Scott Asmar: The Man & Everything In Between

EP15: A Midlife Father’s Take on Raising 7 Girls With Faith, Love & Family

A father’s presence shapes a daughter’s world in ways that last a lifetime. But as a father, what does it mean to show up, to listen, and to guide without overstepping?
 
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Goshgarian, a father of seven daughters, for an honest conversation about the challenges and rewards of fatherhood. We talk about what it takes to raise strong, independent women, the shift from protector to trusted advisor, and why sometimes the best thing a father can do is simply listen.
 
Justin shares his experiences navigating different personalities under one roof and how faith has shaped his parenting. This conversation is a heartfelt look at the role we play in shaping our daughters’ confidence, choices, and future relationships.
 
Quotes
“I’ve always said the first man in a daughter’s life is her father.” (8:08 | Scott Asmar) 
“Listen to your daughters and don’t try to fix it. Just listen, and honestly, that would be it. And just let your daughters know that you’ll be a sounding board. And when they want help, they will absolutely tell you.” (17:27 | Justin Goshgarian)
“Those moments where you listen, you encourage, you pray—that does a lot for them. That’s all they really needed was just that encouragement, that time. Because when you’re in a low spot, it kind of picks you up, gives you that gumption to keep going.” (19:10 | Justin Goshgarian)
“One thing I've done with all the girls is I've always given them a promise ring. For me, that promise ring means that there's always a reminder of your value and the value that I see in you, the value that God sees in you. And that, I'm always going to be there for you and always be that reminder for you.” (20:53 | Justin Goshgarian)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP14: Alone vs Loneliness: A Deep Dive Into A Common Midlife Experience Featuring Special Guest, Natalie Kazarian, LMFT

Being alone can feel peaceful or isolating. What makes the difference?
 
Scott Asmar sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Natalie Kazarian to explore the line between solitude and loneliness. Can time alone be a source of strength, or does it always signal disconnection? They unpack how intentionality shapes our experience, why some people feel lonelier in a crowd than by themselves, and how to recognize when solitude is helping or hurting.
 
Scott reflects on his own shifts between being alone and feeling lonely, while Natalie shares ways to foster connection, whether through personal reflection, community, or small daily choices. They also break down the role of social media: does it connect us, or does it leave us more isolated?
 
Join Scott and Natalie’s discussion for a compelling look at how we experience being alone and what it takes to build meaningful connection.
 
Quotes
“I believe that that is true loneliness when you don’t feel like there’s anybody there, but that’s different from being alone, which is a very positive thing as I see it.” (05:07 | Scott Asmar)
“Aloneness can lead to feelings and thoughts around reflection, behavior, what we want to do in the future. It’s a really beautiful space. Again, if we’re seeing it in that kind of positive light, the positive sentiment of it, it’s a wonderful place to go for creativity, to understand ourselves better, and honestly, to reflect on the past too, which is not always a bad thing.” (07:11 | Natalie Kazarian) 
“Robin Williams once said, ‘I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.’” (09:45 | Natalie Kazarian)
“And you brought up a point that I hadn’t thought about, actually, is that it is a punishment, as you say, in solitary confinement. So if we as humans, we’re punishing ourselves if we stay in solitude, or if we stay in that state.” (15:21 | Scott Asmar) 
“I also believe that alone time does help you, and a positive thing of loneliness can help you prepare yourself for the next phase so that you can move to the next phase and appreciate where you have been and where you are at now.” (17:58 | Scott Asmar) 
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP13: New Parenting Revelations For 2025 Featuring My Daughter

Parenting doesn’t end when kids grow up, but letting go of the “little kid” lens can open the door to a stronger, more empowering relationship. As a parent, how do you support your kid’s independence while holding onto the close connection you’ve built?  
 
In this episode, Scott reflects on the ways old habits resurface when adult children come home, from driving them to appointments to managing their schedules, and how these actions, though loving, can unintentionally hold them back. Joined by his daughter Alexa, they unpack how these dynamics feel from both sides: Alexa’s need for autonomy and Scott’s struggle to let go of the “little kid” lens.  
 
Through their conversation, they navigate the challenges of redefining the parent-child relationship and reflect on the lessons that come with this transition. If you’d like to learn how to let go while staying present, this episode offers insights and inspiration for parents and children alike.
 
