The Men's Lounge LA

Sir Frederick & Coach Chriss

The Men's Lounge LA is a podcast dedicated to helping men take ownership of their lives, mindset, and future. Through honest conversations, practical advice, and real world experiences, we tackle topics such as personal growth, mental health, discipline, relationships, business, fitness, and modern masculinity. Whether you're striving to level up your career. strengthen your mindset, or become the best version of yourself, The Men's Lounge LA delivers content that challenges, motivates, and inspires. Join us each week as we have meaningful discussions, share actionable insights, and create a space where men can grow. learn, and lead with purpose. #men's mental health, #self-improvement, #motivation, #personal development, #masculinity, #entrepreneurship, #discipline, #success, #mindset, #relationships, #leadership. #accountability, #fitness, #growth, #men's podcast

  1. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    The Pivot Decision: When to Quit Your Current Path and Start Over

    "Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let go of what you thought your life should look like and embrace what it actually is." – Unknown You've spent years building something — a career, a business, an education path. But lately you wake up with a heavy feeling in your chest. This path doesn't fit anymore. And you've invested so much time, money, and energy. How do you know when it's time to quit and start over? How do you know if you're being brave or just giving up? This Decision Can Feel Terrifying. Starting over means admitting you were wrong. It means facing the questions: "You're so close to finishing!" "You've already spent so much!" It means letting go of an identity you've built. And the scariest part? You don't know if the new path will be better. The Sunk Cost Trap The sunk cost fallacy keeps us doing something just because we've already invested in it. You stay in the career because of the degree. You keep the business open because of the money already spent. But here's the truth: the time and money are already gone. You can't get them back by continuing down a path that makes you miserable. The only question that matters: "If I were starting from zero today, would I choose this path?" If the answer is no, it's time to pivot. Some Signs It's Time to Start Over are: You dread Monday morning every single weekYou're jealous of people who love their workYou've lost your sense of purposeYour health is suffering from stressYou keep saying "someday I'll be happy when…"You're only staying because of what others thinkYou've changed, but your path hasn'tListen to that voice. It's telling you something important. Here’s What Holds Us Back. Fear of judgment. Fear of failure. Fear of wasting what you've built. Fear of being too old. Fear of the unknown. All real. But so is spending the rest of your life doing something that drains your soul. Which fear is bigger: the fear of change, or the fear of staying stuck forever? Starting Over Is Not Starting from Zero When you pivot, you take everything with you — the skills, the wisdom, the connections, the strength you built. You're not going backward. You're course-correcting, like a pilot adjusting the path to reach the destination. Your destination changed. That's okay. What About Your Kids? Staying miserable teaches them to settle. Starting over teaches them courage. Your kids are watching — show them what brave choices look like. Your Action Step Today Get a notebook and answer honestly: If money weren't an issue, would I stay on this path?What would I do if I weren't afraid of what people think?What does my gut tell me?Am I staying out of hope or out of fear?If the answers say it's time to pivot, write this at the bottom: "I give myself permission to choose differently. Starting over is not giving up. It's growing up." You don't need the complete new path yet. You just need one small step this week — one conversation, one class, one piece of research. You're not too old. It's not too late. And you're not starting from zero — you're starting from experience. That's powerful. That's brave. That's choosing to build a winning life.

    The Pivot Decision: When to Quit Your Current Path and Start Over
  2. Nov 3 ·  Bonus

