80% of Your Identity Was Set Before 12… Here’s the Problem episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 24, 2026 · 51 MIN

80% of Your Identity Was Set Before 12… Here’s the Problem

from Married Game Podcast · host Keith Yackey

In this episode of the Married Game Podcast, we sit down with Tanner Wendell, a family leadership coach and founder focused on helping high-performing men build structure, discipline, and leadership at home—not just in business. And what he shares in this conversation will challenge the way you think about masculinity, relationships, and fatherhood…Most men never actually become men.They grow older. They make money. They build lives.But deep down—they’re still being run by the same patterns, fears, and conditioning formed as boys.Tanner breaks down why ages 9–11 are the most critical years in a boy’s development, how identity is formed before we even have language, and why so many high-performing men are silently struggling in their marriages, confidence, and leadership.We get into:Why your son will become you… whether you like it or notThe “little boy” running most men’s decisions (especially in relationships)Why successful men often feel powerless at homeHow identity actually shapes your results—and how to change itThe missing rite of passage from boyhood to manhoodAnd what fathers must do NOW before it’s too lateThis isn’t theory.This is the stuff that determines the trajectory of your life—and your son’s.If you’ve ever felt like you’re winning in one area of life but losing in another…If you know you’re capable of more but can’t seem to break certain patterns…Or if you’re a father who actually gives a damn about raising a strong man…This episode will hit you hard.Watch until the end to hear how Tanner is building real-world experiences for fathers and sons to create unbreakable bonds—and reshape the next generation of men.👉 Learn more at: MarriedGame.com👉 Get the book: MarriedGameBook.com

In this episode of the Married Game Podcast, we sit down with Tanner Wendell, a family leadership coach and founder focused on helping high-performing men build structure, discipline, and leadership at home—not just in business. And what he shares in this conversation will challenge the way you think about masculinity, relationships, and fatherhood…Most men never actually become men.They grow older. They make money. They build lives.But deep down—they’re still being run by the same patterns, fears, and conditioning formed as boys.Tanner breaks down why ages 9–11 are the most critical years in a boy’s development, how identity is formed before we even have language, and why so many high-performing men are silently struggling in their marriages, confidence, and leadership.We get into:Why your son will become you… whether you like it or notThe “little boy” running most men’s decisions (especially in relationships)Why successful men often feel powerless at homeHow identity actually shapes your results—and how to change itThe missing rite of passage from boyhood to manhoodAnd what fathers must do NOW before it’s too lateThis isn’t theory.This is the stuff that determines the trajectory of your life—and your son’s.If you’ve ever felt like you’re winning in one area of life but losing in another…If you know you’re capable of more but can’t seem to break certain patterns…Or if you’re a father who actually gives a damn about raising a strong man…This episode will hit you hard.Watch until the end to hear how Tanner is building real-world experiences for fathers and sons to create unbreakable bonds—and reshape the next generation of men.👉 Learn more at: MarriedGame.com👉 Get the book: MarriedGameBook.com

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80% of Your Identity Was Set Before 12… Here’s the Problem

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Big Old Life: Heather Blackbird interviews people on planet earth. Heather Blackbird loves asking questions. This podcast is a learning experience. Join me, Heather Blackbird, as I talk to people about their lives. Frequency of new episodes is a little all over the place and I'm learning as I go. Big Old Life is a small way of talking about the vastness of life, one person at a time. If you are reading this or found this podcast it's probably because someone you know gave you a link to it. :) Explicit The Sacred +Profane Podcast nephtaragrace The Sacred + Profane Podcast is a provocative conversation dedicated to cementing a better future for all. We specialize in unpacking the nuances of what is considered sacred and profane, particularly focusing on sex, death, and all that pertains to the circle of life. Our aim in focusing on such ”taboo” subject matter is to demystify what is unconscious, bring to light what has been known for centuries as ”the occult,” and empower the rapid transformation that is occurring on the Planet. Explicit Undeniable w/ Braxton Curtis Braxton Curtis The official Podcast of Braxton Curtis.A Father, Husband, and Business Owner just trying to figure it all out. Explicit Creativity Threads Life w/ Mr Benja Mr Benja Welcome creatives! These are discussions, thoughts, case studies, interviews, and lessons about how our creativity relates to life. The host, Mr Benja, is a former video game programmer / designer for Rockstar Games, Sony Santa Monica, The 3DO Company, and others, as well as a fine artist. -- Be sure to check out the website for more. Explicit

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This episode is 51 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 24, 2026.

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In this episode of the Married Game Podcast, we sit down with Tanner Wendell, a family leadership coach and founder focused on helping high-performing men build structure, discipline, and leadership at home—not just in business. And what he shares...

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