Growth Is Painful | An Uncomfortable Truth About Comparisons | #2GMHC | Ep 34

Growth Is Painful | An Uncomfortable Truth About Comparisons | #2GMHC | Ep 34

Growth vs. Comparison: Preparing, Evolving, and Staying Present | 2 Grown Men Having A Conversation In this episode of “2 Grown Men Having A Conversation,” Joe T and D Johns talk about evolving through real growth instead of chasing money, status, or other people’s “goalposts.” They discuss how comparison and ego can make growth feel painful, why “ready” is just a feeling while preparation is the real foundation, and how focusing too far ahead can make you miss the present. Joe T reflects on post-incarceration pressure to “catch up,” the importance of saying no and not enabling unhealthy patterns, and how isolation can be dangerous without accountability. They also explore removing the desire behind harmful habits, being honest about inner thoughts, learning from wise counsel, and collaborating creatively while telling authentic stories. Subscribe to the channel, and comment which part of the conversation hit you the most. 00:00 Growth Over Chasing 01:08 Show Intro And Check In 02:33 Behind After Prison 05:24 Painful Growth Mindset 07:59 Ego And Old Friends 10:57 Prepared Not Just Ready 17:42 Marriage Prep And Advice 20:35 Live In The Now 22:15 Knowing Yourself For Change 24:33 Digging Into Root Causes 26:50 Killing the Desire 28:18 Confession and Accountability 29:07 Isolation vs Community 31:07 Telling the Whole Story 34:27 Growth Box and Real Struggles 37:52 Committed to Solutions 39:46 Collaboration Builds Characters 41:59 Growth and New Perspectives 44:07 Mock Trials and Proof 47:22 Health Benefits of Growth 48:31 Closing Reflections #MensMentalHealth #VulnerableConversation #ChristianMen #RelationshipAdvice #OvercomingAddiction #believers Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii 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://houseoflkjj.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 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 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 ®

Cutting Through On Social Media | YouTube Is A Network | #2GMHC | Ep 33

Transfer Traffic to YouTube: Consistency, Reposting, and Why YouTube Pays More Joe T and D Johns discuss social media growth and monetization, emphasizing that consistency is key and that creators must intentionally transfer traffic from Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to YouTube. They describe YouTube as the hardest platform to build but the most valuable because it pays best, keeps older videos circulating in the algorithm, and makes creators feel like “household names,” unlike Facebook where earnings reset and older posts stop making money. They debate cross-posting between Instagram and Facebook, suggest “dead” accounts may need new pages, and stress keeping a product ready and plugging it often. They share tactics like reposting content, changing titles to revive clips, deleting and reposting underperforming posts, and staying authentic rather than manufacturing drama, while building community over vanity metrics. 00:00 Hooking Stories to YouTube 00:46 Show Intro and Consistency 01:14 Life Updates and Momentum 02:00 Brand Shoutout Listen More 03:42 Cross Platform Traffic Strategy 05:35 Facebook and Algorithm Realities 07:19 Reviving Dead Pages 09:40 Plug Your Product Often 12:05 Reposting and Deleting Tactics 15:38 YouTube Pays and Lasts 17:57 Stop Proving People Wrong 18:51 Adapting to UGC Style 19:19 Green Screen Debate 20:11 Notoriety Versus Money 21:44 Building Real Community 23:53 Podcasters And Traffic Loops 25:49 Why Not Watch Longform 29:12 Pivoting Beyond Social Media 30:35 Confidence And Delivery 32:54 Movie Lesson On Confidence 35:47 Final Takeaways And Call To Action #MensMentalHealth #VulnerableConversation #ChristianMen #RelationshipAdvice #OvercomingAddiction #believers Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii [https://instagram.com/bakeriii] 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 [https://thedearsonpodcast.com] Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors: Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.com [https://lovekishaj.com] My ebook: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/dsp-merch-%26-digital/ols/products/20lifepromptsv1 [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 [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://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 ®

