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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.

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Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner

Sponsored by www.OnsiteLabs.net
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What does it take to abandon the safe path and build a business from scratch in your early twenties? Vince Starrs (29) and Justin Bradford (22) reveal the raw truth behind their entrepreneurial journeys, from teenage side hustles to founding thriving tech companies.

These young founders share a refreshing perspective on success that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than asking "what if I fail?" they've built their careers on the mindset of "even if it takes time, I'll succeed." Their stories debunk the myth that you need privileged backgrounds or extensive formal education to create wealth – instead, they emphasize the power of proximity to success, learning through action, and unwavering persistence.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when they discuss their deliberate decision to remain single during these formative business years. "The best women are behind a paywall," Vince explains, suggesting that focusing on personal development first creates better relationship opportunities later. While potentially controversial, their perspective reveals a strategic approach to life planning that prioritizes long-term vision over immediate gratification.

Most compelling is their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: isolation to hear your internal voice, learning to say no to distractions, identifying blue ocean opportunities, and embracing failure as essential education. Justin's insight that "we spend so much time listening to outside noises that we lose touch with our internal voices" serves as a powerful reminder for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their path.

Whether you're a young person contemplating entrepreneurship, someone considering a career pivot, or simply fascinated by the mindsets of successful founders, this episode offers practical wisdom and genuine inspiration from two individuals who've rejected conventional paths to create extraordinary results on their own terms.

RESOURCES:

Essentialism by Greg McKeown https://a.co/d/eMIUz62

Blue Ocean Strategy by Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne https://a.co/d/73wJ8Rv

FOLLOW @vincestars & @justinthementor on IG

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

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When a new self-appointed relationship "guru" begins racking up millions of views on social media with inflammatory advice about men, women, and money, the Manhood Matters team steps in to set the record straight. This episode dissects the dangerous trend of unqualified influencers who gain massive followings by pandering to relationship pain points and stoking gender wars for clicks.

The hosts draw a direct parallel to Derek Jackson—the previous relationship advisor who preached standards to women while mistreating his own wife—and unmask how these personalities profit from division. From claims that "no man with real money cares if she's a gold digger" to contradictory advice about texting behaviors, the team breaks down why these viral soundbites attract attention while damaging real relationships.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is how the panel—featuring a therapist, a business owner married 23 years, and other relationship veterans—offers nuanced counterpoints from lived experience. They explore the difference between women desiring security versus being reduced to gold diggers, why financial provision should never equal ownership, and how the best relationships involve mutual contribution beyond money.

Most troublingly, they observe how these harmful messages primarily circulate within the Black community, potentially widening relationship divides rather than healing them. As one host powerfully notes: "I'm convinced social media is about making the human race regress."

Whether you're navigating your own relationship or concerned about the advice your loved ones are consuming online, this episode provides crucial perspective on distinguishing harmful clickbait from genuine relationship wisdom. Join us as we challenge toxic narratives and offer healthier frameworks for understanding partnership, provision, and mutual respect.

What relationship advice have you encountered online that seemed questionable? Share your thoughts and join our growing community of listeners seeking authentic conversations about manhood, relationships, and personal growth.

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