2D AGO

Boys on the Spectrum: Breaking Stereotypes, Building Connection.

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Mitchell, the creator and host of the hit podcast Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam shares his journey of growing up on the autism spectrum — from the challenges of school and social life to the strength he found through family, self-advocacy, and eventually, his podcasting platform. Sam opens up about what he wishes more parents of boys understood, how gender roles and expectations impact neurodivergent kids, and the biggest misconceptions about autism that he’s determined to challenge. We also talk about his vision for Autism Rocks and Rolls in the years ahead and the surprising insights he’s gained from conversations with guests across the spectrum of life. This is a conversation about courage, persistence, and the power of embracing who you are — not just for those with autism, but for anyone navigating difference in a world that too often demands conformity. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest BioSam Mitchell is the creator and host of Autism Rocks & Rolls, a podcast dedicated to celebrating life on the autism spectrum and challenging the stigma that surrounds it. Living with autism himself, Sam has grown his show to over 21,000 downloads and featured incredible guests, including NASCAR driver Armani Williams, American Idol rocker James Durbin, autism advocate and professor Dr. Temple Grandin, and WWE legend Mick Foley. Beyond podcasting, Sam is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, blogger, TEDx presenter (Souled Structure), and nonprofit leader. He sells merchandise, partners with sponsors, and has been recognized with multiple honors — from the Davey Award to top placements in the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, the JAG Entrepreneurship Project, and Indiana’s CEO Trade Show. His podcast is also ranked among the top 200 in Canada. Sam’s mission is simple but powerful: to show the world that autism is not a limitation. “I am not broken, I don’t need to be fixed, and there is no normal in this world,” he says. His work spreads a message of acceptance, empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves to embrace who they are and succeed on their own terms. Topics Covered What it was like growing up on the autism spectrumThe role his parents played in supporting his confidence and independenceWhy boys and men need space to show vulnerability and hurtMisconceptions about autism and how his podcast challenges themLessons learned from interviewing high-profile guests like Temple Grandin and Mick FoleySam’s mission to celebrate differences and show that success looks different for everyone LinksWebsite: autismrocksandrolls.com Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (available on all major platforms) TEDx Talk: a...

41 min

OCT 7

Choices That Change Everything: Mentors, Masculinity, and The Thin Line Between Prison and Purpose

What does it mean to grow up fast, find role models in unexpected places, and carry those lessons into some of the most high-stakes environments imaginable? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan MacDougall — podcaster, storyteller, and Correctional Peace Officer — to explore the intersections of masculinity, resilience, and mental health inside and outside prison walls. Ryan shares candidly about his childhood marked by chaos, moving away from home at 13, the mentors who stood up for him, and his years in a group home that shaped his understanding of human nature. Today, his work at the Edmonton Remand Centre puts him face-to-face with men navigating the pressures of incarceration — where questions of dignity, emotional regulation, and masculinity are tested daily. This conversation dives into the thin line between ending up on one side of the bars or the other, the power of awareness, and why mentorship can change the trajectory of a young man’s life. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest BioRyan MacDougall is the host of Solo Spotlight and The Conversationalist, two podcasts under the Spare Bedroom Studios banner. His shows spotlight authentic stories, cultural commentary, and deep-dive conversations across diverse perspectives. Known for his grounded and engaging style, Ryan brings curiosity, candor, and humor to every dialogue. Professionally, Ryan serves as a Correctional Peace Officer for the Government of Alberta, a role that gives him a unique perspective on responsibility, resilience, and human behavior. His passion lies in storytelling, connection, and uncovering the lessons behind the headlines. Topics CoveredGrowing up in a chaotic home and the turning point of leaving at age 13The role of mentors, chosen family, and group homes in shaping resilienceDefining healthy masculinity through peace, transparency, and dignityThe thin line between correctional officer and inmate — and how the environment shapes bothThe importance of emotional awareness, boundaries, and self-reflection in high-stress workWhat parents should know if their son ever becomes incarcerated Links https://www.youtube.com/@Sparebedroomstudios Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and tune in next week for more insights into the inner world of boys and young men. For more support, reach out to sonhoodcoaching.com ********** Why Is Season 3 Different?Too many boys today feel lost, alone, and misunderstood. And far too often, the same is true for their parents. Behind the troubling statistics is a generation of boys quietly longing to be seen, heard, and valued — yet the conversation around boys’ emotional lives remains far too...

