Men aren’t wired to ask for help, but the truth is far more complicated than pride or stubbornness. In this episode, Dawson and James break down why so many Generation X dads and men in general struggle to open up about stress, parenting challenges, divorce, dating, mental health, and loneliness. Through honest conversation, humor, and real-life stories, we explore how childhood conditioning, cultural expectations, and the pressure to “be strong” keep men silent even when they’re overwhelmed. We share what really happens inside a man’s mind when he needs support, why vulnerability feels risky, and how asking for help can actually strengthen relationships, fatherhood, and emotional resilience. Whether you’re a man who’s tired of carrying everything alone or a woman trying to understand the male perspective, this video offers clarity, connection, and a reminder that none of us have to do life solo.

Dawson and James dive into end of days preparations from a brutally honest Gen X dad perspective, mixing real-world survival tips with the humor, frustration, and heart that come with fatherhood, divorce, dating, and starting over. We break down what guys really worry about when thinking about disaster scenarios, how to prepare without falling into panic culture, and why building emotional and practical resilience matters more than stockpiling gear. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, underprepared, or like you’re facing the end of days alone, this conversation will show you that you’re not the only one trying to figure it all out. Whether you’re a dad, a single man rebuilding life, or someone who wants a clearer window into the male experience, this episode delivers insight, laughs, and the kind of honest connection today’s men desperately need.

00:00 - Introduction, Talking about End of Days Movies

05:14 - James explains his end of days scenario

11:36 - What would you Pack for a 72 hour emergency?

22:18 - Basic break down of what you have in your HOME that you may not think about 29:07 - What would you raid first

32:16 - Communication

37:05 - BUG OUT KIT

40:51 - conclusion

Dawson and James dive into “3rd Times a Charm: What Really Makes a Marriage Work,” an honest, funny, and deeply relatable look at love, marriage, and starting over. Dawson and James sit down with their guest to unpack the little things that make a marriage work—and sometimes don’t. From the chaos of fatherhood and dating after divorce to the lessons learned through heartbreak and healing, this episode speaks to every Gen X man trying to figure it out and every woman curious about the male perspective. Real talk, real laughs, and real insight into why, sometimes, the third time really is the charm. Perfect for fans of candid conversations about relationships, midlife, and the modern dad experience.

Dawson and James dive into the ultimate holiday showdown: Thanksgiving vs. Black Friday. What happened to gratitude before greed? The guys tackle how family dinners, awkward conversations, and turkey hangovers now collide with midnight shopping sprees and consumer chaos. With honest humor and raw perspective, they explore whether Thanksgiving can still be saved in a world obsessed with deals, distractions, and digital carts. This conversation blends laughs, real talk, and insight into how Gen X dads navigate fatherhood, divorce, loneliness, and connection during the holidays—while helping women better understand the male perspective on what these traditions really mean.

00:00 - INTRODUCTION

02:02 - Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition

05:21 - Favorite food

07:21 - Thanksgiving vs black Friday

23:47 - conclusion enjoy family

Dawson and James dive into “Why Managing Expectations Is the Key to Surviving Life: Part Two,” exploring how our outlook on life, love, fatherhood, and success has evolved with age. As Gen X dads, we unpack the truth about managing expectations to defeat disappointment—mixing honesty, humor, and a touch of nostalgia to remind men they’re not alone in navigating divorce, dating, and midlife struggles. This candid conversation sheds light on the emotional side of being a man today, while offering women valuable insight into the male perspective. Join us for a real, relatable talk about growing up, growing wiser, and keeping your sanity along the way.

00:00 - Introduction, Life is not fair: continuing part 2

06:48 - What was our expectations as kids for life

19:35 - Expectations for love

38:09 - Expectations on marriage, combined families, and our kids

49:56 - Hope vs expectations

55:34 - Conclusion

Dawson and James dive into “Why Managing Expectations Is the Key to Surviving Life: Part One,” exploring how our outlook on life, love, fatherhood, and success has evolved with age. As Gen X dads, we unpack the truth about managing expectations to defeat disappointment—mixing honesty, humor, and a touch of nostalgia to remind men they’re not alone in navigating divorce, dating, and midlife struggles. This candid conversation sheds light on the emotional side of being a man today, while offering women valuable insight into the male perspective. Join us for a real, relatable talk about growing up, growing wiser, and keeping your sanity along the way.

00:00 - Introduction, the pains of banking and healthcare expectations

11:26 - Our expectations of pay, raises and jobs

29:58 - Expectations of collage, its not what it used to be

36:24 - Expectations of companies, how companies Disney have zero loyalty.

49:03 - Who do we shift our paradigm of expectations

55:13 - In transition, we lead into next weeks conclusion of expectations with how do we teach our kids to manage their expectations.

Dawson and James dive deep into the question: What makes a man, a man? With honesty, humor, and real talk, these Gen X dads unpack the pressures, expectations, and evolving definitions of masculinity in today’s world. From fatherhood and divorce to dating, purpose, and emotional strength, this conversation reminds men they’re not alone in their struggles — and helps women better understand the male experience. If you’ve ever questioned what it really means to be a man in modern society, this is the episode for you. Tune in for laughter, insight, and connection from two dads who’ve lived it.

00:00 - Introduction - discussing manly things

08:35 - What makes a man - Provider, Protector, Satisfier

11:40 - Provider - What does this look like

29:02 - Protector - Violence isn't what this means

38:34 - Satisfier - Sexually and emotionally

44:02 - Conclusion - What it all boils down to is....

In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, Dawson and James dive into “Halloween Then vs Now: Growing Up Gen X vs Parenting Today,” a hilarious and heartfelt look at how the spooky season has changed from our Gen X childhoods to the modern-day chaos of parenting. From homemade costumes, unsupervised trick-or-treating, and haunted houses that actually terrified us—to today’s trunk-or-treats, sugar limits, and social media costumes—we share the funny, scary, and surprisingly emotional moments that define Halloween across generations. Join us for real talk, laughter, and nostalgia as two Gen X dads explore fatherhood, divorce, dating, and the humor that keeps us all sane. Perfect for parents, single dads, and anyone who misses when Halloween was truly scary (and simpler).

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Halloween as kids, pillowcases to late nights shenanigans.

18:01 - What did we do with our kids

20:31 - Costumes as a kid vs now

30:13 - hording candy

37:52 - Halloween now

40:19 - Conclusion