DadAwesome

ACTIVATING DADS TO LEAD WITH WONDER Walking with dads as they lead and love their kids toward God's awesomeness. We're on a mission to see dads fully alive and fully activated in their roles—leading with wonder to build intentional connection with their kids while experiencing God's awesomeness together. We partner with dads at every stage of the journey by providing practical fatherhood resources to catalyze connection with their kids, and also with other dads.

DA419 | Don't Long for Someday, The Discipline of Gratitude, and Becoming the Best Version of You as a Dad (Bart Scharrer FROM THE VAULT) 01/29/2026

DA419 | Don't Long for Someday, The Discipline of Gratitude, and Becoming the Best Version of You as a Dad (Bart Scharrer FROM THE VAULT) 🚴 FROM THE VAULT BOOK >> recieve the book 5-weeks early >> join the ADVANCE TEAM: Bart Scharrer has walked through some hard seasons with his daughters. Health crises. Uncertainty. Plans that didn't go the way he expected. But here's what he's learned: Gratitude isn't just a nice idea. It's the way through. ----------------------------------- ✅ Why longing for "someday" can cost you today ✅ How to set the temperature in your home (for better or worse) ✅ A simple practice that taught his daughters confidence and connection ✅ What it looks like to trust God day by day when answers don't come This is a conversation about presence, purpose, and staying the course. -------------------------------- SUMMARY When health crises hit your family and life doesn't go as planned, how do you keep leading well? In this episode from the vault, Bart Scharrer shares how he and his wife have navigated seasons of uncertainty with their daughters—and why gratitude isn't just a nice idea, it's the way through. You'll also hear how teaching your kids to ask good questions can shape their confidence, relationships, and even who they marry someday. Key Takeaways: Don't long for the next season at the expense of today. Embrace where you are right now with your kids. Gratitude is the discipline that keeps you other-centered when life gets hard. It's not ignoring the pain—it's the way through it. Teaching your kids to ask good questions builds confidence, connection, and character that lasts into adulthood. You set the temperature in your home. Your presence, tone, and emotional awareness shape the climate your family lives in. Serving together as a family—in the neighborhood and at church—creates lasting values and surrounds your kids with great people. GUEST Bart Scharrer is a pastor, board member at DadAwesome, and father of two young adult daughters. He and his wife Amy have walked through significant health challenges with their girls and have learned to lead their family with gratitude, presence, and trust in God's timing. Bart is passionate about helping dads stay engaged and intentional through every season of fatherhood. Quotes "Gratitude is the way through. If I don't live in gratitude, it's so easy to live in complaint." "Don't long for someday at the expense of today. There's so much to be thankful for right now." "Shy is not an excuse for rude. Look people in the eye and ask a question." "I can control how much I love Jesus. I can control how much I love my family." "What's the best version of me? That gives me a target for what I'm practicing towards." #DadAwesome #christiandad #dadlife #parenting #dadpodcast #fatherhood #gratitude #intentionalparenting LINKS DADAWESOME Book: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39915020

DA418 | Celebrating 8 Years of DadAwesome: Minivan Miracles, Ripping Out Fences, and the Power of Unlikely Friendships (Craig Allen Cooper) 01/22/2026

DA418 | Celebrating 8 Years of DadAwesome: Minivan Miracles, Ripping Out Fences, and the Power of Unlikely Friendships (Craig Allen Cooper) 🎉 8 YEARS OF DADAWESOME! We're celebrating with an incredible conversation with Craig Allen Cooper, the man behind Walker Hayes' song "Craig." ✅ The minivan miracle that softened an atheist's heart ✅ Why Craig's kids are PRAYING for friendships like their parents have ✅ The 5 P's of fatherhood: Provide, Protect, Prepare, Propel, Present ✅ Tables vs. Tablets and real connection with your kids DADAWESOME Book >> join the Advance Team: SUMMARY After eight years and 418 episodes of DadAwesome, we're celebrating with a conversation that captures everything this ministry is about. Craig Allen Cooper shares the story behind Walker Hayes' song "Craig," why his kids are praying for adult friendships like their parents have, and the five P's that guide his fatherhood. Plus, you'll hear how a minivan miracle led to a stadium-filling artist bowing his knee to Jesus. TAKEAWAYS Your kids are watching your friendships, and they're praying they'll have the same kind of adult community they see modeled in your life. Trust is the foundation of friendship with your kids. When they know you're for them no matter what, the door to real connection opens wide. Tables beat tablets every time. Eye-to-eye, heart-to-heart connection happens around tables of mercy and grace, not through screens. The 5 P's of fatherhood: Provide, Protect, Prepare, Propel, and be Present. These aren't about perfection; they're about direction. Arrows are meant to fly. Your job is to prepare and propel your kids toward their God-given calling, not keep them close forever. What's upstream matters most. Feasting on God's Word daily is what fills you with gladness to pour into your family. GUEST Craig Allen Cooper is the co-author of Glad You're Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread and Fences with country music artist Walker Hayes. He is the subject of Walker's hit song "Craig," which tells the story of their unlikely friendship and Craig's influence in Walker's journey to faith. Craig is a speaker, podcaster, and devoted father of four who lives near Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Laura. He's passionate about discipleship, authentic friendship, and helping men feast on God's Word. QUOTES "Dude, I would give you my blood. You know that, right?" "I've heard my kids say over and over again: I'm praying that I'm going to have adult friendships like you and mom have." "There's a huge difference between table connection and tablet connection. Table connection is eye to eye, heart to heart, soul to soul." "An arrow is meant to fly. There's a tendency to just want to keep it around us, but at some point that arrow will fly." "Every grain of glory, every ounce of praise for anything good in my life belongs exclusively to the Lord Jesus Christ." LINKS DADAWESOME Book: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 TAGS: DadAwesome, Craig Allen Cooper, Walker Hayes, Christian fatherhood, fatherhood podcast, intentional parenting, faith and fatherhood, tables over tablets, friendship and faith, 5 P's of fatherhood, Christian dad, parenting podcast, raising kids, family discipleship, Glad You're Here, unlikely friendships, generosity, minivan miracle, dad community, launching kids /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39817925

DA417 | From Control to Influence, Eradicating the Child-Centered Home, and the Love Jug (Ted Cunningham) 01/15/2026

DA417 | From Control to Influence, Eradicating the Child-Centered Home, and the Love Jug (Ted Cunningham) 🏠 Is your home revolving around your kids? Ted Cunningham joins us to explain why eradicating the child-centered home is one of the best things you can do for your family. ✅ The "Love Jug" illustration that will change how you think about your source of life ✅ Why parenting is a journey from control to influence ✅ How honor bombardments and honor lists create close-knit families ✅ The "princess to queen" conversation every dad of daughters needs to hear DADAWESOME BOOK (join the advance team!) SUMMARY Parenting is a journey from control to influence—and the fastest way to squander influence is to be controlling. In this episode, Ted Cunningham shares his famous "Love Jug" illustration, explains why your marriage is actually your greatest parenting tool, and unpacks why eradicating the child-centered home is essential for raising kids who are ready to leave. Plus, you'll hear the powerful "princess to queen" conversation he had with his daughter and how honor bombardments can transform your family culture. TAKEAWAYS Parenting is a journey from control to influence—and the fastest way to squander influence is by being controlling. Your marriage is part of your parenting plan. Kids have a front-row seat to how you treat your spouse. Jesus is your source, not your spouse or your kids. Fire them from that role. The child-centered home creates prolonged adolescence: too much privilege, not enough responsibility. Honor bombardments and honor lists create close-knit families by calling out what's valuable in each person. GUEST Ted Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri, and a sought-after speaker and author on marriage and family. He has written multiple books including Trophy Child and has partnered with the late Dr. Gary Smalley on numerous projects. Ted and his wife, Amy, are celebrating 30 years of marriage and have two adult children. He's known for his humor, practical wisdom, and passionate belief that strong marriages create strong families. QUOTES "Parenting is a journey from control to influence. With every year, you're losing control and hopefully replacing it with influence." "The fastest way to squander influence is to be controlling." "Jesus is your source, Satan is your enemy, your spouse is your companion." "What's celebrated, what's spoken out loud gets multiplied." "Delete the narrative that says it's too late. Delete the narrative that says it's my fault." LINKS DADAWESOME Book: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39733265

DA416 | Vision, Will, and Community: Standing Against a Culture That Wants to Destroy Your Family (Jeremy Pryor PART 2) 01/08/2026

