Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

Dear Son: Tomorrow Isn’t Promised — Condensing the Lessons, Health Wake-Ups & Dating vs. Marriage Energy

Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac open the Dear Son Show by reflecting on health wake-up calls, accountability, and support Jey has received while chronicling his fitness and recovery journey. They emphasize that tomorrow isn’t promised and urge parents to “condense” key conversations with their kids rather than delaying important lessons. They discuss how children can misread a parent’s communication, reinforce that love and frustration can coexist, and argue that correction shows belief in a child. The conversation shifts to relationships: distinguishing lust, love, sex, and long-term consequences, warning against applying “marriage energy” in dating, and advising sons to understand value, phases, and self-awareness. They also defend having practical talks about protection without “letting the streets” educate kids, encouraging listeners to stop leaving critical conversations to chance.

00:00 Cold Open Banter

00:51 Welcome to Dear Son

01:31 Health Scare Update

02:58 Fitness Accountability Plan

04:37 Tomorrow Isn’t Promised

07:43 Condense the Lessons

10:58 Love Not Performance

15:54 Correction Means Belief

19:25 Dating vs Marriage Energy

24:19 Commitment Clocks

26:20 Environment Shapes Love

27:38 Fixer Fantasy Trap

29:26 Value Over Hope

33:16 Sex Love Decoupling

35:32 Real Talk Protection

38:33 Talk Before Streets

42:55 Conversations Cost

44:51 Final Thanks Goodbye

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonshop.store

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

From Gangs to Purpose: Louie McClain II on Fatherhood, Identity, and Building Pathways

On The Dear Son Show, host (D Johns) converses with Louie McClain II from Arlington, Texas, who recounts getting involved in gangs, hiding violence and drug activity from his Liberian immigrant mother, and a pivotal school incident caught on camera that devastated her. Louie explains how seeking protection, acceptance, clout, and a father figure drew him deeper into that life amid a diverse, volatile environment, while his biological father was largely absent after moving to Delaware and later kicked him out. After college in Pensacola studying criminal justice, he found purpose helping at-risk young men and worked in juvenile justice for seven years. Now a father of two, he discusses being unprepared for parenting, challenges of having hard conversations with kids, and building a clear vision through entrepreneurship, including Melanin Origins, The Meditative Coach, and leading the nonprofit Building Pathways to connect disadvantaged people to high-paying construction careers.

00:00 Caught on Camera

00:22 Purpose From Pain

00:57 Welcome to Dear Son

01:53 Optimism and Enthusiasm

02:48 Leaving Home and College

03:48 Arlington and Gang Life

04:47 Why Criminal Justice

06:35 Drawn to the Streets

08:55 Home Life and Hiding It

11:32 School Fight Intervention

13:25 Acceptance and Father Figures

16:32 Identity as African American

17:38 Biological Father Story

23:15 What a Father Absence Costs

25:26 Needing Dad at Any Age

26:54 Custody And Ages

27:29 Unprepared Fatherhood

29:01 Choosing To Be Present

30:24 Learning A New Blueprint

32:13 What To Tell The Kids

34:45 Timing Hard Conversations

38:20 Work Versus Family

41:30 Becoming This Version

44:01 Building Melanin Origins

45:05 Vision And Identity Shift

50:38 Building Pathways Mission

55:20 Where To Find Him

56:00 Closing Thoughts

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk #DearSon #Fatherhood #JuvenileJustice #SecondChances #Mentorship #FatherSon #YouthMentoring #Redemption

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonshop.store

Follow Louie: https://instagram.com/meditativecoach

https://buildingpathway.org

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

Dear Son: Which Side of the Process Are You On? Boundaries, Criticism & Real Growth

On The Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss how society treats disagreement and criticism, arguing that always “taking the high road” can enable disrespect if boundaries aren’t set and enforced. They explore “which side of the process” you’re on—waiting for outcomes versus doing the work—using an orange vs. fresh-squeezed juice analogy, and connect it to parenting, public perception, and social media clips shaping opinions. They emphasize training people how to treat you, defending your name when boundaries are breached, and teaching children awareness, environment-reading, and how behavior communicates value—especially in risky social settings. The episode closes with announcements of a docuseries and live event, and a personal doc-style segment beginning August 15, 2026, following a 90-day health journey after a dangerous blood-pressure reading and a commitment to lifestyle and nutrition changes.

