DadAwesome
A podcast dedicated to helping fathers become better dads. It features conversations, challenges, and coaching aimed at strengthening fathers' relationships with their families and faith. Each episode encourages dads to grow personally and spiritually, focusing on turning hearts toward home and heaven.
Episodes
DA448 | MULTIPLIERS Part 6: The Purple Carabiner, Delighting in What They Delight In, and Kind Fathering from a Stranger (Ft. Alex Burton)
SUMMARY: Most of us parent from what we already know and love. We steer our kids toward the sports we played and the interests we developed, and then we wait for them to get excited about our world. In Part 6 of the Multipliers series, Jeff reads Chapter 23 of the DadAwesome book and shares an archive clip with Alex Burton about a prayer, a purple carabiner, and a campfire question that changed ev
DA447 | MULTIPLIERS Part 5: A Million Ants in Our RV, Guarding the Doorways, and Freedom That Fights for Others (Ft. Zach Neese)
Summary A $30 campsite with a canyon view felt like hitting the jackpot… until Jeff flipped on the lights and watched the floor move. In part five of the DadAwesome Multipliers series, Jeff reads Chapter 19 of the book, "Ant Attack," and unpacks what a million ants taught him about spotting threats, sealing entry points, and cleaning up what already got inside. Then Zach Neese joins with a soberin
DA446 | MULTIPLIERS Part 4: A Ring Lost in Five Acres, The Giant Five, and Turning Success Upside Down (Chad Johnson)
SUMMARY When Jeff's sister lost her engagement ring in a five acre pasture hours before her wedding rehearsal, a rope, a grid, and a prayer turned an impossible search into a three minute miracle. In part four of the DadAwesome Multipliers series, that story becomes a blueprint for intentional fatherhood built on three things: a system that works, partners in the search, and faith in what you cann
DA445 | MULTIPLIERS Part 3: The $5.5 Billion Blind Spot, Conditional Love, and a Scoreboard Set to Infinity (Jamie Winship)
Join the TEAM DADAWESOME prayer team and pray for 20-minutes this Saturtday morning: Episode Summary:: One ordinary Tuesday in the summer of 2001, Jeff sold a $200 television to a couple in a minivan — and only found out afterward that they were worth $5.5 billion and ranked 57th on the Forbes list. His unawareness didn't change their wealth by a dollar. It only changed how he treated them. In
DA444 | MULTIPLIERS Part 2: Curiosity Over Chaos, Stones of Remembrance, Blessings Passed Down (Phil Comer)
SUMMARY The current chapter of dad life is not the whole story. In part two of the DadAwesome Multipliers summer series, Jeff reads Chapter 2 of the DadAwesome book, The Tale of Two Thieves, and unpacks what a three dozen cookie dough heist taught him about choosing curiosity instead of reactivity. Then Phil Comer joins with a powerful clip on giving a blessing instead of returning evil for evil
DA443 | MULTIPLIERS Part 1: Hearts Toward Heaven, Hearts Toward Home (Mark Batterson)
Welcome to Episode 443 and the kickoff of a brand new seven part summer series: the DADAWESOME MULTIPLIERS. It's a lightweight, campfire ready series built to help you spread the mission of Dad Awesome through the end of August. Each week you'll get a slice of the forthcoming Dad Awesome audiobook, a featured guest voice from the vault, real time multiplication coaching, three practical lab activa
DA442 | Gamifying Family Values, Manmaker Challenges, and Founding Father Faith PART 2 (Tyler Van Eps)
Send DadAwesome a VOICEMAIL (and we will send you the SMALL GROUP guide) Jenga blocks, jiu jitsu mats, and a decade vision for your family. 👊 SUMMARY What if your family values were something your kids could actually touch? In Part 2 of this paddleboard conversation, Tyler Van Eps shares how he turned a Jenga set into a discipleship tool, why physical discomfort opens the door to spiritual grow
DA441 | Follow Jesus, Live With Enthusiasm, and Fight for Family (Tyler Van Eps PART 1)
Join the up coming DadAwesome ACCELERATOR Coaching Cohort: https://www.dadawesome.org/coaching SUMMARY: What happens when two dads strap GoPros to paddleboards and hit the lake at 5:45 in the morning? In this episode, Jeff sits down with longtime friend Tyler Van Eps for a raw, reflective conversation about intentional fatherhood, family rhythms, and what it looks like to lead your kids with pur
DA440 | Emotional Detachment, Unhurried Presence, and Pointing Your Kids to the True Source (Dad Year in Review PART 2)
Your emotional detachment might be quietly wounding the people you love most. In PART 2 of our Father's Day LOOK-BACK, Jeff resurfaces five more conversations that hit different the second time around. ✅ Why your kids can feel when you've checked out emotionally ✅ How to stop pointing your kids to yourself as the source of life ✅ The dad who never raised his voice and what it did to his son
