Dear Son,

Derek Johns
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is a safe space to build upon and reinforce the values of fatherhood. We'll explore the gaps between the current generation of fathers and fathers of generations past, and mature the dialogue that will close those gaps for the generations to come. Whether your passion is to be a great father or peel back the layers of why your father wasn't present in your life (physically and/or emotionally), this is for you. Let's grow through it.

  1. I'm Really About to be a Husband | Getting Married | Better Together | Ep 9

    4H AGO

    I'm Really About to be a Husband | Getting Married | Better Together | Ep 9

    Two Days to “I Do”: Better Together on Marriage, Covenant, and the Work After the Wedding In this episode of Better Together, the guys gather at Sophist Cuts as they celebrate Joe T being two days away from his wedding and talk through his excitement, anxiety, and spiritual preparation, including centering vows on scripture and covenant with God. The conversation stresses that the wedding is the starting line, not the finish line, and that healthy marriage requires intentional communication, boundaries, reciprocity, and mutual service—avoiding complacency, ego, and “performing” for the wedding. They share hard-won lessons, the value of wise counsel, asking questions early, and choosing a partner with temperament and compatibility for real-life tests, while highlighting legacy and breaking generational cycles through a committed, joyful union. Follow the channel, subscribe, and leave a review to support more conversations like this. 00:00 Wedding Week Kickoff 00:26 Pre Wedding Nerves 02:12 Vows and Scripture 04:39 Marriage Is Work 05:43 Learning From Experience 08:13 Wise Counsel and Fit 10:44 Dating Shows Reality 14:25 Second Chances Talk 17:45 Choosing Her Daily 21:43 Communication Tools 23:57 Stop Worrying Ahead 26:20 Boundaries and Consequences 28:18 Wanting to Be Husband 29:48 Selflessness and Service 33:30 Breaking Curses Legacy 37:18 Where Did You Learn 40:18 Be Her Best Husband 41:34 Complacency Kills Gratitude 44:00 Luxury Car Illusion 44:45 Reciprocity And Respect 48:11 Assessing The Package Deal 51:14 Imposter Syndrome And Obedience 56:10 Harvest Season Marathon 01:00:45 Wise Counsel And Accountability 01:07:59 Covenant Before Marriage 01:12:20 Perfect Love Casts Fear 01:13:51 Timestamp The Wedding Moment 01:15:05 Closing And After Hours #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital Shop Father Figure: https://www.f2apparel.store/ Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii Follow Reggie: https://instagram.com/fatherfigureapparel Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma 2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 16m
  2. I'm A Full Custody Father | Ep 185 | The Dear Son, Show

    21H AGO

    I'm A Full Custody Father | Ep 185 | The Dear Son, Show

    Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. From Premature Birth to Full Custody: Ace Jackson on Fatherhood, Faith, and Rebuilding On the Dear Son Show, the host and guest Ace Jackson discuss gratitude and perspective through personal stories, including surviving serious car accidents and seeing hardships as decision points for faith and growth. Ace shares his Dallas upbringing, watching his parents sacrifice, start a family bakery, and maintain respect and unity through job loss and injury. He opens up about becoming a father at 20 when his son was born extremely premature and spent 77 days in the NICU, navigating abandonment, court battles, and eventually gaining full custody when his son was about two. Ace reflects on single parenthood, trust and abandonment issues, his son asking for therapy, and lessons about carrying yourself with character. He also describes his work in a family bakery, owning a car restoration/body shop, and using cars as a metaphor for stripping down to rebuild. 00:00 Welcome to Dear Son 00:31 What Blessed Means 01:17 Car Crash Perspective 03:54 Gratitude Decision Points 05:29 Roots in Dallas 08:21 Family Struggle and Sacrifice 13:43 Legacy Beyond Money 16:47 Discipline and Consequences 21:40 Hustler Kid Mindset 23:52 Dad on the Road 27:43 Becoming a Young Father 30:13 Grinding Two Jobs 31:04 Suit And Tie Interview 32:24 Dyslexia And Support 33:56 Preemie Birth Crisis 36:52 Nicu Alone And Betrayal 40:44 Court And Father Rights 44:43 Winning Full Custody 45:08 Raising A Son 48:25 Feeling Like A Failure 50:23 Grandfather Pride 53:34 Fatherhood Lessons 57:44 Business And Purpose 01:00:38 Seen Beyond The Smile 01:01:06 Where To Find Him 01:01:56 Final Reflections #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow Ace: https://tiktok.com/aceof_spadez Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma 2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 3m
  3. Dear Son, You're At Risk of Being Average | Comfort Isn't Peace | Ep 184 | The Dear Son, Show

