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

    How Parents Can Teach Respect and Boundaries at Home with Tiffany Braxton

    In this episode of Raising Men, Shaun Dawson sits down with author, activist, and educator Tiffany Braxton to explore consent, personal power, and respect. Overloaded with cultural baggage and zero-sum framing, the conversation around boundaries often alienates men and boys by painting them strictly as aggressors. Tiffany reframes this dynamic through her book, Consent Comics, which uses layered storytelling to present consent as a universal principle of mutual care, relationship safety, and human dignity rather than a set of rigid rules. Together, they discuss moving away from shame-based narratives, the power of active parental modeling, and the importance of teaching young boys to respect boundaries without sacrificing their emotional openness or spontaneity. Tiffany shares personal insights on establishing safety within relationships, helping children express autonomy, and creating a culture where a clear "no" is met with respect and zero negative consequences. Key Takeaways Consent is built on mutual respect and safety, not rigid rules or us-versus-them antagonisms.Framing boys purely as potential aggressors causes them to withdraw or embrace toxic narratives.Respecting a boundary without consequences is the baseline of any healthy relationship.Children learn boundary setting and enforcement best through daily parental modeling.Effective consent preserves spontaneity by prioritizing an empowered, enthusiastic choice."I want each and every one of us to feel like we have the space that is safety around our bodies and ultimately our decisions, regardless of who we are." "When you make it where someone feels respected when they are not in the mood and they don't want to do these things, then all the other moments are so much better." 00:00 Framing the consent conversation02:24 Me Too culture05:39 Practical problem-solving 07:51 Balancing spontaneous intimacy09:23 Reaching male audiences 20:38 Why traditional consent discussions alienate young men23:07 Using comics and gender-neutral characters to show boundaries28:46 Healthy mutual consent versus over-complicated rules 32:32 Defining healthy masculinity through safety and respect 41:09 Recognizing nonverbal ways people express a no 54:09 Modeling boundaries and autonomy for younger children Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Consent Comics by Tiffany Braxton https://consentcomics.com/The Different Ways People Say No (Resource Framework)

  2. 6d ago

    Performative Strength vs Authentic Power

    In this solo episode of Raising Men, Shaun Dawson explores what it truly looks like to protect the people relying on us. Drawing from the historical covert trip President George W. Bush took to Baghdad in 2003, Shaun contrasts performative thumping of the chest with the quiet, risk-absorbing nature of genuine protective masculinity.  Shaun outlines how modern culture floods young men with performative dominance games, and reframes true strength as quiet, deliberate, and grounded. Bringing these lessons into the home, he provides actionable strategies for parents to manage their own power, regulate their reactions during conflict, and protect their children's dignity both in private and across public platforms. Key Takeaways Protective Masculinity Absorbs Risk: Genuine protection means taking on personal risk to minimize danger for others, rather than exposing them to harm for personal glory or photo opportunities.Conan vs. Sherlock Brain: The reactive amygdala ("Conan brain") relies on posturing and noise, while the regulated prefrontal cortex ("Sherlock brain") focuses quietly on achieving the actual goal.Strength Beats Posturing: Teaching boys performative dominance makes them anxious and brittle, whereas modeling quiet competence builds resilient character.Protect Your Child's Dignity: Exploiting a child's vulnerable moments online for public validation sacrifices their trust to feed the parent's ego.Regulation Requires Space: Utilizing tools like a three-second pause prevents reactive emotional outbursts and models controlled, healthy authority. "If you expose your people to danger just to prove how brave you are, just to satisfy your own ego, you're not protecting them. You're using them." — Shaun Dawson Transcript Summary 00:00 What does it actually look like to protect your people 00:53 George W. Bush's secret 2003 Thanksgiving trip to Baghdad 02:28 Performative politicians vs quiet risk absorption 03:52 Serving food in pitch darkness without demanding applause 04:30 The Conan brain versus the Sherlock brain 05:39 Posturing insecurity vs grounded strength 06:34 The crisis of performative masculinity facing young men 07:42 Handling parental authority with Sherlock brain 09:00 Protecting children's dignity in the social media age 10:05 Practice the three-second pause during household conflict 11:01 Correcting behavior quietly in one-on-one safe spaces 11:24 Building men who carry the weight without being loud Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Meditations by Marcus AureliusSteven Stosny's Adult vs. Toddler Brain Model (Referenced via Shaun's Conan the Barbarian vs. Sherlock Holmes Brain framework)Will Storr's Status Dynamics ResearchThe Three-Second Pause: A behavioral regulation framework where a parent steps into the prefrontal cortex ("Sherlock brain") before responding to conflict.Raising Men: https://raising.men

    Performative Strength vs Authentic Power

  3. Aug 17

    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

  4. Aug 13

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shaun Dawson
  • Show Website
    Raising Men

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