Raising Men

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson introduces a new format focused on cultivating one of the most critical skills in modern masculinity: evaluating claims to discover what is actually true. Prompted by a viral quote claiming American teenagers have lower testosterone levels than 68-year-old men, Shaun uses this episode to practice moving from reactive emotional responses to disciplined, analytical thinking. Drawing from personal experiences—like how updated science changed his view on artificial sweeteners—and Stoic philosophy, he sets the stage for checking complex health claims. Shaun breaks down the current debates surrounding male hormone decline into...

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer—CEO of Beyond the Individual, Associate Professor of the Practice at the University of Kansas, licensed psychologist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beyond her clinical and academic credentials, Dr. Ostmeyer brings invaluable lived experience as the mother of a neurodivergent boy. Together, they navigate the complex landscape of raising sons whose minds do not fit into standard conventional boxes.

The conversation explores the key diagnostic differences between boys and girls, how to distinguish normal boyhood energy from neurodivergence, and the delicate balance be...

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson shares a special solo reading inspired by a recent conversation with Dr. Randolph Schiffer, author of Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children. Exploring how experiencing controlled fear in a safe environment is essential for a boy's emotional health, Shaun reads "Dog"—a story about two young brothers navigating late-night dread inside a forest cedar house. As sounds echo through the dark, seven-year-old Brenton and five-year-old Randy must find the courage to confront the unknown together. From cold floors to a shaking white door, the tale reveals how fear gives way to...

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson welcomes Dr. Randolph B. Schiffer, a neurologist, former Marine infantry officer, and founding director of the Cleveland Clinic's Center for Brain Health. Together, they examine how modern parenting culture often protects children from discomfort, inadvertently creating a fearful society that avoids failure, responsibility, and risk. Dr. Schiffer explains that while fear is built into human biology, courage—the capacity to think, speak, and act despite fear—is a skill that must be learned. Drawing from his experiences in combat during Vietnam, decades in medicine, and creating stories for his young son...

In this episode of Raising Men, Shaun Dawson explores the cultural noise surrounding trans issues, encouraging listeners to approach complex debates with grace, protection, and humility rather than online outrage. Shaun reflects on a story from The Bulwark Daily podcast about Julia Curlee, the first openly transgender CIA officer, and her daily security briefings with former Vice President Mike Pence. Despite Pence holding public, conservative convictions that conflicted with Curlee’s identity, he maintained an exemplary professional relationship with her defined by meritocracy, dignity, and honor. Highlighting this interaction, Shaun outlines a blueprint for modern, healthy masculinity: holding firm pe...

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with Dr. Mike Ayers, author of Father Friend: How Intentional Dads Lean In, Lead Well, and Love Big at Every Stage, to discuss what it takes to stop parenting on autopilot and build an intentional roadmap for raising sons. Drawing from over 25 years of studying developmental psychology and organizational leadership, Dr. Mike explains how fathers can transition from direct command-and-control tactics into trusted lifelong advisors as their children grow. He outlines the core philosophy of the "Father Friend" model—balancing the tension between authority and affection—and breaks down...

In this follow-up conversation, host Shaun Dawson reunites with Tiffany Braxton, author of Consent Comics, to unpack why traditional cultural messaging around consent often turns men off—and how to reframe it productively. Moving past narrow sexual contexts, Tiffany presents consent as an accessible, everyday framework for living that centers on recognizing, enforcing, and respecting healthy boundaries across time, personal space, and relationships. Shaun and Tiffany discuss her book’s visual roadmaps, such as "Navigating Consent" and "What a Consensual Yes Feels Like," exploring how these tools empower both children and adults to honor their own boundaries and those of o...

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...

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 t...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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 prot...

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with Brandon Martini, the co-founder of Stratus Financial and host of the Aviation Mentors podcast. Brandon shares his incredible journey from maxing out credit cards to build a successful flight school from a maintenance closet, all the way to navigating a devastating professional betrayal that nearly ruined his entire business operations. 

Beyond his achievements in professional aviation, Brandon opens up honestly about the deep personal growth that came from unexpected early fatherhood and long term co-parenting challenges. He completely dismantles the toxic "myth of normality" perpetuated b...

What does a healthy vision of masculinity actually look like, and how do we measure our progress toward it? In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson is joined live by Don Ross, creator of Manhood Tribes, to take and dissect Don’s “How Manly Are You?” questionnaire.

Together, they walk through Shaun’s live self-assessment—covering everything from emergency eye-flushing home repair mishaps and physical capability to time margin, male friendships, and standing up against power abuse. Don breaks down the underlying framework of the quiz: the 5 Marks of Manhood (Strength, Courage, Skill, Honor, and Allegiance...

