Shows
Pops and Son ConversationsGrandma Had A Better Wi‑Fi: It Was Family - Throwback ThursdaySend us a text Support the showPlease follow Pops and Son Conversations on the website, popsandsonconversations.com, and social media @popsandsonconversations
2025-11-2040 minPops and Son ConversationsWho Serves, Who Sacrifices, And What We OweSend us a textEver thank a living veteran on Memorial Day? We start by drawing a bright line between honoring the fallen and celebrating those still with us, then dive into what service really looks like beyond the holiday hashtags. From PTSD that ripples through families to the slow grind of the VA system, we keep it frank, respectful, and practical—because respect without access isn’t enough.We swap stories across generations: a draft-era Navy dad, an Air Force combat medic who learned to stabilize trauma and then pivoted into labor and delivery at 1...
2025-11-1351 minPops and Son ConversationsPoliticking With Pops And SonSend us a textPolitics can feel like noise until you realize the decisions shaping your block are made in rooms most of us never enter. We pull that door open and walk through what really moves change: local elections, the roles nobody explains, and the everyday actions that turn your vote into visible results on your street.We start by naming the discomfort around politics in Black communities and where it comes from—history, broken promises, and real barriers. Then we shift to power you can use: how city councils decide budgets, how mayors se...
2025-11-0533 minPops and Son ConversationsFrom Friendship To Love: Building Bonds That Last - Part 1 and Part 2Send us a textDating shouldn’t feel like guesswork, and reinvention doesn’t have to feel like failure. We unpack what it means to date with purpose beyond the usual destination of marriage—healing, confidence, and clarity count too—and why friendship first is the underrated foundation for honest love. You’ll hear how skipping the friendship stage fuels situationships, how to run progress checks in a relationship without turning it into a report card, and why identity work is the real glue that keeps two people moving in the same direction.From a father-son...
2025-10-301h 02Pops and Son ConversationsLibra Season, Family, And BalanceSend us a textWhat does balance really look like when life gets loud? We open October with birthdays, family energy, and a grounded nod to awareness month causes, then get honest about what 31 and 50 have taught us about growth, legacy, and being present. Jay frames his early 30s as a rediscovery—testing old beliefs, owning creativity as a public craft, and building a father’s toolkit that goes beyond money into mindset and resilience. Pops answers with gratitude and focus at 50: honoring a brilliant mind without scattering it, acting on vision before doubt creeps in, and prot...
2025-10-2342 minPops and Son ConversationsWhen Life Keeps Lifin': Finding Your Way Back to Your GoalsSend us a textThe world doesn't pause at the halfway mark of your journey. Goals don't care that we're only in July. But perhaps we should—because that mid-year checkpoint might be exactly what we need to realign, refocus, and rediscover our purpose.In this reflective solo episode, I take you through the importance of mid-year check-ins and why pausing to acknowledge both your progress and your process matters. When was the last time you asked yourself if you're still chasing the same dreams you set out for in January? Have your priorities shifted? Wh...
2025-08-1423 minPops and Son ConversationsReconnecting Generations: Family Bonds in Modern TimesSend us a textWhat happens when we disconnect from our family roots and lose the multi-generational wisdom that once flowed naturally through our households? In this heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, Rob "Sylvan Fox" Malloy and Javan "Check Three Times" dive deep into what it truly means to build a home that nurtures both individuals and communities.The conversation begins with a provocative comparison between role models and mentors. While today's youth have unlimited access to inspirational figures through social media, they often lack the personalized guidance that comes from dedicated mentorship. As Rob...
2025-08-0740 minPops and Son ConversationsCommunity Power: Why Your Vote Matters More Than You ThinkSend us a textThe struggle for voting rights in America forms the backbone of our democracy, yet many of us fail to exercise this hard-won privilege. In this eye-opening conversation, Rob and Jay examine why voting matters far beyond simply checking a box every four years.Have you ever noticed how affluent neighborhoods proudly display political yard signs while other communities keep their political leanings hidden? This striking contrast reveals a fundamental understanding about collective power - when communities visibly rally behind issues and candidates, they create pressure that demands attention from leaders. The...
2025-07-3143 minPops and Son ConversationsWhat They Didn't Teach Us About June 19, 1865Send us a textFreedom delayed is not freedom denied. This powerful truth lies at the heart of Juneteenth, a holiday that only recently gained federal recognition but carries centuries of profound significance for Black Americans and our shared national story.On this special solo episode, I dive deep into the complex history of Juneteenth, tracing its origins to that momentous day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with General Order Number Three—finally bringing freedom to enslaved people a full two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This isn't just Black hi...
