Growing up without a father changes you. It shapes how you see yourself, how you define manhood, and how you show up in the world. In this episode of Dear Legacy, I open up about what it was like navigating life without a blueprint and what it means to become the dad I never had.

I talk about the gaps absence leaves behind, the pressure of learning manhood from the wrong places, and the weight that comes with becoming a father when you’re still healing parts of yourself. This isn’t a how-to guide it’s a real conversation about vulnerability, identity, emotional health, and showing up even when you don’t have all the answers.

Legacy isn’t just about money or success it’s about emotional presence, consistency, and breaking cycles. I’m still learning in real time, still chasing answers, and still choosing to be present. If you grew up without a father, are raising children of your own, or are trying to build something better for the next generation this episode is for you.

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Dear Legacy, drop a comment, and share this with someone navigating fatherhood, healing, or identity.

Till then go define it, build it, live it.

Why you should listen -

I grew up without a father and now I’m raising a son of my own.

This episode isn’t about blaming the past. It’s about confronting it, learning from it, and choosing to show up anyway. If you’ve ever questioned your identity, struggled with manhood, or felt like you were building life without a blueprint this conversation is for you.

This is about presence over perfection. Healing while leading. And building a legacy in real time.

Chapters-

00:00 Introduction: Becoming the Dad I Never Had
03:04 Growing Up Without a Father
06:06 Navigating Manhood Without a Blueprint
08:57 Media, Masculinity, and Identity
12:01 Redefining Manhood
14:58 The Blessing and Burden of Fatherhood
17:57 Laying a Foundation for the Next Generation
21:01 Learning From Our Children
29:24 Raising Myself While Raising My Son
32:55 Generational Legacy
34:44 Healing the Inner Child
39:14 Chasing the Ghost of My Father
44:20 Presence Over Perfection
49:41 Building a Legacy in Real Time

In this second episode of Dear Legacy, I’m breaking down 5 hard truths I’ve learned from chasing a dream while being a full-time dad, husband, and working professional.

After that AI check in Episode 1, this time we’re getting into what it really looks like to build something for yourself while holding it down for everybody else.

From carving out time when there’s none…
To dealing with guilt, sacrifice, and silent support
This one’s for all of us out here trying to build legacy in real time. Not when it’s easy, but while life is already full.

This is the reality of dream chasing when your dream isn’t the only thing that needs you.

Why You Should Listen To This Episode

If you’ve ever:

• Felt like you’re chasing your purpose while carrying real-life weight
• Wondered how to build something without losing yourself or your family
• Questioned if it’s selfish to pursue your dream right now
• Needed someone to say, “I see you.”

Then this episode is for you.

I’m not just talking about goals I’m talking about legacy.
The kind you live. The kind your kids see in real time.
This is what it really costs and why it’s still worth it.

Key Takeaways

• Nobody’s coming to save you
• You can’t half-ass commit
• Support looks different learn to recognize it
• Sacrifice is part of the blueprint
• Guilt will try to creep in, especially as a parent
• You’ve got to carve out time in the middle of chaos
• Believe in the vision before it’s pretty
• “If you’re always building for others… when are you gonna build for you?”

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Dear Legacy
09:28 – Hard Truth #1: Nobody's Coming to Save You
18:16 – Hard Truth #2: Support Just Looks Different
26:35 – Hard Truth #3: Sacrifice is Real
32:54 – Defining Your Legacy
42:22 – Showing Up for Your Children
51:33 – The Journey Over the Destination
56:50 – Inspiration and Legacy Building

🔗 Connect With Me

📲 Follow @dearlegacypodcast on IG & TikTok
🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes on real-time legacy building
🧠 Comment below: Which truth hit you the hardest?

This is Dear Legacy… Episode 1, and this episode exists because I got checked.

I didn’t come into this thinking I had legacy figured out. I thought I understood it until I did an AI self-reflection assignment created by Breana Hampton (@iambreham) that forced me to slow down and really look at myself.

What came back wasn’t disrespectful.
It wasn’t negative.
But it was honest and I needed that.

This episode isn’t about answers.
It’s about realizing your thinking might be off… and being willing to admit it.

I talk about:

• How I thought I understood legacy and why I was wrong
• Fear, procrastination, and why starting felt heavier than it should’ve
• How AI became a mirror instead of a shortcut
• Why waiting to feel ready is a trap
• Why action matters more than confidence, clarity, or perfection

This show isn’t coming from a place of “I’ve arrived.”
It’s coming from a place of I’m starting and I’m doing it out loud.

Dear Legacy… begins here not at the finish line, but at the moment I decided to stop overthinking and move.

It’s time to Define It. Build It. Live It. Let’s Take this Journey Together.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll start once I have it figured out” this episode is for you.

This isn’t motivation.
It’s confrontation.

Not the loud kind the quiet kind that makes you sit with yourself a little longer than you planned to.

This episode captures the moment where I realized legacy isn’t something you explain later it’s something you start building the moment you’re honest about where you are.

If you’re in the middle of your journey, questioning your next move, or realizing you’ve been playing it safe longer than you should’ve you’ll see yourself in this conversation.

This isn’t advice from someone ahead of you.
It’s perspective from someone walking it in real time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Legacy Building

06:09 The Journey of Starting a Podcast

11:57 The Role of AI in Self-Discovery

18:13 The Importance of Focus and Delegation

23:48 Leading with Legacy vs. Playing it Safe

29:47 The Need for Accountability and Support

41:55 The Power of Accountability and Feedback

49:39 Defining Legacy Beyond Material Success

56:23 Taking Action and Embracing Imperfection