Quotes
“I think both you and I need to work on this, especially me, to work on, again, changing the lens in which I see you, because you are a young woman who is self-sufficient. And that was my goal in raising you, along with your mother. We want to make you autonomous, and know that we support you in everything that you do, and that you can come to us for anything, but you need to make those decisions… I think the guidance changes.” (09:41 | Scott Asmar)
“I’m going through a big transition in my life from being a college student to postgrad. And it’s been hard finding a job and networking with people. And sometimes I just want to vent. In some cases, you’ll just be like, ‘Oh, well, you should do this and blah, blah, blah.’ And it's like, well, don't you think I'm already doing that? …I just need you to listen.” (11:34 | Alexa Asmar)
“The first man in a daughter’s life is her father. And so, as a father, I want to make a good example. We’re not all perfect.” (12:42 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP12: Appreciating My Heritage Through Veterans & Travel

“Everybody has come from somewhere, and everyone has a story. Every story is important.”
 
In this episode, Scott Asmar reflects on his family’s Lebanese roots and his journey to reconnect with that heritage. He shares how his great-grandfather Anton left Lebanon with his bride, Mariam Helu, changing their family name from Asmar to Prieto to start a new life. This shift created a gap in the family’s connection to their past. Years later, Scott felt a deep need to reclaim his family’s original name and legally changed his own back to Asmar, honoring the identity his ancestors left behind. 
 
Scott is joined by his uncle Eric, who shares a powerful story of his grandfather John’s service in WWII. Eric recalls how John courageously defended his fellow soldiers in a fierce battle, capturing the resilience and sacrifice of young men who risked everything for freedom. Through these stories, Scott invites listeners to think about their own family history and the significance of preserving memories for future generations. Heritage matters— it connects us to those who paved the way and grounds us in a shared legacy.
 
Quotes
“My dad said he never fought for medals or things like that. It was just to help the cause and keep his comrades alive if he could.” (15:24 | Eric Prieto) 
“Things may not always be great. We may get upset at certain aspects of the country. But we do live in the best country in the world because of people like my grandfather that fought for us.” (17:41 | Scott Asmar)
“I think every American should be proud of being an American because without the rights that we have in our country, it’s just not the same… And I think our country is striving to be the best that it can be.” (20:12 | Eric Prieto)
“I just urge all of you, especially those that are midlife like me, in their mid-50s, it does help and it does build character to dig into your heritage, regardless of where you came from, regardless of nationality or race or religion. Just get those stories from your family down on paper. Have them be told to you, and start developing that line of heritage and history for future generations.” (21:19 | Scott Asmar)
“Everybody has come from somewhere, and everyone has a story. Every story is important.” (22:05 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP11: Taxiing and Taking Off Again - Redefining My Fatherhood As Kids Graduate

“Fatherhood never stops,” Scott Asmar reflects in this episode as he talks about how being a dad changes as your kids grow into adults. He shares the moment he watched his daughter graduate and realized that parenting doesn’t end with their independence—it just shifts. What does it look like to support your kids when they’re no longer kids? Scott discusses how fatherhood has evolved, with dads becoming more involved at every stage of their children’s lives. He talks about the importance of staying close, carving out intentional time together, and respecting their adult children’s independence. How do you balance being there for your kids while giving them space to lead their own lives? 
 
Scott’s message is clear—fatherhood is a lifelong journey, one that’s built on love, growth, and learning along the way.
 
Quotes
“I had a revelation. And that revelation was that fatherhood doesn’t stop. Just because they’re graduating doesn’t mean fatherhood ends.” (01:30 | Scott Asmar) 
“But sitting through that commencement, it hit me—wait a minute, your duties as a father aren’t stopping. They’re just morphing into something different, something that involves parenting adult children. It was this revelation that fatherhood, like your walk with Christ, is a journey. It continues until you lay your head down for the last time—you will always be a father.” (02:01 | Scott Asmar) 
“Not only am I speaking to fathers who have biological children, but anyone can take on the role of fatherhood. And when you take on that role, you have to understand that it’s a lifelong journey.” (02:58 | Scott Asmar) 
“I was taking inventory of what were the things that I did as a father for her growing up that got her to this point. Some of those things I remember are the words of encouragement and strength that I would instill in both my children, in Alexander and Alexa, and to always fill them with secure thoughts to cultivate independence and phrases like, ‘You know, I know you can do it. You have to know you can do it.’ The goal of raising them, raising children, being a father, is that when we are gone, they are able to carry on.” (05:57 | Scott Asmar) 
“The most important thing that a father has to remember is that the time spent with our children is an investment, and that time is very important… We always have to remember that they’re a sponge; they’re the reason why we’re here, and we need to help them navigate through life. And that starts at a young age.” (09:51 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
www.fatherhood.gov for resources from the federal government
 