DA416 | Vision, Will, and Community: Standing Against a Culture That Wants to Destroy Your Family (Jeremy Pryor PART 2) 🔥 What if going with the flow is the most dangerous thing you can do as a dad? Jeremy Pryor is BACK for round four, and this conversation will challenge everything you thought about provision, legacy, and multi-generational family. ➡️ Why vision, will, and community are your only defense against a culture trying to exploit your kids ➡️ The biblical case against "Labanism" and lifetime wage-earning ➡️ How your son-in-law becomes your SON in a multi-generational family ➡️ Why family at 55 should be FAR better than family at 35 SUMMARY If you just go with the flow in today's culture, it will destroy you and your family. In this episode, Jeremy Pryor unpacks why we're living in the Age of Intentionality—where vision, will, and community are the only things standing between your kids and a world trying to exploit them. Plus, he shares why your family life should get richer as your kids grow older, and how to break free from "Labanism" to build assets that serve your family for generations. TAKEAWAYS We live in a unique age where going with the flow will destroy your family. Intentional fatherhood requires vision, will, and thick community. God's five-part mission for families—be fruitful, multiply, fill, subdue, and rule—is the preloaded vision every dad can build on. "Labanism" is the cultural trap of lifetime wage-earning that keeps fathers dependent and unable to truly provide for their own families. Your son-in-law is your son. Multi-generational family means gaining more kids through marriage, not losing the ones you raised. Family gets better with time. What you experience with your kids at 25 should be far richer than when they were 5. GUEST Jeremy Pryor is the founder of Family Teams and the author of Family Revision and The Ruling Generation. He and his wife, April, have five children, two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and a brand new grandson. Jeremy is passionate about helping fathers build multi-generational families that thrive for centuries. This is his fourth appearance on Dad Awesome. LINKS: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Family Teams Resources: FREE video course from Jeremy: QUOTES "If you just go with the flow, do what's natural, it will destroy you and your family." "The only thing that can stand up against what's coming at our kids is an intentional father." "Your son-in-law is your son. Your daughter-in-law is your daughter." "It gets better. It should be so much more rich when your kids are 25 than when they were 5." "Make it your goal to work with your hands, to mind your own business, so that you will not have to be dependent on anyone." "We are blessed to be a blessing." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39651135

DA415 | Your Superpower Is Hurting Your Kids, Creating Emotional Warmth at Home, and Why Attachment Is Everything – Part 1 (Jeremy Pryor) 01/01/2026

DA415 | Your Superpower Is Hurting Your Kids, Creating Emotional Warmth at Home, and Why Attachment Is Everything – Part 1 (Jeremy Pryor) 🚨 If you just go with the flow, it will destroy your family. Jeremy Pryor is BACK on the podcast with a wake-up call for dads everywhere. In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, he's sharing: ➡️ Why your ability to emotionally detach is hurting your kids ➡️ The difference between "Do I love my kids?" and "Do they FEEL loved?" ➡️ How to become a warmer, more emotionally available father ➡️ What ancient Hebraic families understood that we've forgotten SUMMARY If you just go with the flow in today's world, it will destroy you and your family. In this episode, Jeremy Pryor returns to share why the superpower that helps men provide and protect can actually be the very thing that pushes your kids away. You'll discover why emotional detachment is hurting your children and how to become the warm, present father your family desperately needs. TAKEAWAYS The ability to emotionally detach is a fatherhood superpower for providing and protecting—but using it against your family will cost you their hearts. Your kids can sense emotional distance, and they need to know that what happens to them actually impacts you. The question isn't "Do I feel attached to my kids?" but "Do my kids feel attached to me?" Learning from ancient Hebraic family culture can revolutionize the way we build multi-generational bonds. Your wife has a relational map of the family that you desperately need—invite her advice and steward it well. GUEST Jeremy Pryor is the founder of Family Teams and co-host of the Family Teams Podcast with Jefferson Bethke. He's an author, speaker, and advocate for multi-generational family who has spent years studying ancient Hebraic family patterns and helping modern fathers build lasting legacies. Jeremy and his wife, April, have five children and four grandchildren and lived in Israel on and off for about ten years. LINKS Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 FREE video course from Jeremy: Family Teams Resources: /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39581705

DA414 | The Most Important 9 Minutes of Your Kid's Day, Choosing Contentment, and Lessons from Sourdough (Dan Tinquist) 12/25/2025

DA414 | The Most Important 9 Minutes of Your Kid's Day, Choosing Contentment, and Lessons from Sourdough (Dan Tinquist) What if the secret to connecting with your kids wasn't more time—but better minutes? ✅ The See, Hear, Know framework for becoming a student of your kids ✅ Why over-teaching actually backfires (and what to do instead) ✅ How to plan your family's year WITH them, not just for them SUMMARY: What if the most impactful moments with your kids are just nine minutes a day? In this episode, fatherhood coach Dan Tinquist shares how morning, afternoon, and evening connection points can transform your relationship with your kids. You'll also hear why over-teaching actually backfires, how to build a family culture where your kids feel safe to fail, and the surprising parallels between making sourdough bread and raising kids. TAKEAWAYS: The most important nine minutes of your kid's day are the first three when they wake up, the three when you reconnect after school or work, and the last three before bed. If every moment is a teachable moment, you will teach them nothing. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pray instead of lecture. We don't rest from our work—we work from our rest. Contentment today fuels driven action tomorrow. Building a family culture where kids feel safe to fail means they'll run to you when they mess up, not from you. Planning your year with your family—not for them—creates ownership and adventure everyone can look forward to. GUEST: Dan Tinquist is a fatherhood coach, host of the Confidad Podcast, and creator of the Time Well Spent Method and Family Culture Framework. He coaches dads from around the world to move from surviving to thriving in their homes. Dan and his wife have four boys and live in Minnesota. QUOTES: "If every moment is a teachable moment, I will teach them nothing." "Control is an illusion. It is chaos that we are attempting to bring peace into." "We don't rest from our work. We work from our rest." "His mercies are new every single morning. When's the last time you lived a perfect day?" "I'm going to pray instead of open my big fat mouth and tell them why I'm right and they're wrong." LINKS: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Dan Tinquist's Fatherhood Coaching: /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39521860

DA413 | Forgiveness Fridays, Throwback Tuesdays, and Building a Close-Knit Family on Purpose (Michael DeAquino) 12/18/2025

DA413 | Forgiveness Fridays, Throwback Tuesdays, and Building a Close-Knit Family on Purpose (Michael DeAquino) ➡️ How yearly family vision summits (with a hot tub!) shape your family's direction ➡️ The power of tying your kids' names to your family's core values ➡️ Why pre-parental counseling removes the shame that keeps dads stuck later SHOW NOTES SUMMARY What if you could prepare for fatherhood before the chaos even begins? In this episode, Michael DeAquino shares how he and his wife are helping expecting parents get on the same page before baby arrives—and why that window of time matters so much. You'll also hear how Michael's family runs themed dinner nights every single day of the week (yes, including Forgiveness Friday and Scenario Saturday), plus how yearly vision summits with your kids in an Airbnb with a hot tub can transform the direction of your family. TAKEAWAYS Creating space to think—like a yearly family summit away from home—is the first step toward vision. You can't see where you're headed when you're drowning in the daily grind. Themed dinner nights (Monday Meeting, Throwback Tuesday, Thankful Thursday, Forgiveness Friday, and more) turn ordinary meals into consistent connection points that shape your family culture. Your kids' names can carry your family's vision. Michael tied each child's name to a core value—closeness, generational faithfulness, righteousness, light, and stewardship—and speaks it over them regularly. The best time to prepare for intentional parenting is before you're holding the baby. Pre-parental counseling removes the shame and chaos that often keeps dads from engaging later. Keystone habits cascade into other habits. Start with what you're already doing (like dinner) and build intentional rhythms from there. GUEST Michael DeAquino is the co-founder of The Parenthood Project and author of The Parenthood Primer, a pre-parental counseling resource for expecting and new parents. He and his wife have five kids ages 2 to 12 and are passionate about helping couples get on the same page before the chaos of parenthood begins. Michael spent 15 years in church ministry before pivoting to equip parents earlier in their journey. QUOTES "I didn't start until my oldest was six. And to see just where things are now—there's a lot of grace." – Michael DeAquino "Our names carry a lot of identity in them. Why not make it even more than just what you call us?" – Michael DeAquino "You're going to get a lot of recognition in your career. You're not going to get a lot of recognition as a father—and that's where you'll end up placing your time." – Michael DeAquino "Everything around us is trying to disintegrate our family. So how do we foster closeness even as our kids get older?" – Michael DeAquino "What if we got to dads before they even hold the baby—before the chaos, before the shame sets in?" – Michael DeAquino LINKS Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39445280

DA412 | A 3-Year Journey to Launch Your Kids, 30 Skills Every Teen Should Learn, and Moments That Impact All of Time (Matt Hanson) 12/11/2025