00:00 Disagreeing Feels Forbidden

00:59 Meet Dear Son Show

01:23 Texas Heat Warmup

01:49 Which Side of Process

02:26 Orange Juice Mindset

03:23 Critics and High Road

04:50 Parenting Under Scrutiny

05:53 Kids Pushback Dialogues

08:32 Dishes Lesson Boundaries

10:41 Clips and Misjudgment

11:08 Stop Taking High Road

15:36 Training Treatment Boundaries

16:56 Defending Your Name

18:22 Knowing Your Worth

19:10 Value Shown Not Said

19:38 Common Denominator Check

20:23 Dump Truck Or Jewel Box

22:21 Teaching Kids Awareness

24:43 Environments Shape You

29:00 Twenties Are Theory

29:38 Consequences Lag Lesson

31:33 Elders Were Right

33:26 Network Updates And Events

34:56 High Road And Gratitude

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonshop.store

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

NéAndré Broussard on Fatherhood, Vulnerability & Building Blac Menswear | Dear Son Show

On The Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with NéAndré Broussard—child of God, husband, father, and visionary entrepreneur—about how his Marine father’s disciplined presence shaped his approach to parenting, structure, and being a dad who’s not a friend. Broussard shares how corporate travel and the loneliness of hotel life pushed him toward full-time entrepreneurship, and how his wife Erica’s support, therapy, and better communication helped him lead through a difficult transition while learning to be vulnerable. He explains Blac Menswear’s mission to change narratives about Black men through content, storytelling, experiences, service, and global brotherhood, including navigating early backlash and defining excellence as aspirational. Broussard credits the vision’s origin to Philando Castile’s killing and describes goals to become a destination platform for Black men. Subscribe and comment with the moment that resonated most.

00:00 Backlash and Criticism

01:00 Show Welcome and Guest Intro

03:00 Roots in Houston and Dallas

03:47 Marine Dad to Softer Side

07:14 Presence Is Production

11:33 Hotel Door Turning Point

15:45 Wife as the Rock

20:04 Rough Transition and Therapy

26:46 Modeling Conflict for Kids

28:57 Nonverbal Damage Lessons

30:36 Raising Boys Presently

34:07 Travel Mindset Lessons

35:51 Father Not Friend

37:52 What Is Blac Menswear

42:05 Excellence As Standard

45:27 Backlash And Staying Ten Toes

51:34 Vision Sparked By Philando

57:31 Essence For Men Dream

01:01:34 Vulnerability Advice To Sons

01:04:34 Where To Find Him

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1

My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

Dear Son: Where Did That Come From? Why Examples, Culture, and Honesty Matter

Hosts D Johns and Jey Blac open The Dear Son Show with light family updates, then center the episode on the question, “Son, where did that come from?”—a prompt for understanding the roots of a child’s emotions, choices, and hesitation to communicate. They discuss why examples matter in learning decency and relationship skills, how cultural norms shape expectations and conflict, and why authenticity—rather than sending a “representative”—is crucial in dating and marriage. The conversation stresses sharing age-appropriate real-life stories and lessons, addressing red flags and abusive behavior early, and not covering for harmful actions to avoid consequences. They emphasize checking children’s reactions in sports and life, being intentional about trade-offs, and using honest dialogue to equip sons beyond what they observe at home.

00:00 Fatherhood Reference Point

00:42 Show Intro and Hosts

01:05 Back to School Pickup Chaos

02:09 Grandbaby Turns Two

03:47 Where Did That Come From

06:19 Comment Sparked the Topic

08:58 Why Examples Matter

11:53 Decency vs Relationship History

14:52 Cultural Norms and Ethnocentrism

18:29 Family Culture Inside the House

19:14 Kids Growing Up and Parenting Shifts

20:59 Authenticity in Relationships

22:23 Safety Nonnegotiables

23:52 Tell The Whole Story

25:50 Drop The Representative

33:43 Dating Without Attachments

35:29 Modeling Is Not Enough

37:43 Checking Aggression Early

41:17 Stop Covering Abuse

46:45 Tradeoffs And Farewell

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

The Dear Son, Shop: https://thedearsonshop.store

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

Dear Son: Who Do You Think You Are? | Lessons vs. Examples, Ego, and Receiving Wisdom

In this episode of The Dear Son Show, hosts Jey Blac and D Johns discuss identity and the question “Who do you think you are?” through fatherhood, focusing on how people—especially younger generations—often discredit advice by “considering the source” rather than the lesson. They debate whether someone with failures (like multiple divorces or an overweight doctor) can still offer valid wisdom, and warn against seeking to invalidate others, getting stuck on word choice (like “universe” vs. God), or creating echo chambers. They explore how God’s answers may come in unexpected “packaging,” how disregarding guidance can become self-sabotage, and how imposter syndrome and feeling undeserving can undermine growth. The hosts share personal reflections on parenting, missed opportunities, and staying open to learning from anywhere, then preview upcoming Dear Son Network projects including a series with Jey Blac’s dad and a health documentary.

