ON BOYS Podcast

Janet Allison, Jennifer LW Fink
ON BOYS Podcast

Ever wonder why do boys DO that? Join co-hosts Jennifer L.W. Fink, mom of four boys, and Janet Allison, parenting coach & educator, as they explore and explain boy behavior. Their weekly conversations include a healthy dose of humor & insight, and feature take-away tips you can use right now, at home or in the classroom, to help boys grow into healthy, happy men. Whether your boys are teens or toddlers, you’ll find a big dose of support, encouragement and camaraderie at On Boys.

  1. HACE 8 H

    The End of an Era

    The first episode of ON BOYS podcast went live March 12, 2018. Seven years ago! Over the past seven years, we’ve talked to guests from around the globe: Maggie Dent, Michael Gurian, Amy Lang, ADHD Dude Ryan Wexelblatt, Steve Biddulph, Richard V. Reeves, Ruth Whippman, and so, so many others. We’re talked about puberty, porn, school, ADHD, autism, entrepreneurism, motivation, sports, suicide, consent, respect, dating, and – again — so, so much more. Jen’s boys grew up in that time. Her youngest is now 19; her oldest, 27. Janet became an Oma (a grandma) — and is looking forward to welcoming two more grandchildren this year! Boys’ & men’s issues are now part of national and international conversations, and we hope those conversations fuel continued change. Boys need and deserve our love and support too. This will be the last Jen-and-Janet episode of ON BOYS podcast. We’ve loved sharing our lives & learning with you, and we thank you for trusting us with your questions and stories. Remember: We’ve got seven years of content in our archives! When a new boy-raising concern comes up, run a search in our archives. Odds are good that you’ll find something to help you through. Jen will also continue her Substack newsletter, Building Boys Bulletin, so you can connect with her there. Janet will also continue family coaching — and soon, Jen & Janet will offer another session of their popular class, Boost Boys’ Motivation. (Want to be sure you get the info as soon as it’s available? Sign up for Building Boys Bulletin.) Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands MalesGet Jen’s book here   Breakthrough Session for Family CoachingSchedule your no-cost call with Janet at https://boysalive.com/call   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    33 min

  2. 6 MAR

    Raising Awe-Seekers (w Deborah Farmer Kris)

    Raising Awe-Seekers, the first parenting book by author Deborah Farmer Kris, outlines a transformative approach to parenting based on joy, wonder, and curiosity.   Science, Deb says, shown that awe isn’t just a feel-good experience—it also helps kids develop resilience, strengthen relationships, and manage stress. But in a world filled with distractions and negativity, how do we nurture awe in everyday life? Educator and author Deborah Farmer Kris joins Jen & Janet to discuss insights from her new book, Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive. She explains why awe is essential for children’s emotional well-being and how simple, daily moments—like watching a sunset, listening to music, or witnessing an act of kindness—can shape a child’s perspective and growth. “Awe helps kids zoom out,” Deborah says. “It reminds them they’re part of something bigger.” And here’s the best part: You don’t need to take your kid on an epic adventure to cultivate awe—you just need to pay attention. Takeaways:Awe can motivate positive action and change.Awe can reduce stress and improve mental health.Collective experiences of awe foster community and belonging.Curiosity is closely linked to experiencing awe.Fostering curiosity in children enhances their learning capabilities. Five minutes a day with your child is protective.Attention restoration theory helps improve focus and learning.The single most common source of awe is goodness.Awe and wonder can transform parenting.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:Raising Awe-Seekers: How The Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive, by Deborah Farmer Kris Raising Awe-Seekers — Deborah’s Substack newsletter Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, by Jamil Zaki Deborah Farmer Discusses Emotional Literacy (& Awe!) — ON BOYS episode Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands MalesGet Jen’s book here   Breakthrough Session for Family CoachingSchedule your no-cost call with Janet at https://boysalive.com/call Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    54 min

  3. 27 FEB

    Listener Q & A: Navigating the Complexities of Raising Boys

    How do you respond to a 6-year-old boy who thinks he has to “play rough” to prove his masculinity? How can you make space a small boy’s emotions when you also have other kids to keep on track? And what do you do, exactly, when your formerly potty-trained son starts having accidents at school? These are some of the questions Jen & Janet tackle in this Listener Q & A. Takeaways:Boys often face developmental expectations that don’t align with their actual growth.Rough play can be a way for boys to express themselves, but it needs guidance.School stress and anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms Potty training regressions are common and should be approached with patience.Creative approaches can help redirect a child’s focus during emotional outbursts.Parents should not feel guilty about using screen time as a tool.Seeking support from parenting coaches can provide valuable insights.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:The Art of Roughhousing (w Dr. Lawrence Cohen) — ON BOYS episode Teacher Tom Talks About Boys, Emotion, & Play — ON BOYS episode Do Schools Create “Problem Boys?” — ON BOYS episode Myths & Misconceptions About Boys — ON BOYS episode Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands MalesGet Jen’s 2nd book here   Breakthrough Session for Family CoachingSchedule your no-cost call with Janet at https://boysalive.com/call Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    49 min

