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Bedtime Stories, Controlled Fear, and Healthy Young Men
E70

Bedtime Stories, Controlled Fear, and Healthy Young Men

In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson shares a special solo reading inspired by a recent conversation with Dr. Randolph Schiffer, author of Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children. Exploring how experiencing controlled fear in a safe environment is essential for a boy's emotional health, Shaun reads "Dog"—a story about two young brothers navigating late-night dread inside a forest cedar house. As sounds echo through the dark, seven-year-old Brenton and five-year-old Randy must find the courage to confront the unknown together. From cold floors to a shaking white door, the tale reveals how fear gives way to brotherhood, resilience, and unexpected relief. Join Shaun for a story about stepping into the dark, overcoming panic, and discovering what really lies on the other side.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  1. Experiencing controlled fear helps young men develop emotional resilience and courage in safe environments.
  2. Older siblings carry the natural weight of responsibility, but brothers draw strength from each other when facing the unknown.
  3. Courage is dynamic—its loss is common, but its resurrection allows even the youngest to take action.
  4. Imagined fears in the dark are often far more terrifying than the reality waiting on the other side.
  5. True strength involves taking small, shared steps forward together when facing panic.
Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned
  • Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children by Dr. Randolph Schiffer https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Stories-That-Terrify-Children-ebook/dp/B0FVG5S1RH
  • Controlled Fear Framework: Facing fear in safe environments to build emotional health in boys https://randolphbschiffer.com/home

Episode Video