Raising Men

Raising Men is a podcast about parenting, masculinity, and the lifelong journey of raising sons—and ourselves—to be men of courage, character, and purpose. Hosted by Shaun Dawson, each episode features real conversations with parents, leaders, and thinkers redefining what it means to raising men in today’s world.

Raising Men is a kids podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 65 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Raising Men, a kids show with 65 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #63

  Why Parenting Boys is Harder Than Ever with Jennifer L. W. Fink

  Aug 17, 202640 min

  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 to the loss of traditional community institutions, and offer practical ways mothers and fathers can foster real-world connections. Ultimately, Jennifer shares why looking past idealized expectations to truly connect with the boy right in front of you is the most powerful principle for raising great men. Key Takeaways Developmental Timing Matters: Male developmental progress often differs from female timelines, and expecting young boys to sit still or perform academically too early can lead to unnecessary pathologizing. Connection Over Absence of Sickness: True health and positive growth require active, forward-thinking support rather than simply trying to avoid negative outcomes or misbehavior. Role Models Don't Need Perfection: Male influences and mentors do not have to be flawless to provide valuable guidance, life lessons, and positive examples for young boys. Digital Pressures Require Vigilance: Modern boys face intense online environments, making intentional offline experiences and real-world relationships crucial for their growth. Mothers and Fathers Face Distinct Pressures: Parents carry intense societal expectations regarding their sons' performance and behavior, making clear communication and patience essential. Chapter Markers 04:39 Why Building Boys was written and released in paperback 08:17 Health vs absence of sickness in raising boys 10:30 Expectations vs reality and developmental differences 14:17 Navigating school systems and male teacher shortages 19:48 Why parenting boys is harder today than a decade ago 22:23 Social media algorithms and permanent digital records 27:20 Crumbling community institutions and parental pressure 31:01 Finding masculine role models for sons without fathers in the home 34:10 Embracing imperfection in mentors and role models 38:47 The danger of seeking perfection over good guidance 40:51 The one principle for raising excellent men: Connect with the boy in front of you Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands Males by Jennifer L.W. Fink https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/building-boys-9798216455615/ ) & use promo code GLR RN2 On Boys Podcast hosted by Jennifer L.W. Fink https://www.jenniferlwfink.com https://www.on-boys-podcast.com/ Suffering Model: Suffering occurs when expectations do not match reality, which can be used intentionally to drive growth or unintentionally through misunderstandings.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #62

  Guided Meditation with Marc Krusin

  Aug 13, 202618 min

  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 Box breathing serves as an incredibly effective, accessible tool to instantly soothe the nervous system and relax the physical body. Actively observing and counting your thoughts automatically slows them down by creating distance between your identity and the mental noise. Genuine mindfulness means training an awareness muscle to consistently return to the present moment without passing judgment on your mental state. Shifting attention away from specific content to focus on the physical space around you gives an overstimulated mind a rare opportunity to rest. Intuitive solutions, professional efficiency, and deeper relationship connection emerge naturally when we stop chasing every passing thought. We think we are our thoughts. We think that what we're thinking is literally us. But when we start to have the intention to observe them, that means that if we're observing them, they can't be us. Presence allows us to just be infinitely more efficient and effective in terms of our thinking and in terms of our tasks and in terms of our workflow. 00:00 Welcome 01:15 Four-count box breathing exercise 01:42 Live breathing 03:29 Watching the mind exercise 04:43 Observing and counting internal thoughts 05:34 Tracking racing thoughts 06:04 Consciousness observing our thoughts 11:21 Shaun’s mountain ski lift metaphor 15:30 Practicing sensory awareness 22:54 The costs of context switching and the benefits of mindfulness Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Email: marc@marckrusin.com https://www.marckrusin.com/ Website: The Bright Path https://www.thebrightpath.com/en/ Framework - Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts. Framework - Watching the Mind: The intentional act of observing and counting thoughts to build an awareness muscle and separate identity from mental chatter. Framework - Spatial Awareness Rest: Intentionally shifting attention from specific objects or content to rest on the physical space between yourself and your device, or the space within the entire room.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #61

