If you're the parent of a boy heading into adolescence, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. When I first met Keoni, I was struck by how grounded and self-aware he was — clear in his values and intentional about the future he’s building. I was genuinely surprised to learn he's still in his teens and that he made a major life shift at just 16 years old. If I were raising a young boy today, hearing Keoni’s reflections on life as a Gen Z young man would give me hope and a deeper sense of what’s possible during those often turbulent teenage years.

Episode Summary:

In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, 19-year-old entrepreneur and podcast host Keoni Upton joins Kathy to reflect on the challenges and turning points of growing up male today. From being diagnosed with dyslexia early in school, to navigating risky peer pressure and turning his life around after a near-traumatic incident at 16, Keoni shares the personal journey that inspired him to create The Growth Concept podcast and his media company, TGC Media.

Together, Kathy and Keoni explore the critical role of mentorship, emotional presence from fathers, the impact of school systems, and the mental health crisis among Gen Z boys. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand the emotional world of boys and what they need to thrive.

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Guest Bio:

Keoni Upton is the host of The Growth Concept podcast, where he interviews inspiring guests to share powerful lessons on personal development, mindset, and success. He's also the founder of TGC Media, which helps brands grow with strategy-driven content and an authentic online presence. Through his podcast and digital services, Keoni empowers individuals to unlock their potential and create meaningful impact. Passionate about growth and connection, he’s building a community driven by purpose, progress, and real conversations.

Key Topics Covered:

Growing up in Perth with dyslexia and how school systems failed to support boys with learning differences

The importance of emotionally present parenting

A life-changing moment at 16 and what it taught Keoni about trust, safety, and resilience

How environment and peer culture can shape or derail a young man’s future

What Gen Z boys are facing with digital life, loneliness, and social media's influence

The difference between real connection and online validation

Why we need more intentional communities, clubs, and groups for boys

Family values, mental health habits, and the foundation for manhood that school doesn't teach

Connect with Keoni Upton:

Instagram: @the_growth.concept

Podcast: The Growth Concept on Buzzsprout

YouTube: @TheGrowthConcept1

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💛 Resources & Next Steps

Learn more about Sonhood Coaching: sonhoodcoaching.com

Book a Discovery Call: Calendly: Tiny Challenge Call

Thanks for listening!

If today’s conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs it, leave a review, and subscribe. Join us next week for another deep dive on Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys.

Season 3: Real Talk, Real Experts, Real Boys

Too many boys today feel lost, alone, and misunderstood. And far too often, the same is true for their parents.

Behind the troubling statistics is a generation of boys quietly longing to be seen, heard, and valued — yet the conversation around boys’ emotional lives remains far too quiet.

Season 3 of Unlocking the Parenting Code is here to change that.

In this new season, you’ll hear:

🔹 Real conversations with young men who are ready to share their truth.

🔹 Powerful insights from experts in boys’ mental and emotional health.

🔹 And raw, real wisdom from dads who are walking this road every day

🔹 Solo episodes where I reflect on what I’ve witnessed, wrestled with, and learned

At the heart of this season — and at the heart of Sonhood Coaching — is a mission:

To understand the inner emotional world of boys, to recognize the very real challenges they face, and to name the damaging myths and societal expectations that continue to shape how we see, treat, and raise our sons.

This is not about fixing boys.

It’s about truly seeing them — and learning how to show up differently, with compassion, courage, and connection.

Together, we’re building a world where boys feel safe to be their authentic selves.

Because when we get it right for our boys, we begin to heal something much bigger.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and personalized support.