In this solo episode of Burning the Ships, I talk about something that drives nearly every decision I make: the example I’m setting for my kids. This isn’t about parenting hacks, discipline strategies, or telling your kids how to live—it’s about modeling the life you hope they grow into by how you show up every single day.

I walk through how my wife and I think about love, gratitude, kindness, health, work ethic, independence, and emotional safety inside our home—and why actions will always matter more than words. From how we treat strangers, to how we handle adversity, to how we take care of our bodies and pursue non-traditional paths, this episode is a reflection on what kids really absorb when they’re watching us closely.

If you’re a parent (or planning to be one), this episode will challenge you to take a hard look at whether your behavior aligns with what you’re asking your kids to become.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Why my kids never see me be rude to anyone

01:48 Why this is another solo episode to close out the year

02:54 JJ’s Joke of the Week

03:22 Introducing my kids: Emma (14) and JJ (9)

04:22 The reality of parenting: none of us get it exactly right

05:15 Why kids model behavior more than they follow instructions

05:59 Making our home the safest place on the planet

07:06 Modeling emotional safety, vulnerability, and expression

07:59 Why “I love you” is said constantly in our house

09:36 The long-term impact of growing up in a loving home

11:12 Teaching kids that love should be expressed, not withheld

12:00 Gratitude as a daily practice, not a concept

13:13 Why gratitude protects against a “woe is me” mindset

14:49 Avoiding a culture of complaining inside the home

16:36 Turning negative situations into positive reframes

17:57 Why modeling behavior doesn’t guarantee outcomes—but it increases the odds

18:38 Natural traits vs. behaviors I have to work at

19:42 Why health and wellness are non-negotiables for me as a dad

25:53 The difference between coaching and leading by example

27:13 Why my wife models health through constant movement

29:23 Changing my own habits so I could set a better example

31:09 Modeling healthy eating through moderation, not restriction

33:24 Showing kids there’s more than one path in life

34:58 Why I want my kids to see both corporate success and entrepreneurship

38:53 Modeling generosity, tipping, and respect for service workers

40:11 The danger of preaching what you refuse to practice

41:20 Why kids follow examples—not expectations

42:32 Closing thoughts on intentional parenting and personal accountability

Quotables

“Your kids won’t become what you tell them to be—they’ll become what you show them.”

“I don’t preach kindness. I model it.”

“If you want your kids to be healthy, loving, and disciplined, you better be those things first.”

“Our house is their safest place—and everything starts there.”

“You can’t ask your kids to live a life you refuse to live yourself.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com