug 6

    How a Father's Calm Sets the Tone for the Home with Mike Elliot

    In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with relational guide Mike Elliott to explore what it truly means to lead a family with presence, purpose, and emotional safety. Moving beyond the traditional mandate of simply providing a paycheck, Mike breaks down how true security is created when a father cultivates a home where vulnerability and connection can thrive. The conversation examines the loss of cultural rites of passage, defining how healthy initiation requires both intentional challenge and a supportive community to integrate lessons into manhood. Shaun and Mike address the trap of "mental masturbation"—over-consuming self-help content without taking real-world action—and illustrate how an under-resourced man can inadvertently create unsafety at home. Ultimately, this powerful episode serves as a compelling call for men to seek authentic brotherhood, confront their inner wounds, and embrace the tenderness of their own hearts. Key Takeaways Emotional safety in the home is a father's most essential provision, rendering material wealth meaningless if relationships remain toxic or disconnected.Healthy initiation requires intentional tension and pressure followed by community integration to transform a boy into a grounded man.Over-consuming information without real-world application acts as a distraction that leaves men weaker and disconnected from their bodies.An under-resourced man who neglects his physical, mental, or spiritual well-being becomes reactive and creates unsafety for his family.True brotherhood relies on relational reciprocity, requiring men to build safe spaces where they can express vulnerability and hold each other accountable.If we don't have emotional safety in our homes, the paycheck and how it is used is worthless. - Mike Elliott If we have an under resourced man, we have a dangerous man. - Mike Elliott True leadership that's embodied and connected to real life is a man that is so clear in the direction that he's going that the environment he creates around his very presence is nourishing to himself and to everyone around him." - Mike Elliott00:00 - The essence of true brotherhood and emotional legacy 01:34 - Introducing relational guide Mike Elliott 02:24 - Redefining the provider role beyond the paycheck 06:50 - Money as a tool vs a false sense of security 12:16 - Understanding the ancient framework of male initiation 17:36 - Why community integration converts challenge into strength 21:30 - Overcoming information overload and mental masturbation 25:36 - Defining embodied leadership in everyday life 28:00 - The danger of an under-resourced and disconnected man 34:31 - How parental presence supports a child's emotional health 40:24 - Finding the core relationships that sharpen your character 46:00 - Embracing the tenderness of a man's hear Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Dr. Dan Siegel's Childhood Integration Framework – Psychological work on emotional health and how parents make sense of their past.The Initiated Man – Mike Elliott's training program and community designed for male initiation.Skool Community – The online platform hosting the Initiated Man community https://skool.com/initiatedmanRelational Reciprocity Framework – The practice of mutual accountability and safe vulnerability between trusted men.