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP10: Managing Grief in Midlife At Unexpected Times

“It’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay not to have a time limit on it. When the grief hits, it’s okay to grieve. It’s a very healthy emotion because it helps us move past the deep pits of sorrow and come to terms with the loss,” says Scott Asmar. In this episode, Scott reflects on his personal journey with loss, especially as he approaches the 10-year anniversary of his grandmother Ruby’s passing. This milestone serves as a reminder of the many loved ones he’s lost, including several family members who passed away between 2012 and 2014, leaving his family in a long period of mourning.
 
Scott opens up about the delayed grief he experienced, such as how the death of a friend from the 90s didn’t fully hit him until years later, sparked by the passing of singer Prince. Even with a background in psychology, Scott discovered firsthand that grief doesn’t follow a predictable timeline and can emerge in surprising ways.
 
Scott encourages listeners to give themselves permission to grieve without pressure, and he highlights the importance of keeping memories alive through stories, photos, and traditions, like the Armenian church’s Hoki Hankist, a prayer for souls at rest. He also shares a touching devotional from Pastor Rick Warren, reinforcing the idea that grief is not only natural but necessary. How do we find strength in the grieving process? Scott believes that by embracing grief, sharing it with loved ones or a higher power, and honoring those we’ve lost, we can move toward emotional healing and find comfort along the way.
 
Quotes
“It’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay not to have a time limit on it. When the grief hits, it’s okay to grieve. It’s a very healthy emotion because it helps us move past the deep pits of sorrow and come to terms with the loss.” (06:52 | Scott Asmar) 
“To me, it’s important to keep everyone who has passed in my life alive through stories, pictures, and dedications. One thing I love about my Armenian church is that we have what’s called Hoke Hankist. Hoke means soul, and Hankist means rest. It’s a prayer for the souls at rest… That means so much to me because it’s a remembrance that they were here, that they had a life, and that they helped mold who I am today.” (07:34 | Scott Asmar)
“It’s important not to forget the deceased, in my opinion, and pictures are worth a thousand words in keeping those memories alive. As Christians, we believe that the dead shall rise, and we shall see them again, so they’re not gone forever. It’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to experience delayed grief. If you have delayed grief, you’re not going crazy; it’s just something that triggers it in you. Work through it, process it, and hold on to the memories and the laughter, for they shape you and help you become stronger.” (08:36 | Scott Asmar)
“The Bible teaches that it is important to grieve over your losses, including disappointments, sins, the suffering in the world, and friends who are spiritually lost. While grief is painful, it is also a healthy and necessary process. Grief is a gift from God because it helps you navigate the tough seasons of life, allowing difficult transitions to transform you… Don’t carry the pain alone—share it with God and with a close friend. Grieving opens your heart to receive comfort from God. (10:53  | Scott Asmar) 
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP09: Special 80th Anniversary D-Day Tribute To My Grandfather & WWII War Hero & Veteran

“The older I get, the more I see the significance and importance of our military, of those who protect us in combat. My grandpa was one of those who fought for our freedom,” reflects Scott Asmar. In this episode, Scott shifts from his usual discussions on midlife reevaluations to pay tribute to his grandfather, John, a World War II paratrooper. The episode’s timing is meaningful, aligning with the 80th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, where John played a vital role.
 
Joining Scott is his uncle Eric, who has dedicated himself to preserving John’s legacy. Together, they explore John’s journey from his modest beginnings in Phoenix, Arizona, to his courageous service in the 82nd Airborne Division. Eric recounts gripping stories of John’s bravery during battles across Europe and the personal challenges he faced after returning home. How did John manage the psychological toll of war, especially in an era when PTSD wasn’t fully understood? The conversation uncovers the delayed recognition of his heroism and how he coped with the aftermath of war.
 