  Navigating the Pink Light with Mayra Clay and Marc Krusin

  Aug 10, 202639 min

  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 conversation explores how parents model emotional regulation for their sons, navigating intense childhood triggers through calm presence rather than frustration. By shifting away from control and embracing simple daily practices, parents can help their children develop long-term internal resilience. Key Takeaways Inner Peace vs. Outer Stillness: True meditation and presence address internal mental turmoil rather than forcing an artificial state of external quiet. Leading by Example: Children absorb emotional regulation by watching their parents remain calm and fully present during challenging moments. Flexible Integration: Ascension meditation techniques can be practiced with eyes open during daily interactions, seamlessly fitting into a busy schedule. Separating Frustration from Correction: Addressing a child's unkind or dangerous behavior from a state of pure presence is far more effective than reacting out of personal anger or embarrassment. The Limited Window: The timeframe during which children are deeply open to parental guidance is short, making daily presence essential. "It's not about escaping from daily life, it's about becoming fully present within daily life. "Children are so present, they're often not really the ones that are a problem... it's really us that try and control them. "There is a fundamental distinction between inner turmoil and outer freneticness." 00:00 Digital noise and raising sons in an always-on world 01:05 Introduction 02:08 Explaining the foundations of Bright Path Ascension Meditation 03:40 Shaun on levelheadedness, triggers, and childhood anger 06:33 Inner turmoil versus outer stillness in active children 08:33 Modeling emotional presence and self-regulation for kids 13:30 Using prefrontal cortex awareness over reactive emotional states 19:20 Practicing eyes-open meditation techniques during daily routines 22:28 The origin and message behind The Boy in the Pink Light 27:03 Cultural perspectives on masculinity between Mexico and the UK 31:46 How internal emotional stress affects young boys beneath the surface 34:48 One principle for parents: getting present and honoring the short window Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Bright Path Ascension Meditation: A simple meditation practice based on praise, gratitude, love, and appreciation, adaptable for eyes-closed or eyes-open daily use. The Boy in the Pink Light: A children's book by Mayra Clay designed to guide kids and parents toward internal heart-centered awareness. Conan the Barbarian vs. Sherlock Holmes Brain: Shaun Dawson's neuroscience metaphor contrasting reactive amygdala responses with logical prefrontal cortex processing.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #60

  How a Father's Calm Sets the Tone for the Home with Mike Elliot

  Aug 6, 202650 min

  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 masturbation"—over-consuming self-help content without taking real-world action—and illustrate how an under-resourced man can inadvertently create unsafety at home. Ultimately, this powerful episode serves as a compelling call for men to seek authentic brotherhood, confront their inner wounds, and embrace the tenderness of their own hearts. Key Takeaways Emotional safety in the home is a father's most essential provision, rendering material wealth meaningless if relationships remain toxic or disconnected. Healthy initiation requires intentional tension and pressure followed by community integration to transform a boy into a grounded man. Over-consuming information without real-world application acts as a distraction that leaves men weaker and disconnected from their bodies. An under-resourced man who neglects his physical, mental, or spiritual well-being becomes reactive and creates unsafety for his family. True brotherhood relies on relational reciprocity, requiring men to build safe spaces where they can express vulnerability and hold each other accountable. If we don't have emotional safety in our homes, the paycheck and how it is used is worthless. - Mike Elliott If we have an under resourced man, we have a dangerous man. - Mike Elliott True leadership that's embodied and connected to real life is a man that is so clear in the direction that he's going that the environment he creates around his very presence is nourishing to himself and to everyone around him." - Mike Elliott 00:00 - The essence of true brotherhood and emotional legacy 01:34 - Introducing relational guide Mike Elliott 02:24 - Redefining the provider role beyond the paycheck 06:50 - Money as a tool vs a false sense of security 12:16 - Understanding the ancient framework of male initiation 17:36 - Why community integration converts challenge into strength 21:30 - Overcoming information overload and mental masturbation 25:36 - Defining embodied leadership in everyday life 28:00 - The danger of an under-resourced and disconnected man 34:31 - How parental presence supports a child's emotional health 40:24 - Finding the core relationships that sharpen your character 46:00 - Embracing the tenderness of a man's hear Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Dr. Dan Siegel's Childhood Integration Framework – Psychological work on emotional health and how parents make sense of their past. The Initiated Man – Mike Elliott's training program and community designed for male initiation. Skool Community – The online platform hosting the Initiated Man community https://skool.com/initiatedman Relational Reciprocity Framework – The practice of mutual accountability and safe vulnerability between trusted men.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #58