    Choosing Which Battles Are Worth the Relationship Damage

    "Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." – Dorothy Thompson Your teenager wants purple hair. Your child refuses vegetables. Your partner lets the kids stay up late on weekends. Every day you face the same choice: fight or let it go. And you're exhausted from trying to figure out which battles actually matter. When you're in the middle of parenting, every choice feels like it could make or break your child's future. Messy room — are you teaching them to be slobs? Video games — are you rotting their brain? Flexible bedtime — are you failing at structure? The pressure to get every decision right is crushing. But here's the truth: not every battle matters equally. Some hills are worth dying on. Others are just small bumps you can walk around. Here’s The Question That Changes Everything: Before you fight about something, ask: "Ten years from now, will this matter?" Will it matter that your eight-year-old wore mismatched socks? No. Will it matter that you taught your teenager respect? Yes. Will it matter that you fought daily about homework? Maybe not the way you think. Will it matter that your child felt loved unconditionally? Absolutely. This question separates what's truly important from what's just preference or a need for control. Here Are Hills Worth Dying On. Some things are non-negotiable: Safety. Seat belts, helmets, never riding with a drunk driver. No compromise.Respect. They don't have to like you, but no name-calling, no cruelty, no aggression.Values. Honesty, kindness, responsibility — your family's foundation.Health. Hygiene, medical care, nutrition within reason, age-appropriate sleep.Here Are Hills Not Worth Dying On. These battles damage the relationship without real benefit: Hairstyle, clothing choices (within reason)Room cleanliness (if it's their space and not a health hazard)Food preferences (as long as they're eating something)Homework completion (natural consequences teach better than nagging)Hobby and friend choices (unless truly dangerous)Yes, you have preferences. Yes, you might be right. But is being right worth the daily fights — worth your child feeling controlled instead of guided? Here’s What Constant Battles Cost You: When you fight about everything, your child stops listening to you about anything. Your "no" becomes background noise because you say it about everything. They stop coming to you with real problems because they're already defensive. And that relationship is what matters most. Choose Your Battles Wisely, by Category: Category 1 — Always fight: Safety, respect, values, health. Non-negotiables.Category 2 — Sometimes fight: Things that affect others or future opportunities, like family chores.Category 3 — Let it go: Personal preferences and choices that only affect them.When you only fight Category 1 battles, your "no" means something. Letting Go Is Not Giving Up It's strategic parenting: saving energy for what matters, teaching your child to choose wisely, and building a relationship on trust instead of control. Your Action Step Today Make three lists: Non-negotiable, Flexible, and Let it go. Pick one thing from List 3 and stop fighting about it this week. Tell your child: "I've been making too big a deal about [thing]. From now on, that's your choice." Watch what happens. They might make better choices — or not. But your relationship will improve. And that relationship? That's the hill worth everything. -Detroit

    Choosing Which Battles Are Worth the Relationship Damage
  3. Nov 3 ·  Bonus

    When Your Partner Parents Differently in Public: Deciding to Address It or Let It Go

    "A strong relationship isn't about agreeing on everything. It's about handling disagreements with respect." – Unknown You're at the grocery store. Your child asks for candy. You say no. Then your partner walks over and buys it anyway — right there, in front of your kid, completely undermining you. In that moment you have a split-second decision: say something now, let it go, or smile and pretend you're not furious? It feels impossible because no matter what you choose, something goes wrong. When you and your partner openly disagree about parenting in front of the kids: Your child learns to play you against each other. They know exactly who to ask.Your authority disappears. If your partner can override you publicly, why should your child listen to you?Your relationship gets hurt. You feel disrespected and start keeping score.Kids lose their sense of security. Rules that change depending on who's watching create confusion.In the moment, you have three choices: Say nothing now. Keep your expression neutral. Later, in private: "When you gave them candy after I said no, I felt disrespected. Let's handle this differently next time."Present a united front. Say, "Let us talk about this for a second." Step away, decide together, and return with ONE answer.Support publicly, discuss privately. Back your partner in front of the kids, then talk later.What you should never do: argue about parenting in front of your children. That helps no one. Before you get too angry, consider: your partner probably isn't trying to disrespect you. Maybe they grew up differently. Maybe they think you're too strict and they're balancing you out. Maybe they feel they never get a say. It doesn't make it okay — but understanding why it happens helps you fix it. Here's how to talk about it later: Wait until you're calm and the kids aren't around. Then: "When you [specific action] in front of the kids today, I felt [emotion]. Can we agree that if one of us makes a parenting decision, the other backs it up in public — even if we disagree? Then we talk privately." Really listen to their perspective. They may have valid concerns about your approach too. Then find the compromise — maybe small decisions go to either parent, but big ones require a quick private talk first. Create a public parenting plan. When things are calm, agree together: no overriding in public; step away to discuss before answering; support each other's consequences; save disagreements for private. Write it down, both sign it. That's your teamwork contract. And if you're the one who undermines? Stop. Even if your partner is too harsh or too lenient, wait. Your relationship with your co-parent matters just as much as the one with your child. Your action step today: After bedtime, say, "Can we talk about what happened today? I want us to be on the same team." Then stay calm, listen, and find the compromise. Your kids need to see you as a team — not perfect, not always agreeing, but respectful. That's the real lesson they're learning: how people who love each other handle conflict. Show them how it's done. -Detroit