    4D AGO

    Dear Son, You're At Risk of Being Average | Comfort Isn't Peace | Ep 184 | The Dear Son, Show

    Dear Son: You’re at Risk of Being Average (Don’t Confuse Comfort with Peace) Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac welcome viewers to The Dear Son, Show and share updates on merch, being recognized locally in the DFW area, and committing to release an “Unhinged” episode by the end of May 2026. The main conversation, “Dear son, you are at risk of being average,” challenges the tendency to do only what’s familiar or minimally required, warning that a lack of demand can be mistaken for peace. Using examples from parenting, work habits, college housing decisions, and preparation, they emphasize initiative, perspective, and building character through what you do when no one is watching. They discuss balancing parenting styles, avoiding mediocrity by thinking beyond job descriptions, and setting routines that create opportunity. They close by identifying personal “average” areas—health and overall effort—and offer merch to the first U.S. commenter. 00:00 Cold Open Word Confusion 00:36 Show Welcome And Mission 00:59 Gratitude And Weekly Check In 01:25 Studio Shoutout And Support Links 01:58 Merch Shirts And Fan Moments 02:42 Local Recognition And Being Approachable 03:57 Side Shows And Episode Commitment 05:21 Turning Cancellations Into Content 06:26 Topic Risk Of Being Average 08:53 Peace Versus Lack Of Demand 11:36 College Housing Planning And Money 16:05 Raising Standards Without Comparison 17:31 Consequences And Work Ethic 22:13 Character And Self Talk 24:29 From Dread to Drive 24:56 Stop the Morning Rush 26:23 Early Is the Advantage 27:57 Parenting Middle Ground 30:04 Habits Beat Mediocrity 32:46 Add Value Beyond Role 35:24 Average Gets Replaced 37:34 Raising Capable Men 43:28 Personal Growth Check In 48:54 Hometown Tour Talk 50:21 Go Time Closing Message #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk  Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac   Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel,  2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video,  4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com  Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:  Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show   Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com   My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially:  https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast   https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast   The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma  2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    53 min
  4. What Law School Taught Me About Fatherhood | Ep 183 | The Dear Son, Show

    5D AGO

    What Law School Taught Me About Fatherhood | Ep 183 | The Dear Son, Show

    Dear Son Show: Byron Bailey on Fatherhood, Faith, and Fighting Insurance Companies On the Dear Son Show, the host welcomes Dallas personal injury attorney and father Byron Bailey for a wide-ranging conversation about life through the lens of fatherhood. Byron shares his upbringing in a single-parent home, the influence of his disciplined grandfather and church, and the complicated presence of his Jamaican immigrant father. He explains how an early law-firm internship led him to law school, his path from working for the VA to insurance defense, and why he switched to representing injured people against insurers. The discussion covers misconceptions about handling car-accident claims without a lawyer, long-term medical impacts, and the importance of treatment and compensation. Byron also reflects on balancing heavy responsibilities with intentional parenting of his six-year-old, defining success, cutting distractions, and learning to be proud of himself and communicate that to his son. 00:00 Welcome to Dear Son 01:00 Meet Byron Bailey 02:04 Growing Up in Dallas 03:39 Becoming a Lawyer 06:49 Insurance Defense to Purpose 08:57 Car Wreck Reality Check 12:32 Why You Need Counsel 14:15 Lawyer Dad Balance 17:21 Sports and Coaching Mindset 18:02 Absent Father Story 20:34 Grandfather No Excuses 23:01 Faith as Foundation 24:03 Fatherhood Challenges Today 25:03 Grace Over Perfection 25:58 Trusting the Process 26:15 Corporate Ladder Lessons 28:19 Family First Warning 29:18 Defining Practice Success 29:36 Goals Not Pass Fail 31:04 Cutting Distractions 33:05 Busy Boundaries Systems 36:04 Success in Fatherhood 37:21 Raising Him Different 39:10 Adjusting Expectations 41:54 Math Tablet Balance 42:53 Explaining Your Busy 46:17 Raising Communicators 49:14 Proud of Yourself 51:27 Closing Advice Outro #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk  Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac   Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel,  2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video,  4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com  Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:  Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show   Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com   My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially:  https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast   https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast   The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma  2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    53 min
  5. Men Are More Than Shock Absorbers | Hard Truth About Being Used | Ep 8 | Better Together