DA412 | A 3-Year Journey to Launch Your Kids, 30 Skills Every Teen Should Learn, and Moments That Impact All of Time (Matt Hanson) 📍 When did you become a man? Most guys can't answer that question clearly—because they never had a defining moment. Matt Hanson is on a mission to change that. In this episode, he shares the Ion Path—a 3-year Christian rite of passage for dads and their 12-16 year olds. You'll hear: ➡️ Why Dad is "LeBron James" in the faith transfer game (50-60 points!) ➡️ How 30 conversations in 30 days can transform your relationship ➡️ The simple framework for teaching your kids 30 life skills before they launch ➡️ Why it's more important to be IN the conversation than to be RIGHT SUMMARY: What if you could give your son or daughter something most kids never receive—a clear moment when they know they've become a man or woman? In this episode, Matt Hanson shares the vision behind the Ion Path, a 3-year Christian rite of passage designed to help dads and their kids become co-learners on the journey to adulthood. You'll hear why only 8-10% of church kids keep their faith for a lifetime, what makes dad "LeBron James" in the faith transfer game, and how 30 simple conversations can transform your relationship with your child. TAKEAWAYS: Most kids raised in the church never experience a defining moment that marks their transition into adulthood—and it's time to change that. Dad is the single biggest factor in whether a child keeps their faith for a lifetime. If faith transfer is a 100-point game, dad is 50-60 of those points. The most powerful thing you can do for your kids is love their mother well and stay in the conversation—it's more important to be in the conversation than to be right. A 3-year intentional journey with your 12-16 year old—built around conversations, skills, challenges, and adventures—can launch them into adulthood with confidence and faith. You don't have to have all the answers. The Ion Path equips dads to go on this journey alongside their child as co-learners, not experts. GUEST Matt Hanson is the founder of the Ion Path, a 3-year Christian rite of passage designed to help dads and their children become co-learners on the journey to adulthood. After a successful business career, Matt turned his attention to the crisis of faith retention among young people and assembled a coalition of faith leaders to create a standard for rites of passage across denominational lines. He and his wife Mary have three adult children—Savannah, Noah, and Tatum—and live in Southern California. QUOTES "It's more important to be in the conversation than be right. I heard one person say that they've only had one conversation with their daughter, but it started when she was four and it never stopped." "If it's a 100-point game, Dad is the LeBron James. He's 50 to 60 points in that game." "Ion is a Greek word that means a moment in time that impacts all of time. As dads, we are in a series of moments in time and we are forming the next generation, which will last a long time." "If I finish and check off all 30 of those skills with my son, my son's not going to enter adulthood wondering if he's a capable person—because he's going to know there's at least 30 things I know, and I learned them from my dad." "You get the dad, you get the family. You get the family, you get the church. You get the church, you get the community. It is the powder keg." LINKS Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Aion Path: Ion Path 5-Video Text Series - Text “Aion Path Dad to 1-888-488-9429 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39361630

DA411 | The Daily 15, Brain Science Behind Morning Routines, and Why Sabbath Is Your Family's Secret Weapon – Part 2 (Chris Cirullo) 12/04/2025

DA411 | The Daily 15, Brain Science Behind Morning Routines, and Why Sabbath Is Your Family's Secret Weapon – Part 2 (Chris Cirullo) 🕐 What if 15 minutes could change your entire life? ✅ The brain science behind why your morning and evening routines matter more than you think ✅ How to build a sustainable Daily 15 practice that actually sticks ✅ Why Sabbath might be the most Christ-like (and kid-favorite) rhythm your family is missing ✅ The one thing 93% of men said they want to grow in SHOW NOTES SUMMARY What if the first thing you did each day was sleep—and trust God with it? In this episode, Chris Cirullo unpacks the brain science behind why your morning and evening routines carry exponential power, and how a simple 15-minute daily practice can transform your faith, health, and focus over time. Plus, he shares how his family has made Sabbath the most anticipated day of the week—complete with chains hitting the floor and kids fighting over who gets to throw them. TAKEAWAYS The Daily 15 is a sustainable morning routine that anchors your day in hydration, scripture, prayer, prioritization, and movement—all in just 15 minutes. Your brain is most "plastic" during wake-up and bedtime windows, meaning small, consistent inputs during those times create outsized transformation. In Jewish tradition, evening begins the new day—so the first act of every day is actually resting and trusting God for the first eight hours. Sabbath is the only commandment we boast about breaking, yet God designed it for human flourishing—not as a burden but as a gift. Start your Sabbath practice small and sustainable (even takeout Thai food counts), then expand it over time with sensory anchors your kids will crave. GUEST Chris Cirullo is a former Army Ranger, executive coach, and the founder of Mission Fit. He helps high-performing men build lifelong health, faith, and focus through his coaching programs and his new book, The Daily 15. Chris and his wife have four sons and live with deep intentionality around family rhythms, Sabbath rest, and hearing God's voice. He's passionate about helping fathers lead their homes as kingdom outposts. LINKS Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 FREE copy of Chris’ book: QUOTES "Where God gives responsibility, He will come and aid you in the ability." "The first thing we do in our day is go to sleep and trust the Lord for the first eight hours. Then we wake up and we do—after we've rested." "You can create exponential change in the way your brain functions in those wake-up and bedtime windows compared to other hours of the day." "Sabbath is the only one of the Ten Commandments that we're okay boasting about breaking." "It's like compound interest. At some point it hockey sticks and you look back and realize—I'm a different person now." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39259175

DA410 | Why Dads Are Called to Bring Order, Solving Family Friction Points, and Setting Impossible Goals – Part 1 (Chris Cirullo) 11/27/2025

DA410 | Why Dads Are Called to Bring Order, Solving Family Friction Points, and Setting Impossible Goals – Part 1 (Chris Cirullo) ✅ The biblical reason dads are called to bring order to their homes ✅ How to train your kids like a football coach (M&Ms included!) ✅ The power of a weekly family meeting to solve your biggest friction points ✅ Why setting "impossible" goals actually works SUMMARY Chaos doesn't have to be the norm in your home. In Part 1 of this conversation, Army Ranger turned fatherhood coach Chris Cirullo unpacks the biblical call for fathers to bring order—and shares the practical systems he's built to lead his five sons with both fun and discipline. You'll also hear why setting impossible goals might be the key to real growth. TAKEAWAYS God designed fathers to bring order and strategy to their homes—it's part of our calling, not just a nice-to-have. Training kids in specific behaviors with immediate rewards (like M&Ms) can save decades of frustration. Weekly family meetings with your wife help you identify and solve one key friction point at a time. Setting "impossible" goals narrows your options and forces clarity on what actually needs to change. What gets measured improves—but what gets measured and reported improves exponentially. GUEST Chris Cirullo is a former Army Ranger with four combat tours in Afghanistan, a former collegiate football player, fitness coach, and tech startup leader. He now coaches men through Mission Fit and serves on the team at Forming Men. Chris and his wife Justine homeschool their five sons in Eugene, Oregon, and are expecting their sixth child. LINKS Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 FREE copy of Chris’ book: Quotes: "Minutes of training can sometimes save decades of headaches for a father." "I have this innate responsibility as a father to bring order. We're not all great at it, but we do have to find ways to make efforts unto that end." "Setting impossible goals is one of the most effective ways to actually make meaningful growth." "What gets measured improves, but what gets measured and reported improves exponentially." "God wanted to partner with Adam to bring about order in the world, and He stopped short of producing complete order so that man as a father and a husband could do some of that work." TAGS fatherhood, intentional parenting, family systems, discipline, order, army ranger, coaching dads, homeschool dad, training kids, goal setting, Parkinson's law, Pareto principle, Pearson's law, accountability, family mission, Christian dad, family meetings, parenting hacks, dadlife, Genesis /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39188510

DA409 | Why Your 5-Year-Old Isn't Selfish, Walking Through Repair, and the Gift of Just Showing Up (Chris Ammen) 11/20/2025

DA409 | Why Your 5-Year-Old Isn't Selfish, Walking Through Repair, and the Gift of Just Showing Up (Chris Ammen) What if your kid's "selfishness" is actually developmentally normal? 🤯 ✅ Why emotional awareness makes you a better dad (not a softer one) ✅ How to walk your kids through the "I'm sorry" process step by step ✅ The turkey hunting philosophy of spiritual formation ✅ Why showing up in children's ministry is a slingshot back to your home SUMMARY: What if your child's selfishness is actually a God-given gift? In this episode, Chris Ammenshares why understanding your kid's developmental stage changes everything about how you parent. Plus, he unpacks the "turkey hunting philosophy" of spiritual formation and why the most powerful thing you can do as a dad is simply show up and love your kids for who they are, not what they accomplish. TAKEAWAYS: Your children are growing out of egocentrism, not being punched out of it. Understanding their developmental stage brings patience and grace to your parenting. Growing in your own emotional awareness is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids. When you learn to express the full range of emotions, you create space for them to do the same. Walk your kids through the mechanics of relational repair. Chunk it up into small steps so they build the muscle memory for when they're older. Spiritual formation is a longitudinal process. It's so slow you'll hardly notice the grass growing, then one day you'll look around and see what God did while you were faithful day by day. Call your kids to where they already want to go. Shoulder-to-shoulder time doing what they love is where the real conversations happen. Men in children's ministry matter more than you think. Boys need men who cheer them on for who they are, and girls need to see men who treat them with respect and kindness. GUEST: Chris Ammen is the founder of Kaleidoscope, a ministry helping kids understand and love the Bible through chapter books, audio content, and a weekly podcast. A former children's pastor with 15 years of experience, Chris is passionate about meeting kids at their developmental level and equipping parents to disciple their children at home. He's the author of Raising Disciples at Home and the host of the Kaleidoscope Podcast. Chris and his wife have four kids ages 5 to 12 and live in the thick of raising their own disciples. dadawesome, christiandad, dadlife, parenting, dadpodcast, fatherhood, kaleidoscope, childrensbible, emotionalawareness, raisingkids, familydiscipleship, christianparenting, boydad, girldad, childrensministry, faithathome, intentionalparenting, dadcommunity, spiritualformation, parentingtips Quotes: "This is not going to happen in 24 hours. This is not going to happen in a year. This is going to be so slow that I'm hardly going to notice the grass growing underneath my feet. And then I'm going to look around one day and say, look at what God did while I was just being patient and faithful day by day by day." "They grow out of egocentrism. It's not punched out of them. It's not beaten out of them. It's not manipulated out of them. That's something that they have to come to as their brain develops." "Hold up, this is not about you, this is about her. Both of our eyes right now need to be on her and making sure that she is okay." "Call your children to where they already want to go. And while they're there, give them some truth." "Don't underestimate that, both for the boys in the room and maybe even more importantly for the girls in the room. To have a man who looks at them with respect and kindness and graciousness, not as an object, is deeply formational." "You don't have to be a champion in the room. You can just be an awkward dad who's learning how to be around other children." "God thought of them before He thought of the mountains and the seas and the oceans, and He called them very good. He does not regret them." LINKS: Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39093880

