BigDeal Podcast Episode Summary

Title: What They Don’t Tell Fathers About Raising Sons: Green Beret Nick Freitas
Host: Codie Sanchez
Release Date: June 5, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of BigDeal, host Codie Sanchez engages in a profound conversation with Nick Freitas, a former Green Beret, entrepreneur, and politician. Freitas brings a unique perspective on fatherhood, masculinity, and the challenges faced by young men in today’s society. The discussion delves deep into themes of resilience, the influence of women on men, entrepreneurial spirit, and the future of American values.

Masculinity and the Rising Discontent Among Young Men

Nick Freitas opens the conversation by addressing a critical issue: the growing discontent among young men. He warns against the societal narrative that paints all aspects of masculinity as toxic or harmful. Freitas emphasizes that men play essential roles in protecting and providing for society.

Nick Freitas [00:00]: "Young men are going to revolt. You cannot tell men that every aspect of their masculinity is bad and toxic and evil and they're responsible for all the world's ills and expect to get away with that long term because they're the ones that fight the wars, police the streets, et cetera."

Freitas predicts a pivotal moment where men will either defend society or become the very "barbarians" society fears.

Nick Freitas [00:23]: "They're either going to be the people that stand on the wall and guard against the barbarians, or they will be the barbarians."

The Role of Fathers in Raising Strong Sons

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the responsibilities of fathers in shaping their sons into strong, resilient individuals. Freitas shares personal anecdotes about his interactions with his children, illustrating the importance of instilling discipline and purpose from a young age.

Nick Freitas [00:43]: "A primary job of a man is to protect and to provide. I have yet to find a single woman that is genuinely attracted to a man that she doesn't feel safe around."

Freitas recounts an inspiring story about his son’s transformation after a wrestling session inspired by Spartan training, highlighting the impact of purposeful fatherhood.

Nick Freitas [01:22]: "...he belongs to me now."

Resilience and the Non-Quitting Mindset

Freitas delves into the concept of resilience, particularly the importance of not quitting when faced with challenges. Drawing from his military experience, he emphasizes that success often hinges on the ability to persevere beyond the point where others might give up.

Nick Freitas [09:13]: "...the goal has to be achieved. So how do we adapt to changing circumstances in order to achieve it?"

He advocates for building habits of tackling difficult tasks and maintaining responsibilities, underscoring that true strength comes from commitment beyond personal gain.

Nick Freitas [12:56]: "You practice doing hard things, you practice doing good things that are difficult, that you wouldn't otherwise want to do, and then you insist on doing them."

The Influence of Women on Men’s Strength and Purpose

Freitas explores the profound influence that women, particularly wives, have on men’s motivations and sense of purpose. He argues that a man's desire to protect and serve often stems from his love and commitment to the women in his life.

Nick Freitas [06:18]: "When a man has a woman that he just desperately is in love with, oh, he'll move mountains."

He further explains that relationships provide men with a noble purpose, driving them to excel and ensure the safety and well-being of their families.

Entrepreneurship and Education: Building a Resilient Future

The conversation transitions to the importance of entrepreneurship and innovative education in fostering resilience and independence among the younger generation. Freitas criticizes the traditional education system for its one-size-fits-all approach and advocates for personalized, hands-on learning experiences that cultivate critical thinking and business acumen.

Nick Freitas [59:56]: "Public education was built off of a Prussian model that was designed to make really good conscripts and factory workers."

Freitas highlights alternative education models, such as entrepreneurial programs and homeschooling strategies, which empower children to take control of their learning and develop practical skills essential for success.

Optimism for America’s Future and the Resilience of Its People

Despite acknowledging the current cultural and political challenges, Freitas maintains an optimistic view of America’s future. He believes in the resilience of the American spirit and the resurgence of values centered around freedom, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility.

Nick Freitas [64:29]: "I think we're incredibly resilient as a people and I think we're starting to see a backlash against this kind of cultural narrative that we've seen that, you know, America sucks and our founding's horrible and we're all a bunch of oppressors."

He envisions a future where young men and women reclaim their positive roles within society, driven by practical solutions and entrepreneurial endeavors rather than being bogged down by outdated ideologies.

Personal Reflections and Advice

Towards the end of the episode, Freitas shares personal reflections and offers advice to his younger self. He underscores the importance of physical fitness, faith, listening to one’s spouse, and investing wisely.

Nick Freitas [73:40]:
"Dear Nick, first things first, get back to the gym. Your future wife is way too hot to settle for a dad bod.
Next.
Start taking your relationship with Christ more seriously..."

Conclusion

Codie Sanchez and Nick Freitas wrap up the episode by reinforcing the central themes of fatherhood, masculinity, resilience, and the critical role of education and entrepreneurship in shaping a brighter future. Freitas encourages men to embrace their inherent strengths responsibly, build strong relationships, and foster environments where young men can thrive without succumbing to societal pressures.

Freitas leaves the audience with a powerful message of personal responsibility and the enduring importance of foundational values in creating meaningful change.

Nick Freitas [75:23]: "Thank you for fighting for freedom and sharing all of these things that typically Green Berets do not share about daughters and love and marriage and the education system and homeschooling. And so I find you to be so unique. And so what I think men need in this country and maybe the rest of us. So thank you for being here."

Notable Quotes:

• Nick Freitas [00:00]: "Young men are going to revolt. You cannot tell men that every aspect of their masculinity is bad and toxic and evil and they're responsible for all the world's ills and expect to get away with that long term because they're the ones that fight the wars, police the streets, et cetera."

• Nick Freitas [00:43]: "A primary job of a man is to protect and to provide. I have yet to find a single woman that is genuinely attracted to a man that she doesn't feel safe around."

• Nick Freitas [12:56]: "You practice doing hard things, you practice doing good things that are difficult, that you wouldn't otherwise want to do, and then you insist on doing them."

• Nick Freitas [06:18]: "When a man has a woman that he just desperately is in love with, oh, he'll move mountains."

• Nick Freitas [59:56]: "Public education was built off of a Prussian model that was designed to make really good conscripts and factory workers."

• Nick Freitas [64:29]: "I think we're incredibly resilient as a people and I think we're starting to see a backlash against this kind of cultural narrative that we've seen that, you know, America sucks and our founding's horrible and we're all a bunch of oppressors."

• Nick Freitas [73:40]:
  "Dear Nick, first things first, get back to the gym. Your future wife is way too hot to settle for a dad bod.
  Next.
  Start taking your relationship with Christ more seriously..."

Additional Resources

To learn more about Nick Freitas and his work, you can follow him on various platforms:

• Instagram & YouTube: @nickjFreitas
• Podcasts: "Making the Argument," "Y Minutes," and "Doge Watch"

Freitas also offers other content related to family, culture, history, and politics across platforms including TikTok and Facebook.

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions between Codie Sanchez and Nick Freitas. For a deeper understanding and to hear the nuanced exchanges, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.