Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Jones.
Hi Shaun, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I found myself on the wrong end of a divorce. A lot of things that contributed to that divorce are issues many men face.
The failure to process emotions and express themselves, the constant feeling of being insignificant, the shrinking to fit the idea of what society thinks a man should be, shutting down instead of talking to your partner, and being foolishly prideful among other things. Did I mention the divorce left me as a single father??
So I created a podcast designed to empower men and fathers to express themselves. Most men in marriages and relationships fail or, are afraid to properly communicate their wants, needs, and desires so we suffer in silence!! We withdraw from our partners and the world then we contribute to toxic environments without realizing what we’re doing!
As a parent, I know I’m setting the example for my sons. I want them to learn at their young age what it took me 38 years to learn. So I’m going to share my journey, first-hand experience, and lessons learned via therapy to help guys be the fathers, partners, and men we are meant to be so we can find happiness in ourselves and our relationships.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. It took me a while to open up and share my story.
For a long time, I told myself I didn’t care what others thought. Then I wanted to share my experiences and realized it takes a lot more than I thought to be vulnerable. Facing my own fears was a huge challenge. I also faced difficulty in dealing with my ex when it came to parenting. We didn’t share the same philosophies, we had so many different opinions and we couldn’t agree on co-parenting styles.
My son would often miss his mother being around. Seeing him upset and in tears often brought tears to my eyes. I did my best to ensure he was safe and happy but there is nothing to replace a child not seeing their parent as often as they were once accustomed to. The life he knew was ripped apart and I felt like there was nothing I could do to fix it.
Facing my own fears and facing my own parenting battles I finally decided to walk in my truth and be my most authentic self. After committing to that choice, the road has gotten smoother, raising a son alone has become easier.
We’ve been impressed with The Father’s BluePrint, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My daytime job is as a project manager. I manage Outside Plant installation and construction projects for DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency).
In my spare time, I host a weekly podcast called the Father’s BluePrint with episodes available every Wednesday at 4 pm EST. Its purpose is to inform and inspire men to become better husbands, fathers, and friends by sharing my story, my experiences, and my mistakes. Most men suffer in silence, continuously telling those around them they are ok when most times they are not.
By sharing my story, my feelings, and my emotions through a divorce process, through the single parenting experience, and the mindset that most men share, I hope I can help my fellow man avoid the mistakes I made. Mistakes like depending on someone else for happiness, mistakes like handling a divorce/breakup in all the wrong ways, and the mistake of not expressing the things we want out of relationships.
I’m most proud that I have overcome all those mistakes. Proud that I made it out of a dark spot in my life and made myself better because of it. Proud that my son and I are thriving in our lives because for the first few months and things ended, it was a struggle for me and probably more so for him. Things I learn in therapy as a grown man divorced are things I teach him as a 4-year-old child. And to see those results, to hear him express himself makes me smile every time.
I’m also preparing to launch an athleisure brand called Valor Fitness Collection soon. Products will be available in the summer.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’d love for men or women who have found themselves in similar situations to share their stories. Soon I will be having guests on my podcast and would love to hear and speak with people who have different perspectives and mindsets. There is so much power in being open to one another and we could learn, heal and grow from traumas together if we shared our stories.
Listeners who tune in and support my podcast, The Fathers BluePrint, mean the world to me. It’s available on Google Podcasts, Apple, Anchor, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to your podcasts. I can be found on Instagram @ess_dot_jones.
My athleisure brand can be found at www.valorfitnesscollection.com however the website is not open to the public just yet. Please enter your email to sign up and you’ll be the first to be notified when products are available plus, you’ll receive an exclusive discount on your first purchase.
Feel free to reach out to me with feedback, suggestions, to share your story, or to just chat.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.valorfitnesscollection.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ess_dot_jones
- Other: anchor.fm/shaunjones6
