Up To It Parenting
Welcome to "Up To It Parenting," where we help youth, adults, and organizations connect deeply, communicate effectively, and thrive together. This father and son podcast tackles the tough topics that some parents shy away from. Join hosts Jamal and Zion as they explore everything under the sun, from young men's mental health to engaging in healthy relationships and embracing your true authentic self. As a father and son team, Jamal and Zion bring a unique perspective to the podcast, offering insights from both a parental and adolescent point of view. Through their candid and open conversations, they aim to provide a safe and informative space for listeners to learn and grow together. Whether you're a parent looking to connect with your son, a single mother or caregiver in need of support, or a young man trying to find your place in the world, "Up To It Parenting" has something for everyone. Tune in each week as Jamal and Zion take on the taboo topics and help listeners become more informed, productive, and confident members of society.
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Episodes
43 episodes
AI Won’t Replace Your Parenting But It Will Test It
AI is showing up in places most of us didn’t expect, and not just as a “cool new feature.” It’s answering phone calls, writing school assignments, shaping what we see online, and powering content that looks real even when it’s completely fake. ...
We Share Why Parent Involvement Faded And How We Plan To Bring It Back
A beach wedding, twin boys on the way, and a bold pivot in our work set the stage for a bigger question: where did parent engagement go—and how do we bring it back? We open up about family milestones that sharpened our focus, then share why we’...
When you heal yourself, you heal your family
What if your greatest pain became your pathway to purpose? Meet Sabrina Duarte, a single mother of two from Tucson who discovered healing lies not in escaping generational wounds, but in confronting them with divine grace.Fifteen years ...
Learning how to learn is the most valuable investment you can make in yourself
Sai Vasam joins us to discuss his powerful approach to personal development through what he calls "self-investment"—a framework that helps people move beyond information consumption to meaningful transformation. He introduces a revolutionary wa...
Who's Actually Listening to Your Teen?
Imagine a space between parenting and professional therapy—a "thriving zone" where young people can speak freely, build confidence, and learn to navigate life's complexities with guidance from someone who's been there. That's precisely what Chr...
Porn, Parenting, and Honest Conversations
What happens when a youth mentality expert admits he struggled with pornography from age 11? Even harder - what happens when his father hears this revelation for the first time?The uncomfortable truth is that many young people turn to p...
Breaking the Chain: Pornography Addiction and How to Heal
Ever wondered how something that seems harmless could rewire your entire view of people? Zion opens the door to a rarely discussed topic that affects countless lives: pornography addiction and the objectification of women.With remarkabl...
From Athlete to Artist: One Man's Journey of Redemption
What happens when the thing you've built your identity around becomes the source of your deepest pain? For SELYM, basketball was more than just a sport—it was his projected future. The explosive young athlete they called "Lil Westbrook" seemed ...
Who Pays the Price When Educational Systems Change?
Father and son duo tackle the controversial dismantling of the Department of Education, dispelling misconceptions and exploring potential consequences for students nationwide. They examine how this executive order could widen educational gaps b...
From Hard Hats to Heart Work: The Wobbys on Saving Lives in Construction
In this powerful episode of Up To It Parenting, Jamal and Zion sit down with Richard and Reid Wobby, a father-son duo making national waves in the construction industry through their work in overdose and suicide prevention. Broadcastin...
Beyond the High: Understanding Youth, Trauma, and Addiction
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the reality of substance use among young people, focusing on the devastating impact of fentanyl. We share the heartbreaking story of a middle schooler’s overdose and discuss the rising prevalence of dru...
Parenting Pressure: What the Surgeon General Wants You to Know
With the U.S. Surgeon General raising awareness about parental stress, it’s time to talk solutions. In this episode, we unpack the challenges parents face and offer tools to help manage stress while fostering strong family connections.
The Mental Health Tool You Need to Know About
Jamal and Zion dive into the world of mental health tech with Jeffery Johnston, the mind behind Brightn. They uncover the app’s mission, its user-friendly features, and why it’s a game-changer for young adults and older adults navigating life’s...
Why Every Parent Should Read The Anxious Generation
Jamal and Zion take a deep dive into The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, explaining why it’s a must-read for anyone raising kids today. They highlight key takeaways, explore the book’s relevance to mental health and family dynami...
