Authenticity Over Archetypes: A Conversation With My Son

Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

Season 3 kicks off with a high bar, and our very first episode dives deep into modern masculinity through the eyes of someone living it every day—my son, Toshi. Having him as our inaugural young man’s voice was uniquely special. Though we talk often, sharing these insights on a public platform opened the door to understanding boys even wider.

Toshi offers a fresh perspective on nature versus nurture—and challenges the idea that genders are so different after all. He speaks candidly about how today’s education system can fuel men’s mental-health struggles, and he reflects on a recent personal challenge that reshaped his view of life’s true quality.

From shifting gender norms to mental health challenges, education gaps, and rediscovering the authentic self, Toshi shares candid insights drawn from his own experiences growing up and navigating modern pressures.

Full disclosure: I’m biased as his mom, but this conversation is important. Men will find comfort in knowing they’re not alone, and parents or caregivers will gain rare access to the emotional world of boys—something I’m always passionate about illuminating. Enjoy the episode, then please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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Guest Bio

Toshi is a creator and professional problem solver who loves spending time with family and immersing himself in nature. He cherishes authentic expression and advocates for kinder, more flexible norms around masculinity and learning.

Key Topics

Being a Man Today

Gender roles are shaped more by nurture—our environments and media—than nature.

Today’s generation has both more freedom and more conflicting messages about masculinity.

Protector, Provider, Procreator?

Traditional archetypes (protector/provider) may be fundamentally human rather than strictly gendered.

Cultural expectations and media-driven ideals create boxes that can be challenging to fit into.

Mental Health & Loneliness

Authentic self-expression and real-world connections are vital antidotes.

Education & Opportunity

One-size-fits-all schooling “forces a turtle to run faster than a cheetah.”

A more flexible, interest-driven learning environment could nurture boys’ curiosity and confidence.

Pressure Points

Societal pressure to maintain an emotional “flatline” can stifle authenticity.

Comparing oneself to an idealized standard—reinforced by peers and media—fuels negative self-worth.

Rediscovering the Authentic Self

It’s easy to drift away from who you truly are.

Practice self-kindness and question “should” narratives to realign with your authentic self.

📌 Notable Quotes

“The farther you get away from your authentic self, the more negative experiences you have.”

“There’s no one way to do it—just ways that are more or less authentic expressions of the self.”

“Enjoy the good times and remember that the bad times will pass.”

🔗 Connect with Toshi

YouTube: @toshi.hiro

Instagram: @toshi.music

SoundCloud: toshi-hiro

💛 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.