We recently connected with Rob & Javan and have shared our conversation below.
Rob & Javan, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Man, I had to learn early on that not everybody’s gonna see the vision. Some folks don’t even have the eyes to recognize greatness when it’s in front of them. I’ve had people close to me laugh at my ideas, talk slick behind my back, or act like my dreams were too far-fetched. But the thing is, I stopped expecting validation from people who never had the courage to chase anything themselves.
What keeps me going is understanding that purpose is louder than noise. Haters come with the territory—especially when you start showing signs of elevation. It’s like crabs in a barrel; some people only feel tall when they can pull you down. But I decided a long time ago that I’m not shrinking myself to make anyone else comfortable. My son is watching. My legacy’s being built in real-time.
And when it gets hard? I remember that I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing it for the version of me that almost gave up. For the younger me that didn’t have the words yet, but had the heart. And now that I’ve found both, it’s up to me to keep pushing forward, even if I gotta walk through the storm with no umbrella. I persist by knowing who I am, why I started, and who I refuse to become.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
We’re a father-and-son duo dedicated to shifting the culture through conversation, connection, and community. Together, we created Pops and Son Conversations—a talk show that brings real dialogue between generations to the forefront. It’s not just about trending topics; it’s about manhood, fatherhood, relationships, healing, and the journey of becoming better men. We don’t always agree, but that’s the beauty of it. Our differences spark deeper conversations, and our bond shows people that growth and accountability can coexist.
Outside the podcast, we’re both building meaningful ventures. Javan (the son) is the founder of Three Times Magazine, which spotlights independent creatives through in-depth interviews and unfiltered storytelling. He’s also building a writing community called The Writing Council and working in financial education to help people take control of their credit and long-term wealth.
Robert (Pops) is a veteran, relationship coach, and the founder of Keeping Veterans Fit, a nonprofit focused on empowering veterans to live healthier, purpose-driven lives through fitness and community. He brings years of life experience and wisdom to every conversation, especially when it comes to navigating relationships, leadership, and legacy.
What makes our brand special is the honesty. We’re not putting on a show—we’re having real conversations that need to be heard. And together, we’re not just creating content—we’re building something that lasts.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Self-awareness is the foundation. You can’t grow if you don’t know who you are. We’ve both had to look in the mirror at different points in our lives—acknowledge what needed healing, what needed sharpening, and what needed letting go. For anyone just starting out, take time to get to know your patterns, your purpose, and your pain. That’s how you move with intention.
Discipline is what keeps things moving when motivation fades. Whether it was Pops’ experience in the military or Javan building a creative brand from scratch, discipline has been key. Consistency is a superpower. Start small, but be consistent. Discipline turns effort into results.
Communication has helped us not only grow individually, but together. We’re two different men, from two different eras, and we’ve learned how to listen to each other, how to speak with respect, and how to disagree without disconnecting. That applies to business, family, and life in general. Mastering how you express yourself can change everything.
Our advice: Don’t rush the process. Work on who you are as much as what you do. The more solid you are internally, the stronger your impact will be externally.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely—we’re always looking to build with people who are aligned with purpose and impact. For Pops and Son Conversations, we’re open to collaborating with relationship experts, mental health advocates, other father-son duos, creatives, and brands that care about generational healing, men’s growth, and family-centered dialogue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Popsandsonconversations.com
- Instagram: Popsandsonconversations
- Other: Tiktok Popsandsonconvo
Image Credits
Bob Mackey
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