Post-Election Feels: What’s Next for Parenting and Mental Health
In this episode, Jamal and Zion Givens reflect on the recent election, sharing their thoughts on the journey through it, how they’re feeling now, and what the results might mean for families and communities. They discuss the potential impact on...
Why We Need to Talk About Grief: A Real Conversation for Young Men
In this heartfelt episode of Up To It Parenting, Jamal and Zion open up about the recent loss of a young man who was a mentee to Zion and close to Jamal. This tragic event sparks a deep conversation about grief, especially in young men...
Summer Break Survival Guide with Jamal & Zion
Hey there, parents! Summer's here, and you might be wondering, "Now what?" Join Jamal and Zion on the latest episode of "Up to It" as we dive into ways to make the most of the summer break with your youth beyond the typical summer camp scene.
Up to It Live: Healing Through History with Jamal & Zion
Hey there, podcast fam! Join us for a special live episode of "Up to It," coming at you from the WPC Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma! Hosts Jamal and Zion dive into an important discussion about historical trauma and its impact on mental health i...
From Reacting to Responding: Lessons in Controlling the Controllables
Welcome back to "Up to It" with your hosts Jamal and Zion! In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the art of controlling the controllables and mastering life's playbook.Join Jamal and Zion as they explore the power of focusing on...
It's Better to Wait! Busting Booze Myths with Jamal & Zion
Hey, hey, hey, fabulous listeners! Welcome back to "Up to It" with your dynamic duo, Jamal and Zion! Today, we're diving into an important topic: why it's better to wait when it comes to teenage drinking.Join us for a livel...
It Ain't About the Trophy, It's About the Journey: Navigating Adversity with Jamal & Zion
Welcome back to "Up to It"! In this episode titled "It Ain't About the Trophy, It's About the Journey," hosts Jamal and Zion dive into the importance of resilience and growth beyond the accolades.Join Jamal and Zion as they explore why t...
Getting Real: Sex Ed Tips for Parents and Teens with Jamal & Zion
Hey there, podcast fam! It's time to tune in to another awesome episode of "Up to It" with your hosts, Jamal and Zion! Today, we're diving into a topic that's important for every family: sex education.Jamal and Zion are ready to share so...
Parenting Perspectives: Striving for Contentment, Avoiding Complacency
Join Jamal and Zion as they explore the delicate balance between contentment and complacency in both parenting and personal growth. Through candid reflections and practical insights, they discuss the challenges of finding fulfillment while avoi...
Sandstorms to Snowstorms: Jamal & Da Bruhs' Journey
Yo, what's up fam? Get ready to kick it with Father Jamal, Zion, and da bruhs on another lit episode of "Up to It"! This time, we're taking a stroll down memory lane, straight from the compound in Saudi Arabia to our boarding school days in Ver...
What's Behind Your Youth's Hesitation? Exploring FOBO with Jamal and Zion
Join hosts Jamal and Zion in this insightful episode where they dive into conquering the Fear of Better Options (FOBO). They break down practical strategies in a friendly way that even the grown-ups will enjoy. Discover simple tips for students...
Confronting the Shadows: A Vital Discussion on Suicide Prevention with Diana Jimenez Young
As the holiday season approaches, a time that can be tough for many, Jamal and Zion, together with expert Diana Jimenez Young, tackle a crucial topic: suicide prevention. In this heart-to-heart discussion, they explore how parents, caregivers, ...
Elevate & Innovate: Insights from Christiana Russell of Mended Wing and We tha Plug
In a world that's constantly evolving, it's the trailblazers who often lead us through the maze. This week, Jamal and Zion sit down with the incredible Christiana Russell, the driving force behind Mended Wing Consulting and a pivotal partner at...
Vibe Check: Jamal & Zion on the Emotional Express
We talking about FEELINGS!?! Ever get tongue-tied when it comes to your feelings? Same. Jamal & Zion, a father-son tag team, are here to spill the beans on their own emotion-filled rollercoasters. They'll share the epic wins and the fac...
Blended Legacies: The Bi-racial Experience in Today's World
In an era of profound societal shifts, Jamal and Zion come together to delve into the complexities of life as a person of color, with a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by those who identify as bi-racial. In 2023, where identities merge...
Man in the Mirror: A Deep Dive into Men's Body Image
In this revealing episode, hosts Jamal and Zion tackle the often overlooked subject of male body image. From societal pressures and media stereotypes to personal anecdotes and real-life struggles, they shed light on the complexities of self-per...