2 Grown Men Talk Validation, Quitting, and God’s Will (Plus Fatherhood Lessons)

Hosts Joe T and D Johns open the episode reflecting on feeling optimistic while also navigating recent slumps and the challenges of staying consistent with their platform. They discuss D Johns' daughter joining a cheer clinic and his concerns about how to encourage her if she faces disappointment, which leads into a deeper conversation about quitting, fear, and preparing the right “keep going” speech as a father. The two explore the habit of doing the “easy thing,” letting themselves off the hook, and how validation from others can stop growth—using examples like drawing, basketball, and creating content when guests cancel. They talk about comparing work in a healthy way as a benchmark, wrestling with pride, and the drive to prove to themselves they can do difficult things, while also reflecting on backgrounds where bigger possibilities didn’t feel accessible. The conversation shifts to instilling belief in children that they can do anything, balancing ambition with humility, and not settling for “good enough.” They also wrestle with interpreting God’s will, avoiding a formulaic faith, and separating identity from results while still being honest about desires—such as building a platform that sustains family, creating financial security, and owning property like a family compound. They emphasize patience, character change, using practical tools and resources, learning to ask for help, and not undervaluing routine skills. The episode closes with a charge referencing 2 Timothy 1:6, encouraging listeners to study the original meaning of “power,” “love,” “sound mind,” and “fear,” and ends with a reflective spoken piece on humility, accountability, pride, and consequences.

00:00 Welcome Back: Windy City Vibes & Checking In

00:18 Optimism After a Slump: Building Together & Turning a Leaf

00:54 Dad Talk: Daughter’s Cheer Clinic, Tryouts & Handling Disappointment

02:43 Filling the Gaps: When Guests Cancel and You Default to the “Easy Thing”

06:12 Validation vs Full Potential: The ‘Good Enough’ Trap

08:08 Healthy Comparison: Benchmarks, Pride, and Avoiding the Results Game

12:08 Proving You Can: Access, Environment, and Breaking Old Limits

14:57 Instilling Belief in Your Kids: Culture at Home & Carrying Family Pressure

18:35 Bittersweet Success: Perfectionism, Settling, and Wrestling With ‘More’

22:00 Faith Check: Is It Really God’s Will?

22:26 Trust, Character & Not Treating the Bible Like a Formula

24:27 Stop Boxing God In: Desires, Worth & Disassociating From Results

27:12 Naming the Desire: Providing for Family, Property & Legacy

28:51 Patience, Timing & Making Sure It’s God’s Signature

33:47 Missing Tools: Business Wisdom, Asking for Help & Leaving the Wilderness

39:51 Process Over Highlight Reel: Valuing Routine, Mastery & Charging for Results

43:27 No More Excuses + Final Charge: Power, Love & a Sound Mind (2 Tim 1:6–7)

45:13 Closing Spoken-Word Reflection: Humility, Accountability & Pride

#MensMentalHealth #VulnerableConversation #ChristianMen #RelationshipAdvice #OvercomingAddiction

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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 ®

The pressure of getting married is revealing a struggle I've tried to hide. In this raw conversation, we confront the secret anxieties and personal strongholds that surface before saying 'I do.'

📺 ABOUT THIS VIDEO

In this episode of 2 Grown Men Having a Conversation, Joe T and D Johns dive into the raw, unspoken realities of men's mental health during major life changes. As Joe prepares for his wedding, he opens up about the overwhelming anxiety, the feeling of being robbed of family moments, and the financial pressures that come with it. The discussion takes a vulnerable turn as they explore how these stressors can reignite old battles and personal strongholds, specifically addressing pornography as a coping mechanism. This honest dialogue is for anyone navigating pre-wedding anxiety, dealing with hidden vices, or seeking to understand the power of accountability in relationships. Viewers will gain insight into identifying escape mechanisms, the importance of vulnerable communication with a partner, and the path to breaking generational cycles through discipline and faith.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Anxiety from major life events, like a wedding, can often trigger old vices and strongholds as familiar but unhealthy coping mechanisms.

• Using success, work, or other distractions to avoid emotional pain is a temporary fix that prevents true healing and personal growth.

• Vulnerable communication and accountability, both with your partner and in safe friendships, are essential tools for overcoming personal battles and strengthening your relationships.

• True discipline involves confronting all areas of weakness, not just highlighting strengths, to live an integrated and accountable life.

• Intentionally replacing destructive habits with positive, connecting actions (like exercise or quality time with a partner) is a practical strategy to fight mental and spiritual attacks.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:29 Discussing Overwhelm and Growth

01:09 Wedding Preparations and Family Dynamics

02:06 Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

03:31 Facing Personal Challenges

06:29 The Impact of Success and Pain

14:09 Confronting Vices and Seeking Change

21:59 The Role of Discipline and Integrity

25:22 Reflecting on Life's Ironies

25:48 Struggles and Weaknesses

26:13 Spiritual Reflections

27:46 Conversations and Accountability

29:59 Marriage and Communication

31:16 Personal Growth and Ministry

46:51 Parenting and Legacy

49:30 Embracing Safe Spaces

💬 NOTABLE QUOTES

"I love my vices because I can convince myself that in that moment I don't have to be accountable."

"Am I... do I go as hard at times to substitute my pain with success?"

#MensMentalHealth #VulnerableConversation #ChristianMen #RelationshipAdvice #overcomingaddiction

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®

Meaningful Conversations: Life, Inspiration, and Success with Joe T and D Johns

Join Joe T and D Johns in an engaging conversation as they talk about personal growth, family support, and defining success. They reflect on recent events, the impact of inspiration on their lives and the importance of perseverance. The discussion delves into navigating uncertainties, emotional regulation, and the power of mutual support. Don't miss this candid discussion that highlights the significance of staying true to oneself and the transformative power of brotherhood. Subscribe to our channel and tell us in the comments which part you enjoyed the most!

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:20 Reflecting on the Live Event

00:42 Inspiration and Family Support

05:32 The Importance of Execution

08:53 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

20:52 Defining Success and Personal Growth

23:00 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Family Support

23:27 The Joy of Overcoming Challenges

23:44 Navigating Relationship Dynamics

24:45 Trusting in a Higher Power

25:46 Facing the Fear of Success

26:24 The Power of Self-Reflection

30:03 The Importance of Mutual Support in Marriage

31:37 Embracing Collaboration and Letting Go of Control

34:30 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Doubts

38:08 Accepting Help and Breaking the Cycle

43:44 Encouragement and Moving Forward

#Raisingboysandgirls #FamilyTalk #singleparents #adultchildren #Parenting #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk

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 ®