00:00 Lessons for My Kids

00:51 Welcome to Dear Son

01:55 Episode Theme Identity

03:27 Parents Get Dismissed

05:00 Consider the Source

06:59 Invalidation Culture

10:48 Doctor Example Marketing

13:36 Universe vs God Wordplay

17:50 Don’t Worship People

20:14 Sports Coach Breakthrough

23:47 Adult Children Advice

24:09 Lessons for My Kids

25:06 Consistency Beats Hype

26:23 Shortcut Wisdom Story

30:03 Dad’s Missed Opportunities

32:07 Beyond Your Bubble

34:46 Stop Asking Why Me

38:14 Imposter Syndrome Trap

40:15 Fatherhood Second Chances

43:10 Network Projects Update

46:00 Closing Thanks

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1

My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

Carlton Young (CY) on PTSD, Fatherhood, and Leading From Clarity | Dear Son Show

On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with guest Carlton Young (CY, “Mr. 8020”) about fatherhood, identity, and healing through faith and self-awareness. CY shares his background growing up in Birmingham, being adopted by his stepfather, and learning discipline and work ethic from a stern but present dad. He explains how trauma—including being shot at Fort Hood, multiple surgeries, lasting numbness, and an unrecovered bullet near his spine—contributed to PTSD, anxiety, and damaged relationships, including the collapse of his first marriage and strain in his second. CY describes confronting “survival scripts,” improving communication, forgiving himself, and renewing his mind through daily time with God. He discusses writing The Discipline to Finish, leading Mindset U, and his goal to impact a million men by helping them lead from clarity, not chaos.

00:00 Surviving the Shooting

00:38 Welcome to Dear Son

01:52 How’s Your Heart

02:19 Communication and Leadership

04:41 Roots and Survival Scripts

07:29 Growing Up Overseas

09:18 A Stern but Present Dad

12:29 Learning to Say I Love You

13:37 Parenting and Hard Feedback

15:06 Shot at Fort Hood

16:23 Joining the Army Fast

23:20 Leaving the Military

23:44 Starting Over in Dallas

24:54 Work Hustle and Uncertainty

26:41 Career Pivots

28:00 Sales Inspiration

28:45 Fatherhood After Trauma

29:38 Faith Awakening

33:24 PTSD And Healing

35:36 Repairing Family Bonds

39:21 Self Forgiveness

42:01 Writing The Book

45:04 Stewarding The Calling

47:19 Mission For Men

53:21 Where To Find Him

54:42 Final Reflections

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Follow CY: https://instagram.com/iam8020nation and www.carlton-young.com

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1

My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

Dear Son, I’m Disappointed: How Fathers Can Communicate Disappointment Without Damaging Trust

In this episode of The Dear Son Show, hosts D Johns and Jey Blac discuss how fathers can communicate disappointment in ways that teach growth without harming a child’s identity. They open with life updates, then frame the topic around being disappointed in one’s parenting approach—especially not exposing children to enough early on and later trying to overcorrect. Using seven research-based prompts, they explore separating identity from behavior, how tone and nonverbal cues can wound, turning disappointment into a conversation instead of a verdict, aiming for growth over guilt, regulating emotions before addressing issues, offering reassurance after accountability, and focusing on what lesson a child will remember long-term. They share personal examples about sarcasm, facial expressions, escalation, consequences, and the importance of revisiting conversations to repair trust.

00:00 Exposure Both Sides

00:57 Show Intro And Hosts

01:18 Conclave Week Talk

02:42 Back To School Reset

04:18 Family Health Updates

05:11 Dear Son Im Disappointed

07:41 Separate Identity Behavior

12:43 Consequences And Accountability

00:12 Tone Speaks Loudest

22:17 Car Wash Teachable Moment

27:20 Conversation Not Verdict

32:31 Breaking Trauma Reactions

33:27 Dad Brain Fence Moment

35:56 Guilt Versus Growth

38:44 Stuck in Guilt Debate

40:47 Calm Teachable Moments

46:56 Reassurance After Accountability

51:17 Lessons Kids Remember

58:35 Closing Intentional Parenting

#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”

Follow James: https://instagram.com/jeyblac

Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:

1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this video,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.

The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:

Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital

Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com

My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1

My book (physical): https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/dear-son-what-i-wish-my-father-told-me-physical-copy

Let’s connect socially:

https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast

https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast

The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community

1. Reveal trauma

2. Heal from trauma

3. Help through telling stories of it all

“Better Man. Better Father.”

The Dear Son, Network ®