    How a Father's Calm Sets the Tone for the Home with Mike Elliot

  5. Aug 3

    Moving from Conflict To Alpha Leadership with Todd Sarner

    In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with licensed psychotherapist and parent coach Todd Sarner to discuss navigating daily family conflict and moving from constant power struggles to deep connection. Focusing on the turbulent preschool years, Todd breaks down the underlying developmental and attachment dynamics that drive toddler behavior and morning meltdowns. Together, they explore why standard disciplinary power struggles backfire when dealing with an undeveloped prefrontal cortex and how viewing behavior through a "deficit model" rather than a "conflict model" transforms a parent's response. From managing screen time and junk connection to stepping firmly into the "alpha position" as a calm leader, Todd offers actionable wisdom for fathers striving to build lasting emotional safety. Key Takeaways Locking Horns Means You've Already Lost: When parents engage in power struggles with preschoolers, they step out of the "alpha position" (the calm, protective papa bear) and become a frustrated peer.Preschoolers Lack Functional Frontal Lobes: A four-year-old’s prefrontal cortex is not yet connected to the cerebral cortex, meaning they lack the brain wiring to temper strong emotions or hold competing thoughts simultaneously.Behavior is Instinctive Separation Anxiety: Morning meltdowns and defiance are often driven by instinctual separation anxiety regarding upcoming transitions (like daycare), leading to built-up frustration and aggression.Shift from Conflict to Deficit: Viewing a child’s misbehavior as an intentional attack gridlocks the relationship, whereas viewing it as a skill deficit allows parents to lead with compassion and guidance.Proactive Connection Beats Reactive Discipline: Parents need to top up a child's "connection cup" before transitions occur and bridge separation by giving them vivid pictures of upcoming reunions."Alpha is more like you're a mama bear or you're a papa bear and that your job is to take care of them... When you're locking horns with a four-year-old, you're not being a papa bear. You're being a frustrated peer." "When you take a three or four year old, it's almost everything... Attachment science is very clear... The number one thing that determines how we think, how our personalities develop, how we behave, is how secure we feel on our primary attachments." "You are the answer for your child. Not an expert, not Sean, not Todd, not anyone else... Your kid doesn't need you to be perfect. They just need you to try to understand these things." 00:00 - Introduction and background in sportscasting and baseball teams 04:13 - Setting the conversation agenda around early childhood challenges 08:42 - Managing sensitivities around sharing personal family stories publicly 11:38 - Official podcast intro welcoming Todd Sarner 13:34 - Shaun shares daily morning power struggles with his four-year-old daughter 15:00 - Understanding the alpha position versus engaging as a frustrated peer 18:28 - The neuroscience of the undeveloped prefrontal cortex in preschoolers 20:35 - Attachment science, separation anxiety, and instinctual behavior 24:10 - Strategies for bridging separation and topping up connection early 29:08 - Conflict mindset versus deficit model in parenting and marriage 35:37 - Managing the three cups: Connection, Frustration, and Frenetic Energy 40:26 - The impact of screens, dopamine loops, and junk connection on development 58:10 - Closing principle: Being the Mother Goose leader your child needs Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Books Mentioned The Calm and Connected Parent by Todd Sarner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2XB2RB2The Weathermaker (Upcoming) by Todd SarnerSimplicity Parenting & The Soul of Discipline by Kim John Payne https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345548671Hold On to Your Kids by Dr. Gordon Neufeld https://www.amazon.com/dp/0375760288Links & Social Media Website: Transformative Parenting https://transformativeparenting.com/Frameworks Mentioned The Alpha Position: Stepping into the role of a compassionate, protective leader (mama/papa bear) rather than an authoritarian dictator or a peer.Conflict Model vs. Deficit Model: Moving from believing a child/partner is causing trouble intentionally to recognizing they lack the skills or emotional capacity in that moment.The Three Cups Framework: Balancing a child's needs across three distinct areas: Connection Cup, Frustration Cup, and Frenetic Energy Cup.Bridging Separation: Using mental images, notes, or rituals to help a child maintain a sense of connection through periods of physical absence.The Mother Goose Principle: Leading from the front by setting clear structures and routines rather than negotiating or pushing from behind.

    Moving from Conflict To Alpha Leadership with Todd Sarner

  6. Jul 30

    What Sadistic AI, Bare feet, and a Talking Cat All Have to do with Raising Men

    Shaun Dawson dives into an unexpected source of parenting wisdom: the bestselling sci-fi series Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. Behind its absurd premise—a man in his boxers and a leather jacket navigating a brutal, subterranean reality-TV death trap with his ex-girlfriend’s cat—lies a surprisingly tactical manual for modern male agency. Shaun draws parallels between protagonist Carl’s sudden descent into a rigged system and the overwhelming challenges faced by young men today. Rather than panicking or adopting a victim mentality, Carl shifts from his reactive "Conan brain" to his strategic "Sherlock brain," demonstrating self-mastery, logic, and protective values under extreme pressure. Drawing on insights from previous podcast guests, Shaun breaks down how fathers can model emotional regulation, teach their sons to embrace agency over despair, and guide them through their own modern "dungeons" without resorting to rigid aggression or passive avoidance. Key Takeaways Dungeon Crawler Carl as a Modern Metaphor: The abrupt, unfair world collapse in the book mirrors how the modern world, filled with constant digital stimulation and shifting rules, often feels to young boys today.Conan Brain vs. Sherlock Brain: When facing chaotic or unfair situations, boys are tempted to react from their amygdala ("Conan brain") with panic or anger. Self-mastery comes from shifting into the prefrontal cortex ("Sherlock brain") to strategically ask, "What is my next move?".Agency Over Victimhood: The system wants young men to feel like victims because victims panic and make entertaining mistakes. True strength lies in taking complete ownership of the parts of life you can control.Values Define True Strength: Real strength isn't posturing or puffing out your chest; it's standing between harm and the people you're responsible for while maintaining disciplined values.Co-Regulating Through Distress: When kids spiral, get angry, or face fears, fathers must stay in their "Sherlock brain" to model emotional regulation rather than reacting to their child's anger with aggression."And it turns out that it's also kind of a tactical manual for modern male agency disguised as a ridiculous sci-fi book series." — Shaun Dawson Shaun Dawson introduces an unexpected source of tactical manual lessons for modern male agency The wild opening premise of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Comparing Earth's flattened structure to the modern world young men face today How young men are nudged toward passive consumption anger and despair Shifting out of the reactive Conan Brain and into the strategic Sherlock Brain Recalling David Rossi's framework on processing emotional data vs spiritual self-mastery Overriding physical panic by choosing values and something bigger to protect Connecting Aaron Blaine's Green Beret principles of evaluating ground realities and serving last Why posturing isn't real strength and the trap fathers fall into during kid distress How the dungeon wants people to act like victims and why we must reject that identity A personal moment with Shaun's son realizing his parents will eventually die Shaun's unexpected joy in discovering the massive Dungeon Crawler Carl fanbase at Comic-Con Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Books & Media Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book Series) by Matt DinnimanDungeon Crawler Carl (Audiobook Version)00:00 – Introduction: Tactical manual disguised as sci-fi01:30 – The wild premise of Dungeon Crawler Carl03:20 – Parallels between the dungeon and modern boyhood challenges04:44 – Systems nudging young men toward despair and outrage05:20 – Conan Brain vs. Sherlock Brain under pressure06:56 – Processing emotional data: Lessons from Dave Rossi08:30 – Overriding physical panic by protecting core values09:22 – Green Beret principles: Lessons from Aaron Blaine10:49 – Real strength vs. posturing and dad traps12:54 – Rejecting victimhood and keeping personal agency14:39 – A father's role when sons face life's heavy dungeons Podcast Episodes & Guests Mentioned Episode 12: Dave Rossi https://raising.men/episodes/the-imperative-habit-of-raising-conscious-young-men-with-dave-rossiEpisode 15: Aaron Blaine https://raising.men/episodes/battles-before-the-battlefield-aaron-blaine-on-becoming-the-father-he-never-hadEpisode 10: Dr. Daniel Singley https://raising.men/episodes/the-psychology-of-raising-emotionally-healthy-boys-with-dr-daniel-singleyFrameworks & Concepts Two-Brain Theory (Conan the Barbarian Brain vs. Sherlock Holmes Brain): A neuroscience metaphor contrasting the reactive, survival-driven amygdala (Conan) with the deliberate, strategic prefrontal cortex (Sherlock)[cite: 1, 2].Emotional Data vs. Meaning (Dave Rossi): Recognizing fear, anger, and panic as raw biological feedback (data) rather than letting impulse define the outcome.Evaluating Ground Realities (Aaron Blaine / Military Leadership): Accepting the unchosen environment as it is, maintaining core values, and executing with calm discipline