  What Sadistic AI, Bare feet, and a Talking Cat All Have to do with Raising Men

  Jul 30, 202614 min

  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 protective values under extreme pressure. Drawing on insights from previous podcast guests, Shaun breaks down how fathers can model emotional regulation, teach their sons to embrace agency over despair, and guide them through their own modern "dungeons" without resorting to rigid aggression or passive avoidance. Key Takeaways Dungeon Crawler Carl as a Modern Metaphor: The abrupt, unfair world collapse in the book mirrors how the modern world, filled with constant digital stimulation and shifting rules, often feels to young boys today. Conan Brain vs. Sherlock Brain: When facing chaotic or unfair situations, boys are tempted to react from their amygdala ("Conan brain") with panic or anger. Self-mastery comes from shifting into the prefrontal cortex ("Sherlock brain") to strategically ask, "What is my next move?". Agency Over Victimhood: The system wants young men to feel like victims because victims panic and make entertaining mistakes. True strength lies in taking complete ownership of the parts of life you can control. Values Define True Strength: Real strength isn't posturing or puffing out your chest; it's standing between harm and the people you're responsible for while maintaining disciplined values. Co-Regulating Through Distress: When kids spiral, get angry, or face fears, fathers must stay in their "Sherlock brain" to model emotional regulation rather than reacting to their child's anger with aggression. "And it turns out that it's also kind of a tactical manual for modern male agency disguised as a ridiculous sci-fi book series." — Shaun Dawson Shaun Dawson introduces an unexpected source of tactical manual lessons for modern male agency The wild opening premise of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Comparing Earth's flattened structure to the modern world young men face today How young men are nudged toward passive consumption anger and despair Shifting out of the reactive Conan Brain and into the strategic Sherlock Brain Recalling David Rossi's framework on processing emotional data vs spiritual self-mastery Overriding physical panic by choosing values and something bigger to protect Connecting Aaron Blaine's Green Beret principles of evaluating ground realities and serving last Why posturing isn't real strength and the trap fathers fall into during kid distress How the dungeon wants people to act like victims and why we must reject that identity A personal moment with Shaun's son realizing his parents will eventually die Shaun's unexpected joy in discovering the massive Dungeon Crawler Carl fanbase at Comic-Con Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned Books & Media Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book Series) by Matt Dinniman Dungeon Crawler Carl (Audiobook Version) 00:00 – Introduction: Tactical manual disguised as sci-fi 01:30 – The wild premise of Dungeon Crawler Carl 03:20 – Parallels between the dungeon and modern boyhood challenges 04:44 – Systems nudging young men toward despair and outrage 05:20 – Conan Brain vs. Sherlock Brain under pressure 06:56 – Processing emotional data: Lessons from Dave Rossi 08:30 – Overriding physical panic by protecting core values 09:22 – Green Beret principles: Lessons from Aaron Blaine 10:49 – Real strength vs. posturing and dad traps 12:54 – Rejecting victimhood and keeping personal agency 14:39 – A father's role when sons face life's heavy dungeons Podcast Episodes & Guests Mentioned Episode 12: Dave Rossi https://raising.men/episodes/the-imperative-habit-of-raising-conscious-young-men-with-dave-rossi Episode 15: Aaron Blaine https://raising.men/episodes/battles-before-the-battlefield-aaron-blaine-on-becoming-the-father-he-never-had Episode 10: Dr. Daniel Singley https://raising.men/episodes/the-psychology-of-raising-emotionally-healthy-boys-with-dr-daniel-singley Frameworks & Concepts Two-Brain Theory (Conan the Barbarian Brain vs. Sherlock Holmes Brain): A neuroscience metaphor contrasting the reactive, survival-driven amygdala (Conan) with the deliberate, strategic prefrontal cortex (Sherlock)[cite: 1, 2]. Emotional Data vs. Meaning (Dave Rossi): Recognizing fear, anger, and panic as raw biological feedback (data) rather than letting impulse define the outcome. Evaluating Ground Realities (Aaron Blaine / Military Leadership): Accepting the unchosen environment as it is, maintaining core values, and executing with calm discipline

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Raising Men. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.