2025-06-2643 minPops and Son ConversationsThe Man in the Mirror: Finding Your Way When No One's LookingSend us a textEver felt like you're supposed to have it all figured out but secretly you're drowning in doubt and uncertainty? You're not alone. In this raw, unfiltered solo episode, Rob "Pops" Malloy steps up to deliver a message straight from the heart to men everywhere who are silently struggling. With his son taking the day off, Rob seizes this moment during Men's Health Awareness Month to speak directly to those carrying burdens they've never been taught to process."Dear Son, you're not lost, you're just becoming," he writes in a p...
2025-06-1926 minPops and Son ConversationsThe Silver Fox and the Poet: A Candid Conversation on Mental Wellness for Modern MenSend us a textWhat happens when you put health on the backburner? As Rob "Silver Fox" Malloy eloquently puts it: "If you don't make time for your body, your body will make time." This powerful statement anchors our Men's Health Awareness Month conversation, where we dive into the critical yet often overlooked aspects of male wellness.Remember when you could eat a whole pizza, wake up the next morning, and still have abs? Those days fade as we get "more seasoned," requiring us to adapt our health approaches. Beyond the physical changes, we explore...
2025-06-1241 minPops and Son ConversationsBros Before Emotional Silos: Why Men Need Each OtherSend us a textBrotherhood forms the cornerstone of men's health, extending far beyond biological relationships. During this Men's Health Month special episode, we explore what true brotherhood means - those relationships where accountability, vulnerability, and unwavering support create bonds sometimes stronger than blood.We share personal stories of our earliest brotherhood connections, from elementary school friendships that transcended racial and cultural boundaries to adult relationships that withstand life's transitions. These early bonds teach valuable lessons about acceptance, loyalty, and the joy of shared experiences that carry forward throughout life.What separates casual...
2025-06-0545 minPops and Son ConversationsSetting Boundaries Without Becoming the VillainSend us a textWe explore mental health within family dynamics, examining how emotional processing, boundary setting, and generational patterns affect our wellbeing.• Growing up without guidance on processing emotions leaves many of us ill-equipped to handle feelings• Many families, especially in communities of color, prioritized survival over emotional health• The "strong one" in every family often bears excessive emotional weight without proper support• Setting boundaries with family members is possible without being disrespectful• Taking mental health space from family is sometimes necessary and shouldn't cause guilt• Breaking generational patterns may create t...
2025-05-2947 minPops and Son ConversationsMental Health in Romantic RelationshipsSend us a textWhat happens when mental health challenges intersect with romantic relationships? In this candid conversation, Rob and Javan explore the delicate balance between vulnerability and self-protection when dating while managing mental health concerns.The father-son duo tackles one of the most challenging relationship questions: how much of your mental health history should you share with a new partner, and when should you share it? Through personal stories and thoughtful analysis, they examine the consequences of both disclosure and concealment, comparing withholding information about serious mental health issues to hiding an STD before...
2025-05-2244 minPops and Son ConversationsYour Mother's Love Is Your Blueprint for LifeSend us a textRob and Javan Malloy dedicate this special episode to celebrating mothers and exploring the intricate dynamics of mother-son relationships, examining how these foundational bonds shape men's identities and emotional development.• Discussion about reclaiming the term "mama's boy" from its negative connotation• Exploring how mothers teach sons to receive and give love• Examining how maternal relationships set the blueprint for future relationships• Analysis of how mothers instill emotional intelligence in their sons• The way mothers foster vulnerability and create safe spaces for expression• Reflections on how mothers influence th...
2025-05-0843 minPops and Son ConversationsMental Health: Breaking the SilenceSend us a textBreaking the silence around mental health starts with honesty. How often do we respond with "I'm blessed" when someone asks how we're doing, even while struggling inside? This automatic deflection prevents authentic connection and leaves many suffering alone behind carefully constructed facades.During Mental Health Awareness Month, we're tackling the persistent stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the Black community. Growing up, these conversations were virtually non-existent—mental health challenges were disguised with vague terms like someone being "touched" or "different" without acknowledging the underlying issues.We explore the cr...
2025-05-0242 minPops and Son ConversationsBeyond the Paycheck: Is Your Money Working While You Sleep?Send us a textReady to break free from living paycheck to paycheck? Financial literacy isn't just about understanding money—it's about taking action to improve your financial situation through multiple income streams.During Financial Literacy Month, we're diving deep into three powerful strategies that can transform your financial future: investing, creating merchandise, and developing digital products. These approaches aren't just about making quick cash; they're about building sustainable wealth over time.Investing often intimidates people who don't understand the terminology or concepts. But here's the truth: you can start with just $20 in th...