    What Sadistic AI, Bare feet, and a Talking Cat All Have to do with Raising Men

  7. Jul 27

    Rebuilding Character and Leading Through Turbulence with Brandon Martini

    In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with Brandon Martini, the co-founder of Stratus Financial and host of the Aviation Mentors podcast. Brandon shares his incredible journey from maxing out credit cards to build a successful flight school from a maintenance closet, all the way to navigating a devastating professional betrayal that nearly ruined his entire business operations.  Beyond his achievements in professional aviation, Brandon opens up honestly about the deep personal growth that came from unexpected early fatherhood and long term co-parenting challenges. He completely dismantles the toxic "myth of normality" perpetuated by social media highlights and explains why comparison negatively affects individual self-esteem. Through tales of business resilience and shifting family dynamics, Brandon provides actionable wisdom on leading his son by example.  Ultimately, he delivers a powerful conversation centered around emotional intelligence, overcoming severe adversity, and the singular principle that guides all his relationships: radical honesty and directness. Key Takeaways The Myth of Normality: There is no universal standard for a normal life, especially in the era of social media highlights; true stability comes from defining and embracing your own unique normal.Resilience Through Betrayal: Professional hardships and employee betrayals can cause immense emotional stress, but maintaining operational integrity and high standards ensures long term vindication and survival.Value Creation vs. Fixed Pie Mindset: Success in business and life comes from a synergistic mindset focused on growing the pie and creating true value alongside others, rather than fighting over a fixed resource.Emotionally Mature Co-Parenting: Successful co-parenting requires putting personal egos aside to focus entirely on maximizing a child's potential, transforming past relational failures into supportive partnerships.Honesty and Directness as a Foundation: Raising healthy men requires modeling absolute honesty and directness in all relationships, allowing people to know exactly where you stand even if it causes temporary discomfort.“There's no such thing as normal. There's only such thing as your normal.”  “Industries are small, people will always remember.”  “If you are honest and direct with people, sometimes you'll piss them off, but at least they know where you stand.”  00:00 The myth of normality and social media highlights 00:45 Welcome Brandon Martini co founder of Stratus Financial 01:43 Finding a grandfather's logbook and gaining a passion for flying 04:00 Maxing out credit cards to build a flight school from a closet 06:04 Partner disputes over minimum wage laws and expanding the company 07:43 Facing a massive business betrayal from a disgruntled employee 12:13 Vindication after a rival flight academy collapses in three months 21:26 Navigating early fatherhood and life changes in your early twenties 25:50 Developing emotional maturity and the secrets to successful co-parenting 33:22 Teaching kids how to navigate comparison and establish their own normal 40:15 Parental boundaries and building a safe environment for open discussion 57:42 The number one principle for raising healthy men honesty and directness  Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Aviation Mentors Podcast: Brandon Martini's podcast focused on aviation mentorship. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aviation-mentors/id1643985141Stratus Financial: The financial firm co-founded by Brandon Martini to assist aspiring pilots. https://stratus.finance/meet-brandon-martini-stratus-financial-co-ceo/Westbound Flight Academy: The short-lived rival flight school mentioned during the business betrayal discussion.141 Certification: The FAA procedural framework utilized by Brandon's flight school to ensure top-tier maintenance and training operations.The Fixed Pie vs. Variable Pie Mentality: A conceptual framework shared during the episode regarding value creation, collaboration, and growing resources rather than dividing them.

