The Thinker: Jackson on Risk, Reason, and Finding His Own Path
In this honest and funny conversation, Justin and Sarah sit down with their second child, and first-born son, Jackson. A quiet observer, deep thinker, and self-proclaimed nerd, Jackson opens up about what it’s really been like growing up as an Ahrens, navigating sports, college, and now early adulthood.
From basement wrestling matches and “Jack accidents” to the discipline of Batavia football and a long recovery from injury, Jackson reflects on how risk-taking, leadership, and comfort have evolved for him. He talks about his shift from wild kid to steady presence, why he doesn’t buy into personality labels, and what studying psychology taught him about people (and himself).
It’s a story about growing up in a loud family while finding your own volume. About learning when to push, when to pause, and how to build a life that’s yours, even when your last name is Ahrens.
Takeaways & Talking Points:
The shift from fearless kid to thoughtful adult
What football taught him about leadership, pain, and teamwork
The psychology major’s take on why humans change
Why being “The Ahrens Brothers” came with pride and pressure
How growing up in a creative, entrepreneurial house shaped him, and what he’d do differently
Things We’re Learning (and Unlearning):
Kids evolve faster when they feel trusted, not managed
Logical thinkers still crave connection
Labels can help some people grow, and frustrate others
Home doesn’t stop being home, even when you leave it
Stats Worth Knowing:
73% of Gen Z say mental health is their top personal focus (APA)
Only 1 in 4 college grads say they felt prepared for real-world jobs (Gallup)
Nearly half of Gen Z describe themselves as “introverted, but expressive” (Morning Consult)
This episode is for parents learning to see their grown kids in a new light, and for young adults trying to figure out who they are beyond family expectations.
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