    When Your Partner Parents Differently in Public: Deciding to Address It or Let It Go
  4. Oct 29

    THE TRUF BROS: ON MASCULINITY. Manhood at it's finest

    THE TRUF BROS: ON MASCULINITY. The Men’s Lounge LA is on the road in Chicago — The Chi — with comedian D. Patrick and Ray “The StormBreaker” Gage for a raw, unscripted conversation about manhood, responsibility, strength, vulnerability, culture, and what masculinity looks like today. This is not a rehearsed panel. Comedian D.Patrick and Ray did not receive the questions in advance. We challenge the usual definitions of masculinity, ask whether men are becoming weaker or simply being challenged to grow, and confront the role of fathers, culture, Hollywood, emotional discipline, accountability, and purpose. We also ask the harder question: Are men losing masculinity — or losing direction? Expect humor. Expect disagreement. Expect hard questions. Expect accountability. And at the end, every man has to answer: Is masculinity dead, dying, evolving, confused — or alive and well? Join the conversation in the comments and tell us where you stand. The Men’s Lounge LA — empowering good men to become better men, strengthening families, transforming lives, with content that matters. ### CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS Comedian D. Patrick https://www.facebook.com/devonpthegod The Truf Bros / Speak Your Truf Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/325724678963567/ The Truf Bros Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Trufbros Ray Stormbreaker is a father entrepreneur, a communications engineer and former Marine and one half of Truf Bros Productions. He's is a combat veteran who believes in freedom, justice and equality for everyone. "We are all capable of being more than we are." #TheMensLoungeLA #IsMasculinityDead #Masculinity #MensPodcast #Manhood #MaleEmpowerment #Brotherhood #Fatherhood #MensMentalHealth #Chicago #TheChi #Accountability #Purpose # The Men's Lounge LA ### Content That Matters Welcome to The Men's Lounge LA. We are a media platform dedicated to empowering men, strengthening families, and transforming lives through authentic conversations, practical solutions, and meaningful content.

    THE TRUF BROS: ON MASCULINITY. Manhood at it's finest
  5. Oct 22

    How Child Support Actually Works (What Success Looks Like)

