In this episode of Rooted and Rising, host Tim and guest Milton discuss accountability, follow‑through, and what it means to be self‑made while exploring the role Black men play in passing down history and culture.

Milton shares his journey from Oakland graffiti to art school and military service, how art became his tool for storytelling, and why teaching Black history through creativity matters for the next generation.

Tuned to legacy, family, and perseverance, the conversation highlights practical lessons on showing up, completing work, and using voice and art to uplift community.

Two Brothers, One Truth: The Seasons of a Man’s Life | Rooted & Rising Podcast

In this powerful and transparent episode of the Rooted & Rising Podcast, host Tim Bowens sits down with his brother Quentin “JoJo” for a raw conversation about the real seasons men navigate — from survival mode and silent wounds to accountability, growth, and unfinished healing.

This episode dives deep into the emotional and mental battles men often carry in silence. Tim and JoJo explore what it means to transition through life’s toughest moments, break generational patterns, and become the kind of men, fathers, and leaders they were meant to be.

Whether you’re dealing with stress, identity, military transition, family pressure, fatherhood challenges, or emotional weight you rarely talk about, this episode will resonate on a personal level. It’s a real look at brotherhood, manhood, and the honest conversations men need in order to grow.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The different seasons of a man’s life

• Silent wounds men don’t talk about

• Brotherhood, support, and accountability

• Transitioning after the military

• Emotional and mental healing for men

• Breaking old cycles and stepping into growth

• Learning to be present, intentional, and whole

If you’re on your own healing journey — or trying to understand the men in your life — this episode offers truth, perspective, and a reminder that growth is a lifelong process.

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This episode explores the difference between controlling outcomes and controlling your responses, urging listeners to focus on what they can change—attitude, effort, boundaries, and presence—and to release what they cannot.

It emphasizes that letting go is not quitting but an act of trust and clarity that creates space for peace, purpose, and growth.

The host also highlights Men’s Mental Health Month, encouraging men to check on themselves and others, seek support, and understand that strength includes knowing when to set burdens down.

This episode explores the emotional and mental weights we keep—both chosen and borrowed—and how they shape our identity and block growth.

It offers a clear reminder that letting go is an act of wisdom, not weakness, and encourages listeners to lighten their load to make space for peace, healing, and new seasons.

When we let other people’s emotions dictate our reactions, peace becomes the first casualty. In this short but powerful episode, Tim talks about emotional discipline — how to pause before reacting, protect your peace, and respond with intention instead of emotion. Because when we respond through emotion, that’s usually when someone gets hurt or in trouble.

In this episode, Tim and MJ explore the concept of elevation, discussing how to turn dreams into reality through courage, planning, and positive thinking. They share personal experiences, offer advice on maintaining dreams amidst challenges, and highlight the importance of supportive relationships. The conversation also touches on the significance of manifestation and legacy in personal growth.

In this conversation, Tim and Dr. Frederick Allen Barron explore the transformative power of mentorship and discipline. They discuss how mentorship goes beyond mere guidance, emphasizing the importance of accountability and personal relationships. Discipline is redefined as a pathway to freedom rather than punishment, highlighting its role in achieving personal and professional goals. The dialogue also explores the distinctions between personal and professional discipline, the importance of modeling discipline through example, and the significance of finding and being a mentor at various life stages.

Welcome back to Rooted and Rising — Cole brings his brother Julius to explore why consistency matters more than passion alone. They trace how military discipline turned into personal standards, how life moves through planting, pruning, and harvesting seasons, and why most people quit before the payoff.

They share honest stories about transitioning out of the Navy, staying present with family during illness, and reclaiming lost passions like writing. Practical advice includes starting small, tracking wins, and leaning on a trusted support system to stay accountable.

This episode emphasizes that daily, repeatable habits and community — not fleeting motivation — build lasting growth, resilience, and excellence.