When the Son Interviews the Father (EP:1023)
- Dr. Joe Martin
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
What happened when my 23-year-old son flipped the script and interviewed me on my own show
What happens when your adult son asks to interview you — not just anywhere, but on your own podcast?
That’s exactly what happened when my 23-year-old son Kendall requested to flip the mic on Real Men Connect. What followed was one of the rawest, most vulnerable, and honest conversations I’ve ever had publicly.
In this father-son exchange, we didn’t just talk — we connected. We unpacked life lessons, marriage truths, identity, and even what I wish I had unlearned as a man.
Here are just a few takeaways from this very personal conversation:
Key Highlights from This Episode
“What I Wish I Had Unlearned as a Man”
The biggest thing I wish I had unlearned? Believing what the world said about me instead of trusting what God says. From childhood insecurity to grown-man self-doubt, I shared how reshaping my identity in Christ became the foundation for healing and growth.
“I wish I had unlearned the belief that I wasn’t enough… and learned to see myself the way God does.”
The Most Underrated Element in Marriage”
Marriage isn’t about chasing happiness — it’s about building intimacy. We discussed how so many men overvalue being happy and undervalue being known. Real intimacy isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and vulnerable.
“If you break the word intimacy down… it’s ‘into-me-you-see.’ That’s what every marriage needs — not more ‘happy moments,’ but deeper connection.”
“What Real Fatherhood Requires”
I opened up about the weight and wonder of fatherhood — from the affirmation every son needs to the risks of loving deeply. Parenting means joy, yes — but it also means making your heart available for potential heartbreak.
“The hardest part about parenting? Loving someone so deeply that losing them would break you… and choosing to love anyway.”
This episode reminded me that no matter how much we’ve learned, grown, or accomplished — connection is what matters most. And men need safe places to be honest, ask hard questions, and walk in truth together.
Kendal J. Martin, is the son of the founder and creator of Real Men Connect, and podcast host, Dr. Joe Martin. He's a 23-year-old senior at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (now 29), who's majoring in Business. He was originally born in Pensacola, Florida, but lived most of his life in Tallahassee, FL, before moving to Chattanooga, TN, to live with his dad and family.
Kendall's an avid rock climber and a huge MMA fan. He is an easy-going young man who loves music, comedy, and creating and trying all types of food. When he's not in school or rock climbing, he's usually working at one of his two jobs at Whitebird Restaurant and Publix.
He says his future aspirations is to someday start a non-profit called WeClimb, that will introduce under-privilege kids to rock climbing and outdoors activities.
To contact Kendall, you can email him at either kjmart11@yahoo.com or kejmart11@gmail.com
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