DA408 | Raising Sons Who Invite Others In: Wrestling, Delayed Phones, and Legacy Rewritten (Carl Cartee) 11/13/2025

DA408 | Raising Sons Who Invite Others In: Wrestling, Delayed Phones, and Legacy Rewritten (Carl Cartee) 🍕🤼‍♂️ Pizza nights. Wrestling matches. Honest talks about sex, phones, and finding the right wife. ✅ Why Tuesday wrestling nights built more than just muscle ✅ The 18th birthday dinner where 4 friends said the exact same thing (and it wasn't planned) ✅ How to talk about sex early and often without shame ✅ Why delaying phones until driving age might be the move ✅ The story of the Sons of Korah and rewriting your family legacy SUMMARY What does it look like to raise teenage boys who become strong men of character? In this episode, Carl Cartee—songwriter, speaker, and dad of four sons—shares how weekly wrestling nights, honest sex talks, and delayed technology built a foundation of trust in his home. You'll hear the story of his son's 18th birthday dinner where four friends said the same surprising thing, why he wishes someone had told him about choosing a spouse differently, and how the Sons of Korah can change your entire perspective on fatherhood legacy. TAKEAWAYS Wrestling nights and messy pizza-making weren't just fun—they were intentional time in your presence that builds connection and dignity in your sons. The simplicity of being invited into God's work as a father takes the pressure off perfection and puts the focus on faithfulness. Early and often conversations about sex, desire, and God's design create safety and health instead of shame and secrecy. Choosing a spouse isn't just about attraction at 25—it's about finding someone you genuinely like being with through every season of life. Your family legacy isn't determined by what you inherited from your fathers—through Christ, you're rewriting the story for your kids. GUEST Carl Cartee is a songwriter, speaker, and worship leader from Franklin, Tennessee. He's written over 150 songs for artists including Elevation Worship and Oak Ridge Boys. Carl and his wife, Heather, host the podcast "Married to Someone Who's Nothing Like You" and are passionate about helping marriages thrive. They have four sons ranging from 14 to 19 years old. Carl loves creativity, adventure, and pointing people to Jesus through music, art, and authentic conversation. TOP QUOTES "God has dignified me by inviting me into His work through my sons. If it turns out great, awesome. But even if there are no guarantees these boys go up and to the right for the rest of their life, I cherish being invited in." "Together is better—not just in the great times, but when you feel shame, when you didn't score any points. There's a different outcome when you do that alone versus when you do it with somebody who's there for you on the mountaintop or in the valley." "Don't marry somebody that you necessarily think is sexy right now. Look for somebody that you like being with. Because when it comes to seasons of life and circumstances throughout the course of a marriage, you might be married to two or three different women." "Shame as a young man was an absolute killer. It was an absolute destroyer of relational connection and intimacy. When the boys bring their struggles to us instead of harboring that shame, it speaks of health in that area." "No matter what heritage you have, if God is your refuge and strength, there is nothing from your past, nothing from the generations before you that you cannot undo through the power of worship and trusting in the Lord. You are rewriting legacy." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/39015720

DA407 | Creating Spiritual Curiosity, Jesus' Lion and Lamb Moments, and Building Faith Through Questions (David Murrow) 11/06/2025

DA407 | Creating Spiritual Curiosity, Jesus' Lion and Lamb Moments, and Building Faith Through Questions (David Murrow) "Discovered truth always beats delivered truth." David Murrow just dropped some serious wisdom for dads who want to stop lecturing and start creating real spiritual conversations. In today's episode, you'll hear: ✅ How to pray 15-second prayers with your kids that integrate faith into everyday moments ✅ Why Jesus asked hundreds of questions but only gave 8 direct answers (and what that means for your parenting) ✅ The 3 journeys every man walks: submission, strength, and sacrifice SUMMARY: Raising your kids on lectures and long prayers isn't working—Jesus knew that 2,000 years ago. In this episode, David Murrow shares how to create spiritual curiosity in your home using questions instead of answers, 15-second prayers instead of lengthy devotionals, and parables that stick. You'll also hear his groundbreaking research on why men are finally coming back to church, and how every dad moves through three essential journeys: submission, strength, and sacrifice. TAKEAWAYS Discovered truth always beats delivered truth—guys need space to talk and share their experiences, not just receive lectures. Jesus asked hundreds of questions but only gave eight direct answers in all of Scripture—create curiosity through great questions instead of telling your kids what to think. The foundation of your faith must be built on being like a lamb (gentleness, sensitivity, mercy) before you can exercise lion-like strength in love. Try 15-second prayers with your kids throughout the day—integrate faith as something you do all the time, not just on Sundays. Touchstones are physical objects that help spiritual truths stick—give your kids something tangible to carry that reminds them of what they're learning. GUEST David Murrow is the author of Why Men Hate Going to Church and The Map: The Way of All Great Men. For over 25 years, he's been helping churches engage men through groundbreaking research and practical resources. He's currently developing Man Time, a parable-based video series that creates powerful spiritual conversations. David is passionate about helping dads disciple their kids through questions, stories, and hands-on experiences rather than lectures. Links Mentioned: Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Quotes Discovered truth always beats delivered truth. Guys need space to talk and share experiences, not just receive lectures. Jesus asked hundreds of questions but only gave eight direct answers in Scripture. Create curiosity, not lectures. Try 15-second prayers with your kids. Integrate faith as something you do all the time, not just Sundays. The foundation of your faith must be built on being like a lamb before you exercise lion-like strength. Church is now more masculine than culture. It's recognized as a safe place where guys can go. /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38928805

DA406 | How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex, Building a Marriage That Thrives, and the Power of Proactive Fatherhood (Dave Willis) 10/30/2025

DA406 | How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex, Building a Marriage That Thrives, and the Power of Proactive Fatherhood (Dave Willis) 🎯 As a dad, are you leading the conversation about sex with your kids—or letting the world do it for you? ✅ Why dads need to play the lead role in sex conversations (even with daughters!) ✅ How to make your marriage thrive with 7 simple shifts ✅ The power of resisting passivity and taking proactive action ✅ FREE resources that will strengthen your family today SUMMARY: Your kids are going to learn about sex from somewhere—will it be from you or from the world? In this episode, Dave Willis returns with game-changing resources for dads who want to lead intentional, shame-free conversations about sex with their kids. Plus, he shares powerful insights on strengthening your marriage through simple shifts that create deeper connection. This conversation will equip you to resist passivity and take proactive action in the areas that matter most. TAKEAWAYS Resist passivity and take the lead in having ongoing, shame-free conversations with your kids about sex and God's design for their bodies. Your marriage is one of the first gifts you give to your children—they learn what relationships should look like by watching yours. Fun is fuel for your marriage—without laughter and playfulness, everything else begins to collapse. The mind feasts on what it focuses on—intentionally focus on God's plan for your family and flourishing will follow. Being proactive as a husband and father isn't domineering—it's loving leadership that your wife finds attractive. Create a team around your growth—invite other dads and couples to join you on the journey toward intentional parenting and thriving marriage. GUEST Dave Willis and his wife, Ashley, are the authors of multiple books including the bestseller, The Naked Marriage, and their newest release, Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for Deeper Connection. They're also Christian speakers, marriage coaches, and the hosts of The Marriage on the Line Podcast. They have four sons and live near Augusta, Georgia. Dave is passionate about helping dads lead their families with intentionality and helping couples build marriages that thrive. LINKS Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 QUOTES "Your wives find being proactive in you very sexy. Women, by God's design, are attracted to a husband who takes action." "Fun is fuel. If your marriage feels like it's on empty, it's because you've put fun on the back burner. Laughter isn't frivolous—it's vital." "If we don't teach our kids about sex, the world's gonna do it for us and the world's gonna teach them the wrong messages." "The mind feasts on what it focuses on. Focus on God's plan for your family and the flourishing will follow." "Resist passivity. God hasn't called us to be passive. There are times to be still and patient, but never passive." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38838815