DA439 | The Dad Year in Review: Strength in Weakness, Order Out of Chaos & Being Tight with Jesus (Part 1)
It's Father's Day week and we're doing something special. In Part 1 of The Dad Year Lookback, Jeff Zaugg revisits five conversations that stirred something deeper this year, featuring Dave Brickey, Lance Welch, Dr. Jake Smith, Chris Cirullo, and Craig Allen Cooper. ✅ Why your weakness as a dad might be your greatest strength ✅ The difference between raising kids in the gap vs. the gain ✅ How t
DA438 | No Scoreboard at Home, Becoming the Man God Designed (Gabe Biedenbaugh) PART 2
Book - Get the recently released DADAWESOME book on Amazon. Amazon Review - leave a short Amazon review to help more dads learn about the book. ---------- There's NO scoreboard for a healthy marriage—and no quarterly report on your kids' souls. 📊🚫 Gabe Biedenbaugh is back for Part 2, and this conversation goes deep on what really matters at home. ✅ Why chasing a "scoreboard" at home is a tr
DA437 | Son, Come Home: Shame, Freedom & Fatherhood (Part 1) — Gabe Biedenbaugh
Join the summer DADAWESOME ACCELERATOR 6-week coaching group: https://www.dadawesome.org/coaching SUMMARY Pastor Gabe Biedenbaugh opens up about the generational faith handed down to him, the shame that nearly disqualified him from his calling, and the "you're not enough" lie so many men carry. In part one of this Father's Day conversation, he shows why vulnerability, brotherhood, and a hea
DA436 | Coaching Boys into Manhood, Reclaiming Play, and the Questions That Will Anchor Your Next Three Years (Alan Briggs)
FEATURED Join DADAWESOME DAY - Monday June 1st, 2026 - text "book" to (651) 370-8618 to learn more and receive updates on Monday, June 1st. Join the next DADAWESOME ACCELERATOR coaching group - APPLY HERE SUMMARY Most men are getting lived by their lives instead of actually living them. In this conversation, Alan Briggs unpacks how a life of constant escape leaves us empty at the end of the
DA435 | Speaking Life, Unhurried Presence, and a Biblical Definition of Leadership (Mac Lake)
🎙️ Brandon Lake's dad on the DadAwesome podcast. Mac Lake (a.k.a. "Pops") joins us for a powerful conversation on speaking life, leading at home, and shaping your kids into who God already sees them to be. ✅ The biblical definition of leader — disciple, servant, apostle (and why "I'm not much of a leader" is insecurity, not humility) ✅ How a posture of unhurried presence changes everything (Po
DA434 | Bob Goff on Becoming a Secret Superhero Dad & Hovering Over Your Family (FROM THE VAULT)
FROM THE VAULT with Bob Goff: ✅ Why hovering over your family is one of the most important things you can do as a dad ✅ How to leave behind treasures your kids will discover long after you are gone ✅ The courage it takes to quit something that no longer fits and start fresh ✅ What Bob learned from his friends at San Quentin about feeding the people around you SUMMARY There are around 8 bill
DA433 | What's Underneath the Anger, Dad Daughter Dates, and Five Ways to Build a Bridge with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield (Part 2)
SUMMARY I brought a real story to Dr. Michelle this week. A small mistake on my part, a hurt little girl, a defensive dad at bedtime, and my wife catching my eye across the room. What unfolded was a live coaching moment I needed more than I knew. Dr. Michelle gently walked me back through what I missed, what was actually under the anger, and how to do the repair that actually reaches a daughter'
DA432 | The Closeness Gap, the Five Senses Experiment, and Dropping Your Anger with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield (Part 1)
You probably think you're closer to your daughter than she'd say you are. The research keeps proving it. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is back with the question every dad of daughters should ask this week: ✅ The zero to ten question that closes the closeness gap ✅ Why one word of affirmation revives what looked dead ✅ A five senses experiment to pursue her on purpose ✅ Jeff opening up about mi
DA431 | JOY BOMBS 💣, Nothing Is Lost, & the Interstellar Scene That Rewired a Dad (Daniel Chesnut)
There's a moment in Interstellar where Matthew McConaughey sits down and watches 25 years of video messages from the kids he left behind. Daniel Chesnut drove home from that movie snot-crying, climbed into bed next to his sleeping two-year-old, and asked God a simple question: why is this wrecking me? What he heard back changed the way he has fathered for the last decade. In this conversation, Dan
DA430 | Core Memories, Unhealed Wounds, and What It Looks Like When a Dad Does the Inner Work (Mark Odland)