1h 31m

SEP 30

Masculinity Unmasked: Building Strength, Vulnerability & Community

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys!, Kathy sits down with Prof. Maurizio Rosini—international trainer, men’s coach, and founder of MyMasterMan, a movement dedicated to redefining modern masculinity. After years of success in the corporate and fashion worlds, Maurizio realized that achievement without meaning leaves men empty. Today, he guides men to drop the masks of ego and disconnection and embrace deeper purpose, grounded strength, and brotherhood. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest Bio:Maurizio Rosini has lived and worked across Italy, the UK, Japan, the USA, Colombia, and now Malaysia, giving him a rare global perspective on men and masculinity. After a career spanning luxury fashion, corporate leadership, and academia — where he now serves as Head of Marketing and Communication at Alzette University — he founded MyMasterMan, a movement redefining modern masculinity. His work blends Stoic philosophy, Jungian psychology, and lived experience to help men overcome fear, build resilience, and live with authentic purpose. Key Topics:Masculinity itself isn’t “toxic” or “healthy” — it’s the behaviour that expresses masculine energy; the goal is grounded, embodied masculinity (body + mind + heart).Rites of passage matter: boys need intentional moments that acknowledge growth, discomfort, and responsibility — parents can create these with simple rituals and time in nature.Start emotional education early: teach emotional ownership through modeling, journaling, breathwork, and open conversation — not judgment.Look for withdrawal, secrecy, and growing dependence on substances or screens as early warning signs of isolation or addiction.Community (brotherhood/men’s circles) is not optional — it’s a crucial container for honest masculinity and healing. Maurizio leaves us with this powerful reminder: for all the shame or guilt we carry, peace comes when we find the courage to know ourselves, live authentically, and rediscover community. Connect with Mauriziowww.mymasterman.com Instagram: @my.master.man Why Season 3 Is DifferentToo many boys today feel lost, alone, and misunderstood. And far too often, the same is true for their parents. Behind the troubling statistics is a generation of boys quietly longing to be seen, heard, and valued — yet the conversation around boys’ emotional lives remains far too quiet. Season 3 of Unlocking the Parenting Code is here to change that. In this new season, you’ll hear: 🔹 Real conversations with young men who are ready to share their truth. 🔹 Powerful insights from experts in boys’ mental and emotional health. 🔹 And raw, real wisdom from dads who are walking this road every day 🔹 Solo episodes where I reflect on what I’ve witnessed, wrestled with, and learned At the heart of this season — and at the heart of Sonhood Coaching — is a

59 min

SEP 23

From Passengers To Crew: Rethinking How We Raise Boys.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys!, Kathy sits down with Dr. Will Dobud—researcher, educator, outdoor therapist, and co-author of Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health. Together, they explore the complex realities facing boys and young men today, from the challenges of the education system to the importance of play, risk-taking, and authentic connection. Will shares his refreshing perspective on treating young people as “crew, not passengers,” and offers insights for parents who want to support their sons’ confidence and sense of worth, even when schools and systems feel slow to change. This conversation is filled with wisdom, storytelling, and practical advice for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation of boys. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest BioDr. Will Dobud is an award-winning researcher, educator, and outdoor therapist whose work has been recognized internationally for excellence in research, teaching, and even crime prevention. He is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Charles Sturt University in Australia and an invited speaker who delivers workshops for therapists and families around the globe. Will’s research focuses on improving therapy outcomes for teenagers and promoting safe, ethical practices, especially through wilderness and adventure-based approaches. He is also the co-author, alongside Dr. Nevin J. Harper, of Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health—a book that reframes how we see young people, reminding us of the critical role of relationships, play, and exploration in fostering resilience and well-being. Topics CoveredWhy youth mental health is best understood as a “wicked problem”Rethinking compulsory schooling and helping boys who are struggling in educationHow disconnection, over-labeling, and over-diagnosing are affecting young peopleThe importance of rough-and-tumble play for resilience and growth“Crew, not passengers”: reframing how we see young people’s role in their own livesPractical advice for parents: creating home as a safe place where boys feel heard, valued, and confidentThe power of modeling: why teens need adults worth imitating Links 📖 Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health (Available September 30)www.willdobud.coma href="https://www.instagram.com/kids_these_days_book/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

1h 32m

SEP 17

From Private Investigator to Mental Health Coach: Teenage Boys, Heartache & Mental Health