    APR 24

    Men Are More Than Shock Absorbers | Hard Truth About Being Used | Ep 8 | Better Together

    Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Don’t Blow Out the Shocks: Hard Truths, Honor, and Communication in Relationships The hosts of “Better Together” discuss how the “happy wife, happy life” mindset can make men “reverse submissive,” avoiding hard truths to keep peace, and argue that leaders in a household must speak necessary hard things without ego. Using shock absorbers as an analogy, they explain how reliable support—whether a man’s resilience, a steady paycheck, or God’s grace—can be taken for granted, overused, and then blamed when it fails. They distinguish respecting vs. honoring what supports you, warn against putting the wrong “shocks” in the wrong situations, and emphasize alignment, self-care, and accountability. Personal examples include tension with an adult child over feeling “not above and beyond,” and the need for boundaries so “no” is received with honor. The episode closes by stressing transparent communication to prevent resentment and burnout. 00:00 Happy Wife Trap 01:02 Meet The Hosts 02:44 Dont Blow Shocks 04:39 Manhood Takes Hits 06:00 Money As Cushion 07:17 When Shocks Fail 10:01 Respect Vs Honor 11:59 Right Tool Wrong Job 14:10 Grace And Consequence 16:34 Purpose Or Overwork 18:09 Chaos And Capability 20:18 Fatherhood Reality Check 26:17 Tough Love and No 27:14 Honor Versus Respect 29:14 Happy Wife Happy Life Myth 30:55 Overtooling for Conflict 32:53 Equally Yoked Reality Check 35:43 Boundaries and Resentment 37:28 Shocks Need Communication 40:57 Adjusting Around the Problem 44:18 Alignment and Self Care 46:59 Wrap Up and Takeaways #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital Shop Father Figure: https://www.f2apparel.store/ Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii Follow Reggie: https://instagram.com/fatherfigureapparel Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma 2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    52 min
  6. What Breaks A Man? | Ep 7 | Better Together

    APR 24

    What Breaks A Man? | Ep 7 | Better Together

    Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. What Makes or Breaks a Man: Perspective, Growth, and Vulnerability | Better Together The hosts of Better Together—Joe T, Reggie George, J Black, and D Johns—discuss what can make or break a man, focusing on perspective, personal development, and honest communication. Joe T reflects on how lust and mismanaging money once seemed like “badges” but were actually breaking him, and he shares how learning business basics like forming an LLC and applying for a loan reshaped his mindset. The group explores how environment can miseducate people into survival tactics, why relationships often resist growth more than other areas of life, and how fear, willful ignorance, and attachment to what’s familiar create dysfunction. They emphasize vulnerability as a strength, the importance of regular check-ins, accountability without weaponizing feedback, avoiding comparison, practicing surrender, and not “dying” in someone else’s lack of development. 00:00 Nineties Haircut Memories 01:39 Show Intro and Check In 03:18 What Makes or Breaks Men 03:54 Lust Money and Unlearning 07:53 Reeducation and Strongholds 09:30 Perspective Changes Everything 12:20 Vulnerability as Strength 15:06 Marriage Growth and Deflection 24:46 Complacency and Silent Ruts 26:54 Why Relationships Resist Change 30:55 Phone Analogy and Human Growth 33:55 Early Marriage Blind Spots 35:13 Cracked Screen Relationships 37:59 Familiarity Versus Growth 41:05 Check Ins Without Weapons 42:39 Change Versus Development 44:09 Dont Die In Prison 48:11 Make Or Break Mindset 53:05 Update Your Data 55:14 Accountability Filters 59:55 Surrender And Priorities 01:06:34 Speak Up In Safe Spaces 01:08:52 Better Together Closing #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital Shop Father Figure: https://www.f2apparel.store/ Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii Follow Reggie: https://instagram.com/fatherfigureapparel Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma 2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 10m
  7. Value is Undervalued | Ep 182 | The Dear Son, Show