Most dads are carrying something they never dealt with... Mark Odland is a trauma therapist who works with high achieving men, and he joined us for one of the most honest conversations we've had on this show. ✅ How stuck memories quietly affect the way you parent ✅ A simple tapping technique you can use with your kids right now ✅ Why doing your inner work is one of the most important things you ca
DA429 | Loaded Guns, Unprocessed Grief, and the Dad Who Can't Regulate His Own Emotions with Seth Dahl
"A man who can't regulate his emotions forces his wife and kids to do it for him." Seth Dahl back for a 5th conversation on DadAwesome. He breaks down what's actually happening when dad loses it and what it takes to change. ✅ Why emotional dysregulation is an identity issue, not just a temper problem ✅ The loaded gun analogy that will change how you think about anger at home ✅ Teen boundarie
DA428 | What Unlocks When You Stop Grinding, Becoming the Primary Storyteller, & Parenting from Sonship (Jay Heck interviews Jeff Zaugg)
Jay Heck of Being Sons flips the mic and digs into the DADAWESOME book with some really honest questions. ✅ The prayer counseling session that broke a 15-year lie Jeff had been living under ✅ Why parenting from scarcity makes your voice smaller (and what changes when you don't) ✅ The black pen blue pen journaling exercise that helps you actually hear from God ✅ Three things every father ca
DA427 | Dad-Daughter Dates, Daily Prayer, and the Fireball Story That Didn't Make the Book (Jeff Zaugg)
What do you do when your schedule is maxed out and you feel like you're failing at the very thing you preach? In this episode, Jeff gets honest about dropping the ball on dad-daughter dates, shares three raw discoveries from book launch week, and tells the story of a flaming ball of toilet paper on a frozen lake that never made it into the book — for good reason. Without a concrete accountabilit
DA426 | DADAWESOME Book Launch, Building Systems Before the Crisis, and the Confetti Puke Story (Jeff Zaugg)
It's LAUNCH WEEK - the DADAWESOME book is available to the world! https://www.dadawesome.org/book In today's episode, Jeff shares what actually happened on book launch day (confetti, a four-year-old, and one very close call with a pair of white shoes), reads Chapter 18 of DADAWESOME live, and honors the grandpa whose legacy made this whole thing possible. ✅ The upstream generational moves Jeff
DA425 | Steward Their Speed, The Battle for Your Head, and Fathering from Strength Not Wounds (Tim Timberlake) PART 2
🗣️ "Every king who takes over a territory changes the language first — because language determines culture." Pastor Tim Timberlake is back for Part 2, and it does NOT disappoint. In today's episode, you'll hear: ✅ Why the words you speak are literally shaping your child's world ✅ How to steward your kids' speed in a culture moving way too fast ✅ The powerful truth about grief — you won't get
DA424 | The Fool and the King, Turning Pain into Praise, and Love Times Three with Tim Timberlake (Part 1)
🔥 Pastor Tim Timberlake lost his dad the day after his 18th birthday. 24 years later, he's STILL unpacking the treasures from their last conversation. ➡️ Why every dad has a "fool" and a "king" inside—and the one you address is the one that will respond ➡️ How to make your pain purposeful instead of letting it steal your joy ➡️ The power of TONE and why the love of a father can convict a child int
DA423 | A Miracle in a Jail Cell, Death to Life at Death Beach, and Why Getting Uncomfortable Reveals God's Love (Jeff Zaugg)
🇸🇻 What happens when a man in a jail cell starts screaming curses — and then worship begins? In this powerful solo episode, Jeff shares the miraculous story of what God did inside a county jail in El Salvador during a recent mission trip with fathers and sons. You'll hear: ➡️ How worship flipped an environment from darkness to God's peace in an instant ➡️ Why getting uncomfortable reveals whe
DA422 | FROM THE VAULT: False Identity, De-Escalation, and the Dad Wisdom You Didn't Know You Needed (Jamie Winship PART 2)
This is the most downloaded episode in DadAwesome history — and Part 2 picks up right where we left off. 🔥 Jamie Winship is back from the vault with stories and wisdom that will stop you in your tracks. ➡️ What being abducted in Iraq taught Jamie about staying calm as a dad ➡️ How to identify the false beliefs quietly running your life ➡️ Why your true identity is the greatest gift you can give yo
DA421 | Jamie Winship FROM THE VAULT - Fear, Faith, & Fatherhood in a War Zone - PART 1
🔓 FROM THE VAULT: The most downloaded DadAwesome episode EVER is back — and it's a two-parter. Jamie Winship shares the jaw-dropping story of praying for invisibility with his kids in the middle of a collapsing government in Indonesia. But this episode goes way deeper than one miracle moment. ➡️ Why fear is the #1 enemy of intentional fatherhood ➡️ Two questions every dad should ask God daily ➡️ W
DA420 | The Research Behind Great Dads, Generational Impact, and How to Move Men from Risk to Resource (Dr. Jeffrey Shears)
