Up To It Parenting

Send us Fan Mail AI is showing up in places most of us didn’t expect, and not just as a “cool new feature.” It’s answering phone calls, writing school assignments, shaping what we see online, and powering content that looks real even when it’s completely fake. That speed is exactly why we wanted a real conversation about what artificial intelligence means for youth, families, and the future our ki...

Send us Fan Mail A beach wedding, twin boys on the way, and a bold pivot in our work set the stage for a bigger question: where did parent engagement go—and how do we bring it back? We open up about family milestones that sharpened our focus, then share why we’ve partnered with Vive18 to house our youth and mental health programming while we double down here on practical, adult-centered parenting...

Send us Fan Mail What if your greatest pain became your pathway to purpose? Meet Sabrina Duarte, a single mother of two from Tucson who discovered healing lies not in escaping generational wounds, but in confronting them with divine grace. Fifteen years after losing her father to pancreatic cancer, Sabrina reveals how watching her strong, muscular dad deteriorate in just months transformed her ent...

Send us Fan Mail Sai Vasam joins us to discuss his powerful approach to personal development through what he calls "self-investment"—a framework that helps people move beyond information consumption to meaningful transformation. He introduces a revolutionary way to think about personal growth investments through his four-category framework of one-to-many, one-to-zero, one-to-few, and one...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine a space between parenting and professional therapy—a "thriving zone" where young people can speak freely, build confidence, and learn to navigate life's complexities with guidance from someone who's been there. That's precisely what Chris Coulter has created with MentorWell, and his journey to founding this innovative mentorship program is as power...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a youth mentality expert admits he struggled with pornography from age 11? Even harder - what happens when his father hears this revelation for the first time? The uncomfortable truth is that many young people turn to pornography not just for stimulation but for education. With parents often avoiding frank discussions about sexuality, curious adolescents seek inf...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how something that seems harmless could rewire your entire view of people? Zion opens the door to a rarely discussed topic that affects countless lives: pornography addiction and the objectification of women. With remarkable vulnerability, Zion shares his personal battle with pornography addiction that spanned more than a decade, starting in fifth grade. He walks us...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the thing you've built your identity around becomes the source of your deepest pain? For SELYM, basketball was more than just a sport—it was his projected future. The explosive young athlete they called "Lil Westbrook" seemed destined for greatness on the court, touching rims in fifth grade and outplaying kids years older. But beneath the athletic...

Send us Fan Mail Father and son duo tackle the controversial dismantling of the Department of Education, dispelling misconceptions and exploring potential consequences for students nationwide. They examine how this executive order could widen educational gaps between states and impact vulnerable students, especially those requiring special education services or living in underserved communities. •...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Up To It Parenting , Jamal and Zion sit down with Richard and Reid Wobby, a father-son duo making national waves in the construction industry through their work in overdose and suicide prevention. Broadcasting all the way from Vermont, the Wobbys share how they’re challenging safety directors to think beyond hard hats and harness prevention as a life-sa...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we take a deep dive into the reality of substance use among young people, focusing on the devastating impact of fentanyl. We share the heartbreaking story of a middle schooler’s overdose and discuss the rising prevalence of drug use in schools. Jamal and Zion reflect on their own experiences, breaking down why young people turn to substances, the dangers of modern...

Send us Fan Mail With the U.S. Surgeon General raising awareness about parental stress, it’s time to talk solutions. In this episode, we unpack the challenges parents face and offer tools to help manage stress while fostering strong family connections. We are so appreciative of you listening we want you to be part of the Up To It movement! https://uptoit.club/ Download the Brightn Wellness App FUT...

Send us Fan Mail Jamal and Zion dive into the world of mental health tech with Jeffery Johnston, the mind behind Brightn. They uncover the app’s mission, its user-friendly features, and why it’s a game-changer for young adults and older adults navigating life’s challenges. We are so appreciative of you listening we want you to be part of the Up To It movement! https://uptoit.club/ Download the Bri...

Send us Fan Mail Jamal and Zion take a deep dive into The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, explaining why it’s a must-read for anyone raising kids today. They highlight key takeaways, explore the book’s relevance to mental health and family dynamics, and share how its lessons can strengthen parent-child relationships. Link to book- https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jamal and Zion Givens reflect on the recent election, sharing their thoughts on the journey through it, how they’re feeling now, and what the results might mean for families and communities. They discuss the potential impact on their work, exploring ways to stay resilient and grounded. Join them as they dive into strategies for self-care and community support in t...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Up To It Parenting , Jamal and Zion open up about the recent loss of a young man who was a mentee to Zion and close to Jamal. This tragic event sparks a deep conversation about grief, especially in young men. The father-son duo explores why it’s crucial to talk about feelings of loss rather than suppressing them. Tune in for an honest and compassionate...

Send us Fan Mail Hey there, parents! Summer's here, and you might be wondering, "Now what?" Join Jamal and Zion on the latest episode of "Up to It" as we dive into ways to make the most of the summer break with your youth beyond the typical summer camp scene. In this upbeat and informative discussion, Jamal and Zion share creative ideas and practical tips to keep your kids...

Send us Fan Mail Hey there, podcast fam! Join us for a special live episode of "Up to It," coming at you from the WPC Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma! Hosts Jamal and Zion dive into an important discussion about historical trauma and its impact on mental health in Black communities. Jamal and Zion bring their signature energy and empathy to this conversation, shedding light on the challeng...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to "Up to It" with your hosts Jamal and Zion! In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the art of controlling the controllables and mastering life's playbook. Join Jamal and Zion as they explore the power of focusing on what we can control, rather than getting caught up in things beyond our reach. They'll share practical tips and pe...

Send us Fan Mail Hey, hey, hey, fabulous listeners! Welcome back to "Up to It" with your dynamic duo, Jamal and Zion! Today, we're diving into an important topic: why it's better to wait when it comes to teenage drinking. Join us for a lively chat as we debunk the myth that supervised drinking with parents is safer for teens. We'll dish out some eye-opening insights and ex...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to "Up to It"! In this episode titled "It Ain't About the Trophy, It's About the Journey," hosts Jamal and Zion dive into the importance of resilience and growth beyond the accolades. Join Jamal and Zion as they explore why the journey matters more than the destination, especially when it comes to parenting and personal development. They...

Send us Fan Mail Hey there, podcast fam! It's time to tune in to another awesome episode of "Up to It" with your hosts, Jamal and Zion! Today, we're diving into a topic that's important for every family: sex education. Jamal and Zion are ready to share some friendly advice on how parents can have those tricky, but super necessary, conversations about sex with their teenage...

Send us Fan Mail Join Jamal and Zion as they explore the delicate balance between contentment and complacency in both parenting and personal growth. Through candid reflections and practical insights, they discuss the challenges of finding fulfillment while avoiding the pitfalls of settling for the status quo. Tune in for an engaging conversation that offers valuable tips for navigating parenthood...

Send us Fan Mail Yo, what's up fam? Get ready to kick it with Father Jamal, Zion, and da bruhs on another lit episode of "Up to It"! This time, we're taking a stroll down memory lane, straight from the compound in Saudi Arabia to our boarding school days in Vermont. Jamal and his crew are here to share all the juicy deets about growing up in Saudi and then hustlin' through...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Jamal and Zion in this insightful episode where they dive into conquering the Fear of Better Options (FOBO). They break down practical strategies in a friendly way that even the grown-ups will enjoy. Discover simple tips for students to navigate decisions with ease, all while keeping the conversation engaging for adults seeking to understand and support their young lear...