2025-04-2429 minPops and Son ConversationsRedesigning Your Financial Future: Skills, Content, and ConsultingSend us a textNeed more money flowing into your bank account? You're not alone. The disparity between our bills and our income is a reality many of us face, but there are practical ways to change this equation without completely overhauling your life.In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, this episode delivers three proven strategies for creating additional income streams that anyone can implement. We break down how picking up new skills – particularly in-demand ones like video editing, coding, and AI services – can position you to solve problems people willingly pay for. Best of all...
2025-04-1724 minPops and Son ConversationsBeyond Appearances: The Truth About Attraction and Personal ValueSend us a textBreaking through the illusion of "leagues" in dating and relationships by understanding true confidence and self-worth. The concept of someone being "out of your league" is actually a mental barrier we create that limits our dating potential.• Money doesn't determine compatibility - financial literacy and shared lifestyle values matter more• Physical appearance becomes secondary when confidence and personality shine through• Ambitious people attract other ambitious people - complacency can create relationship friction• Confidence is contagious and makes others see your value beyond superficial qualities• Self-perception determines your dating suc...
2025-04-1037 minPops and Son ConversationsRomance or Rebuilding: Can You Truly Afford to Date Right Now?Send us a text"Romance or rebuilding?" That's the crucial question facing many men today when it comes to dating. As we explore during Financial Literacy Month, dating isn't just about having money—it's about having the complete package of resources: financial stability, emotional availability, time, energy, and creative effort.The pressure on men to provide memorable experiences hasn't changed in centuries, but what if you're in a rebuilding phase of life? We dive deep into this reality check, exploring how transparency about where you stand financially and emotionally isn't a weakness but a strength. Au...
2025-04-0336 minPops and Son ConversationsThe Power of Green Flags: Navigating Dating Beyond Red FlagsSend us a textThe dating landscape is saturated with warnings about red flags, but what about the positive signals that indicate you're on the right track? Rob and Jay break new ground in this refreshing episode by exploring the green flags that deserve more attention in our dating lives.When someone shows genuine effort to get to know you—asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating authentic interest in your responses—that's a powerful indicator of potential compatibility. This kind of reciprocity creates balance where both people actively participate rather than one person carrying the conversational weig...
2025-03-2734 minPops and Son ConversationsHonoring the Queens: Celebrating Women's Impact on Culture and SocietySend us a textThe impact of women across culture, society, and history takes center stage in this heartfelt appreciation episode. Rob and Jay explore the remarkable achievements of women who have broken barriers and set new standards in multiple arenas - from sports phenoms like Cocoa Gauff and Angel Reese to political pioneers including Condoleezza Rice and Kamala Harris.Their conversation spans entertainment, highlighting the powerful legacies of actresses such as Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, and Halle Berry, whose versatility and embodiment of their characters have left indelible marks on film. The musical landscape...
2025-03-2033 minPops and Son ConversationsRed Flags in Dating as a Single DadSend us a textThe delicate dance of co-parenting while dating new people creates unique challenges that can leave single parents caught between competing priorities. In this candid conversation, we tackle a listener question about hospital visitation rights that perfectly illustrates this tension: When a child is hospitalized, should dad's new girlfriend have unlimited access if mom isn't comfortable with it?This scenario opens up a deeper exploration of the jealousy, control issues, and boundary problems that can emerge when blending families. We break down the critical red flags single parents should watch for when...
2025-03-1337 minPops and Son ConversationsFather-Son Wisdom on Women's MonthSend us a textA father and son duo dive deep into what Women's Month truly means beyond just a designated celebration in March. Rob "Silver Fox" Malloy and Javan "Mr. Check Three Times" share personal stories about the influential women who shaped their lives, particularly their mothers whose wisdom continues to guide them decades later.The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore authenticity in relationships, with Javin revealing the most valuable advice he's received from women: "always be yourself." This leads to a thought-provoking discussion about reciprocity—how men often try to meet wo...
2025-03-0736 minPops and Son ConversationsEpisode 7 Part 2: A Deep Dive into Child Support DynamicsSend us a textWhat does it mean when child support becomes more than just a financial obligation? Join us in this episode of Pops and Son Conversations as Rob Malloy and Javan, tackle the intricate dynamics of child support that go beyond the numbers. We promise to shed light on how this critical issue can shape parental relationships and the bond with children. Discover the distinct perceptions mothers and fathers hold about child support and how the involvement of enforcement agencies can signal more than just a lack of financial support. This conversation encourages clear communication...
2025-02-2719 min