What if the way you love your daughter today shapes her marriage 20 years from now? 🤯 In this episode, fatherhood researcher Dr. Jeffrey Shears shares what 20+ years of studying dads has revealed—and it will change the way you think about your role. ✅ Why your daughters internalize how you treat their mom (and how it shapes who they're attracted to) ✅ How "Nacho Tuesdays" became a game-changin
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: https://www.dadawesome.org/book 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
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
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 "princ
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. FULL SHOW NOTES ➡️ Why vision, will, and community are your only defense against a culture trying to exploit your kids ➡️ The biblical case against "Labanism
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 ➡️ W
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
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 https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/413 SUMMARY What if you could prepare for fatherhood before the chaos even begins? In this episode, Michael DeAquino share
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
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 https://www.dadawesom
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
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 G
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
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
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 lear
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 ✅ RECORD YOUR ME
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 par
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 g
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 FULL SHOW NOTES LEARN about joining the Fall 2025 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohorts SUMMARY Some days you feel like a C-grade dad, and that's when presence
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 daughte
DA400 | Celebrating 400 Episodes, Looking Back at God's Faithfulness, and the DADAWESOME Book Preview (Jeff Zaugg)
Seven and a half years ago, a simple question on a cousin's patio changed everything: "How do you stay intentional as a dad?" That moment sparked what became 400 podcast conversations, over 1,000 men mobilized in activation events, and a million dollars raised for ministries serving the fatherless. In this milestone episode, Jeff celebrates by looking back at God's faithfulness, sharing the first-
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
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
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 FULL SHOW NOTES SUMMARY What if the secret to raising kids who aren't addicted to screens isn't about restricting technology—but about making re
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 Full Show Notes Fall 2025 DadAwesome Accelerator SUMMARY Parenting doesn't have to be about survival mode. In this episode, Glenn Packiam
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 Leave DadAwesome A VOICEMAIL. SUMMARY What if the secret to great fatherhood isn't about being in control, but about maximizing yo
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: speakpipe.com/DadAwesome FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/394 SUMMARY What if the words you speak a
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 FULL SHOW NOTES: SUMMARY Life moves fast, and without intentional direction, we can end up achieving things that don't actually matter. In this episode,
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 FULL SHOW NOTES SUMMARY: When you move your family halfway around the world to serve
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
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 d
DA389 | When a Cup of Water Becomes a Call to Wonder: Treasuring vs. Enduring Fatherhood (Jeff Zaugg)
🥝 32 years avoiding kiwi fruit. One taste changed everything. What if the same breakthrough is waiting in your fatherhood? Jeff Zaugg's Father's Day message will shift how you see those "annoying" parenting moments: ✅ Why pace, pain, people & perspective steal your wonder (and how to fight back) ✅ The Hebrew word "tov" that unlocks God's explosive delight in creation ✅ How a simple cup of water ca
DA388 | Self-Aware, Other-Aware, God-Aware: Relational Wisdom That Changes Everything at Home (Ken Sande)
Ken Sande joins us for PART 2 to share game-changing tools every dad needs: ✅ The SOG Plan: Self-aware, Other-aware, God-aware conflict resolution ✅ The SERVE Acrostic: How to love your wife like Christ loves the church ✅ Why bringing the gospel beats lecturing every time SUMMARY Every dad faces conflict at home, but most of us handle it all wrong. In this episode, Ken Sande shares powerful tools