    Rebuilding Character and Leading Through Turbulence with Brandon Martini

  8. Jul 23

    How Manly Are You?

    What does a healthy vision of masculinity actually look like, and how do we measure our progress toward it? In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson is joined live by Don Ross, creator of Manhood Tribes, to take and dissect Don’s “How Manly Are You?” questionnaire. Together, they walk through Shaun’s live self-assessment—covering everything from emergency eye-flushing home repair mishaps and physical capability to time margin, male friendships, and standing up against power abuse. Don breaks down the underlying framework of the quiz: the 5 Marks of Manhood (Strength, Courage, Skill, Honor, and Allegiance). They unpack why strength is built for service, how honor requires relational depth within a male tribe, and how true allegiance means aligning daily time and mind share with core values. This conversation provides an honest, practical mirror for any man looking to track his growth and show up better for his family. Key Takeaways Strength Is Built for Service: True masculine physical strength is not about vanity or aesthetic perfection; it is about developing a capable body that can handle daily demands and step up during emergencies to protect and serve others.Courage Means Moving Toward Fear: Courage is not the absence of fear or bravado, but the active choice to lean into discomfort—whether facing physical danger or initiating a hard, necessary conversation.Honor Is an Inherently Relational Trait: Honor cannot exist in isolation. It is earned horizontally within a trusted tribe of peers who share your values, challenge your shortcomings, and hold you accountable.Allegiance Requires Mind Share and Margin: True allegiance is demonstrated through how you manage authority, habits, and time. Overcommitted schedules and lack of margin rob men of the ability to live intentionally according to their core principles.Masculinity Is Dynamic, Not Static: Growth in manhood is an ongoing journey rather than a single destination. Periodic self-assessment helps men identify seasonal blind spots and continuously level up across different life chapters.Transcript Summary 00:10 Introduction to Don Ross and the How Manly Are You Questionnaire00:46 Shaun begins rating himself on home repairs and shares a water heater disaster 04:32 Assessing physical strength, reliability, emergency readiness, and work relationships 05:35 Shaun reflects on male friendships and the origin of the Raising Men project 07:12 Evaluating personal influences, harmful substances, and workout consistency 08:50 Discussing time margin, overcommitment, and lessons from a family ski trip 11:59 Evaluating body confidence, service to others, and standing up to power abuse 13:50 Rating skill collection, working with partners, and personal honesty 15:13 Quiz completion and introducing the 5 Marks of Manhood 16:37 Defining Strength and Courage beyond cultural stereotypes 20:41 Exploring Skill and the impact of relational mentorship versus YouTube learning 22:46 Deep dive into Honor, peer pressure, and the necessity of male tribes 28:11 Defining Allegiance, next steps, and wrap-up Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Books & Publications How to Be a Man by Don RossLinks & Community Manhood Tribes: https://manhoodtribes.comhttps://www.manhoodtribes.com/showhttps://youtube.com/@manhoodtribesManhood Tribes by Don Ross: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRB7PSR7?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackHow to be a Man by Don Ross: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPM3HWGL?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Frameworks Mentioned The 5 Marks of Manhood: A framework defining the core baseline characteristics found across historical male culture: Strength: Physiological capability cultivated to serve and protect.Courage: Moving toward physical, emotional, or social fear rather than avoiding it.Skill: Developing and passing on practical abilities that add value to the community.Honor: The horizontal relational currency earned within a peer group sharing high moral standards.Allegiance: The vertical orientation to authority, core spiritual/philosophical principles, and self-mastery over time and vices

    How Manly Are You?
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Raising Men is a podcast about parenting, masculinity, and the lifelong journey of raising sons—and ourselves—to be men of courage, character, and purpose. Hosted by Shaun Dawson, each episode features real conversations with parents, leaders, and thinkers redefining what it means to raising men in today’s world.

Information

  • Creator
    Shaun Dawson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shaun Dawson
  • Show Website
    Raising Men

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