Welcome back to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys! In this episode, host Kathy sits down with Scott Taylor Peek, a former private investigator and business owner who has reinvented himself as a Mental Health Coach. Scott is a staunch advocate for men’s mental health, focusing on resilience, healing, and reinvention. Scott shares his personal journey — from privilege to loss, burnout, and depression — and how those experiences shaped his calling to support teenage boys and men navigating life’s challenges. He opens up about heartbreak, anxiety, depression, masculinity, and the unique emotional depth boys feel, as well as the importance of discipline and respect. In this episode, we unpack the challenges of teen boys, highlighting South African cultural expectations while offering insights relevant to young men worldwide. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest BioScott Taylor Peek is a former private investigator and business owner turned Mental Health Coach specializing in resilience, reinvention, and healing. A passionate advocate for men’s mental health, Scott draws on his personal journey to help others navigate life’s challenges. He has hosted an international radio show, captained South Africa’s only team to compete at the Paintball World Cup in 2009, and holds IMDB producer credits. Scott works with teen boys and men aged to build emotional resilience, navigate heartbreak, and strengthen communication skills, all while breaking the stigma around seeking help. Topics DiscussedEarly life experiences, challenges, and turning points that shaped Scott’s perspective on growing up and becoming a man.Masculinity & Cultural Expectations — what healthy masculinity looks like and how societal pressures influence boys and young men.Teenage Boys — Emotional and developmental changes during adolescence, navigating anxiety, and coping with modern influences like social media.Heartache & Relationships — How boys and men experience emotional pain, coping with breakups, and recognizing the signs of deeper distress.Discipline & Respect — Guiding boys with clear boundaries, structure, and communication while fostering responsibility and respect.Mental Health Awareness — Overcoming stigma, making support accessible, and the importance of connection and communication for emotional wellbeing. LinksScott Taylor Peek: allmylinks.com/speaktoscottyEmail Scott: speaktoscotty@gmail.com Scott’s journey is a powerful reminder of the emotional depth and resilience of boys and men, and how support, guidance, and open communication can make a life-changing difference. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and tune in next week for more insights into the inner world of boys and young men. For more

1h 3m

SEP 9

Combat to Calm: How a Veteran Dad Rebuilt His Life & Teaches Dads to Lead Softly

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. At just 33, Craig has lived more life than most. Through deep pain, confusion, and two suicide attempts, he rebuilt himself into a better human, father, and husband. By speaking openly about his struggles, Craig offers a hopeful road map for others: it’s possible to come through, do the hard inner work, and use that experience to serve others. Craig’s journey is uncommon in its candor and all too common in its pain—yet from that struggle he’s found contentment, joy, and a fierce commitment to “Be The Best.” In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Kathy sits down with Craig Maddern, a proud father, Army veteran, and certified stress relief coach. After 15 years in the military and two tours in Afghanistan, Craig faced trauma, a heart pacemaker, a bipolar diagnosis, and two suicide attempts. Now, he’s on a mission to help hardworking dads break free from chronic stress, redefine masculinity, and build joyful, connected family lives. Craig shares raw truths about military culture, mental health struggles, fatherhood’s hormonal and neurological shifts, and why vulnerability is a strength—not a weakness. This is an unflinching look at the challenges and transformations men face when stepping into fatherhood and life after service. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest BioCraig Maddern is an Army veteran, award-winning author, and ICF- and NLP-accredited stress coach who helps hardworking dads break free from chronic stress and rebuild joyful, stable family lives. After 15 years of service — including two tours in Afghanistan — Craig survived a health crisis (a pacemaker), a bipolar diagnosis, and two suicide attempts, experiences that shaped his honest, practical approach to men’s mental health. As a public speaker and men’s mental-health advocate, he coaches with no-nonsense compassion—practical tools, zero judgment—helping men move from survival to strength, and from isolation to connection. Topics DiscussedMilitary Life & Masculinity: Growing up with a strict father, lessons in discipline, and what not to repeat; joining the military at 17; unspoken rules of masculinity in the forces.Mental Health & Transition: The crash after leaving service—depression, alcohol abuse, identity loss, feeling like an outsider; surviving two suicide attempts and finding a reason to keep going.Fatherhood & the Brain: How becoming a dad lowers testosterone and raises bonding hormones, making fathers more patient; reframing this change as a parenting advantage; the impact of chronic stress on father-child connection.Healthy Masculinity & Raising Boys: Defining masculinity as compassion, leadership, emotional depth, and security without dominance; preparing boys to question online “truths” in a social media world; reminding them that real life happens...