    SUCCESSFUL CHILD SUPPORT: WHAT DOES IT REALLY LOOK LIKE? We’ve talked about the frustration, the financial pressure, the court system, and the emotional weight many fathers experience with child support. But in this episode of The Men’s Lounge LA Fatherhood Series, Sir Frederick and Coach Chriss change the conversation. What does successful child support actually look like? Is it simply making a payment? Is it staying involved in your child’s life? Is it planning ahead, keeping good records, communicating effectively, and taking responsibility even when the other parent is difficult? In this fireside conversation, we break down what fathers can control—and how fathers can create more stability, responsibility, and success in their own lives. We discuss: • Why having a plan matters • Keeping accurate records • Responding to conflict without matching negative energy • Handling unexpected expenses • Taking accountability when you make a mistake • Staying involved in your child’s school, medical care, activities, and life • Why fathers must focus on what they can control • The importance of accountability, dependability, and availability • How successful child support can look different for every family We also look at national child support data. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Custodial Parents and Their Child Support: 2022 report, published in August 2025: • 75.5% of custodial parents owed child support received at least some payment. • 24.5% received no payment. • 21.8% of custodial parents were fathers. One important takeaway from this conversation: Successful child support is not just about money. It is also about responsibility, consistency, communication, accountability, and continuing to show up for your child. RESOURCES FOR FATHERS California Child Support Services: https://childsupport.ca.gov/ California Courts Self-Help: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/child-support Additional Fatherhood Resource: https://www.mychildsaysdaddy.net/ Fathers outside California should check with their own state’s child support agency and court self-help resources. ### EMPOWERMENT MOMENT Father, successful child support isn’t just about the money you pay. It’s about the responsibilities you take, the love you show, and the commitment you make to your child. Your circumstances may be difficult, but your fatherhood isn’t over. Get informed. Stay informed. Get the help you need. Keep showing up. Your next decision can move you toward a better tomorrow. COMING NEXT: PARALLEL PARENTING, WITHOUT THE DRAMA But what happens when a father is trying to do everything right and he and his child’s mother still cannot have a conversation without arguing? What happens when every pickup becomes a confrontation? Every text becomes a disagreement? Every decision becomes a battle? Can two parents who don’t get along still raise a healthy, happy child? That is exactly where we’re going next. PARALLEL PARENTING: WITHOUT THE DRAMA Be on the lookout for the next conversation in The Men’s Lounge LA Fatherhood Series. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it. THE MEN’S LOUNGE LA Empowering Men. Strengthening Families. Transforming Lives. Content That Matters. DISCLAIMER: This program provides educational information and personal perspectives, not individualized legal advice. Child support laws and procedures vary by state. Consult a qualified legal professional or your state’s child support agency about your specific circumstances.

    How Child Support Actually Works (What Success Looks Like)
  6. Oct 15

    10 Rules Every Father Should Follow Pt 2.

    10 Rules Every Father Should Follow — Part 2 #childsupportdrama #selfgrowth #mentalhealth The Men’s Lounge LA* In Part 1, we focused on preparation. In Part 2, we focus on character. Because a father can understand the paperwork, know the court order, and document everything—and still hurt himself if he cannot manage his emotions, communicate effectively, and stay focused on what his children need. Sir Frederick and Coach Chriss complete the final five of 10 Rules Every Father Should Follow: 6. Separate child support from parenting time 7. Control your emotions 8. Communicate professionally 9. Know your rights and your responsibilities 10. Never stop being a father This fireside conversation goes deeper into the emotional side of separation, custody, child support, co-parenting, and reduced access to children. We discuss why children should never become leverage in adult financial disagreements, how one emotional reaction can create long-term consequences, why fathers need self-care and support, and why knowing your rights must always be balanced with understanding your responsibilities. Most importantly: Court cases end. Child support eventually ends. Custody arrangements change. Children grow up. But fatherhood never has an expiration date. ### Fatherhood Resource Coach Chriss also discusses a resource that helped him during his own family-court journey: My Child Says Daddy https://www.mychildsaysdaddy.net If you are a father navigating child support, custody, family court, or separation, take a look at the resources available through their organization. ### Empowerment Moment Fathers, you may not be able to control every situation, every disagreement, or every circumstance around you. But you can control the kind of man and father you choose to be. Stay calm. Communicate with purpose. Honor your responsibilities. And no matter how difficult the journey becomes— never, ever stop being a father. This program is for educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Subscribe, share your experience in the comments, and help another father who may need to hear this conversation. # The Men's Lounge LA ### Content That Matters Welcome to The Men's Lounge LA. We are a media platform dedicated to empowering men, strengthening families, and transforming lives through authentic conversations, practical solutions, and meaningful content. Our mission is simple: We empower good men to become greater men. We encourage men to embrace both their masculinity and their humanity while pursuing leadership, accountability, purpose, faith, and personal growth. Our content explores: Fatherhood Relationships Leadership Personal Development Veterans Issues Mental Health Faith Community Impact Special Needs & Autism Awareness We believe strong men help build strong families, strong communities, and a stronger society. We also recognize and celebrate the important role women play in our lives and communities. Their perspective helps create the balance necessary for healthy relationships, families, and growth. Every episode is designed to educate, encourage, challenge, or inspire. Because when we empower men... *Everyone benefits.** ### The Men's Lounge LA Empowering Men • Strengthening Families • Transforming Lives