DA387 | The Ripple Effect of Fatherhood, Saying "I'm Sorry," and Going Upstream in Conflict (Ken Sande PART 1)
✅ The Seven A's of confession (and why "I'm sorry" isn't enough for deep healing) ✅ How to break the cycle of emotionally stunted men in your family line ✅ The 6-second technique that can save your marriage and your relationships with your kids ✅ Why going "upstream" is better than constantly putting out fires FULL SHOW NOTES > SUMMARY: What if the reason marriages grow cold after the honeymoon
DA386 | High-Def Parenting: Breaking Free from Digital Distractions (Darren Whitehead)
✅ Why smartphones make us feel god-like (and why that's dangerous) ✅ The 4 research-backed rules for kids and technology ✅ How a church-wide digital fast transformed an entire community ✅ What a therapy dog named Bruce taught him about presence SUMMARY: Parenting teenagers in a digital world feels impossible—especially when you're struggling with your own phone addiction. In this episode, Dar
DA385 | Raising Kids Who Live Generously, Creating Miracle Moments, and the 1% Challenge (Todd Harper)
✅ Why most dads get generosity completely wrong (and how to flip the script) ✅ Fun tactics to teach young kids the joy of giving (the $20 tip story will blow your mind!) ✅ The simple 4-pillar framework that works at any income level ✅ How money lies to our families about security, control, and happiness SUMMARY Money whispers lies to our kids every single day—promising security, control, and happi
DA384 | Turning Down the Noise, Turning Up the Presence: A Dad's Guide to Analog Living (Jay Kim)
✅ The 5-movement Examen prayer that's transforming bedtimes (free PDF included!) ✅ Why this dad says NO social media until 18 (and the research backing him up) ✅ Simple breath prayers that turn everyday moments into encounters with God ✅ The daily catechism question that reminds his kids of their true identity FULL SHOW NOTES: In a world where screens compete for our attention every waking moment
DA383 | From Fatherless to Faithful: Healing Pain, Breaking Cycles, and Pursuing Your Children's Hearts (Leo Clark)
✅ How healing from father wounds creates ripple effects that impact generations ✅ The power of showing up consistently (Leo hasn't missed a single one of his son's games!) ✅ Why prayer cards with specific prayers for each child have created lasting impact ✅ How to break generational cycles even when you didn't have a model FULL SHOW NOTES: SUMMARY Growing up with a famous boxer father who never s
DA382 | Kids Takeover: Dessert Disasters, Sibling Squabbles, and Finding Joy in The Big Mess (Justin Whitmel Earley)
My Daughters took over the podcast this week! Interviewing Justin Whitmel Early about his new KIDS BOOK - "The Big Mess" ➡️ Why finding God in family life means embracing the mess, not avoiding it ➡️ How to create intentional spaces where your older kids will actually talk to you ➡️ The simple prayer that can transform frustrating parenting moments ➡️ Why throwing food might be good for your fam
DA381 | Embracing Imperfect Fatherhood, Staying Morally Grounded, and Creating Moments That Last (Bob Merritt PART2)
SUMMARY Fatherhood isn't about perfection—it's about presence, moral consistency, and showing up when it matters most. In this heart-stirring episode from the vault, Bob Merritt shares powerful stories about those precious moments that define a father's legacy. From confronting hard truths with his college-aged son to the tear-filled goodbye when his daughter left for college, Bob reveals how sta
DA380 | Building a Home Your Kids Want to Be In: Bob Merritt on Church, Humility, and Confronting Blind Spots (PART 1)
FROM THE VAULT: Initially released in August of 2021 🏠 "Home was not just a place I lived, but the place I most wanted to be." ✅ The blind spots that almost derailed his family (and how he overcame them) ✅ Why church attendance matters more than you think ✅ How to create a home your kids actually want to be in ✅ The power of courageous humility in fatherhood SUMMARY What if the most powerful th
DA379 | Building Your Dad Tribe, Ditching the Guilt, and Raising Good People (David Mills)
David Mills believes the mess and chaos of life make the best stories. In this episode, he shares how to infuse more fun and adventure into your parenting journey. You'll hear real talk about dad guilt, finding your tribe, and why doing life with other men makes all the difference. TAKEAWAYS An adventure mindset shifts how you view your circumstances so that even the challenging moments becom
DA378 | Shepherding Your Family Through Grief, Launching Disciples, and Finding Light in the Darkness (Brian Doyle)
