Drop us a message

Vulnerability isn't something we often associate with fathers and sons, but in this raw, emotional episode, two dads and their 20-year-old sons break down those barriers completely. What happens when fathers ask their sons to grade their parenting performance, with nothing held back?

Jean-Jacques (JJ) and Stéphane (our host), who are cousins of the same age, both have sons born in April 2005 – Christian "Kiki" and Julien. Despite their parallel journeys, their paths diverged through divorce and different parenting arrangements. This conversation reveals the profound impact these circumstances had on their father-son relationships.

The young men don't hold back. They discuss what they wish had been different – from the desire for more emotional connection to wishing their fathers had pushed them harder in sports. Particularly moving is Julien's revelation about growing up primarily without his father after divorce, and how this created both appreciation for the time they did have and regret for what was missed. Kiki opens up about the communication difficulties that led him to feel isolated despite living with both parents.

What makes this conversation extraordinary isn't just the honesty, but the grace with which these young men view their fathers' imperfections. They acknowledge that their dads were navigating parenthood without a roadmap, often trying to break cycles from their own Haitian upbringing while figuring out the delicate balance between pushing their sons toward excellence and nurturing their emotional well-being.

The conversation culminates with both sons expressing how they envision their relationships evolving as they move deeper into adulthood – with hopes for friendship, mentorship, and continued growth together. Their insights offer a powerful template for how father-son relationships can mature and heal with honest communication.

Ready to examine your own parenting journey or understand your relationship with your father in a new light? This episode will inspire you to have the difficult, necessary conversations that lead to deeper connection and healing. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of authentic manhood.

Thank you for supporting us by following the show, leaving a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and sharing with your family. We'll catch you next week when we share conversations surrounding real issues we deal with every day. Manhood Matters.

Support the show

Email us at manhoodmatterspodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on all Socials: Manhood Matters Podcast

Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

Sponsored by www.OnsiteLabs.net
(833) 878-3323