DA405 | Courageous Fatherhood, The Gift of Physical Touch, and Doing for One More Kid (Peter Ostapko) 10/23/2025

DA405 | Courageous Fatherhood, The Gift of Physical Touch, and Doing for One More Kid (Peter Ostapko) ✅ Why following Jesus is the most adventurous thing you'll ever do ✅ The often-overlooked power of physical touch with your kids ✅ How to build the deep brotherhood every dad desperately needs ✅ A game-changing challenge: Do for ONE kid outside your family what you do for your own LEAVE DADAWESOME A VOICEMAIL ✅ Under 90-seconds ✅ Begin with your first name and where you are from ✅ SUMMARY Imagine standing at the edge of a 30-foot-high dive over ice-cold water with your son watching from below. That terrifying moment of decision mirrors what it means to be a risk-taking dad in today's world. In this episode, Peter Ostapko from Kinsman shares the cliff-jumping story that changed how he parents, plus powerful insights on the gift of physical touch with your kids, the critical importance of being present, and why every dad needs deep brotherhood. You'll also hear an unforgettable challenge: do for one kid outside your family what you do for your own kids. TAKEAWAYS Following Jesus as a father is meant to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, beautiful journey—not boring or safe Physical touch with your kids is a powerful gift that communicates love, safety, and connection in ways words cannot Your presence as a dad matters more than you realize—availability beats ability every time Deep friendships and brotherhood are essential for the fatherhood journey; isolation is the enemy Challenge yourself to "do for one more kid" outside your family what you already do for your own kids Being a sower and planting seeds means showing up consistently without always seeing immediate results Don't place unrealistic expectations on your kids because you're trying to overcompensate for your own broken past The Kinsman Journal helps fathers unlock the power of their story and create spaces for authentic connection GUEST: Peter Ostapko is a leader with Kinsman, an intentional men's ministry focused on faithfully demonstrating redemptive, Christ-centered brotherhood. Kinsman creates resources including publishing, podcasting, and gatherings to influence men toward authentic connection and purposeful living. Peter is also the creator of the Kinsman Journal, a beautiful resource designed to help men unlock the power of their stories. He's a husband, father, and passionate advocate for helping dads build deep friendships and lead their families with courage and intentionality. LINKS: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 02:53 - The Cliff Jumping Story: Taking Risks as a Dad 08:30 - Why Following Jesus Should Be Adventurous 15:45 - The Gift of Physical Touch with Your Kids 23:10 - Being Present: Your Availability Matters Most 30:20 - Deep Brotherhood and Why Dads Need Friendship 37:15 - The Kinsman Journal: Unlocking the Power of Story 42:00 - Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself 44:20 - The "Do for One More Kid" Challenge 46:17 - Peter's Prayer Over Dads 48:00 - Closing Thoughts & Resources 5 TOP QUOTES: "Following Jesus is to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, frightening, wonderfully beautiful, dependent, abiding thing we'll ever experience in our life." "The role of a father is the most important title, mantle, role you'll ever have in your entire life outside of being a spouse to your wife." "Do for one kid outside of your kids what you do for your kids. Be intentional with them. Invite them into dinners and love on them. You never know what some of these kids are going through." "We talk ourselves out of way too many things. God is on the other side saying, 'Listen, I got an adventure for you. Do you want to do this or not?' He doesn't force us. He invites us into it." "Your presence matters more than you realize. Just being available for your kid—that's what matters most." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38742090

DA404 | Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, Emotional Regulation, and Breaking Generational Patterns (Tyler Graham) 10/16/2025

DA404 | Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, Emotional Regulation, and Breaking Generational Patterns (Tyler Graham) When you're constantly hurrying from one thing to the next, it's almost impossible to be the dad you want to be. In this episode, you'll hear: ✅ The moment his son flinched and why it became the turning point ✅ How emotional regulation helps you stay in the "green zone" with your kids ✅ Why your role isn't to be Superman—it's to be the chief repenter ✅ The power of visioning your 80th birthday party (and reverse engineering it!) This conversation will challenge you to slow down, stay steady, and stop letting your kids catch the shrapnel. LEAVE A VOICE MESSAGE for DadAwesome - Summary: What happens when the pace of your life is stealing your ability to be present with your kids? In this episode, Tyler Graham shares the moment his son flinched when he sat down beside him—and how that changed everything. You'll hear why emotional regulation might be the most important skill any dad can develop, how living at three miles per hour creates space for real connection, and why being the chief repenter in your home is more powerful than being Superman. Takeaways: Dads need to be the thermostat, not the thermometer—setting the tone rather than reacting to it. When a dad blows up, the kids catch the shrapnel, and those moments leave lasting impressions. Emotional regulation is one of the most critical skills for fatherhood—learning to respond from the green zone instead of the red or blue. Vision is essential: imagine your child's eulogy or your 80th birthday party and reverse engineer the habits you need today. Your role as a dad isn't to be Superman—it's to be the chief repenter, modeling humility and grace for your kids. Guest Bio: Tyler Graham is a dad of six, founder of Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, and a passionate advocate for helping fathers slow down and live at the pace of presence. Through coaching cohorts and resources, Tyler encourages dads to develop emotional regulation, break generational patterns, and build a compelling vision for their family's future. He lives with his wife and six kids on their homestead, where they're building a legacy rooted in connection, intentionality, and grace. Quotes "I cannot be the type of dad I want to be when I'm in a hurry." "When a dad blows up, the kids catch the shrapnel." "A dad's role is not to be Superman. A dad's role is to be the chief repenter." "Dads need to be the thermostat, not the thermometer—set the tone, don't react to it." "My son flinched when I sat down. That's when I knew something had to change." Links Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38596645

DA403 | Building the Overcome Muscle, Morning Rhythms with Your Kids, and Why Play Matters (Zac Ernst) 10/09/2025

DA403 | Building the Overcome Muscle, Morning Rhythms with Your Kids, and Why Play Matters (Zac Ernst) VOICE MESSAGE - leave us a 90-second question or comment or fedback... Start with your first name and where you are from: https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome 🏋️ Want to become a stronger dad? It starts with doing hard things—together. ✅ How to stay emotionally strong when your teenager isn't in the mood to talk ✅ Why opposition is actually a gift (even when it feels impossible) ✅ The power of gamifying life and creating playful memories with your kids ✅ How a simple bike ride and croissant can become a weekly rhythm your son will remember forever OVERVIEW What if the obstacles you're facing right now are exactly what you need to grow stronger as a dad? In this episode, Zac Ernst shares how opposition builds your overcome muscle, why emotional strength matters more than ever with teenagers, and how a simple Tuesday morning bike ride can change everything. Plus, he opens up about losing half his income the month after doubling his mortgage—and the moment God broke through his fear with joy. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emotional strength means staying steady through your kids' ups and downs rather than riding their emotional roller coasters. Opposition and hard things aren't obstacles to avoid—they're opportunities to fortify your faith muscle and show your kids what trust looks like. Play isn't optional for dads. It connects you to childlikeness, creates lasting memories, and reminds you that joy is found in pointless moments without outcomes. Three out of five men have no one to call in crisis. Finding your tribe and suffering together breaks isolation and builds unshakeable bonds. Your worry as a dad is like a five-year-old worrying about taxes—God's got this, and freedom comes when you open your hands and trust Him. LINKS Learn about Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Pursuit Official Website QUOTES "Your fear and worry right now is equivalent to your five-year-old worrying about taxes." "For a child, 15 minutes can be a lifelong memory. For us, it's a blink—but for them, it's forever." "The most vulnerable man on the sand is the strongest. Let's eliminate shallow conversation and get to the heart quickly." "Play isn't pointless—it's for joy. Men forget to have moments with no responsibility, no outcome, just pure fun." "Every time we go through something challenging, we fortify something in our minds that tells us: I have what it takes. Jesus will get me through this." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38516480

DA402 | Four Pillars of Manhood, Emotional Safety, and Getting to the Rocking Chair with Love (Josh Krehbiel) 10/02/2025

DA402 | Four Pillars of Manhood, Emotional Safety, and Getting to the Rocking Chair with Love (Josh Krehbiel) How to pass the 4 pillars of manhood to your kids Why celebrating vulnerability matters more than perfect discipline How to normalize hard conversations about sex, money, and struggle The long view: Becoming a tender-hearted grandpa starts now SUMMARY Some days you feel like a C-grade dad, and that's when presence matters most. In this episode, Josh Krehbiel shares how he's learning to create emotional safety for his kids, celebrate vulnerability over performance, and pursue the long view of becoming a tender-hearted grandfather. You'll hear about the four pillars of manhood, why crock-pot freedom beats microwave solutions, and how to get to the rocking chair with love on your heart. TAKEAWAYS Marking moments matter: Creating manhood ceremonies and intentional milestones leaves lasting impressions on your kids, even if the follow-up isn't perfect. Celebrate vulnerability first: When your kids fail or confess something hard, make it about their openness before addressing consequences—this builds emotional safety. Reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and be fueled by the future: These four pillars of manhood provide a framework for raising boys and girls with character. Pursue purity as a top priority: The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection and have compassion without contamination. Freedom is crock-pot, not microwave: Breakthrough comes through long-suffering love and staying present, not by trying to manhandle change. GUEST Josh Krehbiel is the lead founding pastor of Every Day Church in Roseville, Minnesota—a community focused on prayer, discipleship, and sending out leaders and movements. Along with his wife Katie, Josh is passionate about raising up the next generation through worship, ministry, and authentic family connection. They have four children: three teenagers and a five-year-old. Josh is also a songwriter and worship leader who believes in the power of declaring truth over families through music and prayer. LINKS Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 QUOTES "When failure happens we celebrate the vulnerability first because the most important thing is connection and felt safety." "I want to get to the rocking chair with love on my heart and grandkids who say grandpa is kind." "Freedom doesn't happen through manhandling it happens through long suffering love and staying present in the crock pot not microwave." "Your kids don't feel safe because you think they're safe they feel safe when you celebrate their vulnerability over their performance." "The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection with compassion instead of contamination." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38429040