In this episode, Brian Doyle shares what it was like to parent through the unimaginable. After losing his wife to cancer at age 54, Brian had to navigate his own grief while guiding his teenage and young adult kids through theirs. His story will challenge you to keep your eyes on the future, disciple your kids with purpose, and take initiative to invest in the dads around you. TAKEAWAYS: Inste
DA377 | Switching On Joy, Building Emotional Resilience, and Breaking Free From Enemy Mode (Chris Coursey)
Joy isn't just about feeling good. It's your secret weapon for raising resilient kids and showing up as a healthy, loving dad. In this episode, Chris Coursey unpacks the brain science behind joy and shares practical strategies you can use to stay calm and connected, whether it's your own emotions flaring or your child's. Key takeaways: Joy is built through connection, while happiness depends
DA376 | Raising Boys Who Respect Girls, Removing Shame from the Sex Talk, and Thriving in Marriage (Dave Willis)
There is never a dull moment as a parent, especially in a world dominated by screens and technology. In this episode, Dave Willis shares how he's tackling tough conversations with his sons about sex, boundaries, and the dangers of pornography. Plus, he explains how the words you speak as a dad can become your child's inner voice—for better or for worse. Key Takeaways: The best moments come fro
DA375 | Experiential Christianity, Lingering with Jesus, and The War for Your Attention (John Eldredge)
When you set aside your programmed pragmatism and rediscover wonder, life with Jesus takes on a whole new depth. In this episode, John Eldredge shares how technology and the internet constantly fight for your attention and how you can push back by embracing ordinary, mystical moments to connect with God. You'll also hear why prayer, lingering, and turning your heart toward God are essential for yo
DA374 | Guarding Your Daughter's Door, The Chrysalis Analogy, and Thinking Blessings Instead of Curses (Jay Heck & Rob Porter: Part 2)
Your daughter's transformation into a young woman is designed by God. But as a dad, stepping back to protect her can be tough when all you want is to reconnect like you did when she was younger. In this episode, Jay Heck, Rob Porter, and Jeff Zaugg unpack the powerful "Chrysalis Analogy" and reveal how God uses this transition to draw you closer to Him while strengthening your relationship with yo
DA373 | Partnering with God to Raise Your Kids, Slowing Down, and Finding Rest in the Tension (Jay Heck & Rob Porter: Part 1)
Jeff Zaugg and Rob Porter sit down with Jay Heck for a powerful, three-way conversation on fatherhood. In Part 1, they dive into the tension between being a provider and still embracing curiosity, adventure, and childlike wonder. They also unpack the unique triune relationship between a father, God, and his child. Key Takeaway Are you approaching life like an orphan or like a son whose father
DA372 | Seeing God's Bigger Picture, Championing Your Child's Purpose, and Fighting for Peace (Mike Wehde: Part 2)
In the second part of this conversation, Mike wraps up his top five fatherhood plays. You'll learn how to discover what lights your kids up and why your biggest impact can come from investing in others. Mike will inspire and equip you with actionable wisdom to raise resilient, purpose-driven kids. Key Takeaway Your best fruit will grow on someone else's tree. When the world's going crazy, y
DA371 | Raising Entrepreneurial Kids, Defining Your Family Identity, and 5 Plays to Run as a Dad (Mike Wehde: Part 1)
Have you decided what your family name stands for? In this episode, Mike Wehde dives into how to raise creative problem solvers, embrace failure, and build a strong family identity. Plus, you'll discover five powerful plays every dad should run to stay connected with their kids for life. Key Takeaway If you want things to change, you have to change. When the enemy whispers that you're a fail
DA370 | Being Faithful Fathers, Passing the Baton, and Making Your Church Buzz for Dad Life (Rick Wertz)
You have 936 weeks before your child turns 18, and each one counts! In this episode, Rick Wertz shares simple yet powerful ways to lead with vision, engage emotionally with your kids, and spark a fatherhood movement in your church. Key Takeaway Fill a jar with 936 marbles and take one out each week to have a visual reminder of how time is passing with you kids from birth to 18 years old. To
DA369 | Healing Father Wounds, Pausing in the Driveway, and Dying as a Good Man (David Dusek)
Are you carrying around unresolved father wounds? In this episode, David Dusek unpacks how a father's words ripple through generations and what you can do to promote healing. David will challenge you to refocus on your family, reconnect with your kids, and recognize that as long as you're breathing, it's not too late to finish well. Key Takeaway The enemy isolates you on purpose through fear
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