Listen to Yourself

In this episode, Jelani and Spencer peel back the layers on fatherhood, time, and the creative process. From summer chaos to smoothie meltdowns, they wrestle with the beautiful tension of being providers, protectors, and creators—all at once.

What starts as a vent session about school start dates and nap-time escapes turns into a reflection on how our childhoods show up in our parenting today. They talk energy management, post-COVID recalibration, and that elusive art of being present when your whole world demands productivity.

Jelani shares a win with his son’s potty-training “superpower,” while Spencer breaks down the smoothie lesson that became a metaphor for self-correction and confidence. They also unpack the weight of being “Oz behind the curtain,” orchestrating magic for their families while chasing their own creative breakthroughs.

From Coachella escapes to Costco runs, this one’s for the parents out there grinding in real time—healing, building, and dreaming in the in-between moments.

And yes, we close out with some wild NFL-era flashbacks, milkshake regrets, and poke bowl protests.

🔎 In This Episode:

• Why summer ain’t fun like it used to be
• Reclaiming joy and healing the inner child
• Post-COVID solitude and relearning how to be alone
• The illusion of productivity vs. the practice of presence 
• The power of staying in your creative flow 
• Why “listening to your body” is a superpower
• Emotional fluency over emotional suppression 
• The cultural weight of food and NFL nutrition flashbacks
• Smoothie lessons and cause-and-effect coaching
• The viral CEO cheating scandal and the cost of public shame 
• Shannon Sharpe and the evolution of Black manhood 
• What we’re really passing down

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Summer ain’t for the casual.” – Spencer Paysinger
“Your inner child is asking for a bomb pop, bruh.” – Spencer Paysinger
“You don’t need to ask me if the smoothie is good—you’ll taste the result.” – Spencer Paysinger
“Our job isn’t just to teach—we’re here to empower decision-making.” – Jelani Jenkins
“Listening to your body is a superpower, son. Daddy’s still learning that too.” – Jelani Jenkins
“Creativity is the antithesis of anxiety.” – Spencer Paysinger

📍 Call to Action:

If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or rethink how you show up—for your kids or yourself—share it with a fellow parent or creative.

🗣 Got a “Dad Hack” or creative ritual that’s saving your summer? Drop us a voice note. We want to hear how you’re making space for yourself in the madness.

🎧 Keep climbing. The valleys are higher than they seem.