DA401 | Beyond Comfort Zones: A Father-Daughter Conversation on Risk, Faith, and Inheritance (George & Ambery Gourlay) 09/25/2025

DA401 | Beyond Comfort Zones: A Father-Daughter Conversation on Risk, Faith, and Inheritance (George & Ambery Gourlay) 🌍 From South Africa to America—this father-daughter story will challenge everything you think about comfort, risk, and legacy. George moved his family across the world and his daughter Amberly just started grad school in Boston. Together they share: ✅ How one grandfather's radical encounter changed generations ✅ Why true security comes from identity, not circumstances ✅ The power of giving daughters space to be uncomfortable ✅ What it means to be a pioneering father in today's world SUMMARY: What happens when a father chooses courage over comfort and moves his family across the world to pioneer something new? In this episode, George Gourlay and his 23-year-old daughter Amberly share their story of leaving an established ministry in South Africa to start fresh in America. You'll hear how one grandfather's radical encounter with God shifted an entire family line, why security comes from identity rather than circumstances, and how giving daughters space to be uncomfortable actually draws them closer to their Heavenly Father. TAKEAWAYS One person's choice to choose God can literally change generations—the legacy you leave matters more than the comfort you keep True security for your children comes from pointing them back to their Heavenly Father rather than trying to be their ultimate provider Pioneering requires vulnerability and risk, but it creates inheritance and legacy for those who come after you Give your daughters intentional affection and affirmation while also creating space for them to grow uncomfortable and dependent on God The long dull years of middle-aged prosperity can become excellent campaigning weather for the enemy—comfort can be your greatest threat to effectiveness GUESTS George Gourlay is the lead pastor who moved his family from Durban, South Africa to Northeast Florida in 2024. He served for 14 years in ministry leadership in South Africa, following in the footsteps of his father who had a radical encounter with God that transformed their family line. George is married to Leanne and has three children: Amberly (23), Luke (20), and Mitch (10). Amberly Gourlay is a 23-year-old graduate pursuing global studies and international relations in Boston. She delivered her university's commencement speech, challenging fellow graduates to choose courage over comfort with the heart of Isaiah's "here I am, send me." She's passionate about women's leadership in church and politics and embodies the pioneering spirit passed down through her family line. Top 5 Quotes: "One person's choice to choose God and one husband's choice to choose his wife and to choose his children literally changes generations." - Amberly Gourlay "The long dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil." - C.S. Lewis (quoted by George) "I have the privilege of a father who knows who our Father is in reality... He is not provider in and of itself, but he stewards what God provides." - Amberly Gourlay "You need to love Jesus even more than you love me... dad, what you're telling me is you love Jesus more than you love me. But it didn't matter because it was this bigger picture." - George reflecting on his father's words "As you begin to be uncomfortable and you have to go to God for things because your physical parents are far away, you begin to experience so much more of who He is." - Amberly Gourlay LINKS: Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38345070

DA400 | Celebrating 400 Episodes, Looking Back at God's Faithfulness, and the DADAWESOME Book Preview (Jeff Zaugg) 09/18/2025

DA399 | Seeing Your Kids, Feeling with Them, and Delighting in Who They Are (Dr. Jake Smith - Part 2) 09/11/2025

DA399 | Seeing Your Kids, Feeling with Them, and Delighting in Who They Are (Dr. Jake Smith - Part 2) 🔥 PART 2 is here! Dr. Jake Smith is back with the game-changing attunement triangle that will transform how you connect with your kids. 70% of Christian leaders don't finish well as dads. Don't be part of that statistic. In today's episode, you'll discover: ✅ The 4 components of attunement that create lasting relationships ✅ How to escape the "smothering grind" before it destroys your family ✅ Why behavior modification is sabotaging your connection with your kids ✅ The difference between "crushing life" and actually living it SUMMARY: The battle for your attention as a dad is real, and 70% of Christian leaders won't finish well. In part two of this critical conversation, Dr. Jake Smith reveals the attunement triangle that creates lasting relationships with your kids and how to escape the smothering grind that leads to burnout, flame out, or tap out. You'll discover why seeing your kids underneath their behavior changes everything and how to move from survival-mode parenting to deeply connected fatherhood. TAKEAWAYS: Attunement is the key to all healthy, deeply connected relationships: "I see you, I feel with you, I suffer alongside you, and I delight in you." The smothering grind pushes 70% of dads toward three outcomes: burnout, flame out, or tap out—and none of them are acceptable. Stop teaching your kids to survive you and start teaching them to thrive in the world by moving beyond behavior modification. The attunement triangle consists of attunement at the top, with containment and repair as the foundational supports. You have two escape routes from life's river: hyperphoria (crushing it through activity) or hypophoria (checking out through apathy)—both lead to destruction. Your kids need you to stay in the river of life, feeling what's yours to feel and facing what's yours to face. GUEST: Dr. Jake Smith is a licensed professional counselor, author, and the founder of Plumline Ministries. He specializes in helping men navigate the challenges of modern fatherhood while maintaining their emotional and spiritual health. Jake has extensive experience in counseling Christian leaders and is passionate about helping dads finish well in their most important relationships. LINKS Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 QUOTES "I see you, I feel with you, I suffer alongside you, and I delight in you." "70% of Christian leaders don't finish well—don't be part of that statistic." "Stop teaching your kids to survive you and start teaching them to thrive in life." "Are you crushing life or is life crushing you?" "The goal isn't perfect parenting—it's staying in process." "Attunement is the one thing that ensures relationships last." "Your kids don't need behavior modification—they need you to see them." "Escape the grind before it leads to burnout, flame out, or tap out." "Great parents don't always have great kids—but connected parents do." "You don't have to be a perfect dad—you just have to be present." /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38169720

DA398 | When Your 4-Year-Old Breaks Your Heart Open: The Plumb Line for Dads (Dr. Jake Smith) 09/04/2025

DA398 | When Your 4-Year-Old Breaks Your Heart Open: The Plumb Line for Dads (Dr. Jake Smith) 💔 "If I could pick a nice dad or you, I'd still pick you." That's what Dr. Jake Smith's 4-year-old daughter whispered to him at bedtime. Talk about a truth bomb from the mouth of a child! Jake unpacks how that moment launched his discovery of our "spiritual anatomy"—the four systems that make us complete fathers: ✅ The Loving Companion (Heart) ✅ The Visionary Guide (Soul) ✅ The Strategic Overseer (Mind) ✅ The Driven Warrior (Strength) Join the SUMMARY: What happens when your 4-year-old daughter whispers, "If I could line up all the dads in the world and pick a nice one or you, I'd still pick you"? In this episode, Dr. Jake Smith shares how that truth bomb from his daughter launched him on a journey to discover what he calls our "spiritual anatomy"—the four integrated systems (heart, soul, mind, strength) that Jesus perfectly demonstrated. You'll learn why most dads operate from just one dominant system, how to identify your type, and practical steps to become the whole-hearted, integrated father your kids desperately need. Key Takeaways: Most dads live dominantly from one of four systems (heart, soul, mind, strength) with a "sidekick" system, creating 12 possible father types Whatever you do to yourself emotionally, you'll do to your kids—if you dismiss your own feelings, you'll dismiss theirs Jesus demonstrated perfect integration of all four systems, responding appropriately to each situation rather than predictable patterns The goal isn't to stay in your comfort zone but to develop all four aspects of your spiritual anatomy for complete fatherhood Creating space to understand your own emotions is the upstream work that transforms how you respond to your children's big feelings Guest Bio: Dr. Jake Smith is the founder of Plumb Line, a ministry dedicated to helping men and women live with their whole hearts through healing, wholeness, and purpose. A former pastor of 21 years, Jake now focuses on helping people integrate what he calls their "spiritual anatomy"—the four systems of heart, soul, mind, and strength that Jesus perfectly demonstrated. He and his wife have three children: two sons (19 and 17) and a 14-year-old daughter. Jake is passionate about helping fathers move beyond survival mode to become integrated, whole-hearted leaders in their homes. Links Mentioned: Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Dr. Jake Smith's upcoming book and assessment (releasing early 2026) /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/38077845