    APR 23

    Value is Undervalued | Ep 182 | The Dear Son, Show

    Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood. Value Is Undervalued: Gratitude, Access, and the Cost of Not Letting Go | Dear Son Show On the Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss how “value is undervalued,” using examples from family life, finances, and work. They reflect on valuing needs over wants, the difference between price and long-term value, and how experience and expertise are often dismissed out of pride. D shares project-managing the rebuild of his father’s home after a minor fire while navigating his father’s early dementia and difficulty letting contractors lead. They explore protecting access to good people, setting boundaries around unequal exchanges, and how damaged value doesn’t always return—comparing a repaired car’s diminished worth to relationships where apologies don’t guarantee reconciliation. They also mention upcoming Dear Son Network content, including “Unhinged,” and encourage viewers to support other network shows. 00:00 Gratitude Hits Different 00:37 Show Intro and Check In 02:00 Family Updates and Milestones 04:10 Value Versus Price 06:46 Respecting Others Values 08:16 Undervaluing Experience 10:53 Rebuilding Dads House 13:16 Letting Go of Control 18:10 Access Is a Season 21:32 Protecting Dreams and Opportunity 23:06 Toolbox Value Shift 24:03 Humility And Motives 25:33 Protect Your People 28:25 Fair Exchange Boundaries 31:20 Paying For Expertise 32:01 Car Crash Value Lesson 35:19 Saturation And Brain Picking 38:16 Apologies And Trust Loss 40:51 Standards And Spillover 45:57 Network Updates And Signoff. #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma 2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    49 min
  8. Nobody Wants to Pay the Cost | Ep 6 (Pt 2) | Better Together

    APR 20

    Nobody Wants to Pay the Cost | Ep 6 (Pt 2) | Better Together

    Counting the Cost: Crime, Faith, Parenting, and the Price of Not Surrendering In this episode of Better Together, the hosts discuss “counting the cost” across crime, spirituality, parenting, work, and relationships. Joe T explains that before prison, crime felt “lawful” and consequence-free because of his environment, but prison revealed how it was costing him everything. They contrast religious ritual with genuine spiritual formation, emphasizing exposure, accountability, and surrender, including how faith is tested during tragedy like a child’s medical crisis. The conversation also covers the danger of being convinced of yourself, how permissive parenting can stem from resenting structure, and the need to teach consequences. They share personal examples of counting the cost: moving family from the East Coast to Dubai, entrepreneurial risks versus corporate regret, success through content creation, and relationship decisions, ending with a call for viewers to reflect on what something is costing them and what it will cost. 00:00 Counting Crime Costs 00:49 Car Lesson on Value 02:06 Prison Reality Check 02:25 Ritual vs Relationship 05:36 Learning Surrender 09:43 God Knows My Heart 10:15 Echo Chambers and Pride 12:57 Parenting and Boundaries 16:46 Paying the Cost Daily 19:21 Marriage Covenant Costs 21:44 When Commitment Becomes Harm 24:26 Mortgage Analogy for Growth 26:21 Faith Tested by Loss 27:54 Moving Away for Family 31:48 Entrepreneurship vs Corporate 34:10 Time Wealth and Presence 36:07 TikTok Leap of Faith 37:50 Calling Off Engagement Regret 40:22 Community Challenge Wrap Up #fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk Channel Focus Areas: “What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons” “How to Be a Better Father” “Father Son Relationship Advice” “Mistakes Fathers Make” “Lessons Every Man Should Learn” Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital Shop Father Figure: https://www.f2apparel.store/ Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii Follow Reggie: https://instagram.com/fatherfigureapparel Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to: 1. subscribe to the channel, 2. turn on the notifications, 3. like this video, 4. leave a comment, and 5. share this content with someone who needs it. The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: Shop DSN Merch: https://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy Let’s connect socially: https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community 1. Reveal trauma 2. Heal from trauma 3. Help through telling stories of it all “Better Man. Better Father.” The Dear Son, Network ® Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    41 min
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Trailer

About

This is a safe space to build upon and reinforce the values of fatherhood. We'll explore the gaps between the current generation of fathers and fathers of generations past, and mature the dialogue that will close those gaps for the generations to come. Whether your passion is to be a great father or peel back the layers of why your father wasn't present in your life (physically and/or emotionally), this is for you. Let's grow through it.

Information

  • Creator
    Derek Johns
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    193
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Derek Johns
  • Show Website
    Dear Son,

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