147: How JP Sears Discovered the Power of Fatherhood to Awaken His Inner Strength

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify

“A real man should be able to slit a throat and hold a baby in the same day,” says JP Sears, comedian, father, and embodied teacher who joins The King Within podcast to share his unapologetic take on modern masculinity, fatherhood, and the journey to becoming a whole man. With his trademark blend of humor and depth, JP Sears reveals how the warrior archetype was awakened in him during the turbulence of 2020, why being vulnerable without strength turns men into emotional “puddles,” and how fatherhood serves as a ground-zero for both spiritual initiation and self-sacrifice.

In this episode, JP Sears discusses why the polarization of men into either relentless warriors or perpetual softies is a recipe for dysfunction, and how he learned the importance of standing for principles—even when the world (and “cancel culture”) pushes back. He shares deeply personal stories about his relationship with his own father, the lessons he’s had to learn outside the home on strength, emotional connection, and providing structure for his son. Plus, you’ll hear JP Sears break down his nightly “clearing practice” for keeping his relationship alive, as well as the milestones and blind spots on his evolving path as a father and partner.

Listen to The King Within for an honest exploration of what it means to be a trustworthy, grounded man in today’s world—and to discover why, for JP Sears, it’s the hill you’re willing to die on that defines your legacy.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Get around good men—seek genuine, in-person brotherhood for real accountability and growth.
2. Clarify the hill you’re willing to die on—define your values and principles, then stand for them without apology.
3. Practice daily relational hygiene—clear emotional charge with your partner every night; own your feelings, communicate directly, and stay connected.
4. Sacrifice for your family—make choices with their best interest in mind, not yours. The strength of a man is shown in what he’s willing to lay down.
5. Prioritize intentional presence—put down the phone, make time for your kids, and show up with unwavering attention; your presence is the true currency of fatherhood.a

Memorable Quotes

"A man who doesn't have something more important than himself in his life will never be a whole man. The warrior isn't a warrior on the battlefield just for himself—he is representing something greater than himself."

"Cancel culture only works if you consent to it. People consent to cancel culture through the bond of fear, but it cannot take away what really matters—your principles, your relationship to God, your mission, and the values you stand for."

"It unlocks a death to the old self and a birthing of a new self. Especially as a father, you’re sacrificing, you’re no longer feeding your old sense of self. That old sense of self gradually dies, and it’s a great thing—painful at times, but truly fulfilling."

Connect with JP

Website: https://awakenwithjp.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakenWithJP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenwithjp/

Resources Mentioned

The Holistic OBGYN (Dr. Nathan Riley) — https://www.belovedholistics.com/

Whoop (fitness and health wearable) — https://www.whoop.com/

Bolt Health (Testosterone Replacement Therapy provider) — https://www.bolthealth.com/

The C.H.E.K Institute (Referenced as Check Institute)—https://chekinstitute.com/

Tonkot Ali (Herbal supplement for testosterone support) — https://amzn.to/49uCpBv

Jordan Peterson — https://www.jordanbpeterson.com/

Medal of Honor (U.S. military award, referenced story: Ed Byers)—https://www.cmohs.org/

Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!

(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)

Work With Mike

(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)

The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.com

Men of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/

1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1Coaching

Programs (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)

Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/

Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/

Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgram

Bulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications

Connect with Mike

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemi

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583

X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi

Mentioned in this episode:

The Grounded King

The Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.

The Grounded King