Scott and Eric offer a touching reflection on the lasting impact of war and the importance of honoring veterans like John. Despite the horrors they endured, these men retained their humanity and compassion, leaving a legacy that deserves to be remembered.
 
Quotes
“A lot of young people grow up looking to sports figures or movie actors as role models. For me, it was very simple. The only person I looked up to and idolized was my dad. He was just an awesome father, and I loved him tremendously.” (05:57 | Eric Prieto) 
“People don’t realize that my father was a very nice man, personally. He was a kind guy who would help anyone in trouble. For him to fight in the war—let’s face it, when you fight in a war, your job is to kill people—was totally against the fabric of who he was. Yet, he was willing to do that because of his love for his country and his family.” (15:57 | Eric Prieto) 
“The stress of fighting in a war is stressful enough, just being there is stressful enough. But to have to actually kill people, that is where the traumatic syndrome comes from, is the act of killing other human beings.” (22:01 | Eric Prieto) 
“Here’s a man who, through it all—the killing and seeing his comrades killing—still managed to show a little mercy to some people who were surrendering to him, to his prisoners. Despite having orders to kill the prisoners, he refused to do that. It shows that he refused to surrender his humanity. And I think that’s the part that stands out the most to me.” (27:09 | Eric Prieto)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP08: Communication is King - Meet My Children, Alexander & Alexa

“There is an art of communication and you have to communicate things the right way” says Scott Asmar, bringing wisdom to the forefront in this episode of “The Man and Everything in Between" alongside his children. In a world where miscommunication can lead to a cascade of issues, Scott advocates for a shift towards more positive, supportive, and calm ways of expressing ourselves, especially as we navigate the complexities of midlife.
 
Scott's children, Alexander and Alexa, also share their perspectives. Alexander emphasizes the value of effective communication, from maintaining personal relationships to securing a spot in law school. Meanwhile, Alexa, on the cusp of launching her career with a film degree, reflects on the evolving communication with her parents, cherishing her father's unwavering support as she steps into the future. 
 
Scott also recounts his leap from psychology to acting, revealing the candid feedback and encouragement from Alexander and Alexa. Their support highlights the importance of family backing in pursuing one's passions, regardless of the timing or the challenges ahead.
 
This episode extends an invitation to listeners: to cultivate open lines of communication in their own lives, aiming to understand different perspectives and support loved ones through life's changes.
 
Quotes
"It's taken me years to understand the art of communication or to try to begin to understand that our words do matter. What we say to people does stick with them." (02:13 | Scott Asmar) 
"Communication does break down at certain points. It breaks down with the spouse, it breaks down with friendships, it breaks down in acquaintances, and especially it breaks down in children. And it takes a lot to keep it going, and it takes a lot to recognize it." (03:31 | Scott Asmar) 
"I started cleaning up my act and my selfishness that I was going through and started to see that we needed to sit down and talk with one another, not argue, not blame, not point fingers, but just openly communicate about our own thoughts and what was going on with us. With outside help, we managed to slowly climb back. And we're still working on communicating at a better level each time." (05:19 | Scott Asmar)
"I've definitely realized how important communication is, not just within the family, but also within friendships and relationships as you get older and in the workplace as well, communicating with co-workers and your superiors. It's really the foundation of a successful relationship. (08:00 | Alexander Asmar)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP07: 6 Social Connections Each Month Keeps the Doctor Away + Surprise Guest

The secret to a fulfilling life is often found in our relationships with those we hold dear. Scott Asmar and his better half, Jane, explore this statement through a candid discussion about the essence of connections. In this episode, they share their journey into how they've navigated their own relationship hurdles.
 
Jane recounted a conversation with her sister, who mentioned a doctor's tip about the importance of making six meaningful connections a month. This led to a conversation about how making connections with friends, family, or even helping out in charity work significantly affects our happiness, particularly in our middle years.
 
Through stories of tighter bonds and reflections on purposeful engagement, Scott and Jane unpack the layers of communication and mutual support that form the foundation of any strong relationship. The couple tackles the challenges and triumphs of keeping connections alive, whether with loved ones or the wider community and they stress the importance of setting healthy boundaries and consciously choosing positivity in our interactions.
 