  4. 20 FEB

    Boys, A Rescue Plan: Conversation w Michael Gurian

    Do boys need a rescue plan? The available evidence says yes. Collectively, our boys are struggling academically, socially, emotionally, and economically. Their academic, educational, and workforce involvement has decreased. Their suicide rates have risen. Ignoring these issues isn’t in our best interest. Fortunately, more and more people are talking about the challenges facing boys & young men. But talking about boys’ challenges isn’t enough. We must act to improve outcomes. Author and counselor Michael Gurian has spent the past 40 years thinking, writing about, and advocating for boys (and girls.). His latest project — Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development, a book he co-authored with Sean Kullman — outlines a path forward. In this conversation, Michael, Janet, & Jen discuss their 7 point rescue plan: Raise Boys To Thrive in a Three Family SystemProvide Seven Nurturing Elements to Boys Who Are In TroubleTrain All Schools in Boy-Friendly PracticesComplete Your Own Classroom Citizen ScienceCompel School Boards to Include Sex Differences in Annual Reports Decrease the Male Gender Gap in College EducationBuild and Support Community Programs That Help Boys Thrive   Takeaways:Understanding male development is crucial for effective support.Trauma plays a significant role in boys’ behavior.Education systems need to adopt boy-friendly practices.Data collection is crucial for understanding and addressing educational disparities.Citizen science allows parents and teachers to observe and improve educational environments.The politics of masculinity can distract from real issues.Solutions for boys already exist and need to be implemented. Trauma in education can stem from systemic issues.Community programs should actively involve boys in their development.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development, by Michael Gurian & Sean Kullman Gurian Institute — online home for all things Gurian (includes links to his books, classes, & upcoming events) www.michaelgurian.com  Michael Gurian on Raising Boys — ON BOYS podcast episode Global Initiative for Boys & Men — ON BOYS podcast episode featuring Michael’s Rescue Plan co-author, Sean Kullman Global Initiative for Boys & Men In His Words — Sean’s Substack newsletter   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min

  5. 13 FEB

    Helping Boys Find A Path to Manhood

    How do we help boys along the path to manhood?  That’s a question Paul Cumbo, a veteran educator, has been asking for a long time. It’s one he’s well-positioned to answer too, given that he’s spent the past few decades of his life teaching, educating, and coaching teenage boys and young men. His latest book, A Path to Manhood, offers encouragement and advice to young men. The available evidence suggests that our boys and young men need support and guidance. Too many have withdrawn from modern life, choosing to spend most of their time online. Too many feel unwanted, useless, and accused. Paul reminds boys and men that they matter. As he writes in the in the first chapter of his book, he doesn’t “buy the cultural narrative that men are simple.” He encourages young men to chart their own path through life, and shares how listeners can help boys on their journey. Takeaways:Each person’s path to manhood is unique and must be navigated individually.Paralysis by analysis is a common issue among today’s youth.Boys crave to be needed and to contribute meaningfully.Long-term vision is essential for effective planning.Backtracking is a natural part of the journey.Transformative travel can provide profound experiences.Joy is deeper and more meaningful than mere happiness.Young men seek challenges and opportunities for growth.Experiences of genuine joy are crucial for well-being.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:A Path to Manhood: Encouragement and Advice for Young Men, by Paul Cumbo paulcumbo.com paulcumbo.substack.com/ — Paul’s Substack newsletter Camino Institute – info re the Young Men’s International Seminar (Note: there are still some spaces left for the 3rd Annual Young Men’s International Seminar, which runs June 14-21, 2025) Wilderness Therapy with Paul Cumbo — ON BOYS podcast episode Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    54 min

