In this powerful episode of The Built Different Podcast, host Zach Clinton welcomes Ryan Dobson — speaker, author, son of Dr. James Dobson, and co-founder of REBEL Parenting. Ryan opens up about what it was like growing up in one of America’s most well-known Christian families, the pressure and privilege of following in his father’s footsteps, and how he found his own voice through years of struggle, growth, and raw honesty.
But this conversation goes deeper. Ryan shares the deeply personal journey of walking alongside his wife, Laura, as she battles cancer — and how their faith, marriage, and mission have been reshaped in the fire. As June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode offers a timely and tender reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, the power of presence, and the importance of knowing where to turn when life gets heavy.
Whether you’re a husband, a father, a son, or just someone looking for hope in the hard places — this episode is for you.
Links & Resources:

Sheila Walsh: The Cost of Pretending You’re Okay - Buried Emotions, Depression, Mental Health & the Courage to Heal, Ep. 318
34:51

Mike Jarvis: Dreams Don’t Quit, People Do - Perspective, Patience, Perseverance & the Power Forged Through Waiting, Ep. 317
1:18:42

Chad Scott: The Adversity Advantage - You Can’t Always Choose What Happens, But You Can Choose Who You Become, Ep. 316
53:07