I'm Ready | Why Men Should be Certain About Marriage | #2GMHC | Ep 32

The Dear Son Network creates honest conversations about fatherhood, masculinity, and the life lessons many men never hear growing up. 2 Grown Men Having A Conversation: Family Moments, Healing After Prison & Being 1000% Sure About Marriage In this episode of “2 Grown Men Having A Conversation,” the hosts reflect on a refreshing weekend centered on family, growth, and relationships. Joe T shares how serving 10 years in prison reshaped his ability to value present moments, describing emotional highlights from a bridal shower and seeing his mother, sister, daughter, and fiancée Ebony bond in ways he hadn’t witnessed since coming home nearly 10 years ago. They discuss how communication history affects how kids approach parents, fears about blending family dynamics, and the importance of anchoring moments that help couples navigate future challenges. He reaffirms he knew early he would marry Eboni and says the weekend made him even more confident about their future and continued growth together. They also promote a new free site, “Podcast Circuit,” designed to connect podcast hosts with potential guests by category. 00:00 Prison Gratitude Mindset 00:51 Show Intro And Check In 01:47 Letting Your Teen Drive 02:33 Kids Hesitation And Communication 04:05 Ask Anyway In Life 05:01 Weekend Anchoring Moments 10:29 Family Bonding After Time Lost 15:40 Blending Families And In Laws 19:26 Certain About Marriage 20:52 Growing Together Over Time 22:47 Wedding Day Emotions 24:13 Partners Reflect Choices 24:37 Accountability In Love 25:27 Creating Emotional Safety 26:41 Italy Trip Logistics 27:37 Atlanta Airport Survival 28:41 Building Podcast Circuit 32:07 Social Media Comment Culture 35:36 Wedding Motivation Surge 38:24 Misread Clips And Titles 41:19 Easter Naming Debate 42:10 Emotional Growth With Partner 44:46 Closing Spoken Word Outro #MensMentalHealth #VulnerableConversation #ChristianMen #RelationshipAdvice #OvercomingAddiction #believers Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii 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://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.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 ®

My Past Deserves A Pass | We Gotta Do Better | #2GMHC | Ep 31

2 Grown Men Talk Internet Culture, Grace, and Putting Each Other On In this episode of “2 Grown Men Having A Conversation,” Joe T and D Johns discuss how the internet amplifies conflict, rumor, and commentary, making it harder for people to move on from past battles and mistakes. They react to a recent Jay interview and his point that rap beef used to be contained but now can spill into attempts to destroy lives, families, and reputations. They talk about community accountability, the danger of disposable soundbite culture, and how content creation can turn malice into a persona that becomes hard to escape. They explore judging people based on when you met them, referencing the Diddy conversation and similar comments about other figures, and emphasize growth and grace over jealousy. They close by encouraging Black creators to collaborate and announce a “DW Black Owned Businesses” show coming in April. 00:00 Why Tear Us Down 00:36 Grace Based On Experience 01:05 Two Grown Men Intro 02:09 Learning The Interview Process 03:16 You Cant Win Comments 04:06 Jay Interview Internet Reaction 07:32 Battles Changed By Internet 09:28 Fan Wars Turn Dangerous 12:49 Disposable Culture And Feeds 14:35 Candace Owens Media Machine 16:18 Joy Or Jealousy Mindset 18:30 Find The Why Behind Feelings 19:41 Jealousy Hurts Everyone 20:32 Content With Hidden Malice 21:44 Raised On Social Media 23:23 Chasing What Works 24:02 Real Impact Over Money 26:05 Pivoting From A Persona 28:09 Meeting People Where They Are 31:09 Nothing Dies On The Internet 33:01 Putting Each Other On 40:02 Next Projects And Wrap Up #MensMentalHealth #VulnerableConversation #ChristianMen #RelationshipAdvice #OvercomingAddiction #believers Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii 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://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.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 ®

Why Men Minimize Their Feelings | I'm Fine. Just Let Me Be. | #2GMHC | Ep 30

2 Grown Men Talk: Men, Pain, and Learning to Celebrate Progress Joe T and D Johns check in on their moods and faith, including a devotion practice centered on “being anxious about nothing.” D Johns details a much needed car worship moment after taking his mother-in-law to the airport. The conversation shifts to what pain men keep to themselves, prompted by the show “Blue Therapy,” and explores how men often default to problem-solving, minimizing feelings, and moving on quickly rather than expressing emotions. They discuss the importance of choosing a partner who can handle honesty without “fixing,” avoiding overstimulation, and not creating self-imposed pressure. They also talk about resentment, PDA and assumptions, routines becoming manipulative, and the need to celebrate relationship milestones (like improved communication) through intentional habits such as date nights, while continuing personal growth and gratitude. 00:00 Cold Open and Setup 00:11 Show Intro and Check In 01:25 Devotion and Worship Ride 02:56 Blue Therapy Sparks a Question 04:10 Men and Emotional Expression 08:07 Letting Your Partner In 09:49 Carrying the Load and Misread Signals 12:04 Self Made Pressure and Lifestyle 20:42 Why Peace Beats Pain Talk 22:17 Tools for Handling Pain 23:50 Stop Chasing Lessons 25:00 Celebrate The Wins 26:29 Plan Monthly Celebrations 27:16 Date Nights Got Lost 29:12 Wedding Is Just A Moment 29:56 Ego And Vulnerability 33:29 Routine Or Manipulation 35:23 Long Love Still Learns 37:26 Past Shackles And Healing 42:05 Keys To Your Joy 45:01 Choosing Peace Daily 46:31 Gratitude And Gospel #MensMentalHealth #VulnerableConversation #ChristianMen #RelationshipAdvice #OvercomingAddiction #believers Follow Joe T: https://instagram.com/bakeriii 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://dear-son-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/the-dear-son-show Love Kisha J Studios: https://lovekishaj.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 ®