1h 12m

SEP 2

The Power of Patience, Presence, and Curiosity

In this rich and grounded conversation, Kathy sits down with Teddy Stripling, a school counselor, therapist, and host of the Talking Emotions podcast, to explore the emotional lives of boys through the lens of Gestalt therapy, fatherhood, and years of experience in both schools and private practice.Teddy brings over a decade of experience working with children and teens, and shares how his journey—from wanting to become a chef to becoming a therapist—was shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep desire to help young people feel seen and understood. Reflecting on his early work with younger children, Teddy describes how his role was initially framed around “fixing” kids to help them function in the classroom. But with time, he came to realize that real change starts with connection. By slowing down and getting curious about who the student is, he found more meaningful ways to support emotional growth and partner with educators. The conversation dives into the rising levels of anxiety among adolescents, especially in high-performing school environments, and how shame, peer pressure, and subtle messages around masculinity can shape a boy’s sense of identity. Drawing from his Gestalt therapy training, Teddy explains why awareness—especially awareness of body sensations and inner experiences—is the foundation for emotional change. He speaks to the importance of giving kids space to be bored, creative, and independent, and why modeling calm and curiosity as parents is often more powerful than solving every problem. Teddy also shares the story behind his podcast Talking Emotions—a creative outlet that lets him reach students, parents, and mental health providers alike—and recounts a memorable interview that left him both inspired and a little starstruck. This conversation is full of grounded insights for parents navigating school life, identity development, and emotional presence with their boys. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest BioTeddy Stripling is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and high school counselor based in Chicago, IL. He brings over 14 years of experience working with children and adolescents, both in schools and private practice. Teddy is trained in Gestalt therapy, certified in Shame-Informed Treatment, Anger Management, and Executive Functioning strategies. He presents at conferences in the midwest and nationally,andconsults with schools to help support youth with diverse needs. He is also the host of the podcast Talking Emotions, which bridges conversations between teens, parents, educators, and mental health providers. Topics Covered in This Episode:Teddy’s winding path from aspiring chef to therapist and school counselorWhy emotional awareness is the foundation for changeThe shift from “fixing kids” to connecting with them firstThe growing presence of anxiety in teensThe impact of school culture on boys' identity and self-esteemShame

1h 21m

AUG 26

Raising Boys in Sports: Pressure, Mental Health & Healing The Brain

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we explore the science of sports injury, recovery, and brain health with Paige Roberts—sports psychology consultant, brain optimization expert, and founder of Performance Neuro Training. Paige explains how both physical and emotional trauma—such as concussions, chronic stress, and performance pressure—impact the brain, and how specific therapies can help restore brain function to its pre-injury state. Drawing from traditional practices, cutting-edge neuroscience, and her own journey through injury and loss, Paige has developed a unique, holistic approach that is transforming the way athletes heal and perform. A former NCAA athlete herself, Paige brings both lived experience and expert insight to this conversation. From trauma and concussions to performance anxiety and pressure from coaches or fathers, this is a must-listen for any parent raising a boy in sports today. We unpack the neuroscience behind emotional resilience, the risks of early sports specialization, the ongoing impact of toxic masculinity in athletics, and how we can help our sons thrive—not just on the field, but in life. This conversation is especially important for parents of boys, who often channel their sons’ energy into sports. Paige offers critical insights into how to prevent long-term injury, what to do when injury occurs, and how to support your child’s mental and emotional health through the ups and downs of competitive athletics. Whether you're raising a young athlete or simply want to better understand how trauma affects the brain—and how healing is possible—this episode delivers the knowledge, hope, and tools every parent needs. ********** Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time. Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son ✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action. Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps 👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at kathy@sonhoodcoaching.com and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest. ********** Guest BioPaige Roberts is a sports psychology consultant and an energy optimization expert. She specializes in helping high performers and athletes reset their nervous system to overcome performance anxiety, increase reaction times, decrease mistakes, increase performance confidence, decrease recovery time, get in on command and stay in flow state and reverse the damage from past stress or injuries. Paige owns a private practice (Performance Neuro Training) where she implements various neuroscience and quantum physics performance expansion modalities. Paige has a degree in Exercise Science, Master of Social Work and a Doctorate of Integrative Medicine. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social worker, Certified Light Therapist, Certified Brain Health and, QEEG Brain Scan Practitioner. Paige was led down the path of sports psychology through her personal experience as an NCAA athlete and the various mental and physical health challenges she faced. And through the loss of multiple athlete friends to suicide. Paige is on a mission to shift the mental health stigma paradigm. Topics CoveredPaige’s personal story: injuries, healing, and the birth of her missionWhat parents need to know about boys, sports, and mental healthThe hidden cost of early sports specializationConcussions:...

1h 2m

Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

Episodes

Boys on the Spectrum: Breaking Stereotypes, Building Connection.

Choices That Change Everything: Mentors, Masculinity, and The Thin Line Between Prison and Purpose

Masculinity Unmasked: Building Strength, Vulnerability & Community

From Passengers To Crew: Rethinking How We Raise Boys.

From Private Investigator to Mental Health Coach: Teenage Boys, Heartache & Mental Health

Combat to Calm: How a Veteran Dad Rebuilt His Life & Teaches Dads to Lead Softly

The Power of Patience, Presence, and Curiosity

Raising Boys in Sports: Pressure, Mental Health & Healing The Brain

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