Is America getting too soft to defend itself — or even raise resilient kids? In this episode, Ray and Parfait break down Pete Hegseth’s passionate warning about soft culture, weak leadership, and fading standards. They connect his message to everyday parenting, youth sports, and the modern military, asking the hard question: Can a soft generation survive in a hard world?From the soccer field to the battlefield, this discussion exposes how lowering standards and protecting kids from failure creates fragile adults. Ray and Parfait share real coaching and parenting experiences that reveal the difference between controlled failure (where growth happens) and uncontrolled collapse (where accountability disappears). Their solution: let kids struggle safely, teach them to take ownership, and rebuild a mindset rooted in discipline, merit, and leadership.They explore how the “participation trophy era” has crept into workplaces and the armed forces alike, eroding excellence in the name of inclusion. The conversation shifts to military readiness, the National Guard’s role, and whether domestic deployments distract from the core mission of warfighting. Along the way, they bring in ideas from Jocko Willink, discussing how real reform brings “collateral damage” but ultimately restores strength and clarity.Whether you’re a parent, coach, veteran, or leader, this conversation challenges you to embrace toughness as a virtue, not a vice. It’s about raising warriors, not victims — and leading with courage in a culture that too often rewards comfort over competence.📌 Timestamps00:00 – Intro & context02:30 – Are we raising tough enough kids?07:00 – Controlled vs. uncontrolled failure13:00 – Leadership in the “quitting moment”18:00 – Participation trophies & workplace softness24:00 – The National Guard & mission drift29:30 – Jocko Willink and “collateral damage”33:30 – Closing thoughts: restoring merit & discipline👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on leadership, parenting, and resilience — real talk for people who want to build strength, not excuses.✦ About Ernie Burns & Burns Estate Planning & Wealth AdvisorsPresident & CEO: Ernie M. Burns, Jr.Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP®)Forbes Top Financial Security Professional in Louisiana – 2022 & 2023Author: Total Retirement: A Step-By-Step Educational GuideHost: Total Retirement with Ernie Burns – airing weekly across Louisiana, Florida & Alabama✦ Contact InformationToll-Free: 800-308-4416Louisiana: 985-345-7114Florida: 850-855-4890Alabama: 251-378-9822Fax: 985-345-7124Email: marketing@burnsestateplanning.comWebsite: burnsestateplanning.comOffice Locations: Hammond (HQ), Mandeville, Metairie, Baton Rouge (LA); Destin, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Tallahassee, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville (FL); Spanish Fort (AL).Social Media:Facebook: Burns Estate Planning & Wealth AdvisorsLinkedIn: Burns Estate Planning & Wealth AdvisorsYouTube: Burns Estate Planning & Wealth Advisors📩 Reach Out:Jerrard:📧 Email: jmparfait@gmail.com📱 Instagram: @itsparfaitRay:📧 Email: rbelvin91@gmail.com💤 Sleep & Recovery:Melatonin-Free Sleep & Recovery for Peak Fitness👉 Hit this link and use promo code: NDOZZZ🔗 https://thirdzy.com/⚡ Energy Boost:Need a new energy drink? Try Dubby Energy!👉 Use this link and discount code automatically applies🔗 https://www.dubby.gg/discount/NEWDADORDER?ref=fhfcqotb🌐 Find Us Online:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/newdadorderpodcast1Spotify:🎧 https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zi2b2lmVbAr1m8mhHhjOK?si=l6HluKZ8Rs2Fxt6WJAVy9QTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@newdadorderMelatonin-Free Sleep & Recovery for Peak fitness-Hit this link and use our promo code-NDOZZZhttps://thirdzy.com/Need a new energy drink get Dubby Energy!https://www.dubby.gg/discount/NEWDADORDER?ref=fhfcqotb