Together, Shaun and Don dive deep into the cultural confusion surrounding modern masculinity and the isolation epidemic trapping today's fathers. Don shares his raw, personal journey of overcoming an addiction to pornography by bringing his struggles out of the dark and into the light with a trusted brother. This conversation serves as a powerful tactical guide for any father wanting to build a life-changing brotherhood for himself while modeling authentic, honorable connection for his sons.

Key Takeaways

Thirty years ago, Shaun Dawson sat by his mother's bedside in Albuquerque, New Mexico, watching her take her final breath. In this deeply moving and intensely personal solo episode, Shaun looks back at the raw reality of that loss and the decades of grief that followed. He unpacks the complex emotions of a young college student wrestling with anger, resentment, and a profound sense of impending loss—emotions that still spark moments of shame and reflection today. Shaun shares the beautiful, funny, and deeply human moments of his mother’s final days, including the invaluable guidance of hospice care and...

In this deeply moving episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson reunites with world-renowned psychologist and bestselling author Steve Biddulph to pivot the conversation from raising sons to transforming fathers. Moving past cultural caricatures, they dive into the profound psychological realities shaping modern masculinity. Steve explores his seminal concept of the "river of manhood," explaining how masculinity is a learned virtue that must flow into a boy from a community of good men rather than an innate quality. The discussion tackles the pervasive "father wound" that impacts up to 90% of men through estrangement, criticism, or emotional absence. By balancing...

Navigating the threshold of modern adolescence requires more than passive autopilot parenting; it demands intentionality, real-world action, and an unyielding commitment to relational connection. In this powerful Q&A episode of the Raising Men Podcast, host Shaun Dawson steps into the breach to address the deep cultural noise and heavy transitions facing young men today. Drawing from the collective wisdom of past guests—including former Navy SEAL Eric Davis and men’s leadership pioneer Dan Doty—this session tackles two of the most pressing anxieties keeping fathers awake at night: engineering a meaningful, challenge-based rite of passage for a 13-year...

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with Jody Hill, a best-selling author, speaker, and parenting sidekick, to unpack the transformative power of a parent’s words. Jody, the author of The Parent's Secret Superpower, shares a simple yet life-altering message: the language parents use daily directly shapes how children view themselves and navigate their futures. Moving past the pressure to read every parenting book or attend endless courses, she reminds parents that their greatest asset is already within them. Through powerful real-world stories and practical strategies, Jody explains how to resist the urge to co...

In this powerful and deeply personal solo address, Shaun Dawson marks the 250th anniversary of the nation by examining the "quiet crisis" surrounding modern masculinity. Moving past polarized cultural narratives, Shaun argues that the current friction and pressure surrounding what it means to be a man is not bad news—it is a rare, pressure-testing opportunity to strip away performative habits and forge a healthy vision of manhood for the next generation. True masculinity isn't learned from a screen or a public performance; it is caught through proximity, intentional presence, and an unwavering commitment to show up. Shaun challenges pa...

In this compelling episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with Jonathan V. Last (JVL), editor of The Bulwark and father of four, to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of youth sports. Drawing from twelve years of experience parenting a high-level collegiate baseball pitcher, JVL unpacks the delicate balance between fostering an elite athlete's drive and maintaining strict perspective.

He shares powerful, practical insights on why parents must actively deemphasize outcomes—such as winning weekend tournaments—and instead fiercely protect the process, where true character and resilience are forged. From discussing the modern pres...

In this direct Q&A episode of Raising Men, Shaun Dawson tackles two intense family dynamics that keep parents awake at night. Drawing from the collective wisdom of past guests, we break down how to transition from a frantic "referee" into an active coach when sibling conflict boils over, using the proven framework of storming, norming, and performing. Then, we dive into the deep psychological terrain of adoptive fatherhood, exploring how to answer heavy identity questions with a steady, regulated presence that builds an unshakable foundation of belonging.

Key Topics Covered

In this deeply insightful episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down with Andrew Reiner, a teaching professor at Towson University, cultural critic, and leading voice on the emotional lives of boys. Drawing from his books, Better Boys, Better Men and the upcoming Boys Reconnected, Reiner unpacks a quiet epidemic: why boys are disproportionately falling through the cracks of our educational system and struggling with an invisible mental health crisis. Andrew and Shaun dismantle the damaging cultural rhetoric that treats gender advancement as a zero-sum game, proposing instead a "both/and" approach where both young men and young...

In this special Father’s Day edition of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson sits down for an intimate, deeply personal conversation with his own father, Ted Dawson. A former high-profile television sports broadcaster who navigated major media markets in the 1980s and 1990s, Ted shares his reflections on the immense cultural weight of being a primary financial provider.

Together, the father and son look through the generational rearview mirror to discuss the evolving dynamics of fatherhood. They explore the stark contrasts between Ted’s traditional, career-focused approach—which relied heavily on Shaun's mother to manage the household—and Shau...

Joined by his very own son and the original inspiration for the podcast, Lake Dawson, Shaun explores the world directly through a child's eyes. 