DA397 | Making Real Life More Compelling Than Screens, The Purpose of Fatherhood, and Lessons from Foster Care (Kieran Lenahan) 08/28/2025

DA397 | Making Real Life More Compelling Than Screens, The Purpose of Fatherhood, and Lessons from Foster Care (Kieran Lenahan) ✅ The "wooden box method" that transforms phone habits ✅ Why asking "What's the point of fatherhood?" changes everything ✅ How foster care taught them about the infinite value of every child ✅ Why each of your kids needs different parenting approaches SUMMARY What if the secret to raising kids who aren't addicted to screens isn't about restricting technology—but about making real life more compelling? In this episode, young dad Kieran Lenahan shares practical wisdom from the trenches of parenting four kids under six, including foster care experiences that changed everything. You'll discover why the simple question "What's the point of fatherhood?" should guide every parenting decision, and how a wooden box might be the game-changer your family needs. TAKEAWAYS The fundamental question every dad should ask and keep asking: "What is the point of fatherhood?" Let this guide your decisions rather than just reacting to whatever gets thrown at you. Make real life more compelling than screens by creating engaging experiences—if physical reality is exciting, screens lose their allure naturally. The wooden box method: Put phones in a physical container and commit to never looking at your phone when kids are asking for your attention. Each child needs different parenting approaches—situational leadership applies to fatherhood, so learn to speak each kid's unique "language." Foster care teaches you that every child has infinite value—there's no such thing as "practice" when it comes to loving and caring for any child. GUEST Kieran Lenahan is the founder of Malachi Daily, a scripture memory tool used by over 70,000 people to memorize Bible verses through gamified daily emails. He's an entrepreneur, coach, and father of four children under six, including children through foster care. Kieran and his wife are passionate about making real life more compelling than screens, intentional parenting, and helping families build rhythms around scripture memory. He lives with his family and leads initiatives that blend faith, technology, and practical parenting wisdom. LINKS Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 QUOTES "The biggest thing is thinking about what is the point of fatherhood? Let that be a really helpful guiding question as you enter fatherhood, and you can keep asking that as you go." "We think that life is good and God created it in the physical real world to be good. If we can make that as compelling as possible, screens lose their allure." "We will never be looking at our phone when our kids are asking for our attention. I never want our kids to feel like our phone is more important than they are." "Not each of our kids needs the exact same type of parenting. The best leaders understand how to speak the language of that team member in a way that's going to motivate them." "If we don't know who we are, it's really hard to live an effective, faithful, obedient life. If that's true for us, how much more true is that for our kids?" /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37983505

DA396 | Non-Reactive Parenting, The Five Life Spheres, and Lightening Your Child's Backpack (Glenn Packiam) 08/21/2025

DA396 | Non-Reactive Parenting, The Five Life Spheres, and Lightening Your Child's Backpack (Glenn Packiam) ✅ Why your emotional health is the greatest gift to your kids ✅ How to parent non-reactively when hormones and emotions run high ✅ The "backpack" you're handing your children (and how to lighten it) ✅ Simple calendar strategies that reveal what you truly value SUMMARY Parenting doesn't have to be about survival mode. In this episode, Glenn Packiam shares how intentional rhythms and a focus on resilience can transform your family life. From learning to be non-reactive when hormones hit to using your calendar as a tool for what you truly value, Glenn offers practical wisdom for dads navigating everything from toddlers to young adults getting married. Plus, discover why the healthiest gift you can give your kids might be your own emotional well-being. Key Takeaways: You're going to hand your kids a "backpack" whether you like it or not—the goal is to make it as light as possible by dealing with your own emotional health first. Non-reactive parenting starts with slowing your breath and asking "what else is going on here?" instead of jumping to conclusions. Resilience isn't about avoiding hard emotions—it's about how quickly you recover and what you learn from difficult seasons. Your calendar reveals your true values; intentional rhythms like family dinners and Sabbath don't happen by accident. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is your own repentance when you mess up. GUEST: Glenn Packiam is the author of The Intentional Year and several other books focused on spiritual formation and resilience. He's a pastor, speaker, and father of four children ranging from teenagers to young adults. Glenn lives in Southern California with his wife Holly, and his oldest daughter recently got engaged. He's passionate about helping parents move from survival mode to intentional, rhythmic family life that builds resilience in both parents and children. LINKS Learn about Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37898930

DA395 | Influence vs. Control: Building Relationships That Last with Your Kids (Dr. Peter Larson - FROM THE VAULT) 08/14/2025

DA395 | Influence vs. Control: Building Relationships That Last with Your Kids (Dr. Peter Larson - FROM THE VAULT) ✅ Why "lighting up" when your kids walk in the room changes everything ✅ The Christmas tree coaster story that shows how much your kids are watching ✅ How to outsource influence without losing your role as dad ✅ The simple routines that build lasting family connection SUMMARY What if the secret to great fatherhood isn't about being in control, but about maximizing your influence? In this From the Vault episode, Dr. Peter Larson shares the game-changing perspective that shifted his entire approach to parenting. From lighting up every time your kid walks in the room to understanding their unique motivational wiring, you'll discover practical ways to build relationships that last. Plus, hear about the dad who visited his son in the hospital 28 days straight and how that legacy of showing up continues today. Takeaways: Influence beats control every time. You can't control your kids, but you can maximize your influence through intentional relationship-building. Light up when they walk in the room. Treat your children like rock stars entering the room—this simple shift builds their security and connection with you. Your kids are always watching. From Christmas tree coasters to how you handle flight delays, you're modeling solutions, character, and faith even when you don't realize it. Outsource positive influence wisely. Youth groups, mentors, and camps aren't competition—they're allies in raising kids who love Jesus. Don't ride their emotional roller coaster. Be the stable sidewalk they can return to, not another passenger on their ups and downs. Mine gold from parents ahead of you. The best parenting advice often comes from observing and asking questions of families you respect. Guest: Dr. Peter Larson is a licensed clinical psychologist and assessment expert who has spent over 20 years developing tools that help people understand their unique design and motivation. He's the creator behind Prepare-Enrich, a premarital assessment used by pastors worldwide, and currently works with GLUE developing assessments for churches and the True Motivate tool for colleges. Peter and his wife Heather have three adult children and live near Minneapolis. He's passionate about helping parents move from control to influence in their relationships with their kids. Links: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37807000

DA394 | Moving From Dictator Dad to Friend Dad & Creating Multi-Generational Impact (Lance Welch) 08/07/2025

DA394 | Moving From Dictator Dad to Friend Dad & Creating Multi-Generational Impact (Lance Welch) ✅ How to avoid creating performance identities in your kids ✅ Why "consistency compounds" in parenting just like investing ✅ The 4 legs of legacy (hint: wealth is only 25% of it!) ✅ How to have intentional family vision meetings that actually work LEAVE DADAWESOME A VOICEMAIL: FULL SHOW NOTES: SUMMARY What if the words you speak as a dad today become your child's inner voice for decades to come? In this episode, Lance Welch—dad of three adult entrepreneurs and grandfather of two—shares how he moved from being a "dictator dad" to a "friend dad" while building intentional multi-generational impact. You'll discover the four stages of fatherhood, why creating performance identities in our kids backfires, and how to transition from survival-mode parenting to legacy-building leadership in your family. Takeaways: There are four distinct stages of fatherhood: dictator dad (young kids), consultant dad (asking "what would you do?"), advocate dad (letting them make mistakes), and friend dad (adult relationships) Consistency compounds—whether in finances or fatherhood, small intentional actions over time create massive impact Avoid creating performance identities in your children by celebrating the "gain" (progress made) rather than focusing on the "gap" (falling short of perfection) Choose your inconvenience: invest time teaching skills on the front end rather than being constantly inconvenienced doing everything yourself The four legs of legacy are vision, values, knowledge, and wealth—with wealth being only one-fourth of what you pass down Empty nest doesn't have to mean relationship decline—40% of couples divorce during this transition, but it can be your greatest season yet Guest: Lance Welch is a legacy navigator, leadership coach, and author of "Legacy Navigator: Creating Intentional Multi-Generational Impact." Along with his wife, he hosts the "Beyond the Nest" podcast, helping couples thrive during the empty nest transition. After spending decades in corporate leadership at a Fortune 100 company, Lance now coaches business leaders and families on creating intentional impact. He and his wife have been married for 37 years, have three adult sons who are all entrepreneurs, and are proud grandparents of two. They live in the Nashville area of Tennessee. Links Mentioned: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37707945

DA393 | Dad Lessons From Kobe, Time-Energy-Attention, & Choosing People Over Accomplishments (John Olinger) 07/31/2025

