A Birthday Chat with My Son, Emerson

A Family Podcast Tradition

One of my favorite traditions on The Brand and Market Podcast doesn’t actually have anything to do with marketing. It’s my annual birthday interviews with my kids. It started last year when I invited my daughter Huxley on the show for her birthday, and it’s become a sweet way to capture an “audio snapshot” of my family at different ages.

This time, the spotlight was on my youngest son, Emerson, who is about to turn three. Our conversation gave listeners a peek into his personality, his favorite things, and—no surprise to anyone who knows him—his deep love for all things Jeep.

Meet the Birthday Boy

When I asked Emerson how old he’s turning, he needed a moment to think. He’s two now, so yes, three is up next! His excitement for the big day was clear from the start, especially when he described his party plans. At the top of his list? Temporary tattoos. Not just any tattoos. Jeep tattoos.

Emerson’s Jeep obsession runs deep. His favorite is a green Jeep, and every time we see one on the road, he lights up and asks if we can go buy it. While an actual Jeep isn’t on the gift list, I offered the compromise of a picture for his wall.

Planning a Jeep-Themed Birthday

One small challenge I’ve discovered while party planning is that Jeep-specific decorations are surprisingly hard to find, unless you go with a safari theme. So we’re working with a “safari with a side of Jeep” concept to make his dream day happen.

Aside from tattoos, Emerson says he just wants to play at his party. Gift-wise, he’s keeping it simple: a Jeep shirt, maybe some “baby Jeeps,” and, surprisingly, a guitar he spotted at Cracker Barrel, also green, of course.

Big Dreams for the Future

When I asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Emerson initially said he didn’t know… Until the idea of driving a big green Jeep came up. As for a career, he landed on becoming a doctor for animals, a veterinarian. I explained what that meant, and he lit up at the thought of helping pets.

Life as the Youngest

Being the “baby” of the family is a role Emerson fully embraces. In his mind, it means crawling and crying, though I reminded him that it really just means he’s the youngest. He proudly claimed his spot as our grand finale, with no more kids coming after him.

Wrapping Up the Birthday Chat

As our conversation wrapped up, Emerson circled back to his main message: he wants a Jeep for his birthday. Whether that means a shirt, toy, or party favor, we’ll make sure his celebration is full of green and Jeep-themed joy.

Interviewing my kids each year reminds me how quickly they grow and change. These little conversations become treasured memories, and I’m so glad to share them with you here on the podcast.