Faith plays a central role in the conversation, shedding light on how shared beliefs and practices can enrich a relationship. The couple encourages us to keep our relationships front and center, to find the joy in every interaction, and to never underestimate the power of reaching out and truly connecting.
 
Quotes
“As human beings, we are made to have relationships. We are made to be with people. That's why God created man. That's why he created woman to be the helper, to be the companion, to be the partner. And God doesn't want us here by ourselves. So that's why it's so important to foster your relationships.” (06:18 | Jane Asmar) 
“What starts to become important, I realize, are my friendships, our marriage, focusing back on people because it's people who make us feel fulfilled, contented, joyful. [With] somebody to talk to, to listen to, I think those things help you grow.” (08:16 | Jane Asmar)
"You need, in your life, six connections every month, whether that's with friends, your spouse, or even charity work. Whatever it is, you have to make these six connections." (09:44 | Jane Asmar) 
"My life is just basically work, come home, grocery store, go to dinner, be with my family. And I started thinking about that. I said, am I being intentional with my friendships? And that's a keyword, “intentional.” Am I making the effort? Am I being a good friend? And what am I bringing to the table? How can I help serve them?" (10:00 | Jane Asmar)
"Boundaries are very important. I have learned about boundaries later in life, as opposed to early in life. I didn't really understand keeping those boundaries or building those boundaries. It's not a negative. It's just making sure that you are protected as a person and setting the limits to what you can and cannot do." (21:24 | Scott Asmar)
"We truly want our listeners to know that you're not alone. You don't have to be alone and connections and relationships are important." (24:14 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP06: Journaling & Midlife Relationships

How can we maintain relationships and cultivate a sense of gratitude particularly as we navigate midlife? Drawing from his own 26 years of marriage, host Scott Asmar talks about the ups and downs of relationships and the hard work they require to thrive.
 
Scott gets real about what keeps a relationship going. He shares a personal tip that's changed the way he sees his loved ones: writing down the good stuff about them in a journal. It's a simple strategy, focusing on the positives, which has helped him appreciate his wife and friends more.
 
Scott's stories and tips provide a fresh perspective on strengthening bonds with those around you. He also emphasizes our need for connection and a sense of community. He encourages listeners to try out the journal idea for themselves so they can remember why they value their close relationships. It's a practical step toward bringing back that initial excitement and cultivating gratitude in your life. 
 
Quotes:
“Those attributes, those commitments and follow through and work and dedication can be used in any type of relationship, any type of friendship. Everything takes dedication, everything takes commitment, everything takes follow-through, everything takes work. And even as we do with our homes, with our bodies, with our cars, the upkeep of all of that to maintain its proper use to maintain its full capacity. Same thing with a relationship. We need to put that into our relationships in order for them to work and for them to to get the most out of who we choose to be with. If we don't, we run the risk of decaying these relationships.” (02:53 | Scott Asmar)
“When we're in the middle of our life and there's so much stimuli around us and there's so many things that consume us in terms of children or family or aging parents, that we need to refocus. And it is important to have these connections and it is important to have the strong connection with your spouse. or your significant other, because those are the backbones. Those are what help you. The friendships that we have are also important too. (06:07 | Scott Asmar)
“Connecting with people is important to our psyche. Everybody has a sense of wanting to belong. Everybody has a sense of wanting to be a part of something at any age.” (06:42 | Scott Asmar) 
“The key to people is the connection and being a part of something. And everybody longs for that at no matter what age. I've seen it in older people and in young people. And you can see it on the playground of a school. Just that connection and being a part of something really helps you mentally to grow and to mature and to fulfill that need.” (07:31 | Scott Asmar)
“I encourage you to start the journal. And to write down the list of things, starting with your spouse, significant other, what drew you to them. List every positive aspect of them. Don't do a positive and negative, only positives. And read that, read that once a week, read that once a month to refresh your memory of why you're with this person. And branch out to the friendships. Why are you with these core friends? What drew you together? You'll see that it'll be very enlightening and it'll take you back to that time of the quote unquote honeymoon stage. (08:15 | Scott Asmar) 
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm