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 ...
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Jamal And Zion Podcasts

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When you heal yourself, you heal your family
43:58
43:58
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43:58Send us a text 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 after losing her father to pancreatic cancer, Sabrina reveals how watching her strong, muscular da…
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Learning how to learn is the most valuable investment you can make in yourself
42:55
42:55
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42:55Send us a text 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 way to think about personal growth investments through his four-category framework of one-to-…
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Send us a text 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 Chris Coulter has created with MentorWell, and his journey to founding this innovative mentors…
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Porn, Parenting, and Honest Conversations
38:39
38:39
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38:39Send us a text 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 pornography not just for stimulation but for education. With parents often avoiding frank discussio…
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Breaking the Chain: Pornography Addiction and How to Heal
39:59
39:59
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39:59Send us a text 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 remarkable vulnerability, Zion shares his personal battle with pornography addiction that spanned more than…
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From Athlete to Artist: One Man's Journey of Redemption
33:19
33:19
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33:19Send us a text 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 destined for greatness on the court, touching rims in fifth grade and outplaying kids years…
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Who Pays the Price When Educational Systems Change?
29:44
29:44
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29:44Send us a text 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 between states and impact vulnerable students, especially those requiring special education …
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From Hard Hats to Heart Work: The Wobbys on Saving Lives in Construction
55:55
55:55
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55:55Send us a text 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. Broadcasting all the way from Vermont, the Wobbys share how they’re challenging safety directors to think beyon…
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Beyond the High: Understanding Youth, Trauma, and Addiction
33:04
33:04
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33:04Send us a text 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 drug use in schools. Jamal and Zion reflect on their own experiences, breaking down why young …
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Parenting Pressure: What the Surgeon General Wants You to Know
36:18
36:18
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36:18Send us a text 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. We are so appreciative of you listening we want you to be part of the Up To It movement! https://up…
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The Mental Health Tool You Need to Know About
52:39
52:39
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52:39Send us a text 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 challenges. We are so appreciative of you listening we want you to be part of the Up To It…
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Why Every Parent Should Read The Anxious Generation
28:30
28:30
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28:30Send us a text 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 dynamics, and share how its lessons can strengthen parent-child relationships. Link to book- https://www.a…
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Post-Election Feels: What’s Next for Parenting and Mental Health
36:28
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36:28Send us a text 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 their work, exploring ways to stay resilient and grounded. Join them as they dive into str…
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Why We Need to Talk About Grief: A Real Conversation for Young Men
26:25
26:25
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26:25Send us a text 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. The father-son duo explores why it’s crucial to talk about feelings of loss rather than suppressin…
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Summer Break Survival Guide with Jamal & Zion
35:40
35:40
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35:40Send us a text 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. In this upbeat and informative discussion, Jamal and Zion share creative ideas and practical…
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Up to It Live: Healing Through History with Jamal & Zion
11:50
11:50
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11:50Send us a text 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 in Black communities. Jamal and Zion bring their signature energy and empathy to this conver…
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From Reacting to Responding: Lessons in Controlling the Controllables
28:48
28:48
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28:48Send us a text 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 what we can control, rather than getting caught up in things beyond our reach. They'll share pra…
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It's Better to Wait! Busting Booze Myths with Jamal & Zion
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31:24
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31:24Send us a text 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 lively chat as we debunk the myth that supervised drinking with parents is safer for teens. We'll dish out some eye-…
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It Ain't About the Trophy, It's About the Journey: Navigating Adversity with Jamal & Zion
26:11
26:11
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26:11Send us a text 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 the journey matters more than the destination, especially when it comes to parenting and personal …
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Getting Real: Sex Ed Tips for Parents and Teens with Jamal & Zion
38:29
38:29
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38:29Send us a text 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 some friendly advice on how parents can have those tricky, but super necessary, conversations about…
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Parenting Perspectives: Striving for Contentment, Avoiding Complacency
25:58
25:58
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25:58Send us a text 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 avoiding the pitfalls of settling for the status quo. Tune in for an engaging conversation that…
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Sandstorms to Snowstorms: Jamal & Da Bruhs' Journey
1:25:32
1:25:32
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1:25:32Send us a text 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 Vermont. Jamal and his crew are here to share all the juicy deets about growing up in Saudi an…
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What's Behind Your Youth's Hesitation? Exploring FOBO with Jamal and Zion
21:02
21:02
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21:02Send us a text 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 to navigate decisions with ease, all while keeping the conversation engaging for adults se…
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Confronting the Shadows: A Vital Discussion on Suicide Prevention with Diana Jimenez Young
56:26
56:26
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56:26Send us a text 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, friends, and those struggling with their mental health can help prevent suicides, especiall…
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Elevate & Innovate: Insights from Christiana Russell of Mended Wing and We tha Plug
54:04
54:04
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54:04Send us a text 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 We tha Plug. Dive into an enlightening conversation that traverses her journey, her passio…
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Vibe Check: Jamal & Zion on the Emotional Express
47:51
47:51
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47:51Send us a text 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 facepalm moments of expressing themselves. Got parents or kids who struggle to open up? We've got tips…
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Blended Legacies: The Bi-racial Experience in Today's World
53:43
53:43
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53:43Send us a text 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 and cultures intertwine more than ever, what does it mean to navigate the world bearing mu…
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Man in the Mirror: A Deep Dive into Men's Body Image
47:25
47:25
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47:25Send us a text 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-perception that many men face today. Joined by experts and voices from various walks of life, …
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Exploring the N-Word with Dr. Sherard Robbins: Language, Context, and Impact 🗣️🔍
1:05:54
1:05:54
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1:05:54Send us a text Buckle up for a captivating episode as hosts Jamal and Zion delve into a crucial conversation with the respected Dr. Sherard Robbins about the intricate world of the N-word. With curiosity, honesty, and a genuine desire to understand, they unravel the complexities of language, context, and the deep impact of this historically loaded …
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Send us a text Get ready for a no-holds-barred conversation as hosts Jamal and Zion tackle the tough topic of hip hop culture, gangs, and the media's influence on perceptions. In this thought-provoking episode, they dive deep into the myths and realities surrounding the "gangsta" persona, shedding light on the societal pressures and misconceptions …
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