    10 Rules Every Father Should Follow  Pt 2.
  7. Oct 13 ·  Bonus

    The Guilt of Choosing Your Mental Health Over ‘Being There’ for Everything

    “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” – Unknown visit: https://detroitbodymindsoul.com/ for more You missed the school play because you needed a mental health day. You said no to volunteering in the classroom because you’re already overwhelmed. You let your kids watch more TV than usual because you just couldn’t do another activity. And now? You feel like the worst parent in the world. That Guilt Is Real (And It’s Lying to You) Let’s talk about that voice in your head. The one that says good parents show up to everything. Good parents sacrifice their own needs. Good parents push through exhaustion and anxiety and sadness to be present. That voice is loud, isn’t it? But here’s what that voice doesn’t tell you: showing up when you’re falling apart doesn’t help your kids. Being physically present while mentally checked out isn’t really being there. Your children need a healthy parent more than they need a perfect attendance record. Here’s What Really Happens When You Ignore Your Mental Health When you keep pushing yourself past your limits, something breaks. Maybe you snap at your kids over small things. Maybe you cry in the bathroom. Maybe you feel numb and disconnected. Your kids notice. They see you struggling. They feel your stress even when you try to hide it. And here’s the really hard truth: when you don’t take care of your mental health, you’re teaching your children to ignore theirs too. You’re showing them that self-care is selfish. That their feelings don’t matter as much as other people’s expectations. Is that really what you want them to learn? There’s a big difference between being there and being present. Being there means your body shows up. You’re at the game, the recital, the school event. But your mind is somewhere else. You’re exhausted, overwhelmed, barely holding it together. Being present means you’re mentally and emotionally available. You’re calm enough to actually enjoy watching your child. You’re stable enough to celebrate with them. You have energy to really connect. Which one do you think matters more to your child? Choosing your mental health might mean: · Missing one event so you can be present for the next three · Asking for help instead of doing everything yourself · Taking medication or going to therapy without shame · Saying no to extra commitments · Resting instead of cleaning the house · Taking a day off work to recharge These aren’t failures. These are survival skills. This is you being a smart parent who knows you can’t give what you don’t have. And You’re Not Alone. There are parents everywhere struggling with this same guilt. Single parents. Married parents. Parents dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and burnout. We’re all trying to figure out how to take care of ourselves while taking care of our children. And we’re all carrying guilt about it. But what if we decided together to let that guilt go? What if we chose to believe that our mental health matters just as much as our children’s baseball games and dance recitals? Your Action Step for Today

    The Guilt of Choosing Your Mental Health Over ‘Being There’ for Everything

Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

The Men's Lounge LA is a podcast dedicated to helping men take ownership of their lives, mindset, and future. Through honest conversations, practical advice, and real world experiences, we tackle topics such as personal growth, mental health, discipline, relationships, business, fitness, and modern masculinity. Whether you're striving to level up your career. strengthen your mindset, or become the best version of yourself, The Men's Lounge LA delivers content that challenges, motivates, and inspires. Join us each week as we have meaningful discussions, share actionable insights, and create a space where men can grow. learn, and lead with purpose. #men's mental health, #self-improvement, #motivation, #personal development, #masculinity, #entrepreneurship, #discipline, #success, #mindset, #relationships, #leadership. #accountability, #fitness, #growth, #men's podcast