  6. 6 FEB

    Creating Schools Where Black Boys—and All Students—Succeed

    What if supporting Black boys could transform education for all students? David Kirkland, founder & CEO of forwardED, believes it can—and research backs him up. In this episode, David challenges educators to put a deliberate focus on Black boys, not just to address persistent disparities in academic achievement and discipline, but because creating environments where Black boys thrive benefits every student. Photo by Borce Coded via Pexels “It’s not that Black males fail. It’s that we fail Black males,” David says. To change outcomes, we need to shift the narrative—from blaming students to examining how systems and practices fall short. In this conversation, we explore: Why Black boys remain the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schoolsHow the education system contributes to disparities in achievement and disciplineThe power of reframing: shifting from “fixing students” to transforming systemsThe role of funding, culturally responsive education, and policy changes in driving real progressHow focusing on the needs of Black boys leads to better outcomes for all studentsThis isn’t just about equity for one group—it’s about reimagining education so every child can thrive. Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:www.forward-ed.com/ Reclaiming Possibliity: An Intentional Focus on Black Boys This School Year — article by David Can We Talk? A Critical Examination of Cellphone Bans in Schools — article by David Black Boys Matter — ON BOYS episode Supporting Black Boys Mental Health (w Chandra White-Cummings) — ON BOYS episode Boys in School Task Force — ON BOYS episode Sponsor Spotlight: Hello FreshGet 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    41 min

  7. 30 ENE

    Imperfect Men Can Build Boys Too

    Imperfect men helped Greg Hlavaty become a good guy.  “I think what saved me were men who stepped in as surrogate fathers,” Greg wrote in a recent essay. Those men weren’t exactly role models: One, Greg says, “was openly racist and bragged about having lobbed bricks from overpasses in his youth.” The other was “a middle-aged alcoholic…who regularly taught class drunk.” But both “really listened” to Greg, encouraged him, and were “genuinely proud” of his accomplishments. They connected with Great — and that, as they say, made all the difference. Make Room for Less-Than-Perfect MenLimiting boys’ contact with less-than-ideal role models might be harming our boys — and our men. In this conversation, Greg & Jen explore the surprising ways flawed, imperfect men can shape boys into compassionate, confident adults, as well as how we can encourage supportive connections between boys & men. Takeaways:Surrogate father figures can have a profound impact on young men’s lives.Red flags in behavior should be assessed with context, not stigma.Accountability from mentors can guide young men towards better choices.Community involvement is essential in raising boys to be good men.Engaging in a child’s interests can strengthen bonds.Many men feel unqualified to mentor young people.Our culture often discourages intergenerational connections.Being present in a young person’s life can have a significant impact.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:Stop Ignoring the Mental Health of Young Men — Greg’s essay In Praise of Imperfect Men — Building Boys Bulletin post by Jen What About Less-Than-Ideal Role Models? — Building Boys post by Jen Sponsor Spotlight: Hello FreshGet 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    42 min

  8. 23 ENE

    Understanding the Parent Amplification Effect

    Do you know what the parent amplification effect is?  Do you know how to use it your (and your kids’!) benefit?  “Because of children’s dependency on their parents, any parental remark – positive or negative – gets magnified in the child’s mind,” says Adam Galinsky, a social scientist, business school professor, dad of two boys, and author of Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself & Others. That’s the parent amplification effect. “An offhand compliment can inspire a lifelong passion, while a critical comment may lead a child to abandon an activity altogether,” Adam says.  In this conversation, Adam, Jen, & Janet discuss how parents can use their words to positively impact their children. Takeaways:Our words have meaning, but we won’t always say the right thing.Offhand comments can have lasting effects on a child’s self-esteem.Parents are not perfect and will make mistakes.Children are always observing, even when we think they aren’t listening.Awareness of our impact as parents is crucial for effective communication.Guilt can be constructive, while shame can be harmful.Children are resilient and can overcome negative experiences.We can learn to be more inspiring leaders and parents.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself & Others How to Speak Up for Yourself — Adam’s TED talk Listen to Boys & Young Men – ON BOYS episode Nonverbal Communication with Boys — ON BOYS episode   Sponsor Spotlight: IXLThe world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY. Check out IXL and use code TODAY for a great deal.   Sponsor Spotlight: Hello FreshGet 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    39 min
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Ever wonder why do boys DO that? Join co-hosts Jennifer L.W. Fink, mom of four boys, and Janet Allison, parenting coach & educator, as they explore and explain boy behavior. Their weekly conversations include a healthy dose of humor & insight, and feature take-away tips you can use right now, at home or in the classroom, to help boys grow into healthy, happy men. Whether your boys are teens or toddlers, you’ll find a big dose of support, encouragement and camaraderie at On Boys.

Información

  • Creador
    Janet Allison, Jennifer LW Fink
  • Años de actividad
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodios
    367
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2021 All Rights Reserved.
  • Mostrar sitio web
    ON BOYS Podcast

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