Episode 29: Faith, Franchising & Fortunes: How John Hewitt Built Loyalty Brands

2.1 Kevin & Axel: Confidence Through Identity, Emotions as a Guy, and the Fishing Trip Disaster

In the first episode of Season 2, Kevin and Axel talk about confidence, validation, emotions, goals, and the pressure young guys feel to figure themselves out early. What starts with fishing trip stories, golf, and losing phones turns into a real conversation about identity, self-worth, and becoming a man. Full Episode Description Season 2 opens with Kevin and Axel catching up after the break and talking through some of the stuff most fathers and sons never really say out loud. They get into confidence, insecurity, emotions, self-worth, and the pressure a lot of young guys feel to already have life figured out. Along the way, they tell stories about disastrous fishing trips, losing phones in ponds, golf tournaments, favorite movies, and why confidence usually has a lot more to do with identity than people think. One of the biggest conversations in the episode centers around validation — why so many people look to other people for approval before they ever learn to be proud of themselves first. They also talk about emotional honesty, masculinity, learning how to communicate, and why being confident doesn’t always mean being loud. The conversation shifts naturally between funny and serious without forcing either one — which is what makes the episode feel real. This episode is for dads raising boys, teenagers trying to build confidence, and honestly anyone still figuring themselves out a little bit. Timestamps 0:01: Introduction to Season 2. 0:26: Excitement about the new season and lineup. 1:04: Discussion about braces and retainers. 2:06: Funny story about wearing the wrong underwear. 3:28: Recap of a fishing trip and mishaps. 4:26: Losing a phone in the pond and learning poker. 6:14: Goals for 2026 and personal growth. 7:09: Desire to learn new skills like backflipping. 8:12: Family updates and reflections on past year. 9:37: Discussion on natural gifts and confidence. 11:25: Favorite movies and TV shows. 13:13: Enjoyment of romantic comedies and reality TV. 14:31: Staying motivated and expressing emotions. 15:38: Importance of identity in achieving goals. 16:27: Upcoming interviews and plans for Season 2. 17:17: Closing remarks and reflections. About the Podcast Making A Man is a father-son podcast about confidence, discipline, masculinity, identity, emotions, and growing into the kind of man you actually respect. Through real conversations, stories, and lessons learned the hard way, Kevin and Axel talk through the stuff most people avoid — without pretending to have everything figured out.

Episode 31. Raise Your Game: Communication Strategies That Actually Work

In this episode of Making a Man, communication coach Don Weber shares his journey from government operations to coaching CEOs. Discover insights on leadership, empathy, youth communication challenges, and the power of long-term thinking. A must-listen for aspiring leaders and young men seeking personal growth.

Episode 30. The Mindset That Builds Champions with Kris Gethin

In this episode of Making a Man, fitness icon Kris Gethin shares his journey from motocross racer to global transformation coach. Discover expert tips on bodyweight training, discipline, clean eating, and why accountability is the key to lasting change. A must-listen for anyone serious about fitness, mindset, and self-improvement.

Episode 29: Faith, Franchising & Fortunes: How John Hewitt Built Loyalty Brands

Think you’re cut out to be an entrepreneur? Think again. In Episode 29 of Making a Man, legendary business leader John Hewitt—founder of Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax, and Loyalty Brands—reveals hard truths about success, faith in business, and why most people fail at franchising. A must-listen for anyone serious about building a business that lasts.

Episode 28. A Father and Son Talk About Growing Up and Getting Better

In Episode 28 of Making a Man, father and son duo Kevin and Axel share a powerful and entertaining conversation about growing up, motivation, and leadership. Axel opens up about school struggles, learning from failure, and his dreams of becoming a CEO, while Kevin offers life advice, parenting insights, and lessons from the 80s. This episode covers topics like teen discipline, youth leadership development, the role of AI in education, and how activities like skateboarding and guitar can teach resilience. Ideal for parents raising boys, educators, and anyone interested in real conversations about personal growth and modern parenting. If you enjoy podcasts like The Diary of a CEO, Modern Wisdom, or Armchair Expert, this episode offers a similar mix of humor, heart, and helpful takeaways for families and young men.