DA393 | Dad Lessons From Kobe, Time-Energy-Attention, & Choosing People Over Accomplishments (John Olinger) ✅ Why Kobe chose carpool line over million-dollar meetings ✅ The "TEA" framework (Time, Energy, Attention) that will transform your fathering ✅ Simple practices like 10-minute wrestling time and Wine Wednesdays that create deep family connection SUMMARY Life moves fast, and without intentional direction, we can end up achieving things that don't actually matter. In this episode, John Olinger—former Nike executive and global brand director for Kobe Bryant—shares how tragedy, transition, and the halfway point of life led him to redefine success. You'll hear about his "TEA" framework (Time, Energy, Attention), why Kobe chose carpool line over meetings, and how simple practices like 10-minute wrestling sessions and Wine Wednesdays can transform your family relationships. TAKEAWAYS: Winning is subjective—you must define what success looks like for your family before you can achieve it Your Time, Energy, and Attention (TEA) are finite resources that must be strategically invested in what matters most The halfway point of life (around age 40) is a crucial inflection point for dads to pause and redirect toward meaningful priorities Quality connection moments with kids don't require huge time investments—10 minutes of wrestling or monthly birthday dates can be transformational Relationships matter more than accomplishments, and great stories require embracing challenge and difficulty Creating structured connection points (like Wine Wednesdays for marriage) protects what's most important from the chaos of daily life QUOTES: "Winning is subjective. And the only way you can win is if you get extremely clear about what it means to win." - John Olinger "We're under attack all day long from distractions, our brains playing tricks on us about what things are fulfilling in the moment, going after short hits of dopamine, chasing success and accomplishments at the expense of other things." - John Olinger "The reason why [Kobe] worked out at 4am was because he wanted to be there in the morning when his kids got up and before they went to school... At two o'clock, he's done. Hard stop. Why? He's got to go to the carpool line." - John Olinger "Can you just pause and say, what's one thing that's simple that I could apply to point into the relationships with the people that matter the most to me?" - John Olinger "If I'm halfway done, that means that every year for the rest of my life is gonna be between one and 2% of the remaining amount of my life. Do I wanna wait for later to do the things that are most important?" - John Olinger GUEST John Olinger is the author of "Worthy Wins: Pointing Your Life Toward What Matters Most" and a former Nike executive who served as global brand director for Kobe Bryant. After over a decade at Nike, John made a cross-country move with his family to Florida, choosing intentional fatherhood over corporate climbing. He and his wife have three boys (ages 10, 8, and 5) and are passionate about helping other parents define and pursue what truly matters most. John speaks and consults on leadership, purpose, and the intersection of success and significance. LINKS: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37607865

DA392 | From Soccer Fields to Soul Formation: Building Boys Into Men in Southeast Asia (Bryan Greenwood) 07/24/2025

DA392 | From Soccer Fields to Soul Formation: Building Boys Into Men in Southeast Asia (Bryan Greenwood) ✅ Why you should train your child in the way THEY should go (not your way) ✅ How failing forward teaches your kids resilience better than perfect parenting ✅ The 4 pillars that transform boys into men: Identity, Strength, Courage, Influence ✅ Why showing up consistently matters more than having all the answers SUMMARY: When you move your family halfway around the world to serve fatherless boys, you quickly discover that you're learning as much about fatherhood as you're teaching. In this episode, Bryan Greenwood shares 11 years of discoveries from Thailand—from building the largest amateur football league in Northern Thailand to creating government-approved mentorship programs for at-risk youth. You'll hear why your kids need to see you failing forward, how to train them in the way THEY should go (not the way you want them to go), and why showing up consistently matters more than having all the answers. TAKEAWAYS: Train up your child in the way THEY should go, not the way you want them to go—this requires discovering their unique identity and strengths Your kids need to see you failing forward and living with purpose beyond just being a great dad Consistent presence matters more than perfect parenting—just showing up creates lasting impact Create safe environments where your kids can respectfully disagree and engage in real dialogue You'll never know who you are until you know who your Father is—this principle transforms both dads and kids The four pillars of strong character: Identity (knowing who you are), Strength (putting gifts under pressure), Courage (living for others), and Influence (natural result of the first three) GUEST: Bryan Greenwood is the founder of Outboundlife Inc, a ministry focused on assisting the fatherless through mentoring young men. For over 13 years, Bryan and his wife Valerie have lived in Northern Thailand, creating mentorship programs now integrated into the Thai Department of Probation system. Their work targets young men leaving orphanages, foster care, juvenile prison, and those at risk of human trafficking. They've built the largest amateur football league in Northern Thailand as a "fishing pond" for identifying young men who need fathering. Bryan and Valerie have two adult children and continue their mission of helping boys discover their identity, develop strength, find courage, and use their influence. LINKS Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37524250

DA391 | Why Your Family is a Garden Not a Machine, The Power of Weakness in Parenting, and Creating Sacred Space (Dave Brickey) 07/17/2025

DA391 | Why Your Family is a Garden Not a Machine, The Power of Weakness in Parenting, and Creating Sacred Space (Dave Brickey) ✅ Why weakness connects you deeper with your kids than strength ever could ✅ How to transform your dinner table into sacred space ✅ Ancient practices that can revolutionize your modern family ✅ The power of prayer retreats for busy dads SUMMARY What if your family isn't broken and doesn't need fixing—but is actually a garden that needs nurturing? In this episode, Dave Brickey shares how shifting from a mechanical mindset to an agricultural approach transforms fatherhood. You'll discover why your weaknesses connect you deeper with your kids than your strengths ever could, and how simple practices like prayer retreats and sacred family meals can become life-changing rhythms. Plus, Dave opens up about his wife's miraculous healing and how walking through valleys as a family creates unbreakable bonds. Top 5 Quotes: "My strength points my kids to me as their savior, but my weakness points them to who my savior is." "Our families aren't broken and need fixing—they are gardens in need of nurturing." "The beauty of parenting is marked more by weakness than strength. No one has a bird's eye view into the messiness of someone's life other than a spouse and children—they see it all." "You can change behavior through control, but you cannot change a heart." "Isolation puts a magnifying glass on pain, and us guys—some of us are professional isolators." Key Takeaways: The depth of relationship you experience with teenagers was built during their childhood years through consistent presence and creating a safe space An agricultural approach to family life focuses on long-term nurturing rather than quick fixes and immediate results Ancient practices like prayer retreats, sacred meals, and singing together can transform modern family life Weakness and vulnerability in parenting creates deeper connection than always being the strong hero Spiritual family—mentors, spiritual grandparents, and community—multiplies the impact of seeing, knowing, and celebrating your children Isolation magnifies pain, while community provides perspective and hope during difficult seasons GUEST Dave Brickey is a lead pastor in the Northwest suburbs of Minnesota and father of four children in the graduation phase. He and his wife Stephanie describe their family life as a "beautiful mess." Dave is passionate about helping families shift from mechanical thinking to agricultural approaches in parenting and faith. He advocates for ancient practices like prayer retreats, sacred family meals, and building spiritual community as essential elements of thriving family life. Links: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Pacem in Terrace Prayer Retreat Center https://www.paceminterris.org/ Wilderness Fellowship Prayer Center https://www.wildernessfellowship.com/ /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37430960

DA390 | State of Biblical Fatherhood, Foster Care Wisdom, and Preparing Arrows for Battle (Josh Kubler) 07/10/2025

DA390 | State of Biblical Fatherhood, Foster Care Wisdom, and Preparing Arrows for Battle (Josh Kubler) 🎯 Are you aiming at the right target as a dad? Josh Kubler joins us with game-changing insights from Manhood Journey's survey of 6,000 Christian fathers. The stats might surprise you: Only 22% regularly read Scripture with their kids 78% don't spend intentional time discipling their children Less than 17% pray regularly as a family beyond meals and bedtime But here's the good news—these aren't defeating numbers, they're opportunities! 💪 SUMMARY: What does it really look like to prepare our children for the spiritual battles ahead? In this episode, Josh Kubler from Manhood Journey shares eye-opening insights from their massive survey of 6,000 Christian fathers—and the results might surprise you. Plus, he opens up about his family's foster care and adoption journey, the sanctifying power of stewardship over ownership, and why viewing our children as "arrows in the hand of a warrior" changes everything about our parenting approach. TAKEAWAYS: 📖 Only 22% of Christian fathers regularly read their Bible with their children—but that's not a defeating number, it's an opportunity for intentional growth. 🏠 Foster care taught one powerful lesson: we're stewards, not owners, of ALL our children—biological or adopted. 🚁 Instead of helicopter or submarine parenting, find the middle ground that cultivates independence and decision-making in your kids. 👀 Your children know what's truly important to you—they can tell if baseball matters more than church or if stress matters more than presence. 💪 The goal isn't perfection; it's purposefulness. When we fail, we apologize, model humility, and show our kids we need Jesus too. 🎯 If our target is anything other than our children loving God, enjoying Him, and bringing Him glory, we're aiming at the wrong target. GUEST Josh Kubler is the Director of Church Engagement for Manhood Journey and one of the founding pastors of Redeemer Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Josh and his wife Katie have five children, including two daughters adopted through foster care. He's passionate about equipping fathers and churches to raise the next generation for God's glory. Fun fact: Josh grew up with some unique pets—including three cougars, a wolf, and two skunks! LINKS Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Dad Awesome Accelerator Coaching: Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 State of Biblical Fatherhood Report: Manhood Journey Resources: /episode/index/show/dadawesome/id/37346645

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