Filled with humor, heart, and a highly coordinated effort by Lake to secure some studio donuts, this Father's Day episode serves as a powerful reminder that presence and authentic connection always outpace perfection in parenting.  

00:00 Introduction to Raising Boys
01:04 Understanding Good Role Models
02:29 Navigating Technology and Screen Time
03:55 The Two Brain Theory
06:12 Lessons and Traditions at Home
07:43 A Father's Pride and Joy
09:14 Celebrating Special Moments To...

In this solo episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson wrestles with a heavy and deeply honest question brought to him by a friend: What do you do when you want to support your teenager's passions, but their only apparent passion is doing drugs?

Key Takeaways

Tosha Schore is a parent educator, author, and the founder of Parenting Boys Peacefully. She specializes in helping parents navigate the "bad guy myth" by reframing boy aggression as a signal of fear rather than a character flaw. Tosha provides practical tools for building deep connections and setting loving limits.

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In this insightful Q&A episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson dives deep into the complex personal growth challenges that modern fathers face on the playground and at home. Drawing from the collective insights of previous conversations, Shaun addresses two powerful, listener-submitted questions regarding early childhood cultural conditioning and the struggle for verbal emotional intimacy. He unpacks how deeply emotional boys are at birth and how quickly societal frameworks, like the "man box," begin to systematically restrict their emotional vocabulary. Through a breakdown of modeled behavior, presence, and practical frameworks, this episode challenges fathers to expand emotional permissions...

Jon Hord is the founder of the Engaged Father Project. A former high-achieving corporate VP who walked away from a 100-year-old family company after a health-induced epiphany, Jon now coaches dads to move from "reactive survival" to "radical intentionality."

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In this mailbag edition of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson addresses two critical parenting dilemmas: emotional withholding and managing high-energy boys. Shaun unpacks the phenomenon of "emotional narrowing," explaining how rigid, fear-based discipline can inadvertently turn a home into an emotional desert. Drawing on insights from trauma-informed parenting, the episode highlights why genuine authority is built on relationship and trust rather than compliance. Later, Shaun shifts to the neurobiology of young boys, validating the developmental gaps driven by prenatal testosterone that often leave boys behind in verbal and fine motor skills. He frames rough-and-tumble play not as misbehavior, but...

In this episode of Raising Men, Shawn sits down with Lisa Johnson, a high-conflict divorce strategist, certified domestic violence advocate, and co-founder of Been There, Got Out. After enduring a decade-long legal battle with her ex-husband—including more than 100 court appearances—Lisa transformed her painful experience into a mission to help parents navigate high-conflict divorces and protect their children from emotional harm. She shares the lessons she learned about parental alienation, emotional resilience, and how parents can stay grounded and supportive for their children even when a former partner becomes an adversary. 

Key Takeaways

In this special mailbag edition, Shaun dives deep into two core questions that surface at the very beginning of the fatherhood journey: how to establish foundational non-negotiables for raising a son of character, and how to navigate the intense emotional mirroring of toddlers.

Relying on the collective wisdom of past guests—such as Sean Harvey, Emily Huston, Ryan North, and Paul Kix—Shaun maps out what it truly means to raise a "gentleman with a backbone." He unpacks why character must always trump performance and how true kindness serves as an expression of raw strength. Moving into the...

This episode of Raising Men features an intimate deep dive with Jordan Ritter Conn, a senior staff writer at The Ringer and author of the groundbreaking 2026 book, American Men. After spending five years embedded in the lives of four vastly different men, Jordan discusses the "missing roadmap" of modern masculinity and the internal struggle men face when they fail to meet inherited ideals.

1. Key Topics Covered

This episode dives into the "refining fire" of parenting, where Shaun Dawson explores the collective wisdom of past guests to answer two heavy-hitting listener questions about balancing strength with warmth and navigating the silent guilt of new fatherhood.

Questions:

Key...

In a culture that has "clear-cut" the traditional forests of masculinity, 40% of young men now report having no one to turn to for guidance. We are navigating a landscape where traditional rites of passage have vanished, leaving parents to choose between "toxic" archetypes or the empty alternative of no masculinity at all.

In this episode, Shaun sits down with Dan Doty, a pioneer in men’s development and leadership with over 20 years of experience in wilderness therapy and emotional intelligence. Dan breaks down why we are facing a crisis of "arrested development" in men and provides a pr...

Key Topics Covered

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Introduction: Our Sons are Becoming Us
01:04 - Q1: Is...

In this episode of Raising Men, Sean Dawson sits down with Ralph Brewer, founder of the Help for Men Brotherhood and creator of Dad Starting Over. Ralph shares his journey from divorce and single fatherhood to building a global community helping men navigate relationships, masculinity, fatherhood, and personal growth. The conversation explores the hidden struggles many men face—from sexless marriages and identity loss to the importance of brotherhood and taking ownership of one’s life. 

Key Takeaways