What does it mean to grow up fast, find role models in unexpected places, and carry those lessons into some of the most high-stakes environments imaginable? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan MacDougall — podcaster, storyteller, and Correctional Peace Officer — to explore the intersections of masculinity, resilience, and mental health inside and outside prison walls.Ryan shares candidly about his childhood marked by chaos, moving away from home at 13, the mentors who stood up for him, and his years in a group home that shaped his understanding of human nature. Today, his work at the Edmonton Remand Centre puts him face-to-face with men navigating the pressures of incarceration — where questions of dignity, emotional regulation, and masculinity are tested daily.This conversation dives into the thin line between ending up on one side of the bars or the other, the power of awareness, and why mentorship can change the trajectory of a young man’s life.**********Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioRyan MacDougall is the host of Solo Spotlight and The Conversationalist, two podcasts under the Spare Bedroom Studios banner. His shows spotlight authentic stories, cultural commentary, and deep-dive conversations across diverse perspectives. Known for his grounded and engaging style, Ryan brings curiosity, candor, and humor to every dialogue.Professionally, Ryan serves as a Correctional Peace Officer for the Government of Alberta, a role that gives him a unique perspective on responsibility, resilience, and human behavior. His passion lies in storytelling, connection, and uncovering the lessons behind the headlines.Topics CoveredGrowing up in a chaotic home and the turning point of leaving at age 13The role of mentors, chosen family, and group homes in shaping resilienceDefining healthy masculinity through peace, transparency, and dignityThe thin line between correctional officer and inmate — and how the environment shapes bothThe importance of emotional awareness, boundaries, and self-reflection in high-stress workWhat parents should know if their son ever becomes incarceratedLinks https://www.youtube.com/@SparebedroomstudiosDon’t forget to subscribe, share, and tune in next week for more insights into the inner world of boys and young men.For more support, reach out to sonhoodcoaching